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The world is filled with must-see destinations we are told we need to tick off our ever-growing bucket lists.

Behind these well-traveled hotspots are smaller, lesser-known attractions that are definitely worth your time.

It’s not to say you shouldn’t visit these popular locales (they’re some of our favorites), but we’ve also found some intriguing alternative destinations to try on for size.

Avebury, England instead of Stonehenge, England

In Wiltshire, England, Avebury is home to the largest stone circle in Europe and is an important site for modern Pagan and New Age worship.

Built around 2600 BC, the massive monument circles the town, crossing roads and farmland.

The place has a strange, magical feel to it and attracts spiritual visitors and tourists alike. Unlike Stonehenge, you can actually get right up next to, and touch, the stones.

Burano, Italy instead of Venice, Italy

Part of Venetian lagoon, the island of Burano is like a miniature, colorful version of Venice and just a 40-minute water taxi ride from Venice proper.

The brightly painted houses, boat-lined watery streets, and bridges are a photographer’s and artist’s dream, and, compared to Venice and the nearby island of Murano (famous for the glass), you’ll find it much less overrun with tourists.

It even has its very own “leaning tower” — the bell tower of the 15th century San Martino Church.

Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah instead of Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Known to many as the home of land speed racing, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah are a mesmerizing natural wonder (and a great place to capture a tricky profile picture).

The Salt Flats are a massive 30,000-acre wide open space on the edge of Utah’s Great Salt Lake basin and are largely made up of the same salt you put on your dinner table.

Though Bonneville is dwarfed by the massive Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia in size, it is equal in beauty. Plus, as an added bonus, you could always time your trip to coincide with the racing and head to the Bonneville Speedway.

Korčula, Croatia instead of Dubrovnik, Croatia

The jewel of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik just keeps on growing in popularity. While everyone should visit this beautiful spot at least once, when the cruise ship crowds come ashore each day you may find yourself fighting through the mob rather than enjoying your surroundings.

The good news is there’s another Dalmatian spot well worth your time.

Like a mini-Dubrovnik, Old Town Korčula is a picturesque walled city, but, thanks to its more isolated location, it avoids being too overrun with visitors.

In its own right, Korčula is home to some of the best cuisine in the region, dozens of beaches, culture (the traditional Moreška sword dance) and history — Korčula was the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo.

 

Mývatn Nature Baths, Iceland instead of the Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Hidden in Iceland’s north is a little slice of heaven – the Mývatn Nature Baths.

These baths are set in the luna-like landscape of Jarðbaðshólar: Lay back and relax in the steaming thermal waters. You may even catch the northern lights overhead if you’re visiting at the right time of year.

The Blue Lagoon’s proximity to Reykjavík and Iceland’s main airport works both to its advantage and disadvantage. It’s easy to get to but this ease means it is often packed, and, on days when the wind is blowing in a certain direction, the water can actually get a bit chilly.

The price is also a factor: Adult entry into Mývatn costs between $26-$30, while the Blue Lagoon costs nearly double at around $48-$55 for a basic entry.

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic instead of Prague, Czech Republic

For many travelers the town of Český Krumlov is like Prague before Prague became popular.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city’s charming streets, impressive castle and renaissance and baroque architecture make this a true fairy tale town.

Shop for local arts and crafts and while away a few hours in one of the city’s cafes.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina instead of Istanbul, Turkey

Sometimes called the Jerusalem of Europe because of its cultural and religious diversity, Sarajevo’s Old Town also bears a striking resemblance to the east-meets-west feel of Istanbul – not surprising when you remember Sarajevo was once the most western outpost of the Ottoman Empire.

Since the Balkan Wars of the 1990s, Sarajevo has been largely untouched by mass tourism, but this is changing. Every year more and more visitors are drawn to the cobbled streets of Sarajevo’s old bazaar, Baščaršija, and its surrounding shops, restaurants and cafes.

The food is a real highlight: Swap kebabs for ćevapčići and enjoy burek that’s just as tasty (if not better) than any found in Turkey, and wash it all down with a rich bosanska kafa (Bosnian/Turkish coffee) and a side of rahatlokum (Turkish Delight) or a bottle of Sarajevsko Pivo, the city’s local beer.

Bagan, Myanmar instead of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

As Cambodia emerged as a must-visit destination on the Southeast Asian travel trail, the Khmer temple city of Angkor Wat became one of its most popular attractions.

Over in Burma/Myanmar, the country’s own version of Angkor Wat, Bagan, has become its biggest draw too. However, due to the political situation in Burma (Myanmar), Bagan only attracts about half the number of visitors as its Cambodian cousin. However, this is changing as tourism figures continue to climb.

Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, today 2,200 of Bagan’s 10,000 Buddhist temples, stupa (pagodas) and monasteries remain. Stay for sunset and for a complete view take to the skies in a hot air balloon.

Waimea Canyon, Hawaii instead of the Grand Canyon, Arizona

Waimea Canyon is the Pacific’s very own Grand Canyon on the Hawaiian Island of Kauaʻi.

At 14 miles long, one mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep, the canyon was formed by a combination of the usual erosion and the collapse of a volcano.

Clouds can sometimes interrupt the view, but if you visit on a sunny day the sight is spectacular.

Though smaller and younger than the Grand Canyon, it’s a lot closer to the beach!

The Golden Mile, British Columbia, Canada instead of Napa Valley, California, United States

With 25 vineyards right on their doorstep, the 4,000 people of Oliver in British Columbia, Canada should be a happy bunch.

Sitting in the only desert area of Canada, 16 miles north of the U.S., Oliver is at the heart of B.C.’s South Okanagan wine region.

The Golden Mile (well, more like 12 miles) is perfectly suited for producing Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and Cabernet Sauvignon. Notable vineyards include Burrowing Owl Winery, Gehringer Brothers, Blasted Church and Nk’Mip Cellars — North America’s first Aboriginal-owned and -operated winery.

Aside from vineyards, the region’s mild climate makes it just right for outdoor activities and growing crops of cherries, peaches, apple trees, tomatoes, pumpkins and peppers.

 

Featured Image by Paul Arps

About the author

Kara SegedinWriter, traveller, Tweeter, blogger and part-time adventurer. A kiwi living in London off to explore the world! I can never travel enough!

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