Unusual Travel Experiences You Won't Want to Miss

The world is full of adventures and if you feel like you’ve seen it all, you’re almost certainly wrong. That’s the great thing about travel; there’s always a new adventure or experience just around the corner, whether you realise it yet or not. Sometimes, you have to get off the beaten path and look at some of the more interesting and unusual ways in which you can see the world and experience travel.

We’ve got lots of ideas for unusual travel experiences that you can have anytime you like. These are the kinds of experiences that you might not have had yet, but they're ones you won’t want to miss. The whole point of travel should be to do and see things that you could never do or see in your everyday life, and these experiences all fit that description. Read on now to find out all about them.

Explore Barcelona’s Gaudi Architecture

Barcelona has a lot to offer, but what makes it truly unique and stand out from all the other European cities that you might have visited already is the architecture. In particular, I’m talking about the architecture by Gaudi. His buildings can be found all over Barcelona, and they’re like nothing you’ll find anywhere else in the world. If you’re yet to see them up close, you shouldn’t hesitate to book a trip to Barcelona when you next get a chance to do so.

Witness the Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

If you’re a nature lover and you want to have an incredible experience in Africa, there are few better options than heading to Tanzania when the Wildebeest migration is taking place. It’s one of the most incredible natural sights you’ll ever witness. Zebras and gazelles also migrate at the same time, and it’s truly astonishing to witness this mass migration of African wildlife play out before your eyes. If you head to Tanzania between July and October, you’ll be able to witness it for yourself.

Look Up at the Stars in the California Desert

The California desert is incredibly peaceful and amazingly beautiful. If you’ve never been out there or you’ve mainly stuck to the cities like LA, you should take the time to see what’s in the more rural area. Camping in the California desert during summer and taking the chance to look up at the cloudless sky and stare at the stars is something that’s not to be missed. Many argue that there’s no better place in the world for stargazing, and you should decide that for yourself.

A Desert Safari

Sticking with the desert theme, you should think about taking a desert safari in a location like Dubai. You can find out more about booking this kind of adventure at this website. The experience itself is one that you won’t want to miss. It’s about traversing the landscape and witnessing some of the most incredible, challenging and majestic landscapes that you’ll find anywhere on the planet. It’s just as fun and as exciting as it sounds, if not more so. Don’t miss out.

Walk Through the Sagano Bamboo Forest in Japan

This is easily one of the most unique and breathtaking experiences you can have while travelling in Japan. In Kyoto, you’ll find the Sagano Bamboo Forest and it’s not to be missed. The tall bamboo surrounding you as you explore the depths of the forest are stunning. It’s a natural forest landscape like no other, even if you’ve been walking and hiking in many forest in other parts of the world before. You can’t truly appreciate how stunning it is until you experience it first hand.

Experience the Incredible Wildlife on the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands has long been considered one of the most stunning locations on the face of the Earth for experiencing wildlife and and seeing everything that nature has to offer. The diversity in the wildlife on the islands is amazing, so if you’re someone who loves that kind of thing and wants to get up close and personal with some of the most exotic and unusual species in the world, you should head to the Galapagos Islands if you ever get the chance to.

Attend the Yi Peng Festival in Thailand

The Yi Peng Festival in Thailand brings so many people together and it’s such a joyous festival. Everyone gets involved and has a good time with it, and that’s what it should all be about. If you’ve never been to Thailand before, make sure you visit when the Yi Peng Festival is on. The best part of the whole festival is when everyone lights lanterns and released them in to the sky at the same time. It’s a magnificent sight to behold and one that you’ll always remember.

Hike Peru’s Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is easily one of the most incredible hiking opportunities you’ll ever get. The ancient trail and the ruins located up high in the Andes Mountains of Peru are staggering. Seeing the ruins of a long-vanished civilization up close like this is something that you won’t forget in a hurry. So if you love hiking and history, this is the travel experience that manages to combine both of those things expertly. You won’t want to miss out on it.

Swim in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

Finally, you should head north to Iceland. It might be a small and remote country, but the tourism industry there is doing very well as more and more people discover the natural beauty of the island. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, so make sure you head to it and spend some time swimming in it when you’re in Iceland.

There are so many amazing experiences out there waiting for you, so start planning your next adventure now that you have some inspiration. Each of these unusual travel experiences will provide you with memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime, so make sure you don’t miss out on them.

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A First Timer's Guide to San Francisco

San Francisco is a place that is on the bucket list of many people. The weather can be great, there are plenty of famous attractions, and many blockbuster movies have been set here. It is a place in the US that is quite unlike any other, so makes a fun change to see a new city. Not to mention that southern San Francisco is classed as ‘Silicon Valley’ as it is the home to many a tech startup, as well as companies like Facebook, Apple, and Google. So for work or for pleasure, San Francisco is a great place to visit. But what are some of the best places to go, eat, drink, or see? Here are some of the top reasons to visit and a bit of a guide for people heading there for the first time.

Great Range of Food

Cites tend to do a variety of food really well, and in SF (what you should be calling it, darling) is all about the food and range of it; there is something for everyone. You could start the day with breakfast or brunch at the Tartine Bakery, as their classic baked goods are to die for. This is a popular spot you may have to wait in line, but it is going to be worth it. The Devil’s Teeth Baking Company (such an awesome name) is known for their breakfast sandwiches, and being located right by the beach, gives you a great backdrop with which to enjoy your sandwich.

