There are countless beautiful destinations to visit around the world. But some places are either too dangerous, too protected, or too mysterious to explore.

Several locations across the globe—from man-made buildings and structures to natural habitats that contain dangerous species, religious mysteries, and secrets—make these areas forbidden to outsiders.

10 The Red Zone
France

Not all scenes in France are made of rolling green hills filled with gorgeous villages. In fact, there is one deserted area that has been forbidden for nearly a century. In a region near Verdun, France, lies a virgin forest known as the Zone Rouge (aka the Red Zone). Nobody lives there, nothing has been built there, and it is actually forbidden to enter.

Before World War I, Verdun was mainly farmland. The area quickly changed during the war after millions of rounds of artillery shells were fired. The ground was churned up, the trees were smashed, and the towns were destroyed by explosives. The war ended in 1918 and left the villages a casualty of war.

The French government considered the cost of rehabilitating the land but ultimately decided to relocate the local villagers. All the shells and munitions were left in the area, and it was deemed Zone Rouge.

The 1,190-square-kilometer (460 mi²) area is still strictly prohibited by law from public entry and agricultural use. Authorities are working to clear the land. However, at the current rate, many believe that it could take 300–700 years to complete or it may never be fully cleared.^[1]

9 Fort Knox
Kentucky

One of the best-kept mysteries in the US is located just 48 kilometers (30 mi) southwest of Louisville. The United States Bullion Depository (aka Fort Knox) is stacked with glittering gold bricks . . . we think. Very few people have entered the “gold fortress,” leaving many unanswered questions about the location.

Construction of Fort Knox was completed in 1936, and it sits on a 109,000-acre US Army post. Gold was shipped in at that time by trains manned by machine gunners. Then it was loaded onto army trucks protected by a US Cavalry brigade.^[2]

Just to be clear: Technically, Fort Knox (the US Army post) is adjacent to the US Bullion Depository. But the term “Fort Knox” is often used to refer to the gold vault building.

The US Constitution and the Bill of Rights were both stored there for short periods. The US government figures that the United States Bullion Depository holds nearly 4,582 metric tons of gold, which is worth more than $175 billion. The facility has one of the most advanced security systems known. What goes on there is mostly a secret, which is how the phrase “as secure as Fort Knox” originated.

8 North Sentinel Island

As hard as it is to believe, there are still “uncontacted” indigenous groups, which means that they maintain no contact with modern civilization. The Sentinelese people of North Sentinel Island are one of those few remaining uncontacted tribes.

In 1991, an outside expedition from India floated coconuts in the water toward the island inhabited by the Sentinelese, who are known to be hostile to foreigners. On two such trips, an Indian team made contact. The Sentinelese wanted the unfamiliar coconuts, but they did not really welcome the outsiders.^[3]

It is estimated that about 80–150 people live on the island, and their language isn’t known to any outsiders. Little is known about the tribe, which keeps them a mystery to many. But we do know that they don’t care much for company.

In 2018, a US missionary attempted to contact the Sentinelese people but was quickly killed by bow and arrow. The group has made it clear for years that they have no interest in making new friends.

In 1896, a convict from the Great Andaman Island Penal Colony escaped on a makeshift raft and eventually washed ashore on North Sentinel Island. His remains were found days later with a cut throat and several arrow wounds. It’s clear that the Sentinelese don’t want any contact, and it’s best to leave it that way.

7 Chapel Of The Ark Of The Covenant
Ethiopia

One of the most sought-after artifacts from the Bible is the Ark of the Covenant. The legendary object was built around 3,000 years ago to house the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. The Ark vanished from history after the Babylonian Empire conquered the Israelites. Nobody really knows if it was destroyed, captured, or hidden.

According to Ethiopian lore, the Ark of the Covenant is located at the St. Mary of Zion Cathedral (aka the Chapel of the Ark) in Aksum. The church only allows one man to see the Ark, and he is a monk who acts as the guardian of the artifact.

Although some reports claim that the Aksum object is only a replica of the Ark, nobody else is even permitted to enter the chapel to study the artifact, making it a forbidden place that you wish you could visit.^[4]

6 Snake Island

Around 150 kilometers (93 mi) south of downtown Sao Paulo is Ilha da Queimada Grande, better known as Snake Island. The island sits about 40 kilometers (25 mi) off the coast of Brazil, and humans are forbidden from entering the island. Snake Island got the name from the various snakes lurking across the island. Researchers believe that there is about one deadly snake for every 0.09 square meter (1 ft²) on the island.

The island is home to the golden lancehead, a unique species of the pit viper, which is known as one of the deadliest serpents in the world. They can grow to be over 0.5 meters (1.5 ft) long, and it is estimated that anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 of these deadly snakes occupy the island.

A lancehead is so venomous that a human would die within an hour of being bitten. These vipers are responsible for more deaths than any other snake in North and South America. It may be best that this island stays off-limits to visitors.^[5]

5 Mirny Diamond Mine

One of the largest man-made excavated holes in the world is found at Mir Mine (aka Mirny Diamond Mine). The enormous pit is located in Eastern Siberia and is the second-largest man-made hole in the world.

The diamond-rich deposit was found in 1955, and it is now more than 520 meters (1,700 ft) deep and more than 1,200 meters (3,900 ft) wide. Joseph Stalin ordered the construction of the mine to satisfy the Soviet Union’s need for diamonds.

During the peak years, the mine produced more than 10 million carats of diamonds annually. Open mining ceased in 2001, but underground mining is continued at the location.

The airspace above the mine is off-limits to helicopters after stories emerged about aircraft being sucked in due to downward air flow. But those claims have never been proved. The town is strictly off-limits to outsiders, though, so don’t expect to get a glimpse of this diamond in the rough.^[6]

4 Tomb Of Qin Shi Huang

Deep in the hills of central China, the country’s first emperor has lain for more than two millennia. The secret tomb of Qin Shi Huang was discovered in 1974 after some farmers stumbled across it while digging wells. They dug out a life-size terra-cotta soldier, but they didn’t realize that it would be just one of thousands of pieces of history at the site.

Archaeologists have excavated the site for nearly four decades and have uncovered about 2,000 clay soldiers. Scientists have not yet touched the central tomb, though, which contains the remains of Qin Shi Huang.

Many believe that the tomb is filled with many other treasures such as precious stones. Chinese authorities are the only ones allowed near the area, and it is up to them to decide if anyone ever gets to enter the mysterious tomb.^[7]

3 Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Halfway between Norway and the North Pole lies the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. It is tucked away deep inside a mountain on a remote island in Svalbard. It is the world’s largest seed storage and is home to crates of seeds for safe and secure long-term storage in cold and dry rock vaults. The vault holds tens of thousands of varieties of essential food crops and more than 4,000 plant species.

It is a long-term seed storage facility that was built to withstand the effects of man-made and natural disasters. The purpose of the vault is to store duplicates of seeds from the world’s crop collections. If nuclear war or global warming were to kill crops, nations could request seeds from the vault to restart their agricultural processes.

In 2018, the Norwegian government proposed to allocate 100 million NOK (roughly $12.7 million) to upgrade the seed vault to help safeguard the genetic material it contains.^[8]

2 Bohemian Grove

Each July, a group of very rich and powerful men gather at a 2,700-acre campground in Monte Rio, California, for two weeks to hold private meetings, indulge in alcoholic beverages, and who knows what else. Bohemian Grove is the name of the secret campground that belongs to the gentlemen’s club known as the Bohemian Club.

According to rumors, the only way to join the Bohemian Club is to be invited by members or join a waiting list decades long. There is also a $25,000 initiation fee along with yearly dues.^[9]

There are currently around 2,500 members, with many of them showing up to enjoy their down time at the campground that features 118 camps, a man-made lake, and a towering Owl Shrine. Some of the past and present members of the secretive group include Gerald Ford, Clint Eastwood, Bing Crosby, Merv Griffin, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush.

1 Surtsey
Iceland

Surtsey is a volcanic island off the southern coast of Iceland. It’s one of the world’s newest islands and was named after the Norse fire god, Surtur. In 1963, it emerged from the Atlantic Ocean after a fiery eruption. Columns of ash were sent into the air almost 9,200 meters (30,000 ft). For nearly four years after the eruption, the volcanic core built up the island with elevations around 152 meters (500 ft).^[10]

The island is now home to a long-term biological research program to study the colonization process of new land by plant and animal life. It was declared a nature reserve in 1965, and in 2008, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Surtsey is restricted to the public and is still only open to a handful of scientists who study the island.

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When most people go on vacation, they do it to relax. Others, however, like a little less relaxation and a little more courting death. Fortunately, there are a variety of death-defying tourist destinations scattered around the world, so no matter how you’d like to stare death in the face, you’ve got a choice.

10Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome

In total, around 60 people have died on Half Dome and the trail leading up to it. Hiking up Half Dome takes an entire day, during which you’ll climb over 1,500 meters (5,000 ft), burn anywhere from 4,000 to 9,800 calories, and climb the last 120 meters (400 ft) nearly vertical with the assistance of metal cables. And that’s where many of the problems start to occur.

Hikers are discouraged from undertaking the climb when conditions are wet, because the combination of slippery cables and slippery rocks can be deadly—so deadly, in fact, that the bottom part of the cliff on the same side as Mirror Lake is known as the Death Slabs. Even when it’s not wet and slippery, accidents are still well documented.

In 2012, a man slipped from the cables and had to be rescued after trying to grab a radio dropped by a person above him. Deaths of 2011 include three hikers who ignored guardrails and fell into Vernal Falls, another man who slipped and fell onto the Mist Trail (ultimately swept away and killed by the same river), and a 26-year-old who slipped on the cables and fell 180 meters (600 ft).

Falls and drowning aren’t the only dangers. There are also records of hikers being struck by lightning while attempting to make the climb. The Yosemite Search and Rescue team estimates that about 60 percent of their duties involve rescuing hikers in distress. They rely not just on helicopters for rescues and preparedness for medical emergencies, but also on canine search and rescue and swiftwater rescue teams.

9Alnwick Gardens

Because regular, non-deadly gardens lack a certain sense of adventure, Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland, decided to make the gardens of Alnwick Castle something extra special. When she found herself at the head of the Alnwick household, she also inherited gardens that had long been neglected.

Originally thinking that she was going to include a section of plants known for their healing properties, she realized that wasn’t as much fun as plants that were poisonous. The result is a gated area on the grounds known as The Poison Garden, and it’s full of warnings and plants that can cause certain death. Even though visitors are a relatively safe distance from the plants and can’t actively smell or touch them, some have fainted from the toxic fumes that are released into the air.

While some of the plants have a bizarre, unsettling history—like the angel’s trumpet, which acts as an aphrodisiac before its poisonous effects kick in—other plants that the duchess has included in her garden have another meaning. She’s included plants like the coca plant and cannabis, seeing the garden as a valuable teaching tool for the schoolchildren that come through. While many of them might be bored by a trip to regular gardens, she sees her poison garden as a great way to get kids intrigued by plants and their properties.

