Travel

6 Secret Sites Around the World

July 25, 2020 Leave a Comment

The top wonders of the world and other over-marketed holiday hotspots are branded so heavily that nearly everyone is tired of seeing them at this point! I’ve compiled a list with secret sites around the world that you might not see on social media.

Travel influencers take snapshots of the same destinations despite the world being 24 THOUSAND miles across (40,000km) from pole-to-pole. There’s a lot more to see than the Eiffel Tower, Maldives bungalows, and the Sydney Opera House.

Don’t get me wrong – these are all beautiful places. But if you’re like me, you prefer the secret sites around the world. Some of the best hidden travel destinations aren’t the ones you see on your favorite Instagrammers profile. Check out these 6 sites around the world fit for all kinds of international explorers (yes, these are real places!).

1. The Lovely Banana Beach, Costa Rica

This spot is actually a restaurant called Banana Beach, in a palm tree forest, in the little town of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Located on the Pacific Ocean side of the country lies a town that you can only access by (mostly) bumpy dirt roads.

In fact, I got STUCK for several hours on the side of a mountain during a rainstorm trying to get to Santa Teresa. Two cars had a little fender bender. But don’t let the journey discourage you. The destination is worth it.

As they say: the best things in life don’t come easy. *Wink*

Santa Teresa is less developed than Costa Rica’s tourist hotspots such as Tamarindo and Jaco. There is more of a natural charm to the point that monkeys casually hang out in the trees and cables above you as you walk the street!

Now back to Banana Beach. This secret site is located RIGHT on the beach. It’s one of the best hidden travel destinations I know of. You can order your mango daiquiri and veggie burger while looking off into the Pacific Ocean.

Lunch is served while you relax in your coushiony lounge chair gazing upon the sparsely populated beach. The meals are decently priced and make your taste buds dance! This secret site is a little piece of heaven.

2. Gates of Hell, Turkmenistan

Leaving heaven we make our way to hell… The name is crazy dramatic. I know. The photos kind of does it justice though. In the middle of the Turkmenistan desert is a ginormous burning crater. It has been burning for half a century with no sign of fizzling down!

When geologists visited the desert landscape in search of oil they were met by natural gas that then toppled their whole operation. The earth beneath them opened up and caught fire. This happened around 1970. Now tourists visit the site named by locals as “The Gates of Hell.”

Yes, this place exists! This secret site has become more and more popular over the years as more tourists begin to book day trips to visit this new world wonder.

It’s located just a few hours from Turkmenistan’s capital so a quick trip is totally doable. Viewing the burning crater at night is recommended to get the full effect of just how spectacular the site is!

3. The Small Town of Szentendre, Hungary

Further out from the eccentric city of Budapest hides a small town called Szentendre. It can be a pain to reach the town as traffic can achingly delay your journey. However, once you finally reach it you’ll be amazed by how cute the little town is! The people are charming as they sell their crafts and tell you about their home.

There are plenty of shops from fashionable clothing to glitzy jewelry and handmade goods. The cobblestoned streets are decorated with huge hanging lamps and umbrellas. You’ll find plenty of locals enjoying the day and few tourists discovering the small town just as you are.

Here you can grab a coffee, ice cream, or simply sit by the famous Danube River. There are also churches and galleries to marvel at if you want your dose of Hungarian culture.

4. Water Sports Destination – Kralendijk, Bonaire

Kralen-WHO?! Most people don’t know where Bonaire is, let alone their capital Kralendijk. It is in the Caribbean just 60 miles east of Venezuela. Bonaire has heavy Dutch influences as it was a part of the Netherlands Antilles for many years. While still a part of the Netherlands, it is now considered a public body.

The small island (it’s only 24 miles long!) holds tons of natural beauty because much of it is legally protected. Many reefs are deemed national park sites while the island works to restore and sustain their reef populations around the capital and the rest of the island.

If you’re into water activities then Bonaire is your place to go. With heavy conservation efforts put into place, they have some of the prettiest and best-kept reefs in all of the Caribbean. (Yes, even rivaling those in Honduras and Belize!).

Scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, windsurfing, boating, and sailing are among some of the most popular sports. The best part of underwater sports is that there are so many undiscovered beautiful places.

Any particular dive or snorkel site might have many visitors but you can easily find little nooks and crannies under the ocean that many have overlooked.

5. Ancient Kushite Pyramids, Sudan

The dazzling ancient pyramids of Egypt are heavily featured on every traveler’s Instagram. What’s less talked about are the untouched pyramids dating back to 300 B.C. Located along the Nile River in the northern part of Sudan are a string of ancient pyramids where ancient Kushite pharaohs were honored and buried.

