Expedia maps otherworldly destinations that should be on your bucket list

Expedia has created an interactive map that showcases 29 otherworldly destinations, from Patagonia’s marble caves to the rock formations of Cappadocia.

The index, which features some of the world’s most extraordinary locations, was created to provide 360-degree high-resolution images of the landmarks, as well as how to get there, where to stay and what else to see in the area.

Grand Prismatic Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring is an alien-like hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. It is the biggest hot spring in the United States and the third-largest in the world. Aside from its remarkable size, the spring produces mesmerising colours — a result of microbial mats where algae flourish in boiling temperatures, reacting with the mineral-rich water.

Marble Caves

The stunning Marble Caves are located in Chile and can be reached by boat from Balmaceda. It’s extremely difficult to get to, but definitely worth the trip as it is a natural masterpiece that took over 6,000 years to shape. Inside the caves are shades of cerulean blue, depending on the season and water levels. Unlike any other, a visit to the Marble Caves highlights nature’s raw power and magnificence.

Tianzi Mountain

Located in the Hunan Province of China, Tianzi Mountain is the inspiration behind the hit James Cameron film Avatar. Its bizarre shape was formed by sedimentary rocks around 318 million years ago — slowly eroded by water and wind, transforming into the captivating quartz stone peaks that we see today.

Abraham Lake

Known for its frozen bubbles and tucked away deep in the Canadian Rockies, Abraham Lake is beautiful as it is extremely deadly. The bubbles are actually frozen pockets of highly-flammable methane gas, which is produced by dead matter such as leaves and animals when they sink to the bottom of the water and consumed by bacteria.

Cappadocia

Synonymous with hot air balloon flights, Cappadocia in Turkey is like nowhere on Earth. Round mounds and hills make up its orange, yellow, and brown landscape, while its soft stones allow people to construct underground dwellings — not only to survive but thrive in its environment. Over time, it became home to 36 underground cities, each housing close to 10,000 people.

Singing Sand Dunes of Liwa

Take a flight to Dubai and you can witness the serene open spaces of the Singing Sand Dunes in Liwa. The phenomenon of the ‘singing sands’ is the result of vibrations, as it slips and falls on the dunes. Local legend says that the tones of the sand are evil spirits, whispering names to confuse travellers as they explore the vast desert.

To see the interactive maps and the complete list of otherworldly destinations, visit Expedia’s official website.