Not Your Usual Vacation: 28 Bizarre Locations To Add To Your Bucket List
Looking for something more than the usual postcard-perfect vacation spots?
If you’re tired of crowded beaches and predictable tourist attractions, these bizarre locations will spark your sense of adventure and give you stories you’ll never forget.
Ready for a vacation that’s anything but ordinary? Keep reading for a round-up of the weirdest, wildest, and most unforgettable places to add to your bucket list.
1. Cat Island, Japan
Imagine stepping off the ferry and being immediately surrounded by dozens of wide-eyed, whiskered locals. Except they’re all cats. Welcome to Aoshima, Japan’s famous “Cat Island,” where felines outnumber humans by nearly ten to one.
This tiny island in Ehime Prefecture became a surreal feline haven after fishermen started feeding stray cats decades ago. Now, it’s a whiskered wonderland where fluffy residents lounge on rooftops, curl up in fishing nets, and follow visitors in adorable, curious packs.
There are no hotels, souvenir shops, or even vending machines—just cats and the occasional human caretaker. Come early by ferry, arm yourself with bags of kibble, and hopefully you’ll win over its furry residents!
2. Plain Of Jars, Laos
There is a place where thousands of massive stone jars sit in eerie silence, as if waiting for a long-forgotten purpose to be fulfilled. This place is in Laos! Some are as small as a stool, while others loom over visitors at nearly ten feet tall.
The wildest part? No one knows exactly who put them there or why. Theories range from ancient burial rituals to a civilization that brewed an absurd amount of rice wine. Because if you’re going to make history, why not do it with a giant drinking cup?
To add even more intrigue, many sites still contain unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War, making guided tours not just recommended but essential. If you’re up for an adventure, visiting the Plain of Jars feels like stepping onto an alien landscape.
3. Clink 78 Hostel, London
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend the night in jail, minus the whole “criminal record” part, Clink 78 is your chance. This London hostel sits inside a former courthouse, where Charles Dickens once worked, and still carries a rebellious spirit.
Guests can even stay in actual old prison cells, complete with metal doors and barred windows. Don’t worry! The beds are comfier than what past inmates had to endure.
Clink 78 makes it easy to explore London before heading back to your jail cell for a surprisingly fun night behind bars. Just be warned: if you overdo it at the hostel bar, waking up in a former holding cell might feel a little too real.
4. Island Of The Dolls, Mexico
Ok, be warned! If you are still creeped out from Annabelle, skip this one! Deep in the canals of Xochimilco, just south of Mexico City, there’s an island that could be straight out of a horror movie.
Creaking in the wind, hundreds of decaying dolls dangle from trees, their cracked faces and lifeless eyes creating a sight that’s both spine-chilling and fascinating. But this isn’t some forgotten movie set—it’s a shrine to a tragic legend that still haunts the island today. I don’t know about you, but my question is: “Why”?
The story goes that Don Julián Santana found the body of a drowned girl near his island. Soon after, he discovered a doll floating in the water and hung it from a tree as a tribute to her spirit. Believing the girl’s ghost was still present, he continued collecting dolls for over 50 years, creating one of the eeriest collections on Earth. Creepy, right?
5. Dead Sea, Jordan/Israel
Imagine stepping into a lake and, before you can even think about swimming, you start floating effortlessly. That’s the magic of the Dead Sea, a hypersaline wonder shared by Jordan and Israel. With ten times more salt than the ocean, it’s impossible to sink, making even the most reluctant swimmers feel like pros.
And if that’s not enough, its mineral-rich mud is basically nature’s own luxury spa treatment. People come from all over the world to slather it on, hoping to leave with skin as smooth as a baby’s.
If you want to experience this surreal natural wonder, go sooner rather than later. And a tip? Don’t shave the day before you visit. I’m telling you, the salt will find every single cut and remind you why it’s called the Dead Sea.
6. Holy Land Theme Park, Buenos Aires
Disneyland has Mickey Mouse. Buenos Aires has Jesus animatronics that rise from the dead every hour. Welcome to Tierra Santa! It’s a religious theme park where visitors don’t ride roller coasters but instead walk through biblical history, complete with reenactments, life-sized biblical villages, and—yes—a massive robotic Jesus that dramatically ascends from behind a rock!
Opened in 2000, Tierra Santa offers a bizarre mix of theme park spectacle and religious devotion. There’s a Garden of Olives, a mini Noah’s Ark, and even a recreation of the Last Supper, where diners can enjoy traditional Middle Eastern food while sitting among statues of Jesus and his disciples.
Religious? Or just curious? Just know that this is not you typical attraction. And let’s be honest: where else can you see a mechanized resurrection every 60 minutes?
