nature destination essay

The 51 Most Beautiful Places in the World

By Caitlin Morton

Massive glaciers, staggering mountains, plains dotted with wild animals: Our planet sure is incredible. In fact, when looking at the most beautiful places in the world, it can feel impossible to decide where to visit next. The islands of Southeast Asia? The deserts of the Middle East? How about the countless travel-worthy sites right here in the United States ?

While pinpointing all of Mother Nature’s greatest hits could take a lifetime, we think these 51 staggering landscapes and awe-inspiring wonders—from Antarctica to Zimbabwe—need to move to the very top of your travel list. Whether you’re looking for beaches, forests, or national parks , you’re sure to find your new favorite destination below.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Covering roughly 40 percent of South America , including parts of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, the Amazon is the largest rainforest on the planet, and home to more than 40,000 plant species and 1,300 bird species alone. But be sure to visit the winding rivers and diverse wildlife while you can— climate change (along with man-made fires ) is increasingly whittling away the habitat every day.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Venezuela overflows with natural wonders, including the world’s highest waterfall: the 3,212-foot cascades (that’s 19 times higher than Niagara Falls) of Angel Falls, located in the UNESCO-protected Canaima National Park. Bonus: Pixar animators used the location as inspiration for Paradise Falls in Up —so you know it’s good.

That’s right, we put an entire continent on here. Although 99 percent of Antarctica is covered with ice, the landscape still manages to be stunningly diverse—surreal blue glaciers, active volcanoes, the rough waterways of the Drake Passage, and 360-degree views of untouched snow. And those views are made even better when an emperor penguin or humpback whale makes an appearance.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan

Every traveler should experience the ethereal glow and seemingly endless heights of this bamboo grove on the outskirts of Kyoto . The experience even extends beyond the visual realm: In 1996, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment included the sounds here—wood creaking, leaves rustling—as one of the top 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

Jessica Puckett

Anna Borges

Karthika Gupta

Atacama Desert, Chile

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the moon? A trip to Valle de la Luna in Chile’s Atacama Desert is a much shorter flight. Years of erosion have left behind jagged peaks, dry riverbeds, and a landscape startlingly similar to that of our favorite celestial body.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Separated from continental Africa by 250 miles of water, Madagascar is adventure personified. The island nation’s secrets include giant moths, bug-eyed lemurs, and places like the surreal Avenue of the Baobabs, where the centuries-old trees reach heights of nearly 100 feet.

The Azores, Portugal

Roughly 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon , this Portuguese archipelago can inspire wanderlust with a single photo. The verdant valleys, steep oceanside cliffs, rows of blue hydrangeas, and scattering of waterfalls make the Azores a paradise worth exploring . Just make sure you visit before everyone you know beats you to it.

Banff National Park, Canada

Easily one of the most beautiful spots in Canada, Banff National Park overwhelms with views of the Canadian Rockies and a regular cast of animals. The park is also known for its abundance of beautiful lakes , including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and glacial Lake Minnewanka—each more pristine than the last.

Boulders Beach, South Africa

Located on the False Bay Coastline about 17 miles south of Table Mountain, Boulders Beach shows off the famously beautiful landscapes of Cape Town: bright blue water, granite boulders, and even penguins. Many people swim here just a few feet away from the adorable African penguin community, but feel free to just sit back and admire the sprawling coastline as well.

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

It’s hard to pick just one beautiful spot in geographically diverse Malaysia, but the Cameron Highlands might be the winner. Located in the state of Pahang, the 275-square-mile region is home to the largest tea plantations in the country—a place of fuzzy green hills rolling into the distance, where you can also explore butterfly gardens and strawberry farms.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia, an area in Turkey where entire cities have been carved into rock, is pretty incredible on its own. But whenever hot air balloons pepper the sky—with many floating up right at sunrise—its beauty level literally skyrockets.

Caucasus Mountains, Georgia

For adventurous travelers who have grown tired of the crowded mountain trails in the Alps or or reservation-only vineyards in France, Georgia has everything you need and then some (yes, including wine). The best way to witness the diversity of the country’s terrain is on its hiking trails , which wind through the Greater Caucasus mountain range dividing Europe from Asia.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Few places exemplify the raw, untamed beauty of Ireland’s west coast like this natural wonder, which tops 702 feet at the highest point. And while you might know them better as the Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride , in reality, the cliffs are located just south of Galway.

Danxia Landform Geological Park, China

These striped, multicolored mountains are Mother Nature's answer to Photoshop. Red sandstone and mineral deposits have been stacking in China's Danxia Landform Geological Park for more than 20 million years, causing the surreal layered effect.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Despite controversies over name changes and a shrinking elevation , Denali’s beauty is worth braving the extreme low temperatures. Make a road trip out of your visit, seeing as much of the 6 million acres of shimmering lakes and jagged mountains as you can.

Étretat, France

Located along France’s Alabaster Coast, the pebble beach of Étretat is popular among sailors and surfers. But most visitors come to this stretch in Upper Normandy for one reason: The famous chalk cliffs and arched rock formations. At various points along Étretat's 80-mile stretch, you’ll find natural sculptures that have inspired travelers and artists (most notably Claude Monet ) for ages.

Finnish Lapland

If your travel fantasies aren’t complete without a snowy setting, be sure to add Finnish Lapland to your list. While this northern region of Finland is lovely during the warmer months, try to plan your visit between November and March, when the trees are covered in thick layers of snow, huskies are eager to pull you around on a sled, and the Northern Lights are most likely to make an appearance.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Do we really have to explain the allure of the Galápagos? If you can, make it a priority to visit this of-another-time stretch of Ecuador, with dinosaur-like giant tortoises lumbering through the tall grass and real-life blue-footed boobies. (Pro tip: A cruise is definitely the preferred way to explore the islands; Celebrity Cruise’s Xpedition ferries just 100 passengers and holds nightly lectures by naturalists from Galápagos National Park.)

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park, often called one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is on most travelers’ lists for a reason. Plan to hike some of the park’s most scenic loops —like Horseshoe Bend and the South Rim Trail—to get views of the rocky badlands of the Painted Desert, Navajo Nation, and even a waterfall or two.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Although the Great Barrier Reef (aka the largest living thing on Earth) can be seen from space, the best vantage point belongs to the avid snorkelers and scuba divers who visit each year. If you must resurface, do it at the Whitsundays—namely Whitehaven Beach, often considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Greenland is icy, mysterious, and one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet. And he world's biggest non-continental island is so much more than glaciers (although they are spectacular)—think magnificent fjords, colorful villages, fields of sheep, and that ever-alluring midnight sun.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, located in northeast Vietnam , is beloved for its blue waters and spread of limestone islands, all occupied by tropical trees and wildlife. Board a Chinese junk boat to experience the beauty (and associated myths and stories) of the mist-shrouded emerald basin for yourself.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

With fairy pools and endless undulations of hills, the magical Isle of Skye is the stuff dreams are made of. While the nature here is timeless, the island also has a food scene that’s totally modern—we can’t think of a more beautiful place to sample Michelin-starred cuisine.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

There's a reason Lake Bled is one of Slovenia 's most popular sites. With its emerald waters, vistas of the surrounding Julien Alps, and Disney-like castle high on a hill, you won't be short of picture-perfect views if you venture here.

Lake Como, Italy

This 56-square-mile Lombardy jewel has been attracting summer vacationers since ancient Roman times. Today, it’s as popular for its natural beauty as it is for its luxury hotels—and George Clooney sightings, of course.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

While purple, pink, and blue-hued lupin flowers may not be native to New Zealand (they hail from North America), they really do seem to bloom most vibrantly on the Oceanian nation’s South Island. At Lake Tekapo, in particular, the flowers juxtapose against the backdrop of the crystal clear water to create one of the country’s most stunning vistas.

Machu Picchu, Peru

While the intricate stone ruins of Machu Picchu are the work of 15th-century Incans, the site’s natural setting makes it even more alluring. Perched atop the flattened peak of a mountain, the ancient Wonder of the World benefits from the famous backdrop of Huayna Picchu, lush green surfaces, and a barrier of Andean peaks that, despite the landmark’s fame, makes you feel like you've stumbled upon a secret.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

The geography of Brazil's Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is like nothing else on the planet. The rainy season (which hits around early June) fills every trough with water. The effect is not unlike an M.C. Escher print: the scene resembles either a drowned desert or a sandy lake, depending on how your mind's eye frames what it's seeing.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

New Zealand is no stranger to breathtaking landscapes, particularly on the west coast of the South Island. Case in point: Milford Sound, a mountainous fjord where you can live out all of your Lord of the Rings fantasies.

Mount Fuji, Japan

It’s hard to pick the single most beautiful place in Japan , but 12,388-foot Mount Fuji just might take the prize. Visit Lake Kawaguchiko in the spring for some of the best views of the mountain and cherry blossom trees —a postcard-worthy sight if we ever saw one. Or if you’re an avid hiker, plan a trip for mid-July until the end of August, when the snow melts enough to allow access to Fuji’s summit.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Africa’s highest peak seems more striking than a lot of other famous mountains, because it’s an ancient stratovolcano that’s not part of any mountain range. That means the 19,000-foot summit drops down to vast, flat plains on all sides, making it a mirage-like blip on Tanzania’s widespread topography. As an added bonus, the peak requires no technical mountaineering skills to summit, so even novice hikers can cross this item off their bucket list.

Namib Desert, Namibia

With its otherworldly landscapes and populations of rhinos, giraffes, and elephants, the Namib Desert is like nowhere else on Earth. In fact, its red sand dunes and skeletal trees might make you think you’ve been transported to Mars instead of Southwest Africa.

Na Pali Coast, Hawaii

Kauai has one of the world’s most gorgeous coastlines , with towering waterfalls and isolated crescent beaches. Just be prepared to put in a little effort to soak up its wonders: Na Pali can only be seen from a helicopter, catamaran, or a rather grueling hike.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The lush Okavango Delta—a 49-million-acre river delta in northern Botswana—is like a real-world eden, where cheetahs, zebras, buffalo, and rhinos roam freely. Visit during Africa’s winter (summertime in the Northern Hemisphere), after the rains—the savanna’s grasses are low, while growth along the waterways attracts tons of wildlife.

Palawan, Philippines

With its blue lagoons and limestone cliffs, it’s easy to see why Palawan is consistently voted one of the best islands in the world by our readers. It is also home to the otherworldly Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that travels five miles through an underground cave system.

Pamukkale, Turkey

The 17 tiered pools of Pamukkale (“cotton castle” in Turkish) are as beautiful as hot springs get. The stacks of white travertine (a form of limestone) overlook the city of Denizli, and the still 94-degree Fahrenheit waters perfectly reflect the cerulean Aegean sky.

The Pitons, St. Lucia

The scenery of St. Lucia can be summed up in one jaw-dropping site: a duo of striking spires known as the Pitons. The two volcanic peaks—Gros Piton and Petit Piton—are the most iconic landmarks on the island, and visitors can enjoy them in a variety of ways. A singular experience has to be actually hiking the mountains, an activity which takes the better part of a day. Or, if you prefer to keep your feet at sea level, plop a towel down at Sugar Beach, set dramatically (and conveniently) between the two Pitons.

Playa de Las Catedrales, Spain

As a destination on Europe's Iberian Peninsula, Spain is renowned for its island paradises and semi-remote sand beaches. We're particularly big fans of Playa de Las Catedrales, a small stretch of sand on the Galician coast where natural stone arches form a walkable "cathedral" at low tide.

Reynisfjara, Iceland

If the moon had a shoreline, it would probably look something like Reynisfjara. Just a 20-minute drive from Vik in southern Iceland, jet-black sand and spectacularly shaped basalt columns make this beach one of the most impressive sites in an already impressive country.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Southwest Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world, and is about as surreal as landscapes come. When dry, the flat is a sheet of blindingly white salt tiles. During the wet season, the shallow lake mirrors the sky, creating a dreamy illusion of infinity.

Sequoia National Park, California

This central-Californian park is home to some 8,000 colossal sequoia trees —the gentle giants of the tree world. “General Sherman,” a tree named for the Civil War general, is the hero of these treasured acres: It stands 275 feet tall and 25 feet wide, making it the largest known single-stem tree on the planet.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Tanzania’s portion of the Serengeti is the ideal location for an African adventure. Visit between January and March to witness the wonder that is the Great Migration, an iconic phenomenon that sees 1.5 million wildebeest sweep through East Africa on an annual, 1,200-mile cycle.

Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard, the northern archipelago off the coast of Norway, is known for spectacular Northern Lights viewing opportunities—the sky is pitch black all day and night from October through February, due to its position within the Arctic Circle. Svalbard is also celebrated for its wildlife, including polar bears and arctic foxes who live out their days among the deep fjords and sheets of ice.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

With its granite pillars, azure lakes, and steppes spotted with grazing guanacos, Torres del Paine is one of the most impressive sites in the entire Southern Hemisphere. It also happens to be an extremely popular destination for hikers: The ultra-ambitious can travel the Full Circuit—crossing the entire park—in nine days.

As crowded as Ubud can get, the town is only minutes from dozens of quaint villages and peaceful countryside vistas. Rent a motorbike or bicycle at your hotel and get lost in the villages, tangerine groves, and rice paddies—all of which are kept alive by farmers who tend the terraces just as previous generations have done for millennia.

Uluru, Australia

No matter how you choose to view the 700-million-year-old Uluru (or Ayers Rock)—from above by hot air balloon, across the desert on a motorcycle—witnessing its majesty should be on every traveler's list.

Vaadhoo Island, Maldives

The beaches at Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives have received their fair share of online swooning, and for good reason. The bioluminescent phytoplankton in the water’s reefs emanate a dazzling blue glow, making it look as though the stars have somehow found their way down to earth for the night—a phenomenon that has aptly become known as the “Sea of Stars.”

Valle de Cocora, Colombia

Valle de Cocora is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Colombia —and that’s saying something. The park (about a 7-hour drive west of Bogotá ) is filled with the tallest palm trees in the world at nearly 200 feet, which look even more incredible set against the backdrop of misty green hills and craggy mountains.

Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Nothing compares to standing in front of the world’s largest waterfall, which stretches in length for a full mile. Visit between February and May (after the region’s rainy season) for the clearest views of the 500 million liters of water that pour over the falls every 60 seconds.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

With its cliffs, caverns, natural arches, and Mars-like red sand, it’s no wonder Wadi Rum is so beloved by both tourists and directors. ( Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian , and Rogue One are just some of the many movies that have been filmed here.) The site is just as stunning at night, when the sky transforms into an incomparable blanket of stars.

Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China

“Scenic” might be an understatement here: This 100-square-mile attraction in China’s Hunan Province contains thousands of sandstone pillars that are nature’s version of skyscrapers—some even stretch taller than the Empire State Building’s midpoint.

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What is nature tourism and why is it so popular?

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Nature tourism is a fantastic type of tourism and it is on the rise! But what is it and why is it so popular? Read on to learn more…

What is nature tourism?

Why is nature tourism important, what is the difference between nature tourism and ecotourism, types of nature tourism, bird watching, scuba diving, scenic driving, bush walking, visiting parks, fishing , cycling , nature tours, nature tourism- further reading.

Nature tourism is all about visiting natural areas and is closed aligned with the concept of rural tourism . Places that nature tourists might visit include might include beaches, forests or national parks. Activities focus on the natural environment rather than visiting man-mad features; think stargazing and hiking, for example. There are locations right across the globe which are perfect for nature tourism.

The CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries) in the Netherlands define nature tourism as follows:

Nature tourism, also called nature-based tourism, is tourism based on the natural attractions of an area. It consists of responsible travel to experience natural areas and their landscape, flora and fauna, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life of locals.

Nature tourism is important as it allows people to see and appreciate the beauty of our natural environment. Through this kind of tourism, we are able to escape the pollution and pressures of city life – it is good for our physical and mental wellbeing to be out in nature, breathing in fresh air and seeing lush greenery or sparkly blue seas. Nature tourism also encourages visitors to take an interest in the natural environment, which may then translate to them making a more conscious effort where environmental issues are concerned. With climate change being an ever-present and ongoing issue, this is definitely a good thing.

Following on from this, nature tourism gives land owners, local communities and local governments more reason to preserve and take care of natural areas. If they know people will come to visit, it is in their best interest to look after these places and is a great incentive for developing their sustainable tourism provision. Visiting tourists can do wonders for local community pride this way.

As with all tourism, nature tourism brings in money . This economic boost trickles down through a whole community; people need places to stay, and food to eat, and they want to buy souvenirs. Hikers may need to buy replacement walking boots, and weary explorers will always need somewhere to rest their heads at night. Jobs are created and economies are boosted through natural tourism, in the surrounding areas of the specific locations too.

Is nature tourism different from ecotourism? Put simply, yes. They are very similar, but ecotourism is perhaps a more specialised branch of nature tourism if we were looking to clearly define the difference in some way. Nature tourism is about visiting an area – responsibly, yes – rather than actively aiming to learn about the environment and participating in its protection. A nature tourist might visit a beach and admire its beauty, while an ecotourist might join in with a beach clean-up. The lines are blurred, of course, as they so often are when we try to differentiate between types of tourism .

There are different types of nature tourism. This is where we will see similarities with another kind of tourism: adventure tourism. You can read all about adventure tourism here if you’re interested! However, the similarity is that both can be split into two ‘types’: hard and soft.

Soft nature tourism might involve bird watching, visiting a beach to sunbathe, gentle walks through country parks and so on. Hard nature tourism is a bit more tough going: mountain climbing, bush walking and scuba diving, for example. Below I’ll go into some of these specific examples, so you can see how diverse nature tourism is!

Nature tourism examples

There are many examples of nature tourism to be found. Keep reading to see what they are, and whether they fall into the hard or soft category.

Bird watching is an example of soft nature tourism. People of all ages and abilities can do this, with or without a guide. You just need some background knowledge of bird species (or a book explaining them) and perhaps some binoculars. the Gambia is a hotspot for bird watching!

This is more of an example of hard nature tourism. It’s much more adventurous, and requires specialist equipment and a guide or a lot of training/experience. Head under the water to see what kind of nature is on display down there: coral, fish, shells and so much more. It’s subjective, but Barracuda Point in Malaysia is apparently the most beautiful place in the world to scuba dive… and I am a big fan of diving in Dahab , Egypt too!