8Hawaii’s Volcano Tours

If you’re the type that thinks checking out an active volcano is the way to go for a vacation, you’re in luck, as you have a couple of different choices in Hawaii. Both have track records of death and the National Park Service actually temporarily shut down the bicycle tour (mentioned below) in 2007 after there were three deaths and a number of serious injuries within the space of a year.

For a fee—about $100—tourists are driven up to the top of an active volcano and they then ride a bicycle down. Deaths came when people lost control of their bicycles on the downgrade, but that’s not the only way taking a volcano tour can kill you. In the decade between 1992–2002, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reported 40 deaths and 45 major injuries.

The volcanoes—including Kilauea, which has been erupting almost non-stop since 1938—are a major tourist attraction for the islands. Called geotourism, the trend exposes people to a number of risks aside from the potentially deadly lava. Just as dangerous as the obvious lava flows are the gases that are released into the air. A number of the deaths are of park staff as well as tourists and are attributed to the presence of lava haze. The haze, which looks like a harmless white vapor cloud, is actually a deadly mix of hydrochloric acid, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide.

The gases, while deadly on their own, can also increase the problems caused by asthma and heart conditions. Add in the scalding ocean water, the potential for flying rocks, and a chronic lack of preparation on the part of hikers, and the potential for death—or at least serious complications—from checking out Hawaii’s volcanoes is high.

7Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael most recently made the news as one of the filming locations for Star Wars, but it’s been a beautiful, remote, and integral part of Irish culture for centuries. The site of a monastic settlement, it was chosen by the monks because of its inaccessibility and difficult terrain, something that hasn’t changed since its establishment sometime between the sixth and eighth centuries. It is now a World Heritage site.

Visit Greater Skellig’s website and you will be greeted with a safety video for visitors. It stresses that there are 600 ancient steps that wind their way up the side of the mountain, and there are absolutely no safety features whatsoever. There’s also no food or water, visitor centers, toilets, or shelter.

Getting to the island means an hour-long boat ride across potentially troublesome open ocean, and it’s not uncommon for landing on the island to become impossible because of high waves and choppy water. The area is particularly prone to falling rocks, but that’s not the only problem. The stone stairs, more than 1,000 years old, are rough, uneven, and meandering.

Two deaths only months apart in 2009 sparked a review of the safety conditions on the island. It was determined that the addition of railings would not only destroy the natural beauty and authenticity of the site, but also, according to the Irish Office of Public Works, the presence of a railing would do nothing but lure people into becoming complacent with “a false sense of security.”

In spite of public outcry, the only real safety measures taken include signage and a handout that specifies the dangers of slippery, wet stairs, falling rocks, a steep climb, and a reminder to be courteous to others sharing the potentially deadly pathway with you.

6Praia De Boa Viagem

Wide, sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets, perfect weather, close proximity to urban nightlife, and warm, clear, ocean waters. Sounds like the perfect vacation, right? Possibly, if it wasn’t for the sharks. Praia de Boa Viagem has long been one of Brazil’s premiere destination spots for tourists from all over the world, but since 1992, the picturesque beach has been plagued by shark attacks.

Between 1992 and 2012, there were 56 shark attacks at the beach. You might say, “Sure, but that’s still less than Australia!” But people have a better chance of walking away from a shark attack in Australia than they do at Praia de Boa Viagem. There, one-third of all attacks end in fatality. The sharks in question are bull sharks, problematic because they tend to like the shallow, coastal waters that they end up sharing with swimmers and surfers—and they’re not really the ones at fault.

Porto Suape was built on breeding grounds for the sharks. When it opened in 1984, it also sealed off several estuaries that were once used by female sharks as a safe, sheltered place to bear their young. Tiger sharks are also thought to be a huge part of the problem, though less proof has been found of their attacks than of bull sharks.

They’re attracted to the area for a different reason—they also prefer coastal areas, but that’s because they have a tendency to follow ships and eat the garbage that gets thrown overboard. When they run into tourists paddling around in the shallows, that’s an even better meal. And although there are a number of lifeguards patrolling the beach, they don’t always recognize that there’s a problem developing in waist-high water until it’s too late.

5The Colorado River System

White-water rafting can be fun for the whole family, but the Colorado River system has been plagued with accidents, injuries, and fatalities. In 2014, part of the problem has been due in large part to an increase in the melting snowpack from higher up in Colorado’s mountain ranges. Heavy rains can potentially add to the problem, but according to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife department, it’s the huge increase in melting snows that’s pushing them to issue high-water advisories for areas throughout the river system.

In 2007, the river system saw 12 fatalities and 176 serious injuries, and according to the state’s Division of Boating and Waterways, part of the problem is not just inexperience and neglect when it comes to wearing the proper safety equipment, but the atmosphere and attitude that goes along with boating and rafting on the river system.

Alcohol figures heavily into many accidents on the rivers, and with their Class V rapids, faster-than-usual currents, and high-running waters, it all adds up to making 2014 one of the deadliest years ever on the river system. During the first seven months of 2014, 15 deaths occurred on the waterways, tying the record high from 2009.

4The Beaches Of Acapulco

Acapulco is a name that’s been synonymous with one of the most relaxing, luxurious vacation spots that Americans can easily get to. Beaches, nice weather, huge city blocks built with the comfort of tourists in mind—unfortunately, those city blocks are in a city that has a crime rate that’s almost 30 times higher than the American average.

As recently as 2013, the murder rate was 142 per 100,000 citizens, and even though the city is quick to point out that it’s mostly drug-related and not tourist-centric at all, 200 murders in January and February of 2013 alone isn’t a great track record. There’s also no public information that details just where there’s the highest concentration of law enforcement patrols, or just where the murders happen.

In spite of assurances, stories still pepper the press with some pretty dark happenings on the beachfront paradise—including an incident in 2013 which saw the rape of six women on vacation. Afterward, Acapulco’s mayor stated that “it happens anywhere in the world,” which is a pretty cold statement to make—anywhere in the world.

According to the US Department of State’s Mexico Travel Warning, they recommend that if you do go to Acapulco, stay in specially designated tourist areas, plan rest stops carefully, make sure you have enough fuel to get you through the shady areas outside the tourist spots (if you absolutely need to travel through them), and travel by air when possible. In fact, when it comes to booking a place to stay for its employees, the US government will only book between the Hotel Avalon Excalibur Acapulco and Puerto Marquez, and it also forbids leaving the hotel after the Sun goes down.

3Cliffs Of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher have one of the most breathtaking views in Ireland, looking out over the rough Atlantic Ocean. Its rugged beauty is unobstructed by things such as safety rails, but the potential dangers are much greater than that. Not far from the parking lot is the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center, with their paved walkways, regular stone steps, and waist-high stone walls covered with signs warning people to stay off the walls.

But the walking trail extends out along the top of the cliffs, where it becomes something much more deadly. High, unpredictable winds, relentless and equally unpredictable rains coupled with steep sections of the path, loose gravel, and smooth stone mean that it’s not your normal walk in the park.

In 2006, one woman was walking along the top of the cliffs when winds swept her to her death at the bottom, while other deaths happen quite on purpose. In 2007, a 26-year-old mother took her four-year-old son with her when she jumped off the 180 meter (600 ft) cliff. This led to discussions over the implementation of policies directed not only toward warning people of the dangers of the site, but also putting plans in place to help those who go to the cliffs with intentions of jumping. And 2010 brought the focus onto the natural dangers presented by the cliffs, when a huge chunk of an upper ledge fell into the ocean.

2El Caminito Del Rey

The Caminito del Rey is so named because the now-deadly path was once walked by Spain’s King Alfonso XIII, shortly after its installation between two power plants in the Gaitanes Gorge. The man-made pathway is only about 1 meter (3 ft) wide (in the places that it still exists) and runs along a sheer cliff face about 100 meters (330 ft) tall. It’s technically closed to the public—and has been since five deaths between 1999–2000—but that doesn’t stop countless people from making the hike every year.

The pathway has fallen into disrepair over the years—and that’s something of an understatement. In many places, all that remains of the pathway are rusted metal rails, leaving the most daring no choice but to look straight down at the rocks below rather than at a nice, secure, wooden path. Many of the support beams are rusted through, and in some places, there’s no choice but to climb—carefully—along the side of the mountain.

Even where the path remains, holes are common, and even without a fear of heights, the view is dizzying. Although it’s technically illegal to walk there and trespassers face a hefty fine, it’s remained a popular destination—so popular that money is being sunk into extensive repairs, with the hopes that when the walkway reopens, it’s not only still popular but much, much safer.

1The Kokoda And Black Cat Trails

The Kokoda Trail is nearly 100 kilometers (60 mi) of hot, humid, treacherous, leech-infested territory running between the northern and southern coasts of Papua New Guinea. Its rainforests have exotic animals, jungles, clean water, and villages of native peoples who have lived off the land for generations. It is also the site of numerous World War II battles, fought between the Australians and the Japanese.

And every year, thousands of visitors make the trek, amid the threat of everything from trench foot to death. Walking the entire trail means six 10-hour days of walking, climbing, and swimming. Everything you need, you have to carry with you. Mountains make the miles seem even longer, and all the while you’re swatting mosquitoes that may or may not be carrying malaria. Walkers are escorted by guides, and along the way, many learn about the stories of the soldiers who fought and died in the old foxholes and amid the abandoned machinery. Dehydration, broken bones, and illness are the biggest threats, but there are others.

In September 2013, a group hiking the neighboring Black Cat Trail was attacked by a group of locals made up of villagers and escaped convicts. Two porters died after the machete attacks, and seven others were severely wounded—including one Australian who took a spear in the leg. Passports and personal belongings were stolen, and the whole thing was thought to be spurred by an ongoing battle between local tribes and villages—a battle to capitalize on the lucrative tourist trade acting as guides to those who come to walk the trails.

Off the beaten track is one thing, but there are places in the world that the hardiest, most intrepid adventurers would think twice about traveling to. Whether because the climate is so harsh, or the place is so remote, some destinations just don’t seem to be worth the effort.

Here, we look at ten locations you probably would not want to choose for your next holiday. That is, unless you like long trips, frostbite, and very few amenities upon arrival. These places push the adage, “It’s the journey, not the destination,” to its absolute limit.

10 Pitcairn Island

Lying halfway between New Zealand and the Americas, Pitcairn Island is one of the most remote places on Earth. Only 10 kilometers (6 mi) long and 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) wide, Pitcairn was first discovered in 1767. The island was famously settled by mutineers from the HMS Bounty, led by Fletcher Christian. The inhabitants of Pitcairn today are descendants of this crew.

Today, there are only a few islanders left, despite efforts to recruit incomers. It appears that no one wants to move to an island with one shop, where orders need to be placed three months in advance. Though the island now has electricity and even the Internet, it is so isolated and barren that its major export used to be stamps. But who uses stamps anymore?^[1]

If you fancy a visit, you can either try to hitch a ride with a passing container ship or fly to French Polynesia and then take a 30-hour boat ride. However, even if you do want to visit, you need to fill out an application, which will probably be refused. It seems that the Pitcairn residents are determined to remain cut off from the rest of the world and have adopted their own, sometimes peculiar, way of life.

