The best part thing about travel is stepping out of your comfort zone and diving into foods that you’ve never tried or even heard of before.

Part of the thrill of traveling is learning about unfamiliar cultures and customs. Most travelers have heard of popular international foods like escargot, tapas, or gelato. The real thrill is stepping out of your comfort zone, and diving into foods that you’ve never tried or even heard of before. Some of the most intriguing travel experiences focus on a destination’s delicious <i>— </i>though often unusual or visually unappealing <i>— </i>cuisine. Sampling obscure-sounding foods is an adventure, especially in an exotic, unique locale.
<h2>1. Percebes (Gooseneck Barnacles), Portugal and Spain</h2>
The most expensive seafood in the world, percebes are crustaceans that attach themselves to rocks along the coast in the eastern Atlantic, from France to Morocco, the Canary Islands, and the Cape Verde Islands. Harvesting these delicacies is a hazardous and expensive endeavor. You’ll find percebes primarily on the Iberian Peninsula. The only edible parts are the stems, which chefs boil in salty water and a bay leaf for a few seconds. They serve no side dishes with it, only a dash of olive oil. People describe the flavor as salty, but fresh, and similar to crab.

[caption id="attachment_43932" align="alignnone" width="2126"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43932" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-584489284.jpg" alt="Portuguese seafood" width="2126" height="1410" /> jrobertblack / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Escamoles (Ant Eggs), Mexico</h2>
The Aztecs regarded this dish as a delicacy. Today, this traditional Mexican dish is a pricey, but delicious venture into unusual international cuisine. The ingredients include the ant larva of the <i>Liometopum apiculatum</i>, or velvety tree ant, which cooks then fry with butter, chili, and onion and serve in tacos, omelets, or with a side of tortillas and guacamole. Most people describe the flavors as buttery, nutty, and tasty.

[caption id="attachment_43933" align="alignnone" width="2738"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43933" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-994051652.jpg" alt="taco de escamoles" width="2738" height="1825" /> monicagodefroy / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Fried Hornets, Northern Myanmar</h2>
For centuries, insects have been a mainstay of international cuisine. They’re high-protein, nutrient-rich food sources. In the Shan State in northern Myanmar, one of the rarer edible insects is the hornet. Harvesting them can be quite dangerous, so they’re expensive. The preparers don’t batter the hornets. Instead, they fry the hornets so that there is a delicate crunch when you bite into them. Those who’ve tried them say they taste a bit like chicken.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43935" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/shutterstock_775495909.jpg" alt="fried hornets" width="1000" height="707" />


<h2>4. Mizu Shingen Mochi, Japan</h2>
This interesting sweet dish is also called “Raindrop Cake” in Japan. Its visual presentation is graceful and elegant, and once prepared, you must eat it within 30 minutes or it will melt. Chefs start with a funazara, or bamboo boat plate. The “raindrop” that sits on the plate consists of water and agar powder and resembles a droplet of rain on a leaf. They serve it with kinako, a soybean powder, and kuromitsu, brown sugar syrup creating a lightly sweet creation.

[caption id="attachment_43936" align="alignnone" width="2127"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43936" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-543974936.jpg" alt="Water cake (the water drop dessert mochi &quot;mizu shingen mochi&quot; or &quot;Yamanashi Mochi &quot;). A Japanese style dessert with decoration. Raindrop Mizu Mochi is a popular dessert in Japanese, no calorie." width="2127" height="1409" /> kamui29 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Black Pudding, UK and Ireland</h2>
Most people have heard of black pudding. They also think twice about trying it once they discover how it’s made. But this ancient and traditional breakfast food is a delicious sausage that you’d never suspect contains pig’s blood and pork fat. Maybe it’s the onions, herbs, spices, and groats that make it so appealing. Fans say black pudding is savory, nutty, earthy, and sometimes a bit spicy. It’s a bit chunkier than typical sausage and some people enjoy crumbling it up into pieces and mixing it with mashed potatoes.

[caption id="attachment_43937" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43937" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-500614675.jpg" alt="Black pudding: Boudin" width="2121" height="1414" /> MmeEmil / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Locusts, Middle East, Africa, and Asia</h2>
You’re most likely to see this popular food in a Middle Eastern market or at an Asian food stall, often on wooden skewers so that you can eat them on the move. But high-end, gourmet restaurants serve them as well. To prepare them, pull off the head, the short legs, and the wings, but keep the longer legs. Fry the locust in a light flour or tempura batter. They’re plump and delicious. Chefs say they taste like a mixture of quail meat and sunflower seeds.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43938" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/shutterstock_242392195.jpg" alt="Fried locusts and worms on local food market" width="1000" height="662" />


<h2>7. Airag, Mongolia and Central Asia</h2>
It should be no surprise that in the “Land of the Horse People,” the national beverage of Mongolia is airag, or mare’s milk. Traditionally, the people filter the milk through a cloth and pour it into a Khukhuur, a large leather sack. They hang the full bags near the front door of their yurt and stir it over the next one to two days while it ferments. The slightly sour taste is both refreshing and nourishing. It also contains up to 2% alcohol, so beware of drinking too much.

[caption id="attachment_43939" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43939" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-464791657.jpg" alt="In a dimly lit her, a young Mongolian girl holds a bowl of airag (aryag , fermented horses milk) bringing it to her lips to drink. This is a nomadic Mongolian family who live and farm in the Tsenkher Valleys part of the great Mongolian Steppe, nestled in the foothills of the Khangai mountains in Arkhangai province, Central Mongolia. This area is known locally as the Blue River Valley." width="2121" height="1414" /> Timothy Allen / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Witchetty Grub, Australia</h2>
A delicacy both raw and pan-fried, the witchetty grub is a food native to Australia and a famous item on the Bush tucker or Bush Food menu. For generations, Aboriginal communities have eaten the cossid wood moth during its larval caterpillar stage, a rich source of protein. The grubs grow to about five inches in length. The grub’s name comes from its diet, the woody roots, and sap of the Witchetty bush. Its center is liquid and most people compare its flavor to that of almonds. When cooked, they have a taste similar to chicken or prawns in peanut sauce.

[caption id="attachment_43940" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43940" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-1177379420.jpg" alt="Hand of woman holds on a bush tucker food with pieces of Witchetty grubs grilled, a wood-eating larvae that feeds on roots of witchetty bush in Northern Territory. Food of Aboriginal Australians diets" width="2121" height="1414" /> bennymarty / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Beondegi, South Korea</h2>
Boiled or steamed beondegi is a popular South Korean snack food and can be sweet or savory, spicy, salted, or candied. Beondegi is silkworm pupae that is served in disposable cups with toothpicks. It has a fishy or nutty taste, with a tad of crunch and chewiness which some culinary explorers say reminds them of boiled peanuts. You can purchase Beondegi from food vendors or supermarkets.

[caption id="attachment_43941" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43941" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-1292649748.jpg" alt="Dried bug Beondegi 번데기 in korean market food" width="2121" height="1414" /> Fani Kurti / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Sea Egg, Barbados</h2>
In this island paradise, divers plunge to the sea beds to harvest an island delicacy, the sea egg. These sea urchins have spines that can extend to six inches long and can easily cause injury to those who gather them. After harvesting, the preparer cracks the egg with a spoon to open it. The roe inside the egg is the only edible part of the urchin. Some people eat them raw with a squeeze of lemon juice. Chefs and traditional cooks either fry, stew, or sauté them.

[caption id="attachment_43942" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43942" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-1174896946.jpg" alt="West Indian Sea Egg (White Sea Urchin) on coral reef off Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean" width="2121" height="1414" /> pclark2 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>11. Noni Fruit, Southeast Asia, and Polynesia</h2>
This bumpy, pale green fruit has hundreds of names across the different Polynesian cultures, including “vomit fruit” or “cheese fruit.” The smell of this fruit is strong and unpleasant, similar to a smelly, ripened cheese. It has a tart flavor. Most people consume it raw, while others season noni fruit with salt before eating it. Cooks often add it to curries or serve it with rice. They may also extract the seeds and roast them. Thai cooks stew noni leaves in coconut milk to prepare a dish called kaeng bai-yo. INoni fruit is high in potassium and antioxidants but also has a mild laxative effect.

[caption id="attachment_43943" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43943" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-148513115.jpg" alt="Malakula Island, Malampa, Vanuatu, Pacific" width="2121" height="1414" /> Holger Leue / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>12. Shkembe, Bulgaria</h2>
Most culinarians have heard of tripe dishes, but haven’t been brave enough to try them. Shkembe is a popular Bulgarian soup. Cooks start with minced tripe, then boil it in milk. They add oil, garlic, and vinegar, spice it up with both paprika and chili. Traditionally, they serve it with a side of warm bread and a shot of a popular spirit called rakija or a beer. Shkembe is also a traditional hangover cure.

[caption id="attachment_43944" align="alignnone" width="2119"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43944" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-858087002.jpg" alt="Beans soup - healthy traditional bulgarian food" width="2119" height="1415" /> ba11istic / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>13. A-Ping, Cambodia</h2>
Fried tarantula, anyone? This dish helped fend off starvation for many Cambodians due to the Pol Pot regime’s takeover of the country in the late 1970s. Today, this fried arthropod dish, which cooks serve with a side of lime dip and an ample dusting of black pepper, is a delicacy. Not everyone eats the stomach section, which may contain cobwebs. According to some food explorers, the taste is similar to fried crab.

[caption id="attachment_43945" align="alignnone" width="3000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43945" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-1133436821.jpg" alt="Fried insects on the streets of Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand" width="3000" height="1654" /> CJ_Romas / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>14. Stinky Tofu, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China</h2>
If you love earthy, salty flavors, with slightly sweet and tangy undertones, you’ll probably enjoy stinky tofu. You’ll have to get by the acrid smell first, though. Steaming, frying, and barbecue-style are popular cooking methods. But if you travel to China’s Hunan province, you’ll find a Changsha-style version, a super-spicy concoction with fermented bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, and a type of mold, koji. Foodies who enjoy aged cheeses will probably enjoy stinky tofu, too.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43946" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/shutterstock_1864744642.jpg" alt="Stinky tofu. A traditional snack in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Smells stinky, tastes delicious." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>15. Muktuk, Greenland</h2>
A traditional Inuit meal, muktuk is frozen bowhead or beluga whale skin and blubber which is usually pickled or served raw. Different tribes may season it differently. Some cooks dice it, bread it, deep fry it, and serve it with soy sauce. The skin, though rubbery and elastic, tastes surprisingly like hazelnuts but can be difficult to chew. The blubber generally melts in the mouth as you chew it, releasing a subtle, yet somewhat oily, seafood flavor. Others say it tastes more like fried eggs. Muktuk is high in vitamins C and D. It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely worth trying if you get the opportunity.