This is another ‘soft’ activity in that it is low-risk and doesn’t require physical exertion. The North Coast 500 in Scotland is an example of a famous scenic drive – this is a great way to experience nature. From rolling hills to winding rivers, there is so much to see out of the window from the comfort of your car. Another fantastic example is the Kings Highway in Jordan , where you will see endless desert, canyons and incredible rock formations.

Camping is, again, an example of soft nature tourism. While it’s a little more ‘involved’ than scenic driving, for example, it is still relatively low risk and most of us are able to participate. Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand is said to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to camp, with its green landscapes and snowy mountain scenery. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro gives you some fantastic camping opportunities too- just make sure you buy the best wild camping tent !

While controversial, hunting tourism is an example of nature tourism as it takes place in natural spaces. It is definitely one for the hard category, as you need special equipment to do so and it can obviously be quite dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. It is also often a discussion point for ethical tourism .

For the most part, this is a very safe activity and therefore falls into the soft category again. Guided tours are available in all of the very best stargazing locations, such as El Teide National Park in Tenerife, and it has even spawned its own branch of tourism. This is known as dark sky tourism, and there are many examples of activities that fall within this. They include stargazing, of course, alongside seeing the Northern Lights, watching an eclipse, astronomy tours and staying in accommodations that offer a clear view of the night sky such as glass domes.

This can be dangerous in that it is all about going off the beaten track, and walking through bushes/on rough ground. Therefore we can categorise this as hard nature tourism; it is something you would do when hiking, and gives you a bit of an adrenaline kick!

One of the easiest and most common forms of nature tourism is simply visiting a park. Whether this is a UK national park or your local green space at home, visiting a park is a definite example of this type of tourism. You’ll see birds, insects, flowers, trees, grass and more. Have a leisurely stroll, cycle through or sit and eat a picnic surrounded by nature.

Fishing falls in the middle of the soft and hard categories. You do need specialist equipment, but with most types of fishing there is little to no risk to life involved. But you need to be in nature – by or even on a lake or river – to do it, so it definitely counts as a form of nature tourism. People have obviously been fishing for years as a source of food gathering, but it is also a recreational hobby enjoyed by many.

This is another middle of the road activity. Kayaking can be dangerous, although it usually isn’t – you’ll often have a guide with you, and of course specialist equipment (the kayak) is required. It’s a really fun activity that many people enjoy!

You can visit a beach and simply do… nothing! This is still an example of nature tourism, as beaches are natural environments. Bali has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and tourists flock there to relax and soak up the sunshine. Beaches are also usually near to bars and restaurants, and you might find people doing beach yoga or watching the sunrise/sunset. Thailand even has all-night moonlight beach parties. They are versatile and beautiful locations!

Again, another activity that could be considered hard or soft. It depends where you go, really. A gentle bike ride along a specific cycle lane through a park is nothing like mountain biking in harsh terrains. It’s all about the level of ability you have and what risks you’re willing to take. But cycling is definitely a great way to get out and about in nature. It is also a low-cost and eco-friendly activity, which makes it a winner from many angles.

These tend to be a longer duration than many activities mentioned above, which you may do regularly but for a few hours at a time. Nature tours are days or even weeks-long trips, out into the wilderness with nature and wildlife experts. You might travel by air or train, or go on a cruise, and your guide will be on hand to point out every aspect of nature there is to see. These nature tours will take visitors to some of the most beautiful destinations on earth, such as trekking in Chiang Mai , Croatia, seeing the glaciers in Iceland and Alaska, and gazing at the best waterfalls in Finger Lakes . They’ll set you back a fair bit, but the memories you’ll make seeing bears and waterfalls and glorious sunsets will more than make up for it!

If you enjoyed this article, I am sure that you will love these too!

• Homestay tourism: What is a homestay?
• Cultural tourism explained: What, why and where
• Volunteer tourism: The reasons why people volunteer
• What is adventure tourism and why is it so big?
• Rural tourism explained: What, where and why

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The 10 Most Unique Nature Travel Destinations

Written by Maartje

The best nature travel destinations in the world include breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and unparalleled opportunities for adventure and exploration. From the pristine volcanoes of Indonesia to the rugged wilderness of Canada, and the lush rainforests of Rwanda to the vibrant coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, there is a destination to captivate every nature enthusiast. Namibia and South Africa offer a unique blend of majestic deserts and abundant wildlife, while Bolivia’s surreal landscapes seem almost otherworldly. Let us inspire you to book your next trips to these extraordinary destinations, where nature’s splendor knows no bounds.

Best destinations for nature vacations

#1 indonesia.

Indonesia is a cluster of more than 17,500 volcanic and tropical islands making it the perfect destination for a cruise . It stands as one of the most captivating travel destinations for nature enthusiasts. This breathtaking archipelago offers a myriad of opportunities to immerse oneself in the splendor of Mother Nature. Among Indonesia’s best nature travel destinations are its remarkable national parks and islands. Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts stunning landscapes and is home to the famous Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards. The Komodo volcano, which lent its name to the park, adds an awe-inspiring touch to the wilderness.

For wildlife enthusiasts, encountering orangutans in their natural habitat is a truly heartwarming experience. Indonesia’s dense rainforests, particularly in places like Sumatra and Borneo, provide a sanctuary for these majestic creatures. Bali, known for its lush rice terraces and verdant jungles, is a favorite among travelers seeking natural beauty.

Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will find paradise in Raja Ampat, a remote and untouched archipelago in Indonesia’s eastern region. Its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life make it a dream destination for underwater exploration.

However, exploring Indonesia’s natural wonders wouldn’t be complete without mentioning its remarkable volcanoes. Boasting around 400 volcanoes, many of which remain active, the country’s volcanic landscapes offer a captivating mix of beauty and power. While these volcanoes pose challenges, they also provide fertile soil and stunning vistas that are a testament to the country’s geological marvels.

Indonesia, with its enchanting national parks, unique wildlife, idyllic islands, and awe-inspiring volcanoes, offers an unparalleled adventure for nature lovers seeking to reconnect with the Earth’s natural wonders. From the exotic wilderness of Komodo National Park to the tranquil charm of Bali and the breathtaking underwater world of Raja Ampat, each destination provides an opportunity to experience the diverse and abundant beauty of Indonesia’s nature-rich landscape. 

Canada is a nature lover’s paradise where breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring natural wonders await. If you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure surrounded by Mother Nature’s finest, Canada should be at the top of your travel list. With its diverse and pristine wilderness, this vast country offers an array of spectacular destinations that will leave you in awe.

One of the best nature travel destinations in Canada is the Niagara Falls region in Ontario. This enchanting area boasts the world-famous Niagara Falls, a magnificent display of raw power and beauty. The falls cascade with force through the Niagara Gorge, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Witnessing the sheer power of the falls is an experience like no other. During the summer months, the region comes alive with outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Another top-notch destination is the province of Alberta, home to Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. These pristine parks, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, boast majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. The picturesque Lake Louise, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is a must-visit spot for any nature enthusiast. Hike along the Lake Agnes Tea House trail, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of an alpine lake and the chance to indulge in a cozy log cabin experience.

Driving along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is a scenic adventure that will take your breath away. Admire rushing waterfalls, ancient glaciers, and towering mountains as you traverse this iconic route. Wildlife safaris in Jasper offer an opportunity to spot bears, moose, elk, and other fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Venture to Vancouver Island on Canada’s west coast, a haven for outdoor lovers. Explore the rugged coastline, lush forests, and pristine beaches that offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and water-based activities. The West Coast Trail, a challenging 75-kilometer hike, treats adventurers to breathtaking coastal views and a chance to reconnect with nature.

In British Columbia, Whistler beckons with its rugged landscapes and outdoor thrills. While renowned for winter sports, the summer season offers equally exciting adventures, including hiking through enchanting forests and taking in the sweeping vistas from the Peak 2 Peak gondola.

Canada is a treasure trove of natural wonders, catering to every nature lover’s desires. From the thundering Niagara Falls to the serene lakes of the Canadian Rockies and the wild beauty of Vancouver Island, this country has it all. Embrace the great outdoors, immerse yourself in nature’s embrace, and let Canada’s stunning landscapes inspire your soul. Discover the best of nature in Canada and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Nestled in the heart of Africa lies Rwanda, a mesmerizing land of a thousand hills that beckons nature lovers from all corners of the world. Renowned for its awe-inspiring biodiversity and captivating landscapes, Rwanda stands tall as one of the best travel destinations for those seeking an unforgettable encounter with nature.

One of the top attractions that draws travelers to Rwanda is the rare and majestic mountain gorillas found in the Parc National des Volcans. Made famous by Dian Fossey and the movie “Gorillas in the Mist”, this national park offers a unique opportunity to embark on a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure . As you venture into the lush forests, guided by experienced rangers, you’ll witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat, an encounter that leaves an indelible mark.

For those craving a taste of the African savannah, the Akagera National Park, located on the border with Tanzania, awaits with its sprawling landscapes. Here, visitors can partake in exhilarating safaris and game drives. This will allow you to witness an array of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and zebras, freely roaming the savannah.

Another natural gem in Rwanda is the Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Central Africa’s largest protected mountain forests. This sanctuary shelters not only chimpanzees but also various other primate species. As you traverse the forest trails, the mesmerizing calls of these primates will enchant you, providing an intimate glimpse into their fascinating lives.

These main attractions, the mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans, the savannepark Akagera, and the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, are just a glimpse of the many wonders Rwanda has to offer. As a nature enthusiast, you’ll find yourself in awe of the country’s commitment to conservation and the harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.

#4 The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland in North-East Australia, is undoubtedly one of the most famous nature travel destinations in the world. It is a true paradise for nature lovers. As the world’s largest coral reef system, it spans over 2,300 kilometers and is composed of more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. It is a breathtaking marvel visible even from space, proudly holding its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

For nature enthusiasts, the Great Barrier Reef offers an unparalleled experience with its diverse marine life, colorful corals, and crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling and diving are the most popular activities to immerse oneself in this underwater wonderland. Swimming alongside vibrant fish, graceful manta rays, and the magnificent humpback whales (during migration season) is an unforgettable adventure. The rich biodiversity and sheer expanse of the reef provide countless opportunities for exploration and awe-inspiring encounters with nature’s wonders.

To truly make the most of a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns and Townsville serve as ideal starting points. From these coastal hubs, tourists can embark on diving expeditions or take scenic boat cruises, enjoying the stunning views of the azure sea and lush islands. The adventurous can opt for heli-flights to witness the reef’s vastness from above, capturing Instagram-worthy shots of this natural marvel.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, spending a night on one of the reef’s islands is a must. These secluded getaways offer a chance to connect with nature intimately, away from the bustling mainland. Waking up to the sound of gentle waves and witnessing the sunrise over the reef is an experience that lingers in the heart long after leaving.

The Great Barrier Reef’s significance as a globally recognized natural treasure, coupled with its accessibility from major cities, has made it Australia’s premier tourist attraction. However, it is crucial for travelers to adopt eco-friendly practices and support sustainable tourism to preserve this delicate ecosystem for future generations.

#5 Namibia & South Africa

When it comes to nature travel destinations, Namibia and South Africa stand out as two of the most awe-inspiring and captivating countries for nature enthusiasts. Namibia’s surreal landscapes and South Africa’s diverse wildlife make them perfect choices for adventurers seeking unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors.

Namibia’s Sossusvlei , with its mesmerizing sand dunes, is a top draw for visitors. The undulating golden dunes, especially at sunrise and sunset, paint an ethereal canvas that must be seen to be believed. Etosha National Park , on the other hand, boasts an otherworldly salt pan and attracts many wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. Embarking on a self-drive safari through the park offers an exhilarating experience, where travelers can witness untamed African wildlife in their natural habitat.

For those with a thirst for adventure, the Skeleton Coast in Namibia delivers an eerie yet fascinating landscape. With its desolate stretches and shipwrecks, this barren coastal region exudes an aura of mystery and allure. 

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Kruger National Park remains an epitome of wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Spanning across vast savannahs and woodlands, it provides shelter to the famous Big Five along with a myriad of other species. The immersive game drives allow visitors to encounter the beauty of African wildlife up close and personal. The Garden Route, a scenic stretch along the southeastern coast, offers a diverse range of natural wonders, from lush forests and sparkling lakes to majestic cliffs and sandy beaches. The Panoramaroute, another gem in South Africa, treats visitors to breathtaking vistas of Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, creating a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Finally, no visit to South Africa is complete without experiencing the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town. Whether hiked or accessed by a cable car, the panoramic views from the top are nothing short of breathtaking, making it a must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Namibia and South Africa epitomize nature’s grandeur, offering an array of awe-inspiring destinations. From the captivating dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park and the breathtaking panoramas of Table Mountain, these two countries undoubtedly belong on the bucket list of any nature lover and adventurer.

Nestled in South America, Bolivia beckons nature lovers with a treasure trove of captivating landscapes and diverse ecosystems. As one of the best nature travel destinations, Bolivia’s natural wonders promise an unforgettable journey for adventurous souls seeking breathtaking vistas and unique wildlife encounters.

At the heart of Bolivia lies the iconic Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat spanning over 7,000 square kilometers. During the rainy season from November to April, the Uyuni salt flats transform into a mesmerizing mirror, reflecting the skies and offering an ethereal experience that leaves visitors in awe.

For birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, the Amboro National Park is a true paradise. Its strategic location between the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, and the Chaco desert fosters a rich biodiversity. With an impressive count of approximately 800 bird species, including vibrant flamingos, and elusive creatures like pumas and ocelots, the park offers a tantalizing glimpse into the wonders of the natural world.

Southeast of Amboro, the captivating Los Vulcanes entices visitors with its striking rock formations and dense jungles. Here, rare avian species grace the skies, providing a rare and enriching opportunity for birdwatching amidst awe-inspiring scenery.

Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Bolivia and Peru, claims the title of the world’s highest navigable lake. This sacred body of water, steeped in ancient Inca beliefs, is adorned with intriguing archaeological sites that speak of a rich historical heritage, making it a must-visit destination for both nature and history enthusiasts.

Venturing into southwestern Bolivia, the breathtaking Laguna Verde awaits travelers in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. The emerald green lake, set against the dormant Licancabur Volcano, creates a picture-perfect backdrop for encountering three species of flamingos and an array of remarkable wildlife. Near the Laguna Verde also lies the enigmatic Laguna Colorada mesmerizes with its red waters and graceful pink flamingos. 

Adding to Bolivia’s allure is the Salvador Dalí Desert, an arid valley in the southwest that enchants with its stark yet alluring charm. Perfect for soulful introspection and awe-inspiring photography, this barren landscape is a testament to nature’s unique artistry.

Lastly, Valle De La Luna, or Moon Valley, enchants with its maze of spires and canyons shaped over millennia by the forces of wind and water. The surreal beauty of this destination offers visitors a profound connection with the wonders of the Earth.

For nature enthusiasts seeking unparalleled experiences, Bolivia emerges as a top-tier destination. Its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and surreal natural wonders ensure that every traveler embarks on an extraordinary journey, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.

#7 United States

When it comes to nature travel destinations, the United States stands out as an unparalleled paradise for nature lovers, offering an astonishing array of breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. With its vast size and geographical variety, the USA boasts some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring natural wonders on the planet, making it a dream destination for any outdoor enthusiast.

Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, is a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Located primarily in Wyoming, but stretching into Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone captivates visitors with its geothermal wonders, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser. The park’s mesmerizing hot springs, geysers, and wildlife-rich meadows make it a must-visit destination, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Yosemite National Park, nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a true gem for nature enthusiasts. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its towering waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and dramatic granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome. Hiking through Yosemite Valley provides a profound connection with nature, and witnessing the sun illuminating the valley at dawn is an unforgettable experience that leaves visitors in awe of its sheer beauty.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona, is a colossal masterpiece carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. This immense canyon showcases vivid rock layers that tell the Earth’s geological story. The vastness and depth of the Grand Canyon instill a sense of wonder, with countless viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas. Whether hiking along the rim or descending into the canyon itself, travelers are treated to a majestic landscape that words can scarcely describe.

Venturing into Arizona’s Monument Valley is like stepping into a surreal painting. This iconic landscape of red sandstone mesas and buttes is a sacred and spiritual place for the Navajo Nation. The stark beauty of Monument Valley has been immortalized in countless Western films, and experiencing the region’s ethereal sunrises and sunsets is a truly transcendent encounter with nature.

For those seeking unspoiled wilderness, Alaska is an unrivaled destination. Its vast and untamed landscapes include towering glaciers, misty fjords, and expansive national parks. Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing, including grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep. The rugged and remote beauty of Alaska is a testament to the raw power and unyielding allure of nature.

In conclusion, the United States has secured its place among the best nature travel destinations globally due to its diverse and captivating natural wonders. From the geothermal marvels of Yellowstone and the majestic granite cliffs of Yosemite to the awe-inspiring vastness of the Grand Canyon, the sacred beauty of Monument Valley, and the untamed wilderness of Alaska, these destinations present an invitation to immerse oneself in the unspoiled grandeur of the natural world.

Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland stands as a mesmerizing masterpiece and an unparalleled nature lover’s haven. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and untouched wilderness, it easily ranks among the best travel destinations for those seeking an intimate encounter with nature’s raw beauty.

Among its many allures, the Golden Circle stands as a testament to Iceland’s geothermal wonders. The geysers put on a spectacular show, shooting bursts of steaming water high into the sky, while the iconic Gullfoss waterfall roars with majestic power, casting a mesmerizing rainbow in its cascading spray. Visitors are left spellbound by the primal forces at play in this geological wonderland.

Venturing further south, the Skaftafell Glacier beckons adventurers to explore its icy realm. A sanctuary within Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell’s vast expanse of shimmering glaciers and frozen landscapes offers an otherworldly experience. Nearby, Diamond Beach glimmers like a treasure trove with chunks of glacial ice scattered along its black sand, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Continuing eastward, the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon captivates with its surreal beauty, where massive icebergs gracefully drift in serene waters. Witnessing these ice sculptures slowly make their way to the Atlantic Ocean is an unforgettable spectacle that tugs at the heartstrings of every nature enthusiast.

Heading west, the Snaefellsness Peninsula unravels a dreamscape of diverse natural wonders. A towering glacier-capped volcano, Snaefellsjökull, reigns over the region, exuding an aura of mysticism and spiritual energy. The rugged coastline adorned with sea cliffs and basalt formations, including the iconic Arnarstapi and Djúpalónssandur, showcases Iceland’s dramatic coastal charm.

