These are 6 tiny countries that you need to visit if you love travelling to offbeat destinations.

Small in size but big on charm, these countries offer stunning scenery, unique culture, and a chance to explore in just a few days.

Andorra: A haven for skiers and hikers in the Pyrenees, plus duty free shopping for a budget friendly splurge.

Liechtenstein: Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, this alpine gem is perfect for hiking, skiing, and castle spotting.

Malta: Mediterranean island nation with ancient temples, crystal clear waters, and a mix of European and Arabic influences.

Monaco: Famous for its glamorous casinos, yacht lined harbour, and Formula 1 Grand Prix, a luxury traveller’s dream.

San Marino: One of the world’s oldest republics, with medieval towers, cobblestone streets, and breath taking hilltop views.

Seychelles: A tropical paradise with white sand beaches, coral reefs, and lush nature reserves perfect for relaxation.

The Caribbean, with its turquoise waters, sunlit beaches, and vibrant cultures, is the perfect escape. Each island located here offers unique charms; blending history, flavours, and warm hospitality. These islands are a paradise for adventure, relaxation, and immersive experiences.

Saint Lucia

A volcanic island located in the eastern Caribbean, surrounded by mountain terrains, lush greenery, and pristine beaches. Saint Lucia has a highest point called Mount Gimie as well as the most famous landmark here, the two mountainous volcanic plugs called the Pitons. The island offers diverse activities such as hiking in Edmund Rainforest, snorkelling and diving in coral reefs, and exploring historic sites like Pigeon Island National Park. Its blend of luxury resorts, natural adventure, cultural festivals, and warm tropical weather makes it one of the most romantic and adventurous Caribbean destinations.

Antigua and Barbuda

The white sand shores, calm waters, and vibrant coral reefs of Antigua make it perfect for snorkelling and water sports, while Barbuda offers a tranquil experience with secluded beaches such as Princess Diana Beach and notable wildlife sanctuaries. The islands possess rich colonial history, charming towns, and friendly local culture. Both of these areas are quite lively and are also perfect natural spots for families and nature enthusiasts.

Turks and Caicos

The Turks and Caicos Islands are located in the Lucayan Archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean and northern West Indies. The islands here have turquoise waters and white sand beaches such as Grace Bay Beach. The beaches here have a great marine environment which greatly attracts tourists. These islands are unique for their extensive coral reefs, making them a premier diving and snorkelling destination.

Barbados

Barbados is an island in the Caribbean located in the Atlantic Ocean and has been inhabited by the Kalinago people since the 13th century. Barbados has varied beaches, from tranquil west coast beaches ideal for families and swimming to more surf-friendly beaches on the east coast. This place also hosts four species of nesting turtles and the second-largest hawksbill turtle-breeding population in the Caribbean, along with a wide range of attractions that make it a must-visit for all kinds of travellers.

Grenada

Grenada is an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Known as the “Spice Isle,” Grenada is famous for aromatic nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove plantations, with a rich agricultural heritage. The island features lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and volcanic beaches with black and white sands. There is an underwater park here near Moliniere Bay which attracts divers and snorkelers alike and also offers a more peaceful escape from the crowded areas.

Air travel connects the world but varies significantly in cost across countries. The Aviation Price Index reveals the most and least expensive places to fly, considering factors like demand and seasonality. The United Arab Emirates, Finland, and Qatar top the list of priciest destinations, while understanding these cost variations helps travelers plan strategically and manage their budgets effectively.

Air travel has become an integral part of modern life, connecting people across cities, countries, and continents. From domestic hops to long-haul international flights, air travel involves airplanes, jets, and helicopters, all modes capable of sustaining flight. While air travel provides speed and convenience, it is also one of the most expensive forms of transportation globally. Airline companies, licensed to operate in specific countries, charge widely varying fares depending on domestic or international routes, competition, and demand.

As per the findings by Kiwi.com, and also reported by World Atlas, flight costs were compared across 75 of the world’s busiest countries. The study identified both the cheapest and the most expensive places to fly, giving travellers a clearer picture of where air travel puts the biggest dent in a budget.

Understanding the aviation price index

Flight prices are not fixed, they are calculated using yield management algorithms that adjust fares based on demand, seasonality, and other factors. While travellers often try to secure lower fares by booking during off-peak seasons or specific times of the day, this approach is largely dependent on trial and luck.

Other factors, such as fuel prices, route popularity, and airline competition, significantly affect ticket costs.

The Aviation Price Index compiles data from domestic and international flights in 75 of the world’s most frequently traveled countries. For domestic travel, the average cost was measured from a country’s main city to five other major cities. International flights were assessed based on costs from a country’s primary airport to other international airports. Both low-cost and full-service carriers were included, and travel prices were analyzed during on- and off-peak seasons.

The index calculates average ticket cost per 60 miles of travel, offering a standardized way to compare air travel expenses across countries.

