Have you been looking for the ultimate adventure abroad? Thinking about checking out a country that will make your friends and family get wide eyed and curious? There’s never been a better time than now to check out some of the wider world, especially those countries around the equator,  the southern hemisphere or the tropics. This winter is set to be a huge travel time for tons of people, and here are the top countries people are checking out this year.

Cambodia

Home to some of the most unique historical spots as well as history you can find, Cambodia is a bustling country with a deep, and sometimes dark past. Originating as the Angkor civilization, remnants of these times remain in the likes of Angkor Wat – a huge temple complex just outside of Siem Reap in the north of the country. Well worth a few days here, the temple complex is stunning any time of day, but particularly at sunrise or sunset. Head to the capital, Phnom Penh to experience a more recent look into history – the regime of the Khmer Rouge from the 60s into the 70s where millions of Cambodians were tortured and killed in the infamous S21 facility at the centre of the city. Warning: Not for the faint of heart.

Uganda

Uganda has become something of a tourist hotspot in the last year or so when it comes to Africa, but for good reason. With so many things to see, do and experience, it’s no wonder people have begun to flock to this safe, welcoming and beautiful central African nation. Right on the shores of Lake Victoria, it borders South Sudan, DR Congo, Tanzania and Kenya and is home to some of the most unique in wildlife viewing opportunities. Going on a safari in Uganda is frequently the highlight of the trip for most people, but it’s a great place to also take part in some watersports on the lake including checking out some whitewater rafting in various places along the coast, the most common place being Jinja, worth a day trip from Kampala.

Thailand

Everyone loves a bit of Thailand and it’s easy to see why. With the beautiful beaches of the Thai islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, it’s the ideal place for people who want to just get away from it all and veg on the sand. If you’re into adventure, why not rent a motorbike and hit up the north of the country in cities such as Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai to really get away from the big bustling city of Bangkok. A great country for introducing yourself to Southeast Asia, Thailand has a little something for everyone – coupled with absolutely amazing food.

So if you want to try something new this year, consider heading to one of the great countries mentioned above. With so many great opportunities for adventure for everyone, it’s easy to see why people are listing these three as top destinations to check out this winter season.