For an avian encounter like no other, Vestmannaeyjar , or the Westman Islands, welcomes visitors with its extraordinary puffin colonies. Visiting the volcanic island is a must in spring, when puffins flock to this small island just south of the Icelandic coast.

#9 New Zealand

Nestled in the southern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand stands as a mesmerizing paradise for nature enthusiasts, boasting an unparalleled array of diverse landscapes. Renowned for its awe-inspiring beauty and untamed wilderness, it is undoubtedly one of the world’s best nature travel destinations.

At the heart of New Zealand lies its famous national parks, each with its own distinct charm. Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcomes adventurers with its mystical fjords, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Milford Sound, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, mesmerizes visitors with its sheer cliffs and tranquil waters, offering the chance to witness dolphins and seals at play.

For those seeking an otherworldly experience, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park awaits, where the majestic Southern Alps reach for the heavens. Hikers, climbers, and mountaineers find their sanctuary here, surrounded by glaciers and alpine beauty.

Traveling north to Tongariro National Park, travelers are captivated by the raw power of volcanic landscapes. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers an unforgettable trek amidst active volcanoes, emerald lakes, and vibrant crater formations.

Further on, in the Coromandel Peninsula, lies the ethereal Cathedral Cove. Accessible only by foot or kayak, this hidden gem showcases dramatic rock arches, golden sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, inviting a moment of serenity and wonder.

In the South Island’s Marlborough Sounds, an enchanting labyrinth of sunken valleys and tranquil waterways await exploration. Sea kayaking through this maze of green-clad hills and secluded bays allows for an intimate connection with nature’s harmony.

Beyond its scenic wonders, New Zealand’s dedication to environmental conservation makes it an even more alluring destination. As a leader in sustainable practices, the country prioritizes protecting its natural wonders, ensuring future generations can also revel in the beauty of its untouched landscapes.

#10 Argentina

In the realm of captivating nature travel destinations, Argentina reigns as a nature paradise for adventurers. Boasting a rich tapestry of diverse landscapes, this South American gem stands as a haven for nature lovers seeking unparalleled experiences. Whether it’s the awe-inspiring wildlife, majestic mountains, unforgettable hiking trails or serene lakes, Argentina offers an extraordinary array of natural wonders to explore.

Puerto Madryn emerges as a premier destination for a heart-stirring encounter with marine marvels. The nearby Peninsula Valdes unveils an enchanting spectacle of colossal whales. Whale watching in Peninsula Valdes promises an unforgettable rendezvous with these gentle giants, leaving visitors in absolute awe of nature’s grandeur.

Venturing further south, the ‘End of the World’ beckons intrepid travelers to Ushuaia, gateway to the mythical Tierra del Fuego. Nestled amidst untamed landscapes, this remote region presents a surreal fusion of imposing Andean peaks, emerald forests, and untamed fjords. The captivating allure of Ushuaia lies in its untamed wilderness.

No visit to Argentina would be complete without witnessing the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier . This imposing glacier is a highlight of Los Glaciares National Park, where travelers can marvel at the colossal ice formations and even witness ice calving events, a truly unforgettable sight.

Treading northwards to Bariloche, travelers are treated to a picturesque landscape bedecked with stunning lakes. Nestled amid the Andes, this region beckons adventurers to explore its lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and serene waters. Boating across the crystalline lakes offers a tranquil escape, enveloping visitors in the embrace of nature’s tranquil beauty.

For those with a penchant for indulgence and relaxation amidst nature’s bounty, Mendoza’s wine country presents a divine retreat. Beyond the vineyards, framed by the mighty Andes, this province boasts remarkable landscapes that enthrall all who tread upon its soil.

Lastly, journeying to Salta uncovers a natural wonder of a different kind: the captivating salt plains. Known as the Salinas Grandes, these vast, white expanses stretch to the horizon, painting a surreal backdrop that defies imagination. Witnessing the salt plains at Salta is an ethereal experience, as the landscape’s stark simplicity leaves a profound impact on visitors.

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How To Write a Good Travel Essay

• March 18, 2020

Travelling is one of the most exciting parts of everyone’s life. In the same way, this experience has the potential to be a fascinating topic for your writing assignments.

Writing a travel essay requires minimal creativity because trips are full of extraordinary events by their nature, as well as dramas and cultural findings. So, there’s no need to make things up or think through ideas while you are writing this kind of essay. To make life even easier you can even order essay .

However, as easy as it may sound, turning a travel experience into a piece of writing can be a bit challenging for students. Because if not careful, they will end up writing some dull clichés about a bunch of different places, and nothing more.

If you’ve never read any trips or you don’t have enough time to write a paper, you can quickly get your essay written by making use of available writing services. However, here we present some practical guidelines to help you write an exceptional essay:

Select Your Favorite City

Sometimes a trip is explicitly taken to collect information for an essay. If this is true about you, take your time to choose your destination carefully. Do some research before deciding on the city. Read about various regions and see which ones inspire you the most.

Your task here is to share useful information with people and get them involved in your journey. If you can’t enjoy your own trip, how can you let others have fun while reading the story? So it’s essential to choose a destination that you are interested in.

Choose a Few Attractions

Every city or town usually has several tourist attractions. If you attempt to include every single place you visited on that journey, your writing would be a boring list of city attractions that can be found anywhere, such as a tourist website.

Rather than mentioning multiple sights, focus on two or three places, and provide detailed information about them. Let readers know few, but know well.

Another point is that famous attractions are not proper choices for your writing because almost everyone knows the basic information about these places. Put your focus on unknown sites, remembering that people want to hear about something they have never heard.

Write a Compelling First Paragraph

Your first paragraph is usually the most important one. It’s where you convince the readers you had an incredible trip – one that has something new to teach your audience and is worth reading about.

Start with an unusual tradition you witnessed, an interesting dialogue you had, or a cultural misunderstanding you faced during your journey.

Use your sense of humor. Be as innovative as you can. No matter what you do, the final aim is to engage the readers and make them stick to your story.

Show Rather Than Tell

‘Showing’ is what makes a difference between a boring and outstanding travel essay. When you show something with your words, you actually describe what you experienced in full details. However, when you tell something, it’s like you’re just giving a brief report on what you did.

Readers won’t understand what an incredible park, a fabulous road, or a fantastic building means unless you show it to them. Showing makes the readers feel they’ve been there with you.

Therefore, don’t merely rely on telling where you went. Instead, add specific descriptions about that place, talk about your feelings, and paint an imaginary picture of that space in the minds of readers.

Images serve as a complement to your verbal description as they help readers imagine your story better.

One or two pictures is enough, but try to pick the most breathtaking ones that are more related to your narrative. Also, remember that vivid shots are always a better option than black and white ones because they are more eye-catching and can better intrigue the reader’s curiosity.

Keep It Simple

The primary purpose of writing a traveling essay is to entertain your readers. So, there’s no need to show off by using literary words or highly academic structure. Instead, use an active voice, try to be friendly, and bring readers closer to your story.

In this kind of essay, your writing intelligence depends on your ability to amuse people and your art of describing scenes, not using a lot of fluffy sentences.

Describe What You Achieved

If your traveling experience didn’t teach you anything or couldn’t make a positive change in your life, it would be a significant loss of time and money. Every great experience comes with great achievement. This can be as small as a shift in your beliefs, or as big as making wonderful friends. Whatever the accomplishment is, it’s worth telling your readers about it.

Give Readers a Good Ending

Every fantastic narrative begins with a good starting point, continues with a climax, and ends with a reasonable conclusion. Plan your paragraphs before writing. Think about the ways you want to start your story, go through the rising action, and then slow it down gradually to let readers know they are reaching the end of the story. If you end your writing in the middle of the turning point where the reader is reading the most thrilling part of the story, they might get puzzled and confused. It’s like putting an obstacle in front of a high-speed runner and making him stop all of a sudden.

Bottom Line

Travels are full of new experiences. Sometimes a short trip gives you a handful of stories to tell your future grandchildren. They have a lot to teach us and therefore, a lot to talk about. So why not use them as a subject for your writings? The next time you will be searching the net for online essay writing services with “interesting topics to write my essay,” think about your traveling experiences and bring everything you can remember on the paper. Then, google some “help write my essay tips” to learn the main guidelines for writing a travel essay.

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Nature Vacations: 25 Amazing Places For An Outdoors Adventure

Nature vacations are becoming more and more popular – especially since the pandemic, when social distancing and long walks in the countryside became a thing. And with the world’s population now topping a massive EIGHT BILLION people, it’s not surprising more and more of us are looking for a way to get away from the crowds!

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Fortunately, the planet is a big place, and there are still plenty of places to go on vacation where you can avoid other people and get back in touch with the natural world. In fact, there are so many opportunities for nature holidays, that choosing where to go can be a bit overwhelming.

Discovering the World’s Best Nature Vacations

To help narrow it down, I asked some top travel experts and travel bloggers to give me their best nature destinations. Then I added some of my own, and ended up with this list of 25 amazing places to take a nature vacation.

And in no particular order, here they are! Hopefully they’ll help inspire your next hiking, swimming, diving, or wildlife-spotting adventure!

If they do, I’ve helpfully popped a link in to take you to TourRadar , which is a great platform that collates some of the best small-group adventure and nature tours in the world, all in one place. TourRadar only works with reputable tour companies and has a 4.5-star rating on TrustPilot, so you know you’re in safe hands when searching for the best trips for outdoor lovers.

1/ Antarctica and South Georgia

There’s a reason why the fabled seventh continent is right at the top of most people’s nature holiday bucket lists. With magical icy landscapes, brilliant blue glaciers the size of cathedrals, snowy hillsides teeming with thousands of Antarctic animals including 8 different species of penguins , dramatic seascapes full of whales and seals, endless wildlife photography opportunities , and the chance to try out adventure activities like sea kayaking or the legendary polar plunge , Antarctica is a nature-lover’s dream destination.

Yes it may be expensive to get there, but it’s worth every penny. You’ll need to book an expedition cruise and cross the dramatic Drake Passage, fabled to be the roughest stretch of sea in the world. But once you’re there, you’ll be able to set foot on the seventh continent – an opportunity few people get.

But if you’re going all that way, don’t stop at just Antarctica. Some expeditions take the long way round and go via the magical island of South Georgia . Lost in the vast Antarctic Ocean, 1000 miles from the nearest land, this incredible island is uninhabited by humans, allowing wildlife to flourish . There’s so much overwhelming biodiversity here that’s it’s known as the Galapagos of the south, and it will absolutely blow you away.

Explore holidays to Antarctica and South Georgia here

Whether summer or winter, Iceland will have you hooked. With towering glaciers , erupting volcanos, majestic waterfalls , steaming hot springs, black sand beaches , and miles upon miles of dramatic coastline, Iceland truly is the place for the nature holiday of a lifetime.

Rent a car and drive the circumference of the ring road, stopping every 5 minutes to marvel at yet another jawdropping vista. Stop to say hello to the Icelandic horses or to photograph yet another sweeping vista, and if you visit in winter there’s a good chance you’ll get to see the Northern Lights too. Meanwhile in summer there are almost endless hours of daylight and dramatic hiking trails to enjoy.

If you’re a nature lover and you haven’t been to Iceland yet, what are you waiting for?!

Start planning your Iceland adventure here

Read more: 25 Spectacular Places To Visit For Travel Photography

3/ Tanzania

No list of nature destinations would be complete without at least one African safari (and actually there are three in here). If you love animals, conservation, and wildlife watching, then a visit to one of Africa’s many safari destinations is a must. After all, what better experience can there be than the chance to witness nature, red in tooth and claw: lions stalking impala across the savanna, hippos wallowing in watering holes, or elephants and giraffes grazing among the trees?

One of the best places to go on safari is Tanzania . It’s home to the world-famous Serengeti national park, where you’ll find lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, antelopes and more, as well as the famous Ngorongoro crater, home to one of the greatest concentrations of African animals anywhere on the continent. But on top of that, Tanzania is also home to world-class hiking opportunities, with the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro , highest peak in Africa, at the top of that list.

Read more: Climbing The 8 Days Lemosho Route On Kilimanjaro

But if that’s not enough, there’s also the volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai , and the flamingo-packed Lake Natron to tempt you. That’s why, when people ask if they should go to Tanzania or Kenya , for many people, Tanzania is the clear winner.

Check out a range of Tanzania adventure packages here

Less celebrated than Tanzania, but no less great for a wildlife vacation, is Uganda. With lush rolling green landscapes and ten national parks, you won’t be short of options for hiking or wildlife-spotting in Uganda . Most famous of all is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you can go trekking to see critically-endangered mountain gorillas . But no less exciting is the chance to visit habituated chimpanzee families in Kibale National Park.

Read more: 28 Brilliant Things To Do In Uganda

Other opportunities to spend time in nature include walking with rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary , feeding the animals behind the scenes at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre , spotting tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or visiting the dramatic Murchison Falls .

For those who prefer adventure, Uganda also offers an excellent choice of outdoor activities, from white-water rafting or kayaking at Jinja , the source of the River Nile, to hiking or rock climbing in the Sipi Falls region.

With so much to see and do, and at prices that are much more affordable than other parts of East Africa, I think Uganda really does offer the best nature getaways for safari or wildlife lovers .

Fancy Uganda? Search for trips and tours here

5/ Guatemala

Guatemala is most well-known for its vibrant and photogenic culture , with pretty colonial architecture, buzzing markets , and kind and friendly people – but alongside all of that, this Central American country also offers plenty of opportunities for an off-the-beaten-track nature vacation.  

The Petén region, in the north of the country, is a vast expanse of tropical jungle, where ancient Maya temples emerge from the dense rainforest, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot wildlife including toucans, monkeys, coatis, and, if you’re lucky, the resplendent quetzal, national bird of Guatemala . There are jaguars here too, but they’re much harder to spot.

Read more: A Perfect Guatemala Itinerary In 10 Days, 2 Weeks Or 3 Weeks

Head west, and you’ll come to Lake Atitlan , famed for its dramatic landscape of vivid blue waters surrounded by three volcanos. There are almost endless outdoors adventures to be found around the lake, and even more around the nearby cities of Antigua Guatemala and Xela , both of which offer easy access to a huge range of hiking trails including the chance to climb an erupting volcano .

Check out some amazing Guatemala packages here

6/ Costa Rica

Costa Rica is probably the most celebrated place to experience nature and wildlife in the whole of Central and South America – and for good reason. Wildlife tourism is a hugely important part of the economy here, and they take conservation extremely seriously. The Costa Rican people really understand the value of protecting their natural resources, not just for financial reasons but also for the good of the planet.

With two coastlines and endless swathes of cloud forest and tropical jungle, Costa Rica is a wildlife lover’s dream. Take a hike in one of the many national parks and you’ll have no trouble spotting spider and howler monkeys, macaws, toucans, parrots, hummingbirds and of course the loveable and iconic sloth. At the right time of year, you may also get the chance to see endangered turtles nesting and breeding.

Read more: A Review of G Adventures’ Costa Rica 16-Day Tour

But animals aren’t the only reason why Costa Rica is brilliant for a nature holiday. The country has miles and miles of beautiful, palm fringed sandy beaches, perfect for strolling, swimming, or just relaxing with a book. They’ve also invested millions in turning the country into a mecca for adrenaline and outdoors adventure lovers, with ziplines, jungle canopy bridges, whitewater rafting, volcano hiking and more.

So whether you’re after wildlife, landscapes, or outdoors thrills, Costa Rica has you covered.

Find your dream Costa Rica trip here

7/ New Zealand

There’s a reason why the country of New Zealand has served as a backdrop for many fantasy films in the last few decades: the country’s breathtaking landscapes all look like they belong in a fairytale.

From golden beaches to glaciers that snake down through rainforests, New Zealand is truly an outdoor-lover’s dream. Hiking, camping, and simply being out in nature is a way of life for many New Zealanders, so it’s no surprise that it’s also a popular spot for tourists who enjoy the same.

While you can’t see everything with  2 weeks in New Zealand , you certainly can tick off some major highlights. 

Starting on the North Island, you can go dolphin-spotting in the Bay of Islands, dig your own hot tub at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, hike between volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, walk in a forest of redwood trees in Rotorua, and visit bird sanctuaries to see rare flightless birds like kiwis.

On the even more dramatic South Island, you can go kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, try heli-hiking on a glacier on the West Coast, spot whales in Kaikoura, brave tandem skydiving or bungee jumping into stunning canyons in Queenstown, and go on a cruise through Milford Sound. There’s no shortage of active vacation ideas in New Zealand!

By Amanda Williams from A Dangerous Business Travel Blog

Search for your bucket list New Zealand holiday here

Namibia is one of the best nature travel destinations for two main reasons.

Firstly, it has a stunning natural landscape, formed by the elements over billions of years. In  two weeks in Namibia , you could explore the graceful dunes of the Namib Desert, thought to be the oldest desert in the world. Here you can climb giant sand dunes, wander the eerie white clay pans of Sossusvlei and drive along the legendary Skeleton Coast. You can also see dramatic canyons, including Fish River Canyon, the largest in Africa, craters, stunning mountains and plains. In the east of Namibia, there are lush wetlands where you might spot hippos and water buffalo.

Which leads on to the second reason Namibia is great for a nature holiday: the wildlife. Namibia is home to all of the ‘Big Five’ animals: elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalo. The best place to do a wildlife safari is Etosha National Park, which is a huge reserve in the north of the country that allows self-drive safaris. However, you will see wild animals and African birds all over Namibia in your two weeks, even along the roads: it is quite common to see Gemsbok and other antelopes, zebras, wildebeest and baboons inland; and seals along the coast.

By Martha from May Cause Wanderlust

Ready to head to Namibia? Start your journey here!

As such a vast country,  Canada  is easily one of the best places in the world to enjoy a nature-filled holiday. From the powder-capped wilds of the north where polar bears leave footprints in the snow, to the lush green forests and glossy lakes of the south, there’s enough to keep your memories (and your memory cards!) full for two weeks or more.

One of the best ways to spend your time in Canada as a nature lover is by road-tripping the Canadian Rockies . Start in the cosmopolitan city of Calgary before winding your way through the peaks, lakes and national parks towards Vancouver. Stop off at Jasper to enjoy spectacular hikes and trails, taste delicious Canadian wines at Kelowna and marvel at the waterfalls around Golden.

As you drive, keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears and birds of prey who frequent the camps in search of berries and other food. Once you reach Vancouver, join a whale-watching safari to be in with a chance to spot humpback and grey whales, orcas, sea otters and seals. If you’re yet to see bears, head to Vancouver Island to join a bear tour, where you’re almost guaranteed sightings of black bears searching for crabs on the shore. 

Too much of a wildlife fix for you? Head to Canada’a Atlantic coast – where the picturesque provinces of Nova Scotia , New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island will tempt you with glorious landscapes and incredible food. You really can’t beat it.

By Anna from Really Wildlife

Start planning your Canada adventure here

10/ Ireland

If you love unapologetic wildness and lush green landscapes, Ireland would be a wonderful place for a nature vacation. Ireland is an island, so there is coastline in every direction, complete with sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and incredible bird life, including the adorable puffin ! Most of the country is very rural, so the best way to explore is to rent a car and drive, first along Ireland’s Ancient East from Dublin to Cork, then along the Wild Atlantic Way from Cork to Donegal. 

You can wild camp throughout Ireland: just ask a local farmer if they know of any spots and they’re usually happy to give advice. Wild swimming is very popular in Ireland, and there are plenty of places that are perfect for a secluded dip in the sea or an alpine lake – just beware of riptides and strong currents. 

There are two main mountain ranges in Ireland, the Wicklow Mountains and the Mountains of Kerry, both of which have hiking trails (the Wicklow Way and the Kerry Way, respectively). Over the course of two weeks, you could complete sections of both hikes, or simply explore the trails and serene wildness of the national parks. Even if you decide to skip the Wicklow Way, dedicate a day of your trip to hiking the Spinc Trail around Glendalough, a stunning glacial lake near a set of monastic ruins.

By Amber from Amber Everywhere

Start exploring Ireland here!

The most popular destination for a holiday in Alaska is Denali National Park. Denali is the largest mountain in North America at 20,310 ft. Explore the park by hiking countless trails among the tundra, animal viewing for bears and caribou, whitewater river rafting down the Nenana River, taking a scenic flight over the mountain with a glacier landing, or even mountaineering up Denali itself.

There are a plethora of mountains at every turn throughout Alaska and a lot of them will have some sort of trail for hiking, whether short day hikes or long multi-day hikes. Hatcher Pass in the Talkeetna Mountains, Crow Pass in the Chugach Mountains, and Harding Icefield (the only land access to Kenai Fjords National Park) are just a fraction of the hiking options.

In Kenai Fjords National Park, nature-watching cruises take off out of Seward to view enchanting blue glaciers calving into the ocean and to watch wildlife like puffins, otters, seals, and whales frolicking in the cold waters.

During the winter, keep your eyes to the skies to spot the Northern Lights dancing amongst the stars. 

By Tabitha from Travel Compositions

Feeling inspired? Search for your dream Alaska trip here!

12/ Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is often a bucket list item and perfect for a nature holiday. Located off of the east coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef can be visited from as far south as Bundaberg and as far north as Cape York.

With two weeks to explore the Great Barrier Reef, don’t stay in one spot! Spend some time in the Whitsunday Islands enjoying the sugar sand white beaches and crystal clear water. Airlie Beach is the most popular place to stay by the Whitsunday Islands and there are plenty of hikes, waterfalls, and watersports available to add excitement to your nature vacation.

While Cairns or Port Douglas are the closest entrances to The Great Barrier Reef, don’t just stop there!  While there are plenty of  day trips from Cairns , also head north to Daintree and Cape Tribulation to explore the only location on earth where two World Heritage sites (The Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest) meet.

If diving isn’t for you, there are endless nature trips to be had in other parts of Australia.Why not try finding your fortune in the opal fields of Coober Pedy , or visit a pearl farm in the stunning Dampier Peninsula?

By Lanie van der Horst from Make More Adventures

Check out some of the best Australia trips and tours here

13/ Cappadocia, Türkiye

Cappadocia is a region in beautiful Türkiye (formerly known as Turkey). It’s famous for its vast, desert landscape with expansive valleys and impressive rock formations known as fairy chimneys, which were used as homes in the 7th century. 

Because of its arid climate, the people here live in cave dwellings. These are not dark, damp caves with stalagmites and stalactites, but warm, cosy homes made from carving out the porous rocky landscape. This means much of the landscape has been free of construction and development. Outside of the towns, you’ll find endless deserts filled with rocky canyons with unique rock formations and glistening white sand.  Cappadocia is famous for  hot air balloon rides, which take off at sunset and offer incredible views of the valleys below (and hundreds of hot air balloons above). It’s is the perfect nature vacation spot for hikers since there are so many valleys and hiking trails to explore. Some popular valleys to explore are Red and Rose Valley, Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, White Valley, Devrent Valley, and Monks Valley. Each valley has something special and unique to explore, from ancient churches to sunset viewpoints. Perhaps the most fascinating valley of all is Ihlara Valley. Ihlara is a green anomaly to the rest of Cappadocia and is the only place where you’ll find lush green trees, a glistening river, and craggy limestone cliffs. Once you’re there, you won’t believe you’re in a desert.  While you’re in Turkey, don’t miss some of its incredible ancient ruins , like the legendary city of Troy or the UNESCO site of Gordion, the city of King Midas .

By Louisa Smith from The Turkey Traveler

Click here to start your Türkiye nature vacation!

14/ Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are unmissable for any wildlife photographer or lover. This unique destination, situated in the Pacific Ocean, is one of the most amazing places to go on vacation, home to some of the most diverse and incredible wildlife on Earth.

The islands were famously a source of inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution, and visitors can see this for themselves with the plethora of different species of animals found here. From giant tortoises to playful sea lions, there is an abundance of wildlife to be spotted on any tour of the Galapagos Islands .

One of the best ways to experience the natural underwater world of the Galapagos is by diving or snorkeling. The clear waters offer fantastic visibility, meaning you can get up close and personal with the sharks, turtles, sea lions, fishes, and marine iguanas.

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the amazing wildlife. A hike to the top of one of the volcanoes will provide stunning views, as well as the chance to spot some of the rarer birds such as the blue-footed booby.

By Giorgy from the G-Extreme Travel Blog

Click here to start planning your dream Galapagos nature vacation!

15/ Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine national park at the southern tip of Chile is one of the most beautiful natural places in the world. A land of epic mountains, sparkling glaciers, and turquoise lakes, it’s the highlight of any trip to Patagonia. With two weeks to work with, start your adventure out in the small town of Puntas Arenas, the gateway to Torres del Paine. From here you’ll take a bus to the park where you’ll be dropped off in a stunning natural landscape.

The “O” Circuit hike takes about 7-10 days and takes you all around the park over the course of 130+ km. It’s much less popular than the 3-day “W” hike, so when you’re beyond the extent of the W hike, the trails will be quiet, and you’ll have the beauty of the Patagonian Andes almost all to yourself.

During the trek, you are required to reserve the campsites ahead of time. There are limited spaces available and they book up about 6 months in advance. So advanced planning is required! If you’re planning the shorter W hike, campsites still need to be booked ahead.

If hiking through the mountains isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of things to do in the park and in Patagonia. Rent a room at Hotel Las Torres Patagonia and just relax while taking in the stunning scenery. Then cross the border into Argentina to check out Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno glacier, with a night or two in El Chalten or El Calafate on the way.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to adventure vacation ideas amidst the fabulous natural beauty of Torres del Paine and Patagonia! 

By Chris Heckmann from Around The World With Me

Why wait? Click here to find your perfect Chile trip!

It’s easy to see why Japan is known as a land of contrasts. Visitors don’t need to venture too far from the hustle and bustle of major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka to be immersed in the diverse landscapes and nature experiences the country has to offer. Exploring  off the beaten path in Japan  will reward visitors with nature experiences like no other!

Enjoy snorkelling? Head to the pristine waters of tropical Okinawa for sun, sand and sea life. Want to discover ancient temples and shrines nestled deep within forests? Spend a few days in Nikko, Koyasan or the outskirts of Kyoto. Prefer hiking along flowing rivers against a jagged mountain backdrop? Look no further than Kamikochi. Interested in seeing snow monkeys bathing in hot springs? The forests of Nagano have you covered. 

Speaking of hot springs, one of the most popular cultural experiences in Japan is bathing in  onsen . As a landmass formed by volcanic activity, in Japan there is no shortage of natural springs to soak in and relax, making it one of the most beautiful places to go on vacation.

Spending a few days in the Mt Fuji area allows for more chances to see the sacred mountain (and even climb its summit during summer!), see gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Shiraito Falls, a cave where locals believe is the residence of Fuji’s goddess, and many lake hikes to catch Mt Fuji’s reflection.

By Alyse from The Invisible Tourist

Life is short. Find your bucket list Japan tour today!

17/ South Africa

South Africa is an incredible country with vast natural beauty, wildlife, and safari opportunities. So if you’re an animal lover looking for a nature vacation, then it’s time to pack your bag for South Africa !

Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park are both national parks you will see an amazing variety of wildlife. Both parks are home to many African animals including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), cheetah, wild dogs, and a variety of antelope.

You can also stay in a private game reserve, such as Zulu Nyala, Bayete Zulu, and Colin’s Horseback Africa. Activities you will enjoy include game drives, bush walks, camping, and more. Food is provided with accommodation.

Cape Town is one of the best nature places to visit. Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain to see stunning views of the city and the surrounding coastline. The Boulder Penguin Colony is an excellent place for you to see these adorable birds up close, and you can also go shark diving or visit Cape Good Hope, the southernmost point of Africa.

You will have plenty to do around Johannesburg too. Go hiking or mountain biking in the Magaliesberg, or enjoy a picnic in one of the city’s parks.

By Melodie Rush from Travel Must Do’s

Search for South Africa adventures here!

Norway is a stunning place full of natural wonders that you can visit in any season. Above the Arctic Circle, bask in the midnight sun during the summer months when the sun never sets.

Alternatively, experience the polar night in the winter, when the sun never rises. This is the best time to chase the magical Aurora Borealis. Take a tour with an expert guide who will show you the best spots and give tips on how to photograph the Northern Lights for amazing memories to look back on. Or visit Bergsjøstølen for the spine-tingling Ice Music Festival .

There are plenty of places you can check out the northern lights in Norway – including  the Lofoten Islands , Tromso, and the North Cape.

Norway is also full of majestic fjords, where you can take cruises any time of the year. The breathtaking Geirangerfjord is one of the most famous fjords in the world and has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are also amazing parks that are the best vacation spots for outdoor activities, such as Jotunheimen or Folgefonna National Parks. Breathe in the fresh air as you traverse the mountains and through the meadows, full of rugged scenery from wildflowers to waterfalls to glaciers.

Some of Norway’s tallest waterfalls to check out include Vettisfossen, Vinnufallet, and the Seven Sisters. The hike to Trolltunga outlook gives you fantastic views of the Ringedalsvatnet lake and Folgefonna glacier.

By Megan Starr

Click here to start planning your perfect Norway vacation

19/ The Philippines

With over 7,600 islands, the Philippines are home to countless idyllic seascapes and landscapes, tropical beaches and amazing wildlife, making these islands one of the most beautiful nature places in the world.

Among the country’s most captivating destinations are Bohol and Cebu. These two island provinces are packed with natural wonders and activities perfect for a two-week vacation.

Be amazed by Bohol’s world-renowned Chocolate Hills and visit the adorable Philippine tarsiers, a tree-dwelling animal and the world’s smallest primate. After that you can have your lunch while cruising the Loboc River one of the cleanest in the country.

Be mesmerised by dolphins not in a dolphin show but in the middle of the ocean, wild and free! To complete your  Bohol itinerary , try snorkelling with sea turtles and a visit to Virgin Island sandbar before getting the ferry to Cebu.

Once in Cebu you can do waterfall chasing and even canyoneering to Kawasan Falls if you’re feeling adventurous. Swimming or snorkelling with millions of sardines during the famous Sardines Run at Panagsama Beach is the experience of a lifetime. Or if you prefer hiking, head to Osmena Peak which is Cebu’s highest.

These are not all, but among the top experiences for anyone looking for great nature places to visit.

By Dea Mariano from Jea Wanders

Search for small-group nature adventures in the Philippines here.

20/ Scottish Highlands & Islands

Scotland is inarguably the wildest place in the British Isles and perfect for a journey to connect with nature. With a low population density and most people living around the large cities in Central Scotland, the northern and western parts of the Highlands and Islands are an adventurer’s playground.

Scotland is home to the UK’s largest national park (the  Cairngorms National Park ) and its highest peaks, and many animals that have long disappeared from the forests and fields of England and Wales can still be found in the remote glens up north.

You can cover a lot of ground on a two-week nature holiday in Scotland. Out west, explore the rugged coastline with its sea lochs, beaches and islands either by boat or kayak, or head east to join a wildlife cruise to see puffins or the world’s largest colony of northern gannets .

For a fully immersive experience, put on a snorkel and discover the underwater world of Argyll, the UK’s first mainland Hop Spot. Don’t leave without hiking among the dramatic mountains of Glencoe, trying to spot the Big 5 of Scottish wildlife, forest bathing in a native Caledonian pine forest and walking up to the sub-Arctic plateau of the Cairngorms mountain range.

By Kathi from Watch Me See

Love Scotland? Find the best Scotland trips and tours for you right here!

21/ New England, USA

New England  in the Northeastern part of the US is such an underrated region for nature lovers, but it has everything, including dramatic coastline cliffs, some of the best beaches in the USA, world-class fall foliage and incredible mountain ranges for hiking. 

One of the top places to visit in New England for nature lovers is Acadia National Park in Maine. With over 60 miles of some of the most jaw-dropping coastline views in the country, it’s home to amazing hiking trails, scenic drives and an iconic lighthouse. 

For those looking to tackle the most thrilling hike in Acadia, add the Beehive Trail to your itinerary. For one of the most stunning sunrises you’ve ever seen, be sure to wake up early and drive the auto road to the Cadillac Mountain summit. 

If it’s gorgeous beaches you’re after, head to Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Home to the Cape Cod National Seashore, it’s here you’ll find impressive sand dunes (some reaching 100 feet tall), as well as Coast Guard Beach, regarded as one of the most beautiful in the U.S. 

A great time to visit New England is the fall season to see the famous fall foliage throughout the region. One of the best places to experience this is in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which is also an amazing area for hiking.

By Sam of New England Wanderlust

Start planning your New England nature vacation today!

22/ Tasmania, Australia

The island state of Tasmania is a remote destination full of natural beauty and diverse landscapes. A trip to Tasmania is the ultimate escape for those seeking an adventurous getaway surrounded by untouched wilderness. Home to pristine forests, epic mountain ranges, beautiful beaches and unique wildlife, taking a 2 week road trip is the ideal way to see the best of the island.

If hiking is your thing, be sure to spend a few days exploring Cradle Mountain National Park. There are a huge variety of scenic hikes and nature walks offering some of the best views in the state. Binalong Bay, also known as The Bay of Fires is a must-see for beach lovers. Vibrant orange rocks with a backdrop of turquoise water is an incredible sight that can’t be missed on your  Tasmania itinerary . 

A visit to Maria Island off of Tasmania’s east coast will provide the perfect opportunity to meet some of the island’s cutest residents, wombats. Rent a bike and spend a day cycling around this small island to see some of the most beautiful natural scenery and free roaming wombats. 

The long stretch of white sand in Wineglass Bay is like a scene from a postcard and one of the most iconic views in Tasmania. The best way to see this stunning scenery is by hiking to the Mount Amos summit which is located in Freycinet National Park.  

By Ann Kelly from The Road Is Life

Find your dream Tasmania trip by clicking here!

The Hawaiian Islands offer some of the world’s most diverse nature, from active volcanoes to humpback whales and dramatic mountainscapes. While you could spend years exploring Hawaii, two weeks is a good amount of time to dive in and experience two of the islands. For example, consider spending a week in both Maui and the Big Island, respectively. 

If you time your visit in the winter, Maui is one of the best places on the planet to see humpback whales, given that they migrate to the island’s shallow lagoons from their arctic waters to breed and raise their young. Make sure to also carve out some time to drive along the dramatic Road to Hana, a 65-mile road that winds through incredibly lush rainforests, past rushing waterfalls, and along jaw-dropping black sand beaches. 

Your Big Island itinerary can be stuffed with a variety of dynamic outdoor adventures- for example, you can climb the world’s tallest mountain (as measured from the seafloor to its summit) at Mauna Kea, snorkel with manta rays in the town of Kona along its western coastline, and see some of the world’s most active erupting volcanoes spew lava at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. 

By Jessica Schmit of Uprooted Traveler

Click here to start researching your Hawaii vacation today!

24/ Slovenia

For another idyllic and less obvious nature vacations destination, try out the scenic country of Slovenia. Outdoor lovers will find picturesque mountains, crystal clear lakes and rivers, stunning caves, and bucolic valleys.

Start in Ljubljana, the capital city, and make an easy drive to Lake Bohinj. While slightly less known than Lake Bled, Bohinj has fabulous hiking and boating on the lake. Hikes to Savica waterfall or Mostnica gorge are recommended. Or take a cable car up Mount Vogel for outstanding views of Lake Bohinj from the top. 

Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps has the highest peak in Slovenia. The trails here range from nature walks to hut-to-hut routes. The Juliana Trail, a 270 km-long circular long-distance trail with 16 stages, wanders through this spectacular area.

Nearby Bovec has paddling outdoor adventures in the Soca River Valley. Try  whitewater kayaking on the Soca River , regarded as the most beautiful river in Europe. There is also ziplining, canyoneering, and cycling trips in this epicenter of outdoor adventure.

For ocean lovers, Slovenia has a 47 km of coastline on the Adriatic Sea. You will find natural beaches to explore and take a dip. Don’t miss the sunsets.

By Karen Warren from Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Fancy an outdoors adventure in Slovenia? Click here to find out more!

25/ The USA’s Grand Circle

The southwest United States is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth, making it unmissable for nature lovers! The perfect way to explore this region is through a two-week road trip around the ‘grand circle,’ aka the route between Las Vegas, Utah’s five national parks, and the Grand Canyon. That’s a lot of nature packed into one epic trip!

Start driving clockwise from Las Vegas and stop at Zion National Park. Zion has some of the most famous hikes in the world! Don’t miss Angel’s Landing or the Narrows. 

