
đ 1. Socotra, Yemen
A surreal island often described as the most alien-looking place on Earth.
Why go?
- Dragon’s blood trees that look straight out of a sci-fi movie
- Remote white-sand beaches
- Endemic flora and fauna (found nowhere else)
đ 2. Svaneti, Georgia
A mystical mountain region with ancient stone towers and snow-capped peaks.
Why go?
- Rich medieval culture and folklore
- Incredible hiking routes through the Caucasus
- Unspoiled villages with hearty food and wine
đ 3. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Remote Arctic beauty with dramatic cliffs and Northern Lights.
Why go?
- Midnight sun and aurora borealis viewing
- Kayaking through fjords
- Cute fishing cabins turned luxury stays (called ârorbuerâ)
đ 4. Atacama Desert, Chile
The driest non-polar desert in the world with mind-blowing landscapes.
Why go?
- Stargazing at one of the clearest night skies on Earth
- Mars-like salt flats and geysers
- Flamingo-filled lagoons and rainbow-colored valleys
đŠ 5. Chettinad, Tamil Nadu, India
A hidden cultural gem in South India full of palatial mansions and spice markets.
Why go?
- Unique Chettinad cuisine (think spicy, flavorful and bold)
- Ornate mansions with colonial-meets-Indian architecture
- Antique shopping and temple hopping
đż 6. Taveuni, Fiji (Garden Island)
Lush jungles, waterfalls, and coral reefsâwithout the tourist rush.
Why go?
- Less commercial than other Fijian islands
- Bouma National Heritage Parkâs rainforest treks
- Incredible snorkeling and diving
đ 7. The Azores, Portugal
Volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlanticâlike Iceland meets Hawaii.
Why go?
- Crater lakes, thermal springs, and whale watching
- Sustainable tourism focus
- Low crowds compared to mainland Europe