Every country and city has a few places which are considered to be the region’s most commonly visited, even iconic, vacation spots within a reasonable traveling time. For Toronto, Canada’s biggest city, these getaways include, among others, destinations like Niagara Falls, Ottawa, and Montreal.
But we’re here to talk about places that are a bit unorthodox vacation spots for the residents of Toronto, and definitely further afield. Here is a list of unexpected travel destinations that are sure to be refreshing and exciting.
Alaska: Glacier Bay National Park
If you want to build your vacation around natural environments that are unique and breathtaking at the same time, we suggest that you visit Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska.
This natural park holds one of the most interesting geological formations on the planet and has a very unique marine life. You will basically get a glimpse of life during the Ice Age, and you can also experience native life of the Huna Tlingit clans.
Thailand: Phuket
The island of Phuket offers some of the most magnificent views not just in Thailand but in all of Asia. The island is accessible by car, but don’t get disappointed by the crowds on the beaches – this island is a lot more than just a classic seaside resting spot.
Take your time and explore the island, check out the old city with its numerous temples and hints of Chinese influence on its architecture. The Phang-Nga Bay is filled with amazing vistas and is definitely worth a boat ride.
Denmark: Faroe Islands
If you are looking for a vacation spot that is closer to the Canadian weather temperament, then Denmark comes quite close. The Faroe Islands are a perfect place to experience the wild side of Denmark’s nature. These islands were considered Viking territory, and they are a true example of untouched nature. This amazing archipelago is best explored by taking a fishing boat ride to keep the entire experience more authentic.
North Macedonia: Skopje
One of the unlikeliest gems on our list, Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia is an amazing blend of Brutalist communist-era architecture, Ottoman architectural remnants, and Orthodox Christian churches. The city is very inexpensive, and the food is exquisite.
From there, you can easily travel to one of the praised spots that are credited to be among the most beautiful natural locations in the Balkans. These include Lake Ohrid, Šar Mountains, Gradiste Peninsula, and so on.
Slovenia: Lake Bohinj
The Julian Alps are a story unto themselves, but there is a remote location within them that not too many tourists know about and that is completely worth the visit. Lake Bohinj in Slovenia is one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the whole of Europe.
It is a perfect active vacation spot for tourists that enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking. Just be careful, it’s easy to use focus in its beautiful vistas and lose track of what you are doing.
USA: Texas, Hill Country
If you are looking for something closer to home but equally exotic as the remote locations mentioned so far, we suggest you travel south and visit Texas’ Hill Country. It might be easy to misjudge the vastness of this region in Texas that covers over nine million acres.
This is one of the most prominent new wine countries in the US. The grape varieties offered by the Hill Country are usually found in Spain, Southern France, and Italy. If your goal is to enjoy great food and wine, as well as beautiful scenery, Hill County is the place to go.
Quick tips for travelers:
Traveling off the beaten track, so to speak, does come with its own set of challenges. If you want to have an enjoyable vacation, make sure you follow these few simple tips.
Do your research
Each location is unique, and you need to know what type of clothes you should bring, what kind of weather to expect, what quirky local laws and customs might be in place, and so on. Do your research before you reserve a trip so that you can avoid surprises down the road.
Bring your own medicines
If you have some chronic conditions or are used to a certain type of medication, it’s best to bring your own. While this may cause some additional explanation with customs officers, but it’s much better than trying to find suitable replacements in a foreign country.
If you are unsure that you can find your way around the location or communicate your needs to the locals, it might be a good idea to hire a local to guide you. This way, you can also get into local spots and experience things that the average tourist doesn’t.
Ensure you have VPN for internet
Geoblocks are a nuisance and may cause you to lose access to the online services that you need. A VPN can prove to be very useful for people who need to be online for work, to communicate with their family, or simply want access to their Netflix account while traveling. Getting a VPN in Canada will be easier than trying to set it up on the go, so make sure to do it before leaving.
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