You’ve visited all the tourist destinations during your previous holidays and now you’re looking for something a bit more unique and atypical of a vacation. If you’re tired of tourist-filled holiday destinations and looking for somewhere new to go, here are eight exotic and quieter places you can head to for your next vacation:
1. Lebanon
Known as a Paris of the East, Lebanon’s breathtaking sights are second to none. The capital of the Lebanon, Beirut, has rebuilt itself very quickly since a recent civil war in 1990. Now, it is a city of elegance and affluence, with numerous five-star hotels which appeal to refined guests. Its rich and captivating history is another reason you should visit Lebanon. Historical remnants can still be found in Tripoli, where hammams and souks from the age of the Mamluk and Ottoman can be viewed and appreciated. If you’re interested in literature, you should definitely visit the ancestral home of the poet Khalil Gibran in Bcharre. Lebanon is a great place whether you’re interested in history and literature, or if you’re just looking for a beautiful location to relax and unwind.
2. Vanuatu
Located in the South Pacific Ocean about three days away from California by flight, this paradise is made up of approximately 80 immaculate islands with clear blue lagoons you can go swimming in. There are even some active volcanoes here, which really puts Vanuatu on the road less traveled. The biggest attraction on this archipelago would be its largest island, Espiritu Santo, where you can enjoy a horseback ride through the mangroves. If you prefer something more romantic, head to the Port Vila, Erakor or Irikiriki islands, where you can enjoy the sun and magnificent views. Fun fact about Vanuatu: it is where James A. Michener wrote Tales from the South Pacific. If you’re looking for a faraway destination to take some time off, Vanuatu is the place for you.
3. Northern Cyprus
The Greek area of Cyprus is frequented by tourists, but Northern Cyprus is a lesser known destination that is worth checking out. There is a UN buffer zone dividing the Greek and Turkish (Northern) Cyprus that splits Nicosia, the island’s capital, in the middle. Northern Cyprus, with its greenery, age-old villages, and sunny beaches, is currently being occupied by Turkey. You can visit Salamis to take a look at the ruins of the archaeological seaside area, as well as buildings commissioned by Hadrian. If you’re fascinated by the early Byzantine or late Roman ages, head to Soli, the alleged burial place of St. Mark. Bellapis Village, which was made known by Lawrence Durrell’s biography, is worth a visit as well. You can also pamper yourself in Kyrenia, a town by the sea that is home to a number of luxurious resorts, as well as a majestic castle you can visit. You could also soak up the sun in Alagadi Beach, which known for the hatching of green turtles and loggerheads in the summer. You will definitely find something you enjoy doing here in Northern Cyprus. Cyprus is also a great destination for kids, with so much history and unique places for them to explore. You’re bound to hit the beach, so make sure the kids have some super cute puddle jumpers to keep them floating and safe!
4. Botswana
Botswana is the perfect vacation destination if you love animals. Whether you’re heading to the Kalahari or exploring the Moremi Nature Reserve, you can enjoy sightings of many majestic animals, including elephants, leopards, and zebras, in their natural habitats. They are also very well taken care of as protection of wildlife is very strictly enforced when it comes to safaris. If you’re new to these nature expeditions, don’t worry. Luxury tents with all your necessities are available for you to ease into the experience.
5. Kumaon, Uttarakhand
This quieter area in the Himalayas will give you some relief from the crowds and heat in South India. Uttarakhand ranges from Tibet to the Gangetic plains and is known for its colonial hill stations, and houses built in that time period have now been converted to inviting resorts. Luxurious contemporary retreats such as The Shakti Kumaon and The Kumaon in Binsar allow for unique and interesting experiences. Kumaon’s vast and stunning views are sure to leave you speechless. You can also take part in hiking trails and village walks, and you’ll be sure to reach inner peace here in Kumaon.
6. Greenland
Greenland is an amazing place to visit in the summer, at the height of its Midnight Sun. You can also get the once in a lifetime opportunity to whale watch while being surrounded by icebergs that are beginning to divide into glaciers. With the flowers in full bloom, the sights are sure to take your breath away. Be sure to snap some incredible photos as well! If you would like to learn about different cultures, go down the Inuit trail with a hiking tour, where you will visit hunters’ villages and enjoy spectacular sights.
7. Colombia
You may know Colombia from the Netflix series Narcos, but Colombia is nothing like that in reality. The civil war that lasted half a century ended in 2016, and the war on drugs was effectively won, which means this is a great time to finally visit Colombia. The Four Seasons, as well as numbers other luxury hotel chains, has set up business in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, so you don’t have to worry about accommodation when visiting. Seize the opportunity to enjoy the River of Five Colours, the Cano Cristales, and go on a tour to explore the flora and fauna surrounding it. The Las Laias Sanctuary, the site of a Catholic miracle, is another attraction worth visiting. The sanctuary is very grand, built beside a canyon, and is sure to leave you speechless.
8. Uyuni, Bolivia
Located in the southwest of Bolivia, Uyuni has magnificent and diverse landscapes that will astound you. It is known for being home to the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, where The Last Jedi was shot. You can also visit the Laguna Colorada, a river stained red that is packed with flamingoes. Moreover, there is a green lake, Laguna Verde, which flows near a dormant volcano. Siloli Desert is located in Uyuni as well, where you can inspect the uncommon rock formations. A desert and a train cemetery named after Salvador Dali will conclude this bizarre and dreamlike experience. The hotels around the Salar de Uyuni will add on to your unusual vacation, with some made entirely of salt. There is quite a bit of ground to cover, and each trip will usually take up to three days.
There are many vacation destinations this world has to offer, but we hope this list has helped you narrow down your choices for your next holiday. Do remember to plan ahead for the perfect vacation!