9 Ittoqqortoormiit

Ittoqqortoormiit is the most isolated town in Greenland, a country not known for its accessibility. The area’s inhabitants are mainly reindeer, musk oxen, and walruses, with only the occasional human. It is hard to reach, being cut off from shipping by ice for nine months of the year, and the land is crisscrossed by fjords.

The 450 locals survive mainly by ice fishing and hunting, as well as some tourism during the three months that ships are able to dock. They also seem to spend a lot of time painting their homes in bright colors.

Those visitors who do make it in come for the wildlife and the scenery. Ittoqqortoormiit is surrounded by national parks and magnificent fjords.^[2]

Ittoqqortoormiit is completely dark for two months from mid-November to mid-January; the Sun does not rise at all. During this time, locals mostly sit in their homes and look through color catalogues to decide what color to paint their house next year.

8 Edinburgh Of The Seven Seas

In the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, on the volcanic island of Tristan da Cunha, you will find a settlement named Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. Its nearest neighbor, Saint Helena (the island where Napoleon was imprisoned) is 2,173 kilometers (1,350 mi) away.

Getting to the island is difficult. Few ships pass that way. Visitors usually catch a lift with polar explorer vessels from Cape Town, which pass around nine or ten times a year. There are around 250 inhabitants on the island, along with a load of penguins, its very own albatross, and a nine-hole golf course that was built by a homesick British official once stationed there. However, the fierce winds and steep slopes make play somewhat tricky and are unlikely to improve your handicap.

The inhabitants of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas are all descendants of the original garrison, stationed on the island to prevent it from being used as a staging post in a rescue mission for Napoleon. After the garrison withdrew, a few men chose to stay behind and started a community founded on cooperation and equality.^[3]

However, the community is shrinking, and the islanders have begun to try to recruit newcomers to boost their numbers. They have recently advertised for farmers to join the community and help grow its staple crop of potatoes. Applicants must enjoy their own company and be prepared to give it a good try.

7 Changtang

Changtang is situated on the Roof of The World. With an elevation of over 4,000 meters (13,000 ft), it covers a large area of Tibet, on the border with India. The area is vast but mostly uninhabited except for the snow leopards, brown bears, blue sheep, and wild yak.

Changtang is home to a few nomadic people who make a living from herding animals through the land. At one point, there were up to half a million people eking a living on land too barren for crops. The weather in Changtang is unpredictable at best, with short summers, bitter winters, and frequent storms, but those who brave it are rewarded with spectacular views and amazing wildlife.

Those inhabitants that there are have managed until recent times without the need for money, having established a sophisticated barter system. However, this is changing due to government regulation and taxation. Ah, progress.^[4]

6 Utqiagvik

Formerly known as Barrow, Utqiagvik, Alaska, is the northernmost town in the United States. It occupies 55 square kilometers (21 mi²) and is 515 kilometers (320 mi) north of the Arctic Circle. Its population totals roughly 4,000 people, mostly Inupiat Eskimos. There are few attractions for visitors who do make the trip, unless they are particularly fond of ice and snow, although there is always the possibility of catching sight of a polar bear scavenging for food around the municipal dump.^[5]

However, changes in global temperatures are affecting the region, and sightings of animals previously unknown in these areas are being reported. There are even reports of polar bears and grizzly bears mating, producing hybrid “grolar” bears. It is believed that this is not the first time that these species have interbred. Scientists have noticed similarities in the bears’ DNA structure which leads them to believe that the two species have crossbred in the past when the destruction of their habitats has threatened their continued existence.

Though the wildlife may have adapted to the changes in habitat, the Inupiat Eskimos have sometimes struggled to adjust to the growing economic development of the area, and rates of depression and suicide have increased as a result.

5 Easter Island

One of the most famous and mysterious places on Earth, Easter Island, well off the coast of Chile, is still one of the most inaccessible. It was “discovered” on Easter Sunday 1722 by a group of Dutch explorers, thus ignoring the island’s indigenous population, such as it was. The island once boasted a population of 12,000, but this had dwindled to 111 by the time the explorers arrived, and to 101 ten minutes later.

In 1722, the inhabitants of Easter Island were slowly starving to death. The population had dwindled over the last few centuries, it seems, from starvation due to the felling of the trees on the island. Some of the trees would have been cut down to transport the stones, while others would have been burned for firewood or cleared for growing crops. It is also believed that the seeds of the great palm trees were eaten by rats, which prevented further growth. Unfortunately, the explorers were not to be the islanders’ salvation. Those of the natives who were not shot as the incomers landed mostly succumbed to smallpox and syphilis, and soon, the native population was completely wiped out.

How the original settlers arrived there is a mystery, as is the reason they populated the island with stone carvings that perpetually looked out not to the sea but over the island. There are nearly 900 moai (the local name for the statues) on the island, some of them unfinished. The stones weighed up to 80 tons and were somehow moved from the quarry to their lookout posts around the island.^[6]

4 The Kerguelen Islands

Once called the Desolation Islands, the Kerguelen Islands’ rebranding doesn’t quite disguise the fact that the islands really are among the most desolate places in the world. Situated in the Southern Indian Ocean, Kerguelen is made up mostly of inhospitable peaks and active glaciers.^[7]

The islands are home to large penguin and seal populations, though not many people. Most of the residents are French scientists who are studying the weather and climate change. The islands contain no native mammals, though the marine ecosystems are teeming with life. The whaling ships that were once a common sight in the area have now been banned, and the numbers of whales and seals are increasing every year.

Unless you are a marine biologist or a meteorologist who speaks fluent French, it is unlikely that you will ever visit the Desolation Islands, but as there is little there but marine biology and weather, you probably wouldn’t miss it.

3 McMurdo Station

McMurdo Station is built on Hut Point Peninsula on Ross Island. This is the most southerly piece of solid ground accessible to ships. The station was established in 1955 as a hub for the US Antarctic Program. It boasts a harbor, a landing strip, a helipad, and all the facilities needed to provide year-round support for scientists and researchers working in the area.

The inhabitants number around 250 during the winter but can rise to over 1,000 during the summer months. Ross Island itself contains a number of research stations, a large penguin population, and Mount Erebus, an active volcano.

Hut Point gets its name from the wooden hut erected by the famous explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott. The hut was later used by Ernest Shackleton in his 1907 Nimrod expedition. It is now protected by the Antarctic Treaty as an Area of Special Protection. The area also contains a number of memorials to Scott’s ill-fated expedition, including a cross on Observation Hill to commemorate the explorers who didn’t make it home.^[8]

2 Socotra

Socotra lies off the coast of Yemen. The island has been isolated from its neighbors for millions of years and has developed its own unique species of flora and fauna. One of the most startling-looking plants found on the island is the dragon blood tree. It was said to have first grown on the spot where two brothers fought to the death. The blood of the two brothers was said to have nourished the tree, which explains why its sap is a crimson red color. Where dragons come into it is anyone’s guess.

The island, known as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, is home to over 700 endemic species. Nomadic Bedouin tribes still roam the island, sleeping under the stars in the summer and sheltering from the rain in the winter. However, recent influences from the United Arab Emirates have begun to change Socotra, and the once-remote island is fast becoming an outpost of the UAE.^[9]

1 Oymyakon

Oymyakon is officially the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth. Situated in Siberia, temperatures at Oymyakon have been recorded as low as –67 degrees Celsius (–80 °F), the lowest temperature ever recorded outside the Antarctic. It is so cold that the town’s official thermometer, installed by some misguided official as a tourist attraction, broke when the mercury inside it froze.^[10]

Oymyakon, meaning “water that never freezes,” is home to a thermal spring, which is probably just as well. Originally built as a stopover point for reindeer herders, who watered their animals at the spring, Oymyakon now has around 500 permanent residents, a shop, and even a school, although this will close if the temperature drops below –50 degrees Celsius (–58 °F). Big softies.

If you travel to Oymyakon, and why wouldn’t you, you can expect to see a lot of snow and not much else. Except, of course, a thermometer. Slightly used.

Ward Hazell is a writer who travels, and an occasional travel writer.

Traveling is one of the best ways to broaden your perspective as well as the scope of things that can kill you. Taking a trip may involve quite a few unpleasant experiences—from civil wars to bad sex—along with awesome ones. That’s why travelers usually avoid some cities and countries altogether as quite a few regions in the world are experiencing one problem or another.

See Also: 5 Awesome Radioactive Tourism Spots That’ll Leave You Glowing

But some locations have extremely bad reputations that may be unwarranted. If you visit these places, you may soon realize that they’re probably better than many cities in your own country. The reasons for these misconceptions can range from a history of conflict to poor economic conditions.

As anyone who has journeyed to any of the following places will tell you, these destinations are safer and far more hospitable than some popular travel spots around the world—you know, the ones we don’t think twice about visiting.

10 Tehran, Iran

If you grew up in the US—and maybe during some time periods in the UK—chances are that you view Iran as the last place you’d want to go. Most people visualize it as a desert nation with regular terrorist attacks and general conflict. They don’t realize that they’re probably picturing parts of Afghanistan or the Arabian Peninsula.

Although Iran does have deserts, they barely cover 25 percent of the country (although sources vary on the exact percentage). In comparison, China’s deserts make up about 30 percent of their territory. Moreover, Iran’s deserts are very different from what you’re imagining. They have a hilly look and distinct geographical features not found anywhere else in the world.

If that’s surprising, then you’re still thinking of places like the Arabian Peninsula or the Sahara. Most of Iran is hilly, with quite a few alpine regions that you might want to explore on Google Images.

As far as safety is concerned, Iran is far from the center of religious extremism that we imagine it to be. At an altitude of about 1,200 meters (4,000 ft) and against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Tehran may well be one of the most picturesque cities you’ll ever visit. Iranians are also known for their hospitality, something you’ll realize the moment you land.^[1]

Of course, it’s still a country ruled by an extremist government and many nations advise tourists against indulging in anything illegal when they’re there. Other than in Britain and the US, though, that’s pretty much the only advice that state departments give regarding Iran.

9 Antarctica

When we think of Antarctica, we think of a frozen wasteland with variations of snow-covered, barren terrain. It also sounds extremely dangerous—as any remote place without a steady stream of supplies tends to be. If you do the research, though, you’ll find that Antarctica is gradually becoming one of the best places for adventure lovers.

In Antarctica, hardly any people die from extreme weather or a lack of supplies. In fact, most casualties occur in research stations there due to scientific reasons.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can head to Antarctica like you’re going on a hike for the weekend. It’s still a remote place unsuited to the casual traveler because medical facilities and emergency resources are scarce.

Typically, the research stations are only involved with science, so it’s not a good idea to rely on them for help. If you want to visit, you’ll need to join a planned expedition that will take care of all supplies and other camping needs.

Once there, you’ll enjoy some of the most pristine views in the world. With the snow gradually melting to reveal a unique, almost alien-like landscape, Antarctica is slowly becoming one of the best destinations for modern-day explorers.^[2]

8 Detroit, Michigan, USA

The United States is hardly uniform when it comes to tourist safety. Although certain US cities are recognized as among the safest and most hospitable in the world, others—like Gary, Indiana—have become Internet jokes over how dangerous they are. Detroit also has a bad reputation. In fact, its decayed urban setting served as an ideological backdrop for quite a few dystopian cyberpunk movies.

