10 Amazing Travel Locations Off the Beaten Path

Huacachina Lagoon is thought to have therapeutic properties in this desert oasis. Surrounded by sand, you can dune buggy, but also see penguins and sea lions. Try sandboarding, winery tours and flights over the Nazca Lines      

This island province of the Philippines is known for the Chocolate Hills, 50 square kilometers of hills that brown during the dry season, giving them a chocolate hue. There’s also tarsiers -- the world’s smallest primate, white sand beaches, breathtaking waterfalls and historic stone churches.      

This island, near Bali, is a beautiful spot for hiking or enjoying spectacular beaches, like Broken Beach, with a circular cove and lots of manta rays. Kelingking Cliff is thrilling and a bit scary, but you’ll get a prime spot for taking in the scenery. Paluang Cliff attracts visitors for its resemblance to a T-Rex.      

Elephants, lions, zebras and rhinos abound here, so it’s the perfect spot for a safari. The barren desert gives way to Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. Check out the Petrified forest, millions of years in the making, and the Bushmen engravings of Twyfelfontein, ancient rock engravings.      

You probably heard about the famous lake in Lenno’s province, Lake Como, thanks to its famous residents like George Clooney. It’s also the perfect spot for a picturesque Italian summer vacation, with swimming, strolling and dining. George Lucas loved it so much he used it as the place where Anakin and Padmé fell in love in “Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.”      

This forest is no ordinary one – it floats. Semi-submerged Redwoods emerge from the water, creating a floating effect. You can boat around them or walk on the docks in what feels like another world.      

Where Italy, France and Switzerland meet in the Alps is this ski destination that also has panoramic views all summer long. Take the cable car for the most show-stopping vistas.   

This park is located on Brazil’s north Atlantic coast. From mangrove swamps to sand dunes and rainwater lagoons, there’s a lot of terrain to explore. Lençóis means bedsheet and it’s no surprise since the white sand resembles one.      

The deep teal shoreline never seems to end on Egypt’s north coast, with no less than five perfect beaches along six kilometers. Privately owned, there’s numerous hotels, rental villages and one of the largest marinas in the Middle East, for a luxurious and spacious getaway.      

You’ll want to go offroading here, where the rocks spread out before you in shades of red, white, orange and pink. The sand is deep and you’ll need to be prepared with gear or supplies, but this is probably the closest to Mars you’ll get on Earth.