From pristine powdery beaches to rugged mountains and jungle-cloaked hills, the world is full of beautiful and fascinating places.
But while some destinations are undeniably stunning, other places offer visitors an experience they won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Whether it’s a landscape like no other or a culture that’s entirely distinct, some locations just feel more unique than others.
So, to inspire you, here are 10 unique holiday destinations you might like to explore – many of which you can find travel deals for.
If you want to jump in and find your next holiday today, you can now search over 2,000 holiday deals from top providers on Rest Less. Find your next adventure here…
1. Bermuda
If you’re dreaming of a sultry, tropical escape but want to go somewhere entirely unique, why not head to Bermuda?
Bermuda’s remote location in the North Atlantic (around 600 miles off the U.S. coast) has done much to make this lonely island like nowhere else in the world. And while it boasts beaches just as dazzling as those in the Caribbean, it’s very much its own place.
Although it’s a British territory, Bermuda’s African, Portuguese, West Indian, and American influences are obvious – and because this island is only 21 square miles, you can see and do a lot while you’re here.
History buffs will enjoy visiting the many forts, and adventurers will love exploring the Crystal and Fantasy caves, where you can walk among stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.
But Bermuda is perhaps best known as one of the finest places in the world to go diving. The vibrant reefs that ring this island are both numerous and treacherous, certainly playing a part in the myth of the Bermuda Triangle. Today, the island’s 300+ shipwrecks are hugely popular with divers and snorkelers, and swimming through these ghostly vessels is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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2. Chile
Famous for its long, thin shape, Chile already stands out – on the world map, at least. Flanked on one side by the towering Andes and the crashing Pacific on the other, this is a land of extremes.
In the north of the country, you can explore the barren beauty of the driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert, and in the south, you can marvel at vast glacial fields.
If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll find that here. In Atacama’s Moon Valley, you can rent bikes and travel across the strange, lunar-like landscape with its unique rock formations, rugged mountains, and sweeping sand dunes. Then there’s Chilean Patagonia, where you can hike past gleaming glaciers, through ancient forests, and along milky-blue lakes and lagoons that’ll likely make you gasp.
Patagonia is one of the world’s last wildernesses. The jagged mountains, lush valleys, and bright blue icebergs are otherworldly, as is the wildlife: here, you can see pumas, flamingos, and armadillos.
Chile is also known for its exceptional wine, from rich reds to crisp whites and floral rosés – so if you’re looking to enjoy some wine tastings, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
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3. Malta
If you’re looking to enjoy warmer temperatures and glorious beaches, but still want to discover a fascinating mix of cultures, why not head to Malta?
This Mediterranean island may be small, but thanks to its intriguing history, it’s extremely diverse. Malta is where Roman Catholic traditions merge with Middle Eastern nuances and Sicilian flavours to create a place that’s entirely unique.
In the historic capital of Valletta – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – you can wander along the bustling waterfront, admire the grand 16th-century buildings, and marvel at the incredibly lavish baroque interior of St John’s Co-Cathedral. There are also Megalithic Temples, elegant fortress towns like Mdina, and charming fishing villages like Marsaxlokk, where you can dine on the waterfront.
But Malta is also a paradise for nature lovers. If you like hiking and exploring, you’ll be in heaven here. The island is packed with fossil-adorned cliffs and secret beaches, and the crystal-clear waters are excellent for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
If that wasn’t enough, the sister island of Gozo is also a joy to explore, with a rocky coastline, medieval citadels, and some of the best beaches in all of Malta.
You might like to check out our article, 10 places to visit and things to do in Malta and Gozo, to find out more. Or, why not tune into the upcoming Exploring Malta talk over on Rest Less Events? On the 25th April 2024, historian Dr Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez will be sharing some of Malta’s must-see spots and hidden gems, as well as offering insight into the country’s history and culture.
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4. Finland
Finland might not get quite as much attention as its Nordic neighbours, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, but it’s just as spectacular.
Despite its size (Finland is the eighth-largest country in Europe!), it has one of the smallest populations, so if you’re looking to get off the beaten track, escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, and relax in one of the two million saunas here, it’s an excellent choice.
