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Unusual Places To Visit Around the World

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6. Badab-e-Surt, Iran

These beautiful travertine terraces in northern Iran are an incredible natural phenomenon that developed over thousands of years. Travertine is a type of limestone formed from the calcium deposit in flowing water, and in this case it's two hot springs with different mineral properties. The unusual reddish colour of the terraces is down to the high content of iron oxide in one of the springs.

7. The Tianzi mountains, China

Found in the northwest of Hunan Province in China, these staggering limestone pinnacles are covered in lush greenery and often shrouded in mist. A cable car goes as far as Huangshi village and from here there are plenty of trails to take in the breathtaking views of Tianzi ('son of heaven'); unsurprisingly the inspiration for the floating mountains in the blockbuster movie Avatar.

The animal figures and geometric shapes etched by the ancient Nasca into Peru's barren Pampa de San José are one of South America 's great mysteries. Visible only from the air or from a metal viewing tower beside the highway, some of the unexplained shapes are up to 200m in length and each one is executed in a single continuous line.

9. The Bermuda Triangle, North Atlantic Ocean

Long shrouded in myth and mystery, the infamous 500,000 square miles also dubbed the Devil's Triangle is roughly the area between Bermuda, Florida and Puerto Rico. Although the US Coastguard disputes any such area exists, conspiracy theories thrive on stories about unusual magnetic readings and ships, planes and people who have disappeared here without a trace.

10. Socotra Island, Yemen

Separated from mainland Africa more than six million years ago, this remote island looks like the set of a sci-fi film. Socotra's incredible and unique biodiversity means that there are plants and trees here not found anywhere else in the world - particularly bizarre are the ancient and twisted dragon's blood tree and the bulbous bottle tree.

11. The Hand in the Desert, Chile

Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal is responsible for this very weird work of art rising out of the sand in the middle of Chile's Atacama desert, 46 miles south of the city of Antofagasta. Irarrázabal is known for his works associated with human suffering and this huge unnerving sculpture captures a feeling of loneliness, exacerbated by its desolate and secluded location.

Bohol's 1700-odd conical hills dot the middle of the island; they range in height but are so regular in shape that they could be mistaken for being man-made. However, according to UNESCO they are the uplift of coral deposits and a result of rainwater erosion. The hills only earn their 'chocolate' nickname in the dry season when the foliage goes from lush green to brown.

13. Red Beach, Panjin, China

Very cool and very weird, this beach is covered in a type of seaweed called Sueda, which turns bright red in autumn. Thirty kilometres southwest of Panjin, these tidal wetlands are an important nature reserve for migrating birds. Only a small section of the beach is open to the public, but it can be explored via a wooden walkway that stretches out to sea.

14. Plain of Jars, Laos

Shrouded in myth, megalithic stone jars are scattered across Xieng Khouang Province in groups from one to one hundred. A working theory is that the huge cylindrical jars were used in ancient funeral ceremonies, though local legend has it that the jars were used to brew rice wine for giants. In the 1960s Northern Laos was subject to a massive aerial bombardment by the USA and it's only been relatively recently that some areas have been cleared and declared safe for visitors.

15. Goblin Valley State Park, Utah, USA

No, this is not Mars but an uninhabited valley 216 miles southeast of Salt Lake City in Utah. Soft sandstone has, for many years, been eroded by wind and water to form strange pinnacles or hoodoos that some think resemble goblins. The eerie landscape is only about a mile across and two miles long and it's well worth exploring the marked trails to get up close to the bizarre formations.

16. Whale Bone Alley, Siberia

A stretch of the northern shore on remote Yttygran Island, 82km off the coast of Alaska, has become a macabre tourist destination. Massive whale jawbones, ribs and vertebrae stand horizontal in the ground forming an eerie alleyway. It's generally agreed that the site dates back to the fourteenth or fifteenth century, but whether it was a sacred spot for native tribes to meet or simply a gathering place for mass slaughter, no one knows.

