It is the childhood fantasy of many people to be the one to sight an elusive mythological creature; and for some, this fantasy carries over to adulthood. If you have made it your life-long goal to pursue a primeval cryptid then here are a few suggestions as to where you should go to get started.

Vietnam

According to Vietnamese legend, a huge golden turtle that lives in the deep waters of a North Vietnamese Lake helped villagers win a war against Chinese invaders by bestowing on them a magical sword. This legend has carried on since the 16^th century until recently, when the discovery of a Giant Turtle weighing over 400 pounds was made. Spend your time seeking out this legendary turtle, or lay in wait for the Vietnamese version of the Yeti or Bigfoot, as Central Highland villagers have also reported numerous sightings of a large part human animal that preys on humans. Make sure you are comfortable by setting yourself up in one of the amazing Vietnam hotels, as it may take a while before you make your first sighting!

Indonesia

Be the one to unlock the mystery of the fearsome Orang-bati (winged men) of Seram Island in Eastern Indonesia. These bat-like creatures are reported to have a human torso complete with blood-red skin, bat wings, a long tail and short black fur. Its shrill wail can be heard for miles and routinely causes sleepless nights for small children; as it is the young human flesh the creatures prefer. If you find yourself a little freaked out, then swing by Bali to settle your nerves in one of the luxurious Jimbaran hotels.

Scotland

Possibly one of the most famous cryptids is the legendary monster living in Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. A London man on a boat with his wife made the first ever sighting in 1933, and described it as “the nearest approach to a dragon or prehistoric animal that I have ever seen in my life”. Since then there have been hundreds of reported sightings; begging not the question of its existence but rather whether it is a huge fish, a dragon, a sea serpent, or an otherwise extinct plesiosaur. While you are visiting, don’t forget about Nessie’s sister monsters – Mòrag, Muc-sheilch, Seileag and others in Scotland’s sister lochs.

Australia

Australia is not only well known for its unusual animals such as the platypus and kangeroo, but is also home to many mythological creatures. Be the one to catch a glimpse of the supposedly extinct Tasmanian tiger, or search for the fabled bunyip – the world’s last surviving prehistoric diprotodon – and the Queensland Tiger which thought to be the marsupial equivalent of a predatory feline. Perhaps you will also see the Koala’s carnivorous and evil cousin: the Drop Bear. Whether real or mythological, you are sure to see something crazy in Australia.

North America

Sasquatch, from the Coast Salish word meaning ‘wild man’, is one of the many ways Native Americans describe this large, hairy, humanoid primate. This secretive, nocturnal creature, also known as Bigfoot, has seriously stumped skeptics and believers alike through numerous encounters and other pieces of evidence for its existence. Although it is thought to roam all over North America, most sightings have been concentrated in the Pacific Northwest in the regions of Washington State and British Columbia. Whether it is real or imagined, this elusive creature has been captivating people’s imaginations for generations.