All of us have a bucket list of places we want to visit and while everybody wants to go see the Eiffel Tower or the Coliseum in Rome, there are some lesser-known places that deserve to make it to your coveted list. Whether you want some adventure or some relaxed time with a loved one, these spectacular places have just what you need.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
Nearly everyone who visits the Iguazu Falls finds it stunning and worthwhile. People who have been here also vouch for the fact that these falls are far more impressive than Niagara, and that their only rival is Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Iguazu Falls is spread between Argentina and Brazil, with each side having a very impressive and different national park from which to take in the views. There are speedboat rides through the falls, among other things, located down below. And since there are actually 270 separate falls spread over 2.7 kilometers of curving forest, the number of unique views of the falls is almost endless.
Petra, Jordan
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While Jordan might seem menacing to those who only hear about the place through newspapers, most who visit the country find it to be a delightful introduction to the mysterious Middle Eastern culture. This ancient city built into pink rock formations is only one of the many highlights for those who take the trouble to visit this relatively calm part of a troubled region. The standard tour of Petra takes most of a day, and there are plenty of add-ons available like renting horses or mules to help take some of the load off on what is otherwise a strenuous tour. You can get to Petra as part of a tour after landing in Amman, which is about three hours away by car. You can also reach Petra from Israel, which might be a good idea for those who want to include Jerusalem on their trip.
Fez, Morocco
Stepping through the gates into Fez feels like entering a time machine: The city’s medieval streets, covered markets, and historic sites will heighten your senses, and take you back to a different era. Visit Heri el Souani to tour granaries designed by an ancient king. Pass through Medina Square in nearby Meknès to view Bab Mansour, an elaborate marble gate with engraved tiled panels. House of Venus in Volubilis houses the city’s finest set of mosaics, and provides easy access to the site of the Temple of Saturn. Although Fez is best known for its ancient architecture and historical sites, the surrounding region is also home to ski slopes. This might be just the outdoor sport we are all craving a bit of.
Helsinki, Finland
Finland celebrates 100 years of independence on December 6, 2017, but the parties will start much earlier – and many of them will be happening in Helsinki, the capital. The country’s gift to itself is a major new landmark: the sinuous Central Library, which is to be Helsinki’s new living room (it will open in 2018). Sauna culture is a big part of everyday life in the city. The latest and greatest public one is Löyly, a contemporary geometric complex of wood. And on Sauna Day, which takes place twice a year, several unique private saunas, including one on a raft and another in a castle, open to the public as well.
La Paz, Bolivia
Once beleaguered by frequent strikes, roadblocks, and a paucity of amenities, the backpacker haven of La Paz has emerged as a true culture capital. Now few cities in the world have as spectacular a setting as La Paz, the political and commercial hub of Bolivia. Glimpsed for the first time as your bus or taxi crawls over the lip of the narrow canyon in which the city sits hunched, it’s a sight that will leave you mesmerized. At over 3500m above sea level, amid a hollow gouged into the Altiplano, it’s a scene of stunning contrasts: a central cluster of church spires and office blocks dwarfed by the magnificent icebound peak of Mount Illimani rising imperiously to the southeast. On either side, the steep valley slopes are covered by the ramshackle homes of the city’s poorer inhabitants, clinging precariously to even the harshest gradients.
Kyoto, Japan
A peaceful tranquility permeates Kyoto, a city best known for its historic shrines, temples, and palaces. Cherry-blossom trees line the sidewalks, and pagodas sit atop lush green hills. Step into paradise in one of the city’s Chinese-influenced gardens, which feature budding plants and Zen temples. Visitors can look out over breathtaking mountains at Enryaku-Ji, an ancient temple with intricate architecture. Enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality and lavish amenities at Tawaraya, one of the city’s most elegant inns. Western Kyoto is home to some of the city’s best religious architecture. Tour Kinkaku-ji’s golden temple, walk through the rock garden at Ryoan-ji, or stop by Kitano Tenman-gu’s bustling monthly market.
Palawan Island, Philippines
Beautiful blue water mixes with emerald green, jungle-filled mountains that appear to rise up from the ocean, and small fishing villages dot the island. Together with its neighboring islands, it creates the Palawan province. Described as “the last frontier,” Palawan has artifacts that date back 50,000 years. The island is accessible by either boat or airplane – it’s about an hour and a half by air from Manila – although you can also get there from Iloilo and Cebu. Many say the ideal time to head to Palawan is between October and May, so you might want to consider booking your tickets right away. High points include island hopping around the Bacuit archipelago for the cliffs, sinkholes and lagoons, venturing to Puerto Princesa for its culinary delights and staying in one of Coron’s luxury hotels. Palawan also has some of the best spots to scuba dive in the world – barracuda-filled shipwrecks, for example, line the bottom of Coron Bay.