Underwater archeology, a dangerous feat, has only just recently begun in 2019. Archeologists have discovered artifacts suggesting the burial chambers at the Nuri Royal Cemetery have gone untouched since rulers were buried from 600 to 300 B.C. T

here are many other pyramids along the Nile that are many hundred centuries-old to choose from. Such secret sites come at a cost though…

These pyramids are far off the beaten path and one of the best hidden travel destinations jam-packed with history. Because of the civil unrest and domestic issues happening within Sudan, most travelers choose not to visit.

This undermines the beauty the country has to offer. More seasoned travelers are the ones who really get to experience beauty by visiting secret sites around the world.

If you’re looking for an undiscovered beautiful place in the world then the pyramids in Sudan are for you.

6. Smurf Village, Spain

On a lighter note – Smurf Village is a cute and easily accessible destination fit for any traveler! Located in the Málaga Province is the cute little town of Juzcar. The Smurfs was filmed and promoted there which is why EVERY building (yes, every single last one) is painted blue. There are tons of smurf paintings and even a huge smurf statue in town.

This attracts tourists of course but it is not as talked about as the famous Hobbit Village in New Zealand. Smurf Village changed its name to the Blue Village due to legal issues with the Smurf trademark. But, you can still find all types of smurf branding all around town.

The town is just so cute! Plus, the location makes this one of the best hidden travel destinations. From this town, you can get to other cool Spanish holiday spots like Málaga, Seville, and Granada. You can also visit nearby national parks for hiking or drive to the southern coast for some beach action!

Where do you plan to go next?

Of these six sites which is on the top of your list? Are you more of a water sports kind of adventure traveler, cute and calm sites loving traveler, crazy and alluring destinations sort of traveler or just someone in between? Each site listed something for every kind of traveler from complete beginner to advanced!

Have you heard of any of these places before? Were there any that you wouldn’t dare visit or any you can’t wait to see in person?

Did you know I’m a travel agent? You can message me to book your own vacation to these secret sites around the world. For more information head over to my travel agent section.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think about these six secret sites around the world. I can’t wait to chat with all of you crazy travelers! x

Khadija’s travel instagram: @freebirdmovement
Khadija’s virtual services instagram: @khadija.collins
Find Khadija on Facebook at Khadija Collins Co.
Or email her at khadijacollinsva@gmail.com

About Khadija:

Khadija Collins offers virtual solutions to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. When she’s not helping people produce results for their company, she loves to travel and hang out with her pup! She assists with everything from content creation, social media management, marketing, lite website management, and more. To see all the services she offers and how she can help you, check out her website here: khadijacollins.com

5 Hidden Travel Locations in Europe

June 23, 2020 Leave a Comment

Wanting to visit some places in Europe that are off the beaten path with fewer tourists? I’ve compiled a short but sweet list for some hidden travel locations when visiting Europe sure to tick off a box for every traveler on your list. From amazing beaches, waterfronts, cultural landmarks, and historical towns, this list is sure to please everyone!

European Hidden Travel Locations

Isles of Scilly – England

The Isles of Scilly are for anyone wanting a unique, adventure-packed place. You have a lot of places to move around and are away from very busy tourist areas. This location sure has a lot! This is great for beach lovers and campers.

Just off the coast of Cornwall, this cluster of small islands is an escape from the mainland. No matter how you travel to the islands, it would be an adventure bringing beautiful sights. You can fly by helicopter or small plane and arrive by sea by ferry or a small cruise ship.

The area allows you to island-hop around to the uninhabited and inhabited islands around to explore. This is a definite must to really see what each of the islands has to offer. Take your time to travel around to the multiple beaches that the islands have. You will find they are littered with very little crowds.

Spend a night in the Star Castle, originally a fortress built to defend against the Spanish Armada and pirates. You can eat in one of their two restaurants, one in the conservatory or in the castle.

There is also a winery in the area and camping is very popular for this beautiful location. There are a few camping options from tents to glamping locations. One of the biggest destinations in the area is the Abbey Gardens with one of the most magnificent gardens in the UK that allow sub-tropical plants to thrive year-round due to its warmer climate.

While more expensive to get to this spot, the different accommodations options really help you out while being able to maximize your time here. Definitely recommended for anyone wanting a different travel experience than hostels in Europe.