[caption id="attachment_43947" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43947" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/04/GettyImages-521404110.jpg" alt="Bowhead whale blubber. Nalukatuk festival, celebrating the successful subsistence spring Bowhead whale hunt, Barrow, Alaska." width="2121" height="1414" /> Patrick J. Endres / Getty Images[/caption]

Experiences

Quirky

Strange-But-Delicious Foods From Around the World

If you're curious about the existence of UFOs, then why not experience these sightings for yourself?

We are yet to receive confirmation that life exists in another world. But, with more than 100,000 reported sightings of UFOs over the past century, ranging from flying saucers to colorful balls of light, even the most skeptical may find themselves asking if the truth is out there?

While we wait for alien life to be proved, many UFO fans have taken the conspiracy upon themselves to unwrap. Several worldwide UFO destinations have been identified as hotspots for extra-terrestrial activity. If you're curious about the existence of UFOs, then why not experience these sightings for yourself?
<h2>1. Colorado UFO Watchtower</h2>
Southern Colorado's San Luis Valley is notorious for mysterious UFO sightings and has long been a destination for fans to explore. You may take an interest in unraveling the mystery behind the cattle who's been carefully dissected with the precision of a surgeon's hand.

Judy Messoline established the UFO Watchtower on her property in the year 2000. The tower provides fans with a 360-degree view of what seems to be an active area for sightings. With over twenty psychics noting that they saw two large vortexes at Judy's "Healing Harden" and Judy confirming her own sightings, you may be the next person to uncover the hidden truth of UFOs. Judy even offers weddings at the notorious tower for serious UFO fans that want unseen guests witnessing their nuptials.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CH7KmbfJn0C/" caption="__lindsaysprague" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/__lindsaysprague/"]


<h2>2. Chile, San Clemente</h2>
Unofficially proclaimed, the UFO capital of the world is the city of San Clemente in Chile. With UFO sightings averaging at least one per week, the Chilean tourism board established an 18.5 mile long UFO trail in 2008. Visiting this hotspot will take you through the scenic Andes mountains, where many close encounters have been reported.

At the height of conspiracy curiosity, there is the standout sight of El Enladrillado, a strange area formed by 200 perfectly cut volcanic blocks, which many believe were laid out by the hands of ancient civilizations. However, UFO hunters believe otherwise; many researchers think this flat area is actually the landing pad for extra-terrestrials.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPF85SUhtZA/" caption="astro_liz" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/astro_liz/"]


<h2>3. New Mexico's Roswell</h2>
Renowned for the incident in July 1947, Roswell in New Mexico is the mother ship of all UFO destinations in the world. It is said that the US military announced the recovery of a spaceship from the desert nearby, but later they said it was just a weather balloon. However, UFO fans and theorists have different ideas. They claim that it was indeed a flying saucer, and the remains of the spaceship and dead aliens were secretly taken into storage in Roswell.

When visiting Roswell, stop at the Roswell Spacewalk and the International UFO Museum and Research Centre. A true fan will enjoy the Roswell UFO Festival, which is held every Fourth of July weekend. Fans flock together to celebrate all things extra-terrestrial and even dress the part in alien-themed costumes.

[caption id="attachment_43319" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43319" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/03/shutterstock_1372964045.jpg" alt="A welcoming signboard at the entry point of the town" width="1000" height="667" /> Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock.com[/caption]


<h2>4. Nevada's Area 51</h2>
Area 51 in Nevada is always in the news. There've even Facebook events that urge people to storm into the base. Home to US military installation and located almost 100 miles North of Las Vegas, this UFO hotspot has many theorists buzzing. Some UFOlogists even believe there is a secret underground facility in the base of the Papoose Mountains where aliens are being kept.

Area 51 may be the epitome of UFO destinations as several books by government insiders detail how the area is a storage facility of a crashed flying saucer, including its dead and even living occupants. Tying in with the Roswell destination, it is believed that materials recovered at Roswell are homed at this base. It is debatable whether aliens are being kept at the facility; however, there is no doubt that the area is highly classified.

[caption id="attachment_43320" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43320" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/03/shutterstock_514917994.jpg" alt="Extraterrestrial Highway road sign in Nevada, USA " width="1000" height="665" /> DiegoMariottini / Shutterstock.com[/caption]


<h2>5. Sedona's UFO Hunting Grounds</h2>
Situated in Arizona, Sedona is one of the country's most popular UFO destinations and home to the Bradshaw Ranch. UFOlogists claim that the government was forced to buy and close down the ranch to hide alien-related secrets from the public. Some sources say that the ranch is home to an inter-dimensional portal. Unfortunately, the area is restricted and remains private property, but if you are keen to explore the hidden secrets, you can take a hike near the area to the nearby mystical vortexes, which are rumored to be a hotspot of UFO activity.

There are nightly tours available that take fans out into the darkness with night-vision glasses, telescopes, and binoculars. It is the ultimate UFO hunting ground, with an impressive number of sightings reported on the tour of the region. Some even claim to have seen Bigfoot.

[caption id="attachment_40353" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40353" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-1035380198.jpg" alt="A bright green meteor streaks through the Milky Way and starry night sky above Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona." width="2121" height="1414" /> mdesigner125 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Joshua Tree National Park</h2>
Situated on the 29 Palms Highway in California is the Joshua Tree National Park. This area has many underground waterways that are high in mineral content; however, the bizarre thing is that there is no explanation as to why it's there.

UFOlogists who have explored the desert area believe that Joshua Tree lays on the 33rd North parallel - just like Roswell in New Mexico. This has made it a destination worth visiting, with several UFO sightings having been reported. Considered the Woodstock of UFOlogy, many fans and theorists gather on weekends to discuss the science of UFOs and government disclosure.

Why not book a night at the Futuro House at Joshua Tree and see what you can see?

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLGUn3FFcc_/" caption="christian.duran1980" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/christian.duran1980/"]


<h2>7. Wycliffe Well</h2>
If you read a brochure for the Local Holiday Park about the small Australian settlement of Wycliffe Well, it reads, "If you stayed up all night looking, you would be considered unlucky not to see anything, rather than lucky to see something." That is how common sightings are at this self-proclaimed UFO capital of Australia.

The first activity recorded at Wycliffe Well dates back to the Second World War. A local records book was used to track UFO appearances; however, in the 1990s, it mysteriously disappeared. But, a new book was started, and the records are now in the hundreds. UFO fans are encouraged to visit the hotspot area in the dry months of May through to October if they hope to experience a sighting.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7aS4-tgX5Q/" caption="visitcentralaus" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/visitcentralaus/"]


<h2>8. Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England</h2>
Unsurprisingly, Stonehenge is a hotspot for mysterious activity, including UFO sightings. It is more than 10,000 years old and is known as one of the most mysterious landmarks in the world. Many researchers believe aliens constructed Stonehenge to be a location marker or landing pad for spaceships attempting to land on Earth. The precision and skill of whoever built the monument far outweighs the skill and tools available when it is built.

Crop circles are a popular occurrence in the surrounding areas of Stonehenge, and many UFO fans have reportedly seen flying disc-shaped objects overhead too. Whether you spot a UFO or not, the area is encompassed with an otherworldliness that anyone would be drawn to.

[caption id="attachment_43322" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43322" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/03/GettyImages-520299236.jpg" alt="Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England" width="2121" height="1414" /> Peter Adams / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Bonnybridge, Scotland</h2>
Bonnybridge has quickly become a must-see destination for fans and theorists alike. Numerous UFO sightings started in the early '90s in the small Scottish town, with the first recorded sighting documenting back to 1992 when James Walker saw a star-shaped object hovering close to the road. Thereafter, many more sightings followed, and the locals even gathered to discuss the matter.

Each year, officials in the area receive more than 300 UFO reports, and as a result, Bonnybridge, together with Sterling and Fife, now forms part of the Falkirk Triangle, a region marked with an above-average number of sightings and reports.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_MyiJNA8kh/" caption="hiking.bairn" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/hiking.bairn/"]


<h2>10. Russia's Molyobka Triangle</h2>
One of the world's most mysterious places is the Perm Anomalous Zone, situated in Russia's Ural Mountains. This region is known as the Molyobka Triangle or the M Triangle. Rumour has it that the area has similar powers to the Bermuda Triangle. As such, many myths and legends are centered around this remote area.

It has become a popular site for UFOlogists, and there are stories about watches that stop working for no reason, colored lights appear randomly in the sky, and hovering crafts have been seen in the sky. Researchers have explained this type of phenomenon to be an indication of energy emissions from cracks in the Earth that owe to that of alien activity. This UFO destination has a dedicated UFO park for fans and those looking for a fun adventure.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBGpJOMFsoP/" caption="kseniya_rymar" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/kseniya_rymar/"]

Must-See Destinations for Every UFO Fan

Some castles are famous for their exceptional design or historical value, while others are lesser&#x2d;known for residing off the beaten path.

