1. Salamis, North Cyprus. Cyprus is one of the places that I'm fascinated with. The conflict that leads to the Turks and Greeks building a wall all the way across the country. The fact that with all the conflict in the world, no one in America is ever talking about it. It's a fascinating place off the coast of Greece and Turkey; an island with a partially desert climate and beautiful shoreline all the way around. Another thing it is, is the home of Salamis. No, it doesn't go on a sandwich. It's a well preserved Roman Ruins site that housed an enormous sports complex. It not only had a theater, but also a gymnasium and many other sports related features to go in its town. It's located on the east side of North Cyprus just north of Famagusta. It's open 9 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. You can take a tour there or just drive out for a look. It's well worth the trip if you happen to be in North Cyprus.
https://www.cyprusparadise.com/articles/salamis-ruins/
https://www.visitncy.com/discover/salamis-ruins/
https://www.cypruspremier.com/articles/salamis-ruins/
1. Go on a safari in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. We've all thought about it. I've often wondered what an African safari would be like. The Masai Mara is the Serengeti in action. It's the Lion King, baby! There are several companies who provide safaris, so choose the one that best fits your bucket list and your budget. There are several lands to safari on throughout Africa, but this is the home of the great migration, massive numbers of animals and one of the oldest safari lands in Africa.
https://www.masaimara.com/index.php
https://www.maasaimarakenyapark.com/
3. Epidaurus, Greece. Most people go to Athens, some islands, Thessaloniki, and even Meteora; but on the peninsula to the west of Athens sits remnants of an ancient city. The theater is the centerpiece of these ruins. It's in great shape after millennia, and the acoustics are absolutely fabulous. When a person stands in the center of the arena and speaks lowly, you can hear it in the nosebleed seats. It's an important archaeological site in Greece; complete with stadium, foundations and many other things at the site. There's a museum there to visit as well. But, the best is if you come during the warm months, if you time it right; you can still see live performances of Greek tragedies at the theater.
https://www.greeka.com/peloponnese/epidaurus/
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/491/
https://www.introducingathens.com/epidaurus
https://www.discovergreece.com/peloponnese/ancient-epidaurus
4. Go into the desert from Marrakech, Morocco. In Marrakech, Morocco, it's not hard to take a side trip right out into the Sahara Desert. Bottom line, I like to do things on my own, but I can't do this. There's a host of companies that provide all kinds of experiences, so all you have to do is choose one. You can go for a day trip on ATVs or for a multi night adventure that will make you feel like a Bedouin. Bottom line, don't be that close to the Sahara and not bother to go out and experience it in full.
https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/desert-safaris-tc37/
https://www.marrakech-desert-trips.com/
https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/
5. What to call it? The Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park (Khao Wang), Petchaburi, Thailand. That's a mouthful, but bear with me. Around 1859 King Rama IV decided to build a summer palace. I won't get into the details; you have to visit this place! It's a mix of Thai, Chinese and European style and is a multi building royal palace to visit. You can hike up one side or take a cable car up the other to reach it. And...there's monkeys! There are great views from this hill and it's all only a couple of hours south of Bangkok.
http://virtualhistoricalpark.finearts.go.th/phranakhonkhiri/index.php/th/
https://www.huahin-travel.com/tour/petchaburi-historical-temples-palace-day-tour-with-private-guide
https://www.thaitrainguide.com/excursion-trains/kiha-183/phra-nakhon-khiri-fair-in-phetchaburi/
There you have it. If you happen to be in any of these neighborhoods, there's some ideas for that little something that's less touristy and a little different. I always say to get out of the city, and these ideas are no exception. There's a lot to see and do in major cities like Athens, Bangkok, and Marrakech, but every tour and every person who ever saw a traditional travel show will flood into the cities and their well known attractions like ants to a picnic. Hopefully, these will give you some ideas for how to do something different and less like everyone else. These days, the Greek islands and Athens are the top spots in Greece. Cyprus is rarely even talked about these days, and who's ever heard of Epidaurus? Safaris are far more advertised in South Africa and Botswana, but they've been guarding the animals in Kenya forever. Bangkok is one of the most popular cities to visit in South Asia, but the whole country is amazing. Don't think you have to see all the most popular tourist spots. Travelers tend to see the most fascinating things in the world, because they're looking for a unique experience. Be a traveler. Look beyond the tourist realms and enjoy!
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