At some point in their life, everyone deserves an extended vacation.
While it’s easy and quite tempting to rest and recharge in familiar territory, relatively close to home where you can continue on with your life fairly normally, if you’re going to take a vacation, there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t take an exotic one. That means traveling pretty far from home, which could turn out to be one of the best and most worthwhile experiences of your life.
Don’t stay home. Here are 10 exotic vacations you need to experience at least once, if not multiple times throughout your life.
1. Ecuador
If you’re tempted to ask what there is to do while visiting Ecuador, ask instead what isn’t available for you to do, see and explore. On a trip to Ecuador you can visit islands, beaches, historic cities and churches and more. You can stand on the equator, go hiking, eat local food and even go for a swim. No matter which part of Ecuador you visit, there will always be something left unexplored to prompt another visit in the future.
2. The Philippines
The Philippines is an excellent exotic location to travel whether you’re looking for a luxury resort or something more budget-friendly. You will be able to find beautiful beaches, walking trails for those eager to explore and cities filled with culture you won’t want to miss out on. You will also come across cheap local cuisine you won’t be able to resist. If it’s affordable and delicious, it’s worth it.
3. New Zealand
There’s so much to see and do in New Zealand, you’ll have a hard time picking where to start. Want to see a volcano? They have plenty. Geysers, too. Take a boat to Milford Sound to see one of the most beautiful places in the world. Popular destinations throughout New Zealand allow for fishing and sailing, cruises, elegant walks through cities and parks and plenty of beautiful spots to take amazing photos.
4. Malaysia
When searching for an exotic place to visit, you don’t just want beautiful scenery: you also want a diverse culture to broaden your horizons. If you’re looking for sophisticated and fascinating architecture and a unique, fast-paced culture, you will love paying Malaysia’s capital a visit. There are also more rural villages to get a better taste of a more relaxed foreign atmosphere.
5. Peru
Something that draws many to Peru when searching for new, exciting experiences is the chance to climb and explore Machu Picchu. Mountain climbing isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get something amazing out of visiting the country. You can try dozens of local cuisines, lodge just off the Apurimac River and visit a few museums and markets for a little taste of both history and modern culture.
6. Morocco
Though Morocco isn’t far from the more modern and familiar cultures of Spain, you will experience a completely new and different culture while visiting, which is a major bonus for many travelers. Visiting this traditional Islamic country is almost like stepping back in time, with its monarchy and fresh signs of colonial settlements. You can visit the coast for some calming sea air or witness the scorching heat of the desert. Sometimes, the unfamiliar is the most exhilarating.
7. Bulgaria
Whether you’re looking to observe traditional village life, want to explore a string of mountain ranges or are in the mood for a more relaxing walk along the beach, you will be able to satisfy all your desires and more on an exotic vacation in Bulgaria. It’s an area friendly to tourists and includes opportunities to explore architecture, beautiful monasteries and a chance to witness Bulgarian city life. There are resorts, too; the best part is, it’s completely affordable for anyone.
8. Turkey
Dare to visit a place you have never been before, and might never have the chance to see again. The land of Turkey is filled with culture and history, both ancient and more modern. While there, you can visit numerous temples and churches and Roman theatres. You can head to the nearby islands for a more relaxing beach vacation or explore various towns and ruins while you’re there, too.eece
9. Greece
Greece is most definitely an exotic location you will want to visit if you are looking to be completely surrounded by beauty. Not only can you visit elaborate museums, attend concerts and give completely authentic Greek dining a try, but you can also explore more exotic ruins and other attractions within and outside of the typical tourist’s itinerary. Greek attractions are versatile enough that you will be pretty much free to choose where you want to go and what you want to see while you’re there.
10. Uruguay
Prepare yourself for breathtaking views and amazing culture shock if you choose Uruguay as one of your next exotic vacations. The small village of Colonia del Sacramento is filled with plenty of beautiful places to explore. There are also plenty of opportunities for surfing, hiking, authentic drinking and dining and even the chance to stay on a ranch and ride a few horses. The scenery is worth the trip.
You might miss out on so many amazing experiences if you never take a chance and go for an affordable and completely worthwhile vacation abroad. The world is a lot bigger than you think it is, and there are plenty of things to see and do that you might not have the chance to see later. Why wait?
Each of these exotic vacation spots offers something a little different for each person that visits them. It all really depends on what you are hoping to get out of the experience. Do you want a taste of less modern culture? Are you hungry for some authentic, traditional dishes you won’t be able to find anywhere else? Do you want to experience city life in a way you just can’t do at home?
It’s all out there for you. You just have to pick a destination, book your flight, pack your bags and go where adventure awaits.
