Vacation Destinations You Never Knew Existed

Aquarium in Rangiroa, French Polynesia

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Can you imagine snorkelling in these crystal blue waters? This place is a hidden gem with stretches of beautiful coral reef to explore. Unlike other destinations, here you will avoid the crowds and be able to enjoy the luxurious white sands and clear sea.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Morondova in Madagascar

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This looks like a scene from the Lion King, but it is a real place you can actually visit! Madagascar is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and this walkway surrounded by towering great trees is no exception…we can just imagine being here at sunset.

Banaue Rice Terraces in The Philippines

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Most people are familiar with the rice terraces in Bali, but these ones in The Philippines are not as well-know despite being just as beautiful. The endless fields of electric greenery are a great place to explore for the day if you happen to be visiting.

Caño Cristales in Colombia

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This stunning river is located in Serrania de la Macarena province of Meta and is a tributary of the Guayabero River. It is more commonly known as the “liquid rainbow” because of the glistening bright colours of the water, making it a stunning natural wonder.

Crooked Forest in Poland

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This forest full of crooked pine trees can be found near the town of Gryfino in Western Poland. All of the trees have grown at a 90-degree angle from the root, which has created a spectacular display of unusual looking trees which is a must-see if you are ever in the country.

Enchanting River in Surigao del Sur in The Philippines

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The Philippines is full of hidden gems yet to be discovered, just like this one! The Enchanting River is tucked away in the mountains, with flowing turquoise and deep blue waters running through  the rocky terrain. There are plenty of caves and pools to explore up here.

Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island in Canada

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Can you imagine staying in these amazing spheres elevated up in the trees in Canada? This unique experience allows you to stay in the heart of nature, living in beautiful wooden bubbles with views of the forest around you…this is definitely something you need to try!

Glass Beach, Fort Bragg in California

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California is known for being glamorous in the sunshine, with Hollywood on your doorstep and tourist attractions at every corner. But one place many people don’t know about is Glass Beach, a rocky stretch full of smooth colourful pieces of glass which have been washed up on shore.

Haiku Stairs in Oahu in Hawaii

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This unbelievable stairway was built back in 1942 to transmit radio signals to ships across the Pacific Ocean, pretty cool right? Now these steps have become on the world’s best kept secret tourist attractions in Hawaii, would you dare to walk the 3,922 steps?

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate in India

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This majestic tea estate is the world's biggest and highest elevation tea plantation about 8,000 feet above sea level. Despite it being such a grand estate, it is one of India’s best kept secrets. If you ever get the chance to visit this beautiful country, make sure you check it out!

Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang in Laos

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Not many people are familiar with the country Laos, which is nestled between Thailand and Cambodia, but this place looks like something out of a dream…the stunning turquoise blue lagoons, the rushing waterfall and the bright pink flowers create a tropical oasis. 

Laguna Colorada in Bolivia

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This magnificent shallow salt lake is in Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve which is in the southwest of the altiplano of Bolivia, close to the border with Chile. It is more commonly known as the “red lagoon” and you can see why from the image!

Lake Abraham, Alberta in Canada

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This spectacular lake is the largest reservoir in Alberta, a place full of natural wonders and stunning scenery. What is so special about this like? Well, during the winter season the lake freezes to reveal thousands of white bubbles below the surface!

Lake Retba in Senegal

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Also known as “Lac Rose” which means “pink lake” this impressive piece of nature lies north of the Cap Vert peninsula of Senegal, which is 30 km away from the capital city Dakar in northwest Africa. The pink water is caused by Dunaliella salina algae, hence the name “pink lake”.

Malabar Coast in India

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This beautiful stretch of coastline is a hidden gem in India, with palm-lined white sandy beaches meeting the clear blue waters of the sea. People often underestimate the beauty of this grand country, with pockets of natural wonders dotted everywhere you turn.

Moravia in the Czech Republic

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Not many people would consider the Czech Republic as a vacation destination, but they could be missing out on some great things! This is Moravia, a historical region in the east of the Czech Republic with features natural beauty and a stunning city centre to explore.

Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh in the Himalayas

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I bet you haven’t heard of this one before…Pangong Tso Lake is an endorheic lake spanning eastern Ladakh and West Tibet. What makes this like so impressive is that it is situated at an elevation of 4,225 metres! The Tibetan word “Pangong Tso” means “high grassland lake”.

Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina

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When we think of Argentina we think of sunshine, wine and dancing through the streets…we don’t think about seeing a glacier! This is Perito Moreno in Los Glaciares National Park, which as you can tell from the image happens to be the biggest glacier in the world accessible by land.

Rakotzbrücke Devil’s Bridge, Gablenz in Germany

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This image looks too good to be true…but it is a real place that you can visit! This is Rakotzbrücke Devil's Bridge which can be find in Kromlau Park in eastern Germany. This beautiful arched bridge looks like something from a fairytale, we can’t keep our eyes off it!

Ramla Bay, Gozo in Malta

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Another underestimated vacation designation in Europe is Gozo which is located in the Maltese Islands. This is Ramla Bay, which features a unique stretch of orange-coloured sand nestled between the picturesque green scenery of the surrounding island.

Red Sand Beach, Maui in Hawaii

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This beach looks like something from a movie set, we’ve never seen such deep red-coloured sand before! This hidden natural wonder was forged by volcanoes and is hidden away on Maui's famous Road to Hana. The only access is via a steep hiking trail, would you risk it?

Reed Flute Cave, Guilin in China

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You may think this looks like an underwater scene from “The Little Mermaid” but it is actually a cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites and other rock formations. The type of reed growing outside of the cave can be made into flutes, hence the name "Reed Flute Cave".

Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland

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Iceland is a well-know vacation destination for people around the world to see the northern lights and bathe in the blue lagoon. But not many people know about Reynisfjara, a black-sand beach on the south coast next to the small fishing village of Vik í Myrdal. 

Sagano Bamboo Forest, Kyoto in Japan

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Have you ever seen something quite like it? This stunning bamboo forest is located in the Arashiyama district of western Kyoto. Although this is a popular vacation destination for many tourists, the bamboo forest is one of the hidden gems in the region.

Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria

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When people think about Bulgaria, they automatically think about the party destination Sunny Beach…but Bulgaria has so much more to offer! These stunning glacial lakes are situated in the northwestern Rila Mountain, each being named after their most characteristic feature.

Skeleton Coast in Namibia

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The Skeleton Coast is one of the most remote destinations in the world, which was named after the many ships that sank here over the last few centuries. Not much can survive this treacherous stretch of wild Atlantic shore, would you ever attempt to visit it?

The Palouse, Idaho and Washington

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Have you ever seen such a beautiful green space? The Palhouse is a relatively unknown destination in the world, encompassing parts of north Idaho, southeast Washington and parts of northeast Oregon. It is one of the most beautiful pastoral areas in the USA.

Treehotel, Harads in Sweden

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This has to be one of the coolest hotels we have ever seen…the Treehotel in Sweden is suspended from the trees in a beautiful rural setting. It allows guests to live up in the pine trees, taking in the scenic views and fresh air. This is going straight to the top of our vacation list!

Zhangye Danxia Geopark, Gansu in China

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This place is so beautiful it doesn’t even look real…the Zhangye Danxia Geopark is situated in Sunan and Linze counties within the prefecture-level city of Zhangye. It is renowned in China for its stunning display of colourful rock formations, but not many people know about it!

Zlatni Rat in Croatia

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This looks like a tropical island in the Indian Ocean…so you won’t believe us when we tell you it is in Croatia! It is more commonly know as the “golden horn” due to the shape of the land which features white sands and crystal clear waters. This one has to go on your bucket list!

Bucket list destinations you won't want to miss: Glacier National Park, Montana

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There are plenty of beautiful national parks to see in the world, and when it comes to compiling your bucket list for travel, you might be overwhelmed by the choice! If you can only go to one of them, though, it should be Glacier National Park based in Montana, for its stunning scenery, lakes and cliffs. This park is known as the 'Crown of the Continent' and it literally takes the crown for everything there is to see there. Due to the beauty of the landscape, it's also been used for a few films which needed a stunning backdrop of lakes, rivers and cliffs!

