Ten beautiful exotic places.
If the goal of your trip is to go where no human has gone before (and if you have, then you can't see it), then this article is an invaluable source of options for you.
10 Bagan
Bagan is home to the largest number of Buddhist temples and decorated graves in the world. The once powerful city was eventually sacked by the Mongols. Interestingly, it was never included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
9 Arashiyama (Arashimaya Bamboo Forest, Japan)
The famous bamboo forest is literally strewn with famous tombs and temples. Not far from it you can see "MoonCrossingBridge". Both places are definitely worth a visit.
8 Juneau, Alaska - Mendenhall Ice Caves
After watching the movie "Frozen" one wants to find oneself in such a magical ice castle. So what's the problem? The ice caves of Mendenhall await you. Melting ice gives this unusual shape to the caves. However, it not only decorates, but also slowly destroys this natural miracle. So hurry up to see everything with your own eyes! 
7 Belovezhskaya Pushcha - Białowieża Forest
Ever wondered what Europe looked like in the 14th century? Even if not, here's your answer. The Białowieża forest is one of the best preserved forests in the world. Walking along it, you can imagine yourself, say, King Arthur and admire in the 21st century what he admired one and a half thousand years ago. 
6 Phowintaung cave complex
Phowintaung is a Buddhist cave complex in Burma. Yes, the topic of Buddhism is already hackneyed and not interesting. But this place is different from anything Buddhist you've seen before. In fact, these are 947 richly finished Buddhist caves, collected in a whole complex.
5 North Tanzania
Now consider something completely different from the previous options. Tanzania is one of the best destinations for safari lovers. A place at the foot of Kilimanjaro. This is a must visit as well. national park Tarangire is one of the last unexplored gems in Africa.
4 Psychedelic River Caño Cristales
This river is known as the most beautiful in the world. Some call it "Pure Rainbow". Traveling through South America, be sure to find out how you can get to this miracle of nature. There are no fish in the river itself. It must be fun to swim there.
3 Canaima National Park Mount Roraima
Want to see something in between Conan Doyle's The Lost World and Avatar? This place is definitely not of our world. Mount Roraima in South America was home to many Aboriginal legends from before the arrival of Europeans on the continent. According to them, there was once a tree here, on which all the fruits and vegetables known to the world grew.
2 Angkor
The capital of the ancient Khmer Empire became the home of the magical Angkor Wat - the largest temple in the world. it the best place for exotic tourists in Cambodia. When you stand near the temple, admiring its beauty and grandeur, it seems that everything around - forest, grass, streams - everything is talking to this great temple. 
1 Kawachi Fuji Gardens, Japan
This place is a little hard to find. It is a five hour high speed train ride from Tokyo towards Nozomi. In fact, this is a flowering 15-kilometer tunnel, full of vibrant colors. The best time to visit is in April.
The named places have so far remained aloof from popular tourist routes, despite the amazing local architectural monuments and natural wonders.
When thinking about where to go in 2018, you should choose not only among popular locations. There will probably be huge queues and inflated prices. And besides, there are many directions that remain little known but incredibly beautiful and interesting.
So, in 2018 it is worth visiting countries that are not yet overloaded with tourists, or where some really worthwhile events will take place: like Eurovision or the Olympic Games. About this in my selection of new interesting directions writes CNN. TSN.Tourism selected 10 of the most amazing and colorful of them.
Cape Verde
The islands of Cape Verde are the perfect place for an exotic vacation. They are located near the western coast of Africa and combine African, Pyrenean and Brazilian cultural heritage. However, Cape Verde has a completely heavenly atmosphere. This applies to both the weather and the surrounding landscapes.
The islands are located 570 kilometers from the nearest city in mainland Africa - Dakar. They are of volcanic origin, and therefore cozy beaches and bays contrast with jagged peaks and gorges. Among these opposites there are many luxurious hotels and tropical bungalows, connected by winding cobbled alleys surrounded by Dragon trees.
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One of the most popular places in the archipelago is the city of Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente. Vacationers swim here in the bays of the Atlantic Ocean, drink local rum and various dishes, listening to folk melodies in the national dialect.
visualhunt.com/CarolineG2011
Botum Sakor National Park, Cambodia
In the southwestern corner of Cambodia is the huge Botum Sakor National Park. The natural wonders of this country are concentrated here: from evergreen tropical forests to coastal plains and cliffs.
