GoTravelDaily’s travel advisors share the special UNESCO places that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
From the pyramids of Egypt to the Great Barrier Reef, there are 1,121 places around the world recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the gold standard for global historical and aesthetic significance. To be included, a site must have “outstanding universal value” and meet at least one of ten criteria, such as representing a “masterpiece of human creative genius” or containing “superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty.”
It would be impossible to see all of the UNESCO sites in a lifetime. Therefore, to help guide your choices, we asked GoTravelDaily’s top travel advisors to share their favorite, under-the-radar sites.
Tokaj Wine Region, Hungary
For a little-known UNESCO site, I’d pick the Tokaj Wine Region in Hungary. It’s not solely about the super-sweet dessert wines anymore, even though that is its primary reputation. Instead, it’s about visiting authentic villages, meeting vintners, exploring their wines, and engaging with local craftspeople preserving traditional arts. This area lacks adequate exposure in the U.S. and now boasts the hotels and infrastructure accommodating various travelers. — Gwen Kozlowski, Exeter International
Mount Kōya, Japan
Japan has an immense collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in renowned areas such as Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, and Nikko. However, little-known to Western travelers is Mount Kōya, Japan’s Buddhist mountain retreat. It is a spiritual and beautiful area, quite remote, and serves as the heart of Shingon Buddhism, being the resting place of the sect’s founder, Kukai (or Kobo Daishi). The eight-forested peaks reach eight hundred meters into the clouds, surrounding the high plateau with serenity and boasting over one hundred temple complexes. — Scott Gilman, Japanquest Journeys
Lake Turkana National Parks, Kenya
Our Roar Explorer’s Heli Safari program offers once-in-a-lifetime, adrenalin-fueled travel experiences. Using high-end H130 helicopters, clients can reach inaccessible and remote miracles of nature seldom experienced by others. One memorable trip last year took us to Lake Turkana, the world’s largest inland desert lake, highly saline compared to Africa’s other large lakes. Soaring over ancient cycad forests on Kenya’s Northern Frontier District, we touched down on the lip of the Silale Crater in Pokot Land. Memories of flying over thousands of pink flamingos by Lake Logipi, marveling at their exquisite patterns, are unforgettable. — Deborah Calmeyer, Roar Africa
Ennedi Massif, Chad
This site is unique and otherworldly, drawing few visitors. The sandstone canyons feature incredible rock art dating back to 5000 B.C. Notably, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, home to the endangered mountain gorilla, is a must-see in one’s lifetime. — Michael Lorentz, Passage to Africa
Champagne Hillsides, France
Food and wine-focused trips frequently include Reims, the unofficial capital of the champagne wine-growing region. The Champagne Hillsides, Houses, and Cellars are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, alongside the magnificent Cathedral of Notre-Dame. The area’s uniqueness comes from underground chalk quarries converted into champagne cellars. Visitors sip champagne while touring the cellars of Taittinger and Dom Perignon. The scale of the tunnels distinguishes this wine-producing area from others globally. Be sure to visit Domaine Pommery, showcasing contemporary art exhibits throughout its extensive underground tunnels. — Judy Stein, Ovation Travel
Southwestern Indigenous Sites, United States
Mesa Verde in Colorado and Taos Pueblo, Carlsbad Caverns, and Chaco Canyon in New Mexico are some of my favorite UNESCO World Heritage Sites to combine in a southwestern road trip. Understanding and experiencing Native American culture is vital to our history in the U.S. However, we often have more inquiries from foreign clients than Americans. We facilitate behind-the-scenes experiences with local guides, offering insights few can access. — Sandy Cunningham, Outside Go
Willemstad, Curaçao
The Historic Area of Willemstad is one of the Caribbean’s most interesting locales. Viewing the brightly colored buildings from the Queen Emma floating bridge presents a unique juxtaposition—the vibrant Caribbean aesthetics mixed with quaint Dutch town architecture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, these colorful buildings date back to 1817, originally painted bright hues as white lime finishes were prohibited to reduce glare. Curaçao is ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts, offering hours of exploration through narrow streets, harbor-side cocktails, and street art appreciation. — Amina Dearmon, Perspectives Travel
San Antonio Missions, Texas
As a native Texan, I have a special appreciation for the San Antonio Missions. Most are familiar with The Alamo, but the site includes five frontier mission complexes along the San Antonio River basin, along with an adjacent ranch. Visitors encounter beautiful architectural and archaeological structures, farms, residences, churches, granaries, and water distribution systems. Built by Franciscan missionaries in the 18th century, these missions exemplify the Spanish Crown’s efforts to colonize, evangelize, and defend the northern frontier of New Spain, merging Spanish and Coahuiltecan cultures through their designs. — Keith Waldon, Departure Lounge
Fossil Hominid Sites, South Africa
These incredible sites, known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” contain some of the world’s oldest humanoid fossil remains dating back 3 million years. A full or half-day excursion from Johannesburg provides access to these significant archaeological locations. — Mary Ann Ramsey, Betty Maclean Travel
Wieliczka Salt Mines, Poland
Utilizing a travel advisor offers unparalleled knowledge and access to remarkable sites. One of the lesser-known treasures is the Wieliczka Salt Mines in Krakow, Poland, one of the oldest mines worldwide. It showcases the evolution of mining techniques in Europe since the 13th century, featuring statues and chapels carved from rock salt. — Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, Valerie Wilson Travel
