Yaxchilan in Mexico

Yaxchilan, which translates as “Place of Green Stones” in Mayan, is home to magnificent temples, plazas, and sculptures and carvings that narrate tales. This imposing compound is situated on the banks of the Rio Usumacinta in the Mexican state of Chiapas, which borders Guatemala. Ceiba and gum trees in the area are abode to howler monkeys and toucans. Yaxchilan is the amazing nexus of man and the environment. Compared to other places like it, this Mayan ruin on the border of Mexico and Guatemala doesn’t get nearly as many visitors. It’s incredibly enigmatic and shrouded in jungle, making it perfect for those seeking their own “Indiana Jones” moment.

Palawan Island in the Philippines

The largest island in the Philippines‘ southwest is Palawan. Between South China and Sulu seas, the long and narrow Palawan island chain follows a northeast-to-southwest pattern. The western Philippine island of Palawan is home to this opulent hideaway, also known as the “Island of the Sun.” It is an eco-friendly island with a spotless beach and a lush tropical rainforest as a backdrop. With forest hiking and a marine sanctuary on offer, there is a real emphasis on the environment here.

Mehtab Bagh in India

This serene garden is located behind the Taj Mahal, but only one person in a thousand has heard of it. The crescent-shaped Mehtab Bagh is one of the finals of eleven Mughal gardens along the Yamuna river, and it offers stunning, uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. It’s the ideal spot for enjoying the sunset from a unique vantage point. Only a few tourists and travellers are aware of the fact that you can see the marble mausoleum and capture the ideal photo of it from almost any location inside the complex of gardens. Tour guides and residents of Agra rarely discuss the history of the Mehtab Bagh, although it has a fascinating tale that many people would love to hear.

The island of Gili Meno in Indonesia

Gili Meno is a remote paradise well off the beaten path, in contrast to nearby Gili Trawangan, which is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. This is genuinely a castaway experience; there is no pier, no road, and little development. Along with excellent diving spots, Gili Meno also has a tranquil environment. White beaches can be found here, along with grassy areas where cattle graze and shady palm trees. In addition, there is a bird park with guesthouse amenities and a lake with seawater. For honeymooners, Gili Meno is the most peaceful and romantic getaway, but it also has plenty of attractions and activities to do. 

Bukchon Village in Seoul, South Korea

The traditional core of Seoul’s modern city is best displayed in Bukchon Village. Bukchon Hanok Village, which is surrounded by the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, is home to hundreds of traditional houses from the Joseon dynasty known as hanok. Bukchon, which means “northern village” in English, got its name since it is located north of the Jongno and Cheonggyecheon stream features of Seoul. Today, many of these hanoks serve as cultural hubs, guesthouses, eateries, and tea houses, giving tourists a chance to get a taste of and learn about traditional Korean culture.

Traditional homes that have been renovated into artisan shops selling everything from candles and art to clothing and jewellery line the streets. The village has numerous bars, making it a great place to relax and observe people.

The hike from Oia to Imerovigli in Santorini, Greece 

While people might have often been to Santorini, known for its distinctive blue roofs, fewer would have hiked the breathtaking trail connecting these two well-known places. You will see some of the Santorini Caldera’s most breathtaking sights if you leave Oia at sunrise. With their perched white residences, dramatic black cliffs, and panoramic caldera vistas, there is no denying how beautiful the scenery is along the hike. 

Madagascar, Southern Africa 

Look no further than untamed and largely unknown Madagascar for individuals seeking an escape that is “still somewhat off the radar”. Naturalists and adventurers alike will fall in love with this booming hub of biodiversity; the island is filled with endemic animals. Madagascar features some of the finest beaches in the Indian Ocean, which most people are unaware of. Nosy Be is one of Madagascar’s most picturesque coastal locations, where visitors can see lemurs and humpback whales by the shore. Imagine spending days exploring opulent tropical jungles while watching turtles build their nests on barren white-sand beaches. 

Con Dao Island in Vietnam

Only a few travellers arrive in Con Dao, a little archipelago off the southern coast. Despite the extra work required, those who make the trip are rewarded with some of the nation’s most idyllic beaches and top snorkelling. Con Dao National Park is located on a large portion of the island. You will have plenty of opportunities to find your own paradise thanks to its lush jungle. The roads are clear of traffic, the area has a single small town, and the beaches and surrounding landscape are stunning. Additionally, the history of French colonialism and the Vietnam War has fascinating tales to tell.

