No 5 Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan's moment on the world tourism stage seems to have come following huge buzz from the 2018 World Nomad Games, Central Asia's competition dedicated to its traditional (and quirky) regional sports.

The time to visit has never been better – more than 2,700 km of newly marked trekking routes; a countrywide push of community-run tour products; a revamped national highway system cutting transit times immensely; and a simplified e-visa program for those not on the list of 60+ visa-free countries – but do it now: Kyrgyzstan is quickly becoming an in-the-know favorite for independent travelers seeking unspoiled natural beauty.