Originating in 9th-century Europe, castles evoke images of royalty, wealth, and stunning design. Medieval castles were more than just symbols of prosperity and power, though. They were also fortified residences and self-sufficient complexes, and visiting them gives us insight into medieval societies and ways of life. Some castles are famous for their exceptional design or historical value, while others are lesser-known for residing off the beaten path. Be sure to include at least one of the world's most magnificent castles on your next vacation.
<h2>1. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria</h2>
Deep in the Austrian woodlands, Hohenwerfen Castle sits perched on a 500 foot-high rock. Breathtaking views of market town Werfen below and the surrounding Berchtesgaden Alps make this palace a must-see if you're in or near Salzburg. The 11th-century castle has a fascinating history, having served as a prison, royal hunting base, police academy, and military stronghold in WWII. Tour the restored castle and museum, then stop by the Falconry Center for a flight demonstration.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDA5RcxMjbp/" caption="giuliogroebert" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/giuliogroebert/"]


<h2>2. Castillo de Coca, Spain</h2>
The Alcazar de Segovia gets all the glory, but it isn't the only magnificent palace in the province of Segovia. Castillo de Coca lies on the wooded flatlands near the rivers Voltoya and Eresma. It's a perfect example of the Mudejar style, which uses Moorish Islamic design elements combined with Gothic architecture. Lines of brickwork and mortar create geometric borders and patterns, while polygonal turrets and battlements give the castle its unique form. Book a tour to walk the historic grounds and enjoy the views.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-42966" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/03/shutterstock_167200490.jpg" alt="Coca Castle (Castillo de Coca) is a fortification constructed in the 15th century and is located in Coca, in Segovia province, Castilla y Leon, Spain." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>3. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany</h2>
If Neuschwanstein Castle looks familiar, that's because the breathtaking palace inspired the castle from Walt Disney's <em>Sleeping Beauty</em>. The Romantic-era design combines several lavish styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine elements. You can only enter Neuschwanstein Castle as part of a 35-minute guided tour, so remember to buy your tickets in the village below. Neuschwanstein is a breathtaking sight from the base of the Alpine foothills or nearby Marienbrücke. High above Pollät Gorge, the sleek suspension bridge affords some of the best photo opportunities.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKTHNFnAdul/" caption="cedric_schell" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/cedric_schell/"]


<h2>4. Mont-Saint-Michel, France</h2>
Mont-Saint-Michel abbey's familiar silhouette has awed Christian pilgrims and visitors for over 1,000 years. Majestically rising from the horizon, the ancient structure didn't need a moat or high ground to keep it safe. Incoming high tides surround the walled town and cut it off from the mainland twice a day. Walk the cobblestoned main street, a gauntlet of tourist shops and merchants, up to the Gothic and Romanesque abbey. Enjoy a peaceful moment in the beautiful cloisters and expansive views of the bay.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLXAP7dB9Gk/" caption="sebastien.nagy" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/sebastien.nagy/"]


<h2>5. Ashford Castle, Ireland</h2>
Ashford Castle in West Ireland isn't just a magnificently-preserved estate. The 800-year old Medieval and Victorian palace, once home to the Guinness family, now operates as a five-star luxury hotel. The property resides on 350 acres of wooded land near Lough Corrib, Ireland's second-largest lake. One night could set you back some serious cash, or you can admire the castle and grounds on a visit. Cruise the restored gardens and relax by the fountain, or enjoy panoramic views of the landscape from the terraces.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLwkUwhsVE_/" caption="ashford_castle_fanpage" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/ashford_castle_fanpage/"]


<h2>6. Bran Castle, Romania</h2>
Whether you're a fan of the film <em>Bram Stoker's Dracula</em> or medieval architecture, Bran castle is a wondrous sight in the hills of The Piatra Craiului Mountains. There isn't much evidence which links the notorious vampire to the estate, but that doesn't make it any less impressive and intimidating. Red rooftops rise out of the forest to give strategic views of the surrounding landscapes. Inside, narrow passages and dark hallways lend substance to the castle's mysterious vibe.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJp0FCehJ93/" caption="fotografulcalator" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/fotografulcalator/"]


<h2>7. Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou, Morocco</h2>
South of the High Atlas mountains in Ouarzazate Province, the jaw-dropping, earthen form of Ksar Aït-Ben-Haddou emerges from the landscape. You might recall the fortified city's silhouette from the films <em>Gladiator</em> or <em>The Mummy</em>. The ksar's sculpted walls and angled towers blend into the red clay landscapes, the decorated facade reminiscent of Pre-Saharan earthen architecture. Take the footbridge from the modern village to the old ksar to experience both sides of this ancient town.

[caption id="attachment_42998" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-42998" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/03/GettyImages-956367878.jpg" alt="Ait Benhaddou surrounded by palm trees and desert" width="2121" height="1414" /> janiecbros / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Himeji Castle, Japan</h2>
Himeji Castle is an outstanding example of Japanese castle architecture. Known locally as White Heron Castle, the elegant structure extends into the sky like a bird gracefully taking flight. Himeji castle is significant for several reasons. Not only is the structure original, but its 80 buildings and winding paths have also survived several wars, natural disasters, and fires since 1609. Walk along the labyrinthine ramparts or head for the Sannomaru, a cherry tree-lined park perfect for photographs.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43002" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/03/shutterstock_618603290.jpg" alt="Himeji, Japan at Himeji Castle in spring." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>9. Hluboká Castle, Czech Republic</h2>
The Czech Republic is home to thousands of spectacular castles and chateaux. If you have trouble deciding which to visit, put Hluboká Castle on your itinerary. Located just outside of České Budějovice, the structure's Romantic style is reminiscent of England's marvelous Windsor Castle. Admire the castle's neo-Gothic design and cream-colored exterior before touring a selection of preserved rooms. Exhibits include masterful paintings, beautiful chandeliers, and Delft china. Finish your visit with a relaxing stroll through the gorgeous English-style gardens.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ecFjdnYN7/" caption="parekvole" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/parekvole/"]


<h2>10. Windsor Castle, England</h2>
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, open year-round to visitors. It's been home to British monarchs since the 11th century, from Henry I to Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II. Explore the State Apartments to see where The Royal Family holds ceremonies, then have tea and cake in Edward III's medieval Undercroft. The Precincts Tour, a 30-minute examination of the castle's 1,000-year history and gorgeous exterior construction, is free.

[caption id="attachment_43003" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43003" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/03/shutterstock_644674990.jpg" alt="Outside landscape of Medieval Windsor Castle" width="1000" height="667" /> erveridis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com[/caption]

The Most Majestic Castles You Can Actually Visit

Ghost towns throughout the United States provide a look at the past in once&#x2d;bustling areas of the country that are now home to eerie encounters.

Eerie stories of ghostly encounters throughout the United States abound. From Gold Rush and Great Depression-era and mining municipalities to 1950's road stops decimated by modern highways, ghost towns provide a look at the past in once-bustling areas of the country. These desolate areas are surrounded by spooky tales of souls left behind and other paranormal occurrences. If you want to take your next road trip to a new, eerie level, add a ghost town or two to your itinerary.
<h2>1. Centralia, PA</h2>
Located northwest of Philadelphia, Centralia, PA caught fire in 1962. The blaze spread through the underground mines, causing widespread sinkholes that began spewing smoke and toxic fumes through the town. Most residents were forced to abandon their homes and businesses, which fell into disrepair. The fire is still burning and is expected to burn for another 250 years or more. With all real estate claimed under eminent domain and condemned by the state, little is left in the spooky town aside from the enduring flames.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2E4glEAD3m/" caption="michaelhowerphotography" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/michaelhowerphotography/"]


<h2>2. Santa Claus, AZ</h2>
Arizona's Mojave Desert offers an exciting winter-themed destination aptly named Santa Claus. An abandoned town dedicated to Christmas, the locale is decorated year-round with all things Saint Nick. Founded in 1937, Santa Claus was built in an attempt to attract more residents to the desert. The town succeeded at increasing visitors' Christmas spirit but was not enough to attract permanent residents. If you're jonesing for some holiday cheer in August, take a trip to this quaint town full of rundown red and white buildings.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/8itHdJJgy8/" caption="camping_mama" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/camping_mama/"]


<h2>3. Bodie, CA</h2>
Standing untouched for around 100 years, Bodie is a former Gold Rush town near Yosemite. After experiencing decay and fleeing residents at the start of the 20th century, the remaining inhabitants were ultimately forced out with a series of fires. With dinner tables still set and shops still stocked with supplies, the town is frozen in time, making Bodie a fascinating glance into yesteryear.

[caption id="attachment_42787" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/920660048.jpg" alt="Bodie, CA" width="1200" height="789" /> Richard Vinson / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Cahaba, AL</h2>
A pre-Civil War trade city, Cahaba sits at the junction of the Alabama and Cahaba Rivers. The city served as the state's first capital from 1820 to 1825. After the war, the town served as a home for freed slaves, but it experienced significant periods of flooding that eventually caused it to be fully abandoned. A few ghostly orbs spotted throughout the years have earned the town a haunting reputation. This southern scary spot is one for the ghost tour, for sure.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/58B7QhRsHZ/" caption="kellygthefirst" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/kellygthefirst/"]


<h2>5. Kennecott, AK</h2>
A former copper mining town, Kennecott rises from the end of a 60-mile dirt road in the middle of the Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Part of the largest national park in the United States, the preserved-in-time mining town is a look into the past. After processing nearly $200,000,000 worth of copper at its peak, all that remains of the town is a 14-story mill and power plant. Explore Kennecott and you just might hear the eerie echo of a long-lost miner.

[caption id="attachment_42788" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/520005890.jpg" alt="Kennecott Mine" width="1200" height="637" /> Jan-Ake / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Rhyolite, NV</h2>
Rhyolite is a former mining town in southern Nevada, in Death Valley. After gold was discovered in the area in the early 1900's, Charles M. Schwab funded the town. By 1905, Rhyolite was home to impressive services, including a hospital, opera house, and stock exchange. It took a hit in the financial crisis of 1907, however, and was fully abandoned by 1912. A go-to set for filming westerns, Rhyolite is a fun destination for a trip back in time.

[caption id="attachment_42789" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/597276915.jpg" alt="Abandoned Cabin in Rhyolite, NV" width="1200" height="796" /> Ed Freeman / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. St Elmo, CO</h2>
Originally called Forrest City, St Elmo was once a bustling mining town. After the train service to Chalk Creek Canyon ended in 1926, the town's population dwindled, and by the 1950s, it was nearly abandoned. Today, the popular tourist destination features a general store and hotel, encouraging visitors to spend a few nights experiencing the spooky atmosphere. This one is a great addition to any Colorado road trip.

[caption id="attachment_42790" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/518739378.jpg" alt="St Elmo, CO" width="1200" height="803" /> DonaldEugeneHammond / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Bannack, MT</h2>
A desolate former mining town, Bannack is well-known amongst paranormal enthusiasts and was even featured on the Travel Channel's <em>Ghost Adventures </em>for the floating orbs spotted around. The Gold Rush city was known, in its time, for being plagued with robberies and murders. The sheriff of the town, which is en route to Virginia City, was also rumored to be an outlaw. Abandoned by the 1950s, Bannack continues to draw visitors thanks to many original structures open for exploration.

