No matter how far you traveled or how much you've seen, there's always something new to explore. The world is a lot bigger than most people believe - there are one-of-a-kind places in the world that most people don't even know exist. Some of them are formed by nature, while others were created by humans. Either way, they're all unique. If you're looking for exciting vacation ideas or want to see something that you can't find just anywhere, there are plenty of places worth exploring.
01 Rainbow Mountains of China
The Rainbow Mountains of China are located in the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. This World Heritage Site is made of silt and sandstone ridges, valleys, and peaks deposited before the formation of the Himalayas more than 50 million years ago. Stripes of red, yellow, green, and blue swirl along the surface, a result of bands of mineral deposits worn away over time.
02 Chamarel Earth, Mauritius
Another place that's full of color is Chamarel Earth in Mauritius. Here, the tropical weather has washed away many of the elements from the land, leaving behind layers of iron and aluminum oxides, which separate into layers of blue, purple, and cyan. If you were to take a handful of this earth and mix it all together, it would eventually separate back into its distinct bands of color. You can't climb on the grounds anymore, but it's an ideal place to take photos.
03 The Nazca Lines, Peru
It is believed that the Nazca Lines in Peru may have been carved as far back as 700 CE. Experts aren't sure why the lines are there, but they've attracted thousands of visitors every year since they were discovered in the 1920s. There are straight lines, spirals, rectangles, and some more intricate designs all formed from lines and depressions made in the soil. The ideal way to see the Nazca Lines in all their glory is by plane, and there are plenty of tours available in the area.
04 Waipu Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
Waipu Glowworm Caves are something you can only find in New Zealand. This particular cave is one of the best places to see the glowworms on your own and includes a bit of exploring. Take a flashlight and enter the cave, cross a small stream, and you'll find thousands of glowworms hanging from the ceiling, illuminating the cave with a bright blue glow.
05 Travertine Pools, Turkey
At first glance, it might look like the Travertine Pools are sculpted from ice, but, in reality, this Turkish wonder is made of warm water coming from an underground spring. The water is rich in carbonate, which is left behind as it flows from the spring. Over time, this sediment has built large walls, shallows, and shorelines with a gritty, white texture. Taking a dip in the pools is a magical experience, and the striking white color of the surroundings is something you'll never forget.
06 Plitvice Lake, Croatia
Plitvice Lake is the biggest national park in Croatia and is simply breathtaking. Wooden pathways swirl and twist throughout the park, passing waterfalls, rock formations, and lush green trees. Look closely, and you might see trout swimming in the shallow waters or blue butterflies fluttering through the forest. Some protected species roam around the park, too, including gray wolves, brown bears, and Eurasian lynx, though they tend to keep their distance.
07 Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
You've probably seen photos from the Salar De Uyuni in Bolivia. Covering about 4,600 square miles, this is the largest salt flat in the world, the remnants of a prehistoric salt lake that once covered the area. Salar De Uyuni is stark, clean, and absolutely beautiful. Seasonal puddles reflect the bright sun and blue sky overhead, creating a mirror-like environment where you capture truly memorable photographs.
08 Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
A lot of insane places in the world were created by nature. The Door to Hell in Turkmenistan is not one of those places. This 230-wide crater is located in the middle of the desert. Where did it come from? A team of Soviet scientists was drilling for natural gas in the area when their rig collapsed. To avoid the dangerous spread of gas, they lit it on fire, hoping it would burn out quickly. That was in 1971, and the fire is still going strong.
09 Huacachina, Peru
Huacachina, Peru, is a true oasis in every sense of the word. This desert lagoon is surrounded by palm trees and a perfect place to chill for a day or two. A popular spot for backpackers and day-trippers, Huacachina offers dune-buggy riding, sandboarding, and plenty of time to relax by the lagoon. Hotels surround the area, and there's plenty of socializing to be done. You can't really get a feel for how unique Huacachina is unless you get a glimpse of it from above. It really is a small oasis in the middle of a desert.
10 Spotted Lake, Canada
Spotted Lake in British Columbia is a small lake with a big history. The water is rich in minerals, including magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and calcium. When the water evaporates in the summer, these mineral concentrations appear as spots in the lake ranging from yellow to blue to green. Rumor has it the colors were much brighter before minerals were extracted from the lake to make ammunition during World War I.
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