Where in the world to travel that is "untouched-ish" and still cheap?
 

Hi,
My husband and I just got back from 3 weeks in Namibia and South Africa. We loved the trip, but it did cost quite a bit of money (and we did a self-drive in off-season!). That got us thinking- is there anywhere left in the world to travel that isn't overly commercialized (like I find Thailand to be), that retains its original authenticity/charm and isn't extremely expensive to travel within, once you get there (which means the infrastructure is decent-ish.) We aren't keen on tours, but would consider one if felt authentic and unique. I have been told Burma is beautiful, doesn't have to be expensive and you can get places up and down the river on different budgets, on one's own. Same for India, although I am not sure how "untouched" that would be? I have also heard Mongolia (although it seems Iogistically difficult to get around, unless on a tour group-although maybe one can hire a guide? but the idea is not to spend an arm and leg). Just thought I would reach out and see if anyone had other ideas?

We are in our 30's, live in NYC and have been to Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, all over the caribbean, all over Europe, Egypt, S.A. and Namibia, Israel, Tokyo, Bali, Thailand in the south, Hong Kong, to name a few places. I wouldn't consider any of these really untouched though. Just wondering what other fodorites out there think!

All the pretty places are not "untouched"

Laos perhaps for me some of the leeward Carib islands

like St. Vincent come to mind.

I have two ideas: Nicaragua, and a small island off the coast of Vietnam/Cambodia called Phu Quoc. I hear that Laos is fairly untouched but I have not been there yet.

I have heard laos as well. I have been through the leewards including st. vincent! I have also heard Zambia is still "back in the land of time" but it isn't cheap traveling to/from/within there if you plan to do it by air.

Any other thoughts out there?

I wouldn't go to Burma while the current regime is in power - there is a reason it is untouched.

What about Suriname? Colombia is opening open more and more too.
Or any of the old Eastern Bloc countries in Europe - plenty of Poland untouched by tourism, same with Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania or for really untouched what about Albania?

Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam. Once you get outside the biggest cities, they are very reasonable, safe and pretty un-touristed.

Laos has been discovered. You'd need to get well of the beaten track to find somewhere untouristy. I just revisited Luang Prabang and was very saddened by how it's changed. Same for Cambodia and Vietnnam. You're at least ten years too late.

My vote would be Myanmar, although it's been six years since I was there I don't think too much has changed. It felt like a time warp - how the rest of SEA was several decades ago. I, too, hate the current government, but it is possible to travel to have the most benefit for locals and give the least money to the government by avoiding government airlines, trains, boats, using a local driver (and guide if you think you need one) and staying in small guesthouses.

Two places I loved in the last couple of years which might meet your requirements are Iran, especially Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz as well as smaller towns and villages in the mountains, and Kerala in southern India, completely unlike India of Rajastan and the north, especially Fort Cochin and the Backwaters as well as up in the Western Ghats. In both Iran and Kerala it's very easy to get 'off the beaten path' and experience life more authentically.

"Two places I loved in the last couple of years which might meet your requirements are Iran..."

that's funny; have you watched the news lately?

Yes, I have. And no, not trying to be funny. If I were scared off by the 'news' I wouldn't travel anywhere - no Thailand, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Myanmar, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and yes, no Iran or India - or New York City either, for that matter.

Well, Although I would love to travel to Iran one day- seriously!- my husband refuses to go there (and I am really not to keen on being covered up for the whole of my trip which is problematic if I want to ever see the middle east). But maybe the middle east is best saved for a few years from now, once we sees what shakes out of the current instabilities.

BUT- I have given some consideration to Kerala before. That was nice? How much time did you spend in that area? And fairly inexpensive to travel around?

How about in Europe?? Any countries still cheap to travel to ??

Yes, go to Eastern Europe. Montenegro is a great place.

Ukraine. Slovakia. Slovenia. Romania. Etc... Accommodation tends to be a bit pricey, but food and transport can be cheap.

i was in croatia last year, but didn't have time to get to montenegro. What about Macedonia? I never hear much about that place.

Montenegro was every bit as beautiful as Croatia, but much cheaper. Pick your eastern block countries carefully. I hear Slovenia is pretty pricey.

Outside of Vilnius, there doesn't seem to be much foreign tourism in Lithuania (although there is certainly local) and it's relatively reasonable. My trip report is dated, but it might prove helpful if you're considering this area of the world: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-july-2006.cfm

Southern India outside of the big cities is also relatively undertouristed and India is certainly a fascinating destination.

I also found Malta in October to be a nice choice; some places are much less touristed in some seasons than others, of course.

I would consider Burma - in spite of the junta. Stick to small guest houses if you can. Yes, I have been there and can't wait to get back. It is discovered, by the way - just usually avoided by Americans with more European and Asian tourist. Why do I say now? Because as the word gets out about its inexpensiveness and charm, it won't be long before it is like Cambodia, Laos, & Vietnam.

I would highly recommend Kerala - spent a week there last year and loved it (despite the crazy humidity). The Backwaters are fun but for me, the area around Munnar, with it's tea plantations and mountains, was incredible. We hiked a ridge along the Kerala/Tamil Nadu border (just a couple of hours, nothing strenuous) and the scenery was amazing. While not exactly untouched, I found Kerala quite different from Rajasthan and Mumbai, where we spent time during that trip as well.

Oooh and to add to that list, what about Rwanda and Uganda? Have heard great things about both and I don't think either is heavily travelled.

Recently someone was telling me that Albania is starting to emerge as a place to go, so that's another option.

Finally, I'm Canadian and so in support of my country I would also suggest Newfoundland - while not "exotic" exactly, it's quite untouched by mass tourism and the scenery, history and culture there is apparently fabulous. I'm going there for the first time in July and can't wait :)