Aral Sea
Once a third largest, sweet water mass on the planet, the Aral Sea is just a sad reminder of our destructive nature today. Long drive from Muynak - where one can see last local ships, anchored in sands 150 kilometers from the nearest water - the Aral Sea is an eerie site today. Dead, lifeless and completely abandoned, this area is a true treat for dystopia seekers. The drive there is 4 hours long, through the steppe and some stunning geology.

Straw Hats of Yemen
One of the most curious and unusual details you will see in the mainland are the strange, tall hats worn by local women in the fields. Despite the scorching heat, Yemeni women are dressed in black burqas while working in the fields and the only relief, apparently, is coming through these tall hats. The hats are made of dried and braided strips of date palm leaves and are characteristic to Hadramaut province of Yemen. These strange hats are called madhalla and please ask for permission before taking a photo.

Communist-Era Statues
Tirana is not the most fascinating city but some parts of the center are quite unique. Enver Hoxa Mausoleum with Communist-Era Statues definitely is the place to visit! Mausoleum is in poor condition as Albanians don't care much about former dictator. The statues of prominent communist symbols used to be all over the main squares of Tirana but now all of them are on one humble location. As a reminder of the times gone by. Cool place to take a photo with statue of Stalin - rare find anywhere else in the World.

Kokino Observatory
Macedonia has a many off the beaten path spots but Kokino should be number one on your list. Even listed with UNESCO as a World Heritage site, this 3800 years old observatory, was only discovered and partly understood in 2001. Kokino, had a dual function as a scientific and ritual site, and is of great interest to archaeoastronomy researchers for its complexity and value. But, for all of us others, it is still an impressive site.

A Nation of Poets
In Somalia, poetry is more than art—it’s conversation, law, memory, and soul. Known as the “Nation of Poets,” Somalia has preserved its stories through verse for centuries. At tea stalls or during camel trading, it’s not unusual for someone to burst into spontaneous poetry—sometimes in praise, sometimes in protest. In the absence of written records, the oral tradition lives on, line by line.

Capsule Hotels
Originating in Japan, capsule hotels are a unique and affordable accommodation option for travelers. These compact sleeping units provide just enough space for a comfortable night's sleep while maximizing efficiency. Experience this unconventional lodging style for a taste of Japanese innovation.