Looking for a more unusual travel destination this year? Check out these photos of 10 unbelievably amazing places in the world; we challenge you to read on without reaching for your passport...
1. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA
In the Navajo desert of Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon made up of stunning cracks and corkscrews, creating a wonderful light show. A must-see for any amateur photographer or Instagram addict. See more incredible places to go, with our photos of 26 stunning locations on Earth shot from the air.
2. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Frozen in the depths of winter, the world’s largest salt flat is transformed in to a giant sky-reflecting mirror during rainy season. The pools left over from this monumental prehistoric lake create a shimmering, illusory horizon, making it one of the best places to visit in the world if you like a good trick shot or fun selfie!
3. Northern Lake Baikal, Russia
Another amazing lake, this one is located in southern Siberia and is the world’s largest freshwater bit of blue. The water round these parts freezes into sheets of turquoise ice in winter that might look more at home in Superman's Fortress of Solitude. Temperatures can plummet to -19°C from December to February, so don’t forget to pack the onesie. Find more alternative travel destinations with our photo gallery of the most magical places in the world.
4. Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang, Laos
Already a top holiday destination for backpackers, the Laotian city of Luang Prabang is temptingly close to Kuang Si Falls, a three tier splash spectacular with waters so clear and blue it’ll be hard to resist jumping straight in. Hike the trails around the area to escape the tour groups and find your own secret slice of paradise.
5. Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile
Admire the amazing Andes and visit one of South America’s most beautiful National Parks. Get your llama legs on and go hiking over mountains loaded with the white stuff and across glorious glaciers. Read all about the best places to travel in South Americawith our guide.
6. Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming, USA
More wet stuff to blow your socks off, this time in North America. This natural pool, with its rainbow coloured waters, is found in Yellowstone National Park and is the third largest hot spring in the world. Get further off the beaten track in the US with our look at 5 secret states in America.
7. Huacachina, Peru
Catch a glimpse of this impressive desert oasis, built in the 1930s around an existing watering hole. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the lake’s legendary resident, a mermaid. Peru's also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu and a brilliant holiday destination - take a look at our full guide to find out more.
8. The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
Ok, so it’s actually a geyser, but ‘Door to Hell’ sounds much catchier doesn’t it? Plus, this burning pool of lava in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert looks just how you’d expect a gateway to the underworld to look: red and hot and steamy. We've got more bucket-list sights in our round-up of the best natural wonders of the world.
9. The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
If you go down to the woods today...drive through the Dark Hedges if you’re in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, a tree-lined road on the coast of Antrim. Game of Thrones buffs will also recognise this area as the Kingsroad. Check out the best places to go for GoT fans, featuring locations from all six seasons of the hit TV show.
10. Mount Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia
A couple of days of tough climbing is well-rewarded at the summit of Mount Rinjani, the second highest active volcano in Indonesia, with this spectacular view. A crater lake, affectionately known as ‘Child of the Sea’ by locals, sits pretty at the top of this epic climb. And don't miss the chance to see dragons while you're in Indonesia, at Komodo National Park.
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Check out our other gorgeous photo galleries:
12 of the world's most beautiful beaches
Most Beautiful Tropical/Warm Places In The World
Kauai, Hawaii owns the medal of the rainiest place on earth, allowing for a tropical paradise. Hike, swim, bike, and dive.
Rice terrace fields of Longsheng,China
Longsheng is named after Longji, which translates to dragon's backbone. The terrace resembles dragon scales as rice fields snake through the mountains.
Victoria Falls that border Zambia and Zimbabwe is the largest waterfall in the world by total area. The falls transport an astonishing 1,088 cubic meters per second of water down an ~350-foot cliff.
The Amazon River is the artery for the largest rain forest in the world. It is the largest river in the world by discharge and one of the largest by length. The surrounding rain forest represents over half of the world's remaining rain forest.
The Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia, China show off weathering and erosion at its most beautiful. The dramatic colors throughout the mountain are a result of trace minerals associated within the sandstone, coloring the sand in reds, greens, and yellows.