About 180 hectares of the park is occupied by the so-called Southwest Elephant Corridor. It is here that the largest population of Asian elephants lives, as well as a number of rare birds and animals.
In the vicinity of the park there are a number of hotels and bungalows built in vintage style for a vacation in the wild. They are located near rivers, picturesque rocky waterfalls and on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Here you can not only observe nature from the inhabited territory and swim in the bay, but also go on a safari deep into the reserve.
www.flickr.com/Jesus Roncero
Valletta, Malta
The capital of Malta - Valletta - was named cultural center Europe for 2018. The country is located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Tunisia. The cultures of these countries are intertwined on the island and in just 20 minutes you can "move" from Ancient Greece to the Middle East. A similar contrast is noticeable in architecture, and also in cooking, thanks to the dishes that are served here.
So far, Valletta is not included in the popular tourist and cruise routes, as opposed to Venice and Rome. And therefore, here you can, without excessive crowds, relax on the island beaches and see local attractions. The pearl of the city is Cathedral Saint John - a knight who was a native of Malta. And a nice bonus to the sparsely populated resorts of the island will also be Instagram photos that few can boast of.
Gozo is an island of the Maltese archipelago, which is also worthy of attention. Previously, there was a rocky arch "Blue Eye" above the bay, which became known thanks to the TV series " Game of Thrones", but it collapsed in 2017. Nevertheless, Gozo will be interesting to see the steep, rocky coasts that form cozy bays with deserted beaches and azure-green water.
www.flickr.com/zacke82
Serbia
The countries of the former Yugoslavia are becoming more and more popular holiday destinations in Europe. This, in particular, applies to Croatia and Montenegro, which attract vacationers with luxurious coastlines. Adriatic Sea. But Serbia, among the former Soviet republics, remains the least visited. One of the reasons is that the country is not washed by any sea.
However, Serbia has a number of other advantages. So, you should go to the country to learn about the history of the region, see amazing architectural monuments and natural wonders, and also try different varieties of local cheeses. At the same time, holidays in Serbia will be much cheaper in comparison with neighboring states.
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In winter, it is worth going to Serbia for the sake of the Kopaonik and Zlatibor National Parks. Here you can go skiing or boarding and see the karst rocks covered with pine needles. In addition, another park - "Tara" - will be a good option for a summer trip. It attracts travelers with untouched mountain landscapes, rivers, animals and the huge artificial lake Zaovine.
It is worth adding that a lot of ancient architecture, among the Soviet buildings, has been preserved in the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. In addition, traveling here is also an opportunity to see the Danube. From Belgrade, you can take a direct route to the seaside town of Bar in Montenegro.
www.flickr.com/Sergiu_TM
Nagano, Japan
Nagano is a health and ski resort in Japan. It is popular due to its onsen hot springs, around which sanatoriums and the infrastructure of the city arose. It also hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. In the vicinity of Nagano, there are a number of mountain slopes for skiing and boarding, as well as hotels with various levels of service. Some of them were built last year and are being prepared in every way for the 2020 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Tokyo.
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It is worth going to Nagano not only for active or recreational holidays - there are also many monuments of ancient Japanese architecture. So, not far from the city, it is worth visiting the 16th-century Motsumoto Castle.
www.flickr.com/Cheng Yang, Chen
Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira is an ancient port city with numerous beaches that are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, the buildings of the old quarters and a huge fort of the 18th century have been preserved here. However, the resort has the best hotels in Morocco. And yet, in Essaouira, local fishermen constantly bring fresh fish, which you can buy in the market or taste in one of the restaurants.
Despite all the charms, Essaouira is less popular among Moroccan resorts compared to Marrakesh, Agadir and Casablanca. That is why on the ocean coast and near popular architectural sights it is not very crowded.
One of the disadvantages of the resort is the powerful winds that blow from the Atlantic Ocean and raise waves. But it allows you to surf and windsurf.
www.flickr.com/Federica Gentile
Crete, Greece
Crete is worth a visit for those who want to see the architecture of the ancient Greeks, learn a little more about mythology and soak up the Mediterranean beaches.
In 2017, Heraklion, the capital of Crete, became the most popular city among the new tourist destinations in Europe. Travelers are attracted to the island by mountains and valleys that occupy a significant part of it, as well as by the picturesque landscapes of the embankments.
History buffs come to see the archaeological treasures left by the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest in Europe. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion keeps a lot of statues, bas-reliefs, amphorae, decorations, drawings and miniatures of ancient buildings that will be of interest to those who are fond of mythology. Another iconic place- Palace of Knossos with the labyrinth of the Minotaur.
