A small country bordering Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea, Djibouti tends to be off the radar for all but the most intrepid travelers. A former French colony, the Arabic country is arid and dry but boasts a coastline and destinations free from pesky hoards of tourists.
Because travelers can still operate from the erroneous idea that all African countries are dangerous, we’ll say that Djibouti is currently at a level 2 warning, which is the same as France, the Maldives or Costa Rica.
Lake Assal is probably the most popular place to visit in Djibouti. As the saltiest body of water on Earth (yes, even saltier than the Dead Sea), it provides a fun swimming experience — though be prepared to protect your eyes or suffer a deep sting.
Travelers also love the 12th-century port city of Tadjoura, known for its white-washed houses. And for a peaceful beach vacation, head to Dorale and Khor Ambado, located near the capital city. You’ll find black lava cliffs, tons of water sports opportunities and uncrowded reefs to dive.