Which "off the beaten track" countries have you visited?

Iran,Jordan,Syria,Russia, Moscow + Republics,Nazran,Ingushetia, Chechnya,Dagestan,Croatia, Libya, Liberia, Sudan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan,Turkmanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, Republika Srpska

I was on shetland years ago, got the ferry from Aberdeen, took something crazy like 14 hours.

Also been to Saipan, just like a mini-USA with a few casinos and a heap of Chinese tourists. Couldn't find the crappy pitches however.

The Ferry to the faroe islands was crazier and filled to the brim with German camper vans, all heading back to Germany presumably because they ran out of food and don't want to spend a single penny in Iceland. Ended up hanging out with this crazy beour from Reydarfjordur in the bar. Wouldnt mind going back

While I lived in South Africa I got to see much of the country and some of their neighbours, the most obscure probably Swaziland (now eSwatini). Not a whole lot going on there, to be honest.

Less obscure was Bophutatswana ... pretty hard to pronounce, but you didn't need to if your only destination was Sun City. 🌞

Work trips have had me see: Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Somalia (just Mogadishu airport), Mongolia. While I was in the region I managed to get to Oman/UAE (not just Dubai)/Jordan/Sri Lanka for social trips.

Are you Tony Stark?

Mainly Oil & Gas; Afghanistan was related to NATO/NAMSA support services. Majority of time around Kandahar, the odd Kabul trip.

Kandahar and Kabul....and everything in-between,,Fascinating places, if you had the chance to explore them.😀 I worked in a somewhat similar vein, Conflict and Disaster support, repatriation.

That’s far more than I got to see there. There was rumors that the bases in the north like Herat were quite comfortable and had decent facilities, I think the Italians were based up around there.

whenever we got outside the wire we had a lot of security and there was no hanging around. South of Kandahar was quite desolate but north was very lush. We were brought to some of the Forward Operating Bases by helicopter, very remote, was frightening as they used to get hit a lot

I saw Paraguay from across the river in Posadas in Argentina. At the time Irish people needed a visa (maybe we still do). I can only remember two people I’ve met who’ve been there and both said there was absolutely nothing to see. Maybe they didn’t look hard enough?

From my own travels, Iran is probably the most “off the beaten track “ country I’ve visited though I see it’s been mentioned here a couple of times. You don’t hear of many Irish people going to Jordan or Bolivia either.

Why does she stay there if it's so bad?

Yes, I'd agree with you there. And what ever about there being no -go areas around Kandahar, Herat and Mazir -i Sharif, were pretty OK security wise. But what it is like now, and for how long it will be "Unpredictable" is anyone's guess. Taliban now in "Threatening mode" Remove the sanctions, give us international aid, or else........

Irish connections throughout Latin America.

I visited the Panama Canal museum in Panama City and it noted the fact that Irish labourers were the main group working on the construction; many of them died through malaria and other tropical illnesses.

Neither of those - Specialist construction for various Nato armies.

Yes I'd agree with you there. Georgia, South Caucasus is very like the North Caucasus, Kaberdino Balkaria region. Same cultural traditions, music and dance ( Lezginka ) they produce ( and drink) fine wines and Vodkas, if drinking is your thing. And the scenery is something else. The highest peak in Russia and Europe, Mount Elbrus 5'642 Mtrs is located in the North Caucasus. Would be well worth a visit, Georgia especially.

As for the traffic and driving style,,...now that would need a section entirely devoted to it.....Definitely not for the faint hearted ( especially on the mountainy roads ) !!! None the less, I'd go back in a heartbeat. ☺️🙂