The best time to travel to Crete is from April to October. At this time, it will be possible not only to see the nature and sights of the island, but also to swim in the sea and go diving. Diving here is especially interesting because, in addition to landscapes, you can see the sunken ships of the Second World War.
visualhunt.com/Over Doz
Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea
Seasoned travelers have known about South Korea's PyeongChang ski resort for a long time, but it has never been a popular tourist destination. However, in 2018, the city gained worldwide fame thanks to the hosting of the Winter Olympic Games here from February 9 to 25.
The mountains around Pyeongchang are gentle, there are no cliffs with steep descents like those of northern Japan. But the city has modern hotels, high-quality ski runs of incredible length and high-speed sky passes. And in connection with the Olympics, the infrastructure of the resort has been significantly improved and a number of new tourist routes have been opened.
www.flickr.com/Republic of Korea
Lisbon, Portugal
The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is located on the hills descending to the Atlantic coast and to the Gulf of Tagus. The coast here is dotted with many elegant squares with sculptures that border small harbors and luxurious beaches.
The city itself is known for its ancient buildings: the triumphal arch of Rua Augusta and the castle of St. George, as well as a number of various fortresses and squares, cathedrals and monasteries. In addition, Lisbon is famous for its panoramas with multi-colored old buildings, covered with brick-colored roofs, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
And the most romantic place near Lisbon - natural Park Sintra. This is such a resort area with hotels, palaces and castles among the mountains on the ocean coast.
Do you know the best way to see the world? Undoubtedly, this is travel, and alone. So you can satisfy your desires, take an open look at original places, cultures and traditions, without relying on someone else's opinion. To travel alone means to rediscover yourself.
Do you want to go hiking on popular routes? Take a sip of delicious coffee in famous cafes? Get aesthetic pleasure from going to a museum or a famous concert hall? Meet other travelers, make new friends and leave precious memories? Feel free to go and do it alone. Of course, you will be interested only in the best places on the planet, which we will tell you about now.
New Zealand
New Zealand made it to our list of the best destinations as it has everything your heart desires for any adventure seeker. Lush vegetation everywhere, mesmerizing views of mountains, valleys and plains... all this served as the perfect backdrop for the events of one of the greatest movie hits of all time, The Lord of the Rings.
Despite being ranked 4th out of 162 on the Global Peace Index for safer living, this country has adventures that will give you an adrenaline rush. There you can try bungee jumping, go on a boat trip, hike or cycle through the beautiful countryside where you can meet friendly locals. With such a busy pastime, you will forget that you are on a trip without a companion. Don't know where to start? Go to the capital of adventure, a real paradise for travelers.
Norway
Norway is one of the countries famous for its picturesque fjords (narrow but deep bays between sheer cliffs). To make a transition along them is an opportunity that cannot be missed, because nature in those places arranges a free spectacle for travelers - a bewitching northern lights, the magnificence of which cannot be described in words!
The coast of Norway stretches for 1500 km, and wherever you look, you will find stunning views everywhere. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places on earth and a must visit if you love to travel. Norway - tenth on the list of the safest countries - has unspoilt natural beauty with a cool climate where even the winter sun is itself warmed by the warmth of the locals.
Switzerland
Switzerland is known not only as a safe place to stay, ranking fifth on the Global Peace Index, but also as a country with breathtaking scenery despite its small size. System public transport works smoothly and efficiently, so you can easily explore city after city on your own. Just wander the streets and you will feel the congenial atmosphere of these enchanting cities like Zurich. Even walking or shopping alone, you will never feel out of place, because, as a rule, the Swiss are quite isolated from each other. After putting on a pair of reliable hiking boots, go on a tour of the city and make sure that everyone should visit.
Little Switzerland has a spectacular landscape to suit all tastes: green fields, rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, colorful valleys, sparkling glaciers. All this indisputably testifies that whole generations of Swiss from year to year zealously guard the natural beauty of their country.
Costa Rica
Is in Central America a must-visit country for every tourist, whether traveling alone or with a group. They say this is the happiest place in the world -. Blessed with a vibrant array of natural wonders, it has everything from glorious river valleys and majestic volcanoes to glitzy beaches along the coast where surfing is a lifestyle not to be missed. It goes without saying that other water sports can also be enjoyed there. It is believed that many types of entertainment and adventure travel originate there.