Next, visit Bryce Canyon National Park. The red hoodoos in this park are unlike anywhere else in the world! Watching sunrise over the canyon is an experience to remember.

Capitol Reef National Park is perhaps Utah’s most underrated national park. Spend time off-roading through the Mars-like landscape of the Bentonite Hills.

Canyonlands and Arches National Parks are neighbors, and both are filled with beautiful red rock formations and archways.

On the way to the Grand Canyon, don’t miss Dead Horse Point State Park for a double horseshoe bend-style canyon, or the famous rock formations of Monument Valley!

End your trip at the Grand Canyon. Walking along the southern rim will give you almost painting-like views of this sprawling natural wonder. By the end of your two weeks, you’ll have seen some of the best and most diverse landscapes that the southwest has to offer.

By Jen from Glasses and Boarding Passes

Start planning your epic USA nature vacation here!

Where to next?

If you enjoyed this best nature vacations post, you might like some of these other outdoors articles:

• South Bohemia: The Gorgeous Czech Republic Region You Need To Visit
• Four Days in Valli Giudicarie in Trentino Italy
• Glamping And Hiking In The Beautiful Knuckles Mountain Range, Sri Lanka
• The Thrilling Volcan De Acatenango Hike In Antigua Guatemala
• A Kenya Safari Holiday: How To Plan The Perfect Trip For You

Liked this nature trips post?

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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

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Home — Essay Samples — Geography & Travel — Vietnam — A Travel Writing on the Beautiful Country of Vietnam

A Travel Writing on The Beautiful Country of Vietnam

• Categories: Vietnam

About this sample

Words: 1126 |

Published: Oct 31, 2018

Words: 1126 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

The Rooftops of Vietnam

Works cited.

• Brown, F. (2017). Ho Chi Minh City: Culture, History, and Development. Oxford University Press.
• Forbes, A. (2018). Vietnam: The Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide By A Traveler For A Traveler: The Best Travel Tips; Where To Go, What To See And Much More. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
• Hee, M. (2019). Vietnam Travel Guide: Discover the Best of Vietnam: The Best Hiking, Biking, and Cultural Experiences. Independently published.
• Kelly, A. (2016). Vietnam - A Land of Enchantment: Discover Vietnam - from Hanoi in the North to Ho Chi Minh City in the South (Places to Visit, Travel Guides, Things to Do). Independently published.
• Lonely Planet. (2021). Vietnam (14th ed.). Lonely Planet.
• Mai, N. (2020). Vietnam: Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture. Kuperard.
• Marshall, T. (2019). Vietnam: An Epic Tragedy, 1945-1975. Harper.
• Michaud, R., & Michaud, J. (2015). Vietnam: An Illustrated History. Hippocrene Books.
• Nguyen, A. (2018). The Other Side of the Sky: A Memoir. HarperOne.
• Taylor, K. W. (2014). A History of Vietnam. Cambridge University Press.

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16 Most Important Benefits of Nature Travel

Immersing yourself in nature is an ancient remedy to reduce stress, and restore strength, which are some of the main reasons most of us travel, right?

However, rolling hills and gushing waterfalls are rarely around the corner from modern cities filled with shops, art galleries and museums, so sometimes you have to decide between exploring a culturally-rich city or escaping to the outdoors.

Can't choose between a vacation in nature or a city? Spending time outdoors will improve your health, save money, and help you focus. Keep reading for more benefits of nature travel.

Both types of vacations can be rewarding, but nature travel offers distinct benefits, from incorporating exercise and soaking up vitamin D, to saving money and improving focus. By the time we've finished delving into the most important benefits of nature travel, you'll be dusting off your hiking boots and up setting your tent under the stars.

1. The Thrill of Discovery

Nature travel offers the thrill of discovering something new, or at the very least, something only a fraction of people have seen in person. Feel the delight of taking in scenic views from a crisp mountaintop while a doe silently wanders below with her fawn, or the excitement of snorkeling at an untouched coral reef.

There is something special about the opportunity to experience rare moments of nature in the flesh. I for one, relish the looks of envy from my friends when I recount experiences like swimming with whale sharks in the wild.

2. Nature is Beautiful

While larger cities may boast impressive skylines, there is nothing quite as beautiful as nature. It is hard not to be awestruck in the presence of an alpine meadow in full bloom, a golden seaside landscape at sunrise, or a sprawling red rock canyon.

Perhaps the captivating presence of nature stems from the fact that it is alive, powerful and ever changing. A glacier is spectacular because of the way it carves through stone and shapes valleys. Even when all seems dead in the thick of winter, renewal is taking place below the surface.

3. Physical Activity is Built-In

Most nature vacations involve some level of fitness . If you're on a multi-day trek, your vacation is also your exercise. A holiday spent at the cabin could involve kayaking on a nearby freshwater lake or putting in some miles on your mountain bike.

One exception to this trend could be a beach holiday, but even then, it's easy to incorporate some activity by opting to snorkel, scuba dive, surf, or paddleboard.

While including physical activity in your vacation can be difficult at times, what better way to stay in shape than while exploring the world and enjoying nature?

4. Improved Mood and Health

The benefits of nature travel don't stop at improving your fitness. Research has shown that being in the outdoors, even for just a short period, can improve your mood and reduce stress.

Immersion in nature can evoke pleasant feelings and reduce a negative mental state along with emotions of anger, hopelessness, anxiety and fear. In turn, positive changes to your mood can improve your physical health, specifically your endocrine, parasympathetic nervous and immune systems. If you are active during your nature vacation, you likely will have an endorphin rush which helps to relieve stress and anxiety even further.

Some of these benefits can be reaped after only half an hour in nature, so imagine how much better you will feel if your whole getaway is spent amongst the outdoors.

5. Nature is So Peaceful

One of the best parts of camping is waking up in the morning to nothing but the sound of birds chirping. There is no alarm clock telling you when to wake up, no mad rush to get to the office, no deafening noise from traffic and no crowds.

Things that tend to give us a proverbial (or sometimes a literal) headache, are just not present in nature. I don't know about you, but whenever I get out of the city and head to the beach or mountains, I instantly feel my stress melt away.

6. You'll Save Money

Depending on your destination, a nature vacation is likely much cheaper than a city vacation. This is especially true if you do not need flights or specialized gear - if you do need it, it's easy to borrow or rent relatively inexpensively.

Nature vacations are typically cheaper because you will likely cook your own meals, whether over a fire or in the kitchen of a cabin or beach house.

Entertainment and activities are often free as well - it doesn't cost anything to sit at a beach, walk in a forest or float down a river. If there is a fee associated, such as national park entrance fees or canoe rental, the cost is likely minimal. These free experiences will stay with you long after you return home. Who wouldn't remember the swapping of ghost stories around a campfire and jolting at any sound heard afterward in the surrounding woods?

Accommodation can even be free if you choose to camp in the backcountry. Backcountry camping is the ultimate immersive experience as it really is just you and nature.

All in all, there are lots of ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of your vacation.

7. Nature Allows You to Focus

Without all of the distractions of the city, nature provides an opportunity for you to hear and reconnect with your thoughts.

In our day-to-day lives, there are a million distractions from your phone ringing and the 'ping' of your email inbox, to background noise from the TV or radio. It can feel impossible to concentrate on the task at hand when you are constantly being interrupted.

When surrounded by nature, all of those distractions disappear as the number of stimuli are reduced. You find yourself brought into the present moment and able to pay attention to the sights and scents in front of you. With this mindful attitude , it's much easier to process your thoughts and feelings and take the time to reflect.

8. Breath in Healthier Air

Air quality in large cities, like Thailand's Bangkok and India's Delhi, is known to suffer greatly from air pollution, which is linked to numerous health issues . Medical professionals even recommend sufferers of conditions like asthma could benefit from moving to the country where the air is cleaner.

Give your lungs a break and head into the countryside for your next vacation to breath in that fresh, clean air.

9. Get Some Vitamin D

Nature vacations mean spending a significant portion of time outdoors soaking up some rays. While it is true that UV rays can be harmful, it's also true that the sun causes our bodies to produce vitamin D which is crucial to function healthily . With modern lifestyles keeping most of us indoors, vitamin D deficiencies are becoming increasingly common.

UV rays are the most intense at midday when the sun is at its highest point, so you only need a few minutes in the sun at this time for your body to make sufficient vitamin D for the day.

It's important to balance time outdoors with sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, but try to remember that time in the sun is also doing your body some good.

10. Go at Your Own Pace

Modern lifestyles tend to be go-go-go. Getting away to nature is an opportunity to unplug, be present in the moment, and forget your to-do-list woes. Nature has no "hours of operation" (although some parks and campgrounds may close their gates during certain hours), so you can travel at your own pace. You can be as active as you want for as long as you want.

Nature encourages you to move slowly and listen to the natural rhythm of your body. Everything around you moves slowly. Wildlife migrates with the changing of the seasons; trees take years to tower above you and streams carve mountains over centuries.

When in nature, you are playing by a different set of rules, your own.

11. See the Real Sky

In the city, your view of the stars is hindered by immense light pollution from buildings, billboards, street lamps and cars. A top benefit of nature travel is being able to look up to the sky, see millions of stars, and try to spot the constellations.

Treasured are the nights I've spent out in the woods looking up at the stars. If you're patient, you might even be rewarded with a shooting star or two.

Similarly, in destinations like Norway, Iceland, and Canada, the Northern Lights can only be seen away from the cities. People travel from all over the world for a chance to see the aurora borealis light up the sky in streams of green and purple.

To this day, seeing the Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories in Canada is one of my favorite experiences.

12. Spot Wildlife

Opportunities to see animals in cities are limited to a handful local species like squirrels, or a trip to the zoo. In recent years, the discourse around zoo sustainability and ethics has shifted, leaving experiences a little tainted.

Seeing animals in their natural habitat is a completely different experience. In the countryside, you might spot horned sheep, moose, bears or bison grazing on grass. On a beach vacation, opportunities to spot wildlife range from snorkeling or scuba diving among colorful fish to spotting dolphins, whales, stingrays or jellyfish.

It's possible, of course, to make spotting wildlife the main purpose of your nature vacation and visit somewhere like the Galapagos or take a safari in South Africa.

13. Nature Improves the Development of Children

Research has shown that being in nature increases creativity in children due to the reduced amount of structure found in the outdoors. Unlike a board game or playground, there is no one set way to interact with nature.

Experiences in nature will build confidence in your children as they can directly see the impact of their actions and the actions of others. An example is the motion on the surface of water when skipping rocks. Seeing these sorts of interactions teach children they have control over their own actions.

Nature also provides stimulation by engaging most of the senses. Teach your children to hear the loon call over the lake, smell the pine trees, see the salmon jump in the river and touch the wheat germ. Taking a nature vacation can help children think in new ways that can't be duplicated in the classroom or through a screen.

Finally, interacting with nature teaches a sense of responsibility and accountability. If a child mistreats a plant in the garden, it may take a long time for it to recover. Similarly, if a bug is squished underfoot, it will die. Seeing these direct actions and consequences teach children responsibility. If they want to see these living things thrive, they must learn to moderate their own actions.

14. Feel Alive and Connected

There is something invigorating about standing literally on top of the world after climbing a mountain. Or the feeling you have upon reaching your destination after several days of hiking. Nature gives a sense of achievement unparalleled by anything else. It's very similar to and no less addictive than the high runners feel after completing a marathon.

In nature, you also feel like you are part of something greater than yourself. It is hard not to feel small next to an old growth cedar. Witnessing the harmony present in every interaction evokes a sense of wonder.

It is so easy to become disconnected from ourselves and the world in our city-bound lives. Spending some time with Mother Nature is a quiet reminder that you're an important part of the cycle.

15. Challenge of Your Limits

Often during a nature trip, you will encounter a healthy challenge of your limits, whether mental or physical. You might overcome nervousness to try a new activity, like rock climbing, or find you have pushed yourself further than you've gone before by snowshoeing a more difficult route or beating a personal best time on a familiar trail.

City vacations also provide opportunities to challenge your limits, but you tend to need to seek them out, while they are ingrained around every corner of the outdoors.

I have definitely felt challenged trying to MacGyver a solution upon realizing I've forgotten gear at home. Usually, if something important was left behind, I'd simply turn around to retrieve it or purchase a replacement, but miles away from civilization, these are not viable options. I had to problem solve and make do with what I had. At the time I was beyond frustrated at my stupid mistake, but the feeling of achievement upon finding a solution was pretty incredible.

16. Bonding Opportunity with Your Four-Legged Friend

Dogs aren't welcome in many city destinations but in nature, they're free to roam beside you for quality bonding time. Devoting several days at the lake or hiking through the forest with owners is a dream come true for many dogs. It's also a chance to hang out without distractions or interruptions and maybe work on teaching a new game or trick.

Tip: Fetch by The Dodo pet insurance review ensures your adventurous companion stays protected during these bonding moments, covering everything from minor accidents to major emergencies, so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories together.

It's so endearing to see your pet in its natural element. The look on my dog's face as he races past me on a walking trail is one of pure joy and, as cheesy as it sounds, it makes me happy to see him so happy.

Travel bucket lists are often full of big-ticket cities like Rome, Paris, and New York, but don't underestimate the value of a vacation in the midst of nature. And by "nature travel", I don't just mean The Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, or Machu Pichu.

These 16 benefits of nature travel prove much can be gained from hiking along trails , relaxing in a cabin or beach house, or paddling down a river in your own country, or even your own state.

Where will your next nature vacation be?

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Nature Essay for Students and Children

500+ words nature essay.

Nature is an important and integral part of mankind. It is one of the greatest blessings for human life; however, nowadays humans fail to recognize it as one. Nature has been an inspiration for numerous poets, writers, artists and more of yesteryears. This remarkable creation inspired them to write poems and stories in the glory of it. They truly valued nature which reflects in their works even today. Essentially, nature is everything we are surrounded by like the water we drink, the air we breathe, the sun we soak in, the birds we hear chirping, the moon we gaze at and more. Above all, it is rich and vibrant and consists of both living and non-living things. Therefore, people of the modern age should also learn something from people of yesteryear and start valuing nature before it gets too late.

Significance of Nature

Nature has been in existence long before humans and ever since it has taken care of mankind and nourished it forever. In other words, it offers us a protective layer which guards us against all kinds of damages and harms. Survival of mankind without nature is impossible and humans need to understand that.

If nature has the ability to protect us, it is also powerful enough to destroy the entire mankind. Every form of nature, for instance, the plants , animals , rivers, mountains, moon, and more holds equal significance for us. Absence of one element is enough to cause a catastrophe in the functioning of human life.

We fulfill our healthy lifestyle by eating and drinking healthy, which nature gives us. Similarly, it provides us with water and food that enables us to do so. Rainfall and sunshine, the two most important elements to survive are derived from nature itself.

Further, the air we breathe and the wood we use for various purposes are a gift of nature only. But, with technological advancements, people are not paying attention to nature. The need to conserve and balance the natural assets is rising day by day which requires immediate attention.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conservation of Nature

In order to conserve nature, we must take drastic steps right away to prevent any further damage. The most important step is to prevent deforestation at all levels. Cutting down of trees has serious consequences in different spheres. It can cause soil erosion easily and also bring a decline in rainfall on a major level.

Polluting ocean water must be strictly prohibited by all industries straightaway as it causes a lot of water shortage. The excessive use of automobiles, AC’s and ovens emit a lot of Chlorofluorocarbons’ which depletes the ozone layer. This, in turn, causes global warming which causes thermal expansion and melting of glaciers.

Therefore, we should avoid personal use of the vehicle when we can, switch to public transport and carpooling. We must invest in solar energy giving a chance for the natural resources to replenish.

In conclusion, nature has a powerful transformative power which is responsible for the functioning of life on earth. It is essential for mankind to flourish so it is our duty to conserve it for our future generations. We must stop the selfish activities and try our best to preserve the natural resources so life can forever be nourished on earth.

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5 Reasons to Make Your Next Trip a Nature Vacation

Posted by Wendy Redal | Dec 1, 2010 | Travel Tips

Did you know spending time in nature can improve your brain function, reduce stress, keep you fit, give you a thrill and help protect threatened landscapes and wildlife?  It’s true! Read on, then start dreaming about the nature adventures you’d like to glean these benefits from.

Guanacos in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia. Photo credit: Wayfaring Travel Guide

I spent Thanksgiving in Los Angeles this year, surrounded by a sea of asphalt and traffic that sprawls for hundreds of square miles. Shuttling between relatives and friends on the maze of 14-lane freeways, I soon felt spiritually exhausted by the visual din of billboards, power lines, parking lots, storefronts, neon signs and cars blowing past at 80 mph.

Escaping the urban crush I found an oasis amid my urban immersion, however: a 3-mile stretch of wild beach that lies between the suburbs of Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach.

Beach at Crystal Cove State Park. Photo copyright Wendy Worrall Redal.

The quiet strip of sand and coastal cliffs is part of Crystal Cove State Park ,  a rare tract of 2400 acres of undeveloped land surrounded by the O.C. (that’s Orange County, for those who didn’t follow the TV show about the lives of wealthy teens from Newport Beach). Hikers, mountain bikers, beach walkers and divers frequent its serene environs, where butterflies dance in wooded canyons and sandpipers poke among the tidepools.

Crystal Cove State Park, California. Photo copyright Wendy Worrall Redal.

As soon as I started walking on the sand, eluding the foamy edges of the waves as the surf slid toward shore, I felt a peace wash over me. It was as if the sea was rhythmically rinsing away the tension that had built up as I’d hunched over the steering wheel for the previous few days. I couldn’t hear the cars along the Coast Highway above, nor could I see the housing developments atop the hills – the bluffs were a barrier to everything but this slice of the natural world underfoot.

Prescription: A dose of nature

Two hours at Crystal Cove gave me the solace and sustenance I needed to walk back to the parking lot and face the intensity of SoCal sprawl once more. It turns out that there’s a lot of scientific research that supports what I experienced: Nature is good for us , in all kinds of ways.

Though people have lived in close harmony with the land for millennia, a majority of the world’s people now reside in cities for the first time in human history. And we’re spending less time outside than ever before: the average American child is in front of a screen for 7-1/2 hours a day, and many adults aren’t far behind. Our loss of connection to the natural world is taking a toll on our bodies, our psyches and our social relations.

Photo credit: DailyGalaxy.com

Richard Louv tracks those changes in his book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. But research tells us that regular doses of nature can alter these trends.  While a daily walk through a neighborhood park can help, an extended escape in the natural world has profound benefits.