7. Hang Nga Crazy House, Vietnam
If a house could have wild dreams, this is what it would look like. Hang Nga Crazy House in Da Lat, Vietnam, is a fever dream of twisting staircases, gnarled tree-like structures, and Alice in Wonderland-style rooms. This house ignores boring concepts like symmetry and straight lines, instead embracing surreal shapes that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy world.
Built in 1990, the structure looks more like a melting treehouse fused with a fairytale castle than a traditional building. There are themed rooms inspired by animals, tunnels that feel like you’re crawling through a rabbit hole, and bridges that twist through the air in impossible directions.
Some call it Vietnam’s Gaudí-style masterpiece, others just call it weird—either way, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
8. Loveland, South Korea
This one comes with the age limit, so be warned! Welcome to Loveland, where blushing is inevitable. This open-air museum is dedicated entirely to erotic art, featuring 140+ sculptures of human figures in… let’s just say, creative positions.
What started as a lighthearted honeymoon attraction has since become a full-fledged adults-only theme park of sensuality.
The statues are anything but subtle! Some are cheeky, others are downright explicit, and a few will make you do a double take. But Loveland isn’t just about giggles; it also serves as a cultural statement, breaking away from South Korea’s traditionally conservative views on sexuality. Just leave the kids at home, this playground is strictly adult-only!
9. Tunnel Of Love, Ukraine
Ahh, I love this one so much! If enchanted forests were real, this would be one of them. Deep in Ukraine, a train track disappears into a tunnel of green trees, forming a natural corridor so picturesque it looks like something out of a fantasy novel.
This is the Tunnel of Love, a dreamy, vine-covered passage that stretches for nearly 3 miles, offering one of the most romantic strolls on the planet.
The tunnel wasn’t actually designed to be a romantic landmark. It was originally just a railway for a local factory. But over time, the trees grew into a perfectly arched canopy, and the trains helped shape the tunnel’s smooth, enclosed look. Now, couples visit from all over, believing that wishing for love while walking through will make it come true.
10. Kjerag Peak, Norway
If you’re afraid of heights, this one might not be for you. Kjeragbolten is one of Norway’s most heart-stopping photo ops. Sitting 3,200 feet above the fjords, it’s a place where thrill-seekers step onto the precariously balanced rock for the ultimate “I survived this” Instagram moment.
Getting there isn’t a casual walk. You’ll need to hike 7.5 miles, scramble up rocky inclines, and cling to chains for support. But the payoff?
Jaw-dropping views of the Lysefjord and the sheer adrenaline rush of standing on a rock with nothing but air beneath you. Even if you don’t dare step onto the boulder itself, the scenery alone makes it worth the trek.
11. Everest Skydive, Nepal
Jumping out of a plane is one thing. Jumping out of a plane at 23,000 feet over Mount Everest? That’s a whole different level of insane. This is the Everest Skydive, the world’s highest-altitude commercial skydive!
This isn’t your standard skydiving experience. First, you’ll take off from a remote airstrip in a tiny plane, suited up in oxygen masks because, well, you’re practically in the stratosphere. Then, at over twice the height of a normal skydive, you’ll jump into nothingness.
It’s expensive, extreme, and utterly mind-blowing. If you ever wanted to skydive somewhere so epic that regular skydives feel boring afterward, this is it.
12. AJ Hackett Tower, Macau
If falling 764 feet headfirst sounds like your kind of thrill, welcome to Macau Tower, home to the highest commercial bungee jump on Earth. This insane leap lets you freefall for over 6 seconds before the cord kicks in, giving you plenty of time to scream your lungs out.
The jump starts from a platform perched near the top of Macau’s 1,109-foot-high tower, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. Once you take the plunge, you’ll plummet at 124 mph, before bouncing back up like a human yo-yo. The experience is so intense that even seasoned jumpers call it next-level madness.
Not quite ready to jump? You can still walk around the Skywalk, or try the Tower Climb to reach the very top. But let’s be real—if you’ve made it this far, you might as well take the leap.
13. Jet Fighter Flight, USA/Europe
Forget roller coasters—this is the real deal. If you’ve ever dreamed of breaking the sound barrier, pulling high-G turns, and doing barrel rolls at Mach speed, a jet fighter flight lets you experience the kind of aerial acrobatics usually reserved for fighter pilots.
These flights are available in places like Las Vegas, Russia, and Switzerland, where experienced pilots take you up in legendary jets like the L-39 Albatros or MiG-29 Fulcrum. You’ll start with a safety briefing, then suit up in a flight suit before hopping into the cockpit of a high-powered military jet.
