There are few places left in the world that you can truly call pristine, but that’s just what our Polar Regions offer. They are surprisingly havens for wildlife, and a range of small group tours journey to remote destinations like Greenland and Spitsbergen in the north as well as Antarctica in the south.
Whether you’ve always wanted to witness a vivid aurora or be bathed in 24 hours of sunshine, the world’s Polar Regions offer adventures unlike any other. From walruses and polar bears in the north to elephant seals and penguins in the south, our Polar Regions abound with rare and endangered wildlife.
In addition to witnessing almost unimaginable landscapes and wildlife, there are many epic activities on offer including dog sledding, hiking on ice sheets, mountain biking in Greenland, and kayaking or taking a polar plunge in the icy waters off Antarctica.
So grab your parka because Quark Expeditions, the leader in polar adventures, is ready to help you choose from some of the top Polar Region bucket list adventures.
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Have you ever considered camping without fences on a safari in the most remote areas of Botswana, sharing the same space with wild animals like lions, hippos and hyenas?
Does it sound like an adventure of a lifetime, or is it a little too much of an adventure?
Over 10 days I went on a self-drive remote camping safari in Botswana, driving my 4×4 deep in the bush, carrying everything I needed in my truck – a portable kitchen, 2 spare tires, a toolbox, a tent on top, my camera and tons of excitement. Here’s how you can do it too!
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It remains to be seen if and how the pandemic will affect Ibiza’s upcoming summer clubbing season which runs from roughly the end of May through early October. Most people think of packed nightclubs and giant beach crowds when they think of Ibiza, which doesn’t exactly adhere to the whole social distancing concept.
Thankfully, Ibiza is much more than parties and music. There’s a natural and relaxing side to the island which may now be just what travelers need for planning a stay in Ibiza.
Ibiza is home to many protected natural areas including natural parks like Ses Salines and Amunts as well as the Ses Feixes Wetlands which attracts a great deal of birdlife. There are secret coves to explore, deserted beaches to seek out, and hiking trails to help you get off the beaten trail.
Sections of the island are also historically significant such as the Renaissance walls of Ibiza City’s Old Town and the remnants of early Phoenician settlements. Parts of Ibiza are actually recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of their significance.
Experience the Ibiza you may not have known as I introduce you to some of the island’s relaxing natural locations where you’ll be far removed from the pulsating beats puts out by DJs which will allow you to actually tune in to your own heartbeat.
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Do you enjoy traveling around the country via RV? Do you like going for a quick weekend getaway without having to worry about paying for a hotel room or boarding your pets?
Traveling around the country in your RV is a great way to let loose and explore. But while this may sound expensive and gas guzzling, there are plenty of ways you can decrease your costs as well as your carbon footprint.
Specifically, by using solar generators as your backup energy source. These days solar generators are powerful, portable, and specifically designed for clean energy. Most are also silent, so there’s no noise pollution either!
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Whether you’re arriving in Dominica by cruise ship, commercial plane, or private jet, this volcanic, rainforest-covered island offers up plenty of ways to simply kick back and relax. It’s Dominica’s adventure scene, however, which makes this a truly unique and rewarding Caribbean holiday.
There’s no shortage of beautiful islands to choose from in the Caribbean, but one gem that is often overlooked in the Windward Islands group is Dominica. Remarkably different than other nearby islands both in terms of culture and natural landscapes, Dominica is finally starting to gain attention as the next hot ecotourism destination.
Having been a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean, you too can partake in your own exciting adventures including jungle jeep safaris, scuba diving, rowboat river journeys, river tubing, and horseback riding both on the beach and actually in the sea.
Two-thirds of Dominica is covered in rainforest, much of this untouched land home to national parks filled with waterfalls, hot springs, and other natural wonders. While narrowing down the best things to experience in Dominica definitely isn’t easy, here are my top five things not to miss on your next Dominica getaway.
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Known as the “Gateway to Southwest Florida”, Fort Myers makes the perfect base for exploring the many beautiful islands that are easily accessible from the city.
Being lucky enough to have called this subtropical paradise home for two years, Fort Myers is a place packed with excitement. Now a major tourist destination, snowbirds from northern cities choose to overwinter here and more and more people are relocating every year.
Islands around Fort Myers are home to abundant wildlife, loads of outdoor recreation including exceptional golfing, and many of Florida’s most beautiful hidden beaches. So we’ve partnered with Hotels.com to bring you a list of our favorites!
Once you’re finished shopping at the outlets and catching a baseball spring training game, be sure to check out these top nearby islands, each offering their own unique attractions and character.
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One of the world’s most beloved hiking trails just so happens to end at one of the most famous wonders of the world. While many tourists take the train to the ancient Inca citadel Machu Picchu, it’s the 4-5 day hike along the world-renowned Inca Trail through the Andes that allows you to really embrace the region and its culture.
The Inca Trail’s roughly 26-mile-long trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu will introduce you to a range of different natural landscapes including clouds forests and alpine tundra, passing numerous ancient Inca ruins along the way.
Here are a few of the highlights along your journey.