Margaret River in Western Australia

This region is essentially a must-visit for any wine enthusiast. Only 3% of Australian wine is made there, but 20% of the best vintages are. It isn’t nearly as crowded as comparable locations on the east coast, but it is so much more than just a wine region; the local restaurant scene is among the best in Australia. Also, the Margaret River area has hosted one of the longest continuous human occupations in the world for over 60,000 years, leading to incredibly profound cultural knowledge and a connection to the land. It is the Wadandi (Saltwater) People’s ancestral homeland.

Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) in Bolivia

The Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat on earth, is regarded as one of South America’s most harsh and spectacular landscapes. A vintage railway cemetery, a hotel built of salt, and lithium to power every gadget you’ll ever own are all nearby, but the flat alone is reason enough to brag. The salar is a perfect white expanse of the biggest nothingness imaginable when the surface is dry—just the blue sky, the white ground, and you. A little layer of water causes the horizon to vanish as it perfectly mirrors the clouds and the sky of the blue altiplano. It appears as though you’re flying through the clouds if you’re steering across the surface at such times.

Omodos Village in Cyprus

One of the most attractive settlements in Cyprus is Omodos, which was built on the slope of a mountain amid a lush carpet of vines, and encircled by mountains that look as though they were thoughtfully laid out. The village’s expansive plaza, which is distinctive for its size and graphic quality, in front of the imposing Holy Cross monastery, the ancient Winepress, the winding lanes, and the stone-built homes “drenched” in green give it a peculiar beauty and appeal.

The true social fabric of Cyprus is revealed by this tiny community in the Troodos Mountains—a very proud society with a strong sense of self. Ancient orthodox churches, exquisite local food, and local artwork are all present in Omodos.

Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve in Costa Rica

You don’t have to join the crowds to see the incredible wildlife, even though the larger national parks in Costa Rica receive the most visitors. The same experiences are available in this densely populated reserve, but on a much smaller scale. Hiking routes in the Tirimbina reserve are designed to allow tourists to see a variety of habitats, including old cacao plantations, subsidiary forests, wetlands, river banks, and the main rainforest. In the areas where natural pools have formed in the Sarapiqui River, visitors can take a stroll to Tirimbina Island and enjoy swimming.

At Tirimbina, no hike would be complete without crossing at least one of their spectacular suspension bridges. One bridge spans the Sarapiqui River and is 860 feet long, while the other, known as a “canopy bridge,” offers an exhilarating perspective of the main forest’s tree-top canopy.

Bequia Island in the Grenadines

Bequia is a little island in the Caribbean that stands out for its singular, enchanted charm. With fewer than 6,000 residents, it immediately seems like home; friendliness is the norm, and the pace is leisurely and laid-back. The centuries-long reliance on inter-island transportation and trading has meant that Bequians have been excitedly welcoming tourists to their shores for millennia. There aren’t many hotels on this tiny island, and the airport is incredibly small, so there aren’t many travellers there all year. There are many local restaurants to try since there are no all-inclusive resorts.

Cano Cristales in Colombia 

One of the world’s undiscovered paradises is a river in Colombia that is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. The river appears to be vibrantly coloured in shades of yellow, red, green, black, and blue. Due to its many colours, it is also known as the Liquid Rainbow or river of five colours. The river appears to be just like any other river, but from June to November, it comes to life with a rainbow of colours that transform it into a breathtaking sight. Botanical and geological elements are responsible for the distinctive and captivating looks.

Lake Atitlan in Guatemala

The lake itself is lovely, and the surrounding volcanic landscape is stunning. The small lakeside communities, like Santiago Atitlán, are what truly distinguish this region, though. Away from the more tourist-heavy areas of Guatemala, stroll through the neighbourhood markets and encounter the local indigenous Mayan population.

KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa

Despite the fact that South Africa is a remarkably diverse nation, many tourists choose to only visit Cape Town, the Garden Route, and go on a safari. Beyond this, however, KwaZulu-Natal offers a region that is rich in both nature and history, complete with sombre battlefields, imposing mountains, game reserves, and golden beaches.