The world is filled with wondrous places. From architectural marvels to the impossible beauty of nature, there’s no shortage of things to see and do that could keep us occupied for several lifetimes, which got me thinking… How do we sort out the good from the great? And with so many famous sites to visit, are we in danger of missing out on somewhere equally amazing, somewhere… completely unexpected!
Introducing a new series for the travel writing section of my blog, The Unexpected Travel Series, will look at all aspects of travel, uncovering overlooked gems and unveiling popular places worth the hype. Starting with a look at lesser-known beauty spots and views, this series will be a longer-lasting project, constantly expanded, revisited, and revised as my knowledge and number of destinations visited increase.
A World of Unexpectedly Beautiful Views
Is there anything we wouldn’t do to get a picture of the perfect shot? The rise of Instagram and the advancement of phone camera technology have meant that any one of us could fancy ourselves as the next big thing. Unfortunately, this has led to overcrowding in some of the most famous beauty spots. But in a world as vast as ours, there are still plenty of unexpectedly awe-inspiring views that have been left under the radar.
Canyon de Chelly, Arizona
Everybody knows about the Grand Canyon’s jaw-dropping views, but those who visit the region are missing a trick by not taking their time to give Canyon de Chelly a look.
America’s second-largest canyon (after the Grand Canyon, of course!), Canyon de Chelly is no less impressive than its nearest rival. During the winter months, you can expect to be one of the few visitors to the park, aside from the occasional Cottontail. This solitude offers the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of Spider Rock as well as reflect on the monument’s involvement in the Navajos’ traumatic past.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: After a long day’s trip to the canyon, why not stop off at Chinle’s local Junction restaurant? A popular meeting spot for locals, the menu provides a healthy selection of Native American cuisine.
La Sebastiana Museo de Pablo Neruda, Valparaíso
“If we walk up and down Valparaíso’s stairs, we will have made a trip around the world.”
Pablo Neruda
Neruda’s love affair with his home country is easy to understand whilst visiting La Sebastiana, one of the poet’s many homes throughout the nation. Set on one of Valparaíso’s 21 famous hills, a frankly punishing climb will reward you with one of the best vantage points in the city. The house looks out across the city, offering views of neighbourhoods of all colours of the rainbow and the busy port down in the distance.
VIEWS OF VALPARAÍSO: La Sebastiana isn’t the only place in town for a good view. Ascensors (a type of funicular) across the city provide easy access to the city’s colourful neighbourhoods. Also, check out the port’s promenade, which offers a good chance to see some of the resident sea lions and pelicans.
St Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest
The Pearl of the Danube is no stranger to beautiful vistas, with nearly 7 million tourists arriving every year to soak up its majesty. However, few places in the city offer great views both inside and out, quite like St Stephen’s Basilica.
Named after Hungary’s founding monarch, the church is piled high with mesmeric frescoes and topped off with a truly angelic cupola. Climb to the top of its tower, and you’ll find some of the best views of the city, covering everywhere from Buda’s old town all the way to the city park and beyond.
A TOUCH OF CLASS: Budapest carries with it an air of elegance. Take a trip to the National Opera House and enjoy a snack at their cafe for a look at how the other half live at a reasonable price.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
This entry is a bit of a cheat. Not exactly an unexpected discovery, being one of the most well-known beauty spots in central Europe, Lake Bled is worth all the hype it gets and so much more.
Sitting beneath the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is like something straight out of a fairytale. With perfect blue waters, quaint historic buildings, and amazing views from every direction, it’s difficult to come away from a visit without wanting to come back for more.
SLOVENIAN HIGHLIGHTS: If you’re short on time, there are plenty of good tours available to give you a day’s overview. These tours often come with trips to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, both of which are also worth more than just a passing glance.
Parque Nacional Llanos de Challe, Chile
Where the desert meets the ocean, Parque Nacional Llanos de Challe is often overshadowed by the much larger and more popular Atacama Desert. Those in the know, however, recognise this park as being somewhere special.
The park is host to a phenomenon known as Camanchaca (a mist-fed ecosystem), which creates an environment filled with unique features. Just by crossing the street, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a different ecosystem, as marine birdlife quickly makes way for desert oases with Guanaco and Chilean foxes.
A QUICK TIP: For those wanting to see the desert in bloom, the best time to see it is between the months of September and November, when the region experiences its highest chance of rainfall.
What did you think about the new content? Would you like more posts like this? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment down below, and be sure to keep a lookout for the next instalment next week! Alternatively, you can help support the blog by donating through Ko-Fi.
Why not check out some of my other travel posts, which can be found Here.
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