Up and coming places to visit

Do you ever get bored of the same old holiday destinations? The more adventurous of us may be keen to explore some of less-travelled regions of the earth and there are so many incredible places to see. Less explored places such as the Canadian lakes or the local cultures of New Zealand are perfect examples of great experiences that differ from typical beach holidays. Check out the list below for some inspiration when it comes to deciding where to go for your next holiday…

Canada

Canada was highlighted in a recent Antler infographic about glamorous getaways as being the perfect destination for nature lovers. Incredible misty mountains, large lakes and lots of untouched landscape, Canada offers a unique travel experience.

For those who love everything entertaining, Toronto boasts fantastic restaurants, shopping opportunities and the famous Toronto Symphony Orchestra. With great restaurants around every turn, these two cities offer not only a holiday for you, but for your taste buds too. Traditional dishes include Butter Tart and Tourtière.

Canada is a secret piece of the world where people can get up close and personal with nature, or explore one of Canada’s exceptional cities.

New Zealand

Explore the setting of Middle Earth in the wonderful country of New Zealand. The location was chosen for the Lord of the Rings films because of its spectacular scenery and colourful landscape. Visitors are able to visit this world famous location and can even set foot in the homes of the hobbits. New Zealand is still relatively overlooked on many travel lists; despite the country boasting many highlights such as the Auckland Museum, Tawharanui Regional Park and the Auckland Art Gallery.Māori culture is a big part of New Zealand history and life, and you can visit the tribal meeting ground to learn about this culture, hear the songs they would sing and meet the Māori people. If you want to experience something thrilling whilst in New Zealand, you could always try bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown, something definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Armenia

Armenia is close to the famous Mount Ararat. The area has much to offer, with rocky highlands, green forests and the famous Lake Sevan. Armenia has been left almost completely untouched by tourists and therefore there are many remote regions to explore in the country such as Vayots Dzor and Syunik. Armenia also contains wonderful art culture experiences such as the State Museum of Armenian History, Holy See of Etchmiadzin and many monasteries.

The Monastery of Geghard is one of the most incredible architectural places to visit. Much of the monastery is carved from stone and it pays true testament to Armenian medieval culture. If you want to experience even more culture when in Armenia, the Yerevan Opera House is another wonderful building, so why not take a trip and see a show whilst in the country.

Catanduanes Island, Philippines

Catanduanes Island is located to the east of the Bicol peninsula and offer tourists a way to connect with the unspoilt nature of the island. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the waves that form just off the coast are perfect for those who love to surf.

The island is the perfect secret escape if you want to explore the clear water ocean by snorkelling or go swimming in the Maribina Falls. Catanduanes Island is also home to some magnificent churches which you can visit during your stay. The Saint John the Baptist Church, located in Bato, to the south of the island, is truly worth a visit as it is one of the oldest churches in the province. The white sandy beaches offer some amazing views of the ocean and the landscape of the island; it is the perfect place to relax and soak up island life.

If you are keen to travel further afield and experience something a little out of the ordinary, then it is worth looking into some of the lesser known destinations. Being able to experience somewhere that is not a tourist hotspot will make your holiday a lot more enjoyable.