[caption id="attachment_42791" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/1001258004.jpg" alt="Old School House in Bannack, MT" width="1200" height="795" /> Mantas Volungevicius / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Thurmond, WV</h2>
Thurmond was once a booming West Virginia town, heavily dependant on the railroad, as is much of the state. A major stop on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, the municipality produced over 20 percent of the company's revenue in 1910. With the Great Depression, closely followed by the invention of diesel trains in the 50s, Thurmond's prosperity sharply dropped. Today, the population of Thurmond is around 10. The town is one to hit — an ideal addition to any trip recounting the devastation of the Great Depression.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIwSWmoBnHC/" caption="bits_of_blue_and_gold" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/bits_of_blue_and_gold/"]


<h2>10. Glenrio, NM</h2>
Sitting on the border between New Mexico and Texas, Glenrio was a fun stop on Route 66 for many years. From the 40s through the 60s, the town's gas stations, bars, motels, and diners were always packed. When I-40 was built in the 1970s, the town was promptly abandoned. Ghostly structures still remain in Glenrio, today.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-42792" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/1140021252.jpg" alt="Glenrio, next to the TX-NM state line, USA" width="1200" height="978" />

Fascinating Ghost Towns in America

Historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks may be big draws, but there are also tourist attractions that are beyond strange

People who love to travel say part of the intrigue of exploring the world is coming across unexpected and unusual destinations. Historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks may be big draws, but there are also tourist attractions that are beyond strange. Some are natural wonders that seem to defy science and logic. Humans may have created the others, but they fall far outside the realm of the normal tourist attractions you’d expect to encounter on a getaway.
<h2>1. Petrifying Well, England</h2>
The oldest visitor attraction in England is also one of the strangest. Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough opened in 1630, and millions of visitors from around the world have explored this mystical place. Sitting amongst centuries-old beech trees and geological formations, the cave features cascading water that turns objects into stone. The legend began with Mother Shipton, a famous prophetess who was born in the cave in 1488. She foresaw the fates of rulers of the time, along with future events, including the great 1666 fire in London.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B35MTL1HFiO/" caption="paintedwitchdesigns" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/paintedwitchdesigns/"]


<h2>2. Hell Garden, Thailand</h2>
Thailand’s Wang Saen Suk Hell Garden is a chilling reminder that it’s never too late to try and make amends for bad deeds of the past. Statues depicting Buddhist Hell fill the site, portraying the punishments for those who committed sins while living on Earth. Hell Garden is not a family-friendly site, but it is one of the most bizarre, mind-blowing, and gruesome experiences you’ll encounter. Located in Bang Saen City, there is no admission, but you’ll find a statue of Buddha on the perimeter, where you can leave a donation.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDli7s1g6xd/" caption="gavweston" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/gavweston/"]


<h2>3. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia</h2>
When it comes to unbelievable vistas, none compare to the surrealistic, prehistoric salt flats in Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni, located about eight hours south of La Paz. This is the world’s largest salt flat, creating more than 4,000 miles of pure white landscape with nothing else but the blue sky above. Geometric patterns surge through the thick, top layer of salt. During certain times of the year, water covers the salt flat creating a magnificent mirror effect.

[caption id="attachment_42723" align="alignnone" width="2122"]<img class="size-full wp-image-42723" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/GettyImages-881712512.jpg" alt="Mirror surface on the salt flat Salar de Uyuni, Altiplano, Bolivia" width="2122" height="1412" /> Olga_Gavrilova / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Jellyfish Lake, Palau</h2>
In the South Pacific, there's a magical island republic in the state of Koror, perfect for travelers who are seeking a secluded, private getaway. Palau is a beautiful tropical paradise with waterfalls, monoliths, and plenty of culinary opportunities to explore. However, it’s a land-locked lake on the island that offers the most unusual underwater exploration. Dive into its deep turquoise waters, and you’ll immediately see millions of golden, transparent, non-stinging jellyfish floating around you. This body of water is the only place where this unique subspecies lives. It’s a bizarre yet fascinating experience.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-42724" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/shutterstock_1519805894.jpg" alt="Split shot of Jellyfish Lake in Palau" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>5. Sea of Stars, Maldives</h2>
The Maldives is famous for its breathtaking beaches and landscapes. But the most jaw-dropping attraction here is the Sea of Stars, an electric-blue glow that ripples along the shoreline, visible only at night. A type of phytoplankton that lives in the Indian Ocean, <i>Lingulodinium polyedrum</i>, creates the magnificent bioluminescent phenomenon when stressed by the movement in the waves.

[caption id="attachment_42725" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-42725" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/GettyImages-522128989.jpg" alt="Illumination of plankton at Maldives." width="2121" height="1414" /> PawelG Photo / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska</h2>
Imagine stepping into a cave that exists in a 12-mile-long glacier, where blue light envelopes you, water flows beneath your feet, and everything above you is solid ice. The Mendenhall Glacier formed about 3000 years ago, and thousands of people flock here to see this amazing natural anomaly. Although the eight-mile trail to the glacier seems long, it is well worth the effort. Scientists say it is melting and could disappear from view within the next 25 years.

[caption id="attachment_42726" align="alignnone" width="2309"]<img class="size-full wp-image-42726" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/GettyImages-588401944.jpg" alt="Mendenhall Ice Caves, Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska USA." width="2309" height="1299" /> Blaine Harrington III / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Red Beach, China</h2>
In China’s Liaoning province, you’ll discover the bizarre-yet-miraculous Red Beach in Panjin. The wetlands, one of the largest in the world, turn a brilliant crimson in the fall. Experts say the color comes from the seepweed species that grow there. The plant can absorb massive amounts of saline. As it soaks up the saltwater from the sea around it, it turns red. Once spring arrives, the seepweed turns green, changing colors through the summer and into the fall.

[caption id="attachment_42717" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/898247198.jpg" alt="red beach seepweed fall panjin" width="1200" height="798" /> Riverwill / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Lake Abraham, Canada</h2>
Methane bubbles and bacteria may not sound intriguing, but put them together, and you have a visually stunning phenomenon. Lake Abraham in western Alberta, Canada, is a large man-made reservoir. Dead organic matter lands in the water, sinks to the bottom and becomes a meal for hungry bacteria. They release methane gas bubbles that rise and freeze in the ice, creating unique and intricate patterns.

[caption id="attachment_42727" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-42727" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/GettyImages-1089940162.jpg" alt="Ice bubbles at sunrise, Abraham Lake, Clearwater County, AB, Canada" width="2000" height="1500" /> jamesvancouver / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Bone Church, Czech Republic</h2>
For travelers who seek a bit of the macabre, the Bone Church in Sedlec, a suburb of Kutna Hora, may be the perfect destination. Don’t let the church’s outside appearance fool you. Bones belonging to 40,000 plague victims from the 14th century decorate the interior of this medieval gothic church. A chandelier of bones hangs in the center. It’s one of the Czech Republic’s 12 World Heritage Sites.

[caption id="attachment_42719" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/159282128.jpg" alt="kutna hora bone church chandelier" width="1200" height="800" /> Maremagnum / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Island of the Dolls, Mexico</h2>
This small island, just south of Mexico City, was never meant to be a tourist destination. Hundreds of decapitated dolls with severed limbs hang from the island’s trees. Legend has it that the caretaker of the island found a young girl drowned and was unable to save her. One day he found a doll floating in the nearby canal and hung it from a tree in her honor. He continued to collect and hang dolls for the next 50 years and claimed the spirits of dead girls possessed them.

[caption id="attachment_42728" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-42728" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/shutterstock_1407325355.jpg" alt="Cana in quarter Xochimilco, Isla de las munecas, Island of Dolls, with legend about dead girl" width="1000" height="667" /> marketa1982 / Shutterstock.com[/caption]

Strange Travels: The World's Most Bizarre Tourist Attractions

If you’re hunting for an ancient secret or want to get a unique perspective on some historical art, Google Earth allows you to see the world in a new light.

Not many of us have the means to travel across the world, searching for hidden mysteries or uncovering lost secrets. Plus, some things are only visible from a bird’s-eye view. However, thanks to the marvel of modern technology, you can scour the globe from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re hunting for an ancient secret or just want to get a unique perspective on some historical art, Google Earth allows you to see things you wouldn’t otherwise be able to.
<h2>1. Atacama Giant (-19.949156, -69.633842)</h2>
One of the best parts of using Google Earth is being able to see areas in a way that isn’t possible from the ground. The Atacama Giant is a legendary anthropomorphic figure that measures almost 400 feet long. This incredible form represented a deity for the local inhabitants of the Atacama Desert from 1000 to 1400 CE. Experts believe that the Giant is an astronomical calendar for knowing where the moon would set. The points on the Giant’s head would align with the moon differently depending on the season, allowing locals to determine the day, crop cycle, and when the rainy season would arrive.

[caption id="attachment_42460" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/857123488.jpg" alt="atacama giant hill" width="1200" height="800" /> JeremyRichards / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Guitar of Trees (-33.867886, -63.987)</h2>
Decades ago, an Argentinian farmer named Pedro Martin Ureta and his four children planted thousands of trees by hand. When viewing the area from Google Earth now, you can see a gorgeous forest that perfectly resembles a guitar. Ureta planted the trees as a memorial for his late wife, who loved the instrument and wished to shape the farm in its image. Through his and his family’s efforts, around 7,000 cypress and eucalyptus trees now represent her dream.

[caption id="attachment_42476" align="alignnone" width="2473"]<img class="size-full wp-image-42476" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/Guitar-Forest.png" alt="" width="2473" height="1144" /> Google Earth[/caption]


<h2>3. Badlands Guardian (50.010611, -110.113422)</h2>
Deep in the southeast corner of Alberta, Canada, is a massive geological feature known as the Badlands Guardian. When viewing the area from the sky or a tool like Google Earth, it resembles a human head wearing an indigenous type of headdress. Experts believe the Badlands Guardian formed through erosion of the soft soil by water and wind hundreds of years ago. Despite looking as if it emerges from the ground like a hill, the head is actually a large valley.

