There’s nothing wrong with walking in the footprints of others now and again, but why follow them all the way?
Team Tinggly will always take any opportunity to get off the beaten track. It doesn’t make for the most relaxing travel experiences every time, but it neither does it ever get dull.
If you would rather be exploring hidden beaches known only to the locals than fighting over sun loungers around the hotel pool, here’s our tips for destinations you should be thinking about if you want to make your holiday an adventure…
Java, Indonesia
Less-visited than the sandy beaches of Bali, but none the worse for it, a trip to Java is full of cultural, historical and natural experiences, most notably the spectacular volcanic island Krakatoa. When it erupted in the 19th century, it made the loudest sound ever heard in modern history and destroyed the whole island (here is map before/after). You can actually take a day-trip to the island from Jakarta on the northwest coast of Java. Other sights not to be missed for the adventure tourist: Ijen Crater, Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen (a sulfur mine in the middle of an active volcano). Plus, of course, you can always get a great cup of arabica coffee in Java.
Namibia
Namibia is often unfairly overlooked as an African travel destination. It’s an incredibly beautiful and soulful country, with renowned flora and fauna. From the Namib, thought to be the oldest desert in the world, to the stunning Etosha National Park, and a friendly, welcoming people, this is a great option for a safari holiday, or just to experience an African country that hasn’t been too heavily-affected by mass tourism.
Iran
Political tension no doubt puts many people off visiting Iran, which is a shame, because it’s an amazing place to travel through, and generally very safe. Don’t believe everything you read in the media – Iranians are by and large very happy to meet people from other countries, and cultural sites such as Persepolis and the National Jewellery Treasury are simply breathtaking. It’s also a pretty inexpensive destination that’s great for shoestring travellers, and in a country that’s overflowing with the most delicious figs, dates and walnuts you’ve ever tasted, you can’t go wrong.
Western Australia
Most visitors to Australia tend to focus on the east coast cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with relatively few making it over to the other side of the country. Why should you? Here you’ll find pristine, often-deserted beaches, beautiful rocky landscape, and unique experiences like riding camels in Broome. Make a point of seeing the limestone pillars in Nambung National Park, and exploring lively Perth and quaint Fremantle. It’s a shame so few visitors make it out west – this is the real Australia.
Mongolia
Mongolia is an enormous, sparsely populated country, known for its varied landscape – you’ve got alpine forests; rolling sand dunes; glaciers; salt lakes; grasslands; hot springs and volcanoes. Terelj National Park is a stunning place just outside Ulaanbaatar that’s great for hikes and day trips. Mongolia makes for a fascinating travel destination, with some of the warmest people you’re ever likely to meet.
Kamchatka Peninsula
This remote land of ice and fire in the far east of Russia holds many treasures – untouched, wild nature (look out for bears, wolves and eagles, as well as whales off the coast), some 19 active volcanoes, ice glaciers, and a valley of geysers. If original nature experiences are your thing, book a trip to Kamchatka and make sure you bring a stack of memory cards for your camera.
Experience travels in another way. Experience gifts by Tinggly:
