Most people have heard about the main attractions that make destinations popular. What we would like to do is have a little fun telling you our favorite, surprising, less obvious things about various destinations.
For instance, many people would say their favorite thing about going to Peru is Machu Picchu. Yes, it is spectacular; however, there is something else about Peru that is truly great that most people may not realize. The food in Peru is incredible. You can see elements of Asian, African, Italian, French, and indigenous flavors in many of the dishes. Plus, so many wonderful things grow in Peru. There are literally hundreds of types of corn and potatoes, and if you like fish, well, no one does ceviche like Peru.
Rio de Janeiro is famous for its beautiful people and beautiful beaches. Something that a lot of people don't think about when they go to Rio is the outdoor art market in Ipanema. You can find some pretty incredible paintings for very little money, and it is easy to roll them up and bring them home with you.
In Cambodia, the main attraction is Angkor Wat, but something a lot of people rarely hear about in Cambodia is the charming town of Siem Reap, which is the town you fly into to visit Angkor Wat. It is so charming, with great little restaurants, fabulous hotels, fun bars, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
Everyone has heard that Vietnamese food is delicious, but something people never really hear about are the beaches in Vietnam. For instance, the beaches around the city of Da Nang are so beautiful, and the quality of the sand feels like a true spa experience as it moves through your toes on a beautiful beach walk.
In Japan, people often think about the beautiful city of Kyoto or the vibrancy of Tokyo. But what people don't know, and experience once there, is the care and attention to detail that is part of the culture. You see it in the elaborate dishes at restaurants, and you even see it when you're buying items in stores, where shopkeepers wrap your parcel in the most beautiful and elegant way you've ever seen, even if you're buying something simple.They put such love and mindfulness in everything they do.
People often want to go to Antarctica because it is the one continent where they've never been. Once there, even if you've heard a little bit about it being pristine and beautiful, words cannot express nor convey the majesty of Antarctica, and what it is truly like to be somewhere that is so unspoiled. You see dazzling, massive icebergs, crystal clear water, and snowy mountains, often with gorgeous blue skies in the background. There is arguably no place like it on the planet.
People expect India to be a very culturally rich place, and perhaps an assault on the senses. Those of us who have been there and have been fortunate enough to stay in the palace hotels know that India has the finest hotels in the world. For instance, when you stay at the Taj Falaknuma palace in Hyderabad, you arrive at the front gate, and then they take you on a horse drawn carriage through a winding cobblestone street to the actual luxurious White Palace itself. This is just the start of the unbelievable royal treatment you will receive the entire time you are there. You truly feel like a maharaja.
A lot of people want to go to China to experience the great wall, or to see the terra-cotta warriors, but many people don't realize that the hotels are out of this world. Many of them are visually stunning, with the most modern conveniences you've ever seen anywhere. And if you are someone who likes a hotel breakfasts, five star hotels in China create spreads like no other.
Guatemala is an easy one because the country is so much more in so many ways than what people would ever imagine. Many people go to Guatemala to experience the ruins of tical or the volcanoes. The colonial city of Antigua is truly the gem of the country, and few places on earth are as rustically charming and romantic as Antigua. It was the heart of the colonial empire for some time, and earthquakes throughout the years have left it crumbling in some regards yet beautifully lost in time.
Costa Rica is a really fun country to visit, and was one of the first Zoom Vacations tours we ever created. We will be offering more in 2021. People know that Costa Rica has gorgeous beaches and jungles, but what people don't know is how special the Costa Rican locals are. Their mantra "Pura Vida", or "Pure Life" pervades all they do. It is the embodiment of living a full, beautiful life.
South Africa is a tough one, because there are so many hidden gems that people don't really talk about. Everyone has heard about the beauty of Cape Town, or how wonderful it is to be on safari. They have probably heard about the great South African wine as well. On our last trip to South Africa, the thing that really stood out were the stars, and we are not talking about celebrities. While on safari, most people think about the animals they will see, but what really stood out in our minds was the ability to see a million stars in the night sky like nowhere else.
When people think about Egypt, most think about the great pyramids of Giza. However, what generally stands out for our travelers is the tombs in the valley of the Kings. Each tomb is an intricately carved and painted work of art, and the colors are so vibrant that many look like they were painted last week, and carved with modern tools.
When many people think of Morocco, they think of the gorgeous arches and the tile work and mosaics of Islamic architecture. Many people have never heard of Morocco's ancient blue city of Chefchaouen. The entire city is painted gorgeous shade of light blue, making it a photographers paradise. The blue is said to symbolize the sky and heaven, and to serve as a reminder to lead a spiritual life.
Russia is known for its incredible architecture, ancient palaces, and museums, but something it is certainly not known for is it's gay life. In fact, since the country isn't known for having a pro gay stance, many people assume that there is no gay life at all. Ironically, cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow actually have a vibrant gay nightlife, with gay bars, clubs, etc.
People go on our Rwanda tour so that they can meet the gorillas firsthand. Certainly, this is the highlight of the trip. However, what has inspired our past travelers is how the Tutsi and Hutu people in Rwanda have come together as one united people after the genocide. Perhaps nowhere on earth do you see and understand the message of love and forgiveness quite like you doing Rwanda.
Every country has the popular things for which it’s known. It’s often the lesser-known, unique aspects that stay with us forever.