17. Glass Beach, California, USA

This glittering sea glass beach in California is a remarkable side effect of years of rubbish being dumped on the beach; it wasn't until the 1960s that this was stopped and by then the sea was full of everything from electrical appliances to bottles and cans. Over time, the waves broke everything down into colourful pebbles and the beach became a major tourist attraction - now ironically under threat because visitors are taking home the glass.

The deeply creepy catacombs are a network of old quarry tunnels beneath Paris and the final resting place of around six million Parisians. Most are anonymous, skulls and bones taken from the city's overcrowded graveyards during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; it wasn't until the authorities realized its potential as a tourist attraction that the bones were arranged in the macabre displays seen today.

19. Fly Geyser, Nevada, USA

This otherworldly geyser is on private land on the edge of Black Rock Desert in Nevada. Created accidentally in 1964 after an energy company drilled down into geothermal waters, today a scalding fountain erupts up to five feet high and the resulting mineral build up means the cone is growing by several inches each year. The brilliant hues of red and green are down to thermophilic algae.

20. Cat Island, Japan

A short ferry ride from Japan's east coast, Tashirojima has a population of one hundred humans who are vastly outnumbered by their furry friends. Originally the cats were encouraged as the island produced silk and mice are a natural predator of silkworms. Local fishermen regarded them as good luck and the island even has a cat shrine, along with newly built cat shaped cabins for tourists to stay in. It goes without saying that there are no dogs allowed.

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20 seriously weird places around the world | Photo Gallery

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These beautiful travertine terraces in northern Iran are an incredible natural phenomenon that developed over thousands of years. Travertine is a type of limestone formed from the calcium deposit in flowing water, and in this case it's two hot springs with different mineral properties.

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Anna Brech

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Contrary to popular belief, you don't actually have to venture out of the UK for a life-changing travel experience.

Britain is home to a vast cocktail of adventures, from warship wreck-diving in the icy waters of Scapa Flow to kicking back in a hot tub in one of our island's few residential beach huts.

Fancy a challenging ski terrain? Forget the Alps; Scotland's glorious Cairngorm pistes are ten times as fun, and cheaper to boot. Want to catch the Northern Lights? Skip Alaska and instead hop across the Irish sea to the Isle of Man, with some of the best Dark Sky Discovery sites in Europe (pictured above).

And then there are some experiences that are just so delightfully British that you would seriously miss out by not doing them. Things like a hearty pub lunch in the Cotswolds, a rousing hike through the Black Mountains or fish and chips in the literary fishing port of Whitby.

With help from recommendations you, the readers, gave us on Twitter and Facebook, we've rounded up 12 uniquely British and offbeat travel experiences everyone should have a lifetime. How many have you ticked off on our bucket list? Find out below.

Ponder life at Llyn Y Fan Fach, Wales

This enchanting lake in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park will leave even the most hardened cynic in awe.

Surrounded by the highest peaks of the Black Mountains, it's steeped in folklore stemming the Lady of the Lake legend, lending it an other-worldly quality. A four-mile circular walk will take you up along the river, revealing the dramatic glacial cirque at the top of a ridge.

Here you can soak in the scenery or ponder the meaning of life amid one of the most ethereal natural landscapes Britain has to offer.

And when you're done chanelling your very own Plato moment, head down for a bite to eat in the excellent Neuadd Fawr Arms in nearby Llandovery.
walkingbritain.co.uk

Stargaze on the Isle of Man

The clarity of the sky and the almost total lack of light pollution makes the Isle of Man one of the finest places for stargazing in the British Isles.

Located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland, the self-governing island is home to 26 Dark Sky Discovery sites, including Cregneash and Peel Castle. On a clear night and with just a naked eye you will be able to spot Orion Nebula, over 1500 light years away, or the Milky Way Galaxy. A telescope or binoculars will open up the scope for even more spectacular astro-theatrics.

Amazingly, this is also a great place to see the Northern Lights. Never mind travelling to Alaska, Norway or Iceland; the Northeast coast of the Isle of Man offers a crystal-clear view over the Northern horizon, with the ethereal glow of Aurora Borealis presenting itself on many occasions.

