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50 SAFEST COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

50 SAFEST COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

50 SAFEST COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

No country is 100% safe. With the continuous movement of people, many once-safe countries are now experiencing crimes or an increase in it. However, many have drastic laws and rigid enforcement to deter any would-be-criminal from breaking them, thus lowering the crime rate. As a solo traveller, I have never had any security issues in any country because most were fairly safe. I chose these 50 safest countries around the world from the 80-plus I visited, based on how secure I felt, and what I experienced during my stay.

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23 CLEANEST CITIES WORLDWIDE

23 Cleanest Cities Worldwide

23 CLEANEST CITIES WORLDWIDE 

Most countries I have visited over the years were mainly clean, except for a few. Notwithstanding, many appeared spotless in the main squares and popular tourist areas. However, straying from these areas to the back streets or parks revealed garbage bins overflowing, dirty streets, smelly drains, and even loiterers. Contrarily, these 23 cleanest cities worldwide were the ones I found to be almost immaculately spotless.

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

I chose these 23 cleanest cities worldwide from 80-plus countries based on what I experienced during the time/year I visited. Below are some of the criteria I used to determine the top 23 cities.

  • Cleanest, litter-free streets, parks, public spaces, etc.
  • No, or the least amount of graffiti, trash, animal residue, etc.
  • The cleanest air quality (no smell of dust, urine, garbage, smoke, etc.).
  • Neat, clean garbage bins/boxes.
  • The least number of homeless people, beggars, loiterers, and stray animals.
  • Maybe not fancy, but clean, well-maintained building exteriors.
  • The least amount of carbon Emission (least amount of traffic/vehicles etc.).
  • No derelict vehicles and dump yards.
  • No slums.
  • Minimal or no noise pollution (no loud honking of horns or loud music, especially at night).

Please note that the cities are under their countries’ names in ALPHABETICAL ORDER and not according to cleanliest. So here are the 23 cleanest cities worldwide.

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A view of the city from High Castle Hill and Gardens. Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe

Ukraine the Breadbasket of Europe

UKRAINE, THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE

UKRAINE, THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE 

The Unitary, Semi-Presidential Republic of Ukraine is a democratic, Eastern European country. Ukraine/Ukraina pronounced Oo-krah-YEE-nah by the locals, unlike You-Crane in English) is the second largest European country after Russia, and borders Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and the coastline of the Black Sea. The nation’s capital and largest city is Kyiv (Kiev). Ukraine is predominantly a Christian nation (approximately 88%) with a population of about 42 million. Its main export is agricultural products, including wheat, and as of 2022/2023 ranked fifth among the largest wheat exporters worldwide. Currently, Ukraine is most famous for its fight and resistance against the Russian invasion. Read on for more insights into my visit to Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe, or precisely Lviv.

The Potocki Palace. Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe
The Potocki Palace
The University of Life Safety in Lviv . Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe
The University of Life Safety in Lviv

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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The Arch of Charents - most gorgeous view of Mount Ararat. Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity

Armenia the First Country to Accept Christianity

ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY

ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY 

The Republic of Armenia (formerly Hayk) is a former Soviet Union country bordering Turkey, Georgia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, and its capital is Yerevan. Armenia is a transcontinental country (partly in Europe and most of its land in west Asia), and is one of the six countries in the Caucasus region. What is special about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity worldwide in 301 A.D., is its unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unspoiled nature, tasty cuisine, and renowned brandy, and wines. Additionally, almost every item in Armenia bears the symbol of Mount Ararat (the land of the final resting place of the Ark of Noah. Historically, Mount Ararat was in the territory of the Armenian Highland (currently, it borders Armenia). However, in 1921/1923, a peace treaty (Treaty of Kars) drafted between Turkey and the Soviet Union gifted the land to Turkey.

Armenia is a Christian nation and has a population of about 2,777,976.00. It is rich in copper, zinc, iron, silver, lead, gold, and other valuable reserves of rare metals. Apart from that, whenever someone mentions Armenia, many people immediately think of the Armenian genocide, similar to the mention of Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina. However. there is so much more to discover in this unique and beautiful country. Please continue reading to learn more about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity as a state religion.

The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view). Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity
The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view)

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Dagustu or Highland Park (Upland Park). Azerbaijan the land of fire

Azerbaijan the Land of Fire

AZERBAIJAN THE LAND OF FIRE

AZERBAIJAN THE LAND OF FIRE 

The (unitary semi-presidential) Republic of Azerbaijan is another transcontinental country in the Caucasus Region, and its capital is Baku. It was also once part of the former Soviet Union and bounded by the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains, spanning Asia and Europe. It has a population exceeding 10 million and borders Russia, Georgia, Iran, Armenia, and Turkey (all Caucasus countries). Azerbaijan is a democratic, Muslim-majority, secular state. Moreover, it has an oil and natural gas base economy accounting for over 90% of the total exports. Additionally, it exports food and agricultural products, machinery, metals, and textiles that make up the rest of its revenues. Two things stood out for me most about Azerbaijan, they are; the people and prices. Azerbaijanis are outgoing and super-friendly people, and the country is inexpensive. Please continue reading to learn what it is like to visit Azerbaijan the land of fire (Odlar Yurdu).

