Find the original article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/nicholas-kristof-the-worlds-coolest-places.html?ref=opinion&_r=1
Summer may be coming to an end but there still is time to squeeze in a little RNR with a last minute summer vacation. Stuck on ideas for where to go? Luckily the world is filled with crazy cool places just waiting to be explored. Venture to any of these atypical summer vacation destinations and it is assured that you will return with stories to wow your friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
1). Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
Don’t let the fact that these islands used to be a nuclear testing site in the 1940’s deter you. Between the miles of pristine white sand and patches of palm trees you will be sure to enjoy the tropical splendor of this secluded location.
2). Potosí, Bolivia
This picturesque Latin American city is known for it’s silver mines and was once the location for the Spanish Colonial mint is known for it’s silver mines. That being said, tourists can go down into the mines get a first hand glimpse of the mining process. If plummeting into a dark and dusty silver mine isn’t your style, there are plenty of activities to be had above ground. Visitors can wander aimlessly along winding streets and sample a variety of street food including Salteñas (pastries stuffed with meat and potatoes) or chicharron (bits of fried pork).Yum!
It is no surprise that the Victoria Falls are among the largest and most extraordinary waterfalls in the world. Choose from a variety of tours offered on either end of the falls that are guaranteed to offer an unprecedented view.
4). Amritsar, India
Located in the northwestern part of India, Amritsar is a major spiritual and cultural hub for the Sikh religion. In particular, the Golden Temple (which many say outshines the Taj Mahal) draws in 100,000 visitors on weekdays alone!
5). Tanna, Vanuatu
This secluded South Pacific island is home to the active volcano, Mount Yasur. Legend has it that this volcano is what attracted the explorer Captain James Cook to the island in 1774. As much of an attraction as it was then as it is now, daring tourist can climb up the volcano at night and get a firsthand glimpse of glowing fires and molten lava.
If you are seeking an adventurous yet historical experience, why not check out the Chu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam. Originally built by Viet Cong Guerrillas as a place to hide, these narrow tunnels are now open to daring tourists who want to shimmy through these winding mazes and living quarters.
Well there you have it globetrotters: six of the coolest places on earth. These exotic getaways are sure to shake up any summer vacation and provide you with a truly unforgettable experience. If you want more, read the full article here. But we want to know what do you think? Are these the most mind-blowing places in the world? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
