Are you tired of your vacation photos looking like everyone else’s? It’s time to shake things up and explore some truly unique destinations! As a travel enthusiast who’s been to his fair share of tourist traps, I can help you find some truly exotic places that will make your Instagram followers go “wow” and your coworkers envious. Let’s dive into the top 10 destinations that will rekindle your wanderlust and take your adventures to the next level.
What Makes a Destination “Exotic?”
Before we start, let’s clarify what I mean by “exotic.” It’s not just about being far away or having palm trees. Exotic destinations are places that will turn your world upside down, sometimes literally (I’m thinking of the Southern Hemisphere here). These places offer:
Bali, Indonesia: A Destination for Adventurous Travelers
Bali, Indonesia: A Unique Island Destination
Bali, the island that has inspired countless screensavers, is more than just picturesque beaches and yoga retreats. It’s a destination with a rich culture and history, as well as stunning natural beauty.
To get to Bali, fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport). For an unforgettable experience, book a window seat on the plane for the descent – the views of the island will take your breath away.
Some of the highlights of Bali include:
Learn some basic Indonesian phrases, such as “Terima Kasih” (Thank you). This will go a long way in helping you communicate with locals.
Rice terraces: These stunning man-made steps carved into the hills are a sight to behold. They are reminiscent of a path to heaven, and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Temples: Bali is home to an abundance of temples, each with its own unique architecture and history. One of my favorites is the cliffside Uluwatu Temple, which offers panoramic views of the ocean and is surrounded by monkeys. Be careful around the monkeys, as they can be cute but also skilled pickpockets!
Food: Bali has a diverse culinary scene, from street food to fine dining. The flavors are incredible, and you’ll find something to suit every taste.
Travel tips:
- Rent a scooter to zip around like a local. Just remember, traffic rules are more like “suggestions” here.
- Consider a Bali villa investment if you fall in love with the place. Who knows, you might never want to leave!
- Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases. “Terima kasih” (thank you) will get you far.
If you fall in love with Bali, consider investing in a villa. Who knows, you might never want to leave!
Marrakech, Morocco: Arabian Nights, But Make It Real
Imagine stepping into a time machine that’s part magic carpet, part DeLorean. That’s Marrakech for you.
How to get there: Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport. Bonus: it’s one of the prettiest airports you’ll ever see.
Why it’s awesome:
- The medina (old city) is a maze of narrow alleys that’ll make you feel like you’re in a real-life version of Aladdin. Minus the singing, unfortunately.
- Souks (markets) that’ll test your haggling skills. Remember, the first price is always a “tourist special.”
- Jardin Majorelle – a garden so blue it’ll make the sky jealous. It was once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, so you know it’s fancy.
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November. Summer is hotter than a camel’s armpit, and winter can actually get chilly.
Travel tips:
- Dress modestly. Showing too much skin is a no-no and might get you more attention than you bargained for.
- Learn to say “La, shukran” (No, thank you) – it’ll come in handy when persistent vendors try to sell you the “authentic” Moroccan rug that was probably made in China.
- Try a hammam experience. Nothing says “cultural immersion” like getting scrubbed down by a stranger in a steamy room.
Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La (No, Really)
Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is like that cool, mysterious kid in high school who marches to the beat of their own drum.
How to get there: Fly into Paro International Airport. The approach is so tricky that only a handful of pilots are qualified to land there. Talk about exclusive!
Why it’s mind-blowing:
- They measure Gross National Happiness instead of GDP. Yes, it’s a real thing.
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery – a temple complex clinging to a cliff that’ll make you question the laws of physics.
- It’s the only carbon-negative country in the world. Take that, global warming!
Best time to visit: March to May for spring blooms, or September to November for clear skies and festivals.
Travel tips:
Try the national dish, ema datshi – it’s basically chilies and cheese. Your mouth may never forgive you, but your taste buds will thank you.
You can’t just rock up to Bhutan solo. You need to book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
There’s a daily tourist fee, but before you balk at the price, remember it covers pretty much everything – accommodation, food, transport, and a guide.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: A Natural Paradise on Earth
Have you ever dreamed of exploring a unique and unspoiled destination? The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are the perfect place for that.
Getting there:
To reach the Galapagos, you’ll need to fly to Baltra or San Cristóbal Island via Guayaquil or Quito in Ecuador. Although it’s a long journey, the experience will be worth it.
What makes it special:
The Galapagos is home to some of the most incredible wildlife in the world. You’ll see giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and more. It’s like stepping into a different world.
When to visit:
The best time to visit the Galapagos is between December and May, when the waters are warmer and the skies are clearer. However, any time is great to explore this unique destination.
Tips for your trip:
Choose between a cruise or a land-based tour to explore the islands. Cruises offer more flexibility, but land tours allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture.- Bring a good camera. Your phone photos won’t do justice to the sea lion that might appear in your selfie.
- Consider packing motion sickness pills, as the boat rides can be choppy and nobody wants to end up feeding the fish.
Petra, Jordan: Where Indiana Jones Was (Sort Of)
If you remember the scene from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, where Indy rode through a narrow canyon searching for an ancient city, then you’ll love Petra. It’s even more impressive in real life!
To get there, fly into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and then drive about 3 hours south. A driver can help you navigate Jordan’s challenging roads.
What makes Petra jaw-dropping?
- The Treasury, with its iconic facade, is probably already on your computer screen saver.
- The Monastery, like the Treasury, but bigger and with a stunning view.
- Bedouin culture, where you can chat with locals who once lived in ancient caves.
