We love all the popular, tried & true traveler favorites around the world, but there is something to be said for getting off the beaten path and exploring places that are totally unique. Some of these destinations and sights are cool and quirky, some are criminally underrated, others are environmental safe-havens and some will merely take your breath away – but each one is bound to impress you! So take a chance. Get outside the ordinary and discover all the world has to offer!
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Thor’s Well, sometimes also called the drainpipe of the Pacific, was likely originally a sea cave dug out by waves. Today it looks like a gaping sinkhole that is swallowing the ocean. It can be dangerous during high tides and storms, but, nonetheless, it is a favorite of photographers and tourists. Try to visit an hour before the tide so you can get the full effect as it drinks in the sea. You can visit Thor’s Well easily from Yachats, Oregon.
The Nazca Lines were created some 2,000 years ago and can be found throughout the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. These baffling geoglyphs depicting animals and humans cover the desert floor and can best be viewed from the sky. Despite being studied for nearly a century, the UNESCO designated Nazca Lines remain a mystery to researchers. The surrounding area is a great destination to visit and discover the history and culture of the Paracas people in the interesting museums and archaeological sites. Try a stay in Paracas, Peru to discover this phenomenon.
Fly Geyser is one of Nevada’s little surprises. The brightly colored rock formations spew boiling water five to six feet into the air and are an accidentally created man-made wonder. The geysers are the result of failed attempts at drilling new wells in the area, beginning in 1916. Inside these modern-day marvels, quartz is growing at an expedited rate – something scientists are baffled to make sense of. You can visit this trio of beautiful geysers on a day trip from Reno, Nevada, or the Black Rock Desert.
Glass Beach is one of Mendocino County’s most unique destinations. Located in Fort Bragg, the crashing Pacific Ocean has battered years’ worth of broken glass and other trash into soft and colorful pebbles. It is a true testament to the way the natural world can craft beauty out of anything, even garbage. Don’t worry though, the beach is clean and safe for visitors! Make a stop here when you visit beautiful Mendocino County, California.
Giant’s Causeway lies at the foot of basalt cliffs on the edge of the Antrim plateau along the coast of Northern Ireland. About 40,000 black basalt columns rise dramatically out of the sea, and legend says that giants, particularly Finn McCool, used the Causeway to stride over the sea towards Scotland in battle. A more scientific approach attributes the Causeway to volcanic eruptions some 50 million years ago. Still, with the legends and breathtaking scenery surrounding this UNESCO Heritage Site, Giant’s Causeway remains one of our favorite places in Northern Ireland.
Popeye Village in beautiful Malta is one of the most quirky places you can visit in all of Europe. The attraction began life as a purpose-built set for the 1980 musical film Popeye starring Robin Williams and based on the beloved comic strip, but today it still stands for the young and young at heart to enjoy as a theme park. Upon entry, guests are greeted by Popeye and friends, and there are a handful of activities such as the comic museum and short cruises around Anchor Bay guests can enjoy. Stay in nearby and beautiful Mellieha on the north end of the island to easily visit this quirky and fun attraction!
Pag Island is the place to head in Croatia if you are looking to get off the beaten path. Even though it enjoys the longest stretch of coastline of all the local islands, the rocky karst and salt hills above the island’s settlements are what make Pag Island so different. The landscape bears a striking resemblance to the surface of the moon. In recent years travelers have discovered the island’s magic, with its Instagram-worthy panoramas, warm sandy beaches, considerable nightlife clustered near Zrce Beach and Novalja, and its lace production, vineyards, salt fields, and locally made artisan sheep’s milk cheese. So why not make the trip for yourself and discover the otherworldly Pag Island?
The Meteora (which in Greek means “suspended in the air”) is a marvel of human creativity which has landed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The site, combining history and architecture with nature’s grandeur, is a testament to man’s desire to connect to the Divine. Christian hermit-monks were the first to flock to these cliffs for spiritual ascension, living in caves and relying on donations from local villagers. Eventually, 24 monasteries were built, of which 6 survive and are inhabited to this day. We suggest a visit to discover harmony and peace for yourself, and you can stay in nearby Kalambaka.
The Catacombs of Paris are a veritable labyrinth in the heart of the city, but most people completely miss out on this cool underground site. The Municipal Ossuary is the final resting place for several million Parisians and recalls the (sometimes unglamorous) history of the captivating city. The Catacombs were once the answer to public health issues in the 18th century, but today visitors can see themed exhibits or stroll through the ossuary on guided tours – don’t miss the haunting inscription “Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la mort!” (Stop! This is the empire of death!). Make time to see it while in Paris, you won’t be sorry!
