No Joke! Places with Unusual Names to Help You Celebrate April Fool’s
With April Fool’s Day just around the corner, it’s a great moment to celebrate with a little lighthearted laughter and try to forget about some of the uncertainty around us. With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, we are sharing five humorously named destinations around the world to not only put a smile on your face, but also consider adding to your bucket list to visit whenever the world opens up and it’s safe to travel again.
Boring, USA
Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range in Oregon and only a short drive away from Portland, the town of Boring might not sound so exciting to visit. But the opposite is true and there is actually quite a bit to keep visitors interested in Boring all year round. Travelers can enjoy excellent and dramatic views of Mt. Hood from many places in Boring. During winter, you can spend your days skiing and in summer, hiking your way through many of the local walking trails is an ideal way to explore those same stunning slopes. For those travelers that are less into scaling the peaks, they can explore the Oregon countryside with a bike ride along the Springwater Trail or visit one of the area's many farmers' markets.
Where to stay: Holiday home Secluded PDX Area Townhome ½ Way to Mt. Hood! is situated centrally in Boring and is perfect for a family getaway. The spacious accommodation has modern furnishings and offers amazing views of Mt. Hood. The property is an ideal stay for those travelers who are into outdoor activities, as it provides easy access to the mountain, ski resorts and all the hiking trails surrounding it.
Drama, Greece
Although the name is a bit misleading, there’s no extra drama in store for your visit to this theatrically-named city located in the northeastern corner of Greece. In fact, Drama features a picturesque city center with vibrant cafes and restaurants, serving delicious local cuisine. The wider region, also called Drama, offers amazing natural wonders, including valleys and mountains, and even ski resorts - perfect for enjoying some outdoor activities. With the diversity the whole area has to offer, it’s not surprising that it’s highly endorsed by our travelers for (local) food, nature and walking.
Where to stay: Housed in an old tobacco warehouse, Hydrama Grand Hotel is a lovely stay for travelers to explore the city and surrounding area. The modern rooms offer great views of Agia Varvara springs, located inside the city’s largest park, which is definitely worth a stroll. After a day filled with sightseeing and other outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, guests can enjoy a little R&R at the property’s on-site wellness center.
Obama, Japan
Not to be confused with the former U.S. president, this port city is located in Fukui Prefecture, just north of Kyoto. The name Obama means “little beach” and the area is known for its very steep and irregular coastlines. Besides enjoying views of Wakasa Bay, travelers can explore the spiritual aspect of the city’s culture by visiting one of the many temples located throughout. For food lovers, Obama will not disappoint as it's also known for its tasty local cuisine, with fresh seafood as the star ingredient.
Where to stay: A vacation home with spacious rooms and traditional Japanese decor, Obama Machiya Stay is located just a short walk away from Shiratori Beach, perfect for travelers who want to be close to the water during their stay. Guests can explore the surrounding area by foot, including the Wasaka Fisherman’s Wharf to sample some of the city's best fresh seafood, like made-to-order sushi and sashimi.
Sauce, Peru
This lakeside town, surrounded by amazing nature in the San Martin region in Peru, is a dreamy destination for travelers to relax and unwind. The town’s highlight is Lake Sauce, which is a great spot for swimming and fishing, so it’s not surprising that our travelers highly endorse it for relaxation, tranquility, clean air and nature. For travelers wanting to explore more of the surrounding region, Tarapoto, the largest city in the area, is a 45-minute drive away. Also of note are the wineries in the San Martin region, which are truly worth exploring, especially for the one in ten of global travelers who are planning a trip to explore a wine region at some point this year.
Where to stay: Enjoy the tranquil ambiance at Maloca Inn. This lodge is directly located near Lake Sauce and is surrounded by tropical nature. Guests can relax and unwind by taking a dip in the outdoor pool and then have a tropical drink while enjoying the sunset and the incredible views of Lake Sauce. Guests can explore the surrounding area by foot or plan a day trip to explore the San Martin region even further.
Krk, Croatia
While there aren’t many letters (and certainly no vowels) in the name, Croatia’s largest island has a lot to offer. Highly endorsed by Booking.com travelers for it’s old town and seaside, this destination is perfect for the almost half (45%)* of global travelers planning to take a beach vacation in 2021 and the majority of travelers (56%)* who are motivated to travel to a destination for it’s “Instagrammable” sights. Krk offers endless natural beaches, numerous authentic Mediterranean fishing villages and ancient towns boasting historical and cultural monuments, an ideal destination for every type of traveler.
Where to stay: Enjoy relaxation along the coast with the entire family at Ježevac Premium Camping Resort by Valamar. The holiday park offers modern, fully-equipped tiny houses with spacious terraces and sea views. Located directly on the beach and just a short walk away from the center of Krk, this property is perfect for a relaxing beach break. For guests who prefer to enjoy a bit more activity during their stay, a natural pebble beach, a diving center, tennis courts and boat rentals are all situated nearby.
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*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 47,728 respondents across 28 markets (1,997 from USA, 1,987 from Canada, 1,999 from Mexico, 2,003 from Colombia, 1,996 from Brazil, 2,002 from Argentina, 1,994 from Australia, 985 from New Zealand, 1,993 from Spain, 1,993 from Italy, 1,993 from France, 1,984 from UK, 1,989 from Germany, 1,977 from Netherlands, 983 from Denmark, 986 from Sweden, 998 from Croatia, 1,997 from Russia, 999 from Israel, 1,997 from India, 1,992 from China, 991 from Hong Kong, 1,991 from Thailand, 1,977 from Singapore, 998 from Taiwan, 953 from Vietnam, 1,990 from South Korea, 1,987 from Japan). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in November 2020.