Word's Most Unique Places to Visit

The Dragon's Blood Trees of Socotra

The otherworldly Dragon's Blood Trees and other 700 rare species of flora and fauna have drawn people to Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean, off the horn of the African continent.

Takstang Monastery in the Kingdom of Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is the last remaining kingdom in Asia and is the only place in the world to measure Gross National Happiness. Takstang means "tiger's lair" and hangs on a cliff high above the Paro valley. Visitors must climb the slope on foot or by mule.

Dogon Buildings in Mali

The Dogon is an ethnic group that lives in Mali, in western Africa; their villages are characterized by living structures of unusual architecture. The buildings with pointed straw roofs are for storage of grains, foods, clothes, jewelry and money.

Throat Singers of Tuva

The throat-singing Tuva people of southern Siberia create sounds and harmonies unique to foreigners' ears. It is a style that simultaneously combines two or more pitches over a fundamental pitch to create sounds mimicking nature. The pastime is popular especially among the Tuvan male herders, because they are able to practice in the broad, open fields while they work.

Mansudae Monument in Pyongyang, North Korea

"It's like Mars with people," says William Altaffer of Expedition Photo Travel, who has visited Pyongyang four times. Tourists are told to keep a respectable distance and bow in front of the 20-meter-high bronze statue of previous dictator Kim Il Sung. Only after doing so are visitors allowed to take pictures--then these are checked to make sure the leader is portrayed in a positive light.

Oceangoing Hippos in Gabon

The West African coast is the only place in the world where there are "surfing" hippos. Gabon is also known for its lush tropical rainforests and assortment of animal life, including gorillas, forest elephants and colorful mandrills.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

For 5,500 years, the Native Americans of the North American Great Plains killed bison by chasing them off this cliff located in what's now Alberta, Canada. They would then carve up the bison carcasses in the camp below. This is one of the biggest and best preserved buffalo jumps in North America.

Antarctic Glaciers

The coldest land mass in the world is also the least touched by human activity. The dramatic, white landscape, as well as the unique wildlife, make for an unforgettable journey.