BLOG
The 8 Best Global Vacation Destinations You Probably Haven’t Heard Of
Back to the blog
Newport Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Martha’s Vineyard: all coastal destinations that are just as well-known for their beauty as they are for their immense tourist appeal. While we’ll never turn down a trip to the beach, you have to admit that there’s something a bit routine about heading to any of these travel meccas, wedging ourselves between other tourists on the beach and spending too much money on mediocre meals. Honestly, it’s just getting old – especially when you consider all the global destinations just waiting to be experienced.
Think about it! The world is home to over 300,000 miles of coastline, which means that you could technically get your sunbathing on almost anywhere in the world. Even if you’re not one for feeling the sand in your toes, you have to admit that jetting off to Northern Africa or Latin America is way more exciting than settling for your usual jaunt to Yellowstone. Why not use your break from school wisely, and go somewhere that you’ve never seen, or even heard of? Now, that’s the real meaning of jet-setting!
If you haven’t already guessed, your pals at uCribs are huge advocates of travel, and what better time to take off to a relatively unknown destination than during your college years? Even if you’re not quite ready to plop down the cash for airfare, there’s nothing keeping you from adding these destinations to your travel-themed Pinterest board—hey, it’s all about setting goals for yourself, right? So, keep on scrolling for a list of 8 amazing global vacation destinations that you probably haven’t heard of but should definitely consider checking out.
Xilitla, Mexico
If you’re looking for an escape to paradise that also counts as an art history lesson, consider heading to Xilitla, Mexico. The town is home to Las Pozas (“The Pools”), a surrealist sculpture garden created by British poet and art patron, Edward James, in the 1950s. The unfinished-looking spectacle features winding staircases to nowhere and cathedral-like screens, in addition to nine pools of water. Journey to Xilitla to see this well-preserved wonder, swim in its natural baths, and, oh yeah – soak up the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being in the middle of a dense, Mexican jungle.
After you’ve spent hours marveling at Las Pozas, check out the on-site restaurant and even stay at James’ former home, which his niece now runs as a bed and breakfast. You can also head to Xilitla’s downtown area, Jardin Principal, for local shopping and sightseeing. Trust us, if you haven’t taken enough photos by this point, the city’s old buildings and lush backdrop will make for some incredible social media fodder!
Huacachina, Peru
As a kid, you might have watched cartoons featuring a lost traveler, who envisions an oasis in the middle of a barren desert. Well, rub your eyes all you like, but that’s exactly what you get in Huacachina, Peru. Located near the South American coast, Huacachina is a pocket-sized village surrounded by miles of dry desert. The village itself is centered around a lagoon that is believed to have healing powers. To say that Huacachina is Instagram-worthy material would be a serious understatement, and the area’s dunes are so beautiful, you might even choose to spend your days traveling over them by dune buggy, on-foot, or using a bodyboard, as opposed to your go-to activity of lounging by the pool.
While in Huacachina, you’ll eat your way through authentic Peruvian fare and have plenty of fun meeting locals and other tourists. You can also travel to Tacama, a nearby winery situated upon a 16th-century farm, to learn how Peru’s national beverage, pisco, is made. And, if you’re looking for even more adventure, you’ll be glad to learn that Huacachina is just miles from the city of Ica, which is home to several tourist attractions of its own. Check out the recently discovered Canyon de Los Perididos for amazing sand and rock formations, or the Regional Museum of Ica, where you’ll find artifacts, ceramics, and even mummies of the Peruvian people!
El Djem, Tunisia
Hidden in plain sight in the African country of Tunisia lies El Djem, a modest town that houses some of the world’s most mind-blowing Roman remains. El Djem is incredibly historic, given that Caesar himself founded the city of Thysdrus there in 46 B.C. and swiftly turned it into a lucrative spot for olive harvesting. Soon after, the El Djem Amphitheatre was erected and was not only a symbol of the city’s wealth, but also a space for action-packed gladiatorial contests during the height of the Roman Empire. Today, the site is celebrated as the fourth largest coliseum in the Roman world, and much to the delight of visitors, its structure remains largely intact, so you can walk the grounds and explore the secret passageways with ease.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of Roman history, you can delve into the rest of the country’s culture for the remainder of your stay. Head to Tunisia’s largely untouched Mediterranean coastline to experience its pristine waters and Grecian-like resorts or the Medina in nearby Tunis, which includes approximately 700 different monuments, beautiful mosques, and market shopping. You might not have been familiar with Tunisia before this blog, but after this trip, we know you’ll be telling everyone you meet about your trip there!
Port Louis, Mauritius
Transport yourself to the grandeur of the early 1700s when you pay a visit to Port Louis, Mauritius. As an island off the coast of Madagascar, this capital city is a stunning metropolitan area deeply steeped in antiquity, and given that the city was established in 1735 – 30 years before the United States – there is a lot of history to explore! The city is home to countless historical statues and buildings, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Topping our list are Statue of Mahe de la Bourdonnais, a statue of one of the country’s founders, and The Government House, an administrative building that was originally constructed around 1730 and now serves as the official address of the Mauritian Parliament.
