6 Places To Travel To That You Would Not Ordinarily Think Of
Deciding which places to travel to for vacation can be a difficult task for anyone. There are so many places in the world to go to and not nearly enough time or money, and asking for opinions can be less than helpful. People will either tell you the same places that everyone else tells you or they will say that you “just have to go”.
So, here are six places to travel to that you would not ordinarily think of. These places have less potential to be suggested by everyone and will allow you to blaze your own trail, as well as to become that person who says: “You just have to go there!”
1. Alaska
Alaska has a reputation for being an ice cold wilderness with bears and no sunlight, but don’t let that scare you away from its raw beauty. In the summertime, Alaska has up to nineteen hours of sunlight and is quite warm, allowing for more outdoor activities. Visit Denali National Park and marvel at Mount Denali, North America’s largest mountain, as well as see the home of grizzly bears, wolves, reindeer, elk, and other animals. Major cities to visit are Anchorage and Fairbanks, where you can shop and visit various heritage sites. After viewing the many interesting sites, go to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, with nine of the sixteen highest peaks in the United States. There are glaciers to hike on and take pictures of, as well as mining attractions.
2. Utah
Utah can get lumped into the southwestern states, where destinations can blend together, but make no mistake, Utah is a destination in its own right. Firstly, Utah is home to five national parks: Arches, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Zion, each with unique rock structures and trails for all skill levels; perfect for park hopping. Then, travel to Park City and Salt Lake City and check out the museums, restaurants, and nightlife. In Utah, there is something for everyone to experience.
3. Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico is a Caribbean Island in the US’s backyard, where you don’t even need a passport to enter. There are many things to do besides swim and sunbathe at the many stunning beaches. One can explore the underground caves of Río Camuy Cave Park and then hike El Yunque in a tropical rainforest, and then see the 500-year old El Morro fort. Enjoy Vieques’ bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, where at night, the waters emit a blue glow from the microorganisms that live there. And later, you will discover the bright nightlife in San Juan.
4. Morocco
Despite being in Northern Africa, Morocco can get put into the category of the Middle East, which is not a bad thing, except that it is not in the Middle East. Head to the bustle of Casablanca and eat at Rick’s Cafe and tour the Hassan II Mosque. Then, explore the spices and crowds of the Fez Medina and relax in Chefchaouen, the Blue City. After driving through the winding, narrow roads of the High Atlas Mountains, take a camel ride into the Sahara Desert at sunset and wade through the red sand and dunes. It will be an unforgettable experience.
5. South Africa
South Africa has a diverse range of offerings that are unique to the destination. After flying into Johannesburg, head east about four hours to Kruger National Park. Imagine driving into a national park, but going on your own safari for the price of an inexpensive park entry fee, where you will see zebras, lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes and many more. Kruger National Park is a place to see animals in the wild in their natural habitats from a safe distance, without disturbing them, allowing you to see them truly existing on their own. Another must-see place is Cape Town, which offers wondrous restaurants, a scenic view at the top of Table Mountain, as well as swimming and surfing.
6. China
China truly has a lot to offer. In Beijing, you can hike the Great Wall of China and take photographs of the beautiful landscape. In the city, you can tour the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in the world, and catch a glimpse of what China once was. The Terracotta Army is another surreal site, where there are thousands of life-sized warriors that were constructed to accompany the tomb of China’s First Emperor as an afterlife guard. In Shanghai, you can experience the serenity and beauty of the world’s most populous city and look down at the waterfront and streets from skyscrapers. The sheer magnitude of China will blow you away, as well as the attention to detail.
Now, this list is not telling you that you must go to these specific places and do the specific things I mentioned, but it is to give you some insight for when you go to pick your next travel destination. Traveling takes some research and planning but finding the right destination is a key beginning point. Safe Travels!
