What are your travel goals? One of ours is to get some of the coolest passport stamps added to our book of adventures.
Where have you traveled to before? If you’re like most Americans, you’ve probably been to Cabo a few times, definitely Vegas, and maybe the Bahamas if you’re lucky. But why not expand your horizons a bit? Traveling is not nearly as expensive as most people think it is. Why not add some more passport stamps to your book? We’ve gathered a list of some of the coolest places to add to your bucket list. Here is our list of places to gather those stamps.
Here Are the Coolest Passport Stamps You Need to Get
1. Machu Picchu
Did you know that you can get a special passport stamp from this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru? When you get to the entrance of the Incan ruins, you can ask for a passport stamp. Is there any better way to commemorate your hiking feat? Tucked away in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous travel sites. Here, scattered structures and iconic architecture date back to the 15th century.
While you are here, make sure to visit the Temple of the Moon. This ceremonial structure is characteristic of Incan architecture at the time. From three perfectly preserved windows, you will enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the ruins below. If you’re down to make a hike, plan ahead. Some of the routes can run as far as twenty-six miles. Add this world wonder to your list of bucket list destinations.
2. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
No, this is not gibberish. Try saying that ten times fast – or even just once. This village with an insanely long name can be found in Wales. Try and think of some more epic passport stamps to get. We’ll wait. With one of the longest names of any locations in the United Kingdom (and world for that matter), it has existed since the Neolithic Era.
The name, however, was made in the late 1880s. Originally, the island community was known as Llanfairpwll. However, in the years to come a tailor with a sense of humor and penchant for the absurd extended the length of the name to make the village an attraction. Needless to say, it worked. While Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch isn’t a top tourist destination at the moment, it very well should be. Besides the initial fun of pronunciation, there are a lot of things to see and do here as well. But for now, we’ll just leave you to sit and marvel at the name.
3. Tristan da Cunha
Take a trip to one of the most beautiful, remote islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. This paradise takes quite a trek to reach. Since there is no airport to fly into, travelers have to take a five-day-long boat ride from South Africa before they can add one of these passport stamps to their book. Clearly, this is not your ordinary island escape.
There are no shops, restaurants, or hotels. The beaches are not safe for swimming. When you visit, escape between 17 to 26 days of rain a month. So why should you visit? This island destination offers the utmost in extreme isolation. Wouldn’t it just be cool to know you have been? All of the island’s inhabitants (somewhere around 269 people) live in the only settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. This nineteenth century village can be found on the northeastern corner of the island, marked by a narrow winding path and scattered cottages. Enter into a land of mist, shadows, and solitude.
4. Akhzivland
Have you ever visited a micronation? Well, it’s about time you had. This secluded spot is tucked away off the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, spanning only 2.5 acres in total. You will find it between Nahariya and the Lebanese border on Israel's west coast. Founded by Eli Avivi in 1972, it has been famously dubbed the most peaceful place in the Middle East. But with a population of 1, it’s easy to see why. It's amazing that Akhzivland even has their own passport stamps.
5. Republic of San Marino
Have you heard about this European microstate? Surrounded by mountainous terrain in north central Italy, San Marino is among the world’s oldest republics. We love that even today, it retains much of its historic architecture. You’ll find the capital city perched atop the slopes of Monte Titano. Also called San Marino, this city is known for its medieval walls, narrow cobblestone streets, and friendly locals. While famous travelers like Rick Steves have visited, the place is still fairly under the radar.
6. The South Pole
How adventurous are you feeling? While visiting the South Pole surely requires a good deal of cash, it’s something epic to add to your bucket list. Obviously it’s not a country but you and your family or significant other can still go and get some pretty epic passport stamps to add to your book. Head on over to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to do just that.
7. Cayman Islands
Okay, so the Cayman Islands are anything but under the radar. Every year, some two million adventurers come to make memories on these pristine shores. Cruise passengers come to take a dip in crystalline blue waters, swim with stingrays, and walk around the port towns for a few hours. But why not travel a little bit deeper? The Cayman Islands have so much more to offer than just cool passport stamps.
There’s no denying the beauty of these British territories. While Bodden Town, East Island, and Grand Cayman are all fun, we recommend venturing out a little further. Head out beyond the cosmopolitan cities and seek out the jungle. The North Side and the Sister Islands offer lush greenery, diverse fauna, secret caves, and untrammeled beaches.
It gets even better. Just underneath the waves, you’ll find underwater walls, shipwrecks, and colorful marine life. So what are you waiting for? Dive right in. All you need is a little bit of pocket change and a heart of adventure. The Cayman’s greatest treasures offer memories you’ll have for a lifetime.
8. Easter Island
Who else is thinking about Night at the Museum right about now? We’re sure you’ve heard of Easter Island before but remarkably little is known about it. You’ll find this Chilean territory in one of the remote islands of Polynesia. Famous for its archaeological sites, you will find some 900 massive statues called moai. Carved by inhabitants from the 13th to 16th centuries, they stand as reminders of a rich history and civilizations long past.
No one knows exactly why the Rapu Nui people undertook such a task of creation. Carving these 13-foot-tall, 14 ton structures was surely no easy task. Most scholars speculate that they were created to honor chiefs, ancestors, or other important people in the villages. But since no written or oral history exists concerning their culture, we can only wonder.
This fascinating Polynesian society flourished after a group of ragtag outliers happened upon this little speck of land in all the vastness that is the Pacific Ocean. Being some 2,300 miles from South America and another 1,100 miles from any other neighbors, the Rapu Nui developed a unique and distinctive architecture. This culture peaked in the 16th century when they carved and erected the Easter Island statues.
9. Montserrat
Right now, this destination is small but it won’t stay that way. Travel influencers like Instagram’s Gypsea Lust and Do You Travel have already made their mark. Back in 1995, two-thirds of this island paradise was devastated by the Soufriere Hills Volcano. Twenty-three years later, it is slowly coming back. The population is bouncing back, and natural resources are providing Montserrat with a steady source of revenue.
And as Montserrat creeps back on the scene, so do the tourists. Volcano-related day trips are a big draw. But for those who stay a little longer, friendly locals, long hiking adventures, and a peaceful ambiance are the real reasons for visiting. While we have to say the volcano is a safety hazard, overall Montserrat is a safe, fun place to visit. It’s about time to add these passport stamps to your books.
10. Checkpoint Charlie
We bet you didn’t know you could get passport stamps here. Most people don’t. This former border crossing marks one of the most important sites in all of Berlin. First set up in August of 1961, it was erected by the communist East Berlin to prevent citizens from fleeing to the democratic western side. While it was one of several crossings in the city, Checkpoint Charlie was most famous for its location on the Friedrichstrasse, a historic street located in the American-occupied center.
More importantly, it was also the only gateway where the East Germans permitted Allied diplomats to cross back and forth. The United States, France, and Britain stationed their military police at Checkpoint Charlie to ensure they had access to the border. While the Allied guards spent most of their time guarding and monitoring the diplomatic traffic, they also held the responsibility of providing information to inquiring travelers.
Book Your Dream Vacations and Gather the Coolest Passport Stamps from Around the World
As a traveler, nothing is more exciting than entering into a new airport and adding more passport stamps to your book. While most tourists seek out the most scenic and easily navigable locales, we’ve purposely gathered some of the more obscure locations around the globe. You see, we’re of the persuasion that the more off the grid a place is, the more special.
Sure, there are some well-known places in your lifetime that you have to cross off the list. But there is something so thrilling about taking that five day boat ride to an uninhabited island and pushing your limits. Which one of the places on our list would you like to visit the most? Let us know in the comment section below.
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