Taking the Road Less Travelled when it comes to Vacations ...
There is something to say when you hear about taking the road less travelled. When it comes to vacations and getaways, we often look up the same places everyone else does - and then are found in the middle of the hustle and bustle again, but just in a different place. How about searching for places that are less likely on everyone's bucket list?
When you think about it - over 87 million tourists visit France, while there are places that are just as intriguing like the South Pacific country of Tuvalu, where they find approximately 2,000 international tourists.
It can be scary to venture to places that might not be at the top of travel magazines, or recommended by friends and family - but there is a sense of excitement that comes with spinning the globe and infusing curiosity and wonder by booking a flight to a country you know little about. Feeling wanderlust is what travel is all about.
Here are some places we looked into - when looking for the next adventure:
Tuvalu: Is one of the world's most isolated countries with 100 islands scattered across the South Pacific. It is however, home to beautiful beaches that are crowd free. The rising sea levels put these beaches at risk, so if you can go - don't wait. You will surely come back recharged after some time lazing around in a hammock or snorkelling the coral reefs.
Niue: isn't known for gentle waves and soft sands, as its coastline is rugged and etched in sharp coral. However, humpback whales use Niue as a warm-water nursery from July through October. This allows for a unique experience of hearing the sound of whales and their tails slapping on the sea's surface. Visitors can even join trained guides and swim alongside humpback whales. One of the few places on earth that this is possible.
American Samoa: is on the northeast side of Fiji and the only US territory in the Southern Hemisphere. Here there are many ways to explore the sea. there are dense forest canopies to venture into - and witness the endangered fruit bats.
Comoros: is nettled between Madagascar and Mozambique. With clear waters and pale beaches, it is still under developed and not known for many tourists. However, there is a lot to do and see and even smell. Often called the "Perfume Isles", the islands of Comoros have been growing aromatic plants for making scents since the French colonial era. Other reasons to visit include: climbing an active volcano (with a proper tour guide), visit a secret salt lake, and also found on these islands are an abundance of prized spices.
Guinea: is lush with wildly scenic highlands and is a spectacular place to hike. With powerful rivers and forests, the area is abundant with fresh fruits (like avocados and mangos!) The gorgeous waterfalls and sharp canyons are a sight to behold. This is likely a choice for the more adventurous.
Anguilla: pale sands and topaz coloured waters - what else sounds that beautiful? Anguilla has some of the Caribbean's finest beaches and those beaches aren't overrun by tourists. This is purposeful, as tourism has been limited to high-end resorts. It can be pricey, but it also means access to the most beautiful hotels and beaches.
Liechtenstein: is perched between Austria and Switzerland. It's a cooler option compared to the ones listed above, but just as stunning. Here you can hike the trains between stony peaks and vineyards that grow along the steep hillsides. The castles on the mountain stops are a dramatic backdrop to the villages they oversee.
Moldova: is a wine country you didn't realize you have to visit. This tiny European country has been making wines for over 5,000 years - and they have everything from dry, velvety reds to ice wines. Also, they promote pickle juice (which is known to be a local cure for hangovers).
All to say, there are so many places that we are unaware of - but are just as worthy to visit and learn about. As a true travel junkie, explore the known as well as the unknown (safely of course).
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