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Miami’s sun, sand, and surf are enough to lure countless travelers each year, but then you add in fun colorful art deco buildings and an equally vibrant nightlife and you have the perfect getaway destination.
Miami’s art deco and gorgeous sunsets aren’t the only colorful things in Miami though. Scattered around the city are lush subtropical gardens that are as colorful as the many characters that you’ll encounter on South Beach.
You’ll find beautiful green spaces nearly everywhere in Miami, and we’ve partnered with Hotels.com to bring you this list. Many of the most luxurious Miami hotels and resorts even have their own private little gardens wrapped around refreshing pools.
After you’ve had enough tanning and partying on the beach and need to nurse that sunburn or hangover, check out these stunning gardens around the city that will provide you with the perfect detox.
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One of America’s greatest natural treasures, Yellowstone National Park was the first declared national park in the U.S. and one of the first government-protected natural areas in the world.
The enormous park covers over two million acres, most of which lies within the state of Wyoming, and with plenty of nature trails and wide open spaces, is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining socially distancing.
Yellowstone’s untamed land is home to canyons, rivers, mountains, and half of the world’s hydrothermal features. Five entrances provide access to nearly a hundred different hiking trailheads and hundreds of miles of park roads. Many of America’s largest animals including bears, bison, and elk can be seen, in addition to Yellowstone’s many iconic natural landmarks.
I hope to inspire you to visit Yellowstone National Park and its surrounds by sharing the park’s most famous natural features and the wildlife you can expect to see during your visit.
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Waterfalls are one of the most beautiful creations of Mother Nature. They are often a source of freshwater for local communities, while at the same time, attract tourists for their beauty, which naturally boosts local economies.
World famous for their scenic beauty, prominent falls include Angel Falls in Venezuela, Niagara Falls in the United States / Canada, and Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Incredible falls are present throughout the globe, and the same is true for India.
A subcontient often considered to be a microcosm of the world, and home to some of the wettest places on earth, India is home to thousands of falls ranging from a few meters to hundreds of meters in height.
Of course, you won’t have the chance to visit every single one, so here we’ve listed 10 of the best waterfalls; the most renowned for their beauty, of which you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
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Uyuni, the land of wonders, is almost at hand’s reach. We’ve heard so much about it, at every table of every hostel throughout South America.
We’re ecstatic, exhilarated and exquisitely excited. But we’ve also thought long and hard about which tour we should take. Should we stick to the salt flats, or indulge in the 3-day excursion?
Honestly, if we had known about the myriad stunning landscapes we would go through on the 3-day Uyuni tour, it would have saved a lot of time and effort. The South of Bolivia has so much more to it than the salt flats.
Truth is, what you’re about to read is exactly the kind of post we would have needed.
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Traveling doesn’t always have to be so taxing on the environment. By finding ways to travel greener, you’ll be making less of a negative impact on the planet with each trip.
Here are seven great ways to be more eco-friendly while you’re traveling. Small changes we make on an individual level do add up to have a powerful collective effect.
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The popularity of Joshua Tree National Park dates back 10,000 years, back when the Pinto Culture were hunter-gatherers within the region. Cattle rustlers and miners would later move into the area before Joshua Tree would eventually go on to become the outdoor recreation mecca it is today.
Joshua Tree’s otherworldly landscape is filled with billion-year-old boulders and crazy looking Joshua trees for which the park is named. It’s now been 25 years since California’s Joshua Tree became a national park, conserving nearly a half million acres of rugged yet beautiful desert wilderness.
The park has been popularized through its appearance in music videos, iconic album covers, and through big name music concerts, though it’s major draw is its offering of outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re into rock climbing, hiking, camping, or spotting wildlife, Joshua Tree definitely delivers! Read about all the things you can do!
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Famous throughout the world, Japan’s cherry blossoms put on a spectacular show every spring with visitors coming from far and wide to view the incredible sight.
In Japan this season is called “Hanami” which literally translates to “viewing of cherry blossoms” (the flowers themselves are referred to as Sakura). Cherry blossoms play such a significant role in Japanese culture; they are fleeting, short-lived, and cherished for their ephemeral beauty.
The Hanami season begins in March and lasts until May, and whether you’re visiting busy cities like Tokyo or Osaka, or sourcing out hidden parks and temples, pink and white cherry trees will blanket the country from north to south!
But the cherry blossoms are fleeting, and most cities only offer a short window of 2-3 weeks. Tokyo’s cherry tress are predicted to start blooming from March 22 in 2020, with the best viewing from March 29 – April 6.
So, want to learn more about Hanami? We’ve updated our popular guide with dates for 2020, so you have all the info you need for planning a cherry blossoms trip to Japan, and extra fun facts about its significance to Japanese culture.
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2020 is the age of the socially conscious traveler – increased awareness around responsible travel has seen us become more conscious of our environmental and social footprint, and many travelers now acknowledge the importance of traveling with awareness and thought.
And that’s exactly what it means to be a socially conscious traveler – to make ethical decisions where you’re mindful of the impact you have on both the environment and the local community you are visiting abroad.
Ultimately, don’t destroy what you came to enjoy.
