5 Unusual holiday ideas for the curious traveler

Lounging on a beach in Spain, swimming with dolphins in the Caribbean and walking along the Seine are all fun holiday activities, but occasionally adventure beckons you off the beaten track! While Paris, Rome and New York are all exciting and beautiful holiday destinations, as a curious traveler sometimes you desire something a little more unusual. So, continue reading to discover eight of the most unusual holiday ideas for the adventurous, bold and brave traveler within.

Cockroach racing in Australia

Every January 26th (which is National Australia Day) you will get to enjoy one of Australia’s most bizarre events – Cockroach racing! The annual cockroach race is held in Brisbane and it’s surprisingly popular and well-attended. You can even bring your cockroach to race, or if you are worried about having problems carrying a live insect onto a plane, you can always purchase one on the day. The best part of the Cockroach Race is that you get a cash prize if you win, although you might have to share it with the cockroach!

Visit North Korea

North Korea is certainly not known for its blossoming tourism industry, but if you are looking for an unusual holiday then you don’t need to look any further! The Secret Traveller over at 1Cover lists this as one of the weirdest countries in the world, and with good reason! This ‘holiday’ is not for the faint of heart or for those who like to travel in the spur of the moment. North Korea is the most reclusive and private country in the world, so not only will you have to enter via Beijing (where you will be subject to a long visa application process) but you will also be accompanied everywhere by state-employed guides once you are in the country.

Swim with pigs in the Bahamas

If swimming with dolphins has become dull, why not start swimming with pigs? That’s right – pigs! The uninhabited (by humans) island of Big Major Cay in the Bahamas is also known as Pig Beach, and travelers visiting can be treated to the sight of pigs swimming to boats for food. If you are brave enough to dip into the waters and swim alongside the pigs, you might just make friends for life.

Kyrgyzstan

Landlocked in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is rarely advertised as a potential holiday destination for tourists. However, Kyrgyzstan actually offers beautiful scenery, exciting outdoor activities, and a rich culture. This country is mountainous and features breathtaking mountain top views for those willing to hike and climb their way to the peak. For those who enjoy something a little less strenuous, horse riding is a great option to explore the natural landscape.

Snow Ski in Dubai

When you think of Dubai, the chances are you will imagine sand, desert, tall buildings, and crystal-clear seawater. The last thing you will be thinking of is snowy ski slopes! But if you are looking for an exciting way to spend a day in Dubai, and prefer something on the usual side, then visit the Emirates Mall to enjoy the indoor ski center. Not only will you get to enjoy sand and snow, but you will also be in one of the biggest shopping malls in the world. So, after working up a sweat skiing or tobogganing down the snow slopes of Dubai, you can enjoy a meal and some shopping – or even go and see a film or visit the aquarium. The only thing you will have to worry about is not getting lost!