Get lost in Tresco Abbey Gardens, Isles of Scilly

A remote Scilly island is the most unlikely location for a sub-tropical paradise, but this only adds to the mystical allure of Tresco Abbey Garden. The warm Gulf stream air coming off the Atlantic means conditions are perfect for a riot of exotic fauna from all over the world to flourish, in an extraordinary project begun by 19th Century explorer Augustus Smith.

To walk here is to feel like you have entered some kind of wonderland. Scarlet flame trees rear up next to great blue Echium spires, Canary Island palms and fuchsia Lobster Claw plants. You can even cross continents - in a botanical sense - with gardens including "Higher and Lower Australia", "Mexico" and "South Africa Cliff".

There's a strong element of the unexpected; you may spot a peacock along the way, chance across the remains of a Benedictine Abbey, or marvel at a curious collection of shipwrecked figureheads housed within the garden grounds. Finish the day off by catching a boat over to nearby Bryher, the smallest inhabited Scilly isle.
tresco.co.uk

Feel the sand between your toes on Roseland Peninsula, Cornwall

Everyone knows North Cornwall with its tourist hot spots of Padstow and St. Ives. But the South coastline is a bit more off the beaten track, with Roseland Peninsula among its highlights.

This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretches from St Mawes across the River Fal to the fishing villages of Gerran and Portscatho and is home to some of the UK's most secluded and unspoilt beaches; the kind of places that are perfect for paddling, shell-collecting or mooching around on rocks.

Make a beeline for the South West Coast Path as a starting point to the area's labyrinth of hidden coves, woodland, tiny hamlets and dramatic headland views. Head to the Hidden Hut just above the bay of Porthcurnick for fresh Cornish pasties or lobster and chips cooked outdoors on giant wood-fired grills.

Go pubbing and walking in the Cotswolds

Sometimes the simplest pleasures in life are the best, and that's certainly true of the Cotswolds. This golden patch of South West England is the very definition of relaxed country life, with lush green valleys and pretty limestone cottages.

Picturesque market towns such as Painswick and Tetbury are in abundance but to really get under the skin of this lovely region - and meet its friendly locals - head to one of the great country pubs for a hearty lunch and walk. The Crown in Frampton Mansell is a dogs-by-the-fire kind of place with glorious hill views, or pop by The Plough Inn in Kelmscott, which is situated moments away from a beautiful stretch of the River Thames.

Find more pub suggestions here.
cotswolds.com

Wreck-dive at Scapa Flow in the Orkneys

The adrenaline junkies among you will delight in Scapa Flow, one of the finest dive sights in Europe.

Orkney's clean, nutrient rich waters on the edge of the Atlantic Gulf Stream make for perfect conditions, with clear waters and plenty of marine wildlife. Seals, porpoises, dolphins and even whales can be spotted in deeper water around sites such as the Old Man of Hoy and the North Shoal.

But the real adventure lies with a treasure trove of sunken vessels from the First and Second World War. Divers can explore the unsalvaged vessels of the German High Seas Fleet, including a handful of large warships and destroyers.

Companies including Scapa Scuba and The Diving Cellar guide divers of all levels down to the wrecks. There's also great cliff, rock stack and cave diving in the area.

Feast on fish and chips in Whitby

The historic fishing port of Whitby attracts year-round visitors for a reason. As many British seaside towns fall sadly into decline, the town that inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula is flourishing, with its quaint tea shops, maze of cobbled streets and glorious North Sea beachside.

Tourists don't fall into one stereotypical bracket and thanks to its Dracula heritage, you're as likely to rub shoulders with visiting goths as a busload of pensioners.

Whitby is filled with foodie attractions and one of its most famous is Magpie Cafe, where fish and chip fans don't mind queuing well out of the door, all year round, for a seat. Standing on the quayside for 75 years, it serves 20 types of fish that it buys in fresh every day and is reminiscent of a cosy wartime tearoom; the perfect setting to enjoy a plateful of the region's finest fish and chips and a steaming pot of tea.

Or you can pop by Quayside, which was last year crowned the UK's best independent fish and chip shop. Grab a Whitby whole-tail scampi coated in breadcrumbs and head down to the beach to eat it, to the tune of a brisk North Sea breeze. It's the ultimate fish and chips experience.
visitwhitby.com

Cycle and sea kayak across Alderney

The closest Channel Island to France, Alderney feels truly remote and away from it all.

