We live in such a big world, that it’s imperative to travel. There are so many places to go, people to see and vast lands to discover. We all yearn to discover and uncover the secret destinations of our beautiful planet.
Many people think they’ve seen it all, but in all honesty, they haven’t even seen half of it. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to go look up on the Internet, “Secret places to travel in the world.” You get a bunch of hits and quickly realize that there is just so much more of the world out there that you need to explore. With that being said, I did some research on this subject and found 18 amazing, secretive places to visit and I found some pretty out-of-this-world locations. Take a look for yourself!
1. The Gila Cliff Dwellings in Catron, New Mexico. These caves were built and lived in by American Indian families centuries ago, and some scholars even found a mummified infant! WHAT? Ok.
2. Kilauea Volcano and Thurston Lava Tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Unless you’re some type of scientist, you’re probably thinking, “Why in the world would I ever go to a Lava Tube?” Well I’ll tell you why! This volcano has been active and producing lava since 1983. Below it, is a cave that was created 500 years ago and you can walk through it. This place could potentially be your new hangout if you happen to live nearby… or not.
3. The Haiku Stairs in Oahu, Hawaii. Also known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” this trail is truthfully not open to the public, but it doesn’t stop curious hikers from trekking up this steep route. What makes this unknown point of interest so interesting, is that it is located 2800 feet above the sea. That sure as hell sounds like a breathtaking view.
4. “The door to hell." The complete opposite of the Haiku Stairs, is located in Derweze, Turkmenistan. The reason for its name; well, back in the '70s, some Soviet geologists accidentally drilled into this now burning crater, for natural gas. The fire was supposed to last only a few days, but after more than 40 years, the flames have not deceased.
5. The “Crooked Forest.” Located in Western Poland, this mysterious place was named after the weird 90-degree-angle bend at the base of each tree. Legitimately, they all have the same bend, and no one knows how they got that way. FREAKY… but extremely awesome.
6. Jiuzhaigou Valley in northern Sichuan, China. This beautiful valley is over 180,000 acres wide and is mostly popular for its colorful, multi-leveled water that lets you see the bottom.
7. The Apostle Islands. Located off the Wisconsin shore of Lake Superior, the apostle islands have 22 islands filled with caves that you can kayak through. During the winter, you can even witness frozen waterfalls and icicle chambers, but be careful!
8. Rangiroa. Rang what!? Rangiroa is a ring-shaped reef located in the French Polynesia. If your ever in the area, it has awesome scuba diving and you can see many of the incredible sea life including, but not limited to dolphins, green sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, and manta rays. This place even produces oysters with black pearls! Where’s Jack sparrow when you need him?
9. Rio Tinto, Spain. One of the most mysterious places on earth, this river is not only red, but harbors highly acidic water. Fantastic! Probably best to not row in it.
10. Ristorante Grotta Palazzese, Italy. Supposedly the best place to eat in not only Italy, but in the whole world, and it’s located in the caves of Polignano a Mare.
11. Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Valley, Bhutan. Situated on a cliff 3,000 feet above Paro Valley. This site was built in order to protect a very important leader of Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava. Fun Fact! This Guru meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours. My thoughts: “Um…HOW?”
12. Dubrovnik, Croatia. This medieval Croatian city is also used for Game of Thrones Scenes. Specifically the King’s Landing. Prettay cool.
13. Þingvallavatn Lake, Iceland. If you’re really into deep sea diving (or deep lake diving), then the Þingvallavatn Lake is just for you! This lake is located within a National Park, which is the boundary between North America and Europe! If you are lucky enough to dive here, each year you can measure out tectonic plates that grow wider two centimeters each year... if that’s your thing you know.
14. Lord Howe Island, Australia. This island is home to a very small native population and only 400 tourists can visit each year. It’s pretty exclusive and if you should get the chance to be graced with this opportunity, you’ll be able to witness the mesmerizing crystal lagoon and coral reef.
15. Cappadocia, Turkey. Cappadocia is a historical place best known for the underground cities and cave towns that you can spot easily from the hot air balloons.
16. Deception Island, Antarctica. This unique ring shaped island is so secretive, that you can only access it by tour boats. On the island is an active volcano and some lovely host springs. And if there’s ever a storm, don’t fret! The island offers sanctuary from storms and icebergs. Definitely on my bucket list.
17. Craco, Matera, Basilicata. There is said to be ghosts inhabiting this medieval village. NUFF SAID.
18. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland. This place is just as hard to get to as it is to say the name, but it’s totally worth it. All it takes is two plane rides, one only being once a week, and a helicopter to discover this interestingly cozy, small, colorful town.
