Hunting for the world’s most exotic destinations to vacation at? The Islas Canarias or Canary Islands, Hawaii, Polynesia are just a few spots you’ll want to begin your searches at. They’re beautiful in such an unusual, almost unworldly kind of way, and – as with other picks on the below list – each locale boasts some spectacular and singular experiences to take in. Many of the following picks (among the world’s most exotic destinations to visit and vacation to) lay claim to spectacular beaches, and some boast outrageous views you won’t find anywhere else. But what all have in common is that they’re the kind of places, even if you’ve seen them in movies or on television, that are always spectacular to see firsthand. Here are ten of the world’s most exotic destinations that are worth making the trip – and can help you make it the trip of a lifetime.
| Location | Description |
| Croatia | The island of Vis in the Adriatic could be at home in a more tropical locale, with its exotic cliffs and beautiful beaches. But it’s just a short boat ride from Split, and its hidden beaches and coves will reveal why many find it such a welcome destination. |
| French Polynesia | Sparkling lagoons, vanilla farms, and beaches so breathtaking you might cry. Yep, that’s Polynesia in Tahiti. With more than 100 islands (five different archipelagos) to pick from, you’ll have your choice of exotic scenery. |
| Iceland | Volcanoes. Lakes. Waterfalls. Fjords. Iceland is so exotic that it feels like it should belong on another planet. Check out its untouched wilderness areas or the city of Reykjavík which is bustling but not busy, to make the most of the trip. |
| Madagascar | Home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, this African island has a limestone rock formation called “the forest of knives,” as well as the Masoala National Park, which hosts two percent of the world’s species. |
| Maui | Misty peaks, legendary surfing, and bamboo forests all make this Hawaiian “valley isle” quite exotic. And, of course, its gorgeous beaches –especially the red sands of Kaihalulu–are a spectacular must-see. |
| Maltese Islands | There are three islands in the Maltese archipelago of the Mediterranean: Malta, Gozo and Comino. All three make prime destinations for vacation stopovers. But for the most exotic experience of the trio, head to Gozo, which boasts historic forts and spectacular views. |
| Petra | The lost city of Petra in Jordan will immerse you in history and culture. It’s an archaeologist’s dream amidst the sandy landscape of tombs and carvings. |
| Canary Islands | With seven large islands and six smaller ones, this archipelago off the coast of Morocco offers you the choice of beaches, gardens, historical sites, and more to take in. From historical churches to nudist beaches to banana plantations, Las Islas Canarias offers a diverse array of exotic experiences to enjoy. |
| Giant’s Causeway | Ireland’s ethereal, emerald beauty is breathtaking, but the Giant’s Causeway is otherworldly. Climbing the basalt rock formations of this latter locale is surreal. A result of volcanic activity millions of years ago, the rocks that form on Giant’s Causeway and jut out of the ocean are nothing short of transcendent. |
| Puerto Rico | Many people consider Puerto Rico an exotic island because of its diverse topography. Just the El Yunque jungle alone would give it the nudge. But then throw in the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay and its gorgeous beaches, and the island becomes a mainstay on any travelers’ list. |
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For more on the world’s most exotic places to vacation at and visit, also see:
Jeanette Hurt is the award-winning writer and author of eight culinary and drink books, including The Cheeses of California: A Culinary Travel Guide, which received the 2010 Mark Twain Award for Best Travel Book, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wine and Food Pairing. She's written for TheKitchn.com, Four Seasons Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Entrepreneur.com, and dozens more publications.
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