Ben Rice
We all yearn to escape the daily grind; some want to escape reality altogether. However, those who aren’t partial to substance abuse will have to make do with traveling to corners of the world that look like they could be on another planet. A recent online post highlights some of these eerie countries.
1. Cappadocia, Turkey
“It’s far enough east to lose the European feel of western Turkey,” comments the first travel expert, “and combined with the crazy history and topography, it really feels otherworldly.” Of course, one would think the only way to see these teardrop-shaped, hoodoo rock cave dwellings is via hot-air balloon, though hiking them can be just as rewarding.
2. Maui, Hawaii
Unfortunately, the recent tragic fires have put Maui on the map for all the wrong reasons when people should be discussing its vivid beauty. Most visitors would rather concentrate on the bizarre landscape than its new status as a political talking point. “Hiking into the Haleakala crater in Maui made me feel like I was on a different planet,” recalls a previous visitor.
3. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
“The salt flats in Bolivia,” begins the next contributor. “A lot of the time, it feels like you’re on Mars.” The best time to enjoy this natural phenomenon is between December and April, when rains give viewers that picture-perfect symmetrical perspective. “Be warned though, Bolivia is not easy traveling for beginners: It is a very rough and ready country,” an experienced traveler advises.
4. The Southern Alps, New Zealand
“There are so many varying landscapes, the majority of which feel almost untouched,” preaches the next outdoors lover. We all yearned to see New Zealand’s Alps after being teased by Peter Jackson’s popular movie trilogy. Be warned if you do choose a journey there — Orcs are everywhere.
5. Guangxi Province, China
Like the United States, China is blessed with not only huge volumes of wildland but has some of the rarest land formations in the world. One example is the hauntingly beautiful narrow peaks in Guangxi Province. “The Karsk peaks are utterly surreal and beautiful,” raves another fan. “Particularly worth visiting Yangshuo and Xingping.”
6. Siwa Oasis, Egypt
You might have seen that famous Instagrammer’s shot of the crystal-clear, blue water hole with someone invariably floating on it. This fantasy scene is one of many salt-water springs in the Siwa Oasis, western Egypt, part of the Qattara depression. Not only is the town and surrounding villages an ancient time warp, but a short walk into the desert will bring visitors to its lunar-like landscape.
7. Iceland
“A year ago, I went to Iceland and I loved it,” adds the next traveling commenter. “Ever since going there and experiencing nature in its purest form, I have been aching to travel.” I have heard nothing but love for Iceland’s extraterrestrial vistas, fjords, and immense thermal landscape.
8. Palawan, Philippines
“I went to the Philippines, and it felt like I was in a video game,” remarks an American who once visited his family’s homeland. There are otherworldly surprises around every corner in the Philippines. However, Palawan Island is hard to beat — from the world’s largest underground river system to the Avatar-esque karst mountain lagoons of El Nido.
9. Norilsk, Russia
Of course, we have to spare a thought for those places blighted by the relentless human race, and Norilsk in Russia is often cited as otherworldly — but for the wrong reasons. “I didn’t think such ugliness to be possible in this world,” says an exasperated one-time resident. Norilsk is a closed industrial mining town that might easily double as the industrialized Planet Ferrix in Andor.
10. Stonehenge, United Kingdom
“The last time we went in 2016 I felt an eerie silence; it wasn’t crowded at all that day,” recalls an Anglophile who can’t describe the feeling of old-world English monuments. “I’m an American who lives here, and I feel that many places here just have a strange aura about them.” He isn’t lying, and what is most remarkable about Stonehenge is just how far the rocks traveled before wheels were invented.
11. Namibia
“Namibia felt very otherworldly for me,” shares an observer lucky enough to enjoy Namibia’s unique terrain. “The topography changed every hour in the car.” If your thing is sweeping deserts tumbling down into the Skeleton Coast or its endless red sand valleys, Namibia’s Mars-like wild terrain is for you.
12. The Deep Sea
Of course, we are unlikely to visit the deep sea short of becoming befriending James Cameron, but that doesn’t mean we can’t fantasize. “It’s such a vast place that we have yet to explore completely,” notes an observer, “but judging by what we have discovered, there are different kinds of sea life that appear otherworldly in the depths of the ocean.”
Source: Reddit.
10 Major US Cities That Offer Quick Access to Nature’s Beauty
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Who doesn’t like going on a relaxing (or strenuous, depending on your preference) hike that isn’t far from the middle of a bustling city? Millions of Americans hike at least once yearly, and most live close to bigger towns offering nearby trails just out of city limits. Recently, experienced hikers met in an online discussion to reveal the best U.S. cities that provide the quickest access to excellent hikes.
America’s Top 15 Hauntingly Creepy Destinations Would You Visit?
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Spooky spots have left the sweat-drenching scenes of nightmares; they now live on some eerie streets of America, sending shivers down the spine of adventurers who dare step foot on their soil. From abandoned asylums screaming that you steer clear of the knobs of their doors to haunting lighthouses remembered for the darkness they hold, tales of paranormal activities bind the land of the free, and an internet fandom of the dark vets these destinations as the creepiest of them all.
12 Famous American Small Towns That You Can Visit Today
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
When we think of small American towns, specific images come to mind. Do you picture a place like the fictional towns of Stars Hollow, Cabot Cove, or Mayberry? It’s undeniable that little towns across the US have the wholesome, nostalgic, peaceful qualities we imagine. But smaller cities are more varied than we might think. Contributors on an online forum shared some of the most famous, and the choices may surprise you.
10 Expert Travel Hacks for Solo Female Tourists
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Traveling solo is challenging, especially for females. While the thrill of exploring a new place is exhilarating, there are plenty of tips and tricks savvy travelers swear by. Recently, solo female travelers met in an online discussion, put their heads together, and came up with a list of the essential travel hacks for any woman embarking on a solo adventure of a lifetime.
11 Tips for Staying Calm and Collected While Flying
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
For millions of travelers worldwide, flying is the opposite of a calm and peaceful experience. Flight anxiety is real, and sometimes it can be crippling, especially during turbulence. However, hope is not lost! Recently, frequent fliers met in an online discussion to reveal the best tips and strategies for staying calm during your next flight.
   This article was initially published and syndicated by The Cents of Money.
