Our planet is filled with exotic places to travel that everyone should have the opportunity to visit at least once in his/her lifetime. If you’re ready for an adventure soon, pack a bag and bring your passport for our recommendations. Here are four exotic places to travel this year.
Petra, Jordan
Once a bustling, thriving city thousands of years ago, Petra is now a largely abandoned, empty area in near ruin. Thanks to the efforts of a European visitor in the 1800s, the city was discovered and later opened to the public. The Petra Archaeological Park is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Easily the most distinct feature of this place is the Treasury ruins, also called the Al-Khazneh. Once used as a mausoleum, it is now a beacon for tourists, the cherry on top in a city with numerous ancient temples, amphitheaters, and obelisks.
Where to Find It: Once called Raqmu, Petra sits in a basin in southern Jordan.
The Great Blue Hole, Belize
Belize is exotic in itself but immerse yourself further in its mysteries and wonder by exploring the Great Blue Hole. This circular underwater sinkhole is 300 meters across and about 125 meters deep. It is a favorite diving spot for seasoned divers and the wonders it offers beneath the crystal waters of Belize are worth the effort. Inside the hole, you can find gigantic stalactites, stalagmites, and dripstone columns that are at least 15,000 years old.
Bagan, Burma
Where to Find It: The Great Blue Hole is in the middle of the Lighthouse Reef, an atoll around 60 miles away from Belize City.
While Angkor Wat is arguably the more famous destination when it comes to ancient temples, Bagan also boasts of equally beautiful temples of its own. Any visit to Myanmar is sure incomplete without a trip to this area. To date, more than 2,000 temples still stand in Bagan, peppered by stupas to house relics considered sacred in the Buddhist religion. Although a visit on foot is excellent, the marvel of Bagan’s temples can also be viewed from a hot air balloon. Rides are typically available from October to April to take advantage of mild weather.
Where to Find It: This ancient city is located in the center of Myanmar, an 8-hour car ride from Rangoon (now Naypyitaw).
Panjin Red Beach, China
Don’t look for sand in China’s Red Beach. This nature reserve features one of the largest marsh areas in the world. What makes this distinctive is the seepweed that covers the coastline. The seepweed appears green in springtime and all throughout the summer. In autumn, however, that is when the area is awash with stunning crimson. Due to its environment, it also attracts a number of beautiful birds and animal life.
Where to Find It: It is in Dawa County, less than 20 miles southwest of Panjin City in Liaoning, China.