A trip to the foggy forests will give you an incomparable experience. This phenomenon excites not only tourists, but also scientists. In these forests in Costa Rica, humidity levels are always consistently high, which brings down the temperature considerably. So in addition to hiking boots, you will definitely need to bring a warm sweater with you. Well, the 42nd place in the list of safe countries for living allows this country to replenish the history with stories about peaceful and happy people.
Austria
Third on the Global Peace Index, Austria is a real boon for solo travellers. Traveling within this small country is a pleasure. It can offer any visitor a tour of taste filled with true Austrian tradition, with its famous concert halls, historical museums, world-famous cafes and an efficient transport system. The country is famous not only for its natural beauty and stunning landscapes, but also for its rich musical culture. Remember, Mozart himself comes from Austria.
So, if you love artistic culture, baroque architecture, dense forests and emerald lakes, as well as rich and unsurpassed culinary traditions, you can get it all at once in Austria.
Traveling alone is a chance to try something new, something you have never experienced before. In addition, rooms for one person are always available and will save you a nice amount. There are also some other helpful tips:
- plan the whole trip in advance, thinking through all the details, especially pay attention to accommodation;
- learn to take only what you need with you - this way, your luggage will be much easier;
- always have a mobile phone with you when roaming with all the necessary contacts;
- tell people you trust about your travel itinerary;
- always trust your inner voice.
Our world can be infinitely amazing and beautiful. And in order to be convinced of this, sometimes it is enough to take only one single step. Truly magical and bewitching beauty can be found in almost every corner of our planet. After all, most of them hide away from well-trodden tourist trails.
In our article today, we decided to bring to your attention a selection of the most beautiful and which, for one reason or another, usually fall out of sight of modern Belarusian tour operators. Their names are rarely aspirated, as, for example, the names of Paris or Barcelona, and the existence of most of them can only be known by chance, as if there is something reserved and mysterious in these routes. But it is precisely from this that such unexplored directions only become more valuable and attractive. After all, such unusual travel and allow you to fully understand how multifaceted and amazing our planet can be.
- Uyuni Salt Flat (Bolivia)
Salar de Uyuni is a huge prehistoric lake located in the southwestern part of Bolivia. However, this place resembles a real lake (in the traditional sense of the word) only from November to March, when, due to rains, the salt cells are covered with a thin layer of water, constantly shining in the sun. At such hours, the Salar de Uyuni becomes like a giant mirror, reflecting the boundless heavens in itself. And from this, the border between the two worlds becomes almost indistinguishable. Thick Bolivian clouds suddenly appear right under your feet. And the surrounding landscapes lose all connection with reality. That is why Salar de Uyuni is often called a place frozen between heaven and earth. After all, there are not enough words in any language of the world to convey all the enchanting beauty of this place.
In the absence of rain, the salt marsh turns into a huge desert covered with white salt instead of yellow sand. And in places where drying water still manages to break through a thin salt crust, small cone-shaped volcanoes are formed, similar to playing pieces, arranged in the correct order on a huge chessboard.
Another attraction of the salt marsh is the famous cemetery of steam locomotives, located in the vicinity of Uyuni. Once all the trains assembled here were part of a large project for the extraction of minerals and valuable minerals in the desert. For industrial work, a railway was laid from Chile to Bolivia. However, the economic value of the project turned out to be insignificant. And the Indian tribes began to attack the railroad and the trains following it often. As a result, already in the fifties of the 20th century, the road was closed, and suddenly the trains that turned out to be unnecessary were left to rust in the middle of the desert.
Only in 2006, the Bolivian government suddenly remembered the old cemetery of steam locomotives again, deciding to turn it into a kind of open-air museum. Now such unusual travel the famous salt marsh and the old locomotives resting in its vicinity attract thousands of people to Bolivia. I wonder what the Bolivian Indians think about this?
- Lake Bled (Slovenia)
Despite the fact that Slovenia is relatively close to our Motherland, the resorts of this tiny country remain a real "terra incognita" for Belarusian tourists (especially compared to the cities of nearby Croatia, Italy and Montenegro). The magical Lake Bled is no exception, surrounded by the Julian Alps and covered with hundreds of legends related to the ancient history of the local castles. In this place you will not meet the usual crowds of tourists. And the local air, saturated with the magical smell of the mountains, is still filled with ringing silence. And it is this amazing atmosphere of solitude, coupled with the magical beauty of the local landscapes, that makes these lands truly magical and unusual travel destination.
