There are plenty of blogs that tell you to travel to this place and that place, usually somewhere sunny and full of happy, smiling couples on beaches. You've fallen for the clickbait, you know what I'm talking about. Barcelona, Kingston, Buenos Aires...While these places are all great and you should definitely take advantage of visiting them if you can, there are other places in the world that can offer you completely new experiences outside of the ordinary!
Personally, when I think of exploring somewhere new, I think of places that aren't always warm and sunny. I think of long hiking trips where you actually have to work to see the beautiful mountain at the end. I imagine camping in cavernous forests and vast plains under a sky blanketed in stars. Mostly, I picture adventures that challenge myself but offer a mode of satisfaction and contentment.
So whether you're a beach bum or a nature junkie, here are 7 slightly unconventional places that you should travel to if you have the opportunity.
1. Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most amazing, but underrated, places in the world. The great thing about Wellington in particular is that the city itself is the largest urban area in the country but it's located right in the middle of everything. The city itself offers a great variety for nightlife, whether you're into the party scene or not, while the countryside goes from sunny beach to snowy mountaintops. Bonus? New Zealand is where both "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" franchises were filmed. You can even visit Hobbiton!
2. Vancouver, Canada
To most Americans, Canada is definitely not one of their top places to visit (unless you're a hardcore camping/fishing/hiking aficionado). However, a perk to Vancouver is that it's not that far away, which means an affordable plane ticket or even road trip! On the cusp of hundreds upon hundreds of miles of wilderness, it offers a nice mix of urban/rural, including white water rafting, a life size labyrinth that you only have 60 minutes to escape, sailing on the bay, or even visiting one of the more than 50 theater companies.
3. Scottish Highlands
I'm a little biased about Scotland, particularly the Highlands, because this is my #1 adventure destination, but I think it's definitely a place that everyone should try and mosey on over to if they have the chance. The landscape is absolutely unreal, and not to mention Scottish accents (swoon). Climbing to the top of munroes (which are those smallish hill-like mountains) or walking through miles of heather appeals to an active kind of person. On top of all of that, there are ancient standing stone circles, castle ruins, and the beautiful city of Inverness.
4. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
The first established national park of China, this place is beyond beautiful. Just look at it, isn't it bonkers? I actually didn't even know this place existed before I started searching for some great travel destinations in China. One of the best opportunities that this place can offer is a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. It makes you realize how much bigger the world is than just yourself. And if that's not enough for you, this place inspired much of the scenery for James Cameron's blockbuster "Avatar." I can dig it.
5. The Upper Peninsula, Michigan
This is the only place on this list that is from the United States and I'm proud to say it's only an hour away from my own tiny Wisconsin hometown. The Upper Peninsula (fondly called 'The Yoop' by residents) is an incredibly unique place. Covered in snow for most of the year and very sparsely populated, it almost feels like wilderness of hundreds of years ago. The Lake of the Clouds (which is featured in the picture) is just one of the places you can visit, along with a tiny brewery on Houghton, nestled between rolling hills and vast forests. It truly is the unofficial 'North Coast' of America. Also, for the more adventurous at heart, you can go surfing at any time of the year, even winter, like some of its inhabitants do.
6. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Just looking at this place, I don't even have to try to sell it to you. So I won't. But I will tell you that it's located near the crest of the Andes Mountains, so exploring and camping on them is within the realm of possibilities. It's also near a desert (if you couldn't tell) and the strange reflective look is because it's the world's largest salt flat. Lastly, if all of this doesn't convince you to book a plane ticket right now, apparently flamingos live here. That's it, if you're not, I'm going.
7. Florence, Italy
So while Florence (Firenze in Italian) isn't necessarily an unconventional travel destination, it's often overlooked for other Italian cities like Rome, Venice, or Milan. However, I think Florence is one of the jewels of Italy, having been there once in my lifetime. One of the best things about this city is that there's always something new and exciting going on. While much of Italy feels ancient beyond words, this place reminds of a Renaissance painting. Piazzas filled with street performers who play for the simply pleasure of it, people playing catch with their dogs, and children playing among 500 year old statues, it's perfect. It's also home to Michelangelo's "The David," a larger than life statue of the biblical man who defeated the giant, Goliath. What I love most about this city is the ability to look past cliche touristy destinations and simply immerse yourself in the raw history, finding an unexpected courtyard in the middle of an under construction church, or dining on an outdoor patio under the city lights.