That reputation isn’t groundless. Due to many factors, the last few decades saw Detroit become the poster child for the numerous tales of urban decay and rising poverty hiding behind the famous American Dream. Thanks to some recent efforts by local authorities, though, the situation may not be that bad anymore.

Make no mistake: Detroit still has high crime rates. But you can probably spend a weekend or two there without taking a tremendous risk—if you watch where you go.^[3] The crime rate has drastically declined in the past few years, and median income is rising. Quite a few development projects are aimed at restoring the city to its former glory.

Travelers who’ve spent time there refer to it as a vibrant spot with a burgeoning local culture. Of course, you’ll need to avoid going to the bad areas, just as you would in popular cities like New York or London.

7 Kiev, Ukraine

On first look, Ukraine doesn’t seem to be the kind of country where you’d want to spend a relaxing week. Its ongoing war makes it an active conflict zone, giving it a reputation for continuous danger.

That’s absolutely justified because some parts of Ukraine are still embroiled in a battle with Russia. Far away from the conflict, however, Kiev remains one of Europe’s least expensive and most lively destinations.

Although news channels paint pictures of dropping bombs and militias regularly invading government buildings, travelers tell stories of quaint cafes and an old-world, ex-Soviet charm, perhaps only matched by its sister cities in Russia.

Thanks to the diverse cultures that have influenced the city, Kiev features many beautiful churches and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can explore them with little to no risk of being caught up in a skirmish as the war is quite far away.^[4]

6 Republic Of Kosovo

Kosovo, a tiny country in the Balkans, may not figure often in our news cycle these days, but it still bears the scars of one of the most brutal wars of the 20th century. Fought between the rapidly disintegrating Yugoslavian troops and Albanian rebels, the war was part of the larger phenomenon of the Balkanization of Yugoslavia.

After witnessing everything from attempted genocides to unprecedentedly brutal sieges on civilian populations, the ex-communist state was divided into several modern countries in Eastern Europe.

Although Kosovo still carries much of that violent reputation, it’s largely unfounded because the war is long over. Today, Pristina, the country’s charming capital, is one of the safest cities in Eastern Europe. Visitors from English-speaking nations will be glad to know that almost everyone speaks the language in Kosovo, even though the republic is as foreign and distinct as it can be.

Kosovo lives up to the reputation of unimaginable hospitality, which is shared by most countries in the region. It is also more affordable to spend time there than in its Western European counterparts.^[5]

5 Istanbul, Turkey

Contrary to popular belief, Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey. However, it is still considered to be the best city to visit in the country—at least by some people.

Even so, Istanbul has endured quite a few cases of unrest in the recent past. Turkey’s alleged involvement in Middle Eastern wars has only added to that perilous reputation. Even though some individuals regard Istanbul as a risky travel destination, many past visitors will tell you that it’s still better than other locations with safer reputations.

Although Istanbul has witnessed some violence in recent years, it coincided with the war in Syria, which is now in its final stages. Incidents are few and far between, and there haven’t been any major ones for a long time.

In many parts of the city, things haven’t changed a bit since the war started. As a major center of arts and culture in the region, Istanbul contains an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, it always makes sense to check travel warnings from your country. But for anyone developing an itinerary for a trip to that part of the world, you may want to explore Istanbul.^[6]

4 Zimbabwe

Many conversations in Zimbabwe inevitably turn to its ravaged economy and what happens when you let your leaders do whatever they want for one second. Zimbabwe is a great example of how unchecked inflation can destroy a country. Everyday goods now cost exorbitant amounts of money. Needless to say, it’s not the best spot to have a fancy bespoke wedding.

Then again, you may want to reconsider. Despite being in a state of economic ruin, Zimbabwe remains one of the most beautiful and geographically diverse countries to visit in Africa.^[7]

Many tourists have said that the country’s economy didn’t have any effect on them as Zimbabwe is still one of the more popular spots for travelers in the region. The gorgeous waterfalls, flora, and fauna make Zimbabwe a noteworthy destination.

3 Saint Petersburg, Russia

The reputation of Russia as a dangerous travel destination probably originated during the Putin era—and rightfully so. If you’re a journalist working to uncover the shady connections between private Russian industries and Putin, we’d highly recommend against going to Russia to do it. Other than that, the country contains many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the most distinctive artistic styles anywhere.

In contrast to the depictions in 1990s Hollywood shows, traveling to a big city in Russia isn’t all murder houses and dilapidated Soviet structures. If you do visit, make sure to see Saint Petersburg.^[8]

Although it’s safer to avoid any unknown parts of the city, Saint Petersburg is a cosmopolitan vacation spot that offers a variety of activities. In fact, many people from across Europe and the rest of the world call the city “home.” It sports some spectacular buildings and corners, so make sure to take your best camera.

2 China

China is often portrayed as a rogue state in the global media—and for good reasons. First, the country has the most internal surveillance of any nation. In fact, its citizens lack many freedoms that we take for granted. China is also becoming more militaristic and flexing its muscles in the region. As a result, most of us think that going to China will probably lead to our arrests—or worse.

In part, stark cultural differences between China and Western nations shape our beliefs that the Chinese are oppressed. But a visit to any major city in China will reveal that the country is one of the most technologically advanced in the world. It may soon become the first truly cashless society, if it isn’t already. In general, the Chinese don’t see the trade-off between freedom and economic prosperity as a bad thing, something you can only know when you go there.

Due to Western beliefs, we’ve isolated ourselves from a unique travel destination. With its futuristic cities, various landscapes, and more, China should be on the top of nearly everyone’s bucket list.^[9] (Of course, you’ll want to wait until the current coronavirus outbreak has run its course.)

1 Medellin, Colombia

When Pablo Escobar, the ruthless “king of cocaine,” was alive, Medellin was a particularly violent city. With one of the worst rates of gang-related murder in the world, Medellin was hardly anyone’s top pick as a travel spot. Although we can’t say that all violence has disappeared, we’ll still argue that the situation has improved substantially.

As for murder statistics, they have drastically declined in recent years. In 2018, for example, Medellin recorded about 24.75 murders per 100,000 residents, down from 375 per 100,000 in 1991 and 94.2 per 100,000 in 2009.

Of course, you still have to be careful in Medellin. But the city probably sounds scarier than it is due to the Netflix series Narcos. Some people even consider Medellin to be a “hipster holiday destination.” The city is imbued with a young entrepreneurial vibe that led to its designation as “the most innovative city in the world” in 2013.^[10]

About The Author: You can check out Himanshu’s stuff at Cracked and Screen Rant or get in touch with him for writing gigs.

If you have a bucket list of travel destinations you really want to visit, it’s probably a good idea to do it as soon as possible. Quite a few natural and cultural tourist spots from history are now permanently lost to time, thanks to factors like wars, natural disasters, and economic recessions. 

10. Wawona Tree, USA

Estimated to be over 2,100 years old at the time it fell, the Wawona Tree was a giant sequoia tree in California’s Yosemite National Park. It was perhaps the most famous tree in the region, thanks to a tunnel cut through its trunk back in 1881, turning it into a popular tourist destination. 

The Wawona Tree fell during a winter storm in 1969, after years of being weakened by reasons like heavy snow, wet soil, and disease. Despite standing for 88 years, the tree was eventually no longer able to support its own weight due to the heavy snowfall and strong winds of the winters. The tunnel didn’t help, either, as trees generally don’t do well with gaping holes in their trunks. When it fell, the Wawona tree was reportedly 234 feet tall, with a total base diameter of about 26 feet. 

9. Guaira Falls, Brazil And Paraguay

The Saltos del Guairá, also known as Guairá Falls, was often called one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Located on the Paraná River along the border of Brazil and Paraguay, it was also one of the largest waterfalls in the world, with a drop height of about 375 feet and twice the flow rate of Niagara falls. 

Guairá Falls were destroyed in 1982, when the Itaipu Dam was built on the river and the falls had to be flooded to make way for a reservoir. The rock face of the falls was later destroyed with dynamite to make navigation easier on the new river. A joint project between Brazil and Paraguay, the construction of the dam caused environmental damage and mass relocation of people living near the shore. On the other hand, the Itaipu Dam is now one of the largest dams in the world, producing about 75% of Paraguay’s electricity and about 20% of Brazil’s. 

8. Sutro Baths, USA

Sutro Baths was a large saltwater swimming pool complex in San Francisco, California. Built in 1894 by a former mayor of the city – Adolph Sutro – it was opened to the public in 1896, and soon became a landmark destination for the residents of the city. At its peak, the Sutro complex could hold up to 10,000 people, with a number of popular features like natural rock formations, slides, springboards, an ice rink, and other water-based attractions. 

Like a lot of businesses around the world, Sutro Baths fell into disuse some time during the economic depression of the 1920s and ’30s. It was hit by a number of factors, like the sudden rise of new entertainment options like cinema, changing public tastes, and the high cost of maintaining such a large facility. A 1966 fire destroyed what was left of the abandoned complex, though one can still visit some of its ruins at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in the San Francisco Bay. 

7. Pink And White Terraces, New Zealand

The pink and white terraces of New Zealand were natural wonders that existed until the late 19th century. They were a series of hot springs and geysers with various layers of silica deposited over time, creating large, multi-colored terraces on the shores of Lake Rotomahana in northern New Zealand. The terraces were first discovered by the native Maori people, who used them for bathing and healing purposes. They were estimated to be over 1,000 years old, and were a particularly popular tourist attraction around the world in the early 1800s.

Often considered one of the natural wonders of the world, the pink and white terraces remained popular until 1886, when the eruption of Mount Tarawera nearby dumped a huge amount of ash and debris on top of the terraces, permanently burying them underneath. While the region is still dotted with interesting features like geysers and fumaroles, the famous pink and white terraces of Lake Rotomahana now only exist in photographs and old travel accounts.

6. The Mausoleum At Halicarnassus, Turkey

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was a grand tomb in Halicarnassus – an ancient Greek city in modern-day Bodrum, Turkey. It was one of the most famous buildings of antiquity, built in the fourth century BC in the honor of Mausolus, the ruler of Caria, and his wife, Artemisia. It was designed by Greek architects Satyros and Pythius of Priene, and was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world due to its impressive architecture and design. 

The mausoleum stood for many centuries, until a series of earthquakes presumably destroyed it some time between the 12th and 15th centuries. Today, only a few fragments and ruins of the structure remain, like the four famous horse statues that once stood at the corners of the structure’s roof. Even after its destruction, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus remained a symbol of ancient-Greek artistic and architectural excellence, as its design has since inspired many buildings and other structures around the world. 

5. Original Penn Station, USA

The original Penn Station in midtown Manhattan was opened to the public in 1910. Designed by architect Charles McKim, it was an imposing Beaux-Arts structure with a 150-feet vaulted ceiling, a sweeping marble staircase, and ancient-Greek Doric columns. The station also housed a vast waiting room, a ticketing hall, and a vast network of underground tunnels and platforms that served more than 100 million passengers each year at its peak in 1945. 

