Unique Vacations: Off-the-beaten-path Destinations

Everyone loves unique vacations, so we’ve prepared a list of 5 off-the-beaten-path vacation destinations. These unique places to visit in the world will make your next holiday truly original!

Our off-the-beaten-path vacation picks:

1. Jiuzhaigou Valley, China
2. Gili Islands, Indonesia
3. Socotra, Yemen
4. Kotor, Montenegro
5. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Read on to learn more about each destination!

Unique Vacations: Jiuzhaigou Valley, China

You can visit China to discover its cities, history, and culture. But the country also has many natural wonders to explore. The Jiuzhaigou Valley, located in the Sichuan province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its turquoise lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and colorful forests. One of its nicknames is “Fairytale Land,” and it truly lives up to the title! And with over 180,000 acres to explore, it’s truly a land its own.

You’ll love knowing that the national park is finally open to tourists. Like most tourist destinations in China, the park was closed to foreigners following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit the park to reach peaks as high as 15,700 feet and discover Jiuzhaigou’s unique forest ecosystems. There are 140 bird species inhabiting the valley and several endangered animals, including the giant panda.

Unique Vacations: Gili Islands, Indonesia

Everybody knows about Bali. But have you heard about the nearby Gili Islands? The Gili Islands are a perfect lesser-known destination for your vacation.

These three small islands near Bali provide a terrific chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax on its pristine beaches. Snorkel and explore the vibrant coral reefs. Enjoy a drink and the laid-back island atmosphere. This is a perfect destination for snorkeling and diving.

To get to the Islands, you’ll need to go on a 90-minute boat ride from Bali. There are no cars on the Islands, so you’ll be making your way around by bike and foot and enjoying the islands’ calm atmosphere. Walk across the crystal clear waters to find one of the many overwater swings where you can enjoy watching the sunrise or sunset.

You’ll find plenty of places to stay on the Gili Islands: suites, villas, hotels, they have everything! You can choose between great 3-star hotels and top-end luxury options, so this is a destination for everyone! So the next time you book a flight to Bali, we also suggest planning an escape on the Gili Islands.

Unique Vacations: Socotra, Yemen

This Yemeni island in the Indian Ocean is nicknamed the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean.” When you visit Socotra Island, expect to discover unique flora and fauna, surreal landscapes, and pristine beaches. The cherry on the sundae: they’re all relatively untouched due to the island’s remote location.

There’s lots to see and do. You can enjoy the amazing view of the Arabian Sea in the Infinity Pool in the Homhil Plateau or explore the Hoq Cave, which has epigraphy dating back to the 1st century. The beaches on Socotra are stunning: enjoy the sand dunes, swim in the pristine waters, and take in the sun. One of the top beaches is Qalansiyah Beach. Arher Beach is another amazing beach.

Because of the remote location, there aren’t many hotels on the Island, so make sure to book in advance. The Summerland Hotel is excellent. You can also stay at the Heathrow Hotel. The island also has many campsites and eco-lodges.

You’ll need to plan your flights in advance, as there’s a weekly flight from Cairo and another from Abu Dhabi. Your best bet is to talk to a travel agent to book your flights – they have access to all the details and extensive pricing information.

Unique Vacations: Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor may not be on everyone’s travel lists, but it’s an amazing town worth visiting. Its history goes back to a time before Homer, and you can get a taste of antiquity by visiting the Old Town of Kotor, which is on the UNESCO list of protected cultural heritage sites.

Located in a secluded bay along the Adriatic, you’ll be charmed by Kotor, its narrow alleyways, ancient walls, and mesmerizing mountain views. Go up the Kotor Ladder for a fascinating view of the bay and city. The ladder will take you to over 3,000 feet above sea level. Kotor Bay is perfect for kayaking or going on a SUP board. Going up to the San Giovanni Fortress is another must-do activity to get a taste of the city’s ancient history. Another essential spot is the Sea Gate, built by the Venetians in 1555. You won’t miss it. It’s one of the four entry points into Old Kotor.

Book a flight to Montenegro and discover this hidden Venetian treasure!

Unique Vacations: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Bolivia is on many people’s bucket lists because of the diversity that it offers. And our destination is a perfect example. If you’re planning a trip to Bolivia, then make sure to go to Salar de Uyuni. It’s the world’s largest salt flat, and you’ll get an otherworldly experience seeing its vast white salt expanse. After it rains, the flat turns into an enormous salt mirror. You’ll also find a former island, the Isla Incahuasi, filled with cactuses, standing in the middle of Salar de Uyuni.

There are many accommodations you can stay at near the flats and on them as well. You’ll find hotels, guesthouses, and eco-lodges. Places like the Palacio de Sal also offer SPA experiences. In fact, the hotel spa itself is built using salt!

Your best and most convenient option is to fly to Uyuni from La Paz or Santa Cruz. Talk to the agents at ASAP Tickets; they’ll provide options.

Conclusion

Stopping at an unusual destination during your travels is an excellent way to experience a unique vacation. We hope you enjoy these suggestions of off-the-beaten-path destinations!

Remember that you can save money by using a travel agent to book flights. You will get a choice of booking options and can tailor your trip according to your needs. Our agents can also suggest combining these unusual destinations with more mainstream tourist destinations.