This article isn’t going to mention any of the most common summer holiday destinations. We’re going to stray off the beaten path in this piece, and suggest some unique holiday destinations where you can discover various locations not found on the common commercial circuits.
Crystal clear waters are great, there’s no doubt about that. But there’s much more out there to explore: small villages, natural parks, rich local heritage and cultural epicentres, to name but a few things. Look on the bright side, your social media posts about your holidays will have the most original hashtags out of all your friends and colleagues.
We’re not looking to give you a lecture about why these are the trendiest destinations, the absolute “must-see” locations or anything of the sort. But we’re convinced that they’re worth visiting. When you return home, you’ll be able to tell your friends that your holidays were unique, novel, fresh and full of new experiences.
KAZAKHSTAN
This country’s natural beauty is undeniable. You’ll spend the whole day outdoors. It has a little bit of everything: plains, high plateaus, steppes and magnificent mountains.
It remains largely untouched by large European and American travel agencies and tour operators. But keep your eyes peeled, as Kazakhstan’s popularity is due to soar in the next couple of years.
In terms of culture, it boasts thousand-year-old trails such as sections of the Silk Road. If heights are your thing, it has the Altai Mountains and sections of the Himalayas. It’s also brimming with lakes the size of oceans, such as the Aral Sea, Lake Balkhash and the Caspian Sea.
Make the most of visiting the country while it remains relatively unknown to tourists, as this brings with it several benefits. You’ll find a clear contrast between uncontrolled urban development and a truly authentic rural lifestyle.
If you’re a fan of architecture, your camera will barely leave your hands as you visit cities such as Astana and Almaty, brimming with examples of Soviet postmodernism. If you’re looking for another dose of Soviet history, look no further than the Baikonur Cosmodrome, which is sure to arouse your curiosity.
This is one of Asia’s most unknown territories, filled with vast open spaces, intriguing culture, beautiful wildlife and some of the most pleasant and cheerful people you’ll ever meet. Ah, and it’s ridiculously cheap too!
ZIMBABWE
This is one of the safest countries in all of Africa. A nation bursting with the natural potential that has become synonymous with Africa; the perfect destination for animal lovers.
Zimbabwe has various large national parks along its borders, where you are sure to catch a glimpse of the Big Five game animals: namely, lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos and leopards.
Tourists can also visit several architectural ruins, declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as mountains, dense forests and the impressive and hugely famous Victoria Falls.
Take note of the following places in your little notebook (ha! How old fashioned): Lake Kariba, the Khami Ruins, the Matobo National Park and Mana Pools, which is the only place in Africa where you can do a walking safari without a guide. But keep an eye out for the lions!
FINLAND
The Arctic winter can be unbelievably beautiful, as demonstrated by their chromatic sunsets. One of this destination’s strong points is its impressive natural heritage, which is one of the best looked after and legally sanctioned among the Nordic countries.
In terms of cultural heritage, meanwhile, travellers will find a country brimming with art, cutting-edge architecture and a taste for peculiar and striking design.
If you’re looking to do sports in the great outdoors, Finland is the place for you. You’ll also find wonderfully charming and nicely designed hotels, as well as intriguing cuisine.
We recommend doing a copy and paste of the following, as their names are almost impossible to spell! Turku, Helvetinjärvi, Koli, Linnansaari, Nuuksio, Pallas-Yllästunturi and Petkeljärvi. They’re not exactly easy to remember!
PANAMA
Central America is gradually becoming one of the world’s most shared locations by travel gurus and influencers on Instagram. It’s a small, manageable, easy-to-visit and well-communicated country.
This country is full of white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters; however, its raw beauty is very different to that of other Caribbean countries that instinctively come to mind.
We recommend immersing yourself in the local indigenous culture, while also finding time to visit the famous Panama Canal, the Tierras Altas district, the Azuero Peninsula, Santa Catalina and the San Blas and Bocas del Toro archipelagos.
BULGARIA
Take a look at the following figure: 3700 kilometres of signposted trails, interspersed with the famous hizha mountain huts.
Bulgaria is an increasingly popular tourist destination owing to its cultural diversity and practically intact cultural heritage. It also boasts a wide range of natural environments, ranging from beaches to Alpine forests, lakes, rivers and spectacular waterfalls.
Largely unknown in Europe, Bulgaria is a fantastic crossing of cultures and civilisations, boasting mind-blowing cuisine and an incredibly old wine tradition that dates back to the Thracian people.
Sofia, its capital city, is a must-visit. We also recommend visiting charming rural towns, such as Sopozol and Nesebar. No visit to Bulgaria is complete without visiting the orthodox Rila and Rozhen monasteries, the Thracian tombs and the wonderful Hissar spas.
THE MASCARENE ISLANDS
You probably won’t even have heard of this group of islands. But if we utter the names Réunion and Mauritius, you’ll probably have a better idea of where to find these natural paradises on the map. These are two volcanic islands located around one kilometre south-east of Madagascar.
It must be said that Mauritius is somewhat more attractive for more affluent tourists. It has a more developed infrastructure and a series of secluded spots that are frequently visited by international celebrities.
Réunion and its Gallicised society belong to the European Union, as this island still belongs to the French Republic.
Both islands apply to the overused stereotype of “a cultural melting pot”; however, they genuinely meet the requirements as far as cultural and culinary influences are concerned.
This is the perfect location for adventure sports, combining European-like standards with the authenticity of Africa.
