In My Experience, These 7 Unusual Places Are Easy For Beginners + 5 That Are Only For Pros
Adventure isn’t just found in faraway jungles or unpronounceable towns – it’s in the unexpected, the offbeat, the places that make you pause and think, Wait, where am I? After years of wandering into the weird corners of the world, I’ve learned that not all off-the-map destinations are reserved for hardcore travelers.
Some spots look wild on the surface but offer a surprisingly smooth ride. Others? They’ll chew you up if you’re not ready. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just travel-curious, knowing which kind of “weird” you’re getting into can make all the difference.
1. Giethoorn, Netherlands
Imagine gliding through peaceful canals in a small boat, surrounded by thatched-roof cottages and flowering gardens. This dreamy Dutch village has no roads – just waterways and footpaths.
Giethoorn offers a gentle introduction to canal navigation with rental boats that are incredibly easy to operate. Even first-timers can master steering through the village’s charming network of waterways.
2. Cappadocia, Turkey
Floating over an alien landscape at sunrise creates pure magic for travel newcomers. The balloon pilots handle all the technical aspects while you simply enjoy the ride.
Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys and cave dwellings look even more spectacular from above. Ground-level exploration is equally beginner-friendly with well-marked hiking trails and accessible cave hotels that welcome visitors of all experience levels.
3. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan
Walking paths cut straight through towering green giants that seem to whisper as they sway. No special skills required – just follow the clearly marked trail and snap amazing photos.
Arashiyama sits just outside Kyoto, making it perfectly accessible by public transportation. Early mornings offer the most magical experience before the crowds arrive, giving beginners a taste of Japan’s natural wonders without venturing too far from civilization.
4. Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand
Colorful round doors built into verdant hillsides welcome visitors of all ages. The guided tour format makes this attraction perfect for those new to travel.
Hobbiton’s meticulous recreation of the famous movie location includes the Green Dragon Inn where you can stop for a drink. Everything is organized to be family-friendly and accessible, with pathways suitable for all fitness levels and plenty of rest spots throughout.
5. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
Floating silently beneath a living ceiling of blue-green stars creates an otherworldly experience. Boat tours through these illuminated caves require zero effort from visitors – just sit back and gaze upward.
Waitomo’s magical atmosphere comes from thousands of tiny glowworms that create a bioluminescent display. The calm boat ride suits all ages and abilities, making it an ideal introduction to adventure travel without any physical challenges.
6. Cenotes Of Yucatán, Mexico
Crystal-clear freshwater pools hide beneath the jungle floor, accessed by simple staircases. Many cenotes feature wooden platforms perfect for cautious first-timers to ease into swimming.
Yucatán’s natural sinkholes range from completely open to partially covered cave systems. Beginners should stick to the more accessible ones like Cenote Ik Kil or Gran Cenote, where lifejackets are available and the water is calm enough for relaxed floating.
7. Mount Huashan Plank Walk, China
Narrow wooden planks cling to sheer cliff faces thousands of feet above jagged rocks. Only experienced hikers with nerves of steel should attempt this death-defying path.
Mount Huashan’s infamous trail requires climbers to edge along foot-wide wooden boards while clipped to a safety cable. The physical demands include upper body strength for sections with only metal footholds hammered into vertical rock faces. Definitely not for anyone with even a hint of vertigo.
8. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
Mirror-like surfaces stretch endlessly across what feels like another planet. Despite its remote location, organized tours make this salt flat surprisingly accessible to travel newcomers.
Salar de Uyuni offers perfect conditions for those fun perspective photos where people appear tiny or giant. Tour guides know exactly where to take you, handling all logistics while you focus on enjoying this surreal landscape that transforms with the seasons.
9. Pripyat Ghost Town, Chernobyl
Abandoned Ferris wheels and empty classrooms frozen in 1986 create an eerie time capsule. Radiation levels require strict adherence to safety protocols that only experienced travelers should navigate.
Pripyat visits demand special permits, authorized guides, and radiation monitoring equipment. The psychological impact of exploring this nuclear disaster zone can be intense, requiring emotional preparation beyond what most casual travelers expect. Not for the faint-hearted or those who struggle with following strict safety rules.
10. Antarctica’s Interior
Endless white horizons stretch across Earth’s most isolated continent. Only those with extensive cold-weather experience and serious financial resources should consider venturing beyond the coastal areas.
Antarctica’s extreme environment demands specialized equipment and survival skills. Interior expeditions face temperatures dropping below -40°F, potential white-out conditions, and complete isolation from emergency services. Even coastal cruises require significant preparation, but inland journeys are exclusively for seasoned adventurers.
11. Free Diving In Dahab’s Blue Hole, Egypt
Azure waters drop into a seemingly bottomless abyss that has claimed numerous lives. Even experienced scuba divers approach this site with caution, while free diving here demands elite-level skills.
Dahab’s infamous Blue Hole features an underwater arch at 170 feet depth that tempts divers into dangerous territory. The combination of depth, potential nitrogen narcosis, and strong currents creates perfect conditions for fatal errors. Only those with specialized training should consider exploring beyond the site’s shallow rims.
12. Hang Son Doong Expedition, Vietnam
Underground rivers flow beneath limestone mountains that hide entire ecosystems untouched by human presence. Accessing these remote chambers requires specialized caving skills and excellent physical condition.
Hang Son Doong’s expedition involves traversing razor-sharp rock formations and scaling slippery underground walls. The multi-day journey includes camping in chambers so vast they generate their own weather, with temperatures that fluctuate dramatically. Only those comfortable with confined spaces and physical challenges should apply.