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