While its grandeur and beauty made it an important architectural symbol of New York City, the original Penn Station was eventually demolished in 1963 due to financial problems. A new station was built in its place, along with a new complex called the Madison Square Garden, which is still used as a high-rise office and sports complex today. The new station still uses many of the features of the old one, including old tracks, tunnels, and platforms.

4. Disney’s River Country Water Park, USA

River Country was a water park in the Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. Opened in 1976, it was one of the first few parks themed around old-fashioned swimming holes, along with a slew of other attractions that soon turned it into a popular tourist spot. Some of the more popular rides at the park included the Whoop ‘n’ Holler water slide, the Barrel Bridge rope swing, and the Bay Cove swimming area. 

That would last until 2001, when the Disney River Country water park permanently shut its doors for visitors after about 25 years in operation. The reasons for the closure were never officially disclosed, but it’s widely believed to have been due to declining attendance and safety concerns. A slew of accidents during its last few years didn’t help, either. Today, the park sits abandoned and overgrown, with most of its rides and attractions left to decay and rust. 

3. The New York Hippodrome, USA

The Hippodrome was a massive theater on Sixth Avenue in New York City. Designed by architects Frederick Thompson and J. H. Morgan, it opened to the public in 1905, and quickly turned into an iconic cultural and tourist landmark of the city. Apart from its famous dome, the theater was known for its massive, 100-feet-wide stage, with a total seating capacity of about 5,200 people, as well as its state-of-the-art lighting and sound effects. At its peak, the Hippodrome hosted a variety of entertainment shows, including circuses, operas, vaudeville shows, and theatrical productions. 

Despite its importance as a cultural landmark, however, the New York Hippodrome was ultimately demolished in 1939, largely due to the economic slowdown caused by the Great Depression. The site remained vacant until 1952, when an office building and parking garage called the Hippodrome Center were built in its place. 

2. Love Locks Bridge, France

Pont des Arts, also called the ‘love locks’ bridge back when it existed, was a pedestrian bridge over the Seine River in Paris, France. It was famous for the thousands of padlocks attached to its railings by couples from around the world, turning it into a symbol of everlasting love for visiting tourists. 

As one would expect, the locks soon became a safety hazard for the residents of the city and tourists alike, as their ever-increasing weight caused lasting damage to the structural integrity of the bridge. The local movement to remove the locks gained traction in 2014, when a section of the railing collapsed due to the weight of the locks, resulting in widespread protests and demands to restore the bridge to its original condition. The locks were finally removed by the authorities in 2015, replacing them with glass panels for unobstructed views of the Seine and other Parisian landmarks. 

1. Jonah’s Tomb, Iraq

Jonah’s tomb, also known as Nebi Yunis, was a holy site located in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq. Believed to be the final resting place of the biblical prophet Jonah, who is revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the tomb was believed to have been built in the eighth century BC. Apart from being an important pilgrimage site for tourists from around the world for centuries, Jonah’s Tomb was also a symbol of the region’s cultural and religious diversity.

Sadly, the tomb was destroyed in July 2014, when ISIS captured Mosul and destroyed much of the cultural heritage of the city, as a part of its larger campaign to remove all traces of religious and historical diversity in the areas under its control. The destruction caused global outrage, and while many efforts have been made to rebuild the tomb in the years since, progress has been slow due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Although traveling for pleasure might not be possible at present, the global lockdown won’t last forever. Soon tourists will once again be flocking to popular destinations around the world.

These include cities such as New York, islands such as Hawaii, and old-world countries such as Italy, Spain, and Turkey. Each destination has unique factors or quirky characteristics that make them tourist magnets. On this list are 15 facts that might just inspire you to add a place or two to your travel bucket list.

10 Misconceptions About The ‘Most Dangerous’ Travel Destinations

15 Safest Place For Babies
Iceland

Iceland is known as the place of fire and ice because of its massive volcanoes and glaciers. However, it is also one of the safest countries on the planet.

Iceland has no army or air force. Due to the extremely low crime rate, their police officers don’t even carry firearms. It is so safe, in fact, that mothers leave their babies napping in strollers outside restaurants and shops while running their errands.^[1]

14 Fordlandia
Brazil

Brazil is well-known for the Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro, soccer superstars, and awesome carnivals. This makes for a very popular tourist destination.

However, some visitors to this beautiful country may not know that the remains of an industrial town called Fordlandia lie in the Amazon rain forest. The town was established by Henry Ford in 1928, and its inhabitants worked hard at harvesting rubber for use on Ford cars.^[2]

13 Saint Patrick Isn’t Quite Who He Seems
Ireland

Could it be that the most popular and well-known things about Ireland are beer and four-leaf clovers? The country also gave us the mega ’90s boy band, Westlife, and has the fourth biggest stadium in all of Europe.

Returning to the beer, however, it might be surprising to learn that Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick, is not Irish. He was from mainland Britain in what is widely believed to be modern Wales.

After being taken hostage by Irish pirates at age 16, he was taken to Ireland and kept imprisoned for six years before escaping. He spent the next 15 years as a priest and eventually returned to Ireland to serve as a missionary.^[3]

12 Money For Charity
Italy

Although most people know that Italy is the fifth most visited country on Earth and that thousands of tourists go to the Sistine Chapel every day, some fun things about this exceptionally popular destination are not as well-known.

For instance, around £1 million in change is thrown into the Trevi Fountain each year.^[4] The money is collected periodically and donated to charity. Two more fun facts: Batteries and eyeglasses were invented in Italy.

11 Post-a-Nut
Hawaii

The name “Hawaii” conjures up images of sipping cocktails on sparkling white beaches while gazing out over an aquamarine ocean. It inspires thousands of tourists to spark jealousy on Facebook and Instagram when posting pics of themselves having fun on some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

If you ever find yourself holidaying in Hawaii and you really want to rub it in your friends’ faces, you can mail them a coconut from the tiny Hoolehua Post Office on the island of Molokai. Yes, an actual coconut.

The Post-a-Nut program was created in 1991 and is still one of the most popular tourist activities. By 2016, around 3,000 coconuts were posted annually, with approximately 700 of those going to foreign countries. What’s more, the coconut is free of charge and customers only pay postage.^[5]

10 Forbidden Destinations That You’re Not Allowed To Visit

10 Einstein’s Eyeballs
New York City

New York City is called “The City That Never Sleeps.” It is the place where those with a dream to perform go to “make it” on Broadway. It is also home to Central Park, which receives the most visitors of any urban park in the US.

What might be lesser known, however, is that Albert Einstein’s eyeballs are stored in a safe-deposit box somewhere in the city. After an illegal autopsy was performed on Einstein’s body, his brain was divided into around 200 parts. His eyeballs were also removed and gifted to his eye doctor.

Sources vary as to whether the eye doctor was named Henry Adams or Henry Abrams. However, South Florida Sun Sentinel published an interview with Abrams in 1994, so we’ll go with that name here.

Abrams ensured that the eyeballs were placed in the unknown safe-deposit box. According to one source, the wily doctor died at age 97 in 2009.^[6]

9 Sand Galore
Dubai

The United Arab Emirates was gloriously showcased in both Geostorm (before disaster struck in the form of a tsunami in Dubai) as well as Furious 7 (before Vin Diesel flew a car through three high-rise buildings in Abu Dhabi). Dubai is home to more than 200 nationalities and welcomes millions of tourists each year. They flock to its artificial palm islands and other attractions.

The artificial palm islands contain enough sand to fill almost three Empire State buildings: 94 million cubic meters (3,320 million ft³). Approximately 3 billion cubic meters (106 billion ft³) of sand was dredged from the seafloor to start the first island back in 2001.^[7]

8 Baobab Bar
South Africa

Located at the southern point of the African continent, South Africa is popular among overseas tourists for its diverse wildlife, fantastic beaches, and fascinating culture. In Cape Town (aka the “Mother City”), you can visit an ancient castle or head over to the extremely popular V&A Waterfront for a bite to eat or a trip on a pirate ship. Not to mention traveling up Table Mountain in a cable car.

At Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, you can see a colony of at least 3,000 African penguins. In Bathurst in the Eastern Cape, you can visit a giant pineapple and learn more about the pineapple industry.

One of the quirkier places, however, is located in Modjadjiskloof, a small town in the province of Limpopo. Here, you can grab a drink (or two) inside a massive baobab tree. The Sunland Baobab Pub has been in existence since 1933 and can serve up to 15 visitors at a time.^[8]

7 Don’t Make A Mistake
Mexico

Mexico is well-known for its excellent food and, of course, tequila. The country has a dedicated commemoration day for their deceased. Known as The Day of the Dead, it has been depicted in many movies and TV series. Over 300 languages and dialects are spoken in Mexico, and it is home to the oldest university in North America.

If you ever go to Mexico and, for some reason, you’re invited to perform their national anthem, make sure you do it 100 percent correctly. The country’s government imposes fines on anyone who makes a mistake while performing the anthem.^[9] In some cases, a fine is not enough and the individual will have to apologize to the country for messing up.

6 Mythical National Animal
Scotland

Scotland is a magical place. A monster may even lurk in Loch Ness, which is located in the Scottish Highlands. The country is full of medieval castles and hallowed grounds. Men wear kilts and play bagpipes. And the Scottish accent is out of this world.

All in all, Scotland is like something from a fairy tale. It should come as no surprise then that its national animal is none other than the mythical unicorn.

Celtic mythology portrays the unicorn as a symbol of innocence and power. The unicorn symbol was first used on the Scottish royal coat of arms in the 12th century by William I.^[10]

Top 10 Spooky Travel Destinations

5 Sheep
New Zealand

There is a lot of quirkiness in New Zealand and a whole lot of awesome. Not only is the sheep-to-person ratio the highest in the world (around 5.6 sheep for each New Zealander), the country also once broadcast the weather report in the Elvish language in 2012 to celebrate the movie premiere of The Hobbit.^[11]

Although New Zealand has more land than the United Kingdom, New Zealand only has about 7 percent of the UK’s human population. The rest of New Zealand’s inhabitants are animals. No native snakes, though!

4 No Weird Baby Names Here
Germany

Germany is famous for the Oktoberfest, a great soccer team, sauerkraut, and awesome car brands. At Christmastime, the country sets up the most wonderful Christmas markets. There are also a multitude of historic castles to visit during the year.

On the weirder side, the German government does not allow first names for babies which do not make the gender of the child obvious. Consequently, the local registration office is allowed to deny the registration of names that don’t comply with the law.^[12]

3 Royal Vampire?
England

When most people think of England, tea and crumpets come to mind. However, there is so much more to the country than beverages and food. Besides the Beatles and red buses, England is known for royalty, Shakespeare, Wimbledon, Big Ben, Stonehenge, and much more.

What might be lesser known about the country’s history is that Queen Elizabeth II is distantly related to Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula.^[13]

Prince Charles spoke about the genealogy that showed the link between Vlad and his own mother in 2011. Naturally, it didn’t take long for conspiracies to take flight, with people suggesting that Queen Elizabeth looks so good for her age because she is in fact . . . yup, you guessed it, a vampire.

2 Alpaca Lunch
Peru

Peru’s tourism is picking up, with its tourism board predicting in 2017 that around seven million visitors would be welcomed to the country in 2021. Peru is world-famous for the iconic Machu Picchu site and the Sacred Valley. Its capital, Lima, offers great markets and amazing food. Tourists can even take cruises that include excursions to ancient Inca ruins.

