The most bizarre travel experiences in the world

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The best thing about traveling the world is the ability to discover the places that are lesser known to most people. And if you enjoy the offbeat, or you're just bored with the usual travel experiences you see online, then you might consider including one of these rather bizarre attractions on your next travel itinerary.

 

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Aoshima Island, Japan -

Also known as Cat Island, Aoshima Island is home to only 100 humans, and thousands of cats. Cats were introduced to fishing boats to kill rats. However, they stayed on the island.

 

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Christ of the Abyss, Italy -

Dating back to 1954, Christ of the Abyss is a submerged bronze statue of Jesus Christ by Guido Galletti. Located between Camogli and Portofino on the Italian Riviera, you can get a closer look by snorkeling there.

 

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Island of the Dead Dolls, Mexico -

Located in the channels of Xochimilco, south of the center of Mexico City, legend has it that these dolls began washing up on the sand after a girl drowned in one of the nearby canals. After that, someone hung them up for unknown reasons.

 

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Jellyfish Lake, Palau -

In this region of Palau, there are 70 marine lakes. This lake is distinct from the others because it contains jellyfish. Why not take a dive to see them up close?

 

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Favela walking tours, Brazil -

Because of the potential for violence, it's unsafe to wander Rio de Janeiro's famous slums, i.e. the favelas, by yourself. However, going as part of a tour is apparently a safe option!

 

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Red Light District, Netherlands -

Amsterdam is famous for its Red Light District. But if you're a little nervous about entering the area by yourself, book a guided tour instead.

 

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The Charles Manson Helter Skelter Tour, Los Angeles -

The Manson family were responsible for some of the most gruesome murders of the 20th century. The Helter Skelter Tour takes people on a guided tour of the cult's stopping grounds, including where each murder took place.

 

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Vegas Mob Tour, Las Vegas -

A city that was once run by the Mafia, the Vegas Mob Tour takes people to locations where mob-related crimes and murders took place, as well as the hangouts of notorious crime bosses.

 

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Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, Japan -

At this spa theme park in Hakone, Japan, visitors can enjoy an interesting combination of hot springs, including a "noodle bar," where you can swim in a bowl of ramen!

 

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Bubblegum Alley, California -

In San Luis Obispo, California, there's an alley entirely covered with used bubblegum. While some might find it disgusting, it keeps attracting many curious tourists.

 

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Karni Mata Temple, India -

Found in Rajasthan, India, the Karni Mata Temple is famous for its rats. Usually unwanted, here they're worshiped and given shelter in tribute to the female Hindu sage Karni Mata, also known as the rat goddess.

 

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San Pedro Prison tour, Bolivia -

At the San Pedro Prison in La Paz, Bolivia, tourists can pay criminals to take them on guided tours inside the local prison.

 

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Bob Marley Bus Adventure, Jamaica -

This tour leads people through the birthplace of reggae and the life of Bob Marley. Refreshments are offered at all of the stop-off points, several of which are working weed plantations.

 

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A ghost tour of O‘ahu, Hawaii -

This Hawaiian island is known for its ancient spirits, so if the paranormal is in your wheelhouse, don't miss out!

 

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The illegal border-crossing experience, Mexico -

Complete with fake smugglers and fake boarder control, this bizarre tour in Mexico gives tourists a simulated illegal border-crossing experience.

 

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Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Italy -

Back in the late 16th century in Sicily, Capuchin monastery monks discovered that a body that had been put to rest in the catacombs had become naturally mummified. This made it a trendy spot for corpses. Today, there are some 8,000 very well-preserved mummies that line the walls.

 

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Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Ukraine -

A virtual ghost town today, you can take a guided tour through Chernobyl, the site of the deadly 1986 nuclear disaster. Tours continue to run, even during the current conflict.

 

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The Paper House, Massachusetts -

Located north of Boston, this is in fact a house made entirely out of paper, including the furniture inside. Built by Elis F. Stenman in the '20s, it took him 100,000 newspapers to complete it.

 

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Valle de la Prehistoria, Cuba -

The construction of this prehistoric theme park was carried out by the inmates of a nearby prison. From the brontosaurus to the cavemen, it features over 200 life-size statues.