Ibiza, London, Cabo, Cancun, Canada are just some of the vacation spots you hear about as students get ready to travel abroad and see the world. The beauty of the world around us can be measured in two different ways. One that enhances the grand wonders of man and one that enhances the grand wonders of Mother Nature. Those of the former would be inclined to spend their vacation exploring the artwork of Michelangelo or spending time admiring the skyscrapers of New York. But if you are the more adventurous sort wishing to pursue the road less traveled - here are some of the most underrated places around the world that you must add to your list.
1. Bhutan
Landlocked between China and India, Bhutan is often overlooked in favor of the surrounding countries. Bhutan however, is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world including Paro Taktsang, a cliffside monastery. Take a day to go rafting along the rivers passing through Palaces or spend a day admiring one of the oldest well-preserved cultures in the world.
2. Kyrgyzstan
Borat may have brought Kazakhstan's name to the forefront of American media, but the less heard neighbor of Kyrgyzstan has a lot to offer for those looking for an adventure. Visit Fairy Tail Canyon - a beautiful red stone canyon painted with a backdrop of Lake Issyk-Kul. In addition, visit the close by Barskoon Gorge - the vacation spot Yuri Gagarin went to after returning from space. Spend your days living in a yurt and admire a landmark city of the Silk Road.
3. The Bermuda Triangle
Long recognized as the heartland of many conspiracies and shrouded with mystery, the Bermuda Triangle is a place every adventurist must travel to. Visit the beautiful beaches from Warwick parish, Elbow Beach, Southampton Parish orAdmiralty House Park, rumored to be the caves pirates stowed the treasure .
4. Zambia
Zambia is a landlocked country in South Africa and home to the magnificent Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls was named by explorer Livingston falling a height twice that of Niagara Falls in New York and almost 9 times older.
5. Madagascar
Madagascar is home to a vast species of beautiful and exotic animals as well as spectacular landscape views such as Tsingy Rouge Park and Avenue of Baobabs.
6. Tanzania
Tanzania is the home to the Serengeti National Forest and a beautiful place to see the “Big Five” animals. In addition to the beautiful beaches, take a chance hiking Mount Kilimanjaro - the easiest climb of the 7 roofs of the world.
7. Tuvalu
Tuvalu is located north of Fiji and has a population of 10,000. This island has only 8 km of road and is in endangered of being submerged with the growing sea levels. Visit Funafuti Lagoon and try a hand in the game of kilikiti .
8. Haridwar
When India is mentioned, most think the famous sights to see such as Agra, Delhi, or Goa. Haridwar, however, presents and experience like no other. Each evening, the citizens take part in a ceremony known as Har Ki Pauri on the banks of Ganga River. Spend your days bathing in the river, travel the Himalayas, or go shopping in the street shops nearby.
Helen Keller once thoughtfully expressed, “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."
Take a step out of your comfort zone and travel somewhere different. The next time you plan a vacation - take a dare and experience the world differently - a new culture, a new experience, a new world.