I am obsessed with travel. I know that’s something almost everybody says these days, but I am truly obsessed. It is probably my greatest passion. I have been very lucky when it comes to travel – I’m only 25 and I have already visited around 50 countries!

I want travel to be one of the main focus points of this blog, not only because I adore it so much, but because it is something about which I am able to provide my readers with good advice.

I hate to sound snobby, but I’ve become pretty sick of reading other people’s bucket lists and seeing the same locations over and over: New York, Paris, Rome…ugh! Of course these places are fascinating and should be on your bucket list, but personally I want to read about some more unusual destinations. I’m looking for inspiration!

So I’ve tried to think a little outside the box here. I’ve decided to focus on some of the developing countries of the world I am excited to visit.

I am a huge believer in going to developing countries as a tourist. Why? I have two main reasons. Firstly, it is a positive and empowering way in which to help tackle poverty and encourage growth. Tourism provides jobs and business opportunities. People make money. That money pays for food, education, health care, and so on. Pretty simple. As long as the ethics are there, tourism=progress. According to UNTWO, the majority of the world’s least developed countries consider tourism to be a priority area for their development.

Secondly, I strongly believe that we (people from the West) should be visiting these countries in order to educate ourselves. We are embarrassingly ethnocentric. Far too many of us hear words such as “Africa” and automatically picture some God awful place where war is raging, children are starving, and nobody can read. We jump to the conclusion that if a place is poor it is going to be unsafe for us to go there. This is quite simply NOT TRUE in the vast majority of cases, and is a dangerous way of thinking. Please watch Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Ted Talk, The Danger of a Single Story. She sums up what I’m trying to say here better than I ever could.

I am using the UN’s list of Least Developed Countries to help me write this bucket list. These are described as being “low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development”. There are currently 47 countries which qualify as LDCs and I have already had the joy of visiting 5 – Cambodia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. These are some of the most wonderful places I have seen, so I have chosen 10 more I hope to visit one day!

1.Ethiopia

I first became seriously interested in Ethiopia during my 10-week trip from Cape Town to Nairobi. The tour company I was travelling with kept copies of their brochures in our overlanding truck and I was intrigued when I saw that they offered Ethiopia trips. We also stayed at a guesthouse in Malawi where the owners told me all about how they’d been to Ethiopia and how wonderfully foreign and exotic it had been to them – these people had lived in several African countries and travelled all over the continent.

I’ve always had a bit of a fantasy about becoming an anthropologist, and I have to say I am fascinated by the culture of Ethiopia. The country has around 80 ethnic groups and more than 80 languages are spoken, with these splitting off to result in approximately 200 dialects. It is also one of only two African countries that has managed to avoid European colonisation (the other is Liberia, just in case you’re wondering!). This will have helped it to remain so deliciously unique!

But it’s not just the culture and people that intrigue me. Ethiopia contains around 70% of Africa’s mountains, and is home to many gorgeous national parks including Simien National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Here you will find unique wildlife, with the opportunity to see a number of species that cannot be found anywhere else. Sounds like a great hiking experience!

There are also ancient cities, archaeological sites, and religious sites aplenty…this place is an ancient history buff’s dream.

They know how to make a cup of coffee, and a good plate of food. Ethiopian cuisine is becoming more and more popular with British vegans, so I am keen to see how authentic the stuff we get here is!

All of these wonderful things seem to come together in the form of festivals! Ethiopia loves a festival, with cuisine, art, music, dance and religion taking centre stage.

Are you sold yet? Personally I can’t wait to see Ethiopia. I’m hoping to do a bit of hiking, have a vegan feast, and enjoy a festival between visits to ancient sites. And since it’s right next door to Kenya (which I adore!), I’ll hop over the border and combine my trip with a traditional safari! How does that sound?

2. Gambia

Or is it “The Gambia”? I’m still not sure!

When I was about 14 a friend of mine went on a school trip to Gambia. I’d never even heard of it and I was amazed, it was such an exotic destination for a school trip and she absolutely loved it there.

Many Brits head to this teeny weeny West African nation for a cheap package holiday, but from the research I’ve done it seems to have so much more to offer than that crap.

Apparently the local people are really lovely, and the country is one of those “Africa for Beginners” destinations, offering a great taste of the continent without too severe a culture shock. The capital, Banjul, looks like it’s buzzing and colourful.

The beaches are quiet, and it’s a great winter sun destination for us Europeans as there isn’t much jet-lag involved!

Despite the fact that it’s the smallest country on the African mainland (just 11,295 km²), Gambia boasts 7 national parks as well as more than 60 forest parks. That’s insane! It is not considered a safari destination, as large mammals such as elephants have sadly been hunted to extinction. But there is still a huge amount of wildlife, and the country is particularly well known for its bird population (over 560 species can be found here!).

