10 Unique Travel Adventures

Many travelers are not interested in spending their time in the most visited destinations on the planet. There are a number of options when looking for off-the-beaten-path areas. Whether you travel by motorcycle, used Mercedes Benz e class auto, train or plane, you are bound to find a favorite adventure.

1. Leshan, Sichuan, China

Leshan is a wonderful Asian destination when in search of exotic locations. The metropolis was established where the Dadu, the Minjaing and the Qingyijiang Rivers meet. The ancient city boasts a variety of locations that explain Leshan's history that dates back more than 2,000 years. Highlights here include the 233-foot tall Buddha, the Lingbao Pagoda and the many temples.

2. San Luis Potosí, Mexico

The state lies in the east-central region of the country and boasts amazing landscapes along with archeological and historic sites. However, highlights include venturing into the jungle to see the imaginative world created by American sculptor Edward James. Tucked within the rock formations, waterfalls and vegetation are nearly two dozen larger than life structures that create the artist's fantasy world.

3. Mont Saint Michel, France

Guests have the rare chance to step back in time to the Middle Ages when venturing to the island known as Mont Saint Michel. In 708 A.D., bishop Saint Aubert was instructed to build a church by the archangel Michael. Benedictine monks later constructed the abbey during the 10th century. A small, walled city eventually emerged around the hilltop religious site.

4. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

The slot canyon is found along the north-central border of the state and is on Navajo land. However, the Native Americans offer guided tours through the upper and lower canyons. Over millions of years, water flowing through the region carved the natural sandstone formations boasting an array of pastel colors. The location is a favorite among photographers.

5. Hierapolis-Pamukkale, Turkey

The ancient Roman city of Hierapolis is known for historic ruins and natural mineral springs surrounded by lushly-covered hills. However, the "cotton castle" thermal pools situated below the city on the Anatolian plateau are an unusual must-see location. The pale blue Pamukkale pools are created within the snow-white mineral covered terraces lining the plateau.

6. Socotra Island, Yemen

Socotra is the largest land mass in the archipelago and is considered the "Galapagos of the Arabian Sea." The unusual destination boasts flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world. There are approximately 700 unique species of plant life here that include the mushroom-like Dragon's Blood Trees, the tuber-like Desert Rose and the Cucumber Trees.

7. Monschau, Germany

The unique community of Monschau lies along the western border of the Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park, which is situated in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of western Germany. Timbered houses, cobblestone streets and boutique shops and museums are plentiful here. The inner court of the hilltop fortress serves as the location for a number of summertime festivities.

8. Flam Valley, Norway

The landscapes surrounding the villages throughout the Flam Valley are nothing short of being picture postcard perfection. Guided tours take guests to explore quaint villages, pass through epic fjords and hikes on majestic mountains. Take your time and see the area on foot, by bike, railway or boat.

9. Bora Bora, Tahiti

Bora Bora Island and the surrounding turquoise lagoon make for the idyllic exotic beach getaway. Snorkeling through the crystal clear waters brings adventurers face to face with an amazing selection of marine life. During the summer months into September, whales migrate through the area, which makes for a unique thrill. The warm shallow water is also favored for learning to scuba dive.

10. Waitomo, New Zealand

The rural community and district of Waitomo lies along the western coast of the country and is renowned for the series of cave systems. Popular pastimes here include blackwater rafting or underground tubing. Guided or self-guided tours venture into the depths of local caves via rafts to admire the unusual formations and unique displays of the glow worms.

Damien Justus writes in the business, home improvement and real estate spaces, and is very passionate about health, cooking, diet plans and anything that has to do with staying fit.