Here at VIVA GLAM Magazine, we think of travel as more than just a fun activity. It’s a way of life, a means to express ourselves, and an opportunity to learn about the world around us. That’s why we make it our mission to visit a variety of unique places each year to feature them on here and in the pages of our VIVA GLAM Magazine annual print edition. Since the cooler weather is gradually starting to fade away, we wanted to mention our favorite unique places to visit around the world to offer you some inspiration for your vacations this year and beyond!
Europe
Eastern Europe
With a rich history and scenic landscape filled with castles, we love visiting Europe and celebrating its unique history. Perhaps, our favorite part of Europe is Eastern Europe! Last year, the VIVA GLAM Team went on a unique and exciting adventure across the Central and Eastern European countryside visiting breathtaking castles. My personal favorite castle is Bran Castle, which is known to many as Dracula’s Castle, being the castle that inspired Bram Stoker when he wrote his famous novel. (I even got to spend the night at Bran Castle, and it was an experience unlike any other!) We also checked out the most unusual things to do in Prague and found the best vegan food spots imaginable. And if you travel east enough, be sure to check out Tblisi, Georgia. All in all, at least for me, Eastern Europe is one of my all-time favorite destinations. We can’t recommend Prague, Transylvania, and Budapest enough.
Western Europe
If you start heading west, be sure to take an iconic train ride across the Swiss countryside. Switzerland should absolutely be on the top of your travel list if you love nature, as its picturesque views are to die for! And we encourage you to make it all the way over to Ireland. You can’t miss out on the Irish Castles! From the breathtaking scattered ruins of Dunamase to the wonder and mystery of Blarney Castle and its famous stone, the Irish castles are among the most famous in the world, and they are without a doubt my favorite castles out there (next to Bran, of course). If you drive up into Northern Ireland, be sure to check out the Titanic Museum and learn all about the most famous shipwreck in history.
If you’re into fashion, glitz, and glam, be sure to visit Cannes, France and the surrounding areas for a magical time. The South of France is unique in its own visibly beautiful way, and the VIVA GLAM team had the pleasure of filming our entire web series in Cannes a few years ago. Be sure to check out the full series here to get inspired if France is the destination for you.
We couldn’t discuss Europe without bringing up Germany, but we love Germany so much, we’re going to give it its own section.
Germany
Germany is absolutely on my list of top-favorite destinations, and I can’t encourage you enough to visit it yourself. From the hillside landscapes that look as if they came out of a painting to the adorable old city centers, there’s something for everyone in Germany.
If you are a fan of museums, nature, and outdoor activities, then Northen Germany is definitely the place for you! If you’re ready to see some of the strangest and most unique museums of your life, then Bremerhaven is definitely the spot, and you must check out Klimahaus. One of the things we love most about Germany as a destination is that it is extremely focused on sustainability, and Klimahaus helps explain and encourage this.
If you prefer more industrial areas that are still rich in history, then I strongly encourage you to check out Essen. I assure you that you haven’t experienced virtual reality like their virtual tourism experience in the heart of Essen. While you’re in Essen, be sure to take a quick stop over into Bonn, Germany. It’s close by, and you don’t want to miss out on seeing Beethoven’s hometown. If you’re looking to stay a few days and learn more about Beethoven (which I highly recommend), there are plenty of wonderful places you can choose to stay.
And lastly, my favorite place in Germany, without a doubt, is Heidelberg down in Southern Germany. With an impressively large castle looming over the heart of the old town square, cobblestone streets, and charming storefronts, there’s something for everyone in Heidelberg. And while you’re in Southern Germany, be sure to also visit Baden Baden, Trier, and Freiburg im Breisgau. Each of these places comes with their own beautiful charm and unique activities, so be sure to plan ahead and pick an exciting array of activities while you’re there.
Mexico
While many people hear Mexico and think of Cancun or Cabo and the same old beach towns, there’s so much more to Mexico than you could ever imagine! Personally, I took a road trip down into the heart of Mexico back in 2017, and it was the experience of a lifetime! There are rich, jungle-like destinations in the Sierra Madre mountain range, as well as beautiful colonial cities such as Guanajuato that are rich in history and Spanish-style architectural charm.
However, if you prefer the beaches, we highly recommend that you check out Yucatan, with its sunny, traditional beaches and Xibalba, a cenote park unlike any other. Or if you’re more into a unique experience with art and architecture that is unusually exciting, try Puerto Vallarta! Puerto Vallarta is a gorgeous outdoor art gallery on top of a beach town, and there are so many activities to do in Puerto Vallarta that go beyond the traditional beach experiences. There are many beautiful places to stay, and it’s an excellent place to go if you are vegan, too!
