Where to go for a Travel Sabbatical or Nomad Year....
Skip Southeast Asia. Check out the Second World Bucket List.
The well-travelled paths of Western Europe and Southeast Asia beckon (Spain and Thailand saw 68.2and 29.9 million foreign tourists in 2015). But how about the far too overlooked Second World Countries? You’ll find fewer tourists, affordable prices, complex history, spectacular views, and locals eager to show you their homeland.
Unique (and inexpensive) regions of the world to explore:
1. Southeast Europe:
Top Countries: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Macedonia
Our goal was to go somewhere different. Somewhere we couldn’t find on a map (though we’re bad with maps….). Somewhere with a lot to offer, but for one reason or another, is neglected by the tourist train.
Take a look at Albania- an under the radar country if there ever was one. But not for long. Albania is not just where Lord Voldemort hid while he recovered his strength (Embarrassed to admit that’s what crossed my mind when we first added Albania to our itinerary). Albania is no Dark Lord’s hideout- it’s a country that has a lot to offer. Warm and welcoming locals. The wine pours generously. Mountains ascend straight up. And you don’t see packs of Chinese tourists (exception is Saranda where people do a day trip from Corfu, Greece). Surfacing from decades of isolation, Albania today is reminder not of what divides, but what unites. The national saying of Albania is the religion of Albania…. is Albania.
Albania’s neighbors, Macedonia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, offer vineyards, lakes, mountains, east meets west architecture, and startling history. (Don’t overlook Kosovo, Europe’s newest nation).
We spent between $15-$30/night for an airbnb with a private A/C room.
Our best value room: $17/night in Lake Ohrid, Macedonia.
Top things to do in Albania
· Drive along the Albania Riviera
· Hike the infamousAccursed mountains
· Explore the UNESCO cities (or ruins) of Berat, Gjirokastra, and Butrint
2. Central Asia & The Silk Road
Top Countries: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
Sadly, we have yet to visit Central Asia (we had to put it on hold for this trip). If you want to get off the beaten path for a travel sabbatical, this is the place to go. Wifi is going to be tough to find. Not to mention English (time to brush up on your Russian). Central Asia tests your travel abilities. It may not be where you kick back, relax, and work on your book. You need to be “on” while here. But you’ll get a lot of great material there.
Top Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan
· Catch a game of dead goat polo
· Explore the mountains
· Stay in a yurt
3. Georgia
A country that rises to the top of the often overlooked second world countries list is Georgia.
You can’t help but want to linger in this small country.. The food is delicious. The wine holds a rich history, dating back thousands and thousands of years. You’ll see snowcapped peaks and medieval towers. You’ll find prices cheaper than much of Southeast Asia and South America. You’ll even find some decent wifi. You’ll find gregarious locals, eager for you to try the wine they made themselves (be prepared for some cotton ball dry wine drinking experiences).
Top Things to Do in Georgia
· Visit the birthplace of wine
· Hike the Caucasus Mountains in Mestia
· Discover the country’s history in and around Tbilisi
· Float with harmless jellyfish in the Black Sea
Ready to go?