via travelstart

Looking for a vacation spot that isn’t too commercial has been getting super hard lately. A perfect example of this is Dahab! Having been the only winter break spot that people could easily go to with their friends (after Luxor and Aswan obviously) to escape the city life, Dahab has been getting a bit too popular to be chill. However, that might be for the best because now we can explore other options.

Naturally, this poses the question: Where are the places that are a hundred times more stunning but aren’t well known? Since winter break is just around the corner, and whether it’s escaping work or exams, this would be an excellent time to find an answer to this question.

If you’re looking for one, you’re in luck, because we’re here to tell you all about these amazing, underrated places you might not know about.

• Fjord Bay-Taba

If you like Dahab, you will OBSESS over Taba. Not only does it have an extremely chill vibe to it, but also the beaches there will BLOW your mind in every way possible!

Itching to go already? Then visit Fjord bay in the south of Taba, as its crystal clear, emerald water is guaranteed to take your breath away—we’re sure of it! If you’ve never lived a little bit of the bohemian life, we suggest you get to it now.

• Wadi El-Hitan

It might sound dangerous and not very pleasing to stay in since it's a desert, but there is nowhere quite like Wadi El-Hitan when it comes to nighttime stargazing and living the camper life! Located in Fayoum, the place was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of all the ancient whale fossils found all over the place. How interesting is that?!

• El-Fayoum

Since we mentioned Wadi El-Hitan, we feel like we have to talk about the beauty of El-Fayoum and how authentically ancient and golden this governorate is. With a variety of places you could visit for a relaxing getaway, El-Fayoum has the added advantage of not being that far away from Cairo—it’s a hidden gem, and we recommend it if you want to get away for a day or two.

• Castle Zaman, Nuweiba

This place is truly beyond comparison, and this isn’t even an exaggeration. So beautiful with such clear waters, Castle Zaman will make you question if what your eyes are seeing is actually real! Located between Nuweiba and Taba (but considered in Nuweiba, generally speaking), the place is group and couple-friendly. You can go for a honeymoon or a party, and you’ll love it either way.

With its calm atmosphere and beautiful scenery, you’ll never want to leave—even the aesthetic of the place is old school and dazzling.

• The Black and White Deserts

Going to a desert might not be ideal, but these deserts, in particular, are magical, and we think you should strongly consider visiting because they are simply mesmerising. Whether you go for a safari tour or to stargaze in front of the bonfire or to visit the beautiful crystal mountain, The Black and White desert makes camping a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and trust us, you won’t regret it!