The 10 most expensive countries for air travel as per the findings are:

United Arab Emirates – Average cost $105.71 per 60 miles

Finland – Average cost $50.98 per 60 miles

Qatar – Average cost $50.37 per 60 miles

The Netherlands – Average cost $42.35 per 60 miles

Japan – Average cost $41.48 per 60 miles

Canada – Average cost $38.71 per 60 miles

Belgium – Average cost $38.07 per 60 miles

Denmark – Average cost $37.86 per 60 miles

Austria – Average cost $36.91 per 60 miles

Switzerland – Average cost $36.84 per 60 miles

Other expensive destinations include:

The Netherlands – $42.35 per 60 miles

Japan – $41.48 per 60 miles

Canada – $38.71 per 60 miles

Belgium – $38.07 per 60 miles

Denmark – $37.86 per 60 miles

Austria – $36.91 per 60 miles

Switzerland – $36.84 per 60 miles

These countries are marked by high living costs, limited domestic flight options in some cases, and a preference for full-service carriers, all of which contribute to elevated ticket prices.

Why understanding air travel costs matters

The Aviation Price Index highlights the impact of competition, demand, and seasonality on airfares. Travelers can use this information to plan trips strategically, choosing when and where to fly based on cost trends. In countries like the UAE or Finland, even short domestic trips can be significantly more expensive than long-haul flights in other regions.

By knowing which countries are costly for air travel, travelers can also make informed decisions about delaying flights, choosing low-cost carriers, or planning trips during off-peak periods. Understanding ticket pricing patterns ensures that air travel becomes more predictable and manageable for both leisure and business travelers, helping them plan smarter and save money on future journeys.

Countries have changed their names throughout history. The reasons vary – political, cultural, or social changes. These changes often symbolize a shift in their national identity, or a break from a colonial past, or a historical narrative. Let’s take a closer look at some of the countries that changed their names, and also explore the unique reasons behind it.

Siam to Thailand

Thailand was previously known as Siam. This name, which is said to have originated from a Sanskrit word, Syam, was adopted by the Portuguese from the 16th century, according to History Today. In 1939, Phibun officially changed it to Thailand to reinforce national unity and identity. The name ‘Thailand’ translates to ‘Land of the Free’ in Thai.

Ceylon to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was formerly named ‘Ceylon’. The name Ceylon was given by the British. They erased the colonial name in 1972 and instead adopted Sri Lanka. The name, derived from the Sinhalese language, means ‘resplendent land’.

Burma to Myanmar

In 1989, the ruling military government changed the country’s name from Burma to Myanmar. This change was fueled by a need to shed the colonial past and bring a unified identity. However, the change led to controversy, and many viewed it as an attempt by the military government to legitimize its rule.

Czech Republic to Czechia

In 2016, the Czech Republic changed its name to Czechia. According to the authorities, it is a more convenient and easier name to be used in international events and for companies. The new short name Czechia, is preferred by international companies and used in marketing campaigns; however, the official name remains the Czech Republic.

East Pakistan to Bangladesh

In 1971, East Pakistan became Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Liberation War. The country declared independence from West Pakistan and formed the new nation of Bangladesh. This change also signifies their distinct cultural and linguistic identity.

Persia to Iran

Iran was formerly known as Persia. Though the name Iran was commonly used by its people for centuries, it became official in 1935. The name traces back to the 3rd century word Eran, which meant ‘of the Aryans’. This change was initiated by Reza Shah Pahlavi, and it signifies a new beginning, modernization, and the securing of its indigenous identity.

Turkey to Türkiye

In 2022, Turkey changed its name to Türkiye. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, officially informed the United Nations that it would be known as Türkiye in all languages. “The word ‘Turkiye’ represents and expresses the culture, civilisation, and values of the Turkish nation in the best way,” the Turkish President said. This change was initiated to rectify the country’s image and make it more attached to the cultural roots etched in Turkish history.

Holland to The Netherlands

The names Holland and the Netherlands have been used interchangeably. Holland was never the official name, but it is the name of two of the country’s 12 provinces (North Holland and South Holland), which include major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. As it is historically and economically significant, the name Holland was often used for the entire country. However, in 2019, the Dutch government stopped using Holland in its international branding and rebranded as ‘The Netherlands’.

Republic of Macedonia to North Republic of Macedonia

In 2019, the Republic of Macedonia changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. This was a diplomatic compromise to end a long-standing dispute with Greece, because the latter has its own region called Macedonia. The new name resolved this issue and led to improved relations and NATO membership.

Swaziland to Eswatini

In 2018, as it celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain, Swaziland changed its name to Eswatini. The name Eswatini means the ‘land of the Swazis’ in their local language, siSwati. The change is a departure from the colonial past. People also confuse Swaziland with Switzerland, which was another reason for the name change.