It’s time to revisit those travel bucket lists ladies and gentlemen. Forget about your dreams to explore the romantic streets of Paris, shopping in Milan and Christmas in New York. Once you get a glimpse of these underrated destinations, you won’t be able to resist.
1: Lake Como – Italy:
Skip the busy streets of Rome or even the dreamy waters of Venice, Lake Como (also known as Lario) is THE real hotspot of Italy. With scenery often described as stunning and dramatic, it’s not hard to see what is so appealing about this location. It’s not just the views that will make you fall in love with the area, as there isn’t a shortage of things to do.
Things you could expect to do on your visit there (besides taking the most mesmerising photos) includes: a walk along the beaches, taking a boat ride on the lake and hearing its history, or visiting one of the few stunning villages surrounding the lake. You can even book to stay in an historic villa. This is the perfect destination for those all-important relaxing getaways.
2: Ecuador:
This country isn’t normally found on a bucket list, but it should be! Full of breath-taking scenery, wholesome people and even more wholesome food, Ecuador will soon become your home away from home. With many different cities to explore; there’s no shortage of culture or adventure. Visit Baños and ride dirt bikes through the streets (taking in the breath-taking views as you do), head to the Galapagos Islands to become enriched in the wildlife, Quito (the countries capital) for historic buildings, and religious history or Ambato for some
of the best food you can imagine. Organise a road trip and visit each of the countries MANY beaches, all famous for their hot sand and warm waters (don’t forget the party life at Montanita).
If beaches don’t sound appealing to you, there are many rainforests and wildlife areas you can visit; swimming in rivers, exploring underground caves and even ziplining through the jungle. Experience the thrill of La Casa del Arbol also known as ‘the swing at the end of the world’. Round up the trip by visiting the markets, where you’ll find handmade gifts and mouth- watering treats to fill your suitcase with. Once you visit Ecuador, you’ll never want to return.
3: Blue Lagoon – Iceland:
This next location will leave you in a trance. Whether you want to just take a dip or have the full experience, you won’t find a spa like this at home. Using geothermal seawater, this spa is as natural as it gets. Book a
weekend away for the most relaxing time of your life, spend the day being pampered at the lagoon, then go out exploring the lighthouses, hot springs and mud pools nearby, all surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Finish off the day with a meal at one of the few fine dining restaurants located around the lagoon resort.
4: Positano – Italy:
Another entry from Italy, Positano is a cliffside village in the south of Italy. This beachy village will have you bursting with happiness, with its colourful building and amazing boutiques/ cafes dotted everywhere. This is the perfect place for wandering, its roads are winding and steep so make sure you wear comfy shoes, or if you don’t feel like walking rent a scooter! If wandering; one trial you should take is the “Sentiero Degli Dei”(Path of The Gods), a 3 hour hike that gives fantastic views of the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri. Visit the Santa Maria church for the most beautiful pictures (and also take in some history while you’re at it) then head to the villages art galleries to take in some authentic Italian masterpieces.
5: Gili Trawangan, Indonesia:
For starters: less tourists than Bali. Gili Trawangan is the perfect place to sit alongside the crystal clear water eating some of the freshest seafood you can get. Enjoy traffic free roads to explore, because motorised vehicles are prohibited here. Activities you can find yourself enjoying include: hiring a horse and carriage to take you on a tour, rent a go pro and go snorkelling to capture pictures of the Sealife and the underwater sculpture ‘The Nest’ by Jason deCaires Taylor. You can even go scuba diving instead or spearfishing. This is the perfect location for those looking for underwater adventures.
6: Puebla – Mexico:
This city is drenched in historic culture with the Museo Amparo and Templo de San Fransisco waiting for your visit (along with many other galleries and museums). You can visit The Great Pyramid of Cholula (the biggest pyramid in the world by volume) to explore some of its 5 mile tunnels, and visit the onsite museum. If you’re looking for something a bit more action-packed, you can hike one of the nearby volcanoes ,La Malinche volcano (also known as Matlalcueye or Malintzin), trek 7.6 miles through thick forests
and a rocky ridgeline to reach its foot peak. The trail isn’t for the faint hearted but the views are more than worth it. If you are feeling extra adventurous; skip this trail and trek the 3rd highest peak in Mexico; Iztaccíhuatl , which rises more than 17,000 feet above sea level. Please do note that this is only
recommended for those of exceptional health and experience.
7: Malta:
This country is so small it will only take a few days to explore the whole country. But its size doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Go snorkelling or scuba diving in its Mediterranean seas, and stroll along the beautiful streets filled with art and culture. Stop to eat at the local, family run businesses for some of the best snacks and treats you’ll ever try. Take in the culture with festivals, prehistoric temples and traditions to participate
in. Finish off your evenings enjoying the countries nightlife, filled with theatre shows, bars ands parties.
8: Keshet Cave – Israel:
This adrenaline junkie destination is in the Western Galilee in Israel. This cave used to be covered
until the ceiling fell through revealing the perfect natural arch for tourists to rappel from. Experience being suspended amongst some of the most beautiful surroundings in the world. Tourists describe it as being in the heavens.
9: The Cook Islands:
Looking for a paradise to escape to? Look no further, because the Cook Islands is perfect! With the bluest waters you can find anywhere in the world and clear white beaches that seemingly never end, Cook Islands is the perfect location to relax and enjoy some peace. Tropical weather makes it even better. Lagoons can also be found to take a dip in before eating some deliciously fresh food locally sourced.
10: Buenos Aires – Argentina:
Packed with colour and life, Buenos Aires is a place for socialising. Dance through the streets to the local artists making music whilst shopping in the markets for beautiful hand made gifts. Explore some of the old
colonial buildings for a bit of a city’s history. Visit the museums and galleries filled with classic and modern art before wandering through the botanical gardens Jardín Botánico– filled with many lakes, sculptures and ethnic restaurants to fill your stomach with love.
So, where will you be headed first?
Lauren is a content writer that is creating her own book and aspires to become a published author. While writing content, she also spends her time performing as an actress for different projects presented to her.