Ireland

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If you're a huge fan of a natural beauty and want to explore historical locations with a castle or two, you definitely need to make a visit to the Emerald Isle at least once in your lifetime. Not only is Ireland home to friendly locals, it's home to everything you could possibly want to see during a travel trip if you don't want to lounge on a beach all day. There are a number of castles with a rich history, as well as ancient sites, and you won't be too far away from the water, either, with its stunning coastlines and cliff views.

Machu Picchu in Peru

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This is one most people talk about when trying to plan a travel bucket list, and with good reason. Machu Picchu is known for being an ancient city that was one home to the Incas, and it's a site many people want to visit for its cultural and historical value. The city was lost until it was discovered in 1911, and luckily most of the original architecture has remained preserved and untouched, so a visit means you can see what it would have looked like back then. But it's not just about the city - you also have the incredible Huayna Picchu Mountain view!

Santorini, Greece

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There are many beautiful places to visit in the country of Greece, and the Santorini region should be at the top of your to-see list. This Greek island offers something a little different with its beautiful black-sand coastline and a stunning view of pristine white buildings you can see from a great viewpoint. All the buildings are at the top of a cliff line so that you'll have another stunning view in terms of the beautiful turquoise waters. Not to mention the delicious Greek food and helpful locals you'll find in this exciting city!

The Galapagos Islands

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Just like Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands are another location you think of when trying to plan once in a life time travel destinations, because they're so famous for being a one of a kind travel destination. Located just off the coast of Ecuador, this is definitely one for wildlife lovers, and these islands are known in particular for their turtles you can spot. Not only that, you can expect sea lions, too, meaning it's a place you'll definitely want to take your snorkel with you! You also get to see a unique bird population called blue-footed boobies.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

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If you want to witness the Great Barrier Reef at least once in your lifetime, it's more important now than ever due to the worry over the decline of the reef itself. It's changed a lot over the years, but it's still more than worth a diving experience to this stunning coral reef, where you can also taken in the marine life like dolphins, tropical fish and sea turtles. There's nothing like seeing that colorful coral up close and personal, so if you're an avid swimmer, too, this is a location you'll definitely want to visit at least once.

Scottish Highlands

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The Scottish Highlands are definitely not to miss. If you're a fan of rugged and remote hiking as well as some of the most stunning scenery on the planet, the Highlands are a must do. Not only will you get to take in the breathtaking scenery when driving through, you'll have an array of hikes to choose from, all of which let you take in the splendour of this place! You can expect huge lakes, waterfalls, mountain views as well as a different experience depending on the season you go to explore. This is a walker's paradise!

Cinque Terre, Italy

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Italy is another stunning country, and another that leaves you spoiled for choice on where to go. Cinque Terre should be your number one choice though if you're after unforgettable scenery. Located on the northern coast of Italy known as the Ligurian coast, it's a series of towns to explore right by the water, so this is one for people who's idea of a perfect location is delicious local food, wine, walking through winding streets, and all set to a beautiful backdrop of scenery and ocean views. It's a living postcard!

The Grand Canyon

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There's a reason that the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, so it's one of seven you definitely need to see! Making for some truly memorable travel photos as well as memories, the Grand Canyon is around 18 miles wide and a mile in depth - and as well as expecting some pretty serious vertigo (worth it) you can look out at the landscape and enjoy the orange and brown mosaic colors of the canyon's forms. This location is a spot definitely best taken in either at sunrise or sunset to make the best of the views - and the colors!

Big Sur, California

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Planning a trip to the USA can be overwhelming, and even if you live in the USA, planning to visit another state and seeing everything it has to offer can be overwhelming, too. So if California is on the cards, we'll make it a bit easier by definitely suggesting you visit Big Sur. This is located on the coastline of central California, and this is where the Santa Lucia mountains meet the Pacific ocean - so you're set for stunning views in every way. Here you'll also find a waterfall and the Pfeiffer Beach State Park - as well as a stunning drive to get there!

Rome, Italy

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A trip to Italy will have most people thinking about the ancient city of Rome, and how they definitely have to visit the ancient gladiator battleground, the colosseum! Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, not just in Italy, and lovers of history will want to visit here for its long history. As well as the colosseum, you can explore the roman ruins found in pretty much every street or house, and famous spots like the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain and Vatican City. You can also visit the Roman Forum museum.

