Three must-see countries, newly established in the past 20 years, have proved that what's old is new again

Under $175 a day

Where
Windhoek, Namibia

Why
Nearly two decades after winning independence from South Africa—and despite a seductive desert landscape—Namibia has managed to stay under the radar, at least until May 2006, when Baby Brangelina was born in the coastal town of Walvis Bay. Still, the country's star attractions—the storied Skeleton Coast, the sand dunes of Sossusvlei, the iconic African wildlife, and the stunning wilderness lodges—remain unspoiled. Base yourself in laid-back Windhoek, the German-influenced capital.

Room
The modern Olive Grove, one of Windhoek's many guesthouses, is in a leafy residential area (264-61-239-199; olivegrove-namibia.com; doubles, $83–$105). Namibia Country Lodges has nine community-oriented hostelries, including Twyfelfontein Lodge, in Damaraland's red-rock region (264-61-37-47-50; namibialodges.com; doubles, $200).

Lunch & Dinner
Among the two best restaurants in Windhoek are Gathemann's—known for its flavorful game, including ostrich and oryx, and fresh Namibian oysters (175 Independence Ave.; 264-61-223-853; entrées, $10–$15)—and the French-inspired Leo's, at the castle-cum-hotel Heinitzburg (22 Heinitzburg St.; 264-61-24-95-97; entrées, $13–$18).

Tip
Save a small fortune by forgoing the usual bush-plane charter and instead renting a four-wheel drive. The roads, though mostly gravel, are flat and well maintained. Etosha National Park and the giant red rocks and desert elephants of Damaraland are a scenic day's drive from Windhoek.

Under $250 a day

Where
Zagreb, Croatia

Why
Those who remember Zagreb from the era of Tito will hardly recognize it today. Cracked gray facades are rapidly reclaiming their colorful Austro-Hungarian glory, and the city's blue trams are now trailed by Range Rovers. Some things haven't changed—the best part of Zagreb is still its charming center. Tour the Gornji Grad district, haggle for honey or cheese at Dolac market, and stroll Tkalčićeva Street for finds from the city's up-and-coming designers and artists.

Room
At the Hotel Dubrovnik, located on the main square, the staff are warm but the rooms could use a bit of an update (385-1-4863-555; hotel-dubrovnik.hr; doubles, $161–$298). Arcotel Allegra is Zagreb's only design hotel. Its lobby-level Joe's Bar has live jazz two nights a week (385-1-4696-000; arcotel.cc; doubles, $188–$209).