At three and a half miles long, it's perfectly formed for a dash of rugged exploration. The flight descent alone can be a stunning experience on a clear day, as the verdant island unfolds in panoramic detail from the Channel sea.

As it's virtually traffic-free, the best way to move around this tiny and beautiful enclave is by bike. Hire one from Cycle & Surf in St Anne's (the island's only town) and head out to the 1912 Mannez lighthouse at Quesnard Point, on the eastern end of the island, or take a look at German bunkers left over from Nazi occupation in World War II.

Alternatively, take to the waves in a transparent kayak and mosey around Alderney's hidden beaches, caves and cliffs to spot out some wildlife - including gannets, Atlantic puffins, seals and dolphins.
visitalderney.com

Ski the dramatic slopes of the Cairngorms

Scottish ski resorts used to be dismissed as second-rate, but facilities and snow conditions have improved dramatically in the past few years.

Now you can expect deep, powdery snow, challenging terrain and stunning mountain scenery from Cairngorms National Park's highest peaks.

Lecht is a small, quiet resort with fewer crowds and queues than its neighbours, or head to Cairngorm Mountain, the region's best-known skiing and snowboard hot spot, with plenty of variety and long-lasting snow. Meanwhile Glenshee resort is home to the infamous Tiger, one of the most challenging black runs in the UK.

These places offer all the delights of the Alps without the pretentious crowds or eye-watering prices. No-one's paying through the nose for a post-piste hot chocolate, or people-watching for the latest ski wear. They're too busy having fun.

Travel by London to Aviemore (a beautiful town in its own right) on the Caledonian Sleeper to kick-start your holiday in true style.
www.ski-scotland.com

Revel in Whitstable's boutiques and oyster picnics

The upmarket Bohemian appeal of this Kentish seaside town has seen it christened "Islington-on-sea", brimming as it is with migrating weekend Londoners.

There's no doubting the fact that you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to art galleries, delicatessens and independent boutiques. Pop by Pink Flamingo for cute, retro-style dresses or Mosaic for beautiful handmade jewellery.

A thriving trade in oysters is central to Whitstable's character and history. Grab yourself some from the fresh fish market at the harbour, along with a bottle of bubbly, for a homemade picnic of kings out on the town's glorious beach with its pretty beach huts.

Whitstable beach is also home to The Old Neptune, one of the UK's few beach-side pubs, with fabulous sunset views.
seewhitstable.com

Roam the pretty Norfolk village of Happisburgh

Happisburgh (pronounced "Haisbro") is a unique coastal village on the East Norfolk coast.

It's a lovely place for a bit of downtime to just wander around and discover its charms. These include its distinctive red and white candy striped lighthouse, the oldest of its kind to still operate a light in Britain, a fistful of picturesque flint and thatch cottages, a friendly pub serving local ales and a wide sandy beach that extends for miles in both directions.

The surrounding countryside is beautiful and provides plenty of scope for a good walk or two.

The village is one of the first in Britain to face a real threat from coastal erosion brought on by climate change, making its quiet charisma all the more precious.

Hunker down in one of the UK's only residential beach huts on Whitsand Bay

On the Rame Peninsula - in the South East of Cornwall -you will find the "forgotten corner" of the West Country. One of the UK's most peaceful places, this picturesque and little known area is home to some of the UK's only residential beach huts as well as miles of stunning and unspoilt coastline.

Stay at the Edge and wake to a panoramic view of the Channel before taking a dip in the hot tub outside. After a morning spent walking the three miles of coastline, treat yourself off to lunch at the truly sensational View restaurant where you can eat fish caught just that morning as you look out over Whitsand Bay. The more active among you could enjoy a day's surfing or kitesurfing on one of the many surrounding beaches, all famous for their perfect conditions.

This magical spot is truly one of the UK's best undiscovered gems.
cornwall-online.co.uk What's your ultimate off-radar and unique UK travel experience? We'd love to hear your own suggestions in the comments section below, or vote in our poll.