However, Lake Bled is a place that cannot be called boring. In addition to many first-class hotels in these parts, there are dozens of sports centers offering tourists a wide range of all kinds of entertainment (from kayaking to hang-gliding over the enchanting mountain slopes).
In winter, there are several ski resorts. In addition, the convenient location of the city of Bled makes it a convenient starting point for subsequent trips around Slovenia. Just a few tens of kilometers from the lake is the capital of the country - Ljubljana, as well as the famous Triglav National Park, the mystical Skocjan Caves and another picturesque reservoir - Lake Bohinj.
- Tien Shan (Kyrgyzstan)
When you talk about Kyrgyzstan, even some fairly experienced travelers begin to wrinkle their noses contemptuously: “What can be interesting in this country?”. However, in fact, far and near Kyrgyzstan is a country that can bring many pleasant surprises to tourists. What is the majestic and enchanting mountain region of Tien Shan worth, striking with the cold beauty of crystal lakes, snow-covered slopes and endless fields overgrown with unusual grass and outlandish flowers? Everything in this place is imbued with an exciting spirit of adventure and a fabulous atmosphere of romance. After all, it is not in vain that the legendary “seven thousandth” mountain Pobeda Peak was once considered one of the most impregnable mountains throughout the former Soviet Union.
Besides, unusual travel to the Tien Shan is also a great opportunity to go chasing the fabulous Santa Claus. It would seem, and here he is? I answer: the thing is that a few years ago, Swedish scientists from the Sveko company, having calculated the speed of rotation of the earth, the distance to the largest cities and comparing other geographical and demographic factors, found out that it was on the territory of Kyrgyzstan that the optimal “take-off and landing » the base of the legendary fairy tale character. Otherwise, he simply will not succeed in flying around the entire globe in one night.
- Rhine river valley (Germany)
The Rhine Valley is probably one of the most famous and popular routes on our list. unusual places to travel. Every year it is followed by thousands of European tourists. However, despite this, among Belarusians and travelers from other CIS countries, this region of Germany is still quite little known.
And this fact seems like a completely egregious misunderstanding. After all, it is here, in the valley of the Rhine River, that you can feel the spirit of real Germany. In these parts, tiny villages dotted with half-timbered houses coexist with proud castles that look out over the world from the height of the coastal slopes. High mountains, covered with greenery of green forests, give way to picturesque valleys and famous vineyards...
That is why the Rhine Valley is considered one of the most amazing places in all of Germany. After all, even the most beautiful cities of this country can hardly be compared with the quiet charm of the local nature.
- Cappadocia (Turkey)
Speaking of trips to, we usually mean a fun and noisy vacation on one of southern resorts Turkish seaside. However, far from major tourist centers, this country is changing in the most amazing way. Turkish Cappadocia is a proof of this - a unique natural region, famous for its unusual natural landscape and a huge number of cave cells, crypts, monasteries and temples, whose history dates back to the time of the birth of Christianity.
In addition, it is in this place that the world's oldest (!) underground cities are located. The most famous among them are the settlements of Kaimakli and Derinkuyu, stretching for many kilometers deep into the rock. These cave cities were found by archaeologists in the sixties of the last century. And since then, these places have been the object of constant study for dozens of scientists.
Among other things, Turkish Cappadocia is also one of the most popular ballooning centers in the world. 
In a word, going to these places, you guarantee yourself the most extraordinary journey in life.
- Troy (Turkey)
The semi-legendary ancient Greek "polis" is another reason to go to Turkey from now on. For many years in a row, the city of Achilles and other ancient heroes, sung in legends, was considered only a figment of the imagination of the great Homer. However, about 140 years ago, a self-taught German archaeologist named Heinrich Schliemann proved in a practical way that some legends have a very real historical justification. Since then, the legendary Troy, the remains of which are now located in the Hisarlik hill region, seven kilometers from the Dardanelles, has become one of the main historical treasures of modern Turkey. And Heinrich Schliemann himself, who, among other things, also found the legendary "Priam's treasure", went down in history as one of the most successful adventurers in the world, as well as the founding father of the so-called "field (practical) archeology."