The Swiss Alps

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The Swiss Alps really do offer something for everyone, whether it's winter sports or summer hikes. If you're a lover of the outdoors and trying to see as much of the world's stunning scenery as possible, this is definitely somewhere you'll want to go - and get your camera ready! In the alpine mountains of Switzerland, you'll want to visit in the winter if you're hoping to see crystal white snow and do some skiing, and in the warmer months you can expect beautiful wildflowers with green meadows - but still have the snow covered alps in the distance, of course!

Antarctica

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This might not be a very obvious one on a lot of people's travel lists because it's not your usual relaxing hotel or beach resort. But if you're truly looking for unforgettable travel experiences, you'll want to take a trip to the Antarctica for a unique experience. This one will take a lot of planning and guide help, but it's all worth it in the end when you see hundreds of penguins and their young by Orne Harbor. You can also expect to icebergs and a variety of whales, as well as seals and albatross - so this one is definitely for the wildlife lovers!

Iceland

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Iceland is a place that truly has it all, and that's why it's such a good choice for your bucket list travel plans. With Iceland, you get a place that feels like it's from a fairytale, with its stunning scenery and plenty to do. You can explore the landscape or take in a hot spring, while enjoying waterfalls on many of its hikes and getting a view of the distant peaks. One of the most famous spots you'll want to visit is the Blue Lagoon, which is known as a 'natural fountain of youth' due to the water's minerals!

New Zealand

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Whether you're a fan of Middle Earth or not, this is one place you'll want to go - and if you're a fan, then you'll definitely want to go! In New Zealand you have such a wealth of experiences on the north and south island, both of which offer something different in terms of activities and climate. Here you have the best of hikes, mountains, friendly locals, activities to see and do (including the famous Hobbiton) as well as an array of glorious beaches and lakes. You can also get to know the Maori culture or take a cruise through Milford Sound.

Alaska

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There are a few places in the world that are good spots for viewing the amazing spectacle of the Northern Lights, but nowhere is better placed than Alaska. As well as taking in a perfect view of the sky, you can be treated to local wildlife like grizzly bears and even polar bears (from a safe distance, of course). You can expect a memorable hike or two though the rugged terrain and take in the icebergs and glaciers to be found in this beautiful place. It's also one for the thrill or adventure seekers, with a host of activities.

The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

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We all know the Pyramids of Giza are an easy choice for a travel bucket list! They're an important location for the history of the world and ancient Egyptian civilisation - so if you're a fan of historical sites, this has to be one on the to-do list. Found just outside Cairo in Egypt, these pyramids are also classed as one of the seven wonders of the world. They've been there for over 4 and a half thousand years, and their construction still remains a mystery to this day, meaning it's a hotspot for tourists and locals alike.

The Napali Coast of Kauai, Hawaii

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Hawaii has long since been trying to preserve its natural surroundings, so much so that tourists are often advised or asked not to visit too much. So if you are to take only one visit to Hawaii, it should be to this place. A lot of the best locations in Hawaii can't be reached by a car, and this is one of them, which means you'll have to be prepared for a hike there which is more than worth it. You also have the option of a helicopter ride over this location to truly take in the trails, green mountains, cliffs and beautiful ocean view.

Petra, Jordan

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Another must-see historical site, Petra in Jordan is one of the world's most important ancient monuments, and it comes in as one of the most stunning to see in person. The creation of Petra has never been found for certain, but most scholars believe it was built in the first century B.C.. It's also believed the monument was abandoned and forgotten after earthquakes. Luckily, this red city monument still stands for people to see, and you get to pass through the Siq Valley to get to these iconic pillars and take it all in!

A Safari in Tanzania

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A safari in general is on most people's travel lists, and especially if they're a lover of animals, and where better to experience a safari than Africa? A Tanzanian safari is one of the best you can choose for an amazing experience, and that's because it has some of the best reserves for wild animals, like the Serengeti National Park, where you can expect to see wildebeests as they migrate there. Enjoy other native animals like the elephant and wildcats as you enjoy a guided safari you definitely won't forget - and you'll be booking your next one after!