Ten places you've never heard of but must see

You've probably never heard of these places but I absolutely recommend at least adventuring to one of these ten fabulous destinations.

10. Lake Ohrid is sprawled across the mountainous border between the southwest of Macedonia and the east of Albania. The lake itself is a world heritage site and is one of Europe's oldest lakes with over 200 endemic species, preserving a truly unique aquatic ecosystem. Along the coast you can witness the abundance of waterbirds from the endangered dalmatian pelican, the ferruginous duck, and the majestic swan, just to name a few. The Ohrid region is also known as an important cultural and religious center, the monastery at Plaosnik was one of the oldest universities in Western Europe dating prior to the 10th century.

 

 9. Mayaguana is the most eastern island in the Bahamas and one of the few to retain its Lucayan name. It is the most isolated island, and the least visited by tourists. Enjoy nature at its best with many nature reserves scattered across this barely inhabited island. Flamingos, sea turtles, iguanas and great scubadiving await you. Ask for "Dootch" at the Paradise Villas in Abraham's Bay and he will gladly take you out in his skiff to explore the reef protecting the bay. Due to such a small population everyone knows everyone and treat each other like family, Mayaguana has by far the friendliest locals I have ever encountered.

 

8. Cherrapunjee is a town in East Khasi Hills District in the state of Meghalaya, India; and known as the wettest place on earth. Due to a lack of lodging this place has gone undiscovered. Surrounded by Meghalaya subtropical forests, Cherrapunjee has plenty to see and do. Enjoy the view of the Mawsmai Falls or go back in time exploring the Khasi monoliths. Cherrapunjee is also famous for its living bridges. Over hundreds of years the people in Cherrapunjee have developed techniques for growing roots of trees into large bridges. The process takes 10–15 years and the bridges typically last hundreds of years, the oldest ones in use being over 500 years old!

 

 

 7. Phu Quoc also known as the island of 99 mountains, is the largest island in Vietnam. A hidden treasure among the southeast of Asia, Phu Quoc is famous for its two traditional products; black pepper and fish sauce. Visit the amazing pepper gardens and dare yourself to taste these hot little vegetables.The Phuquoc Nature Reserve is a must with its flying squirrels and sloth-monkeys. Stroll along white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters or meditate before the Dinh Cau Rock; an impressive rock where local fishermen pray to God before setting sail.

 6. Durnstein, a small town on the Danube River in Austria will have you saying "Once upon a time..." with its fairy-tale like setting. Immersed in history, Durnstein Castle now mostly in ruins, once held English King Richard Lionheart as its prisoner. For the wine and food lover; the vineyards yield the most appealing Riesling, and apricot fields have the bakers cooking up the most delicious strudel you will ever eat.

 5. Camarones is a little sea village on the Patagonian Sea in Argentina. The Cabo Dos Bahias nature reserve is nearby and home to an impressive 50,000 penguins. For a laid back retreat with views of the sea you will never forget, Camarones is the place to be.

4. Weymouth a large town in Dorset, England dates back to the 12th century. From involvement of spreading the Black Death, settling America, the dawn of Georgian architecture and the preparations for the second World War this old pirate haven has a piece of history for everyone. Enjoy the famous 'fish and chips' at Marlboro Restaurant or have a pint at The Boot Inn a 400 year old pub rumored to have been popular with the 17th century pirates.

 3. Andorra is a small country in the eastern Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. Filled with beautiful scenery from lush valleys to snow capped mountains, it is also home to Les Escaldes parish that have numerous hot springs whose medicinal uses date back to the Romans. For a shop and ski paradise we recommend this little secret hidden amongst the mountains.

 2. Kiribati is an island nation located in the central tropical Pacific ocean. Inhabited since 3000 BC this island nation remains untouched by the outside world. Due to its isolation many of the islanders practice traditions from hundreds of years ago. The way of living is simple, with most people living off the land and sea. For a cultural experience like no other Kiribati is simply the place to be.