The moment the engine roars to life, you’ll feel the raw power of a machine built for speed, agility, and controlled chaos. And if you’re lucky, your pilot might even let you take control for a few seconds, making you feel like a true Maverick from Top Gun.
14. Shipstern Bluff, Tasmania
Some waves are legendary. Shipstern Bluff is straight-up terrifying. This break isn’t just big. It’s unpredictable, violent, and throws up an extra wave-within-a-wave called the “step,” just to keep things interesting.
Getting there isn’t easy. You’ll need to hike 2.5 hours through dense bushland or hitch a ride on a boat, dodging shark-infested waters along the way. Then comes the real challenge: massive, mutant waves that can reach 30 feet, folding over themselves like a chaotic, watery accordion.
Even pro surfers admit it’s one of the scariest rides on the planet.
15. Biplane Wing Walking, Essex, UK
Most people prefer their airplane seats inside the aircraft. You? You’re about to strap yourself to the top of a vintage biplane and take off into the sky. Welcome to the wild world of biplane wing walking, a stomach-churning, wind-whipping adventure that makes even skydiving seem tame.
The experience starts with you climbing onto the upper wing of a classic 1940s Boeing Stearman, where you’ll be securely harnessed in place. Then, the pilot hits full throttle, and suddenly, you’re soaring through the clouds at 150 mph, feeling the full force of the wind blast against your face.
If that’s not thrilling enough, your pilot might throw in some rolls, loops, or sudden dives, just to make sure your heart is racing at max speed. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s utterly insane.
16. Yungas Road, Bolivia
Some roads are scenic. Yungas Road is an adrenaline-pumping nightmare draped in jungle greenery. This narrow, mist-covered route winds its way through the Bolivian Andes, clinging to the side of cliffs with no guardrails in sight. One wrong move? It’s a 2,000-foot drop straight down.
Originally built by Paraguayan prisoners in the 1930s, this road was once one of the most dangerous highways in the world, claiming hundreds of lives each year.
But today, thrill-seekers take on the 40-mile downhill descent by mountain bike, navigating hairpin turns, cascading waterfalls, and fog so thick you can barely see a few feet ahead.
17. Rainbow River, Colombia
Would you just look at this strange beauty? Some rivers flow with shades of blue and green. Caño Cristales looks like an artist spilled their entire palette into the water. This Colombian marvel transforms into a swirling masterpiece of red, yellow, green, blue, and black during certain months of the year.
The secret behind the psychedelic display? Macarenia clavigera, a rare aquatic plant that turns brilliant red when conditions are just right. From June to November, when the water level is perfect and the sun hits at the right angle, the river erupts into a living rainbow.
Add in the waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and the dramatic backdrop of the Serranía de la Macarena mountains, and you’ve got nature showing off at its finest.
18. Green Bridge Of Wales, UK
Some rock formations look like they belong in a fairytale. The Green Bridge of Wales is pure medieval drama. This massive limestone arch, carved by centuries of wind and waves, rises majestically along the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline, framing the endless blue of the Celtic Sea.
The name might suggest beautiful greenery, but this bridge is all about the elements. Standing under its towering arch, you’ll feel the salty spray of crashing waves and the whistle of the wind through its weathered surface.
It’s a favorite spot for photographers and hikers, especially as the cliffs here are teeming with seabirds, seals, and even the occasional dolphin sighting.
19. Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, New Zealand
This is not a typo! This place is actually named like this. Forget struggling with difficult street names! This place takes the cake. Please, do yourself a favor and search how to pronounce it. It’s so cool!
With 85 letters, Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu holds the record for one of the longest place names in the world. I know I’m not writing this again!
But this isn’t just a tongue-twisting curiosity. Set in the rolling green hills of Hawke’s Bay, this spot is steeped in Māori legend. The name itself translates to: “The place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, played his flute to his loved one.” Basically, it’s a love story with an epic backdrop.
20. Waipu Caves, New Zealand
New Zealand is home to glowworm caves, but Waipu feels like you’ve stepped into a hidden galaxy. This limestone cave system is a natural light show, where thousands of glowworms twinkle like blue-green constellations on the cavern ceilings.
Unlike the more famous glowworm caves at Waitomo, Waipu is completely free to explore and way less crowded. You’ll need to wade through shin-deep water, squeeze through narrow passageways, and navigate total darkness to see the magic, but once inside, it’s otherworldly.
Look up, and you’ll feel like you’re floating in deep space, surrounded by a sky full of stars.