- Kamchatka (Russia)
Wild, majestic, recalcitrant Kamchatka is the land where the heart of real Russia beats. Here, among dormant volcanoes, bubbling geysers and crystal lakes, you can feel like a real traveler who finds himself somewhere on the very edge of the world. In this place there is simply a mind-boggling number of national parks, biosphere reserves and unique nature conservation areas, many of which are included in the UNESCO list of natural and cultural heritage. Is this not enough to call Kamchatka one of the most fascinating and unusual places to travel throughout our vast planet?
In addition, Kamchatka is a habitat for many rare animals, including brown Kamchatka bears, which have long become a symbol not only of this peninsula, but of Russia as a whole.
In addition to getting to know wildlife and inanimate nature, a trip to Kamchatka can be interesting due to the numerous centers for active recreation. Skiing (including extreme helly-skiing), snowmobiling and dog sledding, swimming in thermal springs, as well as rafting, diving, kayaking and much more - all this makes the Kamchatka Territory a very interesting place to relax. It is not for nothing that these places are so often called Russian Iceland.
- Ksamil Beach and Vlore (Albania).
The sea coast of Albania is probably one of the most underestimated tourist regions in Europe. In these parts, the Adriatic Sea shimmers with turquoise, and the majestic mountains, frozen at the very horizon, remain surprisingly beautiful and picturesque. The best examples of this are resorts such as Ksamil Beach and Vlore. The first is a very small, but very colorful town, perched on the southern coast of Albania. The second is more Big City However, even here, due to the relatively small number of tourists, the beaches remain surprisingly clean and picturesque.
The mild Mediterranean climate, low prices, an abundance of fruits, as well as the amazing beauty of the local nature - all this makes the Adriatic coast of Albania a place really worthy of the attention of tourists.
In addition, Albania is a country with a rich history and culture. Here, on a relatively small piece of land (comparable in size to the Mogilev region), there is a huge number of ancient monasteries, fortress bastions and ancient buildings inherited by this country from the Greek and Roman conquerors.
Mosque in the city of Korca
A vivid example of this is the ancient city of Durres, located just a two-hour drive from Vlora. During its long history, this region has become a stumbling block for many European nations. Just think about it: for 2500 years this town managed to be part of the Bulgarian, Greek, Turkish, Byzantine, Italian, Kerkyrian, Corinthian and, of course, the Albanian state.
Wouldn't you be interested to see the ancient city that so many ancient peoples fought for? Than not a route for unusual trip?
- Patagonia (Argentina)
Patagonia, which is also often referred to as the more famous Tierra del Fuego archipelago, is an absolutely unique place. Wild mountain landscapes, crystal glaciers, picturesque fjords and endless plains of frozen land that have not changed their shape since the birth of the first people - all this natural diversity cannot be compared with anything else. Once in these parts, you seem to find yourself in a parallel reality. Here, right on the beaches, you can find colonies of penguins and elephant seals, and on the slopes of the high Andean mountains you can see thousands of bonfires that are burned at night by local tribes of Indians.
In addition, it is in these parts that the famous Cave of Hands is located, which is already 90 centuries old! Add to this unique nature reserves, national parks and uninhabited islands that still retain their primitive prehistoric charm - and you will understand why this region can be safely called one of the most amazing and interesting places on our planet.
Yes, of course, to get to Patagonia you will need a lot of effort and financial resources. However, once in these parts, you guarantee yourself the most extraordinary journey In my life. After all, how could it be otherwise, if we are talking about the real edge of the Earth!
- Curonian Spit (Lithuania/Russia)
The Curonian Spit is a thin strip of land that stretches for a hundred kilometers along the Lithuanian coast and separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic basin. In fact, this place is a long series of sand dunes and pine forests growing right in the middle of the endless sea. There is no usual fuss here, and surprisingly clean air is filled with the smell of pine needles, salty waves and amazing crystal silence, which in this place seems almost endless.
In 2000, the Curonian Spit was classified by UNESCO as a site world heritage. And nine years later, the International Foundation for Environmental Education included the local beaches in the list of the cleanest and most comfortable coastal areas on the planet. The specialists of the popular Lonely Planet guidebook also contributed to the popularization of this place, calling pine forests and sandy beaches of the Curonian Spit one of the most beautiful places the Baltics. Since then, thousands of tourists have visited these parts. However, even despite this, the Curonian Spit has not lost even a tiny part of its natural charm.
