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Pinterest has become a go-to resource for those plotting out their next great vacation. The site has made it ridiculously simple to discover tips and tricks to traveling like a pro — and even easier to save all those ideas in one place. But if you need a little more inspiration, Pinterest has also unveiled its top travel trends of 2024, and according to the report, “mysterious” and “unbelievable” places are at the very top of everyone’s mind.
“Searches for enigmatic locales are rising as travelers crave places shrouded in mystery and allure, promising a blend of wonder, adventure, and the unexplored,” Pinterest shared in its Travel Trends report. “From ethereal natural landscapes to ancient, whispering ruins, these hidden gems ignite the imagination of artists and call out to travelers in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and transcendence. Venturing into the depths of ancient cities or uncovering forgotten realms becomes a daring odyssey, pushing boundaries and unraveling profound truths about oneself and the world.”
While this all sounds great, we wanted specifics. So, we asked Pinterest for the top-trending spots specifically around “places that don’t feel real.” Here are the destinations the platform shared.
Aokigahara Forest, Japan
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Aokigahara Forest, often called the “sea of trees,” is a dense woodland found along the northwest base of Mount Fuji. Here, travelers can expect a quiet atmosphere, winding trails to roam, and plenty of serenity. And, as Japan’s tourism website noted, there’s one super cool natural occurrence here — “If you hold a compass to the rocky volcanic ground, it may react to the natural magnetism.”
Meghalaya, India
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Meghalaya, a state in the northeastern part of India, is one more verdant green landscape that looks closer to the land before time than anything else. Here, visitors will find rich biodiversity, including the endangered cloud leopard, and miles upon miles of hiking trails to explore for days on end.
Kolmanskop, Namibia
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Kolmanskop, a once bustling diamond mine town, now stands abandoned in the Namib Desert, slowly being reclaimed by sand. Today it stands as a photographer’s paradise, offering surreal visuals of homes being swallowed by the earth. You need a permit to visit and to take photos, which can be obtained from the ticket office before entering the town. (Commercial photographers need a different permit, which costs significantly more, but as long as those images are just for your personal use, you’re all set.)
Seven Colored Earth of Chamarel, Mauritius
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The Seven Colored Earth of Chamarel in Mauritius isn’t your typical patch of sand. Here, travelers can gaze upon a 21-acre patch of land that is the perfect kaleidoscope of seven colors. These vibrant hues all come from volcanic rocks that are cooling off at various temperatures, all set off by the gorgeous green backdrop of Chamarel. Come visit the geopark, see the turtles, and stay for a cup of coffee.
Ik Kil Cenote, Mexico
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In the Yucatán Peninsula, just a stone’s throw from Chichén Itzá, travelers can dive into Ik Kil Cenote, an awe-inspiring natural swimming hole with some of the bluest waters you’ve ever seen. Inside the cenote, travelers can find otherworldly vines snaking down to the crystal-clear waters below. The best way to see it for yourself is with a guided tour to see both the pyramid and the cenote in one.
The Tunnel of Love, Ukraine
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The Tunnel of Love, located in the village of Klevan, is just as romantic as it sounds. The dark corridor is made up of arching trees, giving just enough room for the train to run through. The tunnel continues for three kilometers (about 1.86 miles) and is a popular place for photographers — and lovebirds. Make sure to keep this place bookmarked for when the time comes for tourism to return to the Ukraine.
Cappadocia, Turkey
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You’ve likely seen this spot on your Instagram feed, and for good reason. Cappadocia was made famous on social media thanks to its fairytale landscape made up of rock formations and ancient cave dwellings, not to mention the hot air balloons that ascend over it at sunrise. Read our entire guide to planning the perfect hot air balloon trip here.
Antelope Canyon, U.S.
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Antelope Canyon, located on Navajo Indigenous land in Arizona, is one of America’s most beautiful slot canyons. Here, guests can hike through the canyon, finding the perfect light cascading through the narrow openings, creating awe-inspiring images. Visiting requires a guided tour, but that’s OK, as it’s always with a local who knows exactly where to go.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
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Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site made up of 16 fantastic terraced lakes all joined by waterfalls cascading the azure waters from one pool to the next. Travelers can come to hike or walk around the lakes and do their best to spot all the beautiful birds that call the park home.
Ait Benhaddou, Morocco
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One more hard-to-believe-this-is-real spot to add to your list is Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Morocco. The ancient fortified village is located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and is made up of fantastically well-preserved medieval structures — so much so that it’s made its way into plenty of movies like “Gladiator.” Visitors can explore its narrow streets and buildings, but remember, people still actually live here, so visit with care, and maybe consider a guided tour too.
Termales Santa Rosa De Cabal, Colombia
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Termales Santa Rosa De Cabal in Colombia is yet another water-focused spot that Pinterest says will leave you singing, “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” The natural hot springs located in the Andean mountains are said to have healing properties, but even if they can’t fix a broken bone, it will certainly soothe your soul. The easiest way to get there, once again, is with a guide.
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