Sintra, Portugal

Only 25 km from Lisbon and accessible by train we have Sintra, Portugal. Although it is a popular day trip for nearby tourists, this town has so much to offer that it should be considered for a much longer stay. It is a luxury dining destination on the Portuguese Rivera. Sintra is most likely the most expensive place to visit on this list. Keep it in consideration due to the number of castles and other locations in the area. A must for any foodie or history buff.

One of the main attractions to this area is the inverted tower in Quinta de Regaleira. It is on the estate known as the Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire. In addition to the tower, it has a large garden, extensive tunnel system, a chapel, Waterfall Lake, and Leda’s Cave. You could spend all day visiting the sites in this one location.

In addition, the area also boasts tons of nearby beautiful castles to visit. You really can’t go wrong to visit this location. If you are looking for a beach day trip in between castle hopping, it is about an hour to Sao Martinho, a popular local beach area. It has a very calm sea due to the bay the beach is located in but also includes popular ruins as well.

Ribadesella, Spain

Off the beaten path, Ribadesella is away from Spain’s packed resorts that have become an eyesore. This late 19th, and early 20th, century village boasts mansions with beautiful colors with some small beachfront resorts and medieval design.

The area is separated by the Rio Sella’s estuary, and popular for surfing, sailing, and kayaking. It is also an old fishing harbor with wonderful seafood. Cider is a very popular drink with local breweries across the area in the local pubs and restaurants.

A popular place to visit is the Unesco World Heritage site of Cueva de Tito Bustillo that includes prehistoric cave drawings which are some of the oldest cave drawings in the world. The site has a limited amount of visitors allowed, so be sure to book in advance.

This city has a beautiful mix of beaches, cliffs, and natural views. There is a 28km coastline with over 20 beaches and coves throughout. A must-visit for any foody, beach, history, and architectural lover. With so many beaches you will definitely find a hidden travel location.

Cologne, Germany

The fourth-largest city in Germany and the biggest location on the list is Cologne. It is one of the lesser main cities of popular tourist attractions in comparison to Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt but is definitely the most cultural. This beautiful city is included on this list due to its wide variety of cultural activities and the sheer volume of attractions. It is perfect for foodies, art lovers, history buffs, and cultural experiences.

From its 12 great Romanesque churches to its cultural center, over 100 galleries, and 3 dozen museums, any history buff would be happy to roam about the city for days. The city also has Roman remains, medieval churches, and baroque palaces.

It is known for its fragrances, mustard, and chocolate. There are perfume houses where you can attend a workshop to create your own fragrance. You can take a Rhine river cruise any time of the day for more sightseeing on the river or take the cable car to have a bird’s eye view of the city.

The city is well known for the love locks padlock bridge. It also includes a national socialism documentation center memorial city that has a museum and a research center from the World War II-era that still has the prisoner cells in the basement. You can still see the prisoners writing on the walls of the cells.

You can really bask in the culture of Cologne.

Villefranche-Sur-Mer, France

Close to Nice, and just 30 km from the Italian border, this village is known for its deep bay. It has one of the deepest natural harbors of any port in the Mediterranean sea and cruise ships often stop in here. Don’t let the cruise ships deter you, however. You can sail and deep-sea dive, but Villefranche-Sur-Mer also has a citadel with three museums.

This village is a great alternative to Nice, Cannes, or Monaco with similar climates and less popular beaches. The houses are painted in beautiful pinks, oranges, and yellows. Great for any photographers or to add color to your Instagram feed.

The beautiful waterfront is lined with restaurants and cafes. A short walk nearby also boasts amazing eateries with just as good views away from the cruise ship folks.

Murals by Jean Cocteau in the Chapelle Saint Pierre is a must-see. You can also find the Old Port de la Dares. It has boats moored from the 17th century that was built for the galleys. The village also has popup markets for every shopper.

European Hidden Travel Locations

What would be your first hidden travel location on this list? Have you been to any of these places? Let me know in the comments below!

Did you know I’m a travel agent? If any of these places sounded like they would fill your bucket head over to my travel agent section and let me know! I can get started on planning your DREAM vacation!

Or you can head over to my travel section to read about different places. 🙂

Written by Kayla @ Coffee Collaborations. You can check out Kayla at: Facebook & Instagram

5 Awesome Things to do in Ella Sri Lanka

June 17, 2020 Leave a Comment

High up into the misty Sri Lankan hill country, nestled between gushing waterfalls and rolling green hills, lies Ella: known amongst travelers as being the best hill station on the island. Unlike the bustling streets of Colombo and Kandy, the small town of Ella Sri Lanka has a very chilled backpacker vibe, that is sure to make you feel relaxed from the moment you arrive.

