When it comes to travel, Franci Neely believes blazing a new trail is exhilarating and the journey itself can be beyond fulfilling. The Houston-based impassioned vagabond is currently in the process of visiting every country in the world. It’s an ambitious mission she says she’s on track to complete by 2025.

For those struggling to get out of their travel comfort zone, Neely has three destinations she unhesitatingly recommends everyone check out.

Strap on your backpack, dust off that passport, and get ready to Trek into the unknown and uncover some of the world’s most enchanting places to see in 2023.

Franci Neely in Grassland Kingdom of Cameroon

“Go visit the Western Highlands of Guatemala, the Grassland Kingdoms of Cameroon, and Upper Mustang in Nepal,” Neely says. “You’ll find volcanoes, lakes, and fascinating villages like Quetzaltenango in the Guatemalan Highlands; rich tribal rites and ceremonies in the Grassland Kingdoms of Cameroon; and traditional Tibetan culture in Upper Mustang.”

Never one to cool her Fendi heels in one place for too long, Franci Neely makes it a point to stay on the go and truly immerse herself in new cultures and places. She’s known to maintain pen pals all over the world, from the Philippines to Africa, and some of her dearest mementos are the photos, letters, and conversations she’s collected along the way.

Western Highlands of Guatemala

Nestled between the volcanic mountain range Sierra Madre on its south side and more mountains, including the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, on the north, the Western Highlands of Guatemala offer plenty of serene places to explore. Neely was instantly charmed by the Guatemalan people, impressed by how self-aware they are regarding their ​​cultural values and history.

“I happen to have a particular love for Guatemala and the highlands, it’s amazing,” Neely says.

Life for many continues to be a struggle in Guatemala, with 68% of Guatemalan children living below the poverty line. However, Neely shares that she witnessed a strength and resilience in Guatemalan people that was unforgettable.

“With all of the hardship they have, they are renewed and invigorated and revitalized by their culture and their traditions and their togetherness in a positive way instead of a negative way,” Franci Neely emphasizes.

More than half of the Guatemalan population is descended from the Maya people, and their contributions to art, agriculture, calendars, writing, and math remain abundantly dynamic in the culture to this day. There’s also a fascinating movement of women-run weaving collectives preserving timeless Indigenous artisanship that has endured throughout and beyond the country’s bloody, 36-year civil war. Coffee and colorful cotton textiles are some more of the sought-after locally sourced products.

Grassland Kingdoms of Cameroon

The second stop on Franci Neely’s must-do whirlwind tour is the Grassland Kingdoms of Cameroon, also known as the Grassfield Kingdoms. She reminisces about posing with her beaming guides for a photograph by a mystical waterfall. “These men were with me for about a week in Cameroon,” she adds. “Talk about unbelievable culture and traditions in Cameroon. Even if some of these people live in the cities, I was told they travel to the Grassfield Kingdoms and their villages almost every weekend.”

Image Source: Franci Neely

Masquerades with color masks are a Cameroonian tradition and a vibrant part of Bamileke culture, with the fon (king) often donning the visage of an elephant. Cameroon is also a country facing massive economic challenges with an estimated 40% of Cameroonians living below the poverty line. Yet Franci Neely observes that its people are rich with family connections and traditions.

Neely says she was gifted some of the most genuine smiles she’s ever seen from the warm Cameroonians. She was deeply touched by an encounter with a man she observed who “doesn’t have a lot of material possessions, he has his traditions, his family, and extended family, his cultural family, and what an embrace.” Neely believes many Americans could learn from this Cameroonian man’s selfless example of gratitude and appreciation for life. 

Image Source: Franci Neely

Neely, who collects hats during her travels, was also pleased to peruse the native offerings. Hot tip: Whenever she travels, Neely says she makes sure to leave room in her luggage to take home local crafts and fashions so she can look back and remember those joyful moments from her trip.

Upper Mustang In Nepal

Franci Neely’s third recommendation is far off the beaten path. Upper Mustang has been lauded by Condé Nast Traveler for its Himalayan hospitality and striking stupas (Buddhist monuments), ancient caves, and meandering rivers. Since the Upper Mustang was a restricted area until 1992 — and you still need special permits to visit — many people know little about it, but Neely devoured the Tibetan culture there. Its remoteness and lack of accessibility have kept it a hidden gem from the mainstream world — but perhaps not for long.

Prince Harry is one of the famous faces who have sojourned to Nepal, as have Keanu Reeves, Richard Gere, Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore, Selena Gomez, and singer Bryan Adams. Rodeo Drive it isn’t. Nepal is so remote that cnn.com reports that there aren’t any street names in the Mustang capital of Lo Manthang.

Mustang has been part of Nepal since the 18th century, and the core of its traditional Tibetan culture has remained pristine, uninfluenced by outsiders. Intrepid travelers dine on a menu of boiled yak meat and locally brewed beer and barley liquor while locals in colorful Tibetan dress twirl fireside. Visitors can walk the walk of monks on steep cliffs and through 1,000-year-old man-made caves while participating in advanced forms of yoga, practicing a healing form of Tibetan breathing, and perusing Tibetan temple art.

Neely says it’s a sacred step back in time and a travel experience that will remain in one’s heart forever. Upper Mustang has become a daring destination for backpackers and mountain bikers who aim to travel the path less taken and offers unique opportunities to stay with locals and fully appreciate the stunning scenery. The area hosts a plethora of Tibetan festivals and religious ceremonies throughout the year.