India
Had it not been for this country (pictured above), the American hippy movement in the 1960s might not have happened. That’s an oversimplification, of course. But you’d be wise to respect the similarities: Gandhian peace, Kama Sutra love, yoga, karma, polytheistic beliefs and trippy music, man.
Obviously, India is so much more than the spiritual precursor of a short-lived subculture. It and its gentle people have been a mountain of influence to the world. It feeds the planet with more than a billion people, two of its greatest religions, its most mosaic and colorful culture and arguably its best spicy cuisine. If it was good enough for the Beatles, it’s good enough for you.
Russia
Photo: Flickr/JackVersloot
Here’s a country that’s more Western in thought than other places on this list, but still different enough to throw you for a loop—in a good way. Although Western relations with this former superpower have strained recently, there’s little evidence that Russia’s top destinations such as Moscow and St. Petersburg are any less safe than they were a few years ago, reports the New York Times.
There are no major travel warnings against visiting the largest country in the world, but North Americans must apply for visas. Those who do will be treated to up to 50% travel discounts (thanks to a weak ruble), fascinating architecture, social norms and art, and nascent democracy still exorcising its communist demons.
Japan
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
If you want to get as far away from Western thought, language, food and culture as humanly possible, this is the furthest East you can go. Although Japan has shared the West’s affinity for democracy, over-achievers and first world civilization for more than half a century, this place is the opposite of the visual and social spectrum.
You’ll quickly realize this while standing in the nexus of Tokyo, the largest metropolitan city in the world, and asking yourself: Have I ever seen such a large number of sophisticated people act, behave, communicate and live so differently than home? That point will be driven home upon viewing oriental castles that rival the more familiar ones of England and France. After seeing the most beautiful, Zen and well-dressed gardens on the planet. While snapping a shot of cherry blossoms, climbing Mount Fuji or eating the best Asian noodles and raw fish prepared by humans.