A fun fact about Peru: Out of the estimated 4.4 million alpacas in the world, around 87 percent of them can be found here.^[14] Alpacas are said to be incredibly friendly and can even be house-trained. Another fantastic animal to be found here is the largest flying bird on the planet: the giant Andean condor.

1 The Longest Name
Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the most visited destinations in the world. Tourists flock here to take in the sight of the Wat Arun (“The Temple of Dawn”), the Grand Palace, Sky Bar, the Bang Krachao gardens, the statue of a three-headed elephant, and so much more.

A fun fact about Bangkok is that the locals call it Krung Thep (“City of Angels”), but its full name is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

It is officially the longest name of any city in the world.^[15]

5 Awesome Radioactive Tourism Spots That’ll Leave You Glowing

Earlier this year an article made the rounds that listed the most visited locations in the world. The Blue Lagoon in Iceland opened the list at number nine and the number one spot was taken by the Niagara Falls that is located in the US and Canada. The falls are estimated to host at least 30 million tourists every year (barring 2020 of course).

However, sometimes you might just not be in the mood for crowds or sights that have been splashed all over magazine double page spreads several times. Instead, you might just be in the mood to travel to a place where thousands of people don’t gather at one time. A place most people might never even have heard of.

If you want to travel to a destination with a difference for your next vacation break, why not consider one of the hidden gems on this list? The below photographs may just convince you.

10 Photographs With Haunting Backstories

10 Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas

Referred to as a Texas cenote, Hamilton Pool Preserve is an emerald green natural swimming hole that was created when an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago. A waterfall flows into the pool and it is surrounded by massive slabs of limestone. The pool is part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and has been a protected nature preserve since 1990. While it has been a popular swimming hole for Texas residents and visitors for quite a long time, it remains a hidden gem location in the US, as most tourists seem to prefer the larger and busier destinations.^[1]

9 The Sunken Garden, Australia

Around 40 million years ago the southeast corner of South Australia was submerged under water. Limestone layers were formed on the seabed and it eventually ‘erupted’ from the sea. Over the millennia that passed, water erosion led to the formation of subterranean caves in the now exposed limestone which opened up when their ceilings collapsed. These sinkholes numbered more than 50 in the region.

In 1886, a farmer by the name of James Umpherston bought a piece of land that included one of the sinkholes. He decided to ‘green it up’ by planting it out and called the hole “The Caves.” These days the sinkhole is known as the Umpherston Sinkhole or The Sunken Garden and is a lush green space with a round view to the blue sky above. Those who have visited the garden call it ‘a magical place’ and ‘like something out of a fairy tale.’^[2]

8 Alberto de Agostini National Park, Chile

The Alberto de Agostini National Park in the third largest national park in the whole of Chile. It is only accessible by boat and one of the most remote and unspoiled parts of Patagonia. The park also marks the end of the Andes Mountains as they dip into the ocean surrounding it. Here you will find massive glaciers, the subpolar Magellanic forest, elephant seal colonies, Chilean dolphins and even Andean condors.^[3]

7 Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya

Don’t let the name put you off: Hell’s Gate National Park is a fantastic holiday destination that includes a spectacular landmark called Fischer’s Tower. The tower is a volcanic plug named after the German explorer Gustav Fischer. Local folklore has it that the tower is in fact a young Masai girl who was instantly turned to stone after turning around to look at the home she was leaving behind, while on her way to the man she was to marry.

Other than the tower, the park is also home to Hell’s Gate Gorge, lions, cheetahs, leopards, vultures, zebra, antelope and more. Fitting, given that the setting for the 1994 film, The Lion King, was based on the look of the park.^[4]

6 Lake Morskie Oko, Poland

Poland is a popular tourist destination amongst history and art lovers because of its medieval architecture and WWII history. Those who travel to this beautiful country can visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Camps in Oswiecim, the Warsaw Old Market Place, and the stunning Crooked Forest in Gryfino.

If you are looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-track however, Poland is also the location where you will find Morskie Oko or “Eye of the Sea.” Morskie Oko is a lake deep within the Tatra National Park which changes color throughout the year, transforming from a deep blue shade to a light, turquoise color. Surrounding the lake are mountains and Swiss pines, which makes for a picture-perfect holiday setting.^[5]

10 Stories Behind Incredible Pulitzer Prize–Winning Photographs

5 Split Apple Rock, New Zealand

If you’re looking for both quirky and stunning holiday destinations, New Zealand has it all and more. Here you will find the mysterious Moeraki boulders, Teapotland, Stonehenge Aotearoa and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

In Tasman Bay, off the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand, you will find Tokangawh? or Split Apple Rock. Legend has it that millions of years ago, the gods were fighting over a golden apple. In the struggle to grab hold of the fruit, it slipped from their hands, fell from heaven to earth and split open when it landed. It then turned to stone. Another legend has that the gods were fighting over a boulder and their tugging from either end, caused the rock to split.

The rock, which truly does resemble a split apple, in fact split because water that seeped through its cracks froze and then expanded. It squats around 50m into the ocean off the coast of the Tasman sea and is accessible by wading into the water during low tide.^[6]

4 Yakushima Island, Japan

Yakushima is a subtropical island that forms part of the Kagoshima Prefecture. Here you will find some of Japan’s oldest living trees inside a massive cedar forest, some of which are older than 7000 years. Some of the areas on the island have been declared National World Heritage Sites in 1993. The Shiratani Unsui-kyo Ravine is a big draw for the adventurous as it is a beautiful place to hike. Some of the trails can be completed in a single hour while other trails inside the ravine can take up to six hours to complete. It rains almost every day, but that doesn’t take away from the exceptional beauty of the island where you will also find rare plants and animals, including the Yaku monkey.^[7]

3 Floating Church, India

Ruins are always intriguing no matter where you find yourself in the world. In the village of Shettihalli in the Hassan district of Karnataka in India, lie the ruins of the Gothic-style Rosary Church that was built during the 1860s. Each year during the monsoons, between July and October, the church is half-submerged making it look like the structure is floating. The area in which the church stands is very remote so you will have to bring your own food if you want to have a picnic nearby.^[8]

2 Fort St. John the Baptist, Portugal

The Berlengas archipelago is made up of Berlenga Grande, which is the largest island, and two groups of smaller islets; the Estelas Inlets and the Farilhões-Forcados Islets. Only a small number of tourists are allowed here as it has been declared a reservation area for the protection of local fauna.

On Berlenga Grande stands the imposing Fort of the Berlengas, also known as Fort St. John the Baptist. The fort was constructed out of what remained of an old, abandoned monastery and built in the 17th century. In the 1950s it was used as a Pousada (government-owned hotel) and was eventually deserted after the 1974 revolution. Today it makes for an awesome tourist attraction and stunning snapshots.^[9]

1 Naeroyfjord, Norway

Speaking of stunning photographs, if you’re looking for the ultimate ‘Instagramable’ holiday destination, you will not be disappointed with the Naeroyfjord in Norway. The fjord is surrounded by colossal mountains on either side, as well as waterfalls and snowfields. The Naeroyfjord is around twenty kilometres in length and its shallowest point is 12 meters deep. It is an extension of the Sognefjord and is one of the narrowest fjords in Europe: 250 meters wide at its narrowest point.

There is a passenger boat for visitors all year round, as well as charter boats and cruiseships during certain times of the year. The fjord is a Unesco World Heritage site and has unsurprisingly been used as the inspiration for the fictional town of Arendelle in the hugely popular animated film: Frozen.^[10]

10 Calm Photographs With Awful Backstories

Darkness falls early in Britain. Its ancient history is rich with murder, disease, and natural disasters, which makes it the perfect destination for dark and macabre tours—if you dare.

Stroll through the streets of London where serial killers have stalked their prey and thousands were killed by plague, fire, and wartime bombs. Travel to the countryside where Norman churches reveal gruesome secrets and medieval towns hide shameful pasts. While many seek only to walk in the steps of Jack the Ripper or visit the Tower of London to check of their “dark tourism” box, many other dark places can be experienced.

Let’s embrace the misery along with the rain and take a trip around some of the creepiest places in Britain.

Related: Top 10 Famous Haunted Landmarks You Didn’t Know Were Haunted

10 Lord Lucan’s House

The first stop on our list is 46 Lower Belgrave Street, a six-story house in the exclusive London borough of Westminster. In 1974, it was home to Richard John Bingham, the 7th Earl of Lucan, and his wife, Veronica.

The couple separated and became locked in a bitter custody battle, and Lady Lucan remained on the property with their children. On November 7, their nanny Sandra Rivett entered the dark basement and was bludgeoned to death with a lead pipe. When Lady Lucan went to investigate, she was also attacked in the dark. However, she was able to escape to the nearby Plumbers Arms pub, soaked in blood and badly injured.

Rivett’s body was found in the basement, stuffed into a mail sack with a bloody footprint next to it. Lucan vanished into the night; the only clue was a length of bandaged lead pipe found inside his car, which had been dumped miles away. An inquest ruled that Lucan was most likely the murderer—having mistaken Rivett for his wife in the gloomy basement.

Lucan’s body has never been found, but over the years, sightings of him have been reported from India and Africa. Rivett’s son believes he is an elderly Buddhist man living in Australia. Lord Lucan was officially declared dead in 1999.^[1]

9 Beachy Head

Beachy Head is the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, with stunning views across the south coast. Tourists flock to the cliffs for walks and picnics, but the area has gained global notoriety for darker reasons. The cliffs stand 162 meters (530 feet) above sea level, making it a very effective spot for suicide.

It is so popular that 500 people have died here since 1965. Not all these deaths have been by suicide; some have perished in cars plunging over the edge, others have been murdered. Many have slipped and fallen over the crumbling cliff edge while posing for photos.

In June 2018, three bodies—all unrelated—were found below the cliffs in one day. People from around the world have traveled here to end their life, with tourists—either unwittingly or intentional—visiting the scene of these self-inflicted or nefarious deaths. Volunteers regularly patrol the area and rescue around 500 desperate people a year from the cliffs.^[2]

8 Ruth Ellis

Ruth Ellis was the last woman to be hanged in Britain, aged 28. On Easter Sunday 1955, Ruth followed former lover David Blakely to the Magdala pub in Hampstead. As he left the building, Ruth stepped out from a doorway, took a gun from her purse, and fired two shots into Blakely. She walked over to his prone body and fired two additional shots. Then she calmly asked bystanders to call the police.

Police investigating the cold-blooded murder revealed a relationship of violence and abuse. However, the law at the time did not allow for the abuse—including a few trips to the hospital and a miscarriage likely from a punch to the stomach—to factor in her trial and reduce the charge from murder to manslaughter. She was convicted and hanged. Public outcry and protest eventually led to abolishing the death penalty in Britain.

As the aftermath of the crime still lingers, so does the location. The Magdala is a favorite on the dark tourism trail, mainly due to the bullet holes still visible in the pub walls. Rumor has it, though, that they were added with a drill in the 1990s as a way to increase visitor numbers.^[3]

7 St. Leonard’s Church, Hythe

Hythe is a sleepy town on the Kent Coast and home to St. Leonard’s Church, built around 1090. Deep in its crypt, you will find over 1000 human skulls and a stack of bones. Historians estimate that these are the remains of 4000 people—but no one knows why they are there.

