7 Magical Travel Destinations for a ‘Mystic Outlands’ Vacation in 2026 - B1
Dubbed "mystic outlands," the aesthetic blends fairytale charm with surreal landscapes—think misty ruins, spiraling natural formations, and moody forests that look straight out of folklore.
Pinterest’s report says that millennials and baby boomers are leading the charge, searching for destinations that feel far removed from the ordinary.
The search term "scotland highlands aesthetic" surged by 465 percent, while "faroe islands aesthetic" rose 95 percent between September 2024 and August 2025, from the same period a year earlier. Other trending search terms include "bolivia salar de uyuni" (which saw a 70 percent rise), Japan’s "arashiyama bamboo forest" (50 percent rise), and "ethereal places" (45 percent rise).
In an era of overtourism and curated Instagram spots , "mystic outlands" destinations offer something deeper—places where nature, history, and myth converge. From Iceland’s volcanic deserts to Italy’s fog-shrouded sanctuaries, here are some of the destinations that embody this enchanting trend.
The Scottish Wild Isles
"The mystic outlands trend really speak to people wanting authentic, soul-touching experiences," Julie Marshall, managing director at St. Hilda Sea Adventures, told Newsweek.
Marshall said: "The Scottish Wild Isles have always possessed that mystical quality. When you’re sailing through the Hebrides at dawn, and the mist is lifting off ancient peaks, or standing on remote islands where ancient people once lived, you feel that connection to something timeless. From standing stones to abandoned villages and ghostly tales, Scotland’s maritime legends and folklore come to life in these waters."
The Faroe Islands of Denmark
Brava Braun, the founder of Brava Braun Wellness, told Newsweek: "The Faroe Islands feel enchanted because they’re elemental—wind, water, and rock. Your body instinctively starts listening to the environment again."
Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada
Jeremy Timms of Frontier Canada told Newsweek: "Newfoundland and Labrador fits the mystic outlands trend perfectly. It’s not curated to feel atmospheric; it simply is. Vast, rugged landscapes, mist-covered coastlines, gigantic icebergs drifting past remote harbors, and a culture steeped in storytelling—from Norse history and Celtic roots to fairy paths and lights in the woods."
For those drawn to places such as the Scottish Highlands or the Faroe Islands, Newfoundland offers that same sense of scale and mystery, with a distinct North American edge and the feeling of being truly at the edge of the world.
Japan’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Dana Yao, who lives in Japan with her husband and writes guides about the country, told Newsweek: "Arashiyama is definitely a hotspot for those going to Kyoto. Our favorite time to visit is sunrise—the light filtering through the bamboo creates one of those mystic outlands moments."
Yao recommends making it a full-day itinerary: "Explore Tenryuji Temple, Yusai-Tei Gallery, ride the Sagano Romantic Train, and visit the snow monkey park."
The Highlands of Iceland
Carlos Nasillo, CEO of Riderly, a motorcycle rental platform, told Newsweek that Iceland’s central highland area can be described as "alien landscapes—black sand deserts and hot pools that resemble a fairytale." Brava Braun, the founder of Brava Braun Wellness, added that the region offers "huge elemental contrast and moody lights," making it a photographer’s dream.
Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni
Containing around 10 billion tonnes of salt, Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world, covering an area of around 3,668 to 3,861 square miles. Nasillo describes it as "an out-of-this-world experience," especially during the rainy season when the ground turns into a mirror, blending heaven and Earth.
Irpinia in Italy
Danielle Oteri, an art historian, writer, and founder of Danielle Oteri’s Italy, a podcast and travel consultancy, told Newsweek that Irpinia is "where Southern Italy turns mystic outlands, just 45 minutes north of the Amalfi Coast."
Oteri said: "The landscape west of Naples and just north of the Amalfi Coast feels like another world, with dramatic climbs, small mountaintop villages that sit inside the fog." Visitors here can enjoy natural winemaking traditions and Montevergine, a sanctuary built on a Roman temple site. "It’s technically a day trip from the Amalfi Coast, but, in feeling, it’s an entry into an entirely different world," Oteri said.
Read the text and answer the following questions:
Which destination…
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… helps visitors feel close to the basic forces of nature?
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… is especially impressive very early
in the morning because of the light?
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… changes its appearance in wet weather and reflects the sky like glass?
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… is near a famous tourist coast but feels like a different world with foggy mountain villages?
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… looks unusual and unreal
because of dark sand and natural warm water pools?
- … has ancient stones, old villages,
and stories connected to the sea?
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