If you’re yearning for a more meaningful vacation, then it might be time to step out of your comfort zone and experience something new. This contributed post offers suggestions for destinations to visit if you really want to open your eyes.
Traveling is something different for everyone. For one person, it might be a chance to take a few weeks off during summer, relax by some sunny coast in a beautiful resort, and catch a tan. For others, it might be a chance to see the world and learn something new. Both are perfectly fine ways of traveling, but if you’re looking for more, certain destinations make us look differently at the world. From unique cultural experiences to diving into history, explore these 5 destinations that will open your eyes — and your mind.
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Inspiring India
One of the most culturally and historically intriguing places in the world is India. There’s no doubt about that. And yet, you get to experience all of this beautiful culture for such a cheap price, as mentioned over at https://www.roughguides.com/gallery/budget-trips-20-of-the-cheapest-places-to-travel/.
Eat delicious Indian cuisine such as kebabs and puris in Mumbai’s street stalls. If you want a relaxed vacation with a dose of sightseeing and culture, head to the beaches of Gokarna.
At the end of the day, there are a million different ways to experience this vast and beautiful country.
Stunning Siberia
The stunning country that is Siberia will open your eyes to a part of the world unlike any other. As we’ve written about before, it isn’t a traveling experience that promises the sun and beautiful coastal resorts. Rather, Siberia offers something rather more adventurous and exciting. You definitely need to experience a sled-ride while visiting as there’s nothing more exhilarating than being pulled through the snow by a majestic team of stunning dogs.
Of course, that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the things Siberia has to offer. The sparse nature of this country makes it one of the most fascinating places on earth. The culture that has developed in Siberia is unique and one that will certainly change your perspective once experienced.
Sample a bit of Siberia by tasting Stroganina. This is a dish containing raw fish that is very popular amongst native Siberians.
Incredible Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the most beautiful countries in Asia. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It’s the largest island country on the planet, and it boasts 17,000 islands. That number is enough to make your head hurt — but think of all the traveling potential. It is home to heaps of culture across its many islands.
The capital of Jakarta on the bustling island of Java is certainly the hub of it all. It’s not only the center of finance in this part of the world but also art and entertainment. The Kemang Festival showcases the beauty of Betawi culture, so that could certainly teach you something. The Jakarta History Museum is also the place to go in order to learn more about Jakarta and Indonesia as a whole.
And you could check out sites such as https://rumahdijual.com/surabaya/rumah-sidoarjo if you fall in love with Surabaya, the capital of Jawa Timur in Indonesia. This city is truly aesthetically and culturally beautiful.
You should definitely head to Surabaya Zoo whilst you’re there. It was the first place in the world to breed Orangutans in captivity and, to this day, it boasts many enclosures containing fascinating creatures from all over the world.
And this is only the tip of what both Surabaya and Indonesia have to offer.
Provocative Peru
Peru is one of the most unique and stunning countries in the world. That goes for its manmade beauty as well as its natural landscapes. Head into the heart of Inca culture and see ancient cities such as Machu Picchu.
Even after seeing the ruinous remnants of this lost civilization and learning of its deeply fascinating history, you’ll still be left with questions. These pieces of ancient Mayan culture seem otherworldly, in many senses. As if the aesthetic of such a stunning city atop such a magnificent mountain wasn’t enough, the story of this place should awaken the explorer inside you. This destination will definitely open your eyes.
Of course, Peru has much more to offer than its ancient cities. As mentioned over at National Geographic, the landscapes of this incredible land really make for a wondrous traveling experience.
Travel from Arequipa, which is also known as the White City, and embark on an expedition through alien landscapes boasting mountains and rock faces of murky reds and dark blues.
And when you’re tired of walking, there are other elements of Peru’s culture that you’re sure to enjoy.
Its modern-day cuisine includes traditional dishes such as pachamanca, which sounds like a relatively straightforward combination of meat, potatoes, and corn on the surface but is quite delicious and with a taste that is unique to the country.
California, United States
Yes, California is a state and not a country like other destinations on the list. Yet it’s a diverse and dense place with so much culture that it almost feels like a country in its own right. This is certainly the case for many American states, but California is one of the most intriguing.
Delve into the modern-day lavish culture of Los Angeles if you want to see how the world’s most famous people live on a day-to-day basis. Of course, this fascinating city has two sides. Not all the streets are paved with gold, but it’s eye-opening to see both sides of this wonderful place.
Move a little further up the coast and you’ll end up at San Francisco. This quaint city promises culture and a classic bustling city environment.
It’s entirely different to Los Angeles, but locations such as Alcatraz are well worth visiting. The island has more to its history than an abandoned prison. In the modern day, it is home to beautiful gardens and a thriving ecosystem. You might be pleasantly surprised when you visit.
What destinations have you visited that opened your eyes?
