Haiti

You know a country is off the beaten path when online travel sites don't even show it on their maps. That's Haiti—a country so torn by tragedy that you're forgiven if you forget it's even in the Caribbean. It wasn't always like this. Even during the time of notoriously corrupt François "Papa Doc" Duvalier, Haiti was a popular tourist destination. But in 1991, the military took power to disastrous effect. It's still a desperately poor nation, but travelers who enjoy engaging with their hosts will find a friendly, welcoming people who speak primarily French and Creole (and English in the capital). Getting there is easier than you might expect, with direct flights to Port-Au-Prince from major American cities.

For more information: Traveling Haiti