We all love a vacation, right? The chance to unplug from everyday life, relax, and focus on spending time with loved ones are just some of the things we look forward to during our time off. And, while some are perfectly visiting the same place year after year, for those of us who love adventure and crave new experiences, there is nothing more exciting than exploring a new destination. Whether it’s a far-off corner of the world or a place right in our own backyard, there are endless possibilities for exploration. So if you’re looking for an adventure, consider one of these four unusual vacation spots. You won’t be disappointed!
Antarctica
Although it is one of the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth, Antarctica is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. The allure of this icy continent is its pristine wilderness, which is home to unique wildlife like penguins and whales, and the chance to see them in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. There are also plenty of opportunities for adventure sports like skiing and snowboarding so, if you have exhausted the more common winter sports destinations, this could be a great chance to explore a whole new set of courses and resorts.
Tourists can fly into one of Antarctica’s 20 airports, or those who wish to make Antarctica a stop on a wider exploration holiday can consider looking at cruises to Antarctica in order to take in this incredible continent for just enough time before moving on to the next wonderful place on their itinerary.
Puglia, Italy
Italy has been a popular tourist destination for a number of years now, and it’s not difficult to see why. There really is something for everyone, from incredible scenery and history to some of the best-loved food in the world (such as pizza, pasta, and ice-cream). And, while there are some staple cities when it comes to visiting this beautiful country, there are also plenty of underrated gems that are waiting for their time to shine.
If you’re looking for a vacation destination that’s off the beaten path, consider visiting Puglia. This region is located in the heel of the country’s boot and is known for its stunning coastal views and ancient villages. You’ll also find plenty of vineyards and olive groves in Puglia, so be sure to sample some of the local wines and olive oils while you’re there. There are also plenty of boat trips to surrounding areas and islands so you can really explore the area and get a taste of la dolce vita!
Madagascar
If you are a wildlife lover, you may have already been fortunate enough to have some incredible animal experiences already on your travels, but you’re now searching for somewhere a little bit different. One place that should definitely be on your radar is Madagascar. This virtually unexplored island nation is located off the southeast coast of Africa, and is home to a variety of unique animals, including lemurs and chameleons. Madagascar is also known for its impressive mountains and rainforests.
If you’re interested in visiting this country, be prepared for a bumpy ride – the roads in Madagascar are often unpaved. But that’s not to say that Madagascar doesn’t know how to do luxury – for those seeking a mixture of exploration and pampering, there are villa resorts ready to welcome you with stunning beaches and settings that will make you think you really are in paradise.
Yakushima Island, Japan
If you think Japan is all about Tokyo and Kyoto, you’re in for a surprise. While, yes, the cities are undoubtedly a massive part of what makes Japan a popular destination for those who visit, the country is also full of natural beauty, including the stunning Yakushima Island. Located just south of Kyushu, the island is known for its lush forests (home to some of the oldest trees in Japan, with some as old as 7,000 years old!), waterfalls, and hot springs. For the animal lovers, you will find monkeys and deer on the island, which will no doubt make for some adorable photos for your social media. Yakushima is also a great place to go whale watching, as the island is home to a large population of humpback whales.
Getting to Yakushima is easy. There are direct flights from Tokyo and Osaka airports, and there are also ferries that run from Kagoshima and Kumamoto. The ferry ride is about 8 hours, but it’s a beautiful journey, so it’s definitely worth it. Once you’re on the island, you can explore all of its natural beauty by hiking or cycling. There are also a number of guesthouses and inns on the island, so you can really relax and enjoy your time there.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of vacation destinations around the world that many people simply don’t know are out there for them to visit. Since they are not very well known, they can be great places to explore, and can provide a unique experience for those who seek a bit of adventure on their vacations and aren’t afraid of the unknown. So, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path spot for your next trip, make sure to do your research before booking any trips, be prepared for anything and, of course, enjoy your trip!
