As I handed my boarding pass to the less than enthused TSA agent, she said, “AR? Is that Arizona?”

I said, “No, it’s Arkansas.” She remarked, “Arkansas, interesting. I have never heard of anyone going there.”

It is true. Arkansas may be the most forgotten state in the United States. As least Kansas has Wizard of Oz fame going for it.

Other states and destinations may contend for being more forgotten by visitors, but in my mind, Arkansas seems to win. Rounding out my list of destinations you might not have considered, here are four other locales throughout the United States and Europe that find Arkansas in good company.

Throw away the worries that you have never heard of anyone going there. These out there destinations still deserve your attention:

Arkansas: Arriving into Arkansas in fall is like a kid opening up the crayon box, discovering vibrant oranges and reds for the first time. Maple trees look almost unreal in Arkansas in fall. Fayetteville boasts the university spirit. If you don’t know what a razorback is, you will quickly find out in this college town along lively Dickson Street where bars and restaurants reign. Head out deeper into the state and you will find Civil War battlefields untouched by tourists with only the lingering feeling of soldiers and strife remaining. There is a reason Arkansas is “the natural state”. Trees, shrubbery and the like grow as it seemingly always has.

Luxembourg: Surrounded by France, Germany and Belgium, Luxembourg doesn’t stand a chance at getting the visitors its neighbors do. However, the tiny country warrants a long look for castles spring up on hills as no one stands there to observe their beauty.  Not to be missed is Vianden, just shy of Germany. The town’s castle and countryside leading up to its entrance transport the on-looker into the days of old.

Sardinia: Seriously, why don’t more people head to Sardinia? It could be that the island considered a part of Italy is actually closer to France. Sardinia rests right in the heart of the Mediterranean, surrounded by beaches of beauty, mountain scenery speckled with goats and a history peppered about with ruins rising out of the water. Sure, Italy is great unto itself, but take a ferry or plane to Sardinia and it will be well worth the trouble.

Hawaii’s Big Island:There may be resorts and hotels catering to visitors on the Big Island, but most head to Maui when they say “Hawaii”. The Big Island presents a ying and yang of terrains. On one side, rocky harsh lava rock invades while the other covers in lush greenery, rain and waterfalls. The interior presents cowboy like towns where barbeque is served to perfection. It’s not all about Waikiki and Honolulu when it comes to Hawaii.

Norway: Getting to Norway may be a challenge. The country sits out of sight and mind for most visitors to Europe, almost touching toes with Santa’s workshop up north. Then it could be the prices. One of the most expensive countries in Europe will drive visitors away, but step into Oslo, and you won’t mind throwing around cash. Home to Munch’s The Scream and dozens of Viking ships, Norway may be out of the way, but it shouldn’t be. Save up some cash and explore fjords aplenty and Viking remains by the boatload.