I’m hoping to escape to Gambia during winter one year, to see some great wildlife, enjoy some affordable luxury accommodation, and chill at the unspoilt beaches. I absolutely love Africa, and I look forward to visiting Gambia as it’s something a little different.

3. Kiribati 

Have you heard of this place? I hadn’t until I met somebody during my first year of university who had spent their gap year there – how cool and random is that?!

I’ve always been fascinated by the islands of the South Pacific, simply because they are just so remote. When I visited the Cook Islands I felt amazed just thinking about how far I was from pretty much everywhere. My friend and I were watched as children played in the sea and discussed how because they were so little they would have no idea how lucky they were to be growing up in such a place. Paradise.

So, I need to go back to the South Pacific. My friend’s photos of Kiribati were amazing, so when I spotted it on the list of LDCs, it made it straight into this blog!

I’ll need to plan this one carefully, as the country is actually comprised of 33 islands. These are split into 3 groups: The Gilbert Islands, The Phoenix Islands, and The Line Islands. They are in the middle of nowhere, about halfway between Australia and Hawaii. It’s quite incredible that they form one country, as they are scattered over a huge area of the Pacific – 3.5 million square kilometres!

I’d love to some sort of grand tour of the Pacific one day, and include Kiribati. I can’t wait for that feeling of being somewhere so charming and remote, and to experiencing such beautiful scenery. I love snorkelling and I imagine it to be stunning and unspoilt there.

If you’ve put Kiribati on your own bucket list, you’d better hurry up. Much of  this country is sadly expected to vanish as a result of climate change. Read more about this in the New York Times.

4. Madagascar

I am so desperate to see Madagascar one day. Of all the countries on this bucket list, I think I’d probably put Madagascar in first place. Just look at those handsome lemurs…what kind of person wouldn’t want to visit them?!

I’m a huge wildlife lover, so Madagascar is my idea of paradise. Due to its isolated location, it is like nowhere else when it comes to nature. According to the WWF, 95% of the country’s reptiles, 92% of its mammals, and 89% of its plants are found nowhere else on Earth. There is a lot more to this place than lemurs.

If you’re a fan of natural beauty, Madagascar is hugely appealing since it has a bit of everything. It has rainforests, it has mountains, it has woodlands, it has wetlands. With nearly 5000km of coastline, it has beautiful beaches and coral reefs.

What I am perhaps most excited to see are the iconic Baobabs. There are 8 species of this beautiful tree, 6 of which are native to Madagascar.

Madagascar is just so unique! Since its one of the world’s largest islands, I am hoping to somehow find at least 2 or 3 weeks to spend exploring this wonderful place.

5. Mozambique

Travel about 1000km West of Madagascar and you’ll end up back on the African mainland, in Mozambique.

Much like with Ethiopia, my desire to visit Mozambique was born during my big Africa trip. The guides talked about how they took groups to the country a lot, usually starting with a safari in South Africa’s Kruger before hopping over to Mozambique to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and incredible diving opportunities.

The country is making a tourism comeback right now. It used to attract a huge number of visitors, but that sadly came to an end due to the civil war. Much of the big game was killed during the anarchy, either for food or for ivory. This is the reason that Mozambique is not typically seen as a safari location, unlike neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania.

But the wildlife population is increasing and Gorongosa National Park (Mozambique’s primary safari destination) is finally on the road to recovery.

Combine this with the stunning coastal attractions, and it’s clear to see that Mozambique should be on everyone’s bucket list. Just google “Bazaruto” and it will immediately make it onto yours.

I love a safari, but so many parks are incredibly crowded. I look forward to visiting Mozambique and enjoying some quieter game drives, then heading off to a gorgeous  beach. The fact that Mozambique was colonised by Portugal also makes it a little different from its neighbours historically, and this is something I am keen to learn more about.

6. Rwanda

Yes, more Africa! I’m aware that we’re not leaving this particular continent very much in this bucket list, but that’s reflective of the countries listed as LDCs by UN – so any Africa haters need to just back off!

Rwanda sounds like a lovely little country. Its main attraction is probably its gorilla population – it is one of only three countries that are home to Eastern gorillas (the other two are Uganda and the DRC). I was lucky enough to see these great apes when I went to Uganda, but I’ve heard the trek is easier in Rwanda so if I ever go to see them again this will be the place!

Gorillas may be the stars of the show but that’s not all Rwanda has to offer. There is also the chance to go on a chimpanzee trek, and Akagera National Park has regained its “Big 5” status after rhinos were reintroduced earlier this year.

When I was in South Africa I met an American school teacher who was working and living in Kigali. She loved it there and was keen to stay for a long time. She said it was a great city and the people were lovely. Their recent history is heartbreaking, but important to learn about.

