The globe is huge, with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered and new ones gaining prominence every day. If you want to enrich your travel trips and discover timeless locations full of charm, look no further; this article is designed for you!
United Kingdom: Kilchurn Castle
The Kilchurn Castle is situated at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Government soldiers occupied the castle during the Jacobite rebellions in 1715 and 1745. Over time, the Campbells visited less frequently, and in 1769, lightning struck the castle. After that, they left it to decay.
If you want to take a look at this ruin, go between April and September as it is closed the rest of the year. The most popular time to go is during the summer months but keep in mind that whenever you go, the ground will be wet due to the ongoing bad weather.
Take your daring spirit with you if you wish to visit the castle, as there is no parking, no vehicle access, and no signage at all. The castle is reachable from the Dalmally roadside; however, as this location is accessed across active farmlands, please observe the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Belize: The Great Blue Whole
The Great Blue Whole of Belize is situated about 69 kilometres from the mainland and in the middle of an atoll named Lighthouse Reef. This whole is one of the country’s most famous attractions and is for sure a paradise for divers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is about 400 feet deep and measures about 1000 feet across.
You may visit the Great Blue Hole at any time of year, but it is advised that you go in April, May, or June since you will have the best visibility, fewer tourists, and more opportunities to observe whale sharks.
As you might expect, reaching this destination isn’t straightforward. It requires a 4-hour boat ride, but given its popularity, there are numerous tours available to suit various budgets. You can hop on shared tourist boats, book a private boat to share with your friends, or a catamaran. If you are not interested in diving and only want to see The Great Blue Whole, helicopter tours are another option.
If you love the ocean, this is your ideal destination because it is rich in biodiversity and home to a variety of shark species. Before you go there, remember that this whole flooded about 15,000 years ago and was an inland cave back in the time.
Qatar: Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings
The Al Jassasiya rock carvings are situated in the northeast of Qatar, about one hour drive from Doha. For a more enjoyable experience, consider visiting this site during sunrise or sunset. The lighting during these times can enhance visibility, making it easier to spot the hidden carvings.
This place is made for curious explorers who want to uncover the past and unanswered questions of Qatar. Among the myriad rock-carving sites, the Al Jassasiya site stands out with over 800 carvings. These illustrations offer insights into past human life, featuring footprints and rosettes. Amidst the numerous archaeological sites, museums, and events hosted by Years Of Culture and Qatar Museums, there are countless opportunities to explore and discover the unique culture and history of this country.
Mexico: Palenque
Palenque is situated near the Usumacinta River in the Mexican state of Chiapas, about 130 km south of Ciudad del Carmen. Unfortunately, the airport in Palenque has been inoperable for years, thus getting there involves landing at Villahermosa (the closest city to Palenque). You may take a bus from Villahermosa to Palenque, which takes around two hours and a half and is the simplest and most cost-effective method to get there. However, if you’re a large family, renting a car will be more cost-effective, you can park it at the entrance.
Here are some indications of weather conditions in Palenque: January to April and November to December are the best months for good weather. On average the warmest months are from May to August and the rainiest months are June and October.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is primarily visited by group tourists rather than individual travelers. The entrance fee to the ruins is approximately 4 euros. Additionally, you can book a guide on-site for more in-depth information. Don’t forget to pack insect repellent as you will be in the jungle, and mosquitos can be tough on you.
Indonesia: Borobudur
The Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world situated in Indonesia, more precisely in the Kedu Valley, in the southern part of Central Java. The temple can be visited all year round and is open from 6:30 to 16:30, but I recommend you go from May to October to avoid the rainy season and appreciate sunny and dried weather, perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
You can reach the temple by taxi, motorcycle, or train. If you choose to travel by train, note that the nearest station is in central Yogyakarta. Once you arrive in Yogyakarta, you can take a bus or a taxi to Borobudur.
This temple attracts many people from all over the world due to the magnificence of the temple with over 2 million stones shaping this structure. Because of its historical, cultural, and religious significance, it is a place worth visiting.
Myanmar: The temples of Bagan
The temples of Bagan, numbering over 2,000, are situated in the ancient city of Bagan, on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Like many destinations, the best time to visit is during cooler weather. However, note that temperatures between November and February can still be warm, averaging around 30 degrees Celsius. If you visit during this time, expect larger crowds as it is the peak travel season.
There are four transportation options to reach Bagan: by boat, bus, train, or with a tour guide. Booking a tour ensures all arrangements are taken care of for you. The most economical choice is by bus, although if you opt for a boat, note that the only route available is from Mandalay.
This world-renowned attraction remains undiscovered by many and holds its hidden treasures for adventurous souls. Among its myriad temples, iconic sites such as the Ananda Temple and Dhammayangyi Temple stand out. Visitors are drawn here for its mystical charm, offering a unique adventure through a labyrinth of small temples.
Start your adventure
Each site provides a unique experience, whether you’re immersing yourself in the culture of a tiny community, discovering hidden symbolic monuments, or getting lost in the biggest Buddhist temple in the World. It’s time to go off on a journey and visit one of these interesting places for your next holiday.