Having said that, the capital Helsinki, located in the south of the country, is a truly electrifying city. Known for its slick architecture, lively music and arts, and flourishing food scene, it’s ideal for a city break.
If you love visiting unique restaurants and quirky bars, and really immersing yourself in the local food scene (including learning how to forage for food!), you’ll be in your element.
Outside the city, however, are vast expanses of wilderness perfect for hiking and kayaking. The further north you go, the more remote things get, and eventually, fairy tale forests and gleaming lakes give way to snow-swathed pines, and you’ll need a snowmobile to get around. This is Lapland, where reindeer outnumber humans – and in winter, there’s nowhere more magical to be!
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is another country of extremes, and it has astounding biodiversity. Here, you’ll have just as many opportunities to kick back on the sand and enjoy a lazy beach break as you will to have an intrepid, Tarzan-style jungle adventure.
Boasting active volcanoes, blissful beaches, steamy rainforests, hippy resorts, fascinating wildlife, and crashing surf, Costa Rica has it all!
Costa Rica is so special, in fact, that around a quarter of the country is protected. If you’re an animal lover, there’s almost too much to see here. It’s home to jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, toucans, and sloths (to name just five land animals!), and if you dive beneath its turquoise waters, you’ll find rays, turtles, dolphins, and whales. On the Pacific coast, there’s excellent surfing too.
Alternatively, there are other unrivalled opportunities for adventure. You can zip-line over jungle canopies, white water raft down frothing rivers, kayak through tangled mangrove forests, explore ancient caves filled with bats, and trek up to steaming hot springs.
If you want to relax, Costa Rica is also the land of ‘Pura Vida’ – pure life – and opportunities to enjoy peace and serenity are all around.
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6. Gibraltar
Situated on the southern tip of Spain, just eight miles off the northern coast of Africa, Gibraltar is known as the ‘key to the Mediterranean’.
Like Bermuda, it’s also a British Overseas Territory, and this tiny headland is definitely a place like no other. If you’re looking for a Mediterranean-style environment, African wildlife, and some of your favourite British comforts, you’re in luck.
Gibraltar is a place where you can relax on white sand beaches, warm yourself under hot blue skies, admire elegant Palladian, Spanish, and Moorish architecture, and spot dolphins, monkeys, and bats – all while walking past British-style pubs, traditional fish and chip shops, and red pillar boxes. The merging of all these cultures can feel a little unusual, but it’s wonderfully intriguing too.
Despite its size, there’s lots to do. The Rock of Gibraltar – a 400-metre-high limestone cliff – is the top attraction, and you can trek up its steps or take the cable car to the top to enjoy stunning views of Europe and Africa.
You can also explore St Michael’s Cave (a maze of caves and tunnels where Neolithic people once lived 40,000 years ago), see the cheeky Barbary macaques (Europe’s last wild monkey) at the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, or visit the famous Gibraltar War Tunnels.
To find out more, why not check out our article; 8 things to see and do in Gibraltar?
7. Alaska
You may have noticed that several of these unique destinations have one thing in common: a sense of wilderness.
In our overpopulated, globalised world, places that feel truly raw and wild are increasingly difficult to find, but the U.S. state of Alaska is definitely one of those places. Phone coverage is scant, slick urban sophistication barely exists, and adventure and tranquillity abound here.
In terms of landscape and nature, dramatic doesn’t cover it. Alaska is the place where American novelist Jack London felt the “call of the wild”. From the thundering roar of glaciers crashing into the ocean to the sight of bald eagles soaring over the majestic mountains, you’ll likely feel it too.
While there are cities here, like Anchorage and Juneau, it’s Alaska’s wide open spaces and virtually untouched landscape that are really appealing. Animal lovers will be overwhelmed by the wildlife here: you can spot grey wolves, brown bears, caribou, moose, whales, and orcas, just to name a few.
While you can explore independently, you might get more from Alaska in the hands of an expert. Why not hire a guide to take you deep into the backcountry, pay a pilot to fly you to a lonely glacier, or take a scenic tour of peaceful rivers and colossal waterfalls?
