Have you already hit up Big Ben? Rolled your eyes at Las Vegas? Admired the backs of people’s heads next to the Mona Lisa at the Louvre? If you’re looking for Unique Travel Destinations, we have 17 unusual suggestions that should make your 2017 travel plans a little more memorable.

1. Cat Islands, Japan

The Island of Tashirojima, a quick ferry hop off the east coast of Japan, has a small population of 100 humans… and about six times that number in cats.

Why so many feline friends?

Tashirojima (and the other ten cat islands) was known for its silk production.

Unfortunately, it also had a bit of a mouse problem, and mice like to munch on silkworms. So the cats were brought in as the guardians of the local silk-based economy.

Today you can visit the island and stay in a cat-shaped cabin between April and November.

2. Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Turkey

Pamukkale (“Cotton Castle”) is the site of a series of cascading hot springs located in western Turkey.

Over time the calcium-rich springs have shaped the underlying white limestone, creating a magical white world.

And as if the springs weren’t enough eye-candy are their own, Pamukkale also boasts a World Heritage Site status for its well-preserved Roman ruins.

3. Goblin Valley State Park, U.S.A.

Found in the state of Utah, the Goblin Valley State Park’s valley is filled with rock formations that look like, you guessed it, hordes of goblins just waiting to get up to some mischief.

4. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Sitting in the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park, the majestic Khmer temples, dating back to the 800s through to the 1400s, have deliberately been allowed to become intertwined with the surrounding jungle.

The result is a stunning mix of manmade and natural architecture.

5. Bhutan

Resting high up in the Himalayas, Bhutan is the world’s newest democracy.

Along with this new form of government, Bhutan boats classic Oriental architecture all its own, set against the sweeping forested Himalayan vistas.

6. The Catacombs, France

Paris’ Catacombs present a uniquely macabre spectacle – the bones of 6 million Parisians arranged in repeating patters in tunnels that twist and turn under the old city.

7. Cancun Underwater Art Museum, Mexico

Over 400 life-sized sculptures rest on the ocean floor just off the coast of Cancun, Mexico.

While swimming amongst the sculptures makes for a unique adventuring treat the museum also serves another purpose – the sculptures are there to help promote the growth of the coral reefs.

8. Panda Inn, China

If you can’t get enough of the furry black and white bundles of cuteness you might want to spend a night or two at Sichuan, China’s Panda Inn.

Everything is panda-themed – the wall art, the bed-spreads, even the staff dress as oversized and attentive panda bears.

9. Kiribati, Micronesia

Kiribati is a collection of 33 coral-based islands, 32 of them boasting their own rich blue lagoons.

A textbook tropical paradise, the islands also offer the chance to visit the remains of WWII’s great battles on the shores of the capital, South Tarawa.

10. Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico

Don’t let the name put you off. Found in Vieques, Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay offers you the chance to experience something truly magical – swimming amongst bioluminescent dinoflagellates.

11. The Plain of Jars, Laos

Nobody knows for sure why the hundreds of man-sized jars were strewn across Xieng Khouang Province of Laos.

Some believe that they were used to brew wine for giants; others say that they used to be used for ancient funeral rites.

12. Icehotel, Sweden

There are multiple ice buildings around the world, but the Icehotel found in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden sets the standard.

Available in the winters (obviously), the hotel is a carved architectural wonder. And it’s not just the walls and ceiling that are carved from the cold stuff – even the beds and bar glasses are carefully carved ice.

13. The Sewer Museum, France

We’re heading under Paris again, this time to explore the Musee des Egouts de Paris, the Paris Sewer Museum.

The sewer system, dating back to the 1200s, is actually an interesting record of the growth of the city as a whole. And not to worry, raw sewage doesn’t reach the areas you’ll be exploring.

14. The Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Relax in a steam bath with a drink while snow gently settles down on the rugged mountain beauty of the surrounding Icelandic landscapes.

15. Emperor Penguin Rookeries, Antarctica

Emperor Penguins are one of only two species of the flightless bird that live year-round on Antarctica.

Found further inland than other species, you’ll have to book an Antarctic cruise that offers a helicopter ride into the interior (don’t worry, the cruise companies land far enough away so as to not disturb the breeding birds).

16. Red Beach, China

An autumn treat, the beach near Panjin, China is covered by a form of seaweed known as “sueda”.

Come the fall, the sueda turns color, transforming the beach into a surreal strip of red.

17. Human Towers, Spain

Going back 300 or so years, the town of Tarragona Spain hosts a competition involving several teams that attempt to build the tallest Castell – a tower made up entirely of human beings.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Oceanwide Expeditions.