Ever fancied holidaying in Uruguay, Cape Verde or Antarctica? The safest and lesser known destinations to take a …

Picking a holiday destination has become increasingly difficult as more and more countries are given high terror threat ratings from the UK Foreign Office.

But while popular destinations like France and Spain are now ranked as dangerous as Libya and Somalia, there are still plenty of safe places to visit.

From discovering Uruguay’s burgeoning wine scene to visiting Nauru, the smallest nation island in the world, there are a number of exotic locations off the beaten track and far away from any threat of terrorism.

There are destinations across the world with a low terrorism threat according to the British FCO

In the wake of this week’s terrorism attack in Turkey, more and more holidaymakers are rethinking their traditional getaway destinations.

Seven countries across Europe are classified as being at ‘high risk’ of a terrorist attack including Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Turkey and Russia.

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The British government has also listed the United Kingdom’s terrorist threat level as ‘severe’, which means an attack on UK soil is ‘highly likely’. 

And also at a ‘general risk’ are nine countries including Italy, the Netherlands, Greece and Austria. But across the world there are numerous, lesser known locations that tourists searching for a safer rating can head to. 

Here, MailOnline Travel highlights some of the more unusual destinations that could be new additions to your bucketlist. 

Uruguay

Uruguay is known for its colonial and art deco architecture thanks to its past as a Spanish colony. Above, Plaza Indepedencia in Montevideo

As one of the largest producers of wine in the continent, Uruguay is known for its red and white wines, made from Tannat and Albariño grapes respectively

Uruguay is known for its colonial and art deco architecture thanks to its past as a Spanish colony. 

But the South American country is also becoming increasingly known for its wine in the UK making it a great place to tour its vineyard trail.

As one of the largest producers of wine in the continent, the country is known for its red and white wines, made from Tannat and Albariño grapes respectively.

While the terrorism threat is low, tourists should be aware though that street crime such as mugging does sometimes take place in Montevideo.

British Antarctic Territory 

Going to the Antarctic is not the most obvious destination, especially when you take into consideration that there’s nowhere to stay

The resident penguins (pictured) are the obvious attraction but people also take the opportunity to dive into the sub-zero waters

Going to the Antarctic is not the most obvious destination, especially when you take into consideration that there’s nowhere to stay.

But thousands of people travel to the region each year on expedition ships to explore the region.

The resident penguins are the obvious attraction but holidaymakers also take the opportunity to dive into the sub-zero waters.

Nauru  

Nauru in Micronesia, north east of Australia, is the smallest island nation in the world. Its biggest trading partner is nearby Australia

Its stunning beaches are the obvious attractions but there’s also remnants of Japanese occupation from WWII around the island

Nauru in Micronesia, north east of Australia, is the smallest island nation in the world.

With Australia as its biggest trading partner, the country still uses Australian dollars as currency.

Its stunning beaches and coastline are the obvious attractions but there’s also remnants of Japanese occupation from WWII.

But if you’re visiting, bear in mind that there are just two hotels to choose from – one is government owned while the other is family owned. 

New Caledonia 

New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, is known for its terrific beaches and the Unesco-listed lagoon

The reefs around the island, with crystal-clear waters and a huge variety of marine life, make great diving sites

New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, is known for its terrific beaches and the Unesco-listed lagoon.

The reefs around the island, with crystal-clear waters and a huge variety of marine life, make great diving sites.

Those who love sailing will find its Isle of Pines a wonderful spot to explore.

Vietnam 

Vietnam is known for the emerald waters and limestone towers of Ha Long Bay, a popular stop on river cruises (pictured)

The rural rice paddies and lesser-known temples will also make memorable stops. Above, the mausoleum of emperor Khai Dinh

For the most authentic Vietnamese spring rolls, banh mi (banguette sandwiches) and pho (noodle soup), there’s no where better than where these dishes came from.

But Vietnam is also known for the emerald waters and limestone towers of Ha Long Bay, a popular stop on river cruises.

The rural rice paddies and lesser-known temples will also make memorable stops.

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan’s favourite sport is horse-racing and it even has its own breed of horses, Akhal-Tekes, which is also among one of the oldest in the world

For a spectacular sight, head to Derweze where a natural gas crater, known as the ‘Door to Hell’, has become a popular tourist attraction

Turkmenistan is often considered one of the most mysterious and under-explored countries in central Asia.

The country’s favourite sport is horse-racing and it even has its own breed of horses, Akhal-Tekes, which is also among one of the oldest in the world.

For a spectacular sight, head to Derweze where a natural gas crater, known as the ‘Door to Hell’, has become a popular tourist attraction.

Moldova 

Moldova, once a member of the former Soviet republic, is a real ‘off the beaten track’ destination. It’s known for its many monasteries

One of the main attractions is that of wine tourism, which many Moldovans are involved in. Above, a vineyard in Cricova

Moldova, once a member of the former Soviet republic, is a real ‘off the beaten track’ destination.

One of the main attractions is that of wine tourism, which many Moldovans are involved in.

But the country is also known for its monasteries, many of which dates back to the 15th century.

Taiwan 

For the more culture-minded, there’s plenty of museums, include palace homes of former Chinese emperors, to explore

Taiwanese street food is perhaps its best-known export. There are plenty of markets and street-food stalls where you can enjoy a taste of the east Asian country

Taiwanese street food is perhaps its best-known export. There are plenty of markets and street-food stalls where you can enjoy a taste of the east Asian country.

For the more culture-minded, there are also plenty of museums, including palace homes of former Chinese emperors, to explore.

Outside of the city, there are nature trails that you can follow. Or alternatively take some time out and enjoy some of the hot springs on the island.

French Polynesia 

Renowned honeymoon spots Tahiti and Bora Bora are both in French Polynesia so it’s definitely a destination for couples

South Pacific islands are renowned for diving and there’s plenty of luxury hotels to keep you busy. Above, the pile dwellings in Bora Bora

Renowned honeymoon spots Tahiti and Bora Bora are both in French Polynesia so it’s definitely a destination for couples.

The South Pacific islands are renowned for diving and there are plenty of luxury hotels to keep you busy – even if you are travelling on your own.

And then there’s the whole host of traditional festivals, which locals are more than happy for tourists to get involved in.

Cape Verde 

There’s 10 different islands to explore in Cape Verde, off the coast of Senegal, each with their own quirk. Above, the town of Mindelo on Sao Vicente

At certain times of the year, some of the islands also host carnival festivities – a well attended event for locals and tourists. Above, the carnival in Mindelo

There’s 10 different islands to explore in Cape Verde, off the coast of Senegal, each with their own character.

Aside from island hopping, it’s all about soaking up the sun and enjoying the Portuguese influenced cuisine here.

At certain times of the year, some of the islands also host carnival festivities – a well attended event for locals and tourists. 

Curacao 

Chartering a boat is perhaps the best way to explore the coastline, populated with colourful Dutch architecture

The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao is also home to great diving spots. Above, the stove-pipe sponge in the nearby waters

The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao is perhaps best known for its famous blue liqueur. But the island is also home to great diving spots.

Chartering a boat is perhaps the best way to explore the coastline, populated with colourful Dutch architecture.

There’s also the smaller island of Klein Curacao, which is home to Curacao’s longest and whitest beach. 

OTHER DESTINATIONS WITH A LOW TERRORISM  RISK PLACES TO VISIT 

If those destinations didn’t capture your imagination, here a few more for your bucketlist

Belize

East Timor 

El Salvador

Estonia

Ecuador

Guadeloupe 

Laos

Latvia 

Montserrat

Namibia 

Panama

 

Palau 

South Korea

Swaziland 

Slovenia

Surinam