[caption id="attachment_42477" align="alignnone" width="834"]<img class="size-full wp-image-42477" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/Badlands-Guardian.jpg" alt="" width="834" height="495" /> ancient-origins.net[/caption]


<h2>4. Vibrant Electric Pools (38.483378, -109.681333)</h2>
When browsing the desert landscape of Utah on Google Earth, you may notice some shockingly bright purple and blue fields. These ponds are necessary for the extraction of potash, which are the various forms of water-soluble potassium. Potash has many uses but is a common component in creating fertilizers. To farm potash, workers dye the ponds blue to help the water absorb sunlight and heat. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind potassium salts. Over time, the water may take on a variety of colors, ranging from blue and purple to orange and white.

[caption id="attachment_42463" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/954707900.jpg" alt="potash salt ponds" width="1200" height="800" /> ncognet0 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Bermuda Triangle (25.001283, -71.000000)</h2>
The Bermuda Triangle has been the focal point of mysteries and conspiracies for centuries. Many ships and aircraft are rumored to have vanished or sunk due to unknown dangers when traveling through this region. Many internet mystery solvers have taken to using Google Earth to try and identify some of these lost vessels. While the area isn’t much to look at with just a cursory glance, some people claim that you can see alien vessels and hidden buildings by closely examining the underwater forms.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-42478" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/shutterstock_1709349196.jpg" alt="sunken plane diving, plane crash, incident, search under water, crash, divers" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>6. Kazakhstan Pentagram (52.479751, 62.186305)</h2>
Around a decade ago, the internet exploded with rumors surrounding a mysterious 1,200-foot wide pentagram in a field in Kazakhstan. The pentagram is a shape with many meanings across different cultures, so the explanation is a bit less exciting than the witchcraft and magic that many users had hoped for. In reality, the pentagram is an abandoned park that was under construction during the days of the Soviet Union. Now, it is just an interesting easter egg on Google Earth with some hilarious reviews.

[caption id="attachment_42479" align="alignnone" width="2489"]<img class="size-full wp-image-42479" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/Kazakhstan-Pentagram.png" alt="Kazakhstan Pentagram" width="2489" height="1178" /> Google Earth[/caption]


<h2>7. Crashed UFO (-25.89493, 27.80137)</h2>
Many people scan Google Earth looking for some sign of the unknown, hoping to uncover a grand mystery. Several years ago, some internet users discovered what they claim to be a UFO that crashed outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. The structure has a unique disc shape, a shining roof, and an edge that appears to be stuck in the ground. Sure, it could just be a building. However, its distance from anything else, in combination with its unique features, has internet users exploding with theories.

[caption id="attachment_42480" align="alignnone" width="2299"]<img class="size-full wp-image-42480" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/Crashed-UFO.png" alt="Crashed UFO" width="2299" height="1099" /> Google Earth[/caption]


<h2>8. Aircraft Boneyard (32.149989, -110.835842)</h2>
Ever wonder what happens to old planes? With the help of Google Earth, you can actually see “the boneyard” where they eventually end up. This four-square-mile area near the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is a cemetery for nearly every type of plane that the U.S. has used since World War II. It also contains a variety of other aerospace vehicles, including ballistic missiles. Members of the military take useful parts from some of the planes, scrap others, and let the rest slowly decay.

[caption id="attachment_42466" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/1090707832.jpg" alt="aircraft boneyard base" width="1200" height="800" /> Purplexsu / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Uffington White Horse (51.5778227, -1.5666164)</h2>
When it comes to influential geoglyphs, it’s hard to beat the Uffington White Horse. For thousands of years, this horse has been a representation of masterful minimalist art and inspired dozens of white horse figures across Britain. Historians believe the White Horse dates back to the Bronze Age, between 1380 and 550 BCE. Despite being most famous as a prehistoric depiction of a horse, many people argue that the large figure is actually a dog or saber-toothed cat.

[caption id="attachment_42467" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/02/157333602.jpg" alt="uffington white horse ground" width="1200" height="797" /> stockcam / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Marree Man (-29.5323543, 137.469361)</h2>
Unless you have some extra cash laying around to charter a private plane, Google Earth may be your only option for viewing the Marree Man in its full glory. The Marree Man is a modern geoglyph that appears to depict an indigenous Australian figure hunting with a throwing stick or boomerang. It’s also absolutely massive, measuring two miles tall with a perimeter of 17 miles. Despite being one of the largest geoglyphs on Earth, its origins remain a mystery. By comparing satellite images, we now know that the creation of the Marree Man occurred between May 27 and June 12, 1998. With its scale and how quickly it appeared, the Marree man is a true mystery and a modern marvel.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1huAMTgi1Y/" caption="thephotos.pm" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/thephotos.pm/"]

Google Earth Mysteries You Can See from Home

Culinary tourism is a billion&#x2d;dollar industry, but you don’t have to cross the ocean to enjoy foodie destinations.

Back in 2004, the term “foodie” first started trending on Google. A foodie is a gourmet and specialty food lover whose interests spurred a social media phenomenon. Soon, everyone was posting aesthetic photos and videos of their culinary achievements. This trend picked up quickly, and many small cuisines gained business from social media coverage.  Culinary tourism is now a billion-dollar industry, but you don’t have to cross the ocean to enjoy foodie destinations. You can find some of the most unique and treasured foods right here in America.
<h2>1. New Orleans, Louisiana</h2>
Not only is it an intriguing city, overflowing with mystery, music, and historical architecture, but New Orleans cuisine is legendary. New Orleans is an international city, and the flavors you’ll discover here are unlike those anywhere else. From traditional spicy gumbo to sumptuous po’boys, sweet, delicious beignets, and plates brimming with barbecued shrimp, food is always at the forefront of a true NOLA experience. Foodies will find endless culinary inspiration in the array of dishes served across the city, brimming with flavors that are as vibrant and diverse as the people who live here.

[caption id="attachment_41228" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/12/182383890.jpg" alt="international foodie new orleans beignets " width="1200" height="798" /> sbossert / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Portland, Oregon</h2>
A 2019 survey named Portland as the top culinary hotspot in the country based on affordability, range of flavors, diversity, and the selection its restaurants provide. Foodies will discover an endless source of culinary revelations at any of the sit-down restaurants, farmers' markets, and food carts. Don’t miss out on tasting local favorites like Thai-style Khao Man Gai, a savory poached chicken, and rice dish. This city takes meat-free eating seriously, offering a massive selection of vegan and vegetarian delights that will rock your tastebuds.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CH02fi6F0gc/" caption="thaifarmhouse" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/thaifarmhouse/"]


<h2>3. Asheville, North Carolina</h2>
Asheville has amazing food and is rising as a top culinary destination, most likely due to its farm-to-table dining experiences. There are several award-winning restaurants in the city and throughout the region, many of which find their ingredients through local growers and family farms in the area. This romantic, charming destination is traditionally famous for its Southern food. Curious gastronomes will also discover a range of unique, inspired, and tasty Mediterranean, Asian, Cuban, and contemporary eateries — its foodie heaven.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CI0wnyurbmF/" caption="rockyshotchickenshack" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/rockyshotchickenshack/"]


<h2>4. Santa Fe, New Mexico</h2>
If this capital city's beauty isn’t enough for a traveler, the vast number of culinary choices will seal the deal for foodies. Travelers choosing accommodations in the town square will step out of their room each morning to the wafting smell of fresh bread and pastries from local bakeries nearby. Choose from legacy restaurants or discover an up-and-coming hotspot offering new twists on local favorites. Blue corn and red or green chile sauces are at the heart of authentic New Mexican cuisine, but there is no shortage of trendy eateries that combine international flavors with local ingredients.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEuHeLPAPFn/" caption="boxcar.santafe" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/boxcar.santafe/"]


<h2>5. Honolulu, Hawaii</h2>
Every year, the 10 million travelers who visit the Aloha State expect to find an ample selection of delicious food. What foodies will appreciate is that the islands have been undergoing a food revolution in recent years. Chefs have shaken up the culinary vibes here, preparing rustic, traditional dishes featuring fresh fish and locally grown produce instead of the once-popular Hawaiian fusion dishes. Honolulu is at the forefront of the revolution as the state's largest city, with high-end, reasonably priced, delectable take-out options and new twists on traditional dishes.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIo6PAIDy8r/" caption="mean_brah" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/mean_brah/"]


<h2>6. Charleston, South Carolina</h2>
Few travelers are aware of the rich, historical connection with food in the Palmetto State. Charleston sits elegantly within the state’s Lowcountry, along the southern coastline. Here, foodies discover a multitude of unique flavor combinations rooted in the European, West African, and Antillian influences from the city’s early history. Visitors can find any food imaginable in downtown Charleston. Seafood is a must-try, and there’s no shortage of fascinating eateries that offer traditional, localized, and innovative creations.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4DnZqpBF2P/" caption="hoangviton" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/hoangviton/"]

Alex Potemkin / Getty Images
<h2>7. San Francisco, California</h2>
Foodies will have no trouble finding the perfect spot to enjoy a tasty meal here. The massive number of restaurants across the city makes choosing one the hardest task. Food trends are constantly evolving in San Francisco, with new establishments offering foodie-inspired menus to try out. Dim sum, mission burritos, and seafood are local favorites. For those who like to sneak in a late-night, local delicacy, San Francisco has a great selection of food counters, diners, and bars that serve delicious fare after 11 pm.

