In your lifetime, you’ll want to make sure that you’re able to see a lot of places. Exploring new scenes is one of the best adventures that you can do because it’s said to reset your clock a bit and recharge your batteries. Whenever you travel and see places you’ve never seen before, you might meet people who see things differently than you. You might even learn some facts about the landscapes of the area. In the end, the reason for travel is not just entertainment, but education. It’s the kind of education and knowledge that changes your soul.
But many people aren’t looking to explore faraway places that aren’t within their budget and seem too distant. So, if you’re from the USA, it’s important that you first explore your own backyard in order to cultivate a healthy love for international travel. As it turns out, there are some uncommon, but beautiful places you’ve probably never heard of that exist right here in your own country. Here are five of them for you to explore this year.
1. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
This park is located in southern Alaska and is home to one of the largest ice fields. You’ll also see tons of beautiful glaciers, proving that although there are many wonderful places in Alaska to see, this National Park should be at the top of the list. If you go, be on the lookout for humpback whales, too. If you’re the kind of person who has a lust for a more nature-driven getaway, Alaska should be at the top of your list.
2. Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska
You many not ever visit England’s Stonehenge, which is one of the most desired destinations for travelers to see. But America has its own unique, but beautiful replica made out of grey cars. That’s right. It might seem a bit strange at first, but you’ll be humored by a sight you’ve never seen before as you gaze upon the many grey cars towering towards the sky in a “Stonehenge-style” layout.
3. Valley View Hot Springs – Moffat, Colorado
Who doesn’t love natural hot springs bubbling up from the Earth just waiting for you to take a dip in? However, at the location of these hot springs, clothes are optional. There are plenty of hot springs for you to dip in if you want, but you can also walk many of the beautiful, long trails or see a giant bat colony. You don’t want to miss the beauty that this place has to offer, and it’s definitely a hidden treasure.
4. Thor’s Well – Yachats, Oregon
On the coasts of Oregon, the waters can be a little crazy. But if you go, you’re in store for some wild sights and a destination that you will never forget. Many people don’t know about Thor’s Well in Oregon, which is a beautiful sinkhole near Cape Perpetua. This massive hole that sits right on the coast is a waterfall on every side, eating up the ocean as it spills into it. It’s just one of those sights that will be embedded in your memory as you’re entertained by the never ending spill of the ocean in this beautiful landscape.
5. Neon Boneyard – Las Vegas, Nevada
Beautiful, unique, and a part of American history! These are all of the qualities of a great getaway to see something uncommon, yet still beautiful. There’s nothing more beautiful than the shine of neon lights at night in Las Vegas, but have you ever wondered where all of these signs go when they’re retired? This neon museum boasts hundreds of neon signs from different businesses around Las Vegas that once were. Now, they sit in this boneyard for spectators to come and enjoy. Just make sure that you when the day is ending, so you can see them in all their glory.
There you have it! This year, strive to see some uncommon places and spice up your vacations!