24 Aug 5 Unique Travel Destinations to Put on Your List
One of the most quoted axioms about travel and its benefits to people comes from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick: or, The Whale. When the narrator Ishmael speaks of his companion Queequeg’s Pacific island homeland, he says “it is not down in any map; true places never are.”
Part of the reason people travel is for vacation—to escape their daily lives and routines. While vacation is scientifically proven to reduce stress and make people happier, many of the popular vacation spots around the world have become so packed and hectic that visitors tend to miss out on the destination’s true identity and culture.
It’s easy to book a room in some giant hotel complex and experience the same type of vacation and accommodations as everyone else. However, seeking out unique travel destinations that exist far from the norm can lead you to discover new things about the world and about yourself. The team at ResortRentals.com looked outside the box to discover amazing travel destinations you may not find on a map, but will find to be immensely rewarding and enriching.
#1. Cuba
Our first destination may not seem like one that is unusual or unknown—it’s just 90 miles from the United States. However, because of political turmoil and nearly 60 years without diplomatic relations, Cuba has been isolated from the U.S. Many American travelers grew up under the assumption that Cuba is a forbidden place, but that is not the case anymore.
As major airlines and hotel brands begin to extend their services to Cuba, the massive Caribbean island nation will begin to open up to more travelers. Those thinking of traveling to Cuba might be surprised—Havana and other notable destinations are home to a bright and extraordinary culture unlike any other in the world. Malecon is a beach favored by travelers and locals alike, while other cultural attractions include the Museum of the Revolution and old fortresses like Morro Castle.
#2. St. Helena
As one of the most isolated spots in the world, St. Helena is starting to gain attention from those seeking a truly unique travel destination to escape to. A British Overseas Territory, St. Helena is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, between the southwest coast of Africa and the east coast of Brazil. This tiny volcanic island is only home to about 4,000 residents, and is famous for being Napoleon’s place of exile.
As the island is very quiet, it is ideal for those who seek to be outdoors. The hiking around St. Helena is extraordinary—one of the island’s few official tourist destinations, Heart Shaped Waterfall, is a stunning natural attraction perfect for photo ops. St. Paul’s Cathedral transports travelers to another place in time, and Longwood House, Napoleon’s final residence, is a must for history buffs. Getting to the island may prove challenging, but once you’re there, you’ll cherish being in a place that few will ever see or know about.
#3. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
When most people think of traveling to South America, they think of hiking Machu Picchu, lounging on the beach in Rio, or tasting wine in Chile. However, one of the world’s most unique travel destinations is located in the middle of the Bolivian Altiplano. Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, encompassing more than 4,000 square miles.
Salar de Uyuni provides stunning pure white vistas for miles in every direction, almost mimicking views you’d find in the Arctic. While the destination is definitely remote and happens to exist in the middle of one of the harshest deserts in the world, finding a place to stay is not impossible. A few hotels made entirely of salt have opened up around the flats. A cemetery of abandoned trains is also a popular tourist destination.
#4. Fjordland, New Zealand
Nestled in one of Planet Earth’s quieter corners, New Zealand’s breathtaking Fjordland region is a nature-lover’s paradise. Closer to Antarctica than you’d think, Fjordland boasts a world of untapped potential for hiking and exploring, with an abundance of wildlife untouched by man. So whether you choose to explore from a boat or get up close and personal, Fjordland has the opportunities for you.
Milford Sound is perhaps the most popular attraction in the region, but also present are three of New Zealand’s famous nine “Great Walks.” These immense hiking routes take you through the heart of the countryside to discover a world unlike any other. Helicoptering over Fjordland National Park never disappoints, while the more adventurous might choose to embark on a diving expedition to discover the underwater realms of Fjordland.
#5. Mongolia
Mongolia is a vast nation that comprises desert, grasslands, and mountains. Remote as it is beautiful, those who travel to Mongolia often return to experience something different. While most of the popular and recommended travel destinations can be found just outside the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, exploring the vast steppes (grasslands) will reveal a whole new world.
Staying in a yurt will give you the full Mongolian experience—camping under the stars, hundreds of miles away from cities will give you a new perspective on what it means to be alive. Horseback riding is the activity of choice in this part of the world, with a number of camps and training courses scattered around the countryside. For a more tame experience, see attractions like Erdene Zuu Khiid or Gandan Khiid monasteries.
Regardless of where you want to travel, make sure you don’t settle for the same old accommodations. ResortRentals.com features a wide selection of resort rental deals guaranteed to help you take your vacation to the next level.
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