{"id":961,"date":"2025-04-19T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-19T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/?p=961"},"modified":"2025-04-22T12:00:30","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T12:00:30","slug":"ive-been-to-175-countries-these-are-the-9-you-shouldnt-skip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/19\/ive-been-to-175-countries-these-are-the-9-you-shouldnt-skip\/","title":{"rendered":"I\u2019ve been to 175 countries \u2014 these are the 9 you shouldn\u2019t skip"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\"Punakha\t<\/div>
Escape this Easter weekend, if only in your mind (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An unspoiled beach with no people, a quiet mountain city shrouded in clouds, and a spectacular lunar desert that looks like a Star Wars<\/a> set \u2014 the UK is a bit bleak right now, and we know where we\u2019d rather be.<\/p>\n

These are just some of the lesser-known destinations recommended by Michael Zervos<\/a>, a Greek-American explorer who\u2019s attempting to travel to every country in the world faster than anyone ever has.<\/p>\n

Some are far-flung and exotic, but many are right on the UK\u2019s doorstep. All offer fascinating (and generally affordable) alternatives to overcrowded tourist hubs.<\/p>\n

Here are the 9 underrated places<\/strong> that should be on every bucket list, according to a man who\u2019s been to 175 countries out of 195 so far.<\/p>\n

1. Tunisia<\/h2>\n

\u2018Morocco<\/a> gets all the hype, but Tunisia<\/a> surprised me in the best way,\u2019 says Michael, who grew up in Detroit, Michigan.<\/p>\n

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Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\u2018The people are so down-to-earth, warm, and genuinely curious about visitors \u2013 without the constant tourist hustle.\u2019<\/p>\n

With a fascinating blend of North African soul and Mediterranean charm, Tunisia is home to many wonders: the ancient ruins of Carthage, whitewashed coastal towns like Sidi Bou Said, and vast desert landscapes straight out of a Star Wars set (literally).<\/p>\n

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Sidi Bou Said, a town in northern Tunisia about 20km from the capital, Tunis (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But what truly hooked Michael was the food.<\/p>\n

\u2018Tunis has one of the best street food scenes I\u2019ve ever encountered,\u2019 he says of the capital. <\/p>\n

\u2018I did a food tour with my buddy Mehdi, who runs the YouTube channel Tunisian Street Food, and I still dream about the stuff we tried. Fricass\u00e9s, brik, grilled merguez \u2013 it was unforgettable.\u2019<\/p>\n

Beyond the capital, you can explore Roman amphitheatres that rival Italy\u2019s, sip mint tea in maze-like medinas, or take a camel trek into the Sahara.<\/p>\n

\u2018There are so many layers to Tunisia,\u2019 says Michael. \u2018It\u2019s not just beautiful \u2013 it\u2019s complex, creative, and full of contrasts.\u2019<\/p>\n

Flight time to UK<\/strong>: Roughly 3 hours.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tMetro explores North Africa\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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The Metro Travel <\/strong>team has been travelling a lot in recent months, covering destinations from the \u2018Blue City\u2019 of Morocco to an artificial paradise on Egypt\u2019s Red Sea.<\/p>\n

Check out our top picks from North Africa: <\/p>\n