Introduction
When most travelers plan a trip, they often think of the usual checklist: visiting famous landmarks, tasting local food, and taking plenty of photos. While those experiences are memorable, there’s a whole world of unusual things to do that can transform your journey into something extraordinary.
From sleeping in ice hotels to exploring ghost towns, seeking out unique cultural traditions, or dining in complete darkness, unusual activities not only enrich your travels but also create unforgettable stories to share. This guide highlights unique, fun, and quirky things to do on your next trip—whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family.
Why Choose Unusual Travel Experiences?
Choosing unusual experiences instead of traditional activities comes with multiple benefits:
- Avoid Crowds: You’ll discover hidden gems where fewer tourists go.
- Create Unique Memories: Everyone visits the Eiffel Tower—but not everyone explores Paris’ underground catacombs.
- Cultural Immersion: Offbeat activities often connect you more closely with locals.
- Budget-Friendly: Many unusual activities are surprisingly affordable.
Unusual Things to Do Around the World
Here’s a list of quirky, unique, and fascinating activities to inspire your next adventure.
1. Stay in an Ice Hotel in Sweden
- Where: Jukkasjärvi, Sweden.
- Experience: Sleep in a room made entirely of ice and snow, complete with ice sculptures and furniture.
- Why It’s Unique: A new design is built each year, making every visit different.
2. Visit a Glowworm Cave in New Zealand
- Where: Waitomo Caves, North Island.
- Experience: Take a boat ride under thousands of glowing blue-green worms illuminating the cave ceiling.
- Why It’s Unique: It feels like drifting through a natural galaxy underground.
3. Explore Japan’s Cat Islands
- Where: Tashirojima and Aoshima, Japan.
- Experience: Islands with more cats than humans—perfect for feline lovers.
- Why It’s Unique: Locals believe cats bring good luck and prosperity.
4. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Cappadocia
- Where: Cappadocia, Turkey.
- Experience: Float above surreal landscapes of fairy chimneys and valleys.
- Why It’s Unique: Sunrise views are magical and unlike any other hot air balloon ride in the world.
5. Hike to the Door to Hell in Turkmenistan
- Where: Derweze, Turkmenistan.
- Experience: Visit a fiery gas crater that has been burning for over 50 years.
- Why It’s Unique: It’s one of the most dramatic and unusual things to do in Central Asia.
6. Dine in the Dark
- Where: Available in major cities worldwide, including Paris, London, and New York.
- Experience: Enjoy a full meal in complete darkness, guided by blind waiters.
- Why It’s Unique: Enhances taste and smell, creating a one-of-a-kind dining adventure.
7. Walk Among Giant Boulders at Moeraki
- Where: Koekohe Beach, New Zealand.
- Experience: See massive, perfectly round stones scattered across the beach.
- Why It’s Unique: These mysterious rocks are natural wonders formed millions of years ago.
8. Visit the Salt Flats of Bolivia
- Where: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia.
- Experience: Walk on the world’s largest salt flat, which turns into a mirror during the rainy season.
- Why It’s Unique: It feels like standing in the sky.
9. Explore Ghost Towns in the USA
- Where: Bodie, California, and Jerome, Arizona.
- Experience: Walk through abandoned buildings and mining towns frozen in time.
- Why It’s Unique: A haunting yet fascinating way to experience history.
10. Swim in Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls
- Where: Border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Experience: Swim on the edge of one of the world’s largest waterfalls.
- Why It’s Unique: Thrilling and breathtaking, but not for the faint of heart.
Quirky Things to Do Locally on Any Journey
Not every unusual experience requires traveling far. Here are fun things to do closer to home:
- Join a Food Tour: Try secret food spots or street eats instead of fancy restaurants.
- Take a Street Art Tour: Explore murals and graffiti in hidden neighborhoods.
- Try a Themed Escape Room: Great for friends and family bonding.
- Visit a Quirky Museum: Think museums of chocolate, toilets, or neon signs.
- Book a Homestay: Stay with locals instead of hotels for a cultural experience.
How to Find Unusual Things to Do
- Use Local Guides: Apps like WithLocals or Airbnb Experiences list offbeat activities.
- Talk to Residents: Locals often know the best hidden gems.
- Search Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and travel blogs often showcase lesser-known attractions.
- Check Tourism Boards: Many highlight quirky, lesser-known experiences.
Tips for Enjoying Unusual Travel Experiences
- Stay Open-Minded: Be ready to try new and different activities.
- Travel Off-Season: Unusual activities are even better without crowds.
- Be Respectful: Some unique experiences are tied to traditions—always respect local customs.
- Safety First: Unusual doesn’t mean unsafe; research beforehand.
- Document It: These moments make the best travel stories and photos.
FAQs About Unusual Things to Do
Q1: What are unusual things to do while traveling?
They include offbeat activities like visiting ghost towns, sleeping in an ice hotel, or swimming in Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls.
Q2: Are unusual travel experiences more expensive?
Not always. Some are free or very affordable, like visiting quirky museums or exploring street art.
Q3: How do I find unusual things to do in a new city?
Check local blogs, ask residents, or search travel platforms that focus on unique activities.
Q4: Are unusual activities safe for families?
Yes, many quirky experiences—like food tours, street art walks, or cultural homestays—are family-friendly.
Q5: Why choose unusual things to do instead of traditional sightseeing?
They help you avoid crowds, connect with locals, and create one-of-a-kind memories.
Conclusion
Your next trip doesn’t have to follow the same routine as everyone else’s. By seeking out unusual things to do, you’ll uncover hidden gems, immerse yourself in culture, and make your journey truly unique. Whether it’s sleeping in an ice hotel, exploring ghost towns, or dining in complete darkness, unusual activities turn travel into adventure.
So, when planning your next journey, skip the predictable checklist and dive into something unexpected—you’ll return home with stories no one else can tell.