For something for lunch, it can be fun to experience something with seafood, being located right by the sea, and all. The Hog Island Oyster Bar is worth a visit, especially on a weekend when there is a farmers market close by too. Overlooking the bay, you can try oysters, and enjoy as much clam chowder as you can handle; a classic for this area of California. For something for dinner, again, you are a little spoilt for choice. You could learn more here about Rokaakor, where you can find Japanese food in SF, or you could go for something a little more all-American with burgers and pork chops at Nopa. Just be warned, they take bookings months in advance, so get planning now.

Travel

San Francisco is a city, but as cities go, it is relatively small. But still with that in mind, it can be hard to get around. There are things like trams that you can use, but really, one of the simplest ways to get around is using Uber. you are likely to want to hit up a few different things each day, and as the city is pretty small, you won’t have to pay a lot for the fare. That being said, getting around on foot can be pretty popular too. Just make sure that you pack your comfy shoes (SF is not the place to break in a new pair of shoes). It is pretty hilly, so be prepared.

Best Times to Visit

Being almost like an island, as it is a long thin strip of land, with the ocean on either side, the city can experience some really varied and unpredictable weather. So really, there isn’t a ‘best’ time to go. Of course, summer can get some of the warmest temperatures, but there can still be a lot of fog in summer. So don’t pin all your hopes on seeing the Golden Gate Bridge in all of its glory in August, as it may not happen. June Gloom, as nicknamed by locals, is definitely a thing as well. So really, it is California, so temperatures are generally going to be pretty steady. It can just get cooler and foggier due to the island-like set up that the city has.

Top Attractions to See and Do

As has been mentioned, SF has featured in the media a lot, so there may be some film sites that you want to visit, as well as the classic things that the city is known for. Some of the top things to see and do are:

• Twin Peaks: this is the place to get a look at some of the best views in the Bay area; you will need a clear day to see it all, of course. If you’re looking for a romantic spot, then heading up here just near sunset can be a good choice, and as it is high up, you can get a little chilly. So bring a jacket or hoodie with you.

• Lombard Street: the classic street that is shown in pretty much anything SF related really has to be seen to be believed. It can be a busy place, especially if you are going to travel down by car, but really, it is going to be worth it. You can walk up or down it too, and experience those eight hairpin turns on the way down.

• Alcatraz Island: the island that was just basically a prison, is a short ferry ride away, and can be seen from most spots in SF. It is now a museum with tours, so you can learn all about what went on in that area and some of the tales of the escapees that were never found again. The tours can get booked up, so this needs to be done a few weeks before you plan to go. During the day gives the great views, but visiting in the evening can make it a little spookier.

• Golden Gate Bridge: this is probably one of the most famous things about San Francisco. But located right by the beach, you can see it in all of its glory, as long as there isn’t a thick or heavy fog. There are trails to follow, or you could simply drive across if you really want to experience it. It is also a great photo spot in the city, as you can view Alcatraz from there, as well as most of the city, and the sandy beaches.

Have you ever been to SF before? It would be great to hear what you think.

Have something you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

5 Reasons Why Australia Should Be Your Next Vacation Destination

If you could choose to go anywhere on vacation, where would you choose? If you’re looking for a destination that has it all - great landscapes, beautiful beaches, incredible cities and so much more, then Australia could be exactly what you’re looking for. To explore its vast wonders at your own pace, consider opting for a long term car rental to enhance your journey even further. Here are five reasons why Australia should be your next vacation.

 1. The lifestyle will help you escape

Australians are known for being laid-back, adventurous and very welcoming. If you’re looking for a chance to escape and truly relax, then a Tasmania tour will be waiting with open arms. Enjoy getting to know people, places and a new pace of life. With great weather helping you make the most of every day, you’ll return to normal life well rested, with a different outlook.

2. The natural wonders

Australia is home to so many of the world’s natural wonders that it’s difficult to fit them all into your visit. You’ll want to experience Uluru, the outback, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Tours and excursions are the best way to experience these wonders, so look into Port Douglas reef tours and others to help you make the most of your visit. Remember to pack your camera to capture every moment.

3. The beaches

Sun, sea, and sand - you’ll get plenty of each in Australia. Known for its impressive beaches and surf culture, some days spent on the beach is a must during your visit. Some of Australia’s best beaches include Bondi, 75 Mile, and Whitehaven Beach on the Whitsunday Island. Try your hand at some fun water sports while you’re there - you don’t want to miss out on these amazing opportunities!

4. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunities

Australia is the place to go to enjoy adventures. From skydiving near the Great Ocean Road to climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge, it’s a great destination for thrill-seekers. Even driving from location to location can be an adventure, so make your vacation one big road trip. Add some of the following to your list of things to do to help you experience the best of Australia:

• Four-wheel driving in Queensland

• Sail the Whitsundays

• See the 12 Apostles by helicopter

• Go kayaking in Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk National Park

It’ll help your travel budget if you book and pay for activities and excursions in advance to help your spending money go further.

5. The wildlife

Australia is home to wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in the world, unless you go to a zoo! There’s nothing quite like seeing koalas or kangaroos in the wild, and you’ll get plenty of opportunities on your travels. Some of the best places to experience Australian wildlife include:

• Daintree Rainforest

• Nymboida River

• Phillip Island

• Tower Hill

• Tasmania

Book yourself on a wildlife tour or visit a sanctuary to get the best experience of wildlife Down Under.

Whatever your vacation style, you’ll find something that appeals in Australia. Need some inspiration for your next escape? Read about Julianne Hough’s travel bucket list and tips on how to prepare for a big trip.

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