12 Oddly Cool and Completely Strange Travel Destinations for Seeing Weird Things

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By Samantha Collins

While breathtaking beaches and stunning mountain views may sound like dream vacations, some travelers like getting weird. Did you know there is an entire island of dead dolls in Mexico? Check out that and more in these anything-but-typical tourist spots.

1. Nyaung Ohak, Myanmar

Nyaung Ohak, Myanmar
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Wander through the small village of Indein to the ruins of the old, abandoned Buddhist temples that have become overgrown with lush vegetation. Architecturally unusual, these beautiful, centuries-old temples represent the culture of their time.

2. Island of Dead Dolls, Mexico

Xochimilco, Mexico
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Found in the channels of Xochimilco in New Mexico City, the Island of Dead Dolls is a floating island known for its peculiar scattering of “dead” dolls. Locals believe the island is haunted, which certainly makes for a creepy day out!

3. Karni Mata Temple, India

Karni Mata Temple, India
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Named after the Hindu goddess of power and victory, the Karni Mata Temple in India is now known as “the temple of the rats”. The temple is home to 20,000-odd black rats – yes, rats – who are considered holy (referred to as “kabbas”). Many people travel there from around the world to pay respects to these holy rodents!

4. The Hand in the Desert, Chile

The Hand in the Desert, Chile
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Located in the Atacama Desert of Chile, this unique, human-like sculpture exists in great contrast to its otherwise barren surroundings. Eleven meters tall, the “Hand in the Desert” was designed and built by Chilean sculptor, Mario Irarrázabal, in the ’80s, and the sight of it is as eerie as it is magnificent.

5. Lake Natron, Tanzania

Lake Natron, Tanzania
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Lake Natron is a freshwater lake in Tanzania with incredibly high concentrations of salt minerals – so much so that the alkalinity of the water can soar to a pH of 12.

Due to the unusual pH of the water, the water of the lake is an unusual shade of red (and orange in shallow parts) and parts of the bank become pink, making it an incredibly unusual and beautiful sight to behold.

6. The Doorway Railway, Vietnam

The Doorway Railway, Vietnam
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Passing through Hanoi is the Doorway Railway Street, where a railway line allows a train to pass through an old residential suburb twice a day. While the railway line is bustling with children playing, customers shopping, and people going about their daily activities at certain parts of the day, the area quickly clears out in anticipation of the train’s arrival. The unspoken organization really is quite something to behold!

7. Toilet Theme Park, South Korea

Toilet-Theme-Park-South-Korea
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The theme park you never knew you needed to visit, Suwon’s Toilet Theme Park ought to be your number one (not number two, ha-ha) attraction to visit in South Korea. Here, you can view a plethora of different types of toilets and learn all about their history – just doo-doo it!

8. Badab-e Surt, Iran

Badab-e Surt, Iran
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Badab-e Surt is a stepped spring in Iran 1,841 meters above sea level that is sure to take your breath away! Overlooking the gorgeous valley below, Badab-e- Surt can be described as a staircase of technicolored little pools of water that you simply have to see if you’re ever near this part of the world.

9. Cappadocia Underground Cities, Turkey

Cappadocia, Turkey
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Cappadocia, a region in the central part of Turkey, is home to underground cities (200 in total) that were built during the Byzantine era. Up to 20,000 people have lived in them while hiding out from enemies. Today, visitors can explore some of them – but maybe think twice if you’re claustrophobic!

10. Inveraray Prison, Scotland

Inveraray Prison, Scotland
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Built in the 19th century, Inveraray Prison is a former prison and courthouse in Scotland that was home to male, female, and even child prisoners. Today, visitors have the opportunity to tour the site and learn about its history – there are also actors in costume, allowing for an interactive and truly unique experience.

11. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

With an elevation of 3,656 meters above sea level, Salar De Uyuni is the highest salt flat in the world and after years of transformation since prehistoric times, it is now covered in a few meters of salt crust.

It’s incredible all year round, but if you visit after significant rainfall, the water pools on top of the salt, forming the world’s largest mirror. So, if you visit, make sure you’re looking good!

12. Eternal Flame Falls, United States

Eternal Flame Falls, United States
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

The Eternal Flame Falls is no ordinary waterfall – located in Shale Creek Reserve in New York State, there’s a small grotto behind the falls that emits a natural gas which can (and is) lit to produce a flame. The flame burns constantly and is equally beautiful as it is unusual.

Sunset Sensations: 10 Secret Spots to Catch the World’s Most Mind-Blowing Dusk Displays

There’s just something incredible about watching the sunset – whether you’re enjoying a peaceful moment on your own, a special outing with your best mates, or a romantic evening with your partner. Enjoying the sun setting out in the distance has the ability to put things into perspective. It has a way of making you realize how insignificant we really are but in the best way possible. Here are 10 secret spots to watch the sunset around the world.

Sunset Sensations: 10 Secret Spots to Catch the World’s Most Mind-Blowing Dusk Displays

17 Irresistible Destinations Travelers Can’t Get Enough Of

Have you ever been to a place and had to go back for round two? We know what that feels like, so we’ve curated this list of 17 places that will make you feel that traveler’s itch to return for more! Each of these destinations holds a grasp on travelers that has them visiting over and over. From outstanding natural beauty to impactful history, these places are guaranteed to have you coming back for more with their unique qualities and culture.

17 Irresistible Destinations Travelers Can’t Get Enough Of

Top-Secret Travel Gear: The 10 Ultimate Accessories To Elevate Your Trip

Packing lists vary depending on where you’re going, how long you’re traveling, and whether you’re going on vacation or a business trip. One thing is for sure, however, having the best travel accessories along with you can improve your travel experience no end. From electronics to essential comfort items, we’ve rounded up the 10 ultimate travel accessories that will help elevate your trip.

Top-Secret Travel Gear: The 10 Ultimate Accessories To Elevate Your Trip

Globetrotter’s Gold: The World’s Top 10 Most Powerful Passports

The idea of citizenship and passports may seem random, but it has a massive influence on your ability to do certain things and travel the world. The power of your country’s passport is all based on politics and many years of historical relationships between different nations. So, with these things in mind, let’s have a look at the world’s 10 most powerful passports (in no particular order).

Globetrotter’s Gold: The World’s Top 10 Most Powerful Passports

Thrills & Perils: The 10 Most Treacherous Hiking Trails in US National Parks

Hiking always involves an element of danger and risk – some trails more than others. For many people, the idea of risk is exciting and adds a thrill to the whole experience! But, normally, as long as you’re well prepared, physically capable, and make smart decisions, you should be fine. Having said that though, there are some parks and trails that are just inherently dangerous, regardless of how careful or experienced you are. Here are the 10 most treacherous hiking trails in United States national parks.

Thrills & Perils: The 10 Most Treacherous Hiking Trails in US National Parks

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