The world’s most beautiful places you haven’t been to (yet)

From ancient pine forests to pristine beaches and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences, these are the adventures we need now more than ever.

Pink flamingos on the Caribbean island, Bonaire

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After a few years of barely leaving our own suburbs, it’s no surprise we‘re travelling more than ever. And while there will always be an appetite to pound the pavements of NYC or punt the canals of Venice, it’s the perfect time to dine on a different kind of delight: to take a breath, explore the road less travelled, and get better acquainted with the wonders of our natural world.

Chances are you’ve never encountered these far-flung destinations, but they could be top of your list.

If you have a HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card with you and have reached Gold Status, it can open up a special set of benefits that may make the journey as good as the destination. With that in mind, grab your boarding pass, because these are the most beautiful places you’ve never heard of, until now.

Hermanus, South Africa

Whale watching in Hermanus, Cape Town

Just 90 minutes from Cape Town, Hermanus is a bustling seaside town dotted with white sandy beaches, restaurants and art galleries, but is most famous as one of the best places in the world to see whales up close. It’s a breeding ground for southern right whales and it even hosts an annual whale festival every spring.

Join a whale-watching cruise, head to one of the telescope-fitted lookout points, hire a kayak and get up close and personal with whales, seals, dolphins, and penguins. Then dine at Bientang’s restaurant and wine bar, carved into the middle of a century-old seaside cave.

Savai’i, Samoa

Papua, Savaii, Samoa

Samoa has long felt like the poor cousin to Pacific Island relatives like Fiji and Vanuatu, but the nation truly has it all: sun, sand, great food and vibrant villages. The island of Upolu hosts the nation’s capital (and largest city) Apia, but the lesser-known island of Savai’i is a hidden gem with deserted beaches, palm-fringed lagoons and lush, rugged rainforests. Visit the Alofaaga Blowholes or cool off at Afu Aau Falls, a secluded jungle pool with four waterfalls all tumbling into its turquoise waters. The island does have its share of luxury resorts, but for something really special, why not glamp in a beachside open-air fale and drift off to sleep to the sounds of lapping waves?

Yushan, Taiwan

A Taiwan Barbet, one of Taiwan’s native bird species, holds saw dust in its mouth as it stands guard by its’ nest

While tourists are obviously drawn to the bustling metropolis of Taipei, the island nation of Taiwan has over 100 mountains and is a haven for hikers, mountaineers and adventure-seekers. At an elevation of 3952m, Yushan – aka Jade Mountain – is the tallest and the jewel in the crown.

It’s home to a vast array of alpine plants, birds, and butterflies, as well as deer and rock monkeys.

Those lucky enough to score a hiking pass, you just need to apply well in advance, will marvel at the stunning, ever-changing landscape that varies with the seasons. Just remember to pack your layers, and get full use of extra baggage allowance if you reach Gold Status with a HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card.

Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

Known as the “Canadian Galapagos”, this archipelago off the coast of British Columbia is home to several species of plant and animal not found anywhere else in the world like the Sitka deer and the Haida Gwaii black bear. The oceans, meanwhile, host orca, humpback whales, sea lions, and more.

Accessible only by boat or by air and with one main road stretching the 250km length of the islands, Haida Gwaii’s remoteness is its drawcard: it’s the perfect place to leave behind the daily grind and disappear into a world of mist-covered forests, rugged landscapes and discover an ancient culture.

Bonaire, Caribbean Islands

Aerial view of beaches and salt flats in Bonaire

Unless you’re a keen scuba diver, chances are you haven’t heard of Bonaire, in the Dutch Caribbean Islands. But this tiny island is so much more than just a diver’s paradise. With an average yearly temperature of 29 degrees, every day is beach day – and when it comes to beaches, take your pick.

It’s fringed by white sand beaches, while coral reefs play host to sea turtles, rays and baby octopus. Don’t miss the brightly coloured houses in the capital of Kralendijk, visiting a breeding colony of Bonaire’s national bird, the flamingo, or touring the spectacular tropical getaway by tuktuk.

Flights from Australia to the Caribbean typically exceed 24 hours, so it’s worth investing in the journey to ensure it is as comfortable as possible. You may want lounge access for extra comfort, so plan your trip via transit airports such as LAX and relax in Star Alliance or member airline lounges as a benefit of the Star Alliance Gold Status and arrive refreshed.

Hofsos, Iceland

Hikers under the northern lights in Iceland

With hundreds of years of history, this tiny town on northern Iceland’s Skagafjordur Fjord is known primarily as a fishing village with a permanent population of only around 200 people. Legend has it that the area was home to a local elf population but the town is fast becoming a tourist attraction for its incredible infinity pool, perched on the hillside and overlooking the island of Drangey and the fjord beyond.

Imagine bathing under the midnight sun, waiting for night to hit and the northern lights to dance in the darkness above you… in Hofsos, this dream becomes reality.

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Like Priority Boarding? Extra baggage allowance? And relaxing in the Lounge before take-off? Fast Track your way to Gold Status and unlock a world of global travel benefits with the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card.

Offer available when you apply for a new HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card. Offer is not available on product transfers or in conjunction with any other offer. Fees, charges, T&Cs, minimum spend, and lending criteria apply. Australian Credit Licence 232595. Credit provided by HSBC Bank Australia Limited ABN 48 006 434 162.

This content was produced in association with HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card. Read our policy on commercial content here.

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