For many people, traveling to Petra or Machu Picchu is just too good of an opportunity to miss it. However, despite the awe and wonder those places evoke, their popularity might make your visit disappointing. If you're willing to spend your vacation learning about what remains of ancient civilizations without the crowds, why not visit instead the 5 underappreciated ruins on our Earth below? Don't waste your time and pack your suitcase – we're ready to begin!
1. Great Zimbabwe
Source – Shutterstock. An impressive view of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins
The remains of Great Zimbabwe, which are tucked away in Zimbabwe's southeast, are all that's left of an old town. The city was established in the eleventh century and abandoned in the fifteenth; it is now recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. But in 2018, fewer than 80,000 tourists came to the location. The location, which was formerly enclosed by stone walls, is supposed to have been a royal residence. The largest of its kind in the region, this Shona settlement would have housed between 10,000 and 20,000 people over a 200-acre expanse.
2. Sudan Meroe Pyramids
Source – Shutterstock. The amazing pyramids of Meroe north of Khartoum in Sudan
The pyramids of Sudan are rarely known, in stark contrast to the Pyramids of Giza near Cairo, Egypt. They're at Meroe, which used to be the capital of the Nubian king-ruled Kingdom of Kush. Near the River Nile, there are about 200 pyramids scattered throughout the desert, many of which were constructed as royal tombs. Although these Meroe pyramids are smaller, narrower, and steeper than those located north of the border, they're almost 4000 years old, exciting visitors who are daring enough to visit.
3. Koh Ker, Cambodia
Source – Shutterstock. An incredible Koh Ker Temple in Cambodia
The stunning Angkor Archaeological Park draws more than 6 million tourists to Cambodia each year. But while the majority visit well-known temples like Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and the Bayon, less well-known locations like Koh Ker are generally ignored. The trip from Siem Reap to view the seven-tiered pyramid erected as Jayavarman IV's state temple in the 10th century is definitely worthwhile. You'll feel the same sense of wonder that individuals who discovered the place must have felt because you'll be surrounded by woodland.
4. Ggantija Temple, Gozo, Malta
Source – Shutterstock. Malta Island, Gozo – the ruins of Ggantija Temple
Megalithic structures in Malta draw tourists from throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. The Ggantija complex, which consists of two temples on the island of Gozo, was built between 3600 and 3200 BC. They were abandoned in 2500 BC and lost to history until the 19th century when they were rediscovered. The word "ggant" refers to the ancient belief of the locals that they were constructed by giants, and when you view these massive limestone blocks up close, you'll realize why – some weigh more than 50 tons and are over 5 meters long.
5. Chan Chan, Peru
Source – Shutterstock. A wonderful view of the Chan Chan Ruins – Trujillo, Peru
Visit Trujillo in northern Peru to learn about the surrounding Chan Chan's mysteries. The Chimor civilization, which lasted from 850 to 1470 AD, had its center in this once-largest metropolis in the Americas, the largest adobe city in the world, and the largest city overall. Up until the Incas overcame them, 60,000 people called this place home, residing in somewhere around 10,000 structures. Wealth was displayed in grandiose temples and palaces, many of which included intricate friezes. The city was able to thrive in its desert environment thanks to the Chimor's expertise in irrigation systems, which makes it even more fascinating to visit now since the city is in danger due to the tremendous rains brought on by the current El Niño phenomena.
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Source – Shutterstock. Happy smiling traveler listening music in the field near volcano
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We suppose you have used to choose on-site parking if you prefer to get to the airport by your own vehicle. Most people think that it's much more convenient and faster, as it's the nearest area to the place a plane is flying from. However, they probably forget that this type of parking is too costly. Besides, you will have to face the following unpleasant moments:
- You will need to find a spot in a crowded lot,
- You will need to carry the luggage all the way down the parking lot,
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What is actually off-site parking?
Source – Shutterstock. Young man with a suitcase in his hands in the car parking – back view
Obviously, no one wants to face all of such difficulties we described above, and you can easily avoid them if you choose an off-site parking option. So let's take a look at how it works.
When you come to the entrance, the staff member pulls your baggage out of your car and loads it to the shuttle, which will take your bags and you later to the airport you're departing from. Then they will find a parking spot and park your car there for you.
Please don't worry about the few miles, which usually separate the parking lot and the airport. Off-site parking usually provides free shuttles to and from the airport for its customers. Thanks to this, you have no worries about getting stuck in traffic on the way to the airport during the peak times. So all you need to do is choose the best time for you and inform the parking lot staff.
In addition, this type of parking is much cheaper, and this is good news, as nobody wants to waste money. Therefore, off-site parking is the perfect option to receive excellent service and save money at the same time.
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Source – Shutterstock. The view from behind the window of an airplane
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