Why make your next vacation a nature adventure?

1)  NATURE IS GOOD FOR OUR BRAINS

Time in nature enhances our mental functioning, helping us focus and remember better. A 2009 Boston Globe article tracked studies that demonstrate that hospital patients recover faster when they can see trees from their windows, and that women living in public housing are better able to focus when their apartment overlooks a grassy courtyard rather than concrete. Scientists theorize that even such fleeting glimpses of nature improve brain performance by providing a mental break from the cognitive processing demands of urban environments.

Beech-maple forest, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Photo credit: National Park Service

City dwellers, who are constantly impacted by visual and aural noise, find it harder to concentrate and are more prone to irritable moods and impulsive behavior. Stephen Kaplan, a psychologist at the University of Michigan, hypothesized that immersion in nature might have a restorative effect. He observed that children with attention-deficit disorder, for instance, have fewer behavior problems and are better able to focus on tasks when they are surrounded by trees and animals. Even looking at a picture of a natural setting can improve attention and memory.

2)  NATURE HELPS US COPE WITH STRESS

Mirroring the concerns of the Children & Nature Network , a British report warns that the mental health of 21st-century children is at risk because they are missing out on the exposure to the natural world enjoyed by past generations. The report’s author, Dr. William Bird, health adviser to Natural England ,  has compiled evidence that people are healthier and better adjusted if they get out into the countryside, parks or gardens. Bird says studies show that people deprived of contact with nature are at greater risk of depression and anxiety, while stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces. An active family nature vacation (ideally without the distractions of mobile electronica) can reconnect parents and children, soothe frayed nerves and help everyone relax.

Lake Khuvsgol, Northern Mongolia

3)  TIME IN NATURE KEEPS US FIT

Typically, when people are enjoying nature, they are moving – climbing peaks, paddling kayaks , walking dogs. As we’ve come to spend less time outdoors, we’ve gotten heavier as a result. Our society faces a whole host of ills dubbed “ diseases of indoor living ,” which often accompany obesity: Type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, myopia, depression and rising levels of ADD.

Sea kayaking in the Land of the Narwhal, Baffin Island, with NHA’s sister company Explorers’ Corner

Even the government sees the social advantages of getting people back to nature. The president’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative aims to protect natural resources and counter sedentary lifestyles by reacquainting Americans with the farms, ranches, rivers, forests, national and local parks, fishing holes and beaches that provide opportunities for people to stay active and healthy. The project complements Michelle Obama’s fight against childhood obesity and her Let’s Move Outside initiative. A key aim of both programs is to turn our public lands into public health resources, where the benefits go beyond just getting people to exercise.

4)  NATURE OFFERS AUTHENTIC ADVENTURE AND DISCOVERY

When my kids were little, we took a trip to Orlando. There was the requisite visit to Disney World, of course, but we also spent a day at  Wekiwa Springs State Park where we rented a canoe and paddled among alligators, turtles and herons beneath gauzy curtains of Spanish moss. I remember asking my son, then 7, which he liked better – Disney World or our canoe ride. Expecting him to give an immediate nod to the Magic Kingdom, he instead paused, pondered and said, “Hmmm…I can’t say!” Even then, he was captivated by the authenticity in our nature experience, feeling a sense of wonder that was tapped even more profoundly when our family visited the Galapagos in 2008 and Churchill last year. My kids were positively enchanted as they swam with sea lions and snorkeled with penguins and turtles, then came face to face with polar bears on the Canadian tundra (through the protective glass of our Polar Rover window!).

Curious polar bear in Churchill. Photo copyright Wendy Worrall Redal.

Childlike wonder isn’t just the province of children when it comes to nature adventures. I will never forget how moved I was to stand among millions of monarch butterflies fluttering overhead, preparing to leave their winter home in Mexico and migrate northward. Or to hear the nocturnal sounds of the rainforest in the deep Amazon night, and listen to the thunder-crack of an iceberg calving off a tidewater glacier in Alaska . Or to see the sky-piercing summits of the Himalayas while trekking in Nepal . When it comes to entertainment, theme parks pale next to nature’s impressive displays.

Fishing grizzlies at Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park, Alaska

Travelers unaccustomed to spending time in nature can be timid – just 5% of visitors to Grand Canyon National Park ever venture below the rim despite many well-maintained trails. That’s why a trip led by a seasoned guide can be just the ticket. Nat Hab’s Expedition Leaders are gifted at unveiling adventure while assuring guests’ safety and comfort no matter how remote the destination.

5) THE NATURAL WORLD IS DISAPPEARING — SEE IT WHILE YOU CAN

Not to leave you on a down note, but the fact is, many of the planet’s most remarkable natural places are threatened or being changed forever by development, deforestation, climate change, pollution and population pressures. The time to see what’s left is now. More than 20 percent of the Amazon rainforest has been cut down. Glacier National Park ’s namesake ice is disappearing. Endemic lemurs in Madagascar – found nowhere else on earth – are the target of poachers or the casualty of illegal logging.

Red-fronted brown lemur, Madagascar. Photo credit: Wild Madagascar.

The good news, though, is that responsible eco-tourism can help save places and creatures like these. When countries and communities find that there’s more economic value in protecting their environment and wildlife for visitors to enjoy, there is the necessary incentive to do so. Africa’s mountain gorillas would possibly be extinct today if it weren’t for people’s desire to see them in the wild, alongside the efforts of international conservation groups to save them.

All kinds of compendia have been published that catalog the earth’s most vulnerable natural places. Check out lists like Newsweek’s 100 Endangered Places and How to Save Them , Mother Nature Network’s 10 Places to Visit Before They Vanish , Frommer’s 500 Places to See Before They Disappear, and the UN’s list of World Heritage Sites in Danger .

Undersea rainbow world along the Belize Barrier Reef, second-longest coral reef on the planet

Nat Hab offers a slate of adventures that immerse nature lovers in many of these treasured realms. See pandas in China , scout for endangered tigers in India , track wolves in Yellowstone , follow the Migration on the Serengeti Plains, snorkel over the Belize barrier reef . Nature beckons, and your task is to figure out where in our wonderful world you want to go.

Yours, Naturally,

P.S. Next time I go to California, I plan to leave the freeways behind in favor of tall trees and big mountains — the way this Wild California trip does.

About The Author

Wendy Redal

Wendy’s passions are travel, nature, conservation and communication, which intersect in her position as Nat Hab’s Editorial Director. Incorrigibly peripatetic, Wendy has been to more than 65 countries and all 50 states. Among her most magical wildlife encounters are snorkeling with sea lions in the Galapagos, sitting face to face with a silverback gorilla in the mountains of Africa, and watching a huge brown bear calmly amble by just feet away in the wilderness of Alaska's Katmai National Park.

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Wendy, Thank for your inspiration! Nothing man made can ever eclipse the beauty of natural wonders. I am reminded in nature where I fit into tapestry of life. It’s humbling, yet brings into focus the gift and joy of life and the importance of stewardship. Where is your next excursion? Happy holidays!

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• Rewilding Perspectives >>

OUR BETTER NATURE Essay Excerpt: A Rewilding Story

“The best arguments in the world won’t change a person’s mind. The only thing that can do that is a good story.” ~ Richard Powers

Several years ago, my friend Jason was riding his bike. He’s an avid cyclist, and on this day he was nearing home after a long ride, going down-hill on a paved road outside his small town. Hearing a vehicle coming up from behind, he scooted over as far as he could to the highway’s right line. As the van came up alongside, someone leaning out the passenger window screamed “boo” and hit him in the head.

Jason braked hard and swerved onto the shoulder, which was riddled with broken pavement, trying to keep from crashing. Which he did. By luck and skill, he did not wipe out. He did not break bones. He was not killed. But he was righteously furious at the idiots who could have caused him grave injury.

Within a few minutes he arrived home and jumped into his car to scout around town for the van, which he soon found parked outside the local grocery store. Two guys came out. “Remember me?” Jason asked. The first fellow looked blank. “Boo,” Jason says. The other guy starts laughing. “He remembers me,” Jason said. “I’m the biker you could have gotten killed back there.”

A spirited conversation ensued. As the exchange of views escalated, van thug #1 approached with menace, at which point Jason whipped out a wooden axe handle that he’d concealed behind his arm. Swinging the club toward the fellow’s head, Jason stopped it just shy of his temple. With a final encouragement to, in all things, but most especially in vehicle/cyclist relations—“BE NICE”—Jason gave the man a light tap on the noggin.

For years thereafter Jason’s friends would encourage him to recount the “be nice” tale. No camping trip was complete without it. It became, as friends and family lore often does, part of our collective memory of knowing and loving Jason.

Years went by, and at one point the “be nice” story came up with another friend, John, when Jason wasn’t present. Also an avid cyclist, John started telling me about that day when he and Jason had been on a long bike ride together and the van almost ran them off the road. He told how he and Jason had found the van and waited in the parking lot to confront the brutes. And how he watched Jason, with a light tap of his axe handle, encourage those fellows to be nice.

John remembered it vividly; he’d been there after all. And this was curious—because in fact, he had not. Jason was biking solo that day. At the time, Jason and John lived hundreds of miles apart. After years of listening to the tale and admiring Jason’s response to the assault, John had simply internalized it. He had put himself in the story .

Setting aside the possibility that John had some kind of cognitive impairment (he doesn’t), let’s switch our gaze from the imperfectness of John’s memory to the attractiveness of his delusion.

With each breath, with every heartbeat, we live by grace. But while we live, we organize our lives by stories. We understand our place in the world by the tales we tell ourselves. For as long as our species has employed figurative language, some seventy thousand years, we have been talking and listening, listening and talking, to transmit the wisdom, the humor, the codes of right and wrong conduct that collectively form human culture.[2] Only very recently has this cultural transmission happened through mediated forms of communication. The phones in our pockets, the books on our shelves—that’s something new under the sun. For humans, what’s tried and true is the oral tradition.

Thus Jason’s “be nice” story became a kind of cognitive superglue among his group of friends, sticking together the memories of multiple individuals who were not present at the story’s genesis. It was not so surprising, then, that one of us put himself in the tale. Some stories are so attractive that we naturally want to weave our lives into them. They give us meaning. This is most obvious with the world’s great faith traditions, which are built on compelling narratives and shape the lives of billions of people. Secular myths also profoundly influence individual and societal behaviors.

Even a cursory stab at answering that question is beyond the scope of this essay, but at the very least, we can agree that corporate capitalism offers a very shiny vision of material affluence (and one quite tangible to a small slice of the human population globally), and has a seemingly limitless advertising budget. Alas, that shiny vision is based on a misunderstanding of physical limits and other dangerously false notions that are precipitating climate chaos and unraveling biodiversity. Let’s consider just a couple of those problematic notions:

#2: Growth—in human numbers and consumption—can go on, and on. Of this idea, the economist Kenneth Boulding once quipped, “Anyone who believes exponential growth can go on forever in a finite world is either a madman or an economist.” It’s a good line, but in a sense Boulding was wrong. It’s not just crazy individuals or economists who believe, or at least pretend to believe, that this physical impossibility is true. We have based our entire civilization on the secular religion of perpetual growth. Which is, truly, madness.

The result of how many we are and how we occupy the Earth has precipitated the sixth great extinction spasm in the planet’s history. A flood of alarming data about crashing wildlife populations and unraveling ecosystems, increasing greenhouse gases, accelerating climate chaos, and growing inequity between the haves and the have-nots in the human tribe are readily available for anyone who cares to look. For those of us who are paying attention to the global eco-social crisis, the fire hose of bad news can be deeply depressing or numbing. But I don’t think it’s particularly motivating. So, if the delusional tales we tell are sending us over a cliff, what should we replace them with? What new story is big enough to help turn the trajectory of humanity—and the diversity of life—away from ecological Armageddon? What story is inclusive and attractive enough to inspire millions or even billions of people to put themselves into it?

I vote for this one: the story of rewilding , of resurgent wildness enveloping the Earth. Of expanding beauty and diversity. Of wilderness recovery writ large. Of people from all backgrounds and every corner of the globe lending their energies toward helping nature heal, at all scales, to the benefit of all life. Consider this passage from the Global Charter for Rewilding the Earth , drafted for and adopted by the most recent World Wilderness Congress and endorsed by conservation groups from almost every continent.[7] (There’s no “rewilding Antarctica” yet.) The charter’s vision statement reads:

We believe that the world can be more beautiful, more diverse, more equitable, more wild . We believe that nature’s innate resilience, bolstered by human care, can initiate an era of planetary healing. In that future time when the world is whole and healthy, undammed rivers will run to the sea, their estuaries teeming with life. Following ancient patterns, whales and warblers will migrate unmolested through sea and sky. From tiny phytoplankton to tallest redwoods, all Earth’s creatures will be free to pursue lives of quality, and humanity will thrive amidst nature’s abundance.

Could this be the dream that’s big enough to capture the hearts and minds of millions? That is both timeless and urgent enough to prompt bold action? Could it be the story generous enough to carry our love for specific places into the future, in the form of interconnected ribbons of protected habitat wrapping the planet in wild beauty? Maybe, just maybe it is.

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has caused immense suffering, with millions of people dying from a novel virus and billions of others experiencing economic hardship or isolation. If there was the smallest silver lining in a dark pandemic cloud, it was that many people learned, or rediscovered, the joy of being outside . . . walking, biking, canoeing. In our region, trails were mobbed with hikers. It was tough to find a kayak or snowshoes to buy. People wanted to be outside, in the company of trees and wind and birdsong.

The desire to reconnect our hearts and minds to the greater community of life, outside and away from obvious artifacts of modernity, drove the first wave of wilderness recreation to the Adirondack mountains of upstate New York after publication of the book Adventures in the Wilderness (1869) by Boston clergyman William H. H. Murray. Thus began a period of great popular interest in the Adirondacks, a region relatively little known except by lumber-men who were rapaciously cutting its forests. In nineteenth-century America, forests were fuel. Dead trees meant charcoal to stoke the iron kilns, chemicals to tan leather, and saw logs for lumber. The wave of forest-clearing for these purposes as well as agriculture caused the hills and mountains of the Northeast to erode and the rivers to run brown with silt.

So grave was the threat to waterways, which were crucial for transportation and hydro-powered industry downstream, that New York’s state legislature created the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves in 1885. Many conservationists had worked for that outcome, but it was no silver bullet to stop the logging. Timber merchants would buy private land, cut it over, and then abandon it to the state for unpaid property taxes. That was the genesis of most property which came into public ownership in the new Forest Preserve, lands of which were to be kept as forever wild.

New York State’s Adirondack Park, encompassing a Vermont-sized 6 million acres, is the largest protected area in the Lower 48. Split roughly equally between public and private land, the former fully protected as wild habitat and the latter regulated by land-use zoning, the park is a tangible “half-earth” model of landscape conservation and human habitation.

More substantial protections for the region came in 1892 with the establishment of the Adirondack Park, and the passage of an amendment to the state constitution three years later which gives the public lands within the park, the Forest Preserve lands, the highest level of conservation protection for public lands in the United States. They cannot be sold or logged or mined, etc., without a difficult process of constitutional amendment.

The conservationists who were responsible for creating the park and its central legal safeguard, what came be known as the “forever-wild” clause of the state constitution, included the pioneering civil rights attorney Louis Marshall.[12] Marshall was a leading activist against anti-Semitism, an early board member of the NAACP, and a brilliant lawyer who used the courts to challenge structural racism. He was also a dedicated conservationist and father of Robert Marshall, cofounder of the Wilderness Society.

GREEN: Public lands comprising the Adirondack Forest Preserve, all of which are protected under the New York state constitution as “forever wild” and cannot be logged or developed. WHITE: Private lands with the park including towns, farms, managed timberlands, and other private property subject to development under zoning rules overseen by the Adirondack Park Agency. (Source: Adirondack Council)

The Marshall family and so many other wilderness advocates through the decades blazed a path that still leads toward expanding justice, beauty, and health for the land and all the creatures who inhabit, or visit, the park.[13] The Adirondack Park is arguably the greatest example of rewilding on Earth, the fullest expression of the incremental reforestation of the northeastern United States following logging associated with European settlement.[14] Today the Adirondacks are more ecologically intact, more secure wildlife habitat, and a better canvas for natural processes to create, shape, and sustain biodiversity than other parts of the region. The Adirondack Park also provides tremendous social and economic values, and stores vast amounts of carbon naturally, a key to mitigating climate chaos.

Last summer, while camped by a lake in the Adirondack wilderness, I watched a loon chick and her momma. Loons are amazing swimmers but not such easy fliers, at least when they take off. They must run along the water surface to gain speed, flapping hard to become airborne. These loons were training. The little one would scamper across the water just as fast as she could go, with mother chasing behind. And then get tired out and stop. Mother loon would rush toward her baby as if to play tag and the little one would start up again. Over and over they repeated this game, getting the little one stronger for a long migration flight in the fall. It was the cutest thing, that loon chick and her momma, at home, free to be loons, in a place that needs never fear the chain saws or jet skis of the future.

“Conservation” as a set of tools including laws and regulations and practices is a broad term, of course. For the ecocentric wing of the conservation movement, which is focused on saving life’s diversity for its own sake and not solely for utilitarian ends (although acknowledging the fact that humanity will not thrive on a dead planet), the idea of freedom is central to conservation. This is not a new idea.

Howard Zahniser, author of the Wilderness Act, the 1964 law that created America’s national wilderness preservation system on federal public lands, was a part-time resident of the Adirondacks. He had been introduced to the region by conservationist Paul Schaefer, and the Schaefer and Zahniser families ended up having nearby cabins on the edge of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness in the heart of the park. When he was able to escape from Washington, DC, where he served as executive secretary of The Wilderness Society, Howard Zahniser spent time at that Adirondack cabin where he worked on draft after draft of the Wilderness Act.

As a Pennsylvania native and lover of the Adirondacks’ recovering wildness, Zahniser understood that wilderness could grow as well as shrink—the evidence was all around him—and thus he deliberately used the word “untrammeled” in the law’s definition of wilderness.[16] Something that is trammeled is bound or caught; untrammeled is free or unimpeded. The Wilderness Act doesn’t contain the words “pristine” or “untouched” because the defining characteristic of wilderness is not virginity but freedom —freedom to follow its own evolutionary path.

