While most roads and paths are walked upon by tourists around the world, for the slightly more adventurous and those seeking the unknown, there are a plethora of gems awaiting discovery. These less-traveled places offer stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences. Let’s now go through some of the most exotic and unusual places to travel from around the world.
To make your travel planning easier, consider using RateHawk for online booking of hotels and other travel services. RateHawk provides access to over 2.5 million hotels worldwide, ensuring you find the best accommodations for your unique journey.
Unearth the mystery
Yemen, Socot
Socotra is characterized by unique flora and fauna, such as the Dragon’s Blood Trees, and has earned the reputation of the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean”. This peculiarity resulted from the island’s isolation. Plan your visit during months from October to April, and be sure to take a local guide to tour over this extraordinary landscape.
Chile, Easter Island
Rapa Nui is relatively famous for its mysterious moai statues, with archaeological sites to be found all over the island. Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki are also the best. Go in spring or fall for the best experience.
Ancient Civilizations
Göbekli Tepe
Göbekli Tepe, the “world’s first temple,” was constructed around 9600 BCE. It can be found in southeastern Turkey and contains huge stone pillars with complex carvings that suggest something about the nature of prehistoric culture. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall.
Ciudad Perdida, Colombia
The Lost City, Ciudad Perdida, built more than a thousand years before Machu Picchu and reached by a demanding multiday jungle hike, truly is a challenging but ennobling experience to this thousands-year-old city in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Visiting from December to March will be enough.
Natural Wonders
Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale means “Cotton Castle” in English, and it is famous for its white travertine terraces and thermal springs. In addition, the historic site of Hierapolis, an ancient city, is located nearby, offering even more historical interest. Spring or fall is the best time to visit.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni is the world’s biggest salt flat and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful, exciting landscapes when covered with water, converting it into a giant mirror. Come in December to April for this amazing, surreal mirror effect, or in May to November to see it dry and natural with salt polygon patterns.
Cultural Treasures
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Chefchaouen, also known as the “Blue City,” adorns itself with blue-washed buildings and offers a great many artisanal shops to explore. An added adventure is walking through the historic medina and trekking up to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views. Spring or fall are the best times to visit.
Luang Prab
With its Buddhist temples and colonial-era architecture, Luang Prabang enjoys World Heritage status by UNESCO with regards to cultural heritage. Join the daily almsgiving and visit the Royal Palace Museum. Best visited between November and April, during the dry season.
Exploring these exotic places offers possibilities to relate to the unknown, to be embraced into the life of an adventurer, and to travel with respect to natural and cultural wonders that our world has to offer. Happy traveling!
