Michael Zervos has been to all 195 countries but there’s one underrated destination that he says is ‘paradise on Earth’ with its beautiful villages and crystal-clear waters
An intrepid explorer who’s ticked off every country in the world on his travels has revealed the underrated destinations that most impressed him, including a lesser-known destination that’s “paradise on Earth”.
Michael Zervos recently took home the Guinness World Record for the fastest time visiting all 195 UN-recognised countries, which he completed in an impressive 499 days, beating the previous record of 554 days.
Now the American adventurer has revealed that there was one country that caught him by surprise thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, budget-friendly stays and natural pools filled with crystal-clear waters.
Teaming up with iVisa to reflect on his experiences, Michael explained: “Many travellers simply don’t realise how accessible and budget-friendly Samoa actually is. The word ‘paradise’ gets thrown around a lot when describing the Pacific, but Samoa truly matches my idea of paradise on Earth.
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“The To Sua Ocean Trench is jaw-dropping. This natural sinkhole is filled with crystal-clear water and one of the most unique swimming spots I’ve ever encountered. Every village participates in an annual beautification competition, ensuring the entire country is immaculately maintained by those who live there. The environment always takes priority here.”
Getting to Samoa from the UK isn’t necessarily a very complicated route, but it is time consuming as it takes over 33 hours to reach when you factor in stopovers and the connecting flights you’ll need to get. One of the ‘easiest’ routes is to fly from London to Auckland or Fiji, from which you can get direct flights to Faleolo in Samoa.
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Samoa wasn’t the only destination that stood out to Michael when it came to countries that aren’t yet hit by mass tourism. Other spots including Madagascar which he described as “like stepping into a lost world”, Lesotho which he says is “raw, friendly and ridiculously scenic”, Bhutan that’s “unlike anywhere else”, and Suriname “where nature reigns” and the landscapes “feel totally wild and untouched”.
Meanwhile Eritrea, which welcomes around just 150,000 visitors every year, was another lesser-visited spot which Michael thinks needs to be on your bucket list. “The safety and the lack of tourists make it feel like a rare and authentic discovery in a world where most places have already been explored,” he said.
He was also particularly impressed with his travels across Pakistan, adding: “Peshawar, with its bustling bazaars, intricately carved wooden doors, and centuries-old architecture is a dream for photographers and filmmakers – without the overwhelming crowds of Delhi or Mumbai. The people, the food, the landscapes, and the sheer affordability make Pakistan a must-visit for adventurers and filmmakers. I can’t wait to return.”
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