These must-see destinations that have gone viral should make it to the top of every traveler’s list!
Gone are the days of watching old slides or flipping through photo albums of your aunt and uncle’s vacation, trying to stay awake through each blurry image with heads cropped off and fingers overtaking the majority of the frame. With social media playing such an interesting roll in everyone’s modern life, images of people’s voyages are a fun way of escaping the day to day and inspiring our own adventures abroad. Having the entire world at our fingertips has only amplified our thirst for adventure, adding to our never-ending bucket lists.
Thanks to YouTube, Pinterest, ‘the Gram’ and the like, these destinations have struck internet fame.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Iceland
Say that ten times fast, or even once if you can manage! Pronounced (roughly) fya-thrar-glyu-fur, the picturesque, 300-foot-deep canyon in Iceland has seen a surge of visitors since its feature in Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You” music video in 2015. So many visitors, in fact, all public paths had to be closed briefly for vegetation to recover from the foot traffic. As Iceland grapples with its surge in tourism, precautions are being put in place to preserve this once unknown canyon while allowing travelers, and Beliebers alike to witness its beauty.
Vinicunca AKA Rainbow Mountain, Peru
A three-hour drive from Cusco and a challenging 6-mile trek won’t get in the way of thirsty Instagrammers getting their shot with the mystic Rainbow Mountain as their backdrop. Also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, these majestic peaks developed their gorgeous hues thanks to natural mineral deposits from melting ice that once covered the area. For the best photos, hiking with your Yampu Guide early in the morning or late afternoon during a clear day will give you the most optimal photo ops.
View this post on Instagram
Cappadocia, Turkey
Listed as one of the Must See Destinations in 2019, Cappadocia has taken over Instagram feeds and travel communities all over cyberspace. With a lunar-esque landscape lined with rock formations known as “Fairy Chimneys,” this region of central turkey is a real-world fantasy.
Ask your Tour Consultant on including a visit to Cappadocia for an uplifting sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride that includes transportation to and from your hotel, breakfast, champagne and, of course, dreamy views you would only see on an influencer’s blog. #experientialgoals
View this post on Instagram
Big Major Cay AKA Pig Beach, Exuma, Bahamas
Blue waters and white sands straight from Pinterest is what is envisioned when one thinks of the Bahamas. However, this one island has some rather bore-ish inhabitants. Believed to have swum from a shipwreck centuries ago, Big Major Cay is home to dozens of feral pigs who warmly welcome curious travelers to their island sanctuary. Upon hearing the sound of the boat motors, the hungry porcine can be seen running from their shaded piggy bungalows into the waters as they swim to the boats in hopes of scraps.
View this post on Instagram
Datu Swing, Gili Trawangan Indonesia
Indonesia’s Gili Islands are the epitome of tropical beach oases in Southeast Asia. Located on the more cosmopolitan of the three islands, Gili Trawangan, is the iconic Datu Swing. Transforming the islands into the land of hammocks and beach swings, Datu Swing gained massive popularity after being featured in an article by MTV Australia and has since become the islands’ staple tourist spot. Snapping a photo with your significant other or alongside your bestie during sunset will set you up for true #sunsetporn status images. Enjoy the tranquil waters washing over your feet as you sway carelessly in the sea breeze.
View this post on Instagram
Giraffe Manor, Kenya
Featured on Episode 3 of Netflix’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby, Giraffe manor has captured the hearts of travelers with its stunning façade, elegant interior, and lush gardens that transport them to 1930s Nairobi. It’s not only the exquisite courtyards and stunning terraces that beckon travelers but the daily guests of honor who really put their neck out to dine alongside the Manor’s human guests each morning.
Located within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, the Manor has frequent giraffe visitors to which the property owes its name to. These wild yet friendly giraffes pay guests a visit while passing through the area by peeking through windows in search for a nibble to share or just to say a quick hello.
View this post on Instagram
Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco
This UNESCO World Heritage site in Morocco was once a key resting point for those traversing the ancient Sahara Trade Route on their way to Timbuktu. Today, many film and television buffs will recognize the ancient village as the stage for the movie ‘The Mummy’ (1999) ‘the Gladiator’ (2000) as well as Yunkia, or the ‘Yellow City’ in season three of Game of Thrones.
Much of the village has gone unchanged since its prime, giving a unique look into an almost forgotten era. Admire the astonishingly detailed mud brick architecture and visit local merchants while walking the streets feeling like Daenerys.
View this post on Instagram
Have you been to any of these viral destinations? Let us know in the comments!
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for tips, tricks, travel deals and discounts!
Tags: