The 5 Most Unexpected and Astonishing Landscapes to See in 2019
The world has so much to offer for those struck with wanderlust. As such, it can be hard to decide which place to visit first. In most cases, common tourist destinations are known for a single landmark that overshadows many of the hidden gems of a country. Other areas are overlooked completely so that only the select few get to enjoy the scenery.
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2019, the end of an era, is the ideal time to visit some of those astonishing vistas and make incredible memories to carry into 2020 and beyond. Here are five unexpected and astonishing landscapes to see in 2019.
The Hawaiian Islands
Travelers often forget that Hawaii is made up of a series of islands. Beyond the beaches and ideal surfing, the environment is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural wisdom. Avid travelers should start their trip by renting an amazing accommodation on Big Island and getting the best of this tourist hotspot before venturing off the grid.
Molokai, the fifth largest Hawaiian island offers a tropical paradise and pristine beaches, guarded by 2000-foot high cliffs watching over the shore. Central Molokai is remote and isolated, offering an unforgettable experience in the natural surroundings. Kauai is known as the “Garden Isle” due to its lush greenery. It’s said to be home to the most astonishing landscapes in the South Pacific region.
Namibia
Namibia is a country in the southern region of the African continent. It’s incredible landscape somehow simultaneously conveys barrenness and the persistence of life. Sossusvlei is a sea of sand, with mountainous dunes contrasting with the turquoise sky. Watch the sunset turn this vast desert into a sea of gold. Nearby Deadvlei, a white clay pan, offers quite a different view of the area.
Namibia is a coastal country, and visiting the Skeleton Coast is a once in a lifetime experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Named for the thousands of shipwrecks dotting the coastline, the skeleton coast is as eerie as it is beautiful. This incredible expanse of beach is not for swimming and lounging in the sun, but rather reflecting on the power of the ocean as it crashes against the desert dunes.
Turkey
Perhaps one of the most underrated travel destinations, Turkey is an amazing country with a rich history and stunning landscapes. Many refrain from visiting Turkey due to safety concerns, though federal travel bodies have indicated that the country is mostly safe as long as precautions are taken not to travel too close to the Syrian and Iraq borders.
The views at Cappadocia are nothing short of magical. Sip Turkish coffee as you watch hundreds of hot air balloons venture over the rocky expanse of land or get the view from the top for an unforgettable experience. Pamukkale is home to an otherworldly cascade of thermal pools, overflowing from the terrace to terrace, where many travelers go to explore. In the Antique Pool hot spring, you can swim over ancient Roman columns.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is commonly referred to around the world as Holland, a misnomer which actually refers to a specific region within the greater Kingdom of the Netherlands. But is a rose by any other name not still a rose? In this case, it’s a tulip.
The tulip fields in the Netherlands are one of the most captivating landscapes in the world. During the months of March to May, the fields showcase straight rows of color-coded tulips, creating an astounding patchwork quilt of life. While Amsterdam often gets the majority of tourist attention, The Netherlands also has other incredible sights to behold, like the windmills of Kinderdijk.
Greece
Greece is another destination that’s overshadowed by one main attraction. While Santorini is breathtaking and certainly worth visiting, the hidden gems scattered across the Grecian islands hold so much more. Crete boasts incredible beaches, hidden caverns, and complex architectural and even mythological wonders that are guaranteed to seduce the eye and the mind. Like its name, Meteora offers an ethereal, almost alien landscape. Zakynthos, Mykonos, Delphi– each island offers something amazing. The challenging part is seeing it all on a limited itinerary.
It’s both the geographical and cultural diversity of planet Earth that make it such an astonishing place to live. Add these five destinations to the top of your travel bucket list for 2019 and beyond.
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