[caption id="attachment_41234" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/12/821359986.jpg" alt="restaurants san francisco favorites seafood " width="1200" height="803" /> Ben Enelow / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Miami, Florida</h2>
There’s no shortage of celebrity chefs and trendy restaurants in Miami, making it the perfect destination for foodies to enjoy a mouthwatering meal after a day on the beach. Fans of epicurean dining will find a long list of fine dining establishments where they can enjoy haute cuisine favorites in lush surroundings. For diners seeking to take in the diverse, local culinary culture, try arepas, a Columbian and Venezuelan-inspired dish — a cornmeal cake stuffed with pulled pork, melted cheese, and avocado.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIwH2ENLuQj/" caption="lamesamiami" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/lamesamiami/"]


<h2>9. New York, New York</h2>
It’s no secret that New York is a food lover’s paradise. According to many food-lover circles, its diverse collection of pubs, diners, food trucks, delicatessens, and high-end, fine-dining establishments are second-to-none. Eating out is a popular pastime in this trendy, awe-inspiring city. World-renowned eateries, which opened their doors decades ago, are still serving innovative and tasty dishes from their kitchens. Brooklyn has made a name for itself as a destination for food and culture, where foodies can sample the best pizza, cannoli, and pierogi the neighborhood offers.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIxGOd4DDhw/" caption="grimaldis_pizza" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/grimaldis_pizza/"]


<h2>10. Aspen, Colorado</h2>
You don’t have to be a Jet Set member to indulge in luxury Aspen food selections. Foodies who make plans to head there between mid-May and mid-June find lots of cost-saving travel options. For food lovers who enjoy flavorful yet healthy options, Aspen is the perfect destination. Several local eateries serve organic and vegetarian foods. Enjoy a relaxing lunch outdoors while admiring the gorgeous nature views that Colorado has to offer. Rustic food is a specialty here, with bars and restaurants creating delicious takes on lamb dishes, bison, fresh trout, and the traditional burger-and-fries fare.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8tzzDDFlDu/" caption="denvernosh" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/denvernosh/"]

These Foodie Destinations Are the Best in America

While people can have powerful experiences anywhere they go, some spots are magical and filled with divine energy that will open your mind.

While people can have powerful experiences anywhere they go, some spots are magical and filled with divine energy that will open your mind. If you're looking to get away and see the world in a new light, consider visiting one of these breath-taking oases in the United States.
<h2>1. Mount Shasta, California</h2>
Described as "a community where Heaven and Earth meet," Mount Shasta is the name of a lively city and stunning mountain peak. It's a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities, but people also rave about its powerful spiritual energy and healing vibrations. Some claim the mountain contains an energy vortex that helps visitors connect to other planes of existence.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHjnF3DoLF2/" caption="heavy.frames" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/heavy.frames/"]


<h2>2. Sedona, Arizona</h2>
Known for its red sandstone cliffs and dramatic mountain landscape, Sedona has been popular for its beauty since it was founded in 1902. The canyon's unique energy attracts travelers seeking spiritual awakening and a life-changing experience. Locals claim that several energy vortexes are located in the area, helping people heal and grow. The artist community in Sedona adds another layer of culture, and many of them express inner epiphanies in their art.

[caption id="attachment_41311" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/12/532456825.jpg" alt="Cliffs in Sedona, Arizona" width="1200" height="800" /> Burazin / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Linville Gorge, North Carolina</h2>
Often called "the Grand Canyon of North Carolina," Linville Gorge is a gorgeous canyon that hosts one of the last old-growth forests in the U.S. The steep canyon walls and rough terrain prevented settlement or logging, so hiking in this canyon can feel like stepping back in time. Legend has it that this canyon contains sacred healing energy, particularly in the rich soil. Many visitors remove their shoes and sink their bare feet into the dirt while meditating or praying.

[caption id="attachment_41312" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/12/499279997.jpg" alt="Sunrise over Linville Gorge" width="1200" height="801" /> skiserge1 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Chimayo, New Mexico</h2>
The small town of Chimayo is an unlikely tourist destination. Still, it's home to one of the largest spiritual pilgrimages in the U.S.; El Santuario de Chimayo is a small chapel with a dirt floor that supposedly contains healing properties. Every Easter week, thousands of visitors flock to the chapel for healing. During the rest of the year, the chapel is known for its peaceful, sacred atmosphere. It's also located close to Santa Fe and Taos's cities, both known for their own spiritual properties.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIR4MdtFgnc/" caption="eccentric_mind_art_and_design_" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/eccentric_mind_art_and_design_/"]


<h2>5. Salvation Mountain, California</h2>
For a more offbeat otherworldly excursion, head out to Slab City, California. This unique community is made up of artists, retirees, and eccentrics, creating their own style. While the city is worth a visit, the famous sacred spot is known as Salvation Mountain. The late Leonard Knight created this art project in an attempt to spread the love of God. While it's rooted in Christian theology, visitors of all faiths make spiritual pilgrimages to it and volunteers from all walks of life work to keep it maintained.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGpt9VCnb76/" caption="openroad66" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/openroad66/"]


<h2>6. Shambala Mountain Center, Colorado</h2>
A traditional Buddhist stupa is the last thing you'd expect in Colorado, but you can find this religious structure at the Shambala Mountain Center. This beautiful destination is located just a short drive from Fort Collins and contains about 600 acres of beautiful mountain land. Visitors are welcome to tour the shrines and meditate as they walk along the paths, or you can sign up for one of the spiritual retreats hosted at the center.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5bkJJalpSg/" caption="mr_christopher22" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/mr_christopher22/"]


<h2>7. The Integratron, California</h2>
Located near the small town of Landers, California, the Integratron is a unique experience. This dome-shaped structure was built by the late George van Tassel, who claimed he was following instructions given to him by an alien visitor. The Venus alien told him it had healing properties and could help people travel in time and space. While those claims haven't panned out, modern visitors still find the structure spiritual, particularly during the "sound baths," where harmonic tones resonate throughout the structure.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3AUGxPAI2L/" caption="petraflor.world" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/petraflor.world/"]

<h2>8. Baha'i House of Worship, Illinois</h2>
Just 30 minutes north of Chicago is the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette. This stunning temple is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture and artistic design. The interior contains white quartz and cement walls that have been intricately carved for a lace-like appearance. Visitors of all faiths are welcome at the temple, and many people find it a peaceful and meditative experience.

[caption id="attachment_41317" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/12/526957236.jpg" alt="Traditional Baha'i Temple from above" width="1024" height="683" /> Cameron Spencer / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Headlands Dark Sky Park, Michigan</h2>
People rarely experience true, natural darkness without the glow of screens and streetlights, and those who have, describe it as surreal and calming. The Headlands Dark Sky Park, which borders Lake Michigan, is a popular destination for stargazing in the midnight sky. The park is easy to access, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Aurora borealis — better known as the northern lights — is commonly seen in the park creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

[caption id="attachment_41325" align="alignnone" width="2122"]<img class="size-full wp-image-41325" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/12/GettyImages-172450244.jpg" alt="Summer aurora at Cassidy Point, Northwest Territories, Canada with sun setting in background and silhouette of trees in foreground." width="2122" height="1412" /> mericsso / Getty images[/caption]


<h2>10. Crater Lake, Oregon</h2>
Famed for its deep blue waters and surrounding lush forests, Crater Lake has long fascinated visitors. Native American legends tell the story of its formation — when a volcanic peak erupted and collapsed, the deepest lake in the U.S was created. Some people believe that the volcanic energy helps charge the water and give it spiritual properties, while others find peace in the beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere.

[caption id="attachment_41319" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/12/457745510.jpg" alt="Crater Lake National Park" width="1024" height="620" /> George Rose / Getty Images[/caption]

Free Your Mind While at Spiritual Destinations

America hides a number of places that visitors are forbidden to enter. Some of them are world&#x2d;famous. Others you might have never heard of.

The United States provides plenty of opportunities for traveling and exploration. From the icy peaks of Alaska, the trails of the Appalachians, and the majestic beaches of California, America offers landscapes that suit everyone's taste. If, instead, you prefer an urban jungle to a natural one, you can lose yourself in the underbelly of Chicago, the vastness of Los Angeles, or the vertiginous heights of New York.

However, the broadness of the USA also hides a surprisingly large number of places that visitors and unauthorized personnel are forbidden to enter. Some of them are world-famous and conceal mysteries and secrets that are of importance to national security. Others you might have never heard of, but will definitely spark your interest once you read about them. Since you can't holiday there, why not go on a grand tour of them, so that at least you don't feel too excluded.
<h2>1. Area 51</h2>
Is Area 51 hiding aliens and their spaceships? Is it the developing site for the US Airforce's most advanced and experimental crafts? Or, even better, are America's top scientists at work here to make weapon systems embedded with alien technology? No one knows! The enigma surrounding this notable Nevada military base is so big that people everywhere have attempted to unmask its secrets, and conspiracy theories about it have grown rampant.

In 2019, a Facebook event to storm Area 51 to "see them aliens" had more than 2,000,000 people marked as ready to attend, including plenty of celebs. While the event was meant as a joke, a significant crowd actually showed up and made a festival out of it. That's the power of attraction Area 51 has! Unfortunately, whatever riddles Area 51 is keeping, we might never be able to solve them. In the meantime, to temporarily satiate our thirst for knowledge, we can enjoy the many books and films dedicated to it.

[caption id="attachment_40414" align="alignnone" width="2119"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40414" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-1183083020.jpg" alt="Welcome to Rachel street sign on SR-375 in Nevada, also known as the Extraterrestrial Highway. Situated close to the Nellis Air Force Range and Area 51, Rachel is popular among UFO hunters." width="2119" height="1415" /> miroslav_1 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Google Data Centers</h2>
Where does the limitless amount of data that the internet contains go? Well, a lot of it is stored in Google's Data Centers. There are at least ten such places in the U.S., and entrance to all of them is only possible for those who work there. The biggest centers are in Douglas County, Georgia, and in Mayes County, Oklahoma.

These massive facilities are made up of large drives, computer nodes in aisles of racks, network connections, and environmental controls. Because these servers host the personal information of millions of people, both physical and virtual high-tech security is a must. The centers are open year-round because our need for Google's business never stops. But you'll indeed be stopped if you ever try entering one of them.

[caption id="attachment_40415" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40415" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-1073009100.jpg" alt="Extreme Close-up of Supercomputer." width="2121" height="1414" /> CasarsaGuru / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Chamber of the Coca-Cola Secret Formula</h2>
The secret Coca-Cola recipe, the company's best guarded and most important treasure, is kept inside a chamber within the Coca-Cola vault. Competitors have tried to replicate the signature taste of this all-American beverage for decades, with no luck. The legend goes that only two people in the whole history of the company have actually seen the full recipe. While this might be an exaggeration, a huge mystery undoubtedly surrounds it.

