If you’re up for a little adventure, you should add these travel destinations to your bucket list. They may not be traditional spots to visit, but venturing beyond can result in some of the strangest, scariest, and most fun memories of a lifetime. So book a flight, check your (Google) maps, and pack your suitcase, because it’s time for a vacation at one of these locations. To help you decide where to go, we’ve put together a guide that lists the 10 strangest places on Earth.
The Wave, Arizona
Of all the mystical cures awaiting believers in the Arizona desert, the Wave, a colorful, wavelike, Navajo sandstone rock formation, will leave you awestruck. This pinnacle stands proud between the borders of Arizona and Utah and is thought to hail from the Jurassic period.
The Nazca Lines, Peru
The Nazca Lines are a well-visited site by Sci-Fi fans and extraterrestrial aficionados. However, it’s difficult to explain why the prehistoric Nazca culture created the enormous geoglyphs in 500 BC, depicting an array of spiders, monkeys, figures, and flora. Many theorize that their creation was part of a ritual or out of the belief that the glyphs linked up to constellations in the sky.
Cano Cristales, Serrania de la Macarena
Cano Cristales is undoubtedly the world’s most extraordinary river. Commonly called the “River of Five Colors” or the “Liquid Rainbow”, much of the time it resembles any other river. But between the wet and dry seasons (typically from July to November), the river bursts with vibrant ruby red blossoms. The stream itself is overgrown by the macarenia clavigera plant (which are red), with contrasting patches of yellow sand, green moss, and aqua water running in between. It’s a true feat of nature that you’d be lucky to see if you can catch it.
Marieta Island’s Hidden Beach, Mexico
Totally tucked out of view is the phenomenal beach on Marieta Islands, near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The volcanic activity that occurred here over the ages has created a rather unique marine ecosystem, and a true tropical paradise for snorkelers, deep-sea swimmers, and scuba divers who love to explore the crystal clear water and the sea life that exist here – a mix of Humpback whale, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands
Loch Ness tops the list for both the mythical monster, Nessie, that is said to live in the loch and for the eerie lake hidden away in the Scottish Highlands. Ness, the loch itself goes 755-feet down at its deepest point and 21.8 miles long. Unlike most lochs, this massive water body makes you wonder what could possibly be lurking in the depths.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Have you ever dreamed of walking on the clouds? Your dreams can become reality (thanks to science) at the whimsical Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, home to the world’s biggest salt flat at 10,582 square kilometers. Walk on the crusty surface while gazing dreamily off into the clear, blue yonder.
Bermuda Triangle
The triangle of ocean between Florida’s southern tip, Bermuda, and San Juan in Puerto Rico has been the site of numerous shipwrecks and plane crashes throughout history. Legend has it that anything traveling over the triangle will be sucked up into a mysterious void, even though storms did brew during one or more “mysterious disappearance.” Either way, it’s a bit of a scary place on this planet.
Area 51, Nevada
Do you believe? Most people who explore this notorious and unusual site in Nevada do. Officially known as Groom Lake, its claim to fame dates back to 1947 as it’s often linked with the Roswell New Mexico UFO incident. The legend says this top-secret military base hosts a lab where alien bodies and technology are still hidden today after a UFO crash-landing occurred there, making this one of the weirdest places on Earth.
Stonehenge, Salisbury, England
There are differing bizarre theories about Stonehenge, the mythical striking stones near the city of Salisbury, England. They could indicate an ancient burial ground, a UFO landing spot, a ritualistic druid site, or a Pagan winter solstice monument. However, there are as many speculations as there are invalid answers. The only thing we do know is that whoever is responsible for building the structure over 5,000 years ago left no written explanation.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are full of wonders and some of the most beautiful in the natural world. The glowworms, or Arachnocampa Luminosa, hang out here in the thousands, casting their light against the cave walls while tourists glide through in boats. It’s really an amazing, fairytale-like experience and a seriously strange place on Earth.
