Home Is Where Your Passport Is: 12 Stunning Hidden Gems You Absolutely Have To Visit

Some of us are programmed to explore, others are programmed to dream. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered. Her.ie’s new weekly travel guide brings you to some of the most inspiring places in the world and dares you to turn those dreams into an adventure of a lifetime. As the saying goes, ‘home is where your passport is’ – so where will your passport end up next? __________________________________________________ Huacachina Head to Peru and discover the tiny town of Huacachina which is built on the shores of a small lake. Be sure to try out sandboarding on the dunes! Mindanao Any trip to the Philippines is not complete without heading to the island of Mindanao and more importantly, a splash around in the stunning waters of the Hinatuan River, which is known locally as the Enchanted River. Magnetic Island Located off Australia’s east coast, Magnetic Island is a must-stop. Head to Townsville in Queensland to take the boat over and visit the bird sanctuary and explore. Stop off in Airlie Beach afterwards for some downtime. Svalbard The stunning glaciers at Svalbard between Norway and the North Pole have to be seen to be believed. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of polar bears or reindeer. Rotorua The action-packed landscape of New Zealand also boasts hot springs in Rotorua on the north island. Take a dip in the thermal springs, head into the mud pools and admire the geysers in what locals call Sulphur City. Word of warning though – be sure to wear an old bikini! The Crooked Forest Head to the west of Poland where you can explore the amazing and equally mysterious crooked forest, where over 400 pine trees are growing with a 90-degree bend. Los Pueblos Blancos Take a trip to Cádiz in Spain and get a bus to the Pueblos Blancos. The stunning hilltop towns will take your breath away. While you’re in the area, take a trip to El Puerto de Santa Maria. Jericoacoara Beach One of Brazil’s best kept secrets, Jericoacoara Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Railay Beach Thailand has hundreds of beaches to explore and discover, but one of our favourites has to be Railay Beach. Take a boat from Ao Nang and discover a little hint of paradise. Las Salinas de Torrevieja Torrevieja in Spain may be well-known as a popular tourist destination, and not too far away are two salty pink lakes that simply have to be seen. The Crystal Caves Head to Mexico and discover the beauty of the Crystal Caves of Naica. Discovered in 2000, the crystals are believed to have grown over 500,000 years. The Haiku Stairs Take a hike up the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ or the Haiku Stairs in Oahu, Hawaii. The steep trail is technically not open to the public, but people still climb it and if you look at photos from the top it’s not hard to see why. For more must-see destinations, click here. Images via iStock/Crystal Caves image via National Geographic