The vault that conceals the chamber is located within the World of Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta. Inside the vault, the secret formula, developed in 1886, is kept within a metal box, so if you are planning to visit the World of Coca-Cola to get a glimpse of it, you'll be hugely disappointed. However, you can visit the parts of the vault that are allowed to the public, including the Triangle Room, the Secure Train, and the Bank Vault, all places where the recipe was kept in the past.

[caption id="attachment_40416" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40416" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-1282374300.jpg" alt="SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: An aerial drone view of a Coca-Cola billboard in the South of Market Area on October 26, 2020 in San Francisco, California. A Coca-Cola billboard that has been park of San Francisco's South of Market landscape since 1937 is slated to be taken down by the Coca-Cola company. The removal will cost an estimated $100,000. " width="1024" height="683" /> Justin Sullivan / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Robins Island</h2>
Just off the coast of Long Island, this strip of land is around 435 acres and owned by Wall Street financier Louis Bacon, who purchased it in 1993 at an auction for $11 million. Before he acquired it, Robins Island had been neglected, and its natural environment had been endangered by human exploitation. Trees had been harvested, non-local wildlife had made their way there, and fishers illegally landing on it had caused plenty of wildfires.

Today, Bacon has transformed Robins Island into a beautiful natural reserve. It's home to the healthiest turtle population in the state, and only the owner, his family, guests, and the caretakers are allowed to set foot on it and enjoy its pristine small beaches and verdant forest.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CB0-JYpHlbl/" caption="gonorthfork" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/gonorthfork/"]


<h2>5. Granite Mountain Records Vault</h2>
Granite Mountain Records Vault is the world's largest collection of genealogical records that, as the name says, it's housed underneath Granite Mountain, Salt Lake City, Utah. The vault was built in 1965 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to preserve the Church's documentation and its vast collection of microfilms.

Today, the content of the vault is made public through the FamilySearch.org website, and its records encompass information from archives, libraries, and churches of more than 100 countries. For instance, after a devastating cyclone savaged the Pacific island of Niue, the Church helped the country save and preserve its records, and with them an important part of its history.

[caption id="attachment_40417" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40417" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-1221005476.jpg" alt="empty asphalt road winds under the red sandstone mountains in zion national park. idyllic car journey through the picturesque valley surrounded by red hued mountains. historic rock formations in utah." width="2121" height="1414" /> helivideo / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. North Brother Island</h2>
From the 1880s, this New York island was the home of the infamous Riverside Hospital, where people with infectious diseases like smallpox or tuberculosis were treated and isolated. "Typhoid Mary," an Irish cook who caused many typhoid outbreaks in New York, was quarantined here for over two decades until her death. Shortly after her passing, the hospital was shut down and later transformed into a drug rehabilitation center. However, rumor has it that many people were kept there against their will and that corruption ran freely. Because of these reasons, the center was finally closed in 1963, and since then, the island has been abandoned. Today, North Brother Island is a wildlife sanctuary, and entering it is strictly forbidden. This is to preserve the local flora and fauna, to avoid accidents given the state of its buildings, but also maybe to keep some of its secrets hidden.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwEyr-7AFlh/" caption="christopherpaynephoto" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/christopherpaynephoto/"]


<h2>7. Fort Knox</h2>
Few places in the world are as inaccessible as the United States Bullion Depository. It stores over half of the nation's gold reserve, and it's considered the most secure place in the country. Gold and other treasures are kept away in its secretive vault, which is made of steel plates, beams, and cylinders. It's only 4,000 square feet and two stories high. The vault's door is made of an extremely resistant material that can't be torched nor drilled, and it can only be opened every 100 hours. In the past, Fort Knox has kept safe plenty of treasures, including the English Magna Carta, the crown jewels of Hungary, and the original copies of the American Constitution and of the Declaration of Independence. So, if you are planning on sneaking in, don't. There's a reason why we say "safe as Fort Knox!"

[caption id="attachment_40418" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40418" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-3403801.jpg" alt="6th November 1950: The entrance to the Gold Depository Fort Knox in Kentucky. " width="1024" height="764" /> Keystone / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Ni'ihau</h2>
Ni'ihau is the Hawaiian island that you never knew existed and that you desperately crave to visit. Except you can't. The westernmost isle of the archipelago, Ni'ihau, is around 70 square miles and was bought by the Robinson family in 1864. Since then, it's remained private, and only members of the Robinson family, their guests, and U.S. military personnel are granted access. The owners care deeply about preserving Ni'ihau's environment and have worked hard to prevent the extinction of plants and animals that have disappeared on the other Hawaiian islands. There are no roads and no phone service on Ni'ihau, and its native population is said to be under 100 people. All in all, it's maybe better for the "forbidden isle," as it's popularly known, to stay forbidden so that it can remain a beautiful haven far removed from the impact of globalization, modern life, and mass tourism.

[caption id="attachment_40419" align="alignnone" width="2930"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40419" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-523662554.jpg" alt="Aerial View Lehua and Niihau" width="2930" height="1909" /> James L. Amos / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Bohemian Grove</h2>
A lot and very little can be said about Bohemian Grove. This elusive spot of Sonoma County in California is the hide-out and meeting point of the historical Bohemian Club, a gentlemen's only club founded in the late 1800s in San Francisco. Every year, America's most powerful men meet here for two weeks to talk business. It is rumored that it was here that Reagan agreed not to challenge Nixon's nomination for President, and it's not surprising to know both Bush Sr and Jr were members. To get in, besides being a man and preferably a white one, you need to be formally invited by a member, or you can wait for a decade on the club's waiting list. The entrance fee is $25,000, and once you are accepted, you can enjoy the company of plenty of powerful men spending their days drinking, attending talks, and planning America's future. And then they say the patriarchy is dead!

[caption id="attachment_40420" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40420" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-626387774.jpg" alt="Street through a wine vineyard at autumn in Napa USA" width="2121" height="1414" /> Spondylolithesis / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Mount Weather</h2>
This top-secret government facility is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and extends over 564 acres. It serves as a back-up location for Homeland Security in case of national emergencies, and it's also a secret bunker for top U.S. officials. It's a super secure fortress with plenty of amenities. Not only it's situated in one of America's most beautiful landscapes, but it's also serviced by a hospital, restaurants and cafeterias, sports facilities, and a mass transit station. It even has its own radio that connects most American security agencies to ensure coordination should an emergency happen. Overall, it's safe to say that Mount Weather is the best place to be should the apocalypse happen.

[caption id="attachment_40421" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40421" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-157673598.jpg" alt="Autumn colors in Shenandoah National Park, above the clouds." width="2121" height="1414" /> beklaus / Getty Images[/caption]

Places in the USA Where Tourists Are Forbidden

Traveling is a hobby full of emotions, and one of the best ways to connect with others who feel the same way is to share some travel memes.

Traveling is a hobby full of emotions, and one of the best ways to connect with others who feel the same way is to share some travel memes. Whether you’re an avid traveler stuck at home, an explorer who recently returned home from a trip, or just someone who enjoys sharing in the experience, a good travel meme is sure to make you laugh out loud. Or, at the very least, exhale slightly in amusement.
<h2>1. Facebook taunting us with the past</h2>
After a year of being stuck at home, those memories of touring museums all over the world or burning up the dance floor in the clubs sure hit different. At least things are finally starting to open up again!
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeHnYQQHAIf/" caption="travelmemesofficial" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/travelmemesofficial/"]


<h2>2. Who can resist the temptation</h2>
“The toughest choices require the strongest wills,” And those alerts definitely test our wills. Well, maybe with all these post-covid deals, you can fit one more trip into the budget… Or two… Or...
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQuUchphXBF/" caption="travelmemesofficial" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/travelmemesofficial/"]


<h2>3. Traveling by any means necessary</h2>
We’ve all been there, stuck at work daydreaming about hitting the beach with a pair of drinks in hand. Some days, latching onto the outside of a plane doesn’t even sound that absurd.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-0luzJjvk/" caption="memesfortravel" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/memesfortravel/"]


<h2>4. “The moose should’ve told you.”</h2>
As necessary as it may have been, it definitely hurt having to cancel plan after plan, waiting for the world to open up. This past year certainly made Clark Griswold trying to get into the theme park a lot more relatable!

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45801" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/06/Travel-funny-meme-covid19-pandemic-joke-humor-1.jpeg" alt="" width="450" height="350" />


<h2>5. Please just have a dry throat</h2>
Sure, it might be a bit of a risk to get onto some of those cheaper flights, but who can refuse such an affordable trip? Let’s just hope the coughing stops once the flight attendant brings them a drink.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B936DdFAYle/" caption="travelmemesofficial" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/travelmemesofficial/"]


<h2>6. Did we really bring this much stuff?</h2>
Before the trip, it’s like being a world champion Tetris player. Trying to come home from the trip feels more like being a lazy teenager. Why does the suitcase seem to shrink so much on the way back home?
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxRhsZLjUBZ/" caption="travelmemes_" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/travelmemes_/"]


<h2>7. The FOMO really starts to set in</h2>
Remember when celebrities were posting photos of their trips to private islands during the pandemic? Yeah, those hurt. But watching everyday people journeying across the world and living their best lives really does sting more.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45802" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/06/Travel-funny-meme-covid19-pandemic-joke-humor-23.jpeg" alt="" width="526" height="440" />

<h2>8. Anything is possible with the power of imagination</h2>
Sure, maybe you couldn’t enjoy your holiday because the world had to shut down, but envisioning the trip is probably the same as actually going, right? Well, no, but we can always dream.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45803" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/06/Travel-funny-meme-covid19-pandemic-joke-humor-29.jpeg" alt="" width="520" height="601" />


<h2>9. Finally, after endless searching</h2>
After hours of tracking down flight deals, scouring the internet for ideal flight times, and setting up alerts for ticket sales, it can feel like pulling off divine intervention when that nice, affordable flight just falls in your lap.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45804" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/06/ezgif.com-gif-maker.jpg" alt="" width="542" height="402" />


<h2>10. Why didn’t anyone wake me up?</h2>
Nobody actually loves airplane food. At least, not until you’re actually on the flight and missed the snack cart because you were napping. Your friends or family allowing you to sleep through the snack cart is one of life’s greatest betrayals.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45805" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/06/ezgif.com-gif-maker-1.jpg" alt="" width="1020" height="1024" />


<h2>11. One for the flight attendants out there</h2>
Being a flight attendant is a pretty cool job. You get to see the world, meet tons of new people, and your office literally flies across the sky. But, just like any job, there’s nothing like heading home at the end of the day.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45806" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/06/gohome.jpeg" alt="" width="629" height="398" />


<h2>12. A veritable museum of vacation pics</h2>
Sure, honey, do it for the ‘gram. It’s great to take some photos capturing the memories we’ve made on the trip, but maybe we can stop taking selfies long enough to actually make some memories?

