What comes to mind when you think exotic? White sandy beaches, palm trees, turtles and whale sharks, maybe a tropical jungle almost untouched by humans? Expat Explore has discovered so much more. From magical sinkholes in the ocean to soaring forests of bamboo and moonscapes formed from volcanic eruptions, we break down the world’s most exotic vacations for adventurous travellers.
Discover the world’s most exotic vacations:
1. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Japan
If this is a place that is renowned in the statement “pictures don’t do it justice”, then you can just imagine what it would feel like to stand in this towering forest of bamboo. Found on the outskirts of Kyoto, Japan. This spellbinding destination is a place of sheer enchantment set amidst the bamboo stalks. Find yourself gazing up with a sense of other-worldly perspective that you can only feel deep in your gut!
Related: Visit Arashiyama when you join our 13-day Highlights of Japan tour!
2. Forest of Knives, Madagascar
These razor-sharp vertical limestone rocks in Madagascar are also known as Tsingy, in Malagasy. This means “the place that one cannot walk”, and there is no doubt as to why. These magical formations, which long outdate humans, are a case of sheer mother-earth magnificence, and wildlife thrives here! Due to 200 million years of heavy tropical rainfall erosion, these limestone formations are really something to behold.
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia is an exciting destination on the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik is a walled old town known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ which was once a rich and powerful state. Today, it feels like a living museum that makes for a dreamy destination. Discover the numerous baroque churches and medieval marble streets, lined with quaint cafes and trendy bars and restaurants. Dubrovnik is a piece of paradise on Earth with loads of cultural history and incredible architecture all within the iconic city walls. Not to mention the azure waters and islands of the Adriatic at its feet!
Related: Tick top Croatian destinations off your bucket list on our Croatia & Eastern Delights tour!
4. Easter Island, Chile
This mystical destination is located hundreds of miles off the coast of mainland Chile. Easter Island is on the bucket list of many adventurous and curious travellers. There is a vast amount of exploring to be done in such a small stature of just 63 square miles. Discover volcanoes, beaches, wild horses and the famous “Easter Island heads”, which are Moai statues that have confounded explorers and archaeologists for centuries.
Related: Discover the many wonders of Argentina, Chile & the Atacama Desert!
5. Taha’a, French Polynesia
An island filled with banana, watermelon, and coconut that smells like vanilla? Count us in! The amazing work of Mother Earth has created an island that is shaped like a flower and smells like vanilla pods, and we’re not even kidding. Her fertile valleys are a natural greenhouse for Tahitian vanilla orchids, which are in abundance on Taha’a. The natural scenery is awe-inspiring and travellers are able to hike the incredible valleys and ascending slopes discovering all the magical and diverse flora and fauna on the island.
6. Cappadocia, Turkey
This magical moonscape found in the stunning Cappadocia region in Turkey was created by volcanic eruptions that have resulted in rock formations and caves that are completely surreal. This geological oddity is a sight to see and definitely one of those exotic vacations that needs to be added to the list! Take the opportunity to visit this phenomenon on an Expat Explore tour through Turkey.
7. Bagan, Myanmar
The beautiful temples of Bagan in Myanmar (formerly Burma) were built by the Kings of Bagan between 1057 and 1287. More than 2,000 Buddhist monuments tower over the green plains below in a genuinely awe-inspiring way and are truly an archaeological spectacle to experience.
8. Sossusvlei, Namibia
This part of the Namibian desert is a visual immersion in incredible sand dunes and clay pans for as long as the eye can see. Sossusvlei is one of the most unique places in the world, with surreal dead acacia trees contrasting the salty floor of the pans and ever-changing dunes that flow with the Earth.
9. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
This beautiful lake has found itself locked in between three towering volcanoes in the Guatemalan highlands of the Sierra Madra mountain range. Its scenery is defined by peace and tranquillity. Lake Atitlan offers an exquisite backdrop for yoga, hiking, and kayaking with mesmerising scenery all around.
10. El Yunque Rain Forest, Puerto Rico
El Yunque is a tropical rainforest covering more than 28,000 acres and getting more than 200 inches of rain annually. The rainforest is known for its biodiversity and has the perfect exotic spots for discovering the incredible spotted tree frogs and exotic flora and fauna.
11. Machu Picchu, Peru
This incredible Incan citadel is set high in the Andes Mountains above the Urubamba River valley in Peru. They were built in the 15th Century and later abandoned, and have since become one of the world’s greatest wonders.
Machu Picchu’s sophisticated and intricate dry-stone walls have fused giant blocks together, seeming impossible without the use of mortar. These fascinating buildings boast astronomical alignments and incredibly picturesque panoramic views in a mystical manner.
Related: You can visit this exceptional sight on an Expat Explore tour to Peru!
12. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
The Philippines’ last frontier boasts marble cliffs and aquamarine lagoons filled with exotic, colorful fish. That’s not all, off this stunning beach you’ll also find lush mangrove forests, cascading waterfalls and ancient caves, making El Nido the perfect place for that next exotic vacation.
13. Adams Peak, Sri Lanka
This spectacular natural conical landmark is a pilgrimage attraction of Sri Lanka and a perfect destination for your next vacation. Hike up Adam’s Peak and feel like a giant amidst the clouds as you look down on the wondrous landscape of Sri Lanka filled with lowlands and evergreen forests. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for an affordable escape.
14. Taveuni, Fiji
A list of exotic vacation spots just doesn’t seem complete without adding Fiji. Taveuni is one of the 300 archipelago islands and offers the feeling of complete peace and isolation, surrounded by welcoming culture and scenic national parks. The waters are full of soft, occasionally luminous coral and houses a vast array of fish, turtles, sharks, and whales.
This planet that we are lucky enough to call home is so full of awe and wonder. This list is just the tip of all there is to experience and marvel at in planning for your next exotic vacation!
Join Expat Explore on one of our amazing group tours to exotic destinations, because travel is better together!
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