When you first arrive at your new home, it’s easy to become enamored with your surroundings.  Landmarks and museums you have heard about since grade school are now at your fingertips, and for the first few months, you gasp every time you drive past the famous what’s-his-name statue or the world-renowned monument of such-and-such.  But after the newness wears off and you’ve made multiple trips to these hotspots with visiting relatives and friends, you start to take on the mind-set of “been there, done that.”  After all, you’re not a tourist, you’re an expatriate.  And as any expatriate knows, some of the best treasures and most memorable experiences are found off the beaten path.  Here is a list of eight international destinations you’ve may have never heard of that are awaiting your visit.

The Capuchin Crypt – Rome, Italy
These small chapels located below the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini serve as the final resting place for over 4,000 Capuchin monks.  However, if you visit, you won’t be admiring their tombstones.  The walls of each chapel are lined with intricate patterns of bones of the monks who died between the 16th and 19th centuries.  The ground of each chapel is covered in soil, which was brought in from Jerusalem. The crypt is open every day except Thursday, and admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.  There are a number of these “bone churches” across Europe, including Paris and Prague, and quick internet search will reveal locations near you.

Le Musée d'Art Spontané -  Museum of Spontaneous Art, Brussels, Belgium
If you enjoy modern and unusual art, check out this museum, which offers over 50 works from artists who are not formally trained.  You may not recognize the names of the artists, but you won’t forget the work you’ll see here.  This museum is also housed in a former industrial print shop.  Entrance fee: 2€

Debates at Parliament – London, England
Watch history as it is made. When Parliament is meeting, the galleries are open to the public to watch the debates. Additionally, the Prime Minister holds a weekly “Question Time” on Wednesdays when Parliament is in session, and the public is invited to attend.  Entrance is free; however U.K. citizens get first dibs on tickets, so be prepared to wait in line to take advantage of any remaining seats.  You can find additional website on the U.K. Parliament website at www.parliament.uk/about/visiting/debates.cfm.

Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo - Samut Prakan, Thailand
Located outside of Bangkok, you’ll find the largest crocodile farm in the world, with over 15,000 inhabitants.  Watch these creatures interact in their natural habitat, or witness a death-defying display when zoo keepers put on a show that includes placing their heads inside a crocodile’s mouth.  The zoo also offers a number of other activities such as camel rides and paddle boating to keep you busy the entire day.  Entrance fee: 300 Baht for adults, 200 Baht for children.

Ski Dubai – Dubai, UAE
It may be 100 degrees outside, but you can still see snow in Dubai.  This indoor ski center measures the size of three football fields, and offers five ski slopes at varying levels of difficulty.

photo by jonrawlinson

Be sure to bring your parka, as the temperature in the center is kept at freezing level, but in case you forget, Ski Dubai offers ski equipment and winter wear rentals.  Ski Slope Day Pass: 300 AED for adults, 240 AED for children.

Mikumi National Park – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
No safari is complete without seeing the Big Five (rhino, lion, buffalo, cheetah, and elephant) and Mikumi National Park is sure to not disappoint.  Just a few hours outside of Dar es Salaam, this park is full of rare wildlife, including hippos and zebras, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.

Middle and West Asia International Trade Market, Kashgar Bazaar – Xinjiang, China
Located on the Silk Road, Kashgar is over 2,000 years old, and serves as home to the biggest market in the Northwest region of China.  Find everything from local artisan’s crafts to exotic foods to goods from the surrounding countries in its 41 acres of vendors.  The market is open daily, though Sunday is the busiest day.

Amrum Island – North Sea, Germany
Just off the coast of Germany lies the perfect spot to get away.  Amrum Island’s wide beaches offer plenty of space to soak up the sun, climb the sand dunes, or go for a swim.  Bikes are recommended for transportation around the island, as there is only one road for cars.  During low tide, it is also possible to walk between Amrum and neighboring island Föhr.  Ferries to the island are available from Dagebüll or Schlüttsiel.

Don’t get stuck in a rut in your new surroundings.  When you are tired of all the options located in your city, the best place to turn is to a local.  Make friends with your neighbors and co-workers, and they may let you in on the secrets the city holds.

Have you visited some interesting sites off the beaten path?  Please leave a comment in our blog to share your insight with the Clements community – blog.clements.com.

Expatriate  Question & Answer

Name:  Andrea Martins

Nationality:  Australian

Current Residence: Australia

Occupation: Co-founder & Director, ExpatWomen.com

Meet Yvonne Allen...

Yvonne has been serving as Claims Liaison at Clements International for nearly two years and has a combined 12 years of experience in the insurance industry in managed care, pharmacy benefit management and claims. The Claims Liaison at Clements is responsible for assisting clients should a complicated health policy claim or benefit issue arise.

“I enjoy helping our customers navigate through the maze of health care insurance,” said Yvonne, assisting them in any way that brings less frustration during the process.”   

Yvonne is currently working toward a Master's Degree in Health Service Management