Despite the fact that the population of the spit is only a few thousand inhabitants, these parts have not only their own coastal villages with all the necessary infrastructure, but also their own unique sights. Mystic Mountain witches, dotted with dozens of wooden idols, the unique "Dancing Forest", the remains of the Kopgalis fortress with the Maritime Museum located here, as well as the Klaipeda Dolphinarium and the museum of fishing boats, located right under the open sky. In a word, the Curonian Spit is a place that clearly proves that interesting and unusual places to travel can be found just a few hundred kilometers from your home. After all, every corner of our planet is able to present a lot of pleasant surprises to those travelers who truly know how to appreciate true beauty.
TRAVELERS' CHOICE AWARD is the most important travel rating of the year, compiled by TripAdvisor.com, the largest travel service in the world. The winners were selected using an algorithm that takes into account millions of reviews and ratings from online users about thousands of attractions, hotels and restaurants around the world over the past 12 months. Want to know which cities won? See the top 25 best travel destinations in the world.
25 PHOTOS
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1. Marrakesh in Morocco was ranked #1 on TripAdvisor.com's Best Travel Destinations. “Amazing bustling old market in the city center” is the most attractive place cities, according to portal users. (Photo: CNN). 
2. Siem Reap in Cambodia is number 2 in the ranking of the best travel destinations. The sunrise over the Angkor Wat temple causes a special delight among tourists, because it is not for nothing that it is considered one of the seven new wonders of the world. (Photo: CNN). 
3. Istanbul in Turkey is a city full of contrasts. A trip to Istanbul is a fantastic journey through different eras, styles, religions, tastes and aromas. (Photo: CNN). 
4. Hanoi in Vietnam. Users call it a lively, interesting and chaotic, in the good sense of the word, city. (Photo: CNN). 
5. "Beautiful and charming" Czech Prague. Here on every corner you can stumble upon "strange shops" that will pleasantly surprise you. (Photo: CNN). 
6. "Eclectic" London is a mixture of lifestyles, people and history. (Photo: CNN). 
7. Rome, Italy "Such a huge piece of history in one city." (Photo: CNN). 
8. Buenos Aires, Argentina “Cool, trendy, absolutely delightful city.” (Photo: CNN). 
9. Paris, France Nowhere else in the world will you find such an amazing atmosphere as in Montmartre, a beautiful and colorful area with its small shops, art galleries and charming cafes. (Photo: CNN). 
10. Cape Town, South Africa. One of the main attractions of Cape Town is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, about which users write only admiring reviews. (Photo: CNN). 
11. New York, USA. According to TripAdvisor.com users, the city's top must-see attraction is Times Square. (Photo: CNN). 
12. Zermatt, Switzerland “Once you get to the top of the Matterhorn Glacier, you will feel like you are standing on the roof of the world.” (Photo: CNN). 
13. Barcelona, Spain. “In some corners of this city, you will feel like you have traveled back in time… 500 years into the past!” (Photo: CNN). 
14. Gorem, Turkey. "This is the most unusual and surreal landscape in the world!" (Photo: CNN). 
15. Ubud, Indonesia. This is the best place for those who love spa: massage, acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy - here you can try absolutely everything. (Photo: CNN). 
16. Cusco, Peru "It's a wonderful city with charming cobbled streets, very hospitable people and good restaurants." (Photo: CNN). 
17. St. Petersburg, Russia. One of its main attractions is St. Isaac's Cathedral, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire city. And the beauty of the interior of the cathedral makes tourists "goosebumps!". In the photo: Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ on Blood. (Photo: CNN). 
18. Bangkok, Thailand. Khao San Street is "the heart and soul of Bangkok, the best place for all travelers, with its lively streets and bars at every turn." (Photo: CNN). 
19. Kathmandu, Nepal. Kathmandu is primarily a city of Buddhist temples, unique monuments worth visiting. (Photo: CNN). 
20. Athens, Greece. The hallmark of this city is the "exciting" Acropolis. (Photo: CNN). 
21. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, has been dubbed the "Queen of the Danube" by internet users. (Photo: CNN). 
22. Queenstown (New Zealand) is the best place for lovers of sports and stunning nature. (Photo: CNN). 
23. Hong Kong (China) is the only city of its kind that features floating restaurants serving delicious dim sum (Chinese dumplings). (Photo: CNN). 
24. Dubai (UAE) - A cosmopolitan oasis with futuristic cityscapes that rises above the Arabian Desert. (Photo: CNN). 
25. Sydney (Australia) is a city that will appeal to both lovers of history and modernity. The landmark of the city is the Sydney Opera House, which looks like a sailboat floating peacefully in the harbor. (Photo: CNN).