Almost every guesthouse or hotel in Ella Sri Lanka comes with a breathtaking view. Which makes it the perfect place to unwind from the stresses of travel. Once you’ve recharged your batteries, Ella has more than enough on offer to keep you occupied for a few days. Many of which won’t cost you a rupee!

Little Adams Peak

If hiking isn’t really your thing but you still want to see some incredible scenery, Little Adams Peak is the trek for you (and me). With a gentle incline and only a couple of steeper sections, this short hike can easily be done in trainers or sturdy sandals. The path is well-trodden and signposted. There’s no need for a guide unlike some of the other treks in the area.

A round trip including time for lots of picture taking will only take around 2 hours. Get up early for the opportunity to chat with the local tea workers on their way to work and to beat the mist which descends over the hills in the afternoon.

Ella Rock

If Little Adam was a breeze and you want to tackle something a little more challenging then Ella Rock, with its views over Ella, Little Adam’s Peak, and Ella Gap, is one vantage point you don’t want to miss out on. This famous cliff is around 8km from the centre of town and around a 4 hour round trip (including plenty of photo ops). Finding the correct path towards the summit of this trek can be tricky, so using a guide is recommended. If you would rather go it alone make sure you get detailed directions, a map and a local phone number (for in case you get lost) from your guesthouse.

Ella Sri Lanka | Kayla Coffee Chats — Nine Arch Bridge Ella Sri Lanka

Nine Arch Bridge

After visiting Little Adams Peak, turn right heading up the road following the signs for the Nine Arch Bridge. It’s not the easiest route to follow coming from direction due to the signs not being very clear. Sometimes done intentionally by the local touts trying to get you in their shop. If you use an offline map such as maps.me it will be fairly easy to locate. If you don’t want to walk, you can also catch a ride in a tuk-tuk from Ella town.

For that iconic Instagram shot of the train coming over the bridge, make sure to check the train timetable in advance. Don’t expect it to be on time, though it often runs late. The best photo opportunities are either from the tea plantation below (with permission) or from the cafe above. To get back into Ella, you can follow the tracks towards Ella Train Station. It is around 3.5km from the bridge.

Tea Factory

Did you know that Sri Lankan tea is some of the World’s best? It is all due to the altitude at which it is grown. If you love tea, or even if you don’t, a visit to one of the areas many tea factories is a must. Seeing the production process first hand really makes you appreciate the hard work that goes into your morning brew.

Tea picking is usually done early in the morning and depending on the time of year, you may need to arrive early to see the machines in action. If you’re visiting during the prime tea season, the machines will be running most of the day. The Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory runs tours daily every 30 minutes between 8am and 4pm. You can learn about the production process and of course, drink lots of tea.

How to get to Ella

Every traveller will tell you they hate travel days, but if you’re heading to Ella from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya, taking the train will be a journey you’ll never forget.

This route between Nuwara Eliya and Ella is considered one of the best in the world, and for good reason! Not only is the 8-hour ride super cheap, the epic views as the train slowly creeps up the hills will blow your mind!

Don’t go for the obvious option of 1st class. Not only will your photos all have to be taken through glass, the food and chai wallahs also aren’t allowed into the 1st class carriages. You’ll also be missing out on all the tasty snacks they offer in the 2nd and 3rd class.

Tickets for 1st and 2nd class reserved sell out quick but, you can book 2nd and 3rd class unreserved. Don’t get hung up on not reserving a seat though, the space in the open doorway is by far the best seat in the house.

When to visit Ella Sri Lanka

With its warm days and cool nights, the weather in Ella, Sri Lanka is quite perfect. It’s worth remembering that it can’t be that green without rain and you’ll need a waterproof jacket. The best time to visit Ella is from January until May.

Where to sleep

Ella has guesthouses to suit every budget. The Raveena Guest House is a great budget option that’s comfortable and has amazing views. If you’re craving some luxury there’s no place better in the area than 98 Acres Resort.

Where to eat

Café Chill – a great place to meet fellow travelers, have a beer and get your Western food fix.

Down Town Roti Hut – the best roti in town, perfect when for a snack on the go!

Adam’s Breeze – a super tasty Sri Lankan restaurant. Stop here on your way back from the Nine Arch Bridge or Little Adam’s Peak.

What sounds exciting to do in Ella Sri Lanka? Let me know in the comments below! Check out our other travel pieces here. Did you know I’m a travel agent? I can help you book the Sri Lankan vacation of your dreams! Head over to my travel agent page for more information.

Written by Aysha Frost – https://www.facebook.com/PeakVirtualUK/