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Anna Brech

Anna Brech is a freelance journalist and former editor for stylist.co.uk. Her six-year stint on the site saw her develop a vociferous appetite for live Analytics, feminist opinion and good-quality gin in roughly equal measure. She enjoys writing across all areas of women's lifestyle content but has a soft spot for books and escapist travel content.

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When you've had your fill of history, culture and man-made wonders, sometimes a heavy dose of sun, sea and beautiful sand is all you need. Whether you're after some serious escapism or want to marvel at mother nature, Lucy McGuire picks the best exotic places to visit around the world.

With a legendary surf scene and golden crescent beaches that span more than 120 miles, there are attractions everywhere you turn in Hawaii. Maui, known as "the Valley Isle", is a favourite for its misty peaks, gorgeous sunsets and bamboo forests. Sink into the award-winning sands of Kaanapali or marvel at the crimson red sands of Kaihalulu - it's like no other beach in the world.

With a tropical climate, secluded palm-fringed beaches and topography as varied as a patchwork quilt, Puerto Rico is arguably the most exotic island in the Caribbean. Spot tree frogs in the serpentine jungle of El Yunque, take a night-time bathe in the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay and explore its abundance of beautiful golden sands.
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Fuerteventura might just be the most interesting island in the Canaries, thanks to its deserted beaches, crystal-clear water and hippy vibe. Steady trade winds make it prime territory for watersports, or if you're looking for an all-over tan, join the naturists who flock here for its famed nudist beaches.

Azure water, swaying hammocks and hidden beaches can all be found in Colombia - a country that until recently has escaped the tourist trail. Hike through Tayrona National Park, an eco-traveller's dream destination - it's the perfect place to pretend you live in a beach hut, feast on exotic fruits and explore impossibly beautiful lagoons.

The secret's out; the Croatian island of Vis has some serious pulling power amongst island hoppers, and it's all thanks to its dramatic cliffs and exotic beaches. This gem in the Adriatic is a short boat ride away from the Croatian town of Split, yet its secluded coves would look right at home in the tropics. Take a boat to Stiniva, a hidden beach that's often pipped as the best in Europe.

French Polynesia is a place where emerald lagoons sparkle and the exotic scents of vanilla, coconuts and Tiare Tahiti flowers fill the air. You won't be able to cover all five archipelagos (a total of 118 islands), so head to Maupiti: "the untouched island". Its beaches are whiter-than-white, it's sprinkled with mystical caves and Mount Te'urafa'atiu offers breathtaking views.

This southeast corner of Mexico which separates the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea has all the ingredients for an exotic holiday. Explore Tulum's wide beaches, cool off in unique limestone cenotes and swim with whale sharks off Isla Holbox. The Mesoamerican reef - the world's second longest - boasts a wealth of marine life.

8. Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

This paradise island off Cambodia's southern coast is one of the Gulf of Thailand's most exotic spots. It's starkly different to the tourist town of Sihanoukville (where you take the ferry from), as you'll find no traffic and very little development, bar a few rustic beach huts. Go night swimming amongst bioluminescent plankton off M'Pei Bay, take a rainforest hike or sip a coconut in a hammock on Saracen Bay.

The brilliant white and blue hues of the Whitsunday Islands have become an iconic destination for travellers exploring Australia's exotic coast. Located off coastal Queensland, it's home to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef - a dream for serious divers. With hiking trails and secluded beaches, it's just as beautiful above the water. Visit between July and September to catch a glimpse of the migrating humpback whales.

A country blessed with gorges, mangrove forests, waterfalls and natural pools, Fiji is the jewel of the South Pacific. There are over 300 islands in the archipelago and its 200 protected marine parks offer some of the world's best soft coral diving. It's also where five different turtle species, spinner dolphins and the rare Fiji crested iguana all call home.

Home to otherworldly landscapes and one of the Earth's most unique eco-systems, few places match the Eden-like quality of Madagascar. Explore Tsingy forests, a series of vertical limestone rocks dubbed the "Forest of Knives", or explore Masoala National Park where 2 percent of the Earth's plant and animal species thrive.

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