When picking your next travel destination, the bright lights of somewhere like New York might seem appealing. But the wonders that can be found outside of the urban sprawls can be even more impressive. Mother nature has created some incredible spectacles that can take your breath away.
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are often seen as a magical occurrence that is only caught by the lucky few who happen to be looking up at the night sky at just the right moment, but that is no longer the case. The Northern Lights can be so predictable that there are even apps available nowadays. Scientists can predict the likelihood of you spotting the Northern Lights due to their location and cloud coverage, so if you want to see this dazzling light display, then it is possible. Traveling to a remote location like the Lofoten Islands in Norway, away from cities’ light pollution, is a good bet. But remember these islands are technically in the Arctic Circle, so pack correctly. Moncler for Men jackets would be a good recommendation for keeping you warm as you head out into the night to spot the natural phenomenon that lights the sky in dazzling colors.
Table Mountain
If you want to combine a natural wonder with a city getaway, look no further than Table Mountain. Overlooking Cape Town, the flat-topped mountain is also a natural park, so its natural beauty is protected. The flat-topped mountain can be scaled by hiking it or taking a cable car. When you are at the top, take in the city’s spectacular views and the ocean, but also be on the lookout for the Rock Hyrax or Dassie. These cute critters live all over the mountain and can frequently be found nibbling on a hiker’s leftover lunch. Despite resembling guinea-pigs, the rock hyrax is the elephant’s closest living relative, having descended from the same species millennia ago.
Giants Causeway
Situated on Northern Ireland’s north coast, this extensive collection of hexagonal rocks are so uniform that they look human-made. They got their name because it was initially believed that a giant placed them there trying to cross to Scotland. In reality, the rocks were naturally created through a process of cooling and solidifying lava. Northern Ireland is known for its bad weather, so be sure to wrap up warm, and even in the summer months, it is wise to have a raincoat handy. If you feel particularly adventurous, you can take in a 5-mile clifftop hike that takes you past all of the Causeway’s most prolific rock formations. Like Table Mountain, the Giant’s Causeway is a Unesco World Heritage Site giving it a special conservation protected status.
Niagara Falls
While Niagara Falls might seem like it has become a cliched tourist trap in recent years, their real spectacle has still to be seen to be fully appreciated. Straddling both the United States of America and Canada, the falls are a collection of three separate waterfalls separated by islands. The flow rate of the water falling over the edge can vary depending on the season, so it is best to investigate to make sure you see them at their full power.
The Ngorongoro Crater
Situated in Tanzania, this incredible site resembles a gigantic natural amphitheater. While its shape is impressive, the real reason you visit is the wild life you can encounter there. According to Natural World Safaris, it is the best location to spot the ‘Big Five’ safari animals due to it hosting the highest density of mammals on the African continent. Be sure to bring a high-quality set of binoculars, as the crater is 16 miles in diameter, and the views are breathtaking.
And The One to Avoid
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
The impressive rock in the middle of Australia used to be a tourist hot spot until recently. In 2019 climbers were permanently banned from the site. The rock’s Aboriginal owners, whose relationship with the site goes back thousands of years, campaigned for this decision, as the site is sacred to their beliefs. The rock can still be viewed from below, but park rangers will stop anyone trying to scale the rock to protect its heritage and spiritual significance.
Wherever you find yourself in the world, remember that our globe is filled with natural beauty. While you might not be beside any of these natural wonders, there will be another one not too far from your doorstep. Whether it is a forest with rare fauna, a beach with colossal waves, or a mountain begging to be scaled, the world is full of wonders waiting to be explored by intrepid adventurers.