If you’re looking for travel inspiration for 2024, TikTok is full of wanderlust videos that will have you rushing to book a flight. The creators behind popular TikTok channel @unseenwonders explore the world and find off-the-beaten destinations that you may not have heard of.
Below are 5 unique places that should be on your 2023 bucket list, and some of the most wish-listed on the channel, which has accumulated over 2.7 million followers.
Sea of Stars, Vaadhoo, Maldives
Ever dreamt of watching a sea look like stars? There’s nothing more magical than the bioluminescence turning the sea into a bed of light and one of the best places to witness this in the reefs of the Maldives, during late summer.
What makes the water glow like this? When the water is filled with a special type of plankton (a collection of organisms in the water), they light up as a defense mechanism when they detect movement in the ocean, which creates a shimmering effect.
Since you’re watching nature do its work, it’s difficult to predict when this event is going to take place, but late summer will increase your viewing chances. If you head to Vaadhoo Island in the Raa Atoll, it has been known for some of the best displays. There’s also plenty to keep you busy in the Maldives, while you’re waiting.
@justasklayla Trust me when I say watch to the end 🌊 Still can’t believe this is real #travel #bucketlist #traveltheworld #magical
Ambuluwawa Tower, Sri Lanka
Not for the faint-hearted, this cone-shaped tower located in Gampola Town close to Kandy in Sri Lanka offers breathtaking views of the mountain ranges and valley when you ascend to the top. Adrenaline seekers will need to climb a narrow spiral staircase to get up there, which typically takes around 10- 15 minutes.
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The staircase continually gets narrower as you climb higher, reaching 2 feet wide at the top. It’s not recommended for people who are afraid of heights, especially since the tower stands at 3,567 feet above sea level.
White Pocket, Utah
Located in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, the White Pocket in Utah is a trailhead that can only be accessed by an ATV or 4×4 either from Arizona or Utah. Just south of the Coyote Buttes, its name comes from the patch of unexpected white-capped rock found in the desert landscape.
Known for its stunning rock colors and formations, this area has a unique landscape that resembles the more popular Wave-Coyote Buttes, but without the foot traffic. Although it may not be the easiest to get to, this hidden gem offers the gorgeous colors of a photographer’s dream with its mixtures of red, orange, white, and pink – making it truly one-of-a-kind to any other location.
@justasklayla Would you go here with your 1st @? #travel #traveltok #traveltheworld #nationalpark @Mona | Travel Tips + Wellness @Lou_wanders @rupa_mannam (IG)
The Dolomites, Italy
Nestled between the regions of Veneto, Trentino Alto-Adige, and Friuli Venezia Giulia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an oversized mountain range in the Italian Alps that offers magnificent scenery. Pegged one of the most dramatic alpine destinations in the world, from its mix of sweeping valleys to healthy pastures, sharp cliffs, and vertical walls to explore.
Its sunsets are remarkable, as the light bounces off rock textures and between mountain peaks. This natural wonderland turns into a popular ski destination in winter, while warmer climates offer a blend of activities from hut-to-hut hiking, biking, paragliding, and climbing.
@justasklayla Comment the next country for me to do! #travel #traveltiktok #traveltheworld @eliasandkajsa @psalm4.0 @ziyadazam @ryanresatka
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
You can choose from three different caves at one of New Zealand’s most magical attractions. Each cave offers a different experience that can be explored on foot where the Glowworm caves are considered the most famous and have been attracting visitors for over 130 years. The caves are lit like stars from the glowworms inhabiting the cave and you’ll also get to witness them from a boat ride through the grotto.
The Ruakuri Cave is the largest cave in the area and offers a beautiful journey through unique limestone and crystal formations, while the Aranui Cave displays some fascinating cave formations with icicle-shaped highlights. They range in colors from pale pink to brown and white and give a sparkly effect due to the calcium carbonate deposits.
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