1. Armenia
Armenia is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. It’s
home to stunning landscapes, including the Caucasus Mountains and Lake
Sevan, as well as many ancient architectural wonders, such as the Temple
of Garni and the Monastery of Haghpat—some of which are recognized by
UNESCO. And if you’re big into the outdoors, you can enjoy nearly as
much hiking as your heart desires on the 861 kilometers (535 miles) of the Transcaucasian Trail that runs through Armenia.
2. Athens, Georgia
Athens is a college town located about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Many people know it as the home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, a
perennial contender for the college football championship. However,
there’s so much more to this college town than just football, with
family-friendly attractions like the Georgia Museum of Art, the State Botanical Garden and Bear Hollow Zoo.
3. Baku, Azerbaijan
Dubbed the Dubai of the Caucasus Mountains, Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a city of contrasts. After drilling the first commercial oil rig in the mid-1800s, the city located on the shores of the Caspian Sea grew in size tremendously (2020 population was more than 2 million people). Now, you’ll find the glitzy Flame Towers next to the walls of the city’s medieval old town and mosques next to the oil rigs while the Soviet architecture still reminds of the country’s communist past.
4. Bucharest, Romania
As the capital city of Romania, there’s no shortage of things to do in Bucharest. The city is home to endless coffee shops and restaurants, like the quaint Caru’ Cu bere. You can take in the city’s rich history by visiting the Palace of the Parliament or one of the city’s numerous museums. Or if a weekend escape is more your speed, escape the bustling city center and see the breathtaking castles in Sinaia, then visit beautiful BraÈ™ov.
5. Canary Islands, Spain
These far-flung islands are actually closer to Africa than Spain and are a favored vacation spot for Europeans thanks to year-round sunshine and mild temps. The seven Canary Islands have it all—blissful, sandy beaches, sick swells for surfing, earthy, volcanic wines and a budding culinary scene. However, the Canaries remain relatively unexplored for most U.S. travelers, so you likely won’t encounter many North Americans there.
6. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in culture and history. The city is home to some of the most stunning architectural sights in the world, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, providing a captivating backdrop for exploring the city and also is host to one of the greatest arts and culture festivals in the world each year: The Edinburgh Fringe.
7. Gaiman, Argentina
Gaiman was the so-called capital of the Welsh settlement in Argentina during the latter half of the 19th century and remains a cultural enclave in Patagonia today. Set in a fertile agricultural area surrounded by arid lands, the locals kept their Welsh language, traditions and cuisine—famous for their tea houses offering the traditional fare with a local twist, and often visited by British royals through the years. At a 20-minute ride from the main city and airport of Trelew, it’s the perfect place to check out while touring Patagonia.
8. Hocking Hills, Ohio
Perhaps Ohio’s prettiest spot, the Hocking Hills region is dotted with waterfalls, cliffs, recessed caves and hemlock forests making it an outdoor wonderland. Trails criss-cross the region taking you to Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave. However, with nine state parks and nature preserves—not including state forests and other protected lands—it’s easy to find spectacular scenery without the crowds as well.
9. Lübeck, Germany
Lübeck is a small northern German town with perfectly preserved medieval and Gothic architecture, and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chances are, if you have ever had marzipan, it may have come from this town. Lübeck has made marzipan one of its main economy and tourism drivers, and you will not be able to walk more than a few steps without seeing a delicious marzipan centered treat, from tarts to drinks and even liqueurs.
10. Page, Arizona
Outdoors enthusiasts, look no further than Page, Arizona. This American Southwest town might be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to things to do nearby. Page is located on the southern shore of Lake Powell, so rent a houseboat and jump into the refreshing waters of the lake before drought and climate change cause its levels to decline to nothing but a memory.