The Flame Towers at night. Azerbaijan the land of fire
The Flame Towers at night
at the Dagustu or Highland Park (Upland Park)

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Batumi oceanfront. Georgia, the mystical transcontinental nation

Georgia, the Mystical Transcontinental Nation

GEORGIA THE MYSTICAL TRANSCONTINENTAL NATION

GEORGIA THE MYSTICAL TRANSCONTINENTAL NATION IN THE CAUCASUS 

The Republic of Georgia is a former Soviet Union country, and surprisingly close to Iran (just 1 hour 40 minutes flight away). It is a transcontinental country sandwiched between Russia and Turkey. Georgia is a small country tucked away at the eastern end of the Black Sea and the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Its capital and largest city is Tbilisi, and with a population of over 3.7 million. Many may not have heard of this country, or Georgia U.S.A. might come to mind when they mention its name. However, it is a mountainous, breathtaking, transcontinental country hidden in Europe and partially in West Asia. Georgia is famous for its cuisines, Black Sea beaches, wine region (Kakheti), and cave monastery (Vardzia), dating back to the 12th Century. Forest covers over a third of the country, and its main religion is Orthodox Christianity. Please continue reading to learn more about Georgia the mystical transcontinental nation in the Caucasus Region.an average 

Kazbegi and the Caucasus Mountains. Georgia, the mystical transcontinental nation
Kazbegi and the Caucasus Mountains
Gergeti Trinity Church in the Kazbegi Mountain. Georgia, the mystical transcontinental nation
Gergeti Trinity Church in the Kazbegi Mountain

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Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa

Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa

MOROCCO, THE WESTERN KINGDOM OF AFRICA

MOROCCO, THE WESTERN KINGDOM OF AFRICA 

The Kingdom of Morocco (once known as the Kingdom of Marrakech) is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, and its capital is Rabat. Morocco’s largest city and main Atlantic Ocean port is Casablanca. Morocco borders Algeria to the east, Western Sahara to the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is the only African country with exposure to both the Atlantic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco (in Arabic means The Western Kingdom) is a highly elevated country (about 2,600 above sea level). Morocco experiences typical Mediterranean weather (hot, dry summers) with mild, wet winters. It is famous for its towering mountains, beaches and coasts, desert oasis, food, ancient cities, souks, medinas, and culture. Morocco’s largest city and main Atlantic Ocean port is Casablanca. Its primary resources are agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, and tourism. It is an affordable destination with a population of over 37 million. Please continue reading to learn more about what it is like to visit Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa.

Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa
Moroccan flag everywhere

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Suomenlinna Island - Finland. 15 most expensive cities to visit

15 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO VISIT

15 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO VISIT

THE 15 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO VISIT

Almost everyone planning a trip researches the list of the most expensive and cheapest countries/cities worldwide, especially budget travellers. This information is pertinent to the process of elimination of the ones beyond our means. With the help of travellers like myself who have been to these countries, you now have what we need to decide and plan a vacation within budget. So, here is my list of the 15 most expensive cities to visit for vacation. Additionally, I am sharing the most popular dishes and must-see sites in these countries.

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Solo traveller in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina

SOLO TRAVELLER IN SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

SOLO TRAVELLER IN SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 

The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosna i Hercegovina), informally known as Bosnia, is located in the western Balkan Peninsula of Europe. It is a mountainous country, once part of the former Yugoslav Federation, and its capital is Sarajevo. Bosnia shares its borders with Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and the Adriatic Sea. Most significantly, it is one country with three ethnic groups; the Bosniaks (Muslims), Serbs (Serbian Orthodox), and the Croats (Roman Catholics). Its population is under 3.5 million people, and, similar to Montenegro, it is an ethnically diverse and multi-religious country. Bosnia is famous for its gorgeous mountains, rivers and waterfalls, medieval ruins, unique towns, and the former host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. It is an inexpensive, safe, and developed country. Please continue reading for a vicarious trip with the solo traveller in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Scenic Tivat - Montenegro. Montenegro the land of the black mountains

Montenegro the land of the black mountains

MONTENEGRO THE LAND OF THE BLACK MOUNTAINS

The Republic of Montenegro is a small country along the central Mediterranean and within Southeastern Europe. It was once part of the former Yugoslav Federation. Montenegro borders Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea. Its capital is Podgorica, and has a  population of less than 700,000 people. Montenegro is a diverse and tolerant country because of its multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multi-religious composition. It is a country known for its spectacular mountains, gorgeous beaches and resorts, glacial lakes, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, Kotor. Montenegro is an inexpensive, safe, and clean country. Please continue reading to see what it is like to visit Montenegro, the land of the black mountains.

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