Aside from its historical prominence, Port Louis is also a world-class destination for enjoying beautiful scenery and activity, such as swimming, hiking, and even horse racing. In fact, the Champ de Mars Racecourse is the second-oldest in the world and still extremely active! You can also shop local markets for unique finds—like Mauritian jams and souvenirs imprinted with Dodo birds, a now-extinct bird that was once native only to the East African island. Needless to say, a trip to Port Louis will be filled with beautiful views and enjoyable experiences.
Ischia Island, Italy
If you’re looking for an incredible vacay but haven’t quite settled on where exactly you want to go, consider the catch-all destination of Ischia Island. Why do we call it that? Well, for starters, the island, located off the coast of Naples, Italy, offers visitors a plethora of fun, vacation-forward activities, from basking in the sun at a five-star resort to shopping for freshly caught seafood from the locals. Not to mention, the volcanic island is home to an innumerable amount of thermal springs, which are highly sought-after for their healing properties, and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of self-care, since you’re on vacation, after all.
If indulging in a bit of well-deserved laziness isn’t your thing, you can also head for the hills – literally – and hike up to Monte Eponeo, the highest point on the island. The island’s botanical gardens of La Mortella are also quite a sight, and if you’re hoping to try traditionally-prepared Italian food, you’re sure to be directed to Ristorante Bracconiere. There, you’ll find Coniglio all’Ischitana (Ischian Rabbit), a local dish that has been around for centuries, thanks to the island’s abundance of wild rabbits. Most importantly, the island is largely unrecognized by tourists and, consequently, is much more affordable than Italy’s other resort destination, the Isle of Capri. Isn’t that just perfect for your student budget? Yeah, that’s what we thought.
Battambang, Cambodia
After a few work-heavy semesters, you’re probably hoping to spend your summer recharging your batteries in a place undisturbed by buzzing smartphones and incoming emails. If this sounds like the appropriate plan-of-action, then consider saving your pennies for a plane ticket to Battambang, Cambodia, an Asian country wedged in between Thailand and Vietnam. Sure, Cambodia may not initially top your travel bucket list, but if you’re hoping to get away from the Western world for a bit, this serenity-inducing city is the perfect place to go off the grid for a while—well, until life and responsibilities come calling once more.
Battambang is dotted with peaceful temples dating to the 11th century, as well as unique offerings for entertainment. You can immerse yourself in local art galleries that house little-known works by Cambodian artists, or head to a circus performance to watch area children and teenagers put on a show unlike anything you’ve ever seen. You can even enroll in a Cambodian cooking class and learn how to shop for and prepare a dish that gets the locals’ stamp of approval. Sure, the city may not have the glitzy appeal of other summer destinations, but when it comes to a tranquil getaway that reinvigorates your soul, Battambang is where it’s at.
Sintra, Portugal
If you’ve always dreamed of gazing upon centuries-old palaces, you’ll want to book your flight to Sintra, stat. Located in Portugal, which borders the Western edge of Spain, many bloggers say that landing in Sintra feels like entering a past world, and we can’t disagree! Sintra packs a punch when it comes to beautifully intact palaces and country estates, and it even houses one medieval castle. Spend your morning touring Quinta da Regaleira, a dream-like estate, featuring dead-end tunnels and ornate gazebos, before heading to the Castle of the Moors, which looks like something out of a fairytale— thanks to its imposing stone walls and passageways.
Next, plan a short trip to Palace of Sintra, which remains in incredible shape, followed by Pena Palace, a monastery turned summer home that clearly inspired the scenery for an entire catalogue of Disney Princess movies. One look at those brightly colored towers, and you’ll know what we mean! And, how could we forget the delicious Portuguese food you’re sure to wolf down while you’re there? It really doesn’t get much better than amazing views and equally amazing food, and if you consider both to be your “thing,” Sintra is an absolute must-visit!
Western Brook Pond, Newfoundland, Canada
Already suffering from Game of Thrones withdrawals? Prefer to spend your vacation in the rugged wilderness, instead of a flashy, beachside locale? For a trip that challenges your body and eases your mind, check out Western Brook Pond in Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park. It might not have made the cut for HBO-worthy scenery, but Western Brook Pond is still home to sweeping vistas worthy of a Jon Snow cameo, still and sparkling waters, and plenty of challenging terrain for those of you whose idea of an ideal vacation involves canteens and hiking boots.
Let us be clear: you’ll have to put in extra effort to reach the peaks and get in those stunning birds-eye views the site is famous for. The gorge doesn’t offer any type of transportation up the canyon, and no Snapchat-ready photo perches. But, if you’re down with plenty of physical exercise, you can reach the top with the help of the local tour company. If you’re not much of a hiker, you can take a boat tour through the pond and get those lower-level – but still insane – views of the area. Once it’s all said and done, take advantage of the area’s options for an overnight stay or camp in the park for a moderate fee. Affordable lodging and otherworldly views? Sign us up for a stay at Western Brook Pond!
It’s all too easy to get comfortable. You order the same food at your favorite restaurants and have the same, go-to drink at your favorite watering hole. Unfortunately enough, we can fall into the same patterns when planning our next vacation getaway. At uCribs, we challenge you to break the mold this year! There is plenty to see out there, and if you’re willing to spring for a plane ticket to a little-known place in the name of adventure, then we definitely have your back in that decision. Anything less would be a waste of money and an insult to your valuable time as a busy student. So, the next time you’re setting your sights on a beautiful beach destination, consider straying from the beaten path for a brag-worthy vacation experience.
Share this article:
