5 of the world's best unknown travel destinations

We all like to get away. For some, vacation means beaches and bumming; for others, it's hot chocolate and steep slopes. But regardless of personal preference, the reasons we travel remain somewhat universal: Either we're going somewhere for work or we want to experience something new. The problem today, however, is that we all take the same trips. Humans, they say, are creatures of habit—we find comfort in certainty. But maybe it's time to step outside of your comfort zone. You know, expand your horizons. Perhaps the next time you're planning a vacation you should consider Bandon, Ore. -- the best place in the world to do absolutely nothing, or Paraty in Brazil -- a beautiful coastal town that was designed to flood on purpose. Maybe then you'll have a real story to tell.

The best place in the world to do nothing: This small coastal town is the ultimate destination for disconnecting.

An underwater fantasy world: Giant clams and one of the most exotically beautiful marine environments in the world? Welcome to Palau.

Party on a private island: Yes, you can have an island all to yourself for a night. Can you hear the "but" coming?

The town that floods on purpose: Long ago, a majestic Brazilian town engineered its own ingenious street-cleaning method. Flip-flops included.

A place more bohemian than San Francisco: The colorful hills of Valparaíso are a funky, fun place to get lost in. But take care — you might get more lost than you mean to.

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