The crypt, known as “The Bonehouse” or “Ossuary,” is rumored to house victims of the Black Death, murdered Vikings, or shipwrecked pirates. As the bones are mainly female, they are believed to be from locals whose bodies were exhumed and re-housed in the church during building works carried out in the 13th century.

A polite note rests next to the bones asking visitors not to disturb the 700-year-old residents. In 2018, thieves smashed a lock and stole 21 skulls from the collection. They have never been recovered.^[4]

6 Canvey Island

Canvey Island in Essex is made up of land reclaimed from the Thames Estuary and lies just above sea level. On January 31, 1953, a massive storm hit the North Sea, causing a tidal surge that burst through the sea wall surrounding Canvey.

Flood water poured into the island, trapping residents in their homes. Many climbed onto the roofs for safety, where they died due to shock and hypothermia. Others died from heart attacks or drowned in the rising waters. Fifty-nine people lost their lives, and 13,000 were evacuated. The sea wall, previously made from little more than earth and grass, has been replaced by solid flood barriers.

Today, Canvey Island is a haven for birds and rare insects alongside a memorial to the flood victims.^[5]

5 Lancaster Castle and the Pendle Witches

Britain in the early 1700s was a place of fear and suspicion as King James began a campaign of terror to rid the country of witches. The remote village of Pendle in Lancashire became a hotspot when a local woman, Alizon Device, was accused of witchcraft. She was begging at the roadside when a traveling salesman refused to give her some pins, and as she cursed him, he fell to the ground and became paralyzed.

Villagers accused Alizon of being a witch and arrested her along with several members of prominent local families. They were held in the dungeons of Lancaster Castle on various charges, including old unsolved murders.

The trial of the Pendle Witches took place in August 1612. The star witness was 9-year-old Jennet Device, who gave evidence against her own mother, Elizabeth. Ten people were sentenced to death, dragged past the jeering crowds, and hanged on gallows high up on the windswept moors surrounding the castle.

Today you can visit the eerily atmospheric Lancaster Castle or venture to nearby St. Mary’s Church and see the grave of Alice Nutter, one of the accused. The church has an “evil eye” in its turret to ward off malevolent spirits.^[6]

4 The Blind Beggar Pub

The Kray Twins—Ronnie and Reggie—were infamous criminals who controlled London’s underworld in the 1960s. Together with their gang “The Firm,” they committed armed robberies and ran protection rackets, controlling local businesses through fear.

George Cornell was a member of a rival gang, The Richardsons, who had been involved in a shoot-out with a known Kray associate. On March 9, 1966, Cornell arrived at The Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel, East London—seen as being Kray “territory”—and settled onto a bar stool. Word quickly got to Ronnie Kray, who walked into the pub, fired a single shot into Cornell’s forehead with a 9mm Luger, then strolled out toward a waiting car.

It took three years for Kray to be sentenced to life for the murder as no witnesses came forward. Today, The Blind Beggar is a thriving East End pub, and a pool table now stands in the spot where Cornell was gunned down.^[7]

3 Hampton Court Palace

The Tower of London is the capital’s most ghoulish attraction—many people were murdered within its walls. But there is another London palace with a strange and murky past.

Hampton Court Palace is located just outside London and was home to Henry VIII and his assortment of six wives. Third wife Jane Seymour died here in 1573, days after giving birth. Her shadowy figure has been seen lingering on the Silverstick Stairs, leading to the room where she died.

Fifth wife, teenager Catherine Howard was arrested for adultery and dragged screaming through the Palace grounds to meet her executioner at the Tower of London.

After dark, you may hear the faint sound of a spinning wheel from behind a wall, said to belong to the “Grey Lady,” a loyal servant to four Tudor monarchs.^[8]

2 10 Rillington Place

An ordinary street in Notting Hill, London, has had several name changes. Now Bartle Road, formerly Ruston Close and most famously, Rillington Place. John Christie lived at number 10, and it was here that he gassed and strangled eight women, including his wife. Their bodies were hidden behind the kitchen walls, under floorboards, and in the garden. Timothy Evans, who lived in rooms upstairs, was wrongly found guilty and hanged for the murders of his wife and daughter—after Christie had killed them.

The other bodies were found behind a wall when Christie moved out, and the new tenants attempted to put up shelves.

Christie was hanged in 1953, and the address changed names before finally being demolished in 1978. During Christie’s reign of terror, the street was a slum, but it is now one of the most desirable areas of London. Bartle Close and Andrews Square were later built on top of the site to cover the burial ground.^[9]

1 23 Cranley Gardens

Once dubbed the “House of Horrors,” 23 Cranley Gardens sits in a leafy North London street. Serial killer Denis Nilsen lived here and murdered at least three young men in the tiny attic flat.

Unlike at his first property, where he had killed nine men, Nilsen did not have access to an outside space in order to burn the bodies. Instead, he began a complicated process of boiling body parts and flushing them down the toilet. Eventually, they blocked the drains. Police were called when plumbers found human flesh, and Nilsen calmly confessed to 12 murders. Denis Nilsen was sentenced to life imprisonment and died in 2018.

The property has changed hands several times, with potential buyers being urged to research its history before viewing.^[10]

Someone who is enjoying a book, a song, a movie, or a television show is enriching his or her inner world by imagining new physical, intellectual, and emotional possibilities. Sometimes, however, the world a person creates in his or her art isn’t imaginary at all. All of the places on this list are actual places that a tourist could visit. All of them have been popularized because of their associations with certain books, music, movies, and television shows.

10. Graceland (Home Of Elvis Presley)

When the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, bought his Memphis estate, Graceland, in 1957 it was one of the most costly properties in the area. Unable to afford the expense of caring for the estate after Elvis’ death, Elvis’ former wife, Priscilla Presley, opened it to the public in 1982. Now, roughly 600,000 people visit Graceland each year to pay homage to their favorite rock and roll royalty.

Graceland is a tourist destination because of its sociocultural significance. Elvis spent 20 years of his life there. However, Graceland also has artistic significance, as it has served as a muse for successful songwriters. In “Walking In Memphis,” singer/songwriter Marc Cohn sings about seeing the ghost of Elvis Presley while touring Graceland. In “Graceland,” a song from an album of the same name, singer/songwriter Paul Simon sings about the creative and personal redemption he finds while visiting his idol’s home.

9. Lyme Park And Sudbury Hall (Pride And Prejudice)

Mr. Darcy, the hero of Jane Austen’s 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice, was mentioned more in 1995 than at any time since 1900. This is partially because when screen and teleplay writer Andrew Davies adapted the novel into a six hour miniseries for the BBC, he put a handsome face to the famous name.

When the novel’s heroine, Elizabeth Bennet (played by Jennifer Ehle in the miniseries) tours the estate of Mr. Darcy (played by Colin Firth), whose marriage proposal she has rejected because she thinks him haughty, she realizes that the man she has turned down is very well endowed… with property. His estate, Pemberley, consists of lush woodlands and a stately manor. When they unexpectedly meet at Pemberley, Elizabeth and Darcy better understand both each other and the nature of their own romantic feelings.

The Pemberley of the 1995 miniseries is actually two places. The exterior shots of Pemberley were filmed at Lyme Park in the Peak District in Cheshire. When the cast and crew were ready to film the interior shots for Pemberley, Lyme Park — which is open to the public — was no longer available. The interior shots for Pemberley, including the elegant, long gallery, were shot in Sudbury Hall, an estate in Derbyshire. Tour guide Maddy Hall says that when she takes tourists who are using P and P Tours to Lyme Hall, she doesn’t go inside herself. She wants to keep her vision of Pemberley (literally) intact. Says Hall, “In our minds we think we have seen Jennifer Ehle [as Elizabeth Bennet] looking out of the windows and seeing the lake [on the grounds of Pemberley] – but in fact it’s all down to skillful editing.”

8. Middle-earth (The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy)

While he was writing the The Lord of the Rings, British fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien meticulously created the vivid details of Middle-earth, the setting for his trilogy. Tolkien produced a colorful, annotated map of Middle-earth, now housed in the Bodleian Libraries at Oxford University. Tolkien also made sketches of his fantasy realm.

When movie director Peter Jackson acquired the rights for his movies based on Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he knew exactly which location would best represent Middle-earth: Jackson’s homeland, New Zealand. Jackson used 150 locations in New Zealand during the making of his movies. Each movie in the trilogy grossed an average of $970 million, and the third film was the highest grossing film for 2003. New Zealand embraces its identity as Middle-earth in its tourism marketing. On its tourism website, it’s called “the perfect Middle-earth.” Many people must see New Zealand’s sloping hills, majestic mountains, and limpid bodies of water as the perfect features for Middle-earth. Roughly 47,000 Tolkien fans per year visit film locations in New Zealand.

7. The Empire State Building (King Kong)

Since it opened in 1931, the Empire State Building has been featured in over 250 movies. One of the building’s earliest scene-stealing cameos was in the 1933 movie King Kong. In the film, the behemoth ape King Kong escapes from an exhibit and kidnaps the character portrayed by Fay Wray, with whom he is smitten. He carries her to the top of the Empire State Building, where she’s rescued when the gorilla is shot repeatedly by airplane gunners.

In 1933, the scene served as an homage to the sociocultural relevance of the (relatively new) Empire State Building. In 2019, the Empire State Building paid an homage to the film. As part of $165 million worth of renovations, designers built a gallery with interactive exhibits on the second floor of the world-famous tower. As visitors walk through a 1930s newsroom, King Kong’s fingers pierce the walls as he dangles from the rooftop, dodging airplanes. In another exhibit, visitors can step into King Kong’s arms.

6. The Iron Throne (Game Of Thrones)

A Song of Ice and Fire, the fantasy series author George R.R. Martin began writing in 1991, hasn’t been completed yet. The HBO series based on Martin’s books, however, premiered in 2011 and ended in 2019. The series earned 12 Emmy awards for its final season, the most wins for any individual show. The finale was watched by over 13 million viewers, the most viewers for any HBO show, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Since the show was filmed in 10 countries, fans of both the books and the miniseries have many tourist destinations from which to choose. Arguably, the most contested site in the series is King’s Landing, home of the Iron Throne that inspires the brutal succession “game” that gives the series its title. In 2019, HBO hid six Iron Thrones throughout the world and awarded prizes to fans who found them using clues posted on the Game of Thrones Twitter account. The scenes in King’s Landing featuring the “real” Iron Throne — the one built by the show’s set designers — were filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia. In 2015, the mayor of Dubrovnik claimed HBO was gifting the Iron Throne to his city. HBO denied the mayor’s claim. Dubrovnik does not have the Iron Throne yet, but it does have a museum honoring Game of Thrones.

5. Llanddewi Brefi (Little Britain)

One of the recurring characters on Matt Lucas and David Walliams‘ 2003 BBC sketch comedy television series, Little Britain, is Daffyd (a misspelling of the Welsh “Dafydd”) Thomas, a flamboyant, inexperienced youth who doggedly insists he’s the only gay man in his village of Llanddewi Brefi, Wales.