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45807" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/06/Posing-for-Pictures-on-Vacation-Meme-.jpeg" alt="" width="720" height="673" />


<h2>13. That’s a problem for home me, not vacation me</h2>
Oops, something must be wrong with the phone because these emails just don’t seem to make sense. Nothing gets to interrupt the beautiful experience and calm bliss of living on island time!

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45808" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/06/Work-Email-While-Youre-on-Vacation.jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="539" />


<h2>14. What is the purpose?</h2>
There’s a certain theatricality about flying. Soaring through the sky in a massive metal tube, landing with the bumping and shaking, and hearing the pilot’s voice over the intercom. But clapping after landing is a little much. Unless your pilot just performed an emergency landing in the Hudson, maybe hold off on the clapping.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45809" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/06/People-Who-Clap-on-Planes-Meme.jpeg" alt="" width="564" height="564" />


<h2>15. We’ll never forget you, Wilson</h2>
We all wish that vacation could last forever, but you never forget that last day creeping up on you. Just as you start to get accustomed to your new life away from the world you know, the final day arrives and pulls you right back to the daily grind.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45810" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/06/ezgif.com-gif-maker-2-1.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="540" />

Funny Memes for Those Who Love To Travel

No matter what you long for, there is a location that will elevate your yoga experience to new heights.

Yoga is a discipline that allows you to enjoy it wherever you are, whether that’s a professional studio or your own living room. However, while there are no wrong locations to practice yoga, some aspects of the art are only available by traveling outside of your typical venue. Those seeking spiritual enlightenment may choose to visit some of the more reverent destinations, while people desiring a bit of exercise may wish to combine yoga with a classic adventure. No matter what you long for, there is a location that will elevate your yoga experience to new heights.
<h2>1. Rishikesh, India</h2>
Where could be a better place to practice yoga than the country that created it? Rishikesh is a city in India that sits on the banks of the gorgeous and sacred Ganges, nestled within the Himalayan foothills. Ease into your stay with some meditation and yoga at one of the local ashrams. Parmarth Niketan is one of the biggest and best yoga centers in India and allows initial stays of up to 15 days. Feel free to participate in classes focusing on yoga, spirituality, and Vedic heritage.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COujksHLSSj/" caption="devbhoomi_talks" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/devbhoomi_talks/"]


<h2>2. Kauai, Hawaii</h2>
Yoga is a discipline that allows you to explore and improve various aspects of your physical and mental health, as well as your spirituality. For a truly transcendent yoga experience, take in the soothing vibes of Kauai, Hawaii. The island’s beautiful tropical rainforest and scenic Na Pali Coast provide the perfect backdrops for any yoga practitioner. If outdoor yoga isn't your thing, try one of the many hot yoga facilities on the island.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0gy1mVFYPZ/" caption="element_snap_shots" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/element_snap_shots/"]


<h2>3. Ibiza, Spain</h2>
Most people recognize Ibiza as one of the world’s premier party locales, which isn’t what you typically expect when thinking of places to practice yoga. However, Ibiza is more than its party scene. Secret coves, calm beaches, and quiet pine forests provide plenty of areas of natural serenity for yoga. Some companies offer retreats across the island that weave together hiking and swimming adventures with guided yoga sessions.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COk_Lm2tacR/" caption="yogacreativoibiza" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/yogacreativoibiza/"]


<h2>4. Sedona, Arizona</h2>
If you practice yoga and embrace its spiritual aspects, Sedona is a must-visit. Thousands of people from around the world enjoy sojourns in Sedona, finding healing and spiritual renewal. Hike through the unique rock formations and practice yoga to experience the local energy vortexes. Even if you have no interest in the more ethereal side of yoga, the picturesque sunsets and glimmering night sky make Sedona a legendary yoga center.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BKi1cGYhVdx/" caption="jamiesyoga" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/jamiesyoga/"]


<h2>5. Pai, Thailand</h2>
Pai feels it exists in a world of its own, with mountain walls and sprawling forests separating it from the rest of the country. Yogis looking to fully embrace the majesty of nature will find themselves right at home in Pai. Visit one of the many meditation centers near the gentle Pai river or head just outside the town to find natural hot springs and crashing waterfalls. Regardless of the location you choose, yoga in Pai is unlike yoga anywhere else.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Tz1QTHiSZ/" caption="pai_yoga_shala" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/pai_yoga_shala/"]


<h2>6. Kerala, India</h2>
Kerala often astonishes people unfamiliar with the area. The region is a slender coastal strip with nearly 400 miles of dazzling Arabian Sea beaches, rolling green hills, and noble mountain peaks. You can feel the soothing vibes of the area as soon as you set foot within it. Yoga is extremely popular in Kerala, and you’ll feel spoiled with all of the choices you have. Many of the centers here combine the physical asanas with Ayurvedic healing practices.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMEDs0cDq7M/" caption="jessyfassler" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/jessyfassler/"]


<h2>7. Pokhara, Nepal</h2>
Many people practice yoga to unwind, meditate, and relieve stress. Pokhara is essentially the physical manifestation of yoga’s benefits. Spectacular scenery, laid-back adventures, and unforgettable food are par for the course in Pokhara. Yoga retreats dot the coasts of the many lakes around the city, as well as several of its numerous rivers. Alternatively, some centers have multi-day tours where you hike through pristine forests, climb to glimpse a perfect sunrise, and ultimately shed your worries with guided yoga and meditation.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGXamtuFfq4/" caption="atmashreeyogatrek" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/atmashreeyogatrek/"]


<h2>8. San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala</h2>
Yogis heading to San Marcos will find themselves among like-minded individuals who feel this lakeside village possesses spiritual energy that permeates everything around it. People from around the globe travel here to practice their art, whether that’s yoga, meditation, reiki, or other spiritual activities. Maya culture is the most prevalent, but the lower areas are a beautiful blend of eastern and western ideals. Yoga in San Marcos may vary in style but is always rewarding.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COIwQlynfZi/" caption="lakeatitlan.gt" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/lakeatitlan.gt/"]


<h2>9. Boulder, Colorado</h2>
Boulder is a popular travel destination for people from all walks of life, though most tend to overlook its status as a yoga haven. Outdoor yoga is incredibly rewarding in Boulder, thanks to the crisp mountain air and picture-perfect mountain view. If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, several centers in the heart of the city have therapeutic sessions and Asana yoga classes.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Q9NBSgVfG/" caption="amandayoga_" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/amandayoga_/"]


<h2>10. Tofo, Mozambique</h2>
Travelers who are seeking a laid-back destination that’s still rich in charm may find that Tofo is a perfect choice. This small town sits at the crest of a serene white sand beach, providing both leisure and sightseeing opportunities. For the best yoga spots, head to Turtle Cove, which offers both yoga and surfing classes for all skill levels. Make sure to fill your belly with some local cuisine, such as Mozambique’s mouth-watering matapa.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeCiwY1nlVA/" caption="jessisatthebeach" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/jessisatthebeach/"]


<h2>11. Sacred Valley, Peru</h2>
Waterfalls rush down mountainsides, airy villages dot the horizon, and alpacas graze freely in the otherworldly Río Urubamba Valley. Known widely as Sacred Valley, this is a region rich in both natural beauty and powerful spirituality. A variety of centers across the region allow travelers to participate in daily Andean and Hatha yoga sessions. You can even visit the ancient Incan city of Cuzco and enjoy Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga and meditation.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqKYeT2hyoi/" caption="alessandradasso" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/alessandradasso/"]


<h2>12. Bali, Indonesia</h2>
Bali is a destination that truly embodies the word “paradise.” Few places on earth can live up to Bali’s volcanic mountain horizon, sparkling shorelines, and tranquil hillside temples. Life in Indonesia — and especially Bali — is rich with religious customs and spiritual experiences. To get a full taste of this, head to the Taksu Spa. This is a sanctuary where you can enjoy Flow, Hatha, and traditional Balinese yoga classes while taking in the sights of the surrounding rainforest.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COz7s3_jLOz/" caption="baliyogatime" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/baliyogatime/"]


<h2>13. Red Feather Lakes, Colorado</h2>
Chances are that you’ve never heard of Red Feather Lakes. This unincorporated mountain town doesn’t offer any tourist attractions other than the Gnome Road, a scenic path full of ceramic elves, gnomes, fairy doors, and hidden faces. However, yogis making the journey may just find themselves in the midst of their greatest adventure. The forests around Red Feather Lakes are perfect for gentle hikes and outdoor yoga sessions. Plus, a short drive takes you from the rustic village to the Shambhala Mountain Center. This yoga haven rests in a scenic 600-acre valley and offers everything a practitioner could desire.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_AmI3Xj92d/" caption="redfeatheryoga" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/redfeatheryoga/"]


<h2>14. Vancouver, BC, Canada</h2>
No list of yoga locales is complete without Vancouver. While it may not be what people usually imagine when they think of a yoga destination, don’t be quick to write it off. Vancouver is a true melting pot of cultures, allowing yogis to try a range of different styles. While many people view yoga as an internal and solitary practice, it can also be a communal experience where everyone shares in the fun. Plus, you can find dozens of free outdoor yoga classes in the spring and summer, making it a fantastic destination for those wanting to get into yoga for the first time.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMmb01qDSbn/" caption="ristoduggan" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/ristoduggan/"]


<h2>15. Jinja, Uganda</h2>
Visitors to Jinja are usually adventurous thrillseekers, looking to get their hearts racing with white water rafting, quad biking, and horseback riding. However, Jinja also has much to offer those with less stimulating itineraries. Some people feel connections with the world around them, especially in places of great historical or cultural importance. This city sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, near the source of the White Nile, making it an unforgettable locale for strengthening your body and mind through yoga.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNZo5CVH2zn/" caption="nilerivercamp" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/nilerivercamp/"]