The Soča River in Slovenia took my breath away.[Hans Henning Wenk]/Getty ImagesI've visited more than 60 countries, and there are five I especially love that I feel are underrated.Uruguay has wonderful beaches, and Slovenia has epic rivers, mountains, beaches, and caves.Slovakia is fun to explore in winter, and the Christmas market in Bratislava is charming.When I'm planning trips for my family, it's hard to decide whether to visit a new destination or return to an old favorite.I've been to more than 60 countries, and while the appeal to see somewhere new is strong, there are a handful of places I can't wait to explore again (and again).Here are some of my favorites that I feel are underrated and often underappreciated by travelers.Slovenia is filled with beauty.The Soča River is beautiful.Ziga Plahutar/Getty ImagesSlovenia is hands down one of my favorite countries for a road trip. It's not too big and has many well-maintained roads with wonderfully scenic views.Bordered by Italy, Croatia, Austria, and Hungary, the tiny country also has cultural and culinary influences from all sides.The chef Ana Roš may have put Slovenia on the map with her Michelin-star restaurant, Hiša Franko, but nature is the real star of this country.Considered one of the greenest countries in Europe, Slovenia is home to Triglav National Park, where you can hike, bike, kayak, or raft down the emerald Soča River.While visiting, we jumped at the chance to explore Indiana Jones-worthy caves, glamp on vineyards, and swoon over picture-perfect lakeside towns (such as Bled).Though it's not visited nearly as much as its neighbors, the European country is a standout for me.My family loved traveling around Albania.A view of the town of Kruje near Tirana, Albania.Paul Biris/Getty ImagesAlbania is slowly rising in popularity as a tourist destination, but it's still often overshadowed by its southern neighbor, Greece.Still, its affordable prices and delicious homemade dishes we experienced throughout the country made it an ideal travel destination for my family.Perhaps best explored by car, Albania has a rugged coastline with wild beaches and many natural wonders. Our first stop was the capital Tirana, where we dined farm-to-table at Blerina's Farmhouse and Agrotourism Concept.When we headed outside medieval Gjirokastra, we stayed at The Barrels, a family-owned vineyard bed and breakfast, explored the Blue Eye (a clear water spring), and dined al fresco at the family-run Tamo's Farm.As we went further south, we dived into archaeological history at the ancient Butrint National Park and spent a week lounging on secluded beaches in Himara.We even cruised the coast with Himara Seas the Day, a sibling-owned boat charter that takes visitors to remote caves and coves.I found delicious food and wine in Uruguay.A lighthouse in José Ignacio in Uruguay.xeni4ka/Getty Images/iStockphotoThe beautiful South American country typically welcomes about 10 million fewer visitors each year than its western neighbor, Argentina.That said, I think Uruguay is a very underrated travel destination — and I especially suggest visiting parts of its southern region.Stop by José Ignacio, a beach town nicknamed "the Hamptons of South America," where the well-heeled vacation. While there, enjoy the beautiful views and dip your toes in the sand at beachfront restaurants like La Huella.Head to Garzón and dine at Francis Mallmann's restaurant, which serves incredible wood-fired and fresh regional cuisine. Also not to be missed is Bodega Garzón, a sustainable winery with a signature tannat perfect for those who love a full-bodied red wine.You can even visit as a day trip from Buenos Aires (an easy ferry ride to quaint Colonia), which my family has done.Latvia's capital impressed me and my tastebuds.Riga is filled with color.f9photos/Getty ImagesLocated on the Baltic Sea, Latvia is perhaps not as well known as many other European destinations.On a solo trip to Latvia's capital, Riga, I fell in love with the walkable, vibrant city. I especially enjoyed the fresh local cuisine.While wandering the colorful, cobblestoned old town, I enjoyed incredible fresh pastries. At the farmers market in Kalnciema, the language barrier disappeared as locals insisted I taste everything on offer.I even visited Stiene to see where the area's popular gogelmogels ice cream is made. The property has farm tours and ice cream tastings.Plus, I got to spend an evening enjoying a show at the Latvian National Opera. My wonderful experience has convinced me to return again and explore everything Latvia has to offer.I especially loved seeing Slovakia's capital in the wintertime.Bratislava has Christmas markets in the winter.Flavio Vallenari/Getty ImagesNestled in Central Europe, Slovakia is high on my list of must-visit countries.When I visited Slovakia during the winter, I found myself captivated by its capital Bratislava's small-town charm. A light dusting of snow provided the perfect backdrop while I explored its massive castle overlooking the city.The Christmas market anchored the holiday festivities. Stall after stall in the heart of the old town overflowed with spiced wine, Bratislava rolls (filled with poppy or nuts), gingerbread cookies, crafts, and ornaments.It felt like a great alternative to the often overcrowded Christmas markets in Germany and France.My best meal was at Bratislava Flagship, a family-owned brewery in a former monastery. It's a gathering spot for locals and features traditional dishes like pierogi, dumplings, and sausage.I would definitely like to go back.Correction: March 10, 2025 — An earlier version of this story misspelled Francis Mallmann's name.