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8. Luxembourg
Despite being one of the smallest countries in Europe, Luxembourg also happens to be the richest country in the world.
Known for being a tax haven for the mega-rich, Luxembourg is largely neglected by tourists in favour of its neighbours, France, Germany, and Belgium. But its staid reputation and association with finance have meant this country is incredibly misunderstood – and underestimated.
The capital, Luxembourg City, is as charming as it is historic, with its UNESCO-listed centre easily being one of the most beautiful in Europe. Set on two levels – perched on sprawling hills, then falling into two river valleys – it’s one of the most photogenic cities in the world. The country’s painful history can be explored in its many fine museums, and if you like Michelin-starred dining, you’re in the right place!
But there’s much more to Luxembourg than history, charm, and glamour. Head into the dense forests and craggy hills to find clusters of enchanting villages and medieval castles that look straight out of a storybook.
The rocky gorges of the Müllerthal region are great for hiking, kayaking, and exploring, and the Moselle Valley offers some of the best wine tasting experiences in the world.
9. Mongolia
Mongolia is another unique destination – especially for wilderness lovers.
This East Asian country might be most famous for being the home of the legendary Genghis Khan, but its vast, untouched landscapes, endless blue skies, and rugged beauty are even more compelling. Some parts of the country are so isolated that you can drive all day and not see a single sign of human life.
But, Mongolian culture is just as unique as its landscape. Shut off in a Soviet bubble for much of the past century; today, this fascinating country is a young democracy, and tourism is pumping money into the economy.
The hospitality of the Mongolian nomad is famous. Tourists are welcomed with open arms – and many travellers take up the experience of sleeping in a yurt.
While the country was once half nomadic, today, most people live in urban centres, and visiting cities like Ulaanbaatar (the coldest capital city in the world!) is an unforgettable experience.
However, many people come here to experience the wilderness, lose themselves in nature, admire vivid blue lakes, and enjoy the sensation of being somewhere totally remote. If you’re looking for solitude, you’ll find that here.
10. Newfoundland and Labrador
The Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador isn’t only like nowhere else in Canada, it’s like nowhere else in the world – both in terms of its landscape and wildlife and its culture and history too.
Thanks to its remote location, which could once only be reached by boat, the island has an intriguingly distinct dialect due to the first settlers; it’s rather like a mix of Old Irish and English.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s history is utterly fascinating. You can learn about Viking landings, visit 16th-century whaling villages, and immerse yourself in a culture that’s been influenced by Métis, Innu, and Inuit people just as much as it has by Europeans. The capital of St John’s is packed with colour and character, and you can spend days here visiting museums, listening to folk music, and dining in fine restaurants.
But it’s Newfoundland and Labrador’s nature that attracts most visitors. You can feel the true power of the elements here – from the windswept rocks to the rolling ocean, which is dotted with icebergs and home to many species of whales, including humpbacks, fins, and orcas.
There are also snow-capped mountains, churning rivers, and dazzling fjords, and you can spot moose, caribou, puffins, and even polar bears.
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Final thoughts…
When planning your next trip, many places might come to mind – either tried-and-tested destinations you already know you love or locations that are so obviously spectacular they’re on countless people’s travel bucket list.
But part of the joy of travel is discovering new cultures, not knowing what to expect, and being continually astonished by the beauty, individuality, and diversity of our wonderful world. Visiting somewhere that’s totally different from anywhere else you’ve been is truly special.
So, whether you’re drawn to the raw wildernesses of Alaska, Mongolia, or Chile, or are dreaming of idyllic beach destinations with a difference, like Costa Rica, Bermuda, or Malta, we hope these 10 unique holiday destinations have inspired you.
For more inspiration, why not check out the travel section of our website? Here, you can find articles like; 14 spectacular countries to add to your travel wish list and 16 city breaks from around the world.
Looking to book your next getaway?
Have you visited any of these unique destinations? What’s on your travel bucket list? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences and plans in the comments below.