21. Goblin Valley, Utah, USA
If you’ve ever wanted to stroll through a sci-fi movie set, Goblin Valley is your spot. This bizarre Utah landscape is packed with thousands of hoodoos. They’re mushroom-shaped rock formations that look like goblins frozen in stone.
The eerie, otherworldly terrain has even made it onto the big screen (it starred as an alien planet in Galaxy Quest).
These rock “goblins” were sculpted over 170 million years by wind and water, leaving behind a red sandstone playground that feels straight out of another dimension. There are no trails, just wide-open space where you can wander freely, ducking between towering rock creatures and scrambling over bizarre formations.
22. Eye Of The Sahara, Mauritania
It’s visible from space!!! This massive, swirling crater in the Sahara Desert is one of the planet’s greatest mysteries. Officially known as the Richat Structure, the Eye of the Sahara is a 25-mile-wide bullseye that seems too perfect to be natural.
For years, scientists thought it was an impact crater from a meteor, but research suggests it’s actually the result of millions of years of erosion.
From the ground, it’s less of an “eye” and more of a rugged, wind-blasted expanse of rock. But from the air? It’s mesmerizing! They’re concentric rings of sedimentary rock spiraling out in hypnotic patterns. Astronauts on the International Space Station even use it as a landmark when orbiting Earth.
23. Hashima Island, Japan
There’s abandoned, and then there’s Hashima Island! It’s an entire city left to crumble in the middle of the sea. Just off the coast of Nagasaki, this eerie island once housed over 5,000 coal miners and their families, packed into one of the most densely populated places on Earth.
Then, in the 1970s, the coal industry collapsed, and everyone vanished, leaving behind a crumbling metropolis frozen in time.
Because of its resemblance to a warship, this place is a photographer’s dream and a history lover’s playground! There’re rows of concrete apartment blocks, abandoned schools, and rusted staircases all tell the story of a boomtown turned ghost town.
24. Torres Del Paine, Patagonia
If you could only visit one place in Patagonia, Torres del Paine would be it. This national park in Chile is all jagged peaks, lakes, and ice-blue glaciers, where guanacos roam the plains and condors glide over dramatic valleys. It’s the kind of place where every turn reveals another postcard-perfect view.
The crown jewels of the park? The Torres! They’re three massive granite towers that pierce the sky like nature’s own skyscrapers.
Hiking to the base is a rite of passage for adventurers, a grueling but rewarding trek that ends with one of the most breathtaking panoramas on Earth.
25. Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa
Okay, so imagine standing on a bridge 708 feet above a river, with nothing but open air beneath you. Welcome to Bloukrans Bridge, where adrenaline junkies come to face their fears (and let’s be honest, get a major thrill).
This is the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. You can feel your heart race as you take the leap and experience an insane freefall. Trust me, you’ll never forget it.
Even if you’re not quite ready to jump, the view alone is worth the visit. The surrounding cliffs and forests are beyond gorgeous, and hiking around the area will give you a whole new appreciation for South Africa’s wild beauty.
26. Tuk-Tuk Adventure, Thailand
If you’re ready for an adventure with a side of wind in your hair and the sound of the streets buzzing, hop into a tuk-tuk in Thailand. These funky little three-wheelers are as much a part of the Thai experience as the spicy street food.
Zipping through Bangkok’s crazy traffic or cruising along the countryside, a tuk-tuk ride is like a mini thrill ride through the heart of Thai culture.
The best part? You’re in the middle of everything! Everything is happening right around you: locals, markets, food stalls, temples. It’s like rolling through the most vibrant movie set you’ve ever seen, only it’s real!
27. Westfjords, Iceland
If you’re craving pure Icelandic wilderness, the Westfjords are the answer. This remote slice of paradise is one of the least visited areas of Iceland, and that’s exactly why it’s so magical. Every turn offers a jaw-dropping view, and it feels like you’re exploring some ancient, untouched world.
The villages here are small but full of charm. For example, Ísafjörður! Here, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a slower, quieter pace of life.
There’s a real sense of history here, from the old fishing boats to the rugged coastline that’s been shaped by centuries of nature’s power. It’s the kind of place where you can almost hear the whispers of past generations.
28. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
Ever wanted to see a glacier grow? The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina is one of the few glaciers in the world that’s actually growing, and standing in front of it feels like staring into a frozen world. It’s absolutely massive. The moment you see the ice shimmer in the sunlight, it’s like something out of a dream.
For the ultimate experience, take a boat ride right up to the glacier, and watch as chunks of ice calve off with a thunderous crash into the water.
You can even get your hiking boots on for a guided trek across the glacier itself. Believe me, the feeling the ice crunch beneath your feet is like nothing else. It’s an adventure wrapped in sheer natural beauty.