Egypt

While the 2011 Revolution still looms over the possibility of Egypt as a potential travel destination, the country itself has moved on. It’s as safe as Morocco, Jordan, Turkey or any other moderate Islamic country. While most tourists have moved on to other destinations, the lack of huge crowds means that travelers can enjoy a variety of Unesco World Heritage sites leisurely. Don’t get me wrong, there are still plenty of other travelers from different parts of the world, just not many Americans. But the heavy crowds will return, so the time for Egypt is now. Due to the value of the Egyptian Pound, traveling in Egypt is inexpensive and currently a great price value proposition. The best deals on river cruising can be found in Egypt. An all-inclusive river cruise (including sightseeing) from Luxor to Aswan (3 days/4nights) averages at $350 USD per person. 

Lake Baikal, Russia

Deep in Southern Siberia, lies the largest fresh water lake in the world, Lake Baikal. It is so massive that to my eyes it looked like an ocean. The lake is rich in biodiversity and boast its own type of fresh water seal. Reaching the lake can be done via flight or train to Irkutsk. Once there, you can easily make your way to enjoy a variety of lake activities. There are a variety of different types of hotels to stay in on the Lake. I stayed at the Mayak Hotel in the resort town of Listvyanka. Booking.com guarantees the best prices for any type of propertyand no booking fees!

Innsbruck, Austria

The former capital of the Hapsburg Empire is now a small little Baroque jewel nestled in the Tyrolean Alps. Sightseeing in the contained historic old city is a breeze with the Innsbruck Card. The card also includes transportation and access to the Nordkett cable car. The views from the top are stunning. The city has hosted the Winter Olympics and the region is an outdoor sports lovers dream. From Innsbruck it’s easy to explore Igles, Stubai and the Tyrolean Alps. With a variety of small traditional hotels and chalets offering health and wellness programs, this region is perfect for outdoor adventures in any season.

Umbria, Italy

In Italy, there is a region that checks off all of the boxes on every travelers Italian wish list but without the crowds. The wine is plentiful, the food is something you will remember for the rest of your life and the whole region is dotted with magical medieval towns. Umbria is the land locked region just to the East of Tuscany. Most people may know it from visiting Assisi, but there is so much more. Above all, Umbria’s people will welcome you in a very genuine sort of way that balances authentic hospitality and pride for their region. For more info on Umbria, please visit Umbria Tourism.

Mongolia 

Mongolia is one of those destinations where I didn’t know if I was the first person ever to set foot there or just one person in its long history that stretches back several millennia. Once you get out the capital, the unspoiled landscape of the steppes will leave you in complete awe of the beauty of our planet. With so many horse trekking options, vast landscape and National Parks, Mongolia is an outdoor lovers dream come true. But Mongolia is easily much more than the land of adventure. Its warm people are incredibly friendly and among the most hospitable on earth. I often found myself being invited into yurts by complete strangers willing to offer me a welcome drink. For more on Mongolia, check out my video on horse trekking in Mongolia. 

Staying in Gers in Mongolia is the best way to go!

• Austria
• egypt
• italy
• mongolia
• Russia
• Umbria