Palm trees, pure white sands, crystal clear azure waters, cloudless blue skies, a living dream, this is the only way one could describe the Maldives. Many wonder where all those picture perfect beach photographs in postcards and calendars come from. Wonder no more, it is most likely taken from the Maldives Islands.
You should now start wondering something else. How to get yourself in that picture and experience it first hand? Lucky for you we can help. But first here is a little background on the Islands (as if you need even more reasons to visit):
The Maldives are almost naturally perfect and beautiful. Located in the southwest of Sri Lanka, the island nation is made up of over 2,000 coral islands, many of which are uninhabited. The majority of inhabitants reside on only one of the 202 inhabited islands.
The capital city Male houses ¼ of the population. On many islands, people live completely across the land as they have for thousands of years.
How to get there: The Maldives are very tourist friendly as they depend upon tourism for their economy. There are several airlines to choose from when choosing a flight to the main airport. Once there small air taxis or boats help visitors get from island to island.
Accomodations range from budget to ultra-luxury. If you really want to go all out, many islands are used as a private resort sanctuary.
The twin islands of New Zealand are jam packed with fantastic destinations. It is impossible to get the full experience in one trip. If you were to visit New Zealand a thousand times, you are sure to have a thousand unique experiences. What should you see? What should you do? These top three destinations have something for everyone to enjoy and are sure to have you planning your next trip before you even leave!
Waitomo Caves
If you are looking for an experience that you can’t get anywhere else, travel to the Waitomo Caves in the Waikato Region. These caves have been changing and evolving for over 30 million years! A trip through the caves will allow you to see stalactites, stalagmites and other cave critters. However, there is one particular critter that will amaze you. The Waitomo Caves are home to a species of worm named Arachnocampa luminosa which actually glow! Thousands of these blue glowworms create a light show that can only be seen in these caves.
Auckland
A trip to Auckland provides you with the opportunity to experience a mix of contemporary amenities, natural beauty and vibrant Polynesian culture. Here you can wander through art galleries, taste wine from famous New Zealand vineyards, and enjoy active nightlife. Auckland is the perfect place to enjoy the cosmopolitan life as well as experience the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Due to the abundance of activities available for travelers, Auckland should be on your New Zealand must-see list.
Otago Peninsula
If you travel to the South Island’s Otago Peninsula, you will find a paradise set in the middle of an urban environment. Along with lush pastures, sandy beaches and volcanoes, you will get to meet some of New Zealand’s most famous residents. Yellow-eyed penguins, blue penguins, albatross, sea lions, fur seals and other creatures can all be seen. Once you get your fill of nature, return to the city to enjoy art, wine, culture and dining. The Otago Peninsula is the perfect example of how man and nature can live together in harmony.
Of all the words you could use to describe New Zealand, “unique” probably describes it best. This is one destination that will create multiple memories that will last a lifetime.
Tigers are among the most impressive animals in the world. They are the perfect combination of strength, speed and agility. Despite their awesome attributes, the tiger population is actually shrinking. To combat this, countries like India have set up special programs and preserves to help save the tigers.
The Tiger Project was started in 1972 and was created as an effort to ensure that national parks and sanctuaries in India are protected. This project has helped protect many tigers from poaching and extinction. The efforts of the Tiger Project can be seen at the Ranthambore Tiger Preserve. This is considered one of the best places to spot these incredible felines. This preserve offers tours where you can see tigers, nilgai, wild boar, hyena, sloth, leopards and more. The Ranthambore Tiger Preserve is definitely the premier destination for those who want to observe tigers.
Another good place to do some tiger watching is the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh. One interesting fact about this park is that it was said to be Rudyark Kiplin’s inspiration for the classic, Jungle Book. Similar to the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, the Kanha National Park is also a great place to see tigers as well as other impressive animals. Visitors can expect to see bears, elephant and peacocks in addition to the resident tigers.
While the Tiger Project has suffered its setbacks, it has definitely helped to protect tigers from extinction. It would be a shame to think that without efforts to help save tigers all over the world, children born today may never have the opportunity to see them. If you are aching for the chance to see these spectacular animals in the wild, be sure to plan a trip to India and visit both the Ranthambore Tiger Preserve and Kanha National Park.
When you travel for fun, it’s hard to pick out your next destination. That’s why we’ve invented a fun way to help you decide. Take our travel quiz and start planning!
Botswana is a country in southern Africa that is very unique. It is considered one of the least populated countries in the world. Only about 2 million people live in Botswana, so the animals literally outnumber the humans! The landscape is mostly desert, however there are a few areas that can sustain the beautiful animals that people usually go to Africa to see. One of these special places is the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.