In the decades following bipartisan passage of the Wilderness Act, citizens successfully lobbied Congress to add millions of acres to the national wilderness preservation system. Today there are more than eight hundred wilderness areas in the system, encompassing more than 111 million acres. The growth of the system is heartening, and arguably one of the most positive results of civic engagement over the past half-century. Notwithstanding this progress, however, wild habitats across North America are typically under threat of conversion or degradation if not formally conserved, and often are isolated islands of intact habitat in a sea of development when they are formally protected. Habitat degradation, fragmentation, and isolation is a recipe for extinction.

Foreman recognized the need for a new word that meant wilderness recovery on a grand scale, a scale that would allow keystone species such as wolves, cougars, and jaguars, which roam widely, to reestablish healthy populations throughout their native ranges and thus help to reestablish intact food webs.[19] In the 1990s there was a nascent body of research showing how crucial apex predators are to healthy ecosystems, both on land and in the oceans. That understanding has grown through subsequent decades.

The Adirondack Park is arguably the greatest example of rewilding on Earth. [Northeast Wilderness Trust’s Eagle Mountain Preserve, eastern Adirondacks (c) Brendan Wiltse]

Rewilding—as an idea, a meme—is culturally powerful because in a time of loss and diminishment for the diversity of life, it represents the potential and possibility for more : More beauty. More abundance. More equity among all the creatures who inhabit the Earth—including humans, of course, even ones who forget their own creatureliness.[21] Moreover, rewilding captivates because almost any of us can put ourselves into that story, either through individual or collective action.

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) around the world are doing just that, many of which have joined together in the recently launched Global Rewilding Alliance. Rewilding projects include efforts to expand tiger reserves in India; plant millions of Scots pines to restore Scotland’s Caledonian forest; reintroduce beavers and lynx to parts of Europe where they’ve been eliminated; create prairie preserves for bison in Colorado; and protect some of the most biologically rich parts of the Appalachian Mountains.

Close to my heart is the work that Northeast Wilderness Trust is doing to protect the ancient forests of the future, help set the stage for missing native species to return home, and let diminished natural processes reassert themselves across the landscape. This kind of collective action to foster rewilding through active and passive means, putting nature’s needs first while recognizing how wildly beneficial that is to people, is crucial to ending the cascading crises of climate chaos and biodiversity loss.

In practice, a rewilding approach to conservation includes three elements. I talk about them as Places, Processes, and People.

Places: Permanently protected natural areas such as wilderness areas, national parks, no-extraction marine protected areas, privately owned nature sanctuaries, etc., are the foundation of biodiversity conservation.

Processes: Rewilding can happen through active efforts like removing dams and reintroducing missing species, most especially highly interactive species such as beavers, sharks, and cougars. Rewilding can also happen through passive means, that is, allowing for vegetative succession and other natural processes to produce diversity and complexity over time. The historical exemplar for this, again, is the Adirondack Park.

People: Ultimately, to rewild the Earth, we need to rewild ourselves. By which I mean winning hearts and minds to the great cause of conservation, motivated not only by self-interest but also by love for our wild neighbors and kin in the community of life.

Some groups focus on one or two of these streams of rewilding work, some do all three. An example of the latter is Rewilding Argentina, which has implemented the most comprehensive large-scale rewilding program in South America. Beginning in the mid-1990s, that NGO, birthed by American philanthropists Douglas and Kristine Tompkins and led by visionary Argentine conservationist Sofia Heinonen, has helped transform the great Iberá marshlands region of Corrientes Province from a little-known and highly threatened natural area into a world-class destination for wildlife-watching. During more than two decades of effort, conservationists gained designation of new provincial and national parks, which are contiguous and managed jointly. Community engagement fostered widespread support for the Iberá Park, which is an economic boon to the region. The team of biologists and veterinarians there have reintroduced missing native species including giant anteaters, pampas deer, collared peccaries, and even jaguars to the marshlands.

Rewilding Argentina’s reintroduction of jaguars and other missing native species into the great Iberá marshlands represents one of the most ambitious examples of rewilding in the Americas. (c) Matias Rebak/Rewilding Argentina

Are they impossible? I don’t think so.

The idea of blue and green ribbons of wildness knitting up to wrap the globe in beauty is deeply attractive. The many historical and contemporary examples of citizen action that have been successful creating individual building blocks in this future global network should give us inspiration that a future ecological civilization is possible, if we work with urgency and creativity to create it.

Conserving at least half of Earth in interconnected systems of protected natural areas will come to life only through grassroots, bottom-up actions of people, groups, communities, and governments. Acre by acre, parcel by parcel, project by project, rewilding happens when people who love the land work to create the conditions in which nature may rebound. The question before each of us is: How will we put ourselves into the story of Rewilding the Earth? How will we use our time, influence, energy, and wealth to write that new narrative, centered on beauty, integrity, and reciprocity? How will we help shape a forever-wild future?

• Epstein, R. (2016, May). The empty brain. Aeon.
• Harari, N. (2015). Sapiens: A brief history of humankind . Harper Perennial.
• Elder, J. & Wong, H. (1994). Family of earth and sky: Indigenous tales of nature from around the world . Beacon Press.
• Crist, E. (2019). Abundant earth: Toward an ecological civilization . University of Chicago Press.
• Leopold, A. (1949.) A Sand County almanac and sketches here and there . Oxford University Press.
• Kimmerer, R. (2015). Braiding sweetgrass: Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants . Milkweed Editions.
• World Wilderness Congress. (2020, April). Global charter for rewilding the earth .
• Wilson, E.O. (1984). Biophilia . Harvard University Press.
• Vedantam, S. (Host). (2018, September). Our Better Nature [Audio podcast episode]. In hidden brain. https://hiddenbrain.org/.
• Oliver, M. (2005). New and selected poems: Volume two . Beacon Press.
• Lubarsky, S. (2014). Living beauty. In G. Wuerthner, E. Crist, & T. Butler (Eds.), Keeping the wild: Against the domestication of earth . Island Press.
• Graham Jr., F. (1978). The Adirondack Park: A political history . Alfred A. Knopf.
• Terrie, G. (1997). Contested terrain: A new history of nature and people in the Adirondacks . Syracuse University Press.
• Butler, T. (2015). Protected areas and the long arc toward justice. In G. Wuerthner, Crist, & T. Butler (Eds.), Protecting the wild: Parks and wilderness, the foundation for conservation . Island Press.
• Vest, J. (1985). Will-of-the-land. Environmental Review , 9(4).
• Zahniser, E. (1992). Where wilderness preservation began: Adirondack writings of Howard Zahniser . North Country Books.
• Noss, R., & Cooperrider, A. (1994). Saving nature’s legacy: Protecting and restoring biodiversity . Island Press.
• Johns, D. (2019). History of rewilding: Ideas and practice. In N. Pettorelli, S. Durant, & Du Toit (Eds.), Rewilding . Cambridge University Press.
• Foreman, D. (2004). Rewilding North America: A vision for conservation in the 21st century . Island Press.
• Carver, S., & Convery, I. (2021, June 14). Time to put the wild back into rewilding. Ecos , 42(3).
• Berry, W. (2000). Life is a miracle: An essay against modern superstition . Counterpoint.
• Dinerstein, E., et al. (2019, April 19). A global deal for nature: Guiding principles, milestones, and targets. Science Advances , 5(4).
• Locke, H. (2015). Nature needs (at least) half: A necessary new agenda for protected areas. In G. Wuerthner, E. Crist, & T. Butler (Eds.), Protecting the wild: Parks and wilderness, the foundation for conservation . Island Press.
• Adirondack Council, & Goren, J. (2021, November 15). VISION 2050 . https://www. adirondackcouncil.org/page/vision-2050-332.html (November 24, 2021).

Related Rewilding Earth Articles

Big Steps Toward Rewilding North America

GRRL Power: Rewilding Female Jaguars to Save the Chaco’s Wild Population

Emerging from Ecological Amnesia

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Sustainable Tourism Development Essay

This essay shows that there are initiatives which aim at promoting sustainability in tourism destinations. However, these initiatives do not work due to the diverse nature of the tourism industry. The essay demonstrates this through various approaches to tourism sustainability and methods that stakeholders have applied in their attempts to enhance sustainability of tourism destinations.

We can define sustainability as a growth that does not experience any threats from feedback. Here, feedback refers to social unrest, pollution, or depletion of resources. We can relate this to the development of tourism destination. In tourism, sustainability would be “that level of development which does not exceed the carrying capacity of the destination and thus cause serious or irreversible changes to the destination” (Tribe, 2005). This is what we call a growth that can sustain itself over time.

It is hard for a nation or a sector to use effective plans for sustainable tourism development with clear agenda. The UNWTO provides policy guidelines for such purposes. The UNWTO refers sustainable tourism with regard to sustainability assumption as “the environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions its long-term sustainability” (UNWTO, 1995).

Sustainability in tourism destination must ensure optimal use of resources that are sources of tourism development, their maintenance, and conservation of biodiversity and natural heritage (Liu, 2003). The project must also “adhere to socio-cultural existences of host communities, conserve their cultural heritage and enhance cultural understanding and tolerance” (Swarbrooke, 1999).

Sustainable tourism project must also provide socio-economic benefits, long-term economic availability, stable employment, poverty reduction, social services, and generation of income to the host community and all stakeholders.

First, regulations are forms of ensuring sustainability of tourism destinations. Stakeholders can introduce permissions and permits as forms of preventative control. Permits and permissions aim at preventing damages by requiring stakeholders to get permissions so as to engage in possible harmful activities. For instance, we can have planning permits to stop developments that do not meet planning guidelines and larger environmental matters and effects.

Second, regulation also involves environmental impact assessment. Some projects which may have severe impacts on the environment; thus the authorities must review an environmental consequences of such projects. It may use a cost-benefit approach that covers the all costs and advantages to stakeholders. For a development to be socially acceptable, its benefits to society must exceed its cost to society.

Third, controls and laws are also effective means of providing and controlling environmental pollutant targets. Occasionally, policymakers may introduce these laws and controls after an event that cause harm to the environment has started. Such laws may cover restrictions to aircraft and other forms of pollution and the quality standards of water for consumption. Litter laws and their subsequent fines are also part of this regulation.

Fourth, there are also special designation areas. Most countries have sites that have special status as a way of promoting conservation and controlling development. These designations have varying degrees of statutory backing. For example, the UK has designated Sites of Special Scientific Interests (SSSIs) and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauties (AONBs). The UK considers SSSIs sites as “areas of special interest because of flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features” (National Park Service, 1990).

The Countryside Commission designates AONBs areas for the purpose protecting places with natural beauty. The IUCN (the World Conservation Union) has also classified protected places, with an idea of enhancing international conservation efforts and providing the benchmark for protection. Special designation areas may include nature reserve, national parks, natural monuments, and protected landscape or seascape among others.

Fifth, most countries now have laws to ensure that large organisations devote sections of their resources to corporate social responsibility (CSR). CSR now extends to include the environment apart from other issues of organisations. Private organisations are focusing on the environment by creating their environmental management teams, creating environmental guidelines and carrying out environmental evaluations and required actions for purposes of conserving the environment.

The WTTC and WTO are responsible for the provision of leadership and guidelines in environmental conservation. Most guidelines in this area focus on noise, emissions, waste, congestion, tourism and conservation (Deloitte and Oxford Economics, 2010).

Some forms of these regulations are difficult to implement. Still, the industry may find them difficult to follow. There are cases where private developers and environmental authorities engage in lawsuits. Such issues hinder regulations as attempts to enhance sustainability in tourism destinations.

Market methods highlight “manipulation of prices as a method of achieving environmental goals through adjustment of market prices in an attempt to reflect the environmental costs, and benefits of activities” (Tribe, 2005). The sole purpose is for the manufactures and their customers change their behaviours with regard to new prices. This ensures that individuals’ efforts in environmental conservation are worthwhile (Middleton and Hawkins, 1998).

The first concept is ownership. People tend to overuse free resources and areas of free access. Thus, policymakers advocate privatisation of such natural resources. For instance, ownership of a lake is an incentive to enforce property rights. Thus, people may pay for the use of resources such as lakes and oceans as dumping sinks.

Firms will strive to maximise their gains and satisfy their shareholders expectations. Thus, policymakers advocate for public ownership to enhance environmental management. In principle, a public organisation has an “incentive to consider social costs and benefits to the country” (Cohen, 2002).

Policymakers can use taxes and increasing prices to reduce the use of products with negative environmental consequences, and subsidies that can reduce prices and promote the use of products that have positive effects on the environmental. Taxation has worked since it adoption by OECD in 1972 as a way of passing the cost to polluters (OECD, 2001).

On carbon dioxide emissions, Curtis argues that we can make moderate emissions reductions by “way of increased energy efficiency but that excess emissions by luxury hotels and resorts need further action” (Curtis, 2002).

Transport has been a main source of concern in this area. National Parks authorities of the UK have emphasised necessities of transport systems to countryside tourism and recreation. They note that about 90 percent of visitors used cars to parks. Consequently, most environmentalists have called for raised taxations on car and air travels so as to reflect their environmental costs (National Park Service, 1990).

Finland has taxes on none-returnable beverage containers to promote the consumption of returnable parks in attempts to eliminate the level of such parks left as litters. Landfill taxes apply charges on waste management firms that utilise landfill areas for burying solid waste.

Some governments may give grants for people who wish to buy electric cars to reduce carbon pollution. There are projects underway to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. These include the planned “planting of forests to capture carbon naturally as well as the artificial capture of carbon and its storage in underground reservoirs” (Mules, 2001).

Deposit-refund schemes work by encouraging consumers to return containers from the vendors or dispose them in a manner favourable to the environment. Customers who return their containers get their deposits. This scheme is effective in the local outlets and can work well on a national scale if well implemented (Gee, 1997).

In order to reduce pollution, some countries have introduced charges on products and services they offer the public. These include car parking charges to encourage usage of “public vehicles, road pricing for motorway usages in some EU countries such as France and Spain” (Priestley, Edwards and Coccossis, 1996).

Market approaches to sustainability in developing tourism destinations have been effective in EU zones. Still, the idea to provide subsidies for environmental friendly products such as vehicles is gaining recognition among tourism stakeholders. However, most consumers do not favour the idea of price increases.

Tribe notes that soft tools are “voluntary by nature and attempt to change behaviours sometimes through improved information, advice, persuasion and sometimes by forming specific networks” (Tribe, 2005).

Tourism eco-labelling approach to sustainability focuses on tourists. Leisure and tourism consumers themselves have the ability to transform the consequences of products they consume on the environmental and switch to products with minimal environmental effects. This approach aims at giving the users the “additional environmental information to enable them make informed decisions in their buying patterns” (Cater and Lowman, 1994).

There are also certification and award schemes to enhance sustainability in tourism destination. They authenticate and provide endorsement to environmental attributions made by firms and offer marks such as the Blue Flag that a consumer can recognise (Becken and Hay, 2007).

The Blue Flag goes to beaches that have acquired recognisable levels for water quality and facilities, safety, environmental education and management. This is also an environmental marketing device for tourists who are environmental conscious. The scheme attempts to offer opportunities for beach local stakeholders to increase their environmental concerns (Coccossis and Nijkamp, 1995).

Many organisations such as the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the Federation of Nature and National Parks of Europe (FNNPE) have produced guidelines and treaties for environmental management and sustainability (FNNPE, 1993).

Citizenship, education and advertising can also enhance sustainability when individuals act in the role of consumers or workers or opinion makers (Cooper, Fletcher, Gilbert and Wanhill, 2008). Consumers need information to enable them purchase green products and contribute towards environmental sustainability.

Thus, the focus should be on an environmental education as a way of creating awareness among consumers and encourage others to adopt favourable products in environmental conservation and sustainability (Gratton and Kokolakakis, 2003).

Tribe notes “voluntary schemes exist to allow consumers mitigate the impacts of any environmental damages they may cause” (Tribe, 2005). The most common is carbon offset schemes in airline to passengers (McNeill, 1997).

Ecotourism as a form of tourism stresses the sound ecological principles (UNEPTIE, 2007). Thus, ecotourism attempts to minimise negative impacts on the environment, create environmental and cultural awareness, offer financial services to empower host communities, and raise sensitive issues of concern to host communities (Saarinen, 2006). Therefore, promoting ecotourism is a form of minimising negative external impacts of tourism and maximising the positive external impacts of tourism. However, industry observers note “ecotourism will always remain a minor form of tourism” (Mowforth and Munt, 2009). Consequently, it is not the main approach for achieving sustainable tourism.

Soft tools rarely achieve their desired effects as such approaches depend on the willingness of participants for effectiveness. However, soft tools are the best approaches for enhancing sustainability of tourism destinations.

Getz, Crouch, and Ritchie share the idea that tourism planners have recognised the need for creating common goals in tourism planning (Getz, 1995; Crouch and Ritchie, 1999). However, the problem is that there are no empirical studies to support common goals, or what factors are essential in creating shared goals in developing sustainable tourism destinations to cater for various needs of stakeholders.

To this end, most tourism organisations have no concrete industry standards as these depend on a given country’s tourism policies. Thus, creating common goals for sustainability in the tourism sector will remain a challenge.

Therefore, organisations should strive to create a solid tourism industry shared goals common among all stakeholders (Burns and Holden, 1995). These goals must come from common publications, stakeholders’ opinions, and academic journals among others. We have to recognise that the industry can create sustainable tourism destinations based on competitive interests and shared resources affected by same factors (Butler, 2006). This will ensure that stakeholders have motivation to achieve a common and collective goal.

However, these shared goals cannot remain constant as the industry experiences growth (Hall and Lew, 1998). Thus, continuous research, studies and development are necessary to reflect the changing trends in the industry such environmental concerns, infrastructures, and marketing principles.

This approach will ensure that the industry has a sense of direction supported by strategies and practical and achievable goals. Medeiros and Bramwell noted that countries such as Brazil have attempted to implement shared vision but with minimal outcomes due to uncertainty in the industry (Medeiros and Bramwell, 2002).

The challenge has been to get information where stakeholders need it for developing sustainable tourism policies. Thus, the industry must enhance information flow among its small stakeholders. This must also apply to feedback. However, generating useful information for the industry means continuous learning due to the dynamic nature of tourism. Application of information systems can assist in reflecting, evaluating, delivering, processing, and improving information flow in the tourism industry for sustainability destinations.