1. Esmeraldas, Ecuador has a unique history. Legend has it that a 17th century shipwreck of a slave-trading galleon led to the few black African survivors swimming to shore and penetrating the then thick jungle where they remained as free men while maintaining their original culture not influenced by the typical elements found in the Andean region. Since that time Esmeraldas has been known as 'free black' territory with thousands of slaves from off the coast going there for refuge. Go to Esmeraldas to dance all night to Marimba music, laze around on the beach, eat delicious lobster and shrimp or drink some 'crazy coconut'.

-Tracy Smith

 

The most unusual destinations

A look at the top ten most unusual destinations 

Working at a vacation company I come across the "typical" destinations that everybody dreams of, golden beaches draped in sun, on a daily basis. As fun as the beach may be, and believe me I love the beach. I thought it would be interesting to find some destinations that people wouldn't think of right away when they thought vacation, but that still have alot to offer to the traveler.

10. Greenland 
Greenland has no 5 star hotels or spas but what you will lack in pampering will make up for itself in unparalleled views of fjords, glaciers and wildlife.Greenland has 24 hours of sunshine in the summer, and flights only go there from May to the end of August. The largest island in the world Greenland also has a rich history with Norse ruins dating back to the 1400's. We urge you to take an unusual vacation this summer and discover what Greenland has to offer.

One of Greenland's many beautiful sceneries

9. Bhutan 
Bhutan is a small country in South Asia. Located at the eastern end of the Himalayas it is best known for; The Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Palphug). Built into the rock face this ancient monastery has many legends to depict its history. Apart from the monastery, Bhutan's global biodiversity is beyond vast; the country is home to The Bengal tiger, Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, golden langur, clouded leopard, hispid hare, sloth bear, grey langur, tiger, Indian leopard, red panda just to name a few!

The Golden Langur

8. Black Rock Desert - Nevada, USA 
The Black Rock Desert is in Northern Nevada, USA. One of its most notable features is the Fly Geiser a water well drilling that accidentally penetrated a geothermal source. Black Rock Desert is also home to Burning Man a week long annual event. This unusual destination is a definite must-see on our lists!

The Fly Geiser

7. Papua New Guinea 
Papua New Guinea is one the most culturally diverse places on earth. This island in Oceania has over 850 indigenous languages! Why we think it's a rare gem: Papua New Guinea is also classified as one of the least explored countries both culturally and geographically with many undiscovered species thought to exist here. There are over 1000 tribes many of which have had little or no contact with the outside world.

A Huli wigman from the southern Highlands

Downtown Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea

6. Centralia - Pennsylvania USA 
Centralia a ghost town in Pennsylvania, USA has 7 residents, this is a result of a mining fire that has been burning under the town since 1962! Very few homes remain standing. The church however continues its service every Sunday and the cemetery at the top of the hill is still visited with puffs of smoke rising around and inside it. The underground fire is still burning and can be expected to do for 250-1000 years. The sign on the picture we posted is no longer standing.

Smoke seen rising from the ground!

5. Borneo 
Borneo is the third largest island in the world. It is the only island to be divided between three countries; Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. A trading post since the year 500, this island is a blend of cultural heritages. What makes it so unusual? Borneo is home to species that can only be found in Borneo's rain forests like the Proboscis Monkey, the Bornean Orangutan, the Bornean Clouded Leopard and many more.

Bornean Clouded Leopard

Bornean Orangutan

4. Devil's Island - French Guiana 
Devil's Island is one of French Guiana's three islands. Its first use as a penal colony by Emperor Napoleon III has made it one of the most infamous prisons in history. Of the 80,000 prisoners sent there, between 1852-1946, many of them were never seen again.

3. Pansy Island - Mozambique 
Pansy Island in Mozambique only appears when the tide is low. There are no trees in sight only soft pearly sand speckled with the legendary pansy shells after which the island is named. Catch a glimpse of the endangered dugong, or set up a picnic on this disappearing island.

 2. Avebury - England 
Avebury in England is home to a 5000 year old neolithic monument. The site, a large henge with several stone circles and avenues, is a spiritual center among pagans and wiccans and is said to stand on the St Michael ley line. Nearly half of England's crop circles are located within 9 miles (15km) of the site.

1. Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia 
Our last unusual destination: Salar de Uyuni in southwestern Bolivia is the world's biggest salt flat. You wouldn't think but the Salar serves as a major breeding ground for pink flamingos. Due to a lack of conventional construction materials the hotels in the area are built almost completely of salt blocks cut from the Salar. Under the surface of the Salar is a lake of brine when the water rises and covers the Salar it becomes one of the biggest mirrors on earth!

-Tracy Smith

The Salar once water has risen!

A worker organizing the salt blocks used for hotel construction

Must-See Places in 2011

A cumulation of the top ten places people would like to visit in 2011!

This year we decided to take a different approach on the top destinations. The following  places have been chosen on different criteria including; rich cultural history, a blend of different nations, as well as friendly and helpful locals.People have reported to come back from these cities with a deeper meaning of themselves, spirituality and the world.


1. Mumbai - India
Mumbai, India formerly known as Bombay, is the most populous city in India and the second most populous city in the world. This 3000 year old city is home to two world heritage sites, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) and the Elephanta Caves. Mumbai's culture is a blend of traditional festivals, food, music and theatres. The city offers a sophisticated and diverse lifestyle with a variety of food, entertainment and night life.

2. Berlin - Germany 

Berlin is Germany's capital. The city's appearance today is shaped by the role it played in Germany's history in the 20th century. Each of the national governments based in Berlin—the 1871 German Empire, the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, East Germany, and now the reunified Germany—initiated construction programs, each with its own character. Berlin has established itself as the third most-visited city destination in the European Union.

 3. Tangier - Morocco

Tangier is a beautiful city in Northern Morocco. The history of Tangier is very rich due to the historical presence of many civilizations and cultures starting from the 5th century BC. Set on a bay, Tangier has been a magnet for travelers for centuries.

 4. Wellington - New Zealand

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. Wellington's city center boasts an arts scene, café culture and nightlife.Te Papa Tongarewa (the Museum of New Zealand), the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Museum of Wellington City & Sea and the biennial New Zealand International Arts Festival are all housed here.

 

5. Valencia - Spain

Valencia, Spain is known worldwide for its festival Falles; a traditional celebration in praise of St-Joseph. The traditional dish of paella also originated in Valencia. The city also holds buildings dating back to Roman and Arabic times. La Tomatina an annual tomato fight also draws visitors to this charismatic place each year.

 

6. Iquitos - Peru

Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rain forest. This beautiful city is located on the Amazon river. Many tourists come to seek traditional shamanic experiences by using the visionary Amazonian medicinal tea. Others to encounter the fascinating wildlife including pink dolphins, big cats and boas. We can see why this magical place was chosen as one of the top places to visit in 2011!

 7. Ghent - Belgium

Ghent, Belgium started as a settlement during the middle ages although archeological evidence shows human presence dating back to the stone age. The Gentse Feesten an annual festival draws over 2 million people each year. Much of the city's medieval architecture remains intact like the Saint Bavo Cathedral and the Gravensteen Castle. If your passion is medieval, Ghent should be on your list of places to see!

 

8. Chiang Mai - Thailand

Chiang Mai is the most culturally significant city in Thailand. The city has over 300 buddhist temples and hosts many Thai festivals. We can see why this 700 year old town has made the list of the top places to see in 2011!

 

9. Daegu - South Korea

Daegu South Korea is best known for the stone Buddha called Gatbawi on the top of Gwanbong, Palgongsan. It is famous for its stone gat (Korean traditional hat). People visit because they believe that the Buddha grants those who visit one wish. As one of the major cities in Korea, Daegu is making efforts to be the cent...er of the fashion and high-tech industries. Due to its status as a cultural center, there are many nicknames for the city including "Apple's City", "Beauty's City", "Textile City", and "Fashion City".

 

10. Galle - Sri Lanka

Galle, Sri Lanka is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in southern Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European settlers. Other landmarks in Galle include the natural harbour, St. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, and Amangalla the historic luxury hotel. According to James Emerson Tennent, Galle was the ancient seaport of Tarshish, from which King Solomon drew ivory, peacocks and valuables. Last but not least on our list of the top places to see in 2011, this ancient city has won us over!