Island Travel
Speaking of beautiful beaches, we’ve visited plenty of unique islands that you have to see to believe, and we’re excited to recommend them as excellent places for your next vacation if you’re interested in island travel. For instance, the Cook Islands are a great place for a tropical getaway without the crowds. The Pimalai Resort and Spa is the perfect place if you’re looking for the island experience out in Southeast Asia.
If you’re more interested in the Caribbean, why not visit the Dutch Caribbean Island of Bonaire? Bonaire is small yet unbelievably relaxing and truly offers a unique experience like no other. Or if you’d prefer a more artistic experience, the Ibagari Boutique Hotel in Roatan is an art-lover’s paradise complete with fine dining directly on the beach. It’s also one of the best diving spots in the world, as it’s home to the second largest barrier reef!
Travel within the United States
For those looking to stay close to home, the VIVA GLAM team has taken quite a tour of the United States since COVID times. We saw many places close to Los Angeles and throughout California, as well as some unique places scattered across the US. Let’s start with one of our absolute favorites, Kauai! Kauai is an island for those who love adventure! Not only does it look like a jungle, but it’s the perfect place to kayak and go diving, as well. It’s the island for adventure lovers!
East Coast of the US
If you’re on the East Coast of the United States, then you must know that the East Coast is rich in both nature and history. When you’re visiting the East Coast, it’s for one of those two things, of course. For instance, the history and culture of New Orleans is unlike any other place in the United States. Or if you’re in Virginia, the Monroe Institute is a spiritual center that offers programs that teach you how to have out of body experiences.
However, if you’re looking for a more unique and less-known place to visit, try North Carolina! From the weird haunted legends of Asheville to the artistic flare of Winston Salem, North Carolina, there are a lot of unique places that will help you have a getaway unlike any other. Specifically, I went on a ghost hunting excursion throughout North Carolina, and I had the time of my life. It’s supposed to be extremely haunted, and my findings supported that.
If you head down towards Cullowhee, North Carolina, you’ll find a man who created an entire museum dedicated to the house cat. His story is touching, and I highly recommend you visit his museum. Or if you head towards Beech Mountain, you can find an entire theme park dedicated to the Wizard of Oz! The world is much stranger than we generally give it credit for. And that’s why I can honestly say that I began looking for the strange and unusual places in my own back yard during COVID. You’d be surprised how many places exist for you to vacation that are off the beaten path in your own backyard, wherever you may live.
West Coast of the US
The West Coast of the United States is a treasure-trove of adventures just waiting to happen. It’s the home of VIVA GLAM Magazine, after all. But before we talk about the areas closest to Los Angeles, we want to take you up to Northern California. If you’ve never been to Mendocino County and the gorgeous wine areas up north, you are missing out! From the famous Glass Beach to the cozy little cottages where you can sneak away to disappear for a while, Mendocino has it all. Personally, my favorite spot was the Inn at Newport Ranch which offered the most beautiful shorelines I’ve even seen along with some wildly interesting tours. And the vegan food up there is delicious!
In between Mendocino County and Los Angeles, be sure to check out the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. If you like the unusual, this is definitely the place for you. (And if you like haunted locations, the Whaley House is a great place to see, as well.)
But what about places in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas? There’s plenty to do there, too! The Urban Press Winery offers a great experience for those looking to get away for a dinner experience that still want to sleep in their own bed. And if you’re looking for a taste of Hollywood, you just have to check out the WB Studio Tour.
If you’re looking for a full spa experience just outside of Los Angeles, then I am excited to recommend the Westlake Village Inn and Stonehaus, the delicious restaurant they have onsite! Or if you prefer more of a desert-y feel to your vacations, think about visiting The Caravan Outpost in Ojai. Ojai also offers a unique plethora of things to do.
And I can’t end this article without talking about Area 51! The VIVA GLAM team went on our own alien adventure around Area 51 (and wound up at an alien-themed brothel?), and if you’re looking for a really weird but fun thing to do, an alien road trip may very well be the thing for you.
There you have it! I hope I was able to inspire you with an exciting array of destinations. There’s something for everyone on this list, whether you love quiet snug getaways or daring outdoor adventures. Wishing you all exciting and enjoyable trips this year, and safe travels!
