A year ago I resorted to being a globetrotter when I was desperate to cure my depression without the use of medication. It was by chance that I stumbled upon the mental health benefits of traveling and I was ready to give it a try.
If you’ve also grown weary of the well-known travel destinations and you want a little more spice, mystery and variety in your travel itinerary, then this article is for you.
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Andaman Islands
These Islands are just the spot to start your journey to underrated destinations. The Andaman Islands boast white sandy beaches and dreamy sceneries. The Islands have a mix of sea, beaches, and rainforests. It’s the best place to meditate or lose yourself in nature.
Sounds very much like the description of any topical beach at a popular travel destination, right?
But what’s different about the Andaman Islands is the journey you have to make to get there. Unlike most tourist spots, the Andamans are so remote that there are no international flights headed in that direction. So your best bet is to either board a domestic flight from Mumbai or Delhi to Port Blair or make your journey to the islands by sea.
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Máncora, Peru
When tourists head over to Peru, their main destination is Machu Picchu or Lima. Máncora, on the other hand, doesn’t get that much love, but it sure won my heart.
If surfing is your thing then this is the place to do it. Surfing on the waters of Máncora is as good as surfing in Hawaii. And if you don’t fancy surfing on water, you can try kitesurfing and enjoy the amazing scenery of Máncora.
As a seaside village, Máncora gives you the rare opportunity to witness a life of simple pleasures. It makes a great change from the fast-paced world we live in.
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Le Marais, France
If there’s anything France is known for aside from its array of exquisite delicacies, it’s its picturesque cities. From the castles to the gardens you can see the history before anyone tells you the story behind them. Le Marais is one of those sights.
As you walk through Le Marais you won’t be able to help yourself from experiencing Paris in its medieval, pre-revolution, and pre-World War eras. This was where the affluent lived in Paris before they were driven away during the revolution to give way to the poorer occupants. Le Marais is also home to the famous Jewish quarters.
You may want to stroll to make the most of Le Marais to soak it all in. While you’re at it, don’t forget to try some new food! Le Marais is one of the best places to go on a Paris food tour to get the best of all flavors of France.
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São Tomé and Príncipe
Our next stop is an African eco-friendly destination. São Tomé and Príncipe are 2 African islands located on their own in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands have a volcano on them and they’re rich with dense jungles, plantations, and beautiful beaches.
What will catch your interest is the abundance of wildlife on the Island. While you go on a hike, you’ll see birds show up and little animals peak from the bushes to check who has come to visit. It’s truly a magical place.
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Wadi Rum, Jordan
Maybe you’ve never imagined taking a hike through the desert as an ideal travel activity, but if you ever feel like going to see the desert, then make sure you stop by Wadi Rum in Jordan.
Wadi Rum is located to the west of the Arabian desert. The sand there is red due to the presence of iron oxide. At Wadi Rum you’ll see large rock formations, sand dunes, and in the night the sky is so clear you get to see all the stars. It’s extraordinary!
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Madagascar
Crowning this list is Madagascar. It’s one of the most unique countries in the world. It’s home to wildlife you’ve never imagined you’d ever see. In fact, 90 percent of Madagascar’s wildlife is not found anywhere else.
Madagascar’s rich biodiversity will amaze you. For example, the baobab tree also referred to as the Tree of Life, can grow as wide as 46 feet and as tall as 100 feet. It’s incredible to look at how majestic they are!
You should also take a plunge to see a totally different world that lies in the blue waters. Madagascar has about 3000 miles of coastline and the coral reef is home to over 6000 species of marine life.
Let the adventure begin!
If you’re like me and you’re ready to travel somewhere new and out of the ordinary then the 6 destinations above will give you the thrill of a lifetime. Plus, you’ll get to see life from a different perspective.
The whole essence of traveling is to acquire new experiences that will renew your mind so that when you get back to your normal routine, you won’t do things the same. Why not get that experience from countries that were way beyond your comfort zone.
