30 Awesome Places to Visit That Youve Never Heard of ...

1. Dean’s Blue Hole, the Bahamas

Of all the places that you’ve never heard of, this place has to be one of the most captivating. It’s Earth’s deepest known underwater cave, and it’s absolutely incredible. The gorgeous ring of blues around this blue hole plunges to 202 meters, and diving enthusiasts will adore it.

2. Melissani Cave, Greece

The Greeks have long been aware of this place. Prominent in Greek mythology, this was the cave of nymphs, and as anyone can attest, nymphs are gorgeous creatures! It’s hard not to feel incredible when you’re in such a place of beauty.

3. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

One of the most unique places to visit doesn’t even look like what you picture when you think of Malaysia. Normally a rather hot country, the Cameron Highlands, this country's most extensive hill stations, keep a lovely temperature of somewhere between 10°C and 21°C; perfectly cool and happy!

4. Luang Prabang, Laos

Going to a place like Laos means going to a completely different world than the one we’re used to. Also a UNESCO World Heritage site, this is one of the world’s most protected lands, which explains why it's not the first thing you think of when the word 'vacation' is brought up. But once you set foot in this colourful city, your eyes will be greeted with monks, luscious greenery, and red and yellow spices everywhere.

5. Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia

This place looks like a dream come true. Taking 33 years to build, this gorgeous basilica is not only without a doubt one of the most incredible places that you’ve never heard of – until now – it is also one of the world’s hidden gems. Just Google the interior of this church and enjoy the splendor!

6. Suzhou, China

Anything you’ll ever see in China is rich with history. This place in particular has 2,500 years of history to its name. You can take a boat ride through the city and marvel at the incredible architecture. Being relatively new to tourists, this city has also taken steps to make several improvements to its basic facilities and functions, so go before it becomes overrun with tourists!

7. Saturno Cave, Cuba

When my boyfriend and I went to Cuba last year, the Saturno Cave was one of the most incredible sites I’ve ever seen in my life, and it is as stunning as the picture shows. The water is clear and blue, the rock formations are incredible, and the descent down to the cave is covered with lush greenery. Just don’t forget your camera!

8. Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

How beautiful is this place? Another site on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, this is a destination that won’t be on the list of places that you’ve never heard of for long. It’s starting to gain a lot more tourists that can’t help but marvel at the glaciers and the wonderful wildlife that thrives here.

9. Mont-Saint-Michel, France

One look at this place, and I can’t help but think of that Disney castle. An island off the coast of France, this place has a pretty rich history, once serving as one of the most important fortresses way, way back in the day. It’s one of the most magical towns I've ever seen, and I would love to be able to view the sunset going down behind this gorgeous town!

10. Petra, Jordan

Personally, I don’t think it gets any more incredible than this. Being a former history major, I absolutely love it when I get to visit a place of massive historical significance. Petra is one of those places. Estimated to have been built sometime as early as 309 BC, going here is literally like walking in the same path as someone else did, hundreds of thousands of years before you did. This place has been carved out of rose-colored rock and has maintained its brilliance, even to this day.

11. Bhutan

Bhutan really made its debut as being one of the world’s happiest countries. It’s hard to put in to words the splendor of this country, and but the Bhutanese government requires visitors to spend a minimum of $200 - $250 USD a day in order to issue a visa. Now that it’s opened its doors to the public though, my best advice is to visit before it becomes too popular!

12. The Kimberley, Australia

For those of you who love a little rugged adventure, The Kimberley is the place to go. While the Aussie’s have most likely enjoyed all that this place has to offer over the years, it’s just becoming known over on this side of the world. This northern part of Western Australia is one of the wettest places you can visit, literally, as The Kimberley has a tropical monsoon climate. So if you’re visiting, make sure to double check the weather forecast.

13. Haiku Stairs, Hawaii

Okay, so technically it’s illegal to climb these stairs, which is made abundantly clear with the giant DO NOT CLIMB signs all over the place. But what’s even more abundantly clear is now little people really care about those signs. You may not have heard of its true name before, because it's more commonly known alias is the Stairway to Heaven. The climb is surely arduous and steep at times, but it’s a climb of a lifetime!

14. Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, China

Remember in the movie Avatar how we were all mesmerized by the floating mountains and thought to ourselves – wouldn’t it be so cool if a place like that existed? Well look no further my friends! After seeing pictures and videos, you’ll add this to your travel bucket list in a heartbeat. It’s amazing that places like this can exist in the world, but it does! So take a gander while you can.

15. Huacachina, Peru

This place looks like something out a movie, literally a paradise in the middle of the desert. Unless you’re an avid sand boarder, chances are this little gem is one of those places that you’ve never heard of before. It really is incredible though. Built around a small natural lake, sand dunes surround this little spot of paradise. If you believe the local stories, the beautiful princess who was chased away by a hunter (seriously guys, leave a girl alone!) fled the area and in leaving, created a lagoon behind her. She’s also said to still live in the area as a mermaid, who I really wouldn’t mind meeting given the chance!

16. Derweze, Turkmenistan

Commonly known as the Gates of Hell (lovely claim to fame I know), this is one of those places that is actually a true destination. It may seem like a place that was made as a tourist trap, but sure enough, this place is quite natural. It is a natural gas fire, and the result of scientists who worked in the area in the 1970s who lit this area that’s rich is natural gas deposits. They just never thought it would burn for this long!

