Algeria

Algeria sprawls across North Africa like a continent within a continent. The Sahara covers 80% of the country, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's all sand and camels. This is where Roman emperors built cities that still stand today, where Ottoman palaces overlook the Mediterranean, and where you can surf in the morning and sleep under desert stars the same night.

Most travelers skip Algeria entirely, intimidated by visa requirements and language barriers. Their loss is your gain. You'll have the ruins of Timgad practically to yourself, while crowds fight for selfie spots at lesser Roman sites elsewhere. The Tassili n'Ajjer plateau holds 15,000-year-old rock art that makes Lascaux look like yesterday's graffiti. And the Hoggar Mountains? They're what Mars would look like if it had better lighting.

The country demands patience and flexibility. Domestic flights get delayed. Hotels sometimes lose reservations. But here's what you get in return: mint tea with Tuareg nomads who've been crossing these routes for centuries, couscous that puts every other version to shame, and sunsets over the Sahara that photographers spend fortunes trying to capture.

Start planning now for the cooler months between October and April. Summer temperatures can hit 50°C in the interior, which makes sightseeing feel more like survival training. If you're already exploring North Africa, consider combining Algeria with trips to Angola or Cabo Verde for a broader African adventure. For those seeking similar off-the-beaten-path experiences, Burkina Faso offers its own rewards for intrepid travelers.