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Epic spots discovered by surfers, loved by non-surfers. Board not required.

Sometimes all it takes is the discovery of one fun/weird/unique thing to birth the next travel destination.

Take Laos’ Vang Vieng, for example. All Vang Vieng needed was one tube on the river and nek minute Lonely Planet was including the village in its latest guidebook.

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Surfing has had a similar effect on the world. It’s been surfers—historically willing to travel to far flung places in search of a good wave—who have discovered some of the best travel spots the globe has to offer (ahem, Bali). Travel spots that have grown to be so much more than just surfing meccas (cough, Bali, cough). These are our five favourite surf discoveries (that aren’t Bali):

PUERTO ESCONDIDO

Could this be the chillest beach town in all of Mexico? Highly likely.

Puerto Escondido started drawing a travel crowd thanks to its excellent breaks in both Zicatela and La Punta, but PE is so much more than just its waves. You’ve got the delicious Oaxacan food, those insane sunsets, and more than a few beachfront dance parties. The coast is also very swim-friendly, so you don’t need any prowess on a surfboard to get the most out of these crystal waters. Best part? You’ll never encounter a Spring Breaker here. They’re all in Cancun, mixing their tequila with orange juice.

Click and LET’S ESCONDI-GO

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JEFFREYS BAY

J-Bay (as us cool, very hip, pseudo-locals like to call it) was ‘discovered’ by pioneering South African surfer, John Whitmore, in 1959.

But Supertubes, as the break was later named, wasn’t actually ridden until 1964. Since then, the world famous surf spot, has grown to be one of South Africa’s favourite holiday destinations (even for non-surfers). J-Bay’s primo location means travellers can visit game parks, go sandboarding, do the world’s highest bungy, enjoy a bit of dolphin spotting or just relax by the seaside. Lekker.

Click and YOU’LL SOUTH A-FREAK-A OUT

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SIARGAO

Betcha didn’t know Siargao, the teardrop-shaped island in the Philippines, is actually the country’s surfing capital, did ya? Now you do.

Let’s take a moment to thank the fine surfing men and women who brought Siargao to our travel attention… and then move the heck onto all the other things you can do here. Like, island hopping, cave exploring, jellyfish swimming, rock pool hunting, hammock lazing, sunset watching, waterfall chasing and motorbike riding. From epic resorts to pristine beaches, Siargao really is paradise central.

Click to GET YOUR PHIL

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ARUGAM BAY

Arugam Bay is the only place in Sri Lanka that hosts an international surf comp. Why? Because it’s got epic waves. Obviously.

But you know what else it has? The friendliest locals to ever welcome you into a game of cricket. The town of Arugam Bay offers everything from backpacker parties to beautiful resorts, blindingly white temples and some of Sri Lanka’s best street foods. Sure, the waves are worth the trip, but everything else is just as good here.

Click when AR-U-GA-NNA GO?

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EL ZONTE

Both El Tunco and El Zonte in El Salvador’s La Libertad have long drawn a surfing crowd. With gorgeous black sand beaches and world-class breaks, it makes sense that this part of the world was heralded by the surf community.

But non-surfers don’t fear—you’ve got lush rainforest to explore, sea caves to discover and warm waters to swim. There’s also lakes and lagoons, volcanoes and Mayan ruins in the greater El Salvador expanse. Central American heaven (or cielo, as they’d say).

Click for ONE ‘EL OF A TRIP