17. Kaziranga National Park, India

A world heritage site that’s protected by the UN, this park holds a very large population of the Great One-Horned rhinoceros. It’s also home to wild boars, Bengal tigers, elephants, and still greatly untouched by humans. If you plan to visit this place, you’ll only be allowed to see about 20% of this park!

18. Antelope Canyon, USA

If you've never heard of Antelope Canyon, you’re about to hear of it now. This place is the most photographed part of the canyon in the American Southwest. This is one of the most gorgeous places to visit, and the natural colors and compression patterns you'll see will just blow your mind.

19. Cappadocia Valley, Turkey

One of the best ways to see this spot is from above, way above in a hot air balloon to be exact. This has to be one of the most magical places ever, and one of the best places to go for traditional Turkish food. Just looking at these rock formations remind me of a fairytale, and who doesn’t want to live in a fairy tale?

20. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Look at this picture. AMAZING. This was one of those places that you’ve never heard of, up until now. Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat measuring 10,582 square kilometers, and it is a sight to behold. Imagine standing on ground so reflective, it’s like you’re standing in the sky. I must go here. Now.

21. Darien National Park, Panama

Another incredible place that’s on the World Heritage List (whoever has the job of scouting these places is so darn lucky!), Darien National Park is a sight to behold. Once you see pictures of this place, it will never leave your memory. There are large parts of this park that aren’t very accessible due to its extreme isolation, but if you go to Cana, one of the easier places to visit here, you’ll be able to witness just a bit of the incredible nature of this part of the world.

22. Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles

This is a place unlike any other on earth. As the world's second largest coral atoll (do a quick Google search on this one), this place is virtually untouched by humans, which goes to show you just how beautiful and incredible Earth's natural beauty really is. Because of the lack of human interaction, you'll see natural just how it was meant to be seen - beautifully. There are species of all kinds of different mammals, reptiles, flora, birds, and corals here. If you ever do get to go, remind yourself of how lucky you are to be witnessing something so incredible.

23. Socotra Archipelago, Yemen

I’m not really sure what to think when people say Yemen, other than a very memorable episode of FRIENDS when Chandler faked his move to Yemen (the address was 123 Yemen Street, Yemen). That’s probably why this particular spot is on the list of places that you’ve never heard of. It’s one of the most isolated landforms on earth, and that shows in the incredible trees and flowers that grow on this island. It’s not often visited, but the trusty folks at TripAdvisor have given it a 5/5, pretty impressive!

24. Lord Howe Island, Australia

Does this not take your breath away? This place is perfect for the water adventurer, and at any given time, you’ll be one of the only 400 visitors allowed on this island. Kept under protection of the UN, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise once you’re here. The mix of the landscapes, wildlife, and underwater adventures will make you fall in love with this place.

25. Emerald Lake, Canada

I visited the Emerald Lake 2 years ago, and I spread the word about this place as much as I can even to this day. The waters are so still and clear, and the stunning backdrop of pine trees, snow capped mountains and blue skies against a truly emerald lake will take your breath away. If you’re lucky enough to be able to secure a place at the Emerald Lake Lodge, send me pictures because I want to see!

26. Hitachi Seaside Park, Japan

The word is WOW. It’s one thing to take a look at a picture of a landscape covered in rows and rows of different coloured flowers, but to actually BE in that place, it must be incredible. Chances are, this place in Japan is one of the places that you’ve never heard of before, but being just 2 hours from Tokyo, it’s fairly easy to get to. All year round you’ll be able to walk among flowers you’ve never ever seen before and take in their beauty. It kind of reminds me of a Dr. Suess world come to life. And plus, it must smell really, really good!

27. Hang Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

I have a thing for caves; not freaky caves with a ton of bats flying out at you, but caves that seem to be a hidden gem from the rest of the world like the Hang Son Doong Cave. It was literally just last year that this magical place starting prepping for their first public tours. This is the world’s largest cave - over 5.5 miles long, has a jungle and river, and looks just incredible. This isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for it, spend over $3000 and experience away!

28. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

This place looks beyond epic. These falls are so powerful, it’s said that you can hear it from miles away before you can even see anything. To give you some perspective on how massive this place is, it’s about 4 times higher than the Niagara Falls. You can hike up to the top or take a plane ride overhead. Whatever way you choose to see this site, you should visit if you have the chance.

29. Yucatan, Mexico

One look at this picture and it’s hard not to want to go here. It has a thriving city to explore, incredible art, clear beaches, and caves that look like this. Plus it’s also the birthplace of tequila, and is home to the coolest pyramids in North America, not too shabby if you ask me!

30. Giola, Greece

The Giola Lagoon in Greece is probably one of those places that you’ve seen pictures of, an also one of the places that you’ve never heard of until now. This secluded lagoon sits seaside, so the view is incredible, but it reportedly takes quite a trek to get there. I imagine it’s quite worth it though, especially when it’s like having your own private pool right on the edge of the ocean!

So there you have it folks! A list of 30 awesome places that you’ve (most likely) never heard of, but have to visit if you ever get a chance. There are so many incredible places in this world, and sometimes it’s nice to just stop and take a moment to appreciate all the wonders of nature and of civilizations before us. So tell me, what are some of the places you love that most people don’t know about?