Most stakeholders blame poor research cultures in the tourism industry as a basis for lack of sustainability in developing tourism destinations. This is responsible for the rift in utilisation of the available research findings. De Lacy and Boyd note that there are considerable efforts in Australia to reduce such barriers through “the use of the Australian Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) model for cross-sectoral research collaboration to enhance the sustainability of tourism” (De Lacy and Boyd, 2000).

The approach aims at highlighting the importance of the industry collaboration to enhance the effectiveness and benefits of research findings through technology transfers, usages and commercialisation.

Organisations have relationships that exist among them. These can be in forms of partnerships, co-operation, co-ordination, and collaboration. Researchers have concentrated on these areas so as to eliminate problems that have affected tourism development for decades.

Jamal and Getz concur that enhancing the industry identity and common goals can enhance co-operation among the main players as these stakeholders recognise the need to work as a team (Jamal and Getz, 1995). However, the challenge is that no major studies exist to prove the importance of co-operation to tourism destination development. Still, a closer look at the relationship that exists in the industry reveals that real sustainability in the tourism industry can only become reality if there is co-operation.

Occasionally, some problems result due to lack of information. Therefore, co-operation will minimise incidences of miscommunication and difficulties due to lack of collaboration among the industry stakeholders (Inskeep, 1997). This approach to sustainability is not effective due to challenges related to accessing information in a timely fashion.

One of the aims of ecotourism is the need for cultural exchange among the stakeholders. There is a need for mutual acceptance and accommodation of different cultural belief, and world views to enhance development of sustainability in tourism destinations (Davidson and Maitland, 1997). It is necessary that stakeholders of diverse views and beliefs promote dialogue and exchanges in tourism destinations, acceptance of the locals, conservation of the cultural diversity, and eradicate negative impacts of tourism.

We can use Senge’s system thinking to promote a common language that helps stakeholders who have differences in belief systems (Senge, 1990). The industry covers almost all cultures of the global. Thus, cultural exchange has limitations in relations to accommodation, acceptance, diversity, and eradication of negative stereotypes.

Sustainability of tourism destinations needs consultative approach on decision-making processes. The processes must involve all stakeholders including host communities. Sharman noted some issues that influenced participation of stakeholders in planning as poor representation, low participation and poor outcomes of the process among the participants (Sharman, 1999).

Power issues influenced the outcomes of all consultative processes. The industry can develop models which aim at creating power balance for accommodation of different point of views (Douglas and Butler, 2001). This approach helps in facilitating understanding, strategic planning and increasing stakeholders’ participation.

The uncertainty surrounding the future of tourism industry impacts decision-making process. Stakeholders are not willing to engage in long-term decisions without knowing their consequences. Participants should base their decisions on sound policies and welcome open discussions so that they can identity issues of common concerns and provide alternatives or solutions (Jamieson, 2001).

It is difficult for the tourism industry to have a single body to coordinate all decision-making processes that fit all the tourism destinations of the world. Tourism decisions depend on national policies regulating the industry.

The concept of adaptive management can help in improving sustainability of tourism destinations. Adaptive approaches can help the industry tackle emerging challenges that hamper growth (Knowles and Egan, 2000). Adaptive management enables the industry reacts to changes in a timely fashion.

The idea of adaptive management finds support in studies and ideas of Reeds (Reed, 2000). Adaptive management requires continuous studies, testing and developing adaptive models (Eaton, 1996). Adaptive management has been effective in enhance management of the tourism industry.

Given the reviewed literature, this research supports the view that despite the existence of many initiatives, sustainable tourism practices have not spread across the industry because the stakeholders of tourism are still divided on how to improve the sustainability of tourist destinations . These initiatives exist, but tourism has diverse components that vary from country to country. Thus, putting these together to enhance sustainability of the environment has remained a challenge across the industry.

Approaches to tourism destination sustainability such as regulations, market approaches, and soft tools may not work in every tourism situation. Still, attempts at developing sustainability of tourism destinations may not achieve the desired outcome due to minimal participation in processes such as sharing information, goals, co-operation and co-ordination, cultural exchanges, consultative decision-making and planning, and adaptive management.

Reference List

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Butler, R 2006, The Tourism Area Life Cycle: Volume 2: Conceptual and theoretical issues, Channel View Publications, Clevedon.

Cater, E and Lowman, G 1994, Ecotourism: A sustainable option. Wiley, Chichester.

Coccossis, H and Nijkamp, P 1995, Sustainable tourism development, Ashgate, London.

Cohen, E 2002, ‘Authenticity, equity and sustainability in tourism’, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 267-276.

Cooper, C, Fletcher, J, Gilbert, D and Wanhill, S 2008, Tourism: principles & practice, 4th ed, Longman, Harlow.

Crouch, G and Ritchie, J 1999, ‘Tourism, competitiveness, and societal prosperity’, Journal of Business Research, vol. 44, pp. 137–152.

Curtis, I 2002, ‘Environmentally sustainable tourism: A case for carbon trading at Northern Queensland hotels and resorts’, Australian Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 9, no.1, pp. 27–36.

Davidson, R and Maitland, R 1997, Tourism destinations, Hodder and Stoughton, London.

De Lacy, T and Boyd, M 2000, An Australian research partnership between industry, universities and government: The Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism, Channel View Publications, Clevedon, UK.

Deloitte and Oxford Economics 2010, The economic contribution of the visitor economy: UK and the nations, Visit Britain, London.

Douglas, P and Richard B 2001, Contemporary Issues in Tourism Development, Routledge, London.

Eaton, B 1996, European leisure business: Strategies for the future, Elm Publications, Cambridge.

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Inskeep, E 1997, Tourism planning, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York.

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Jamieson, W 2001, Promotion of investment in tourism infrastructure, UN ESCAP, New York.

Knowles, T and Egan, D 2000, ‘Recession and its implications for the international hotel industry’, Travel and Tourism Analyst, vol. 6, pp. 59–76.

Liu, Z 2003, ‘Sustainable tourism development: a critique’, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol. 11, no. 6, pp. 459-475.

McNeill, L 1997, Travel in the digital age, Bowerdean Publishing, Chichester.

Medeiros de Araujo, L and Bramwell, B 2002, ‘Partnership and regional tourism in Brazil’, Annals of Tourism Research, vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 1138–1164.

Middleton, V and Hawkins, R 1998, Sustainable tourism: A marketing perspective, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford.

Mowforth, M and Munt, I 2009, Tourism and Sustainability Development, globalisation and new tourism in the Third World, Routledge, London.

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Priestley, G, Edwards, J and Coccossis, H 1996, Sustainable tourism? European experiences, CAB International, Wallingford.

Reed, M 2000, Collaborative tourism planning as adaptive experiments in emergent tourism settings, Channel View Publications, Clevedon, UK.

Saarinen, J 2006, ‘Traditions of Sustainability in Tourism Studies’, Annals of Tourism Research, vol. 33, no. 4, pp. 1121-1140.

Senge, P 1990, The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization, Currency Doubleday, New York.

Sharman, A 1999, ‘Collaboration in local tourism policy making’, Annals of Tourism Research, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 392–415.

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IvyPanda . "Sustainable Tourism Development." January 8, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/sustainable-tourism-essay/.

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• Development and Pro-Poor Tourism
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Short Essay: My Adventurous Trip

A couple of short essay examples on an adventurous trip.

Table of Contents

My Adventurous Trip Essay Example 1

Traveling is one of the most exciting experiences one can have in life. It allows us to explore new places, meet different people, and create unforgettable memories. My recent adventurous trip was one such experience that I will cherish for a lifetime. The trip involved hiking through a dense forest, crossing a river, and reaching the summit of a mountain, where I enjoyed a breathtaking view. Despite facing challenges such as unpredictable weather and rough terrain, the trip was a memorable and rewarding experience. In this essay, I will share my experience of this adventurous trip, highlighting the challenges, the exhilarating moments, and the memories that I will cherish forever.

Our trip started with hiking through a dense forest. The forest was full of tall trees, colorful flowers, and chirping birds. The trail was steep and rocky, and we had to be careful while walking. The forest was so dense that we could hardly see the sun, and the air was full of freshness. We had to take breaks in between to catch our breath and hydrate ourselves. As we walked, we could hear the sound of a river, and after a few hours of hiking, we finally reached the river. The river was wide and had a strong current, and we had to cross it to continue our journey. We had to be careful while crossing the river, and we held hands to maintain our balance. The water was cold, and we could feel the current pushing us, but we made it to the other side, feeling proud of ourselves.

The highlight of our trip was reaching the summit of the mountain. The climb was steep and exhausting, but the view from the top was worth every effort. From the top of the mountain, we could see the entire valley, and it was a sight to behold. The sky was clear, and the sun was shining brightly, making the view even more beautiful. We took pictures and sat there for a while, enjoying the serene beauty of nature. We could hear the sound of birds and feel the cool breeze on our faces. It was a moment of pure bliss, and we felt grateful for being able to witness such a beautiful view.

Despite facing challenges such as unpredictable weather and rough terrain, the trip was a memorable and rewarding experience. We had to face unexpected rain and strong winds, which made the climb more challenging. We slipped a few times, but we managed to keep going, motivated by the thought of reaching the summit. The journey was long and tiring, but the memories we created were worth it. We bonded with our fellow travelers, shared laughter, and created memories that we will cherish forever. The trip taught us to be resilient, to push ourselves beyond our limits, and to appreciate the beauty of nature.

In conclusion, my adventurous trip was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to explore the beauty of nature, push my limits, and create memories that I will cherish forever. Hiking through a dense forest, crossing a river, and reaching the summit of a mountain were challenging but rewarding experiences. Despite facing unpredictable weather and rough terrain, we persevered and created memories that will stay with us for a lifetime. The trip taught us the importance of resilience, perseverance, and appreciation for the beauty of nature. It was an experience that I will always treasure and would love to relive again.

My Adventurous Trip Essay Example 2

My adventurous trip was an experience of a lifetime. It was a chance for me to step out of my comfort zone and explore the great outdoors. The trip was filled with activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. The beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings made the trip memorable. Overcoming challenges such as inclement weather and physical exertion added to the sense of accomplishment and adventure. In this essay, I will share my experiences of this unforgettable trip.

Hiking was one of the most exciting activities of the trip. We started our hike early in the morning, and the trail was challenging, but the view was worth it. The trail led us through dense forests, and we saw wildflowers, butterflies, and birds along the way. We stopped for a break at a small waterfall, and the sound of the water was soothing. As we continued our hike, we came across a steep incline, which was physically demanding, but we pushed on. At the peak, we were rewarded with an incredible view of the valley below. The sense of accomplishment we felt after completing the hike was indescribable.

Camping was another activity that added to the adventure of the trip. We set up our tents near a lake, and the view was breathtaking. We spent the night sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and sharing stories. The night sky was clear, and we saw countless stars, which was a beautiful sight. The next morning, we woke up early to go kayaking on the lake. The water was calm, and we saw fish jumping out of the water. We even saw a family of ducks swimming nearby. Kayaking was a peaceful and relaxing experience.

The trip was not without its challenges, however. We faced inclement weather during our kayaking, and it was physically demanding. The waves were strong, and the water was choppy. We had to navigate our kayaks through the waves carefully. At times, it was nerve-wracking, but we were able to push through and complete the activity. Overcoming these challenges added to the sense of adventure and accomplishment.

In conclusion, my adventurous trip was an experience that I will cherish forever. The activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking, the beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings, and the challenges we faced made the trip unforgettable. It was an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone, explore the great outdoors, and create memories with friends. I hope to have more opportunities like this in the future.

My Adventurous Trip Essay Example 3

Going on an adventurous trip is an experience that many people crave. It is an opportunity to explore new destinations, push oneself to the limit, and create unforgettable memories. I recently had the chance to embark on one such journey, and it was an experience that I will never forget. My adventurous trip involved hiking through a dense forest to reach a remote waterfall. Along the way, I encountered challenging terrain and had to navigate through rough terrain. Despite the difficulties, the stunning views and sense of accomplishment made the trip a truly unforgettable adventure. In this essay, I will describe my trip in detail, highlighting the challenges and the rewards that came with it.

The first part of my adventurous trip involved hiking through a dense forest to reach a remote waterfall. The trail was not well-marked, and the terrain was challenging, consisting of steep inclines, muddy patches, and slippery rocks. The dense foliage made it difficult to see the path ahead, and we had to rely on our instincts and map reading skills to find our way through. The forest was alive with the sounds of birds and small animals, and the air was fresh and invigorating. As we got closer to our destination, the sound of rushing water became louder, and we knew we were getting close. Finally, after several hours of hiking, we arrived at the waterfall, and the sight before us was breathtaking. The waterfall was a powerful force of nature, cascading down from a height of over 100 feet. The water was crystal clear, and the surrounding rocks were covered in moss and ferns. It was a sight that made all the hiking and exertion worth it.

The second part of my adventurous trip involved navigating through rough terrain. The terrain was rocky and uneven, and we had to be careful not to slip or fall. At some points, the trail was so steep that we had to use ropes to climb up or down. The weather was also unpredictable, and we had to be prepared for sudden rain or wind. Despite the challenges, the sense of adventure and excitement kept us going. We were a group of friends, and we encouraged and supported each other along the way. We shared food and water, helped each other over difficult patches, and cheered each other on when we reached a milestone. The journey was not just about reaching the destination; it was also about the bonds we formed and the memories we created.

The final part of my adventurous trip was the sense of accomplishment that came with it. After several hours of hiking, navigating challenging terrain, and enduring unpredictable weather, we finally reached our destination. The feeling of standing in front of the waterfall, surrounded by the beauty of nature, was indescribable. It was a sense of accomplishment that came from pushing ourselves beyond our limits, from facing our fears and overcoming them. We took pictures, laughed, and savored the moment. It was a feeling that stayed with us long after the trip was over. The adventurous trip was not just a physical journey; it was also a journey of the mind and the spirit.

In conclusion, my adventurous trip was an experience that I will never forget. It involved hiking through a dense forest to reach a remote waterfall, navigating through rough terrain, and the sense of accomplishment that came with it. The trip was challenging, but it was also rewarding. It reminded me of the beauty of nature, the importance of perseverance, and the power of friendship. It was an experience that taught me to appreciate the simple things in life and to embrace the adventure that comes with it.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

Essay on Favorite Destination

Students are often asked to write an essay on Favorite Destination in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Favorite Destination

Introduction.

Everyone has a favorite place to go, a place that holds special memories. For me, it’s the beach.

Why the Beach?

The beach is my favorite destination because it’s a place where I can relax and forget about my worries.

The Beauty of the Beach

The soft sand, the blue sea, and the warm sun make it a paradise on earth. I love building sandcastles and playing in the waves.

In conclusion, the beach is my favorite destination because it brings joy and peace to my life.

250 Words Essay on Favorite Destination

Traveling is a passion that allows us to explore different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Among the myriad of destinations worldwide, my favorite is the captivating city of Paris, France.

The Allure of Paris

Paris, often referred to as “The City of Light,” is a blend of historical grandeur, artistic expression, and culinary finesse. The city’s architecture, from the Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral to the modern Louvre Pyramid, showcases its rich historical evolution.

Artistic Paradise

Art lovers find solace in Paris. The Louvre, housing the famous Mona Lisa, and the Musée d’Orsay, showcasing Impressionist masterpieces, are the epitome of artistic excellence. The city’s streets are a canvas, with vibrant graffiti art, street performers, and quaint bookshops.

Culinary Delights

Paris is synonymous with gastronomic pleasure. From the humble croissant and café au lait at a sidewalk café to the sophisticated gastronomy at Michelin-starred restaurants, Paris offers a culinary journey like no other.

Paris captivates with its timeless charm, artistic richness, and culinary delights. It’s not just a city, but an experience, a feeling, an inspiration. The allure of Paris is enduring, making it my favorite destination.

500 Words Essay on Favorite Destination

Traveling is an enlightening and enriching experience that broadens our perspectives, allows us to explore diverse cultures, and provides a much-needed break from our daily routines. Among the myriad of mesmerizing destinations worldwide, my favorite is the quaint and picturesque city of Kyoto, Japan. This essay delves into the reasons why Kyoto has a special place in my heart.

The Historical Allure

Kyoto, the erstwhile capital of Japan, is steeped in history and tradition. The city is a living testament to Japan’s rich past, with its well-preserved temples, shrines, and ancient architecture. The Kinkaku-ji, or the ‘Golden Pavilion,’ is a Zen Buddhist temple that is a marvel of architectural brilliance. The Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its iconic Torii gate pathway leading to the sacred Mount Inari, is another historical gem. These historical landmarks offer a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural life of ancient Japanese society.

The Natural Splendor

Kyoto is not just about history and tradition; it’s also a city that beautifully harmonizes with nature. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, with its towering bamboo stalks, creates an ethereal atmosphere that soothes the soul. The Philosopher’s Path, a scenic canal-side path lined with hundreds of cherry trees, is breathtakingly beautiful during the Sakura (cherry blossom) season. These natural wonders offer a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle and bustle, making Kyoto a haven for nature lovers.

The Cultural Experience

Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan. The city is renowned for its traditional tea ceremonies, Geisha dances, and Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement). Participating in a tea ceremony at a traditional tea house is an immersive experience that epitomizes the Japanese philosophy of mindfulness and living in the moment. Similarly, watching a Geisha performance is like stepping into a time machine that transports you to the Edo era. These cultural experiences make Kyoto a unique destination that provides an authentic taste of Japanese culture.

The Culinary Delights

Kyoto’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as its cultural landscape. The city is famous for its Kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal), Matcha (green tea) sweets, and Yuba (tofu skin), among other delicacies. The Nishiki Market, often referred to as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” is a food paradise where one can savor these culinary delights. The food in Kyoto is not just about taste; it’s an art form that reflects the city’s aesthetic sensibilities and its respect for nature.

In conclusion, Kyoto is a city that seamlessly blends the old with the new, the spiritual with the material, and the human with nature. Its historical allure, natural splendor, cultural experiences, and culinary delights make it a destination that appeals to all senses. Kyoto is not just a city; it’s a living, breathing poem that captivates the heart and stimulates the mind. It’s a favorite destination that embodies the essence of travel – discovery, exploration, and transformation.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Vacation / My Dream Holiday Destination: A Journey of Imagination

My Dream Holiday Destination: A Journey of Imagination

• Category: Sociology , Life
• Topic: Identity Imagination , Vacation

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