There are some myths and legends which continue to intrigue us to this day – and many can be found at top travel destinations
Why not see somewhere famous for its folkloric history, and the mythological creatures said to dwell there? Unusual travel destinations – especially those inspored by myth and legend are becoming increasingly popular.
Here are some of the top unusual travel destinations across the world – and what these locations have to offer to an explorer of legends…
Scotland
We’ll start with a destination familiar even to those who are not as well-versed in myths and legends – Scotland, home of the much-sighted but ever-elusive Loch Ness Monster! First reported in 1933, this legendary creature continues to draw in many tourists. Why not try and spot it for yourself, and take a cruise out to the ruins of Urquhart Castle?
There are, of course, other wonders to discover in Scotland (and ones you’re guaranteed to see!) – namely, the stunningly beautiful landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. The whiskey is pretty plentiful too.
When it comes to somewhere to stay, you have the option of many hotels and B&Bs along the west bank of the loch. Alternatively, you can do a day-trip to the loch from Fort William or Inverness.
Cape Town
South Africa is home to an intriguing figure from Zulu folklore – the impundulu, also known as the “lightning bird”. These shape-changing, vampiric creatures are said to cause thunder by beating their wings and create lightning when they touch down to earth – pretty frightening stuff!
Cape Town has a wealth of cultural and natural beauty for you to uncover, and what better way to see it than by tracking the impundulu – it could, after all, be any bird you see…! Africa’s largest bird park and the World of Birds are fascinating places to visit for any nature-lover, while the South African Museum will allow you to learn more about Zulu heritage.
Accommodation-wise, De Waterkant is very popular as it’s close to the city centre. De Camps meanwhile is also not too far from the centre, and located by the beach if you’re looking for more of a seaside feel.
Nepal
Like the Loch Ness Monster, the Yeti have reportedly been sighted by many people, yet no real proof of their existence has emerged. These mythical creatures still draw many people to the Himalayas, in search of their footprints.
If you’re interested in searching for this fabled creature, Kathmandu is the perfect place to stay – close enough to the Himalayas but also home to many hotels.
There are also a huge amount of things to do in Kathmandu Valley, from a tour of ancient kingdoms of Patan and Bhaktapur, to workshops in Nepalese cooking and pottery!
Romania
How about a trip to Transylvania? This beautiful mountainous area in central Romania is home to Bram Stoker’s vampire creation Dracula, who famously lived in Bran Castle – now Transylvania’s most popular attraction.
Romania’s capital Bucharest is the ideal place to stay if you plan on hunting for vampires. You can take many day-trips from here, for example to Bulgaria, or the coastal city of Constanta. If you hire a car, it’s also only a few hours drive up to Bran Castle.
