(Slight) rebels that we are, the idea of visiting destinations that are unsung, really appeals to us. So when we heard about Dawn Simone, of Elle Voyage, and her list of 5 surprising places to visit, we asked her if we could share the information with RealFoodTraveler.com readers. Thankfully, she said “yes,” telling us: “I think today, more and more, we yearn to explore those tiny, off the beaten track, mysterious, and undiscovered corners of the world. And yes, whilst there are definitely some amazing and breathtaking places you must see at least once in your lifetime, I think there’s something so special about exploring somewhere more unknown, unique and unconventional. The Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills in Vietnam, Bagan in Burma, The Lost City of Petra in Jordan, Nazca Lines in Peru and the Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang, Laos are not completely new to tourism but are still relatively untouched compared to neighbouring countries yet still having just enough visitors for female travellers to feel safe and inconspicuous whilst discovering some hidden treasures most of the world has yet to see.”

Vietnam is one of the 5 surprising places to visit, according to Dawn Simone.

Here, then, is Dawn’s list of 5 Travel Destinations you Never Thought of Visiting.

With the ability to fly almost anywhere in world, choosing a travel destination is not an easy feat. There are so many places swamped with tourists that it can be quite off-putting. However, there are many destinations that (most people) won’t have even thought about visiting where you can get a unique travel experience.

1. Golden Bridge – this structure recently built in the Bá Ná Hills resort in Vietnam is designed to connect the cable car station with the gardens and to provide a scenic overlook and tourist attraction. The bridge is an amazing structure and the views are to die for!
2. Bagan – until recently, the beautiful country of Myanmar (Burma) was a closed book when it came to tourists, but luckily, it’s slowly opening its stunningly beautiful lands to visit. Bagan is a ginormous temple in Myanmar and should be at the top of your list of places to go. There’s lots to do there from exploring the temple to taking a stroll by the scenic river!
3. Petra – the lost City of Petra (Jordan) actually remained unknown to the western world until 1812, when it was discovered by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer. UNESCO has described it as ‘one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage.
4. Nazca lines – another excellent place you may not have thought of visiting is the Nazca desert (Peru). There you can view the mysterious Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a scenic flight over Nazca Lines – the best way to view and photograph these mysterious landmarks.
5. Kuang Si Falls – the three-tiered waterfalls near Luang Prabang (Laos) attract a lot of visitors every year for their beauty. There are many swimming holes as well so make sure you take your swimming costume for a nice relaxing dip!

— Story by Dawn Simone. Photos provided by Elle Voyage

Jordan’s dramatic landscape is one of the 5 dramatic destinations to visit.

Dawn Simone, of Elle Voyage.

Want to find out about more surprising places to visit? Here’s more about Dawn and Elle Voyage –  It’s a travel company exclusively for women who long for adventure, discover different cultures, visit diverse continents, stumble across breath-taking landscapes and immerse themselves with memories that last a lifetime. Dawn has always been passionate about travelling. At 21-years-old she started her career as a tour representative in Corfu which led her to working all over the world in Portugal, Kenya, Senegal, The Gambia, Turkey and Barbados where she ended up living for five years. After coming back to the UK, Dawn worked as a wedding-coordinator but still travelled when she had the time. Dawn longed to travel more and give other like-minded women the opportunity to explore the globe, so she set up Elle Voyage for others who want to discover every corner of the world possible with a group of incredible women where fun and laughter is high on the agenda! Learn more on her website, at www.ellevoyage.life.com.

Hungry for more? Read about some other unique destinations and their food scenes, such as Senegal, the wine scene in Hungary, and breakfast for the masses in Guatemala.