When it’s time for you to take a vacation, it’s easy to default to the same old destinations: the beach you’ve been going to since childhood, or a big city nearby. It’s time to ditch those go-to spots in favor of a vacation destination that is truly new and exciting. There are numerous new places to explore that will push your limits and may even teach you new things. If you want to take a trip somewhere new, consider these five unique locations.
1. Try your luck at surfing in Waikiki
The best and most unique vacation memories are the ones that involve you try something new, even if you sometimes make a fool of yourself. If you head to the tropical paradise of Waikiki, you can take a surf lesson with an instructor who specializes in teaching people of all skill levels, even beginners. If you want to surf the waves like a true Hawaiian, grab your surfboard and head to the Ohana Surf Project for some surfing lessons for beginners. You can take a lesson with a group or get a private lesson at their all-experience-levels-welcome surf school.
2. See all the unique animal and plant species in the Galápagos Islands
If you fancy yourself an explorer or a science enthusiast, check out the Galápagos Islands. You can go snorkeling, walk the beautiful beaches, and, of course, view all the different types of plant and animal species found only on the islands. See giant tortoises, parrotfish, and sea iguanas. You’ll have easy access to all of the traditional things you love about beach vacations while also being surrounded by beautiful, new animals and plants.
3. Go castle-hopping in Portugal
You may be over a traditional European vacation, so consider going somewhere off the beaten path, like Sintra, Portugal, where you can see castles and palaces that look like they’re out of a fairy tale. Sintra is just 30 minutes away from Lisbon, so you can stay there and explore the city center before venturing out to view the palaces that have been dubbed UNESCO Heritage Sites. Aside from the castle views, you can also wander around the small Portuguese town and take in the provincial sites.
4. Spend time in a fishing lodge in British Columbia
If you’re a fishing enthusiast, then you’ll love the idea of renting fishing lodges in British Columbia. These lodges make the perfect vacation home while you spend the day fishing for trout, halibut, or lingcod. Escape the crowds and spend time in solitude in the Cariboo Mountains. Catch the native Rainbow Trout while you go fly fishing on the fishing grounds and then head into the warmth of your lodge during the winter or spend more time outside on the patio during the summer months. If you want solitude, peace, and plenty of time to work on your fly fishing angle, a British Columbia fishing lodge is a great option for a vacation away.
5. See the Northern Lights in Alaska
One of the greatest natural sites you can see on Earth is the Northern Lights. Alaska is a great place to see the Northern Lights, especially in Fairbanks, which is in what’s known as the Aurora Oval. You can see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, year-round in Alaska, but the winter months are the best time to get the best look at these colorful dancing lights. You can see the lights from your car, or consider renting one of the many cabins situated in the Aurora Oval.