Rwanda offers a great chance to see rare chimps, enjoy a quiet safari, and brush up on your history.

7. Laos 

We’re off to Southeast Asia now!

People go on and on and on about Thailand. When I went there, I have to admit I kind of wondered what all the fuss was about. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great. I’d love to go back. But there are just so many people who talk about the country as if it’s the best place in the entire universe. 

I think my main problem is that there were just far too many tourists, which killed the charm a bit. Laos sounds lovely because everyone I’ve met who’s been there describes it as being similar to Thailand but so much more chilled out. Nobody is in a hurry to do anything there.

I’ve also heard that the food is fresher (and cheaper!) than in neighbouring countries. I’m a simple lady…if there’s good food, I’ll be there.

But what draws me to this place most is its natural beauty, and to the country’s commitment to protecting it. Laos is focused on increasing its tourist numbers in a responsible and sustainable way, with eco-tourism being the main focus. This is so lovely to hear, as when I saw the environmental damage caused by tourism in Thailand I found it extremely upsetting.

If you ever need me, there’s a good chance you’ll find me in an eco-lodge in Laos!

8. São Tomé and Príncipe

Okay folks, we’re back in Africa! We’re in a tiny two-island nation in the Gulf of Guinea.

I can’t say I know much about São Tomé and Príncipe. But what I do know is that I have a bit of an obsession with tiny islands and obscure destinations. So almost as soon as I realised that this little country existed, it earned a place on my bucket list.

This is another great location for winter sun, as even though it’s a bit of a trek there isn’t really any jet-lag once you’re there (for us Europeans, that is!). Much like Laos, this place was made for ecotourists. The islands are lush and green, with jungles waiting to be explored. There are fantastic beaches and the snorkelling looks amazing. Although both islands have a lot to offer, my research has taught me that Príncipe (the smaller of the two) is particularly special and unspoilt.

The natural beauty is complemented by interesting history. The islands were uninhabited until they were discovered by the Portuguese, who used the country as a port for their slave trade. Other Africans were brought to the islands as slaves to grow sugar. Traces of this time remain present in the form of old plantations and colonial buildings. Portuguese remains the official language to this day.

I have already chosen where to stay when I visit this unique little country. Take a look at Bom Bom Príncipe and tell me you’re not tempted!

9.  Lesotho

This little country is completely land-locked by South Africa and has a reputation as a great adventure travel destination. I like to get off the beaten track, so this is my kind of place.

Like most of the countries on this bucket list, it’s the presence of incredible scenery that makes this place worth visiting. The country is extremely mountainous, so if you plan to visit you’re going to want to be a fan of hiking! I am particularly keen to see Maletsunyane Falls, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa.

What’s great about Lesotho is that it is adventurous but also very accessible, it’s very easy to get there from Durban or Johannesburg. I have only seen the Western Cape of South Africa and hope to return to the country soon to see more, and I will definitely be popping into Lesotho while I’m there!

10. Nepal

I think it’s fair to say this one requires little explanation! Who wouldn’t have Nepal on their bucket list?

Even though I like a bit of a hike, I have no intention of trying to conquer Everest. I would almost definitely die. But there’s a lot more to this country than just that one (very tall!) mountain, with plenty of shorter treks and day trips available for a reasonable price. I’m looking forward to enjoying the beautiful views and keeping my eyes peeled for tigers!

There are plenty activities besides trekking for adrenaline junkies : bungee jumps, white water rafting, paragliding, mountain biking. That’s a lot of stuff I’m not brave enough to do!

It’s not all about the scenery here, even if it is outstanding. Nepal is a place to put your culture hat on. If you want to visit temples, Nepal is for you. Both the Hindu and Buddhist temples are outstanding sights. And let’s not forget that Buddha was born here.

The country has suffered since the devastating earthquake of 2015. But the country is safe and has so much to offer, so now is the time for us to help it get back on its feet by spending some tourist money there!

And also remember that Nepal has the coolest flag ever. The flag alone makes it worthy of a place on your bucket list doesn’t it?

Still not sold? Have a quick look at the photo below.

So those are my top ten LDCs bucket list destinations!

We need to stop thinking of the entire developing world as one big catastrophe. There is so much more to these countries than the fact that they are poor. If you really want to see the world, they have a hell of a lot to offer. So instead of just feeling sorry for everyone who lives in these places, go and see them for yourself! Spend some of your hard-earned travel money in the countries that need it most. Don’t just go where everyone else goes, broaden your horizons and go on a true adventure!

Take a look at the 47 LDCs here. Which ones would you like to visit? Share your own bucket lists in the comments!

Lots of love xxx