It's the middle of the winter, and I keep finding myself thinking of anywhere else in the world I could be right now. There are the typical places that all tourists flock to, but I've always been one to search for rare and underrated places. For those of you who are adventurous, an art or architecture buff, or just enjoy laying around in beautiful scenery, here are 35 unique places you never knew you wanted to visit.
1. Marquette, Michigan, USA
Presque Isle Park is a beautiful lookout and hiking spot seated on the edge of Lake Superior. Not to leave out the Superior Dome for sporting events and downtown shopping and nightlife.
2. Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Take in a beautiful view from Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the historical Biltmore Estate or Biltmore Gardens, take a food tour, or view a number of art galleries. And do you see those gorgeous mountains?
3. Avalanche Lake, Montana, USA
Two miles off of the trailhead of the Trail of the Cedars, this gorgeous view is really an indescribable reward for a hike. I know I would be floating around for the rest of the day.
4. Tamul Falls, Mexico
Miles down from the historic site Tamtoc, tours are available through the falls in addition to kayaking and swimming.
5. Granada, Nicaragua
Visit the islets off of Granada, see a number of beautifully constructed cathedrals and churches, or take a day trip to Mombacho Volcano nearby.
6. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The moment I heard of this place it made my "GO TO THIS PLACE ASAP" list. Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, composed of salt and brine (lithium) which gives it such reflective properties.
7. Angel Falls, Venezuela
If you've seen Up you've seen this picture before and yes, it is a real place! It is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall. Definitely somewhere I would spend my life aspiring to visit.
8. Cusco, Peru
A city so rich in culture that also happens to be not too far from the Inca site of Machu Picchu.
9. Belfast, Ireland
If you're a fan of the Titanic, you can relive the story at the largest Titanic visitor experience in the world. There's also a museum with dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies. Or if you would like to pretend you are royalty go visit the Belfast Castle.
10. Budapest, Hungary
The Parliament is a must-see, you can take a Danube cruise, or experience the view from the Fisherman's Bastion.
11. Split, Croatia
See Diocletian's Palace or take in the scenery from Marjan hill.
12. Tallinn, Estonia
Visit Old Town, take in history at the national museum, or climb Toompea Hill to be able to see this beautiful view.
13. Sopot, Poland
Spend time on the beach right on the coast of the Baltic Sea or go downtown to indulge in the nightlife. Don't forget to see the Crooked House which is literally what it sounds like.
14. Paros, Greece
Parika Town has plenty of photo opportunities complete with gardens, beaches, food, and cats.
15. Lofoten, Norway
Northern beaches, an aquarium, a city surrounded by this view...I cannot even fathom a more beautiful edge of the Earth.
16. Fjords, Norway
Western Norway is filled with mountains surrounding stunning fjords and importantly--unique local cuisine.
17. Johannesburg, South Africa
Take a wildlife tour or delight in a city full of history from the Apartheid Museum to the Lesedi Cultural Village.
18. Grand Baie, Mauritius
A coastal village straight out of your vacation dreams.
19. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Climb this snow-covered, dormant volcano in the middle of beautiful Africa. And hopefully see this cute giraffe.
20. Cyprus
Explore the Tombs of the Kings or visit Europe's leading water park attraction, Fasouri Watermania. Cyprus is a hub of beaches and history.
21. Doha, Qatar
There are thousands of things to do in Qatar, but be sure to see the Museum of Islamic Art, Aspire Park, and be a part of the nightlife.
22. Petra, Jordan
Explore Petra and make your way up to the Royal Tombs and the High Place of Sacrifice--both aspects of the ancient city.
23. Sapa, Vietnam
Hike through mountains and waterfalls for this breathtaking view.
24. Paro Taktsang, Bhutan
This historic temple overlooks the Paro Valley, translating to "The Tiger's Nest" and is truly a gem hidden in the mountains.
25. The Kiso Valley, Japan
Take a historic day hike from Kyoto and indulge in pure Japanese culture.
26. Okinawa, Japan
Another island of tropical paradise, it has become a highly-visited island off of Japan since the years of World War II.
27. Sukothai, Thailand
A peaceful historical site.
28. Udaipur, India
Admire the City Palace, the central garden palace Badi Mahal, visit the numerous lakes and temples, and see a cultural show.
29. Bandhavgarh National Park, India
Wildlife Sanctuary. Do you see this tiger? I want to see this tiger.
30. Changbaishan, China
Do you see this view?
31. Li River, China
What about this one?
32. Kadaku Park, Northern Territory Australia
But really, why would you not want to experience this?
33. Blue Mountains National Park, Australia
Stand high upon these mountains and take in the nature of Australia.
34. Rotorua, New Zealand
Thermal pools, a cultural village, a redwood forest-- another unbelievable destination that shows the true beauty of the world.
35. Vanua Levu, Fiji
Please convince me you don't want to plant yourself on these beaches. Forever. Also a hotspot for island society and culture.
Adventure is out there. You just have to go find it.
