In the 1960s, Canadian thinker Marshall McLuhan coined the term ‘global village’. It described the phenomenon of the entire world becoming more interconnected as the result of the propagation of media technologies throughout the world. A result of the world becoming a more interconnected place, people are also now able to find and travel to places that are not super well known!
Whereas in years gone by, you would have to know someone in the area, get a unique tip, or go explore a location in the hope of stumbling across somewhere special, today, there are some great resources online. For instance, you can find an Airbnb with cozycozy, the largest vacation rental and hotel search comparison site on the internet! With all this in mind, we decided to put this article together and, in order to play our role in this new era of travel, recommend five of the most out-of-the-box experiences, So, without further ado, let’s dive in…
Saaremaa Island, Estonia
If you take a ferry ride from Estonia’s mainland, you can arrive on Saaremaa island. It is the largest and most populous island in Estonia, measuring 2,673 km2, with a population of just over 30,000. From this brief description, you can tell that it is most definitely a distinctive place. If you are looking to situate yourself well and truly in the wild, this is the spot for you!
When it comes to all things nature, Saaremaa’s mild climate and lime-rich soil has created an island full of flora and fauna. If you take a hike at the Viidumäe Nature Reserve and the Vilsandi National Park, you will be able to see thousands of migratory birds and wild orchids. From here, if you venture into the island’s capital, you can take a tour of Kuressaare castle, which is considered one of the best preserved medieval fortifications in Estonia. Saaremaa is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and truly get back to your roots and unwind!
Ballina, Ireland
Located on the west coast of Ireland, Ballina is a town in County Mayo at the mouth of the River Moy near Killala Bay. If you ever dreamed of spending some time in the idyllic nature that Ireland is so famous for, this is a place that won’t disappoint.
Ballina is home to a host of wild waters and lakes, which is why this area is most famous for its salmon fishing. If you can, plan your trip for July to coincide with the Ballina Salmon Festival, an event that attracts thousands of anglers from all over the world.
By choosing Ballina, you are placing yourself in the epicentre of what is regarded by many to be the most beautiful and welcoming parts of Ireland. Whether it is the sea, mountains, green fields, live music, or Ireland’s famous small town hospitality, you will find it even if you are not looking to!
Riga, Latvia
As the capital city of Latvia, Riga has a lot to offer! The city lies on the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the Daugava River, where it meets the Baltic Sea. The city’s Old Town is incredibly beautiful and deserves its rightful place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you visit the Old Town during December, you will find yourself in a fairytale of sorts. Surrounded by snow, you can spend your day roaming around the cobblestones before reenergising with a hot drink from the picturesque Christmas Market.
Regardless of the time of year you visit, Riga has a superb selection of bohemian bars and live music venues, as well as some unique cuisine options.
Visit in the summer, and Riga is, for many, surprisingly warm. Moreover, with just a quick drive, you can find yourself relaxing by the sea or a lake, surrounded by some of the most beautiful forests you will likely ever encounter!
St. Gilgen, Austria
St. Gilgen is a small village next to Lake Wolfgangee, one of Austria’s most stunning bodies of water. In addition to the aforementioned lake, the village’s activity tends to revolve around Zwölferhorn Mountain. In the winter months, if offers visitors an authentic skiing experience unlike almost any other. In the summer, hikers can climb to its summit in order to take in some breathtaking views.
In addition to this, you can find traditional cuisine at an affordable price throughout St. Gilgen, making it a fantastic holiday location if you are looking for something that is both affordable and off the beaten track.
The Hague, The Netherlands
Globally, The Hague is known as the international city of peace and justice. However, it also makes for a fantastic holiday destination. Despite being the third-largest city in the Netherlands, it still doesn’t get the mainstream attention it deserves, making it a great choice if you are looking to avoid the crowds that, for instance, Amsterdam would attract.
The Hague is incredibly laidback, home to a number of fantastic museums, such as the Mauritshuis, and its stunning beach is lined with a selection of beach bars and clubs. In addition to all of this, the city is home to Noordeinde Palace, one of the three official palaces of the Dutch royal family, and is well-known for its brilliant shopping experience.
The Bottom Line
The world is a different place to what it was even thirty years ago, and a lot of that is down to the internet. If you have the travel bug, the internet is one of the best ways to discover new places, and then go straight ahead and organise your travel and accommodation.
When it comes to out-of-the-box experiences, it is now easier than ever to go about having one. So the next time that travel bug rears its unruly head and you decide that you fancy something a bit different, we highly recommend considering one of the five options above.
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