I bet you think you've checked out all the cool travel places on your FYP. Think again. In the era where travel content is everywhere, with #travel having 809.5 million posts on TikTok, it takes something very, very, extraordinary to pop out. And there, the TikTok travel community has unearthed all the most cinematic, ethereal, and rare travel destinations which many tourist traps overlook.

These aren’t the usual places you’d find hoards of people in; they’re some of the most unreal, stunning and mind-boggling places you’d ever visit. It’d feel like you’ve been transported to a fantasy film universe.

1. Colmar, France

Image Credit: Krzysztof Golik from Wikimedia Commons

Known as the “Little Venice” of Alsace, Colmar feels like a literal Disney town. Pastel-painted houses with gently gushing canals gliding by them, with overflowing flower pots on the window panes, it feels like a perfect place to spend a dreamy, fever-dream kinda vacation. It’s famous for its Alsatian wines and tarte flambée. During Christmas time, it turns into a whole snow-globe with little fairy lights adorning the houses.

But Colmar isn’t just about the looks (I mean, those are still definitely the main attraction, 10/10, no debate!) but, it’s packed with culture too. You’ll find artsy museums, medieval churches, and gondola boat rides too!

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2. Dawki, India

Image Credit: Shanaya Mahida

Located near the India-Bangladesh border in the rainy Indian state of Meghalaya, this cozy little town is home to what many people believe to be the cleanest river in India. So, dip your toes in the river—yes it’s safe, but also it freezing (in the refreshing way). On a clear day you can see the pebbles and little river fish without zero distortion from the water; it is THAT clear.

You can enjoy the loveliest boat rides, that is, if the weather permits. The green cliffs are so magnificent combined with the crystal waters of the river, it’s very stunning.

Apart from Dawki’s crystal clear Umngot river, you can also walk on the Dawki suspension bridge, to get the most epic selfies. It’s not a well-discovered destination yet, meaning no other tourists photobombing your precious, memorable shots.

3. Pamukkale, Türkiye

Image Credit: Antoine Taveneaux from Wikimedia Commons

At first, you’ll think you’re gazing at snow-covered mountains; but then you’ll realise there isn’t snow at all. Welcome to Pamukkale, whose name means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish. This place is made of travertine terraces—formed over so many centuries by mineral rich hot springs. The sky-blue pools against the dazzling white hues of the stone looks simply unreal.

Moreover, it’s historically rich too, with the ruins of the Roman Spa City of Hierapolis nearby. So, you can walk around barefoot on the stunning formations and even soak up in the natural, warm pools, just like the ancient Romans! The Cleopatra Pool is highly recommended, because you can literally swim among the ancient Roman columns.

4. Mariner’s Lookout, Australia

Image Credit: Shanaya Mahida

Tired of the common tourist traps? Tucked away in the Apollo Bay, in the Australian state of Victoria as a quiet hilltop, Mariner’s Lookout gives one of the most insane panaromic views of the Great Ocean Road. From the top, you can get the most awesome views of the lush Otway hills, and the bright blue contour of the coastline below.

You can walk the short 10-15 minutes hike which is subtle, though a bit steep. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying a nice quiet solo date or a picnic with a journal, and the view during golden hour or when the sky’s laden with clouds is absolutely divine. This was one of my favourite spots while road-tripping the Great Ocean Road.

5. Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

Image Credit: Khoirul Amri from Wikimedia Commons

This is actually, a place where nature, has outdone itself. (Think of the Jurassic Park Islands!) Located off the west coast of Flores Island, this a very underrated place in Southeast Asia. You can explore the Komodo National Park, known for its spectacular beasts, the Komodo Dragons, and snorkel at the Manta Point with actual Manta Rays too!

The pink beaches(yes, they’re truly bubblegum coloured!) over here contrasting with the turquoise waters look something out of a story-book. You can watch the sunrise and sunsets from Bukit Cinta, Kalong Island, or even Amelia Sea View Hill.

6. Meteora, Greece

Image Credit: Ioannis Ioannidis from Wikimedia Commons

Situated in Central Greece, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of monasteries perched on cliffs—hundreds of feet high. Meteora translates to "suspended in the air" and the morning fog makes them appear to look as if they’re built on clouds adding to how mystical the scenery already looks. It’s like visiting a cross between Lord of the Rings and Hogwarts, but make it more spiritual.

Six of the monasteries are still active, and visiting them is a once-in-a lifetime experience, especially the Varlaam and Great Meteoron. But, keep in mind that there is a strict dress-code. Men must wear long pants, and women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders. You can also chill in the nearby town of Kalambaka with a hot cup of coffee.

7. Giethoorn, Netherlands

Image Credit: Cbliu from Wikimedia Commons

Imagine a place with no traffic, no cars, and no roads, just cobblestone paved footpaths lined with flowers. It's often called the "Venice of the North", but to be honest, it's even more quiet and surreal. The peaceful village looks so cute with little cottages, wooden bridges and picturesque tiny canals - like something out of a Studio Ghibli movie.

There are about 176 bridges, and it is insanely beautiful and peaceful. You can rent "whisper boats" too, and sail around the canals.

Furthermore, you can enjoy Dutch Cheese and Stroopwafels in the quaint little cafés, visit the local museum to learn more about how people lived there, and even check out the close-located Weerribben-Wieden National Park for even prettier nature snaps. This is literally the perfect inspo for those comfy, cute Pinterest boards.

8. Huacachina, Peru

Image Credit: Gatol fotografia from Wikimedia Commons

Hidden between the sand dunes right in the middle of the Peruvian desert, is an oasis built around a natural lagoon. It is literally Peru's best kept secret. It seems like a mirage, but real; a striking green pool surrounded with nothing but endless sand dunes.

Huacachina is famous for its activities like sandboarding and dune buggy rides. People also prefer to take a day trip to the Islas Ballestas or Nazca lines as well. The best time to visit this place is the dry season--preferably May-September.

9. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Image Credit: Farsai C. from Wikimedia Commons

What if I told you there's a place where heaven meets Earth? Where clouds float beneath your feet? This is Salar De Uyuni, the world's biggest salt flat.

Most of the year, the salt lake remains completely dry, a blind white desert of hexagonal salt patterns, but during the rainy season, transforms into a perfect natural mirror, reflecting the sky so perfectly that if feels like you're floating in another planet. Feels like you're walking through an Inception-style dream realm.

You can go totally creative with this one; take the best perspective pictures and wild illusions. Moreover, you can also stay in a salt hotel (yes, the structure is made of salt!).

Conclusion

Earth is full of magic--and is full of places that feel and look like it too. From mirror-like lakes in Bolivia, to hilltops where everything else seems small in Australia, the world is full of places that look like they were specially crafted aside for the big-screen - but they're out there, real, and ready for you to explore them fully. Some gems of the world are still hidden - you just need to go looking for them!

So, pack your bags, clean your camera lenses, and take your curiosity--because these destinations aren't just TikTok worthy, they're out-of-this world, literally. Bon Voyage!