The sketches are actually shot in Buckinghamshire, England. Still, the popularity of Lucas’ character has strengthened the tourism industry in Llanddewi Brefi. Shop owner Neil Driver, who owns Siop Brefi in partnership with his wife, Glesni, says tourists come to have their photos taken while they’re standing in front of the sign at the town’s entrance, and sometimes they steal the signs. In 2005, Driver told Wales News he had sold roughly 40 shirts with a line from one of Daffyd’s sketches on them to visiting tourists.

4. Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

Sam Wallaston, a television critic for the British newspaper The Guardian, called Julian Fellowes’ series Downton Abbey “a posh soap opera [but] a pretty bloody splendid posh soap opera.” The series dramatizes the interpersonal relationships of the Crawley family, the owners of the estate Downton Abbey, and the servants who attend the Crawleys. The Crawleys’ story also intersects with important sociocultural and sociopolitical events in England at the turn of the 20th century.

Highclere Castle is where the interior shots (most notably the dining hall, the entrance room, and the staircase) and the exterior shots for the series were filmed. In a way, Highclere Castle is the titular character, since the show is named for the Crawleys’ estate. The popularity of the show has increased the popularity of Highclere Castle, Downton Abbey’s real world counterpart. George “Geordie” Herbert, the eighth earl of Carnarvon and Lady Fiona Carnarvon, who own Highclere Castle, say the tourism created by the show has assisted them in paying for the castle’s necessary repairs. As of 2015, 1,250 tourists per day visited Highclere Castle. In 2019, Airbnb offered two sweepstakes winners an overnight stay in order to promote the newly released Downton Abbey movie.

3. King’s Cross Station (Harry Potter)

In 2018, author J.K. Rowling’s seven book Harry Potter series became the bestselling book series in history. Rowling’s series has sold over five hundred million copies worldwide. Rowling’s work is appealing — especially for her most devoted fans — partially because of how deftly she depicts Hogwarts, the wizard training school where Harry seeks to master his craft.

In the book, Harry travels to Hogwarts by taking the train at platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station. Boarders must reach the platform by running through a brick wall between platforms nine and ten. At the actual King’s Cross Station, platforms nine and ten are separated by tracks. Luckily for Harry Potter fans, there is still a platform 9 ¾… sort of. A luggage trolley is embedded in a wall in the station concourse. Above the trolley is a sign that says Platform 9 ¾. Tourists may have professional photos taken grasping the trolley. A nearby gift shop offers tourists the option to further personalize the photo by wearing a scarf in the Hogwarts house colors of their choice. The photo and the scarf are available for purchase. King’s Cross Station’s platform 9 ¾ welcomes over one million visitors each year. Rowling, for her part, said she immediately knew she would locate platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station, because it has emotional significance for her. Her parents met on a trolley there.

2. The Hollywood Sign

In 1923, Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler invested in an upscale housing development. The housing development was called Hollywoodland. In order to advertise, Chandler bought 45-foot high white letters that spelled out the name of his development, located on the south side of Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills. He anchored the letters to telephone poles, and attached a total of 4,000 illuminated lights to his lettering.

The word “land” was removed from the sign in 1949, long after Hollywoodland had gone out of business. The sign has received regular maintenance checks since the 1970s, and its sociocultural significance continues to be confirmed. The Hollywood sign, or at least a studio set replica of it, has appeared in over a dozen movies.

1. Abbey Road (The Beatles)

When rock and roll’s most famous quartet, The Beatles, crossed Abbey Road in the cover photo for their 1969 album of the same name, they elevated the significance of their recording studio, Abbey Road Studios. Now linked inextricably with the success of a band ranked Number One in the 2010 Rolling Stone list “100 Greatest Artists,” Abbey Road is a symbolic home for any musical artist who desires creative freedom.

Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, and Adele, for example, have recently recorded at Abbey Road Studios. While Abbey Road Studios isn’t open for tours, Abbey Road Crossing — the crossing on The Beatles’ album cover — is usually crowded with tourists taking photographs.

The world is full of beautiful places and cultures one must explore if they can. Sadly, you’d have to hurry, as quite a few of them are currently at a real risk of disappearing due to a variety of factors, primarily climate change. Apart from being amazing tourist spots, many of these are also iconic tourist destinations we’ve grown up reading about, including the Great Wall of China, Madagascar, and Venice.  

10. The Great Wall Of China

The Great Wall of China is said to be the only thing visible from space, even if that isn’t entirely true. Regardless, it’s an impressive structure running for about 5,500 miles. Instead of a single, continuous wall, it’s actually made up of multiple walls – some of them parallel to each other – originally meant to keep the nomadic invaders from the north out. While the original wall was built some time in the 3rd century BC, subsequent rulers continued to add to it. The Great Wall of China’s most well-preserved part could be traced back to the Ming era (1368-1644).

As of now, the wall is in a bad shape, thanks to wear and tear caused by continuous exposure to wind and rain, along with plants growing in the walls that have accelerated the damage. Over the years, about 30% of the wall has been lost. With the climate getting more extreme and unpredictable over time, the Great Wall of China may not survive for much longer, bringing an end to one of the oldest historical sites in the world. 

9. The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef in Australlia is easily one of the wonders of the natural world, as anyone who has actually seen it would tell you. Spread across an area of over 133,000 square miles off the coast of Queensland, it’s the largest system of coral reefs in the world. Apart from being a diving attraction, coral reefs are immensely important for the marine ecosystem, providing a home to about one-fourth of all marine species. 

That’s why if we were to lose all the coral in the world overnight, it’d be catastrophic on multiple fronts. Sadly, that may already be happening.. Over the years, the Great Barrier Reef has lost a huge chunk of its coral population to rising temperatures, something that has only got worse with time. A severe marine heat wave further exacerbated the damage, destroying nearly 50% of its diverse – and rather colorful – coral population. 

According to a 2019 report by the United Nations, we may lose about 70% – 90% of all coral reefs on Earth if the temperature rises by just 0.9 degrees Celcius (33.62 degrees Fahrenheit). Experts believe that at that rate, the Great Barrier Reef may completely disappear by 2050.

8. Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy is also known as the Floating City or the City of Bridges, thanks to its unique and vast network of interconnected canals. Except one main road, a few side streets, and small bridges, alleys and walking paths, waterways remain the only way to explore Venice, making it one of the most unique travel experiences one can have. 

As of now, though, Venice is going through multiple problems that threaten its long-term survival. The biggest one is global warming, as rising sea levels have already started to submerge parts of it. Floods are also getting more frequent and severe; a 2019 flood managed to put about 70% of the city underwater.

A recent study found that in addition to the drowning, entire parts of the city are sinking at an alarming rate, too. If that wasn’t enough, they also found that many buildings in the city are gradually tilting towards the East.

7. The Amazon Rainforest

Recently, a study reported that the Amazon – easily the largest rainforest in the world – is now releasing more carbon dioxide than it absorbs. It may sound surprising, though looking at the number of forest fires in the region in the past few years, as well as other climate trends throughout the world, scientists knew that it would happen sooner or later. They just didn’t know it would happen so soon. 

As of now, fires are still ongoing across the Amazon region, and the current fire season is expected to be even more destructive than the last. While there are many causes for the fires – including reduced precipitation levels in recent years – many activists and local news reports have blamed the beef and farming industries operating in the region for forcibly clearing the forest. 

6. Patagonia

The Patagonia region lies on the southern side of South America, including territory governed by Argentina and Chile. While it may not feature on most mainstream travel lists floating around on the Internet, for the offbeat traveller, the vast region offers a variety of pristine natural landscapes to explore, including the Andes, fjords, lakes, deserts and steppes.  

Unfortunately, Patagonia also happens to be one of the frontiers of the fight against climate change, especially in its high-altitude parts in the Andes. Its ice fields – once one of the largest ice caps on the continent – are melting at an alarming rate, and we’re not entirely sure why. Patagonia’s ice cover is generally receding at a faster rate than most places, and at this rate, it may be completely gone within a few decades. 

5. Bordeaux, France

You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to know that the Bordeaux region in France is synonymous with fine wine. For centuries, wineries in Bordeaux have been some of the largest producers of wine in the world, as demand for the beverage has remained consistently high throughout its history. It’s also a major source of tourism for the region, as it attracts wine enthusiasts from around the world. 

With changing times, though, all of that may change very soon. As weather patterns start affecting production in major wine-producing regions of the world, Bordeaux is one of the worst affected. Extreme weather conditions like early frost aren’t helping, either. By some estimates, Bordeaux  – along with places like Napa Valley in California – will stop being a major wine producer in the next fifty years.

4. Madagascar

Madagascar is an island located off the south-eastern coast of Africa, and is considered to be one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Over 11,000 species are endemic to the island – which means they’re only found in Madagascar – and research teams still find entirely new species almost every time they visit. For outdoor and nature enthusiasts, it’s one of the best destinations one could ask for.

In the past few years, however, deforestation and overharvesting has caused a big chunk of the rainforest to disappear, along with its diverse wildlife – for one example, a study found that the lemur population of the island is declining alarmingly fast. 

Extensive research on the region remains limited, though from what we know, Madagascar’s rainforest may be at a real risk of disappearing in the next few decades if global warming and deforestation continue at the same rate.

3. Glacier National Park

We’ve long known that the permanent ice caps around the world would be the one of the first places affected by climate change, and we can already see it in action. From the Andes to the Arctic to the Himalayas, glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate, and we don’t even understand its full effects, yet.

In the United States, Glacier National Park in Montana is perhaps the worst affected. One of USA’s original national parks, it’s still one of the best places you can go to for skiing anywhere in the world, not just the US. 

According to a count done back when the park was founded in 1910, it had around 100 massive glaciers. Now, barely a couple of them could even be called glaciers. Between 1966 and 2015, some of the largest glaciers in the park may have lost up to 80% of their area. With temperatures only going upward around the world, that’s expected to accelerate in the coming years.

2. The Maldives

Ever since the first climate reports came out, we’ve known that Maldives would be the first country to be affected by rising sea levels. It’s the lowest-lying country in the world, with over 80% of its islands sitting less than 1 meter above sea level. 

As the seas are now rising at a rate of close to four millimeters per year, Maldives is already at a risk of completely disappearing within the next few decades. As per one study done by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes, they’re expected to rise by half a meter by 2100 even if we sharply reduce carbon emissions. If we don’t, they can rise by up to one meter, effectively drowning the entire country.

1. Sundarbans

Sundarbans is a vast area of mangrove forests situated in India and Bangladesh. A few protected areas inside the region are even classified as UNESCO heritage sites, owing to the sheer diversity of the flora and fauna found there. 

In the past few years, though, the mangroves of Sundarbans have seen unprecedented deforestation and damage to the local ecosystem. That’s a problem, as the mangroves keep the violent waters of the Bay of Bengal at… well, bay. Now, rising tides affect larger parts of the region for longer parts of the year, severely affecting the many unique plants and animals that call it home, including the Bengal Tiger. At this rate, the forests – one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world – may disappear within a few decades.