The best time to visit is…March to May or September to November, summer is hotter than the surface of the sun and winter can be surprisingly chilly in this part of the world.
Palawan, in the Philippines
If you plan to visit Palawan, here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Try to catch the sunset at Petra by night, where the Treasury is lit up with hundreds of candles, creating a magical atmosphere like a rock concert.
- Avoid riding donkeys and horses unless you have no other option, as animal welfare is not always a priority in this region.
Palawan, in the Philippines, is a destination that will leave you speechless. If you’ve seen photos of tropical beaches and thought they were Photoshopped, Palawan will prove you wrong. To get there, fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport and then explore the island, or head to nearby El Nido or Coron for a truly paradise experience.- Underground rivers that will make you feel like you’re in a science fiction movie
- Island hopping that will have you saying “this one’s my favorite…” all day long.
The best time to visit is from December to May, during the dry season. However, if you don’t mind a little rain (and the lower prices), the shoulder seasons can also be great.
Some travel tips:
- Explore the islands in El Nido, which has a variety of beautiful beaches like a great hits album.
- Experience kitesurfing at Kingfisher Park, where flying over crystal clear waters will make you feel like “I’m on vacation”.
- Stay at an eco-friendly resort, where some are so secluded that you’ll feel like Tom Hanks in Cast Away, but with better amenities and company.
These are three more pieces of paradise that will make your regular vacation destinations seem like a trip to the mall. Remember that while these places are breathtakingly beautiful, they are also someone’s homes. So, please travel respectfully, leave a generous tip, and perhaps learn how to say “wow” in the local language – you will use it often.Stay tuned for our final four exotic destinations. These are worth the wait, I promise. And who knows, by the end of this list you might even be inspired to consider starting a “quit my job and travel the world” fund. See you at the airport!
Cappadocia, Turkey: Where Fairy Tales Meet Geology
Have you ever dreamed of living in a fairy tale? Cappadocia has all the ingredients for a magical experience. This unique destination is like it was created by a committee of geologists and hobbits.
To get there, you can fly into Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport or Kayseri Erkilet Airport, both of which are close to the main attractions.
What makes Cappadocia so special:
- Fairy chimneys – rock formations that seem like they came straight out of Dr. Seuss books.
- Hot air balloon rides that will give you years of Instagram content.
- Underground cities that will make your childhood fortress look like a beginner’s project.
The best time to visit is between April and June or September and October. Summer can be hot enough to cook an egg on the fairy chimneys, but winter can also be snowy.
Tips for your trip:
- Stay at a cave hotel – it’s not every day that you get to sleep like a caveman!
- Book a hot air balloon ride in advance – and maybe skip the big dinner the night before, just saying.- Explore the underground cities, but remember to bring a flashlight and leave your claustrophobia behind.
Madagascar: Where the Wildlife Really Is
Forget about the animated movies, the real Madagascar is even more incredible. It’s like Nature’s lab where she tested all her wildest ideas.
To get there, fly into Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo (or Tana, as the locals call it).
What makes it mind-blowing:
- Lemurs! These big-eyed primates are a cross between cats, monkeys, and Disney characters.
- The Avenue of Baobabs, with trees so massive and old that redwoods seem like saplings.
- Postcard-perfect beaches, minus the crowds found in other tourist spots.
The best time to visit is from April to October, during the dry season. Avoid November to March if you don’t want to deal with cyclones and mud.
Tips for your trip:
- Hire a guide, as the roads are adventurous.- Pack for every climate. You’ll encounter rainforests, beaches, and everything in between.
- Sample the local rum. It’s so delicious that it might make you reconsider investing in a Madagascar villa instead of that Bali property we mentioned earlier.
Atacama Desert, Chile: A Martian Experience on Earth
If you’ve always wanted to walk on another planet, the Atacama Desert offers just that. So dry and otherworldly, NASA tests its Mars rovers there.
Getting there: Fly into El Loa Airport in Calama and then drive to San Pedro de Atacama. The journey itself is a preview of the alien landscapes ahead.
The best part:
- Lunar landscapes in the Valley of the Moon, where you might find Neil Armstrong’s footprints.
- Stargazing that will make you question your knowledge of the night sky.
- Geysers that rival Old Faithful in Old Faithful National Park.
When to visit: Anytime is great! The Atacama is the driest desert in the world, so rain won’t be a problem.Travel tips:
- Altitude can be a challenge, so take it easy for the first few days.
- Pack warm clothes for evening excursions. Desert nights can be cooler than your ex’s heart!
- Sandboarding is a fun activity, similar to snowboarding but with less risk of frostbite.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Lastly, we’ll be visiting Zanzibar. This island off the coast of Tanzania is so colorful and aromatic, it feels like stepping into a spice merchant’s dream.
Getting there: Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or take a ferry from Dar es Salaam if you’re already in Tanzania.
What to expect:
- The old town of Stone Town is a maze-like labyrinth that takes you back in time, with Wi-Fi access!
- Spice tours will leave you wanting to update your spice rack.
- White and fine sand beaches that squeak under your feet.June to October is the dry season, but if you don’t mind occasional rain showers, March to May can also be lovely and less crowded. Here are some travel tips:
- Respect local Muslim culture by dressing modestly, especially in Stone Town.
- Don’t miss out on Zanzibar’s unique pizza – it may look different, but it’s definitely delicious!
- Take a sunset cruise on a dhow for a romantic and fun experience.
These are just a few suggestions for your trip to the most exotic destinations in the world. From breathtaking landscapes to enriching cultural experiences, these places will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Remember to bring a sense of humor, a good attitude, and travel insurance. Safe travels!