Pamukkale, which in Turkish means “Cotton Castle,” is a natural wonder as famous for its historical remains as it is for its breathtaking geological formations. The calcium oxide-rich waters flowing down the southern slope of Caldag located north of the ruins have, over the millennia, built deposits of white travertine on the plateau. This is where its moniker comes from. These waters are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pamukkale’s ancient name was Hierapolis (Holy City), and the well-preserved ancient Theater of Hierapolis offers a magnificent view of the plain below. We strongly recommend Turkey as a travel destination, and while you are here, don’t bypass Pamukkale. It is a sight quite unlike any other!
Addo Elephant National Park is a colossal area whose grounds boast some of the most striking views of wildlife and varied landscapes in the entire world! Visitors can reside in exclusive accommodations found in epic natural settings from the karoo area to Darlington Dam and the rugged Zuurberg Mountains. The park is a sanctuary for over 500 elephants, cape buffalo, antelopes, wildebeest, black rhinos, and more. If you want to discover the beauty and magic of nature while in South Africa, consider a stay in Addo!
Aït Benhaddou is a ksar, or a fortified village, built entirely out of native earthen clay. The village, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one of the key links on the trans-Saharan trade route from Marrakech because of its strategic position on a hillside next to the Ounila River. Once housing everyone who lived in the area, the ksar is now home only to a few families, with most townspeople living in the valley. The impressive village is open to tourists, giving glimpses and flickers of authentic Berber life still being lived. When you visit Morocco, save a little time to stop by Aït Benhaddou, you’ll be glad you did!
The Dead Sea, located on the border between Israel and Jordan, is one of the most intriguing and mythic natural phenomena on Earth. Due to the high salt content of the water, the lake is completely devoid of life: no fish, no seaweed, no creatures of any sort can survive its inhospitable waters – hence its name! But this same environment imbues the waters and mud with wonderful healing properties, making the Dead Sea a much-sought destination for spa and wellness enthusiasts (try staying near Ein Bokek). With legendary fans such as Herod the Great and Cleopatra, why not make the trip for yourself and discover the healing properties and the beauty of the famed Dead Sea?
Cat Island (real name: Aoshima Island) is just what it seems: an island overrun by cats! The cats were introduced by fishermen to combat the rat problem infesting their boats, but today the cat population has grown exponentially as the human population has dwindled to a handful of inhabitants. The locals do not seem to mind being outnumbered, and the cats remain much beloved and are thought to bring good luck. Though they are feral they are well fed and cared for by the island’s human residents. Cat Island is in the Ehime Prefecture of Japan, and you can make a day trip while staying in its capital Matsuyama.
Reed Flute Cave is a natural limestone cave formed over the course of 180 million years. It is well known for its beautiful array of stalagmites, stalactites, stone columns, and bizarre karst formations, and for the reeds that grow at the entrance which are used to make, you guessed it, flutes! The cave’s rock formations and grottoes have served as inspiration since as early as the Tang Dynasty (as evidenced by inscriptions on the walls dating to 792 A.D.). To visit the cave stay in nearby Guilin, China, and use local transportation or book a tour to explore this beautiful and unique spot.
The Chocolate Hills in Bohol sound dreamy and delicious but pack away your sweet tooth because these beautiful hills aren’t actually made of cocoa. They get their name from the dry season when the normally lush green vegetation turns a rich brown color. The hills differ in size, but, from afar, they seem symmetrical. This optical illusion creates quite a striking landscape. Filipino legend says that giants created this natural wonder while fighting and hurling boulders at one another, and while science will tell you another story, isn’t it more fun to imagine the former option? Decide for yourself by booking a vacation to Bohol, Philippines to see them for yourself.
Kangaroo Island, the third largest island in Australia, is considered off the beaten path even for native Australians! This stunning destination is an eco-friendly dream with abundant wildlife protected within the National Parks and brimming with white sandy beaches lapped by blue azure seas with cliffs, boulders, caves, and rolling green hills to explore. The dazzling natural scenery of the island provides visitors with endless outdoor opportunities amongst nature`s playgrounds. True to its name, you will find an abundance of kangaroos, but seek out the seal colonies at Seal Bay and the wildlife parks to experience all the wildlife Kangaroo Island has to offer!
The world is such an incredible place, and we hope this list inspires you to make the most of it! Make sure to check out the complete list of our favorite incredible places to visit as well as guides to our favorite Getaways and Wonders of the World!
