Avoid the May Day crowds: Are there any lesser-known countries with a one-week visa process?
With only half a month left until May Day, who wants to travel abroad during the holiday? 🙋
Here are three lesser-known yet fun overseas destinations that either don't require a visa or have a quick visa process, making it easy to travel spontaneously. 🛫
Okinawa, Japan
🎫 Estimated visa processing time: 7 working days
⭐ A more niche island than the Maldives, offering snorkeling and ocean views, as well as a chance to experience the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
👉 Onna Village: Stay in Onna Village upon arrival, where numerous resort hotels offer activities like diving, transparent kayaking, paddleboarding, and sea fishing—a paradise for water sports enthusiasts.
👉 Churaumi Aquarium: Filming location for 'Crayon Shin-chan' and 'Itazura na Kiss,' home to the world's largest Kuroshio Sea, featuring an 8.8-meter-long giant whale shark and large manta rays—perfect for photography. 📷
👉 Kouri Island: Reachable via the 2km Kouri Bridge, this island's blue waters resemble jade, and its heart-shaped reef makes it a romantic getaway for couples.
👉 Ryukyu Glass Village: Sells various exquisite Ryukyu glass products, known for their vibrant colors and unique textures.
Vietnam
🎫 Estimated visa processing time: 5 working days
⭐ Vietnam is ideal for staycations, with numerous luxury hotels offering unique designs and luxurious experiences for a relaxing holiday.
👉 Amanoi: Located in Vietnam's largest nature reserve, Nui Chua National Park, featuring a cliffside infinity pool over 10 meters long. Explore the park's diverse granite formations and clear blue waters, or kayak in uncharted waters—perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
👉 Six Senses Ninh Van Bay: Located in the secluded Ninh Van Bay, offering all-villa accommodations either on the beach, over the water, or nestled among rocks, all with ocean views. Stay in a water villa and you can jump straight into the sea.
👉 Four Seasons The Nam Hai: Situated in Vietnam's cultural heritage center, just minutes from the ancient town of Hoi An. Along the beach, a series of striking villas are built by the sea. If you want to experience Vietnam's cultural heritage while on vacation, this is the place to be.
Bahamas
🎫 Visa-free
⭐ A lesser-known Caribbean country, but a filming location for 'Pirates of the Caribbean.'
👉 Pink Sand Beach: A popular Instagram spot, the beach's sand appears a dreamy, romantic pink due to marine organism remains.
👉 Pig Beach: If you're wondering where the happiest pigs in the world are, it's Pig Beach! The pigs here spend their days eating, swimming, and sunbathing, living in harmony with humans.
👉 Pirate Museum: Nassau in the Bahamas is the true 'Pirate City,' once a pirate haven and a filming location for 'Pirates of the Caribbean.' If you're interested in pirate history, the Pirate Museum is a must-visit.
👉 The Cove at Atlantis: As a hotel, it features the world's most thrilling water park, where people drop vertically from the Mayan Temple into a 60-foot underwater tunnel, with sharks watching from outside the glass.
Thanks to Visual China and Ctrip Community contracted travel expert A Family Takes You Around for the photos.