Are you looking for a vacation with a little less beach and a little more…intrigue? Then look no further than one of these mysterious destinations for your next getaway. Whether you’re searching for unexplainable phenomenon or cities rife with local legend, you’re certain to take a trip you’ll never forget.
Easter Island, Chile
Nobody knows why the statues on Easter Island were carved by the Rapa Nui people, but theories range from funeral momentos to the marking of freshwater resources. Whatever the purpose, the carvers were dedicated—there’s almost 1,000 of these statues populating the island, each standing about 13 feet tall.
Bermuda Triangle
OK, so you can’t exactly “visit” the Bermuda Triangle—and you wouldn’t want to, seeing as dozens of planes and ships have mysteriously disappeared while traveling through this area. But you can travel to its outskirts, from Miami to Turks and Caicos to Bermuda itself. Enjoy a sunny beach vacation while reveling in the mystery that surrounds these bright blue seas.
Area 51, U.S.
If you’re headed to Las Vegas, you might as well try and sneak your way into Area 51 while you’re nearby. After all, who knows what you might find—evidence of UFOs, confirmation of government conspiracy theories, and a time travel machine are all guesses as to what’s hidden in this top-secret desert compound.
Crooked Forest, Poland
If you’re into unexplained natural phenomena, then the Crooked Forest has to be high on your list of mysterious places to visit. This small copse of pine trees bursts out of the ground in a strangely curvy formation, and so far scientists aren’t able to explain why.
Lake Hillier, Australia
No, it’s not photo edited, the water of Lake Hillier really is the color of hot pink bubble gum! But why? Nobody knows! This large inland lake sits right next to the Pacific Ocean, which, as you would expect, is deeply blue in color. So why is Lake Hillier pink? Algae? Bacteria? Extra terrestrial influences? It’s impossible to say for now, but locals don’t seem too worried—they swim among Lake Hillier’s thriving fish population without a care!
Stonehenge, England
Chances are you’ve heard of Stonehenge, but you really can’t appreciate the vastness of these mysterious stones until you’ve seen them in person. While most historians agree the purpose of Stonehenge was to act as a burial ground and temple for the ancient people living in the area, how it was constructed remains a mystery.
Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
Conspiracy theorists, this one’s for you! The Door to Hell, also known as Darvaza Crater, opened up in Turkmenistan in the last century. It’s a huge hole in the ground filled with flames that continuously burn. How it was created, and why it’s been burning for the last 50 years or so, remains a mystery!
Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
If you’ve ever heard of the seven wonders of the ancient world, then you might be familiar with the Great Pyramid of Giza. Sadly, it’s the only remaining ancient wonder, but it still manages to dazzle and astound viewers across the globe. Historians can’t figure out how this massive pyramid was built without modern tools or technology, but theories abound.
Roanoke Island, U.S.
For the spookiest mystery of all, consider visiting Roanoke Island in North Carolina. Early pilgrims settled here, but the entire colony mysteriously disappeared after a few decades, leaving just one clue—the word “Croatoan” carved into a tree. What happened to them, and whether their ghosts still remain in the area, is endlessly debated.
Next time you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, try one of these mysterious getaways. You’ll be sure to have a trip you’ll never forget!
