5 out-of-the-box destinations to visit

By Lauren Ferrone
Published: Thursday, October 11, 2018

Here’s the problem with the world’s most well-worn paths – everyone’s already been there. We reveal the places that haven’t yet made it to your bucket list, but really should.

Nairobi, Kenya

Forget Seattle – Kenya’s capital Nairobi is known as the city that never sleeps.

A bustling place packed with towering skyscrapers and colourful markets, Nairobi also has a softer side with leafy streets and parks. You also don’t need to trek far from the city to find yourself in the middle of the wilderness.

Just 20 minutes from the town centre, Nairobi National Park’s 113km² of forest and cliffs are home to large herds of zebra, cheetahs, giraffes and other wildlife.

Another place you can get up close and personal to the world’s tallest animal is at Giraffe Manor. Set on 12 acres of private land, this boutique hotel is known as one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings. Stay for the night or a few days and, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the manor’s resident giraffes poking their long necks through the windows. It’ll truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience on your African adventure.

A colourful fruit market in Nairobi.

Finland

This is the place to be if you’re a traveller looking for something new.

Whether it’s cruising over ski slopes in a wooden sauna gondola or drifting off to sleep in a glass igloo after witnessing the Northern Lights, there’s a unique experience at every corner.

Sticking with the winter theme, a massive snow castle in Kemi is constructed every January for tourists to visit. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of the big man in red at Santa Claus Village. The Finnish have long believed he resides in the nation’s north.

Summer in Finland is just as beautiful, and there are more than enough hours in the day to experience as much as you can. In the summer months, the sun doesn’t set at all in the northernmost parts of the country – hence Finland’s nickname, The Land of the Midnight Sun.

Santa Claus Village in Finland.

Doha, Qatar

A desert safari that takes you up and down sand dunes in Qatar’s capital of Doha is quite possibly the best way to see this city.

The only tricky decision you’ll have to make is choosing your mode of transport – pick from a 4×4, dirt bike, camel or sandboard. There are also overnight tours where you can camp out near the dunes.

As breathtaking as the desert landscapes are, Doha also rivals Dubai as the world’s best shopping capital.

At 600,000m², Doha Festival City – Qatar’s newest shopping centre which opened last year – has an indoor snow park, a running track and a massive arcade area with local and international gaming competitions. Now that’s a shopping spree you won’t forget.

Aerial shot of Doha city.

India

Here’s the thing about India: travellers will either love it or leave it.

You can see the difference in culture right from the moment you step out of the airport. The air is sticky, the roads are chaotic and you might even spot a roaming cow or two. But isn’t that what travelling is all about – seeing the world from a different perspective?

If you’re looking to slow the pace and take some time out from the crowded streets, there’s the Ganges River, which runs for more than 2000km from the northern Himalayas all the way to the Bay of Bengal in the south-east. Board a boat or go for a walk along the water. Hindus believe this sacred river can transport prayers to heaven.

And, of course, no trip to India would be complete without a visit to one of the 7 wonders of the world – The Taj Mahal.

Oh, did we mention that the country’s mouth-watering dishes, bursting with flavour and spice, linger just long enough on your palate until you’re ready to visit again?

A sacred spot in India – the Ganges River.

Jordan

As Jordan is listed as a high-risk area, it’s a good idea to check the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smart Traveller website before you book a trip here.

For extra piece of mind, RAA Insurance covers travellers headed to most places in the Middle East, including Jordan.

Once you’ve done your research and set your trepidation aside, you’ll see within a country of conflict lies friendly towns, thrill-seeking adventures and possibly the best falafel in the Middle East.

A fun way to see some of the city’s historical sites and remarkable desert landscapes is by cycling the Jordan Bike Trail – a 730km bike route from the northern town of Umm Qais to Aqaba, which is the only coastal city in Jordan.

Adventurous travellers can see the water and desert from a different angle by skydiving near the Dead Sea, which borders Israel and Jordan and is a wondrous sight in its own right.

Jordanian dishes are some of the tastiest in the Middle East.

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