The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve borders the Chobe River, and is a vast area that has grasslands, woodlands, and even islands. A majority of people who visit the reserve are hoping to see some of the animals that occupy this diverse area. Some of the animals you might see are elephants, zebras, impalas, giraffes and antelopes. One particularly beautiful site is when thousands of zebras gather to head south for the summertime. It has to be seen to be believed. Daytime in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is full of activity, and so is the nighttime. Lions, cheetahs, wild dogs and leopards relax during the day, but are very active at night. Bird lovers will also have a great time in the reserve as there are hundreds of species of birds. Observing these animals in their natural habitats is something every world traveler must experience.
If you are searching for an all-natural adventure, you will definitely want to visit the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. The plants, animals and landscapes of Botswana will come alive and leave you with some of the most exciting memories ever.
There are so many things to do in Peru that it can be overwhelming; where do you get started? Do you visit the Andes first or explore the desert? What about adventure through the Amazon rainforest or ancient ruins? No matter what you decide, you can rest assured that you will have an amazing time that is full of possibilities.
Iquitos
If you are a nature lover, you will love Iquitos. This city rests on the banks of the Amazon River and cannot be reached by road. Once you arrive, you will notice the exotic flora and fauna that surrounds you. If you want to explore the natural offerings of Iquitos, be sure to visit the many parks and nature reserves. Once you are done exploring the rainforest, it would also be a good idea to explore the culture of the city as well. The people of Iquitos are known for their rich traditions and hospitality.
Machu Picchu
If you have ever dreamed of visiting an ancient lost city, then you absolutely must visit Machu Picchu. Set high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. While there are sure to be other tourists, seeing the staircases, temples, palaces and fountains are well worth dealing with the crowds. The beauty and history of Machu Picchu is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Peru.
Lima
If you are interesting in discovering the culture of Peru, be sure to pay a visit to Lima. Here you will find a busy city that still hangs on to its culture and traditions. This perfect mix of past, present and future is as vibrant as it is interesting. While in Lima, take advantage of the great shopping and sample of some o f the finest cuisine in the world!
As you can see, Peru definitely has something for everyone. No matter what you are in search for, Peru is sure to charm and amaze you with its diversity, culture and spirit.
Fun Fact: Visit the ruins of one of the world’s most sophisticated and legendary cultures, the Mayans.
Nestled between Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Victoria Falls is a waterfall that is 1.7 kilometers wide and 108 meters tall, which makes it the largest in the world. This waterfall has to be seen, as it is a testament of how powerful nature can be.
Victoria Falls is known by the locals as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” and has been an object of intrigue for travelers for over a hundred years. Scottish explorer David Livingstone journeyed to Africa in the 19th century and wrote about his experience with Victoria Falls. In his work Narrative of an Expedition to the Zambesi and its Tributaries, he describes the waterfall as something that is so majestic that it is hard to put into words. Victoria Falls still continues to mesmerize onlookers more than a century later.
While the height and width of the falls is astounding, even more interesting is its geological makeup. Other great waterfalls like Niagara were formed by the slow recession of rock over which the river falls, while it seems that Victoria Falls seems to have been formed by a crack across the river. This mighty rift is the reason why spectators can see the entire length of the falls head on.
Visitors travel to Victoria Falls every year to marvel at the power of the river. In 1989, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both geological and ecological values. If your travels will take you to Zambia or Zimbabwe, make sure you adventure out to see the Victoria Falls. It will be an experience you won’t forget.
Fun Fact: Beach lovers, you’ll fall for Tela’s “Hidden Port.” Pristine beaches are ringed with verdant rain forests: paradise.
In a world that is increasingly tech-savvy, it can be hard to find mystique. However, there is one place in the world that maintains its ancient allure. The ruins of Machu Picchu are tucked away in the Andes Mountains of Peru and are home to a wealth of ancient mysteries.
Machu Picchu is a secluded ancient city that is almost a secret. Sitting 2000 feet above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu cannot be seen from the ground. The surroundings of this five-square-mile city are home to houses, baths, temples, parks, palaces and storage rooms which are all beautifully preserved. If you are an architecture buff, you will definitely be impressed by the workmanship of the ruins. Blocks of granite weighing more than fifty tons are intricately arranged so that not even a knife blade can fit between the cracks. The attention to detail that was used to build Machu Picchu is incredible!
You might have guessed that Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most visited tourist attraction. One thing you might not know is that it is also on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. Visitors are encourages to be very gentle and tread lightly to help preserve the ruins. It would be a shame if future generations aren’t able to enjoy them.
When preparing for a trip to Machu Picchu, remember that this location is rather secluded so there will be a lot of walking. You will also want to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the Peruvian sun can be tough. There are guided tours available if you would prefer, however wandering the ruins yourself can be an equally exciting experience.
Are you ready to explore the ancient and mysterious Machu Picchu?
Fun Fact: Don’t just soak in the Maldivian culture: participate in it! Join a dance class or learn to play the traditional bamboo and hide Bodu Beru drums.
