While big cities like Paris or Rome are probably at the top of your travel bucket list, there are plenty of off-the-radar destinations that deserve your attention. Armed with good company, share with your best friends the experience of sleeping in a desert, indulging in a spa retreat, or walking along deserted beaches as you explore incredible experiences at the world’s most underrated destinations together.
1. Sedona, Arizona
Roughly 120 miles north of Phoenix, nestled among striking red-rock buttes and wedged between steep canyon walls, Sedona is a destination for spiritual journeys. It is believed to be the site of a number of vortexes, and spiritual seekers and healers from all over come to tap into the energy. Visit Mii Amo with your best friends, a destination spa at the foot of Sedona’s Boynton Canyon where the Earth’s energy is highly concentrated, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual healing.
2. Strasbourg, France
On the French-German border lies the charming Strasbourg- a rich cultural center in the heart of Alsace, some 300 miles east of Paris. Its storied medieval past gives this destination a dreamy, old world vibe, but as the seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg also embodies a modern identity. Traipse the twisting alleyways of La Petite France, a neighborhood of whimsical crooked houses lining a network of waterways, then tour the glass European Parliament for a modern look at the city.
3. Pilsen, Czech Republic
Often overlooked in favor of the romantic Czech capital of Prague, Pilsen proves a deserving destination for all beer lovers. The internationally-adored Pilsner was invented in Western Bohemia’s largest city in 1842, and a tour of the Pilsner Urquell brewery is a must if you and your friends share a love of lager. Then, visit Pilsen’s only beer spa, where you can soak in the local brew, followed by a relaxing massage, and rejuvenating steam bath.
4. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach, a mellow beach town on the scenic Oregon Coast, is a magnet for lazy beachgoers and passionate outdoor photographers who come to capture the 235-foot Haystack Rock that juts out from the ocean floor. Start your days perusing the chic boutiques and local art galleries on the town’s main thoroughfare, Hemlock Street. Then go for leisurely walks on the wide beach, taking in its salty sea air. Visit in June for the annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest, which transforms the town into an outdoor party with live music and a raging bonfire. Rent a cottage for you and your friends, or stay in one of the charming B&B's with oceanfront views.
5. Ambergris Caye, Belize
Looking for that tropical experience with your friends? Head to Belize's Ambergris Caye, an isolated piece of paradise that's perfect for improving your tan with a drink in hand. Spend your days alternating between lounging on the beach and snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef. Charter a sailboat to take you around the island for the day, and at night sip mojitos at Palmilla Restaurant at Victoria House Resort And Spa.
6. Kauai, Hawaii
If you and your best friends are looking to commune with nature, then in the shadows of ever popular Oahu and Maui, the Hawaiian island of Kauai is the perfect place. The wild and rugged island, one of Hawaii’s least crowded, is composed of a variety of mesmerizing landscapes — lush tropical valleys, deep chasms, and dramatic sea cliffs on the Nāpali Coast so picture perfect that it was featured in Jurassic Park. For active souls, there’s plenty of outdoor adventures to participate in on land or in the sea. Explore sea caves, swim with sea turtles in impossibly turquoise waters, or perfect your tan on the island’s secluded beaches.
7. Tofino, Canada
Off the western coast of Canada, the free-spirited Tofino sits on a peninsula of Vancouver Island. While summertime visitors to Tofino enjoy kayaking off its rugged coastline and whale watching in pristine Clayoquot Sound, this remote fishing village is actually Canada’s premier surfing destination, and attracts those with a penchant for riding the waves. After, chow down on fish tacos from the original Tacofino food truck, its mouthwatering combination of tempura ling cod and chipotle mayo the reason for its many outposts on mainland British Columbia’s Vancouver today.
8. Arequipa, Peru
Located at a height of 7,710 feet, ringed by three visually-striking snow-capped volcanoes, Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city. Its UNESCO-listed historic city center, or Plaza de Armas, features pretty facades carved from white volcanic rock, and the centerpiece of the square is unquestioningly the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, which began construction in 1540. Arequipa’s close proximity to Peru’s breathtaking outdoors makes this an ideal jumping off point for hiking the Colca Canyon where you can spot Andean condors take flight.
9. Wadi Rum, Jordan
For a quintessential desert experience with your best friends, head to Wadi Rum, some 186 miles south of the Jordanian capital of Amman. Characterized by striking red sands and towering granite and sandstone peaks that reach heights of 2600 feet, the arid Wadi Rum is a highlight of any journey to the Middle East. Avid rock climbers gravitate towards the mountains here, but for a more laid back experience, tour the open desert in a four wheel drive, or camel trek the very region where much of Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. Budget enough time to sleep under the starry sky at a Bedouin Camp and revel in the tranquility of those desert nights.
Going on a trip with friends should not be just talked about. It should be lived and experienced. Which places are you keen on going to with your friends? Let us know in the comments below.
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