#Responsibletravel
The basics of responsible travel apply where-ever you travel – simple things like not littering, leaving places the way you found them, and respecting nature and wildlife. However each destination may have additional specifics to consider.
This post is for those traveling to Europe!
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Unique natural wonders, unforgettable terrains, spectacular scenic beauty, and a wealth of outdoor activities bring over 300 million visitors to America’s 61 national parks every year.
While every park is a truly worthy destination, some stand out just a little more than others.
Here are some of the best.
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Most visitors to Tasmania are searching for an escape from the congestion and stress of large cities. They come in search of wild landscapes, ancient rain-forests, and Australia’s cleanest, freshest air.
For those who fly into Hobart, they find a hub of history, arts, festivals, food, and modern culture. But for those seeking nature; truly untouched, untamed, and unexplored style nature; Tasmania’s west is one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers.
Secretly tucked away along the southern fringes of the Tarkine Wilderness Area, the Corinna Wilderness Experience is a wilderness retreat which offers an escape from places that are increasingly falling victim to overtourism.
Corinna is one of the most beautiful remote parts of the world yet surprisingly still easily accessible. While set within Australia’s largest area of Gondwanan cool-temperate rainforest, Corinna was once a historic gold mining town.
Positioned just steps from the pristine rainforest and beautiful silent Pieman River, there are a number of adventurous activities available to those modern day explorers looking for an epic holiday.
This article will dive into how you can escape to Corinna, and spend time exploring the pristine wilds of Western Tasmania yourself.
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One of the southern-most points in Australia, Bruny Island lies off the south coast of Tasmania. Though despite being just a short drive and ferry ride from Hobart, less than 10% of travelers to Tasmania visit, choosing instead to head to more famous parts of the State like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park.
Their loss!
While Bruny Island may only be 50 kilometres across, the unassuming island is one of Tasmania’s best kept secrets, and while small in size, it certainly packs a heavy punch; think stunning natural beaches, elusive quolls and white wallabies, and sustainable luxury at its finest.
You’ll need at least 3 days to really do the island justice, and when it comes to accommodation, we can highly recommend Free Spirit Pods; gorgeous, fully self contained eco-pods set on the waterfront, backed by 8 acres of bushland on North Bruny Island.
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It’s one of my favorite outdoor activities; lacing up my boots for a bit of hiking; to fully immerse myself in the natural landscapes that range from the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas, to lush mountain gorilla habitat in Rwanda.
While many hiking adventures don’t require a great deal of planning or preparation, there are times when simply lacing up the hiking books and slinging a small backpack over the shoulder doesn’t quite cut it.
Hiking in mountains presents many potential dangers, and although it isn’t nearly as technical as full-on mountain climbing, you definitely have to be conscious of prioritizing your safety.
While basic mountain hiking generally doesn’t require equipment like helmets, ropes, carabiners, crampons, or ice axes, there are definitely still things you need to be aware of, and essential items you should include as part of your gear.
To keep you safe on your next adventure, follow this list of safety tips for hiking in the mountains. From knowing what to pack to what potential dangers you may face, these tips will go a long way to making your next hike much safer.
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When it comes to most popular countries, Turkey consistently ranks in the top ten most visited every year. Last year saw nearly 50 million tourists alone, many of whom centered their visits around the many treasures of Istanbul.
Though while the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the thousands of stalls that make up the Grand Baazar receive most of the tourist hype, sadly, much of country’s natural landscapes go overlooked.
Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey boasts one of the world’s most important natural biodiversity hotspots. Rich in flora and fauna, the country is home to bears, wolves, hyenas, and the highest number of threatened European bird species.
So, on your next trip to Turkey, why not go beyond the bustling cities and beautiful coastline to explore its floodplain forests, mountains, crater lakes, rivers, canyons, and waterfalls?
You’ll find important wetlands, dozens of national parks, and a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Check out these top places to experience Turkey’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
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People often take their drinking water for granted. In most western countries we don’t think twice before grabbing a glass and sticking it underneath a tap. So you’ll probably be surprised to know that 99% of the world’s water sources are unfit for human consumption.
This leaves a paltry 1% of the world’s water to sustain over 7 billion people across the planet. So, that begs the question, where is this clean water?!
The following infographic by Waterlogic (manufacturers of workplace water dispensers), takes a deep dive into the 15 purest water sources left on earth, uncovering everything from the freshwater havens of bracing Alaska through to the natural filtration effects of the gold mines in South Africa.
There are even a couple of surprises: who knew the River Thames is now regarded as the cleanest river in the world to flow through a major city? Read on to see which other waterways make the cut as world’s purest.
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As plastic pollution becomes a global environmental priority, governments and political establishments are working towards a greener way of life.
And as responsible travelers, we can show our support for the cities that prioritize responsible living by throwing our tourism dollars behind them, and visiting these destinations over destinations that continue to contribute to the problem.
Cities in USA, Scandinavia and Australia have introduced initiatives to motivate their citizens to start pursuing an environmentally friendly way of life in a sign of independent action against plastic pollution.
In the following article, Waterlogic covers a variety of urban initiatives aiming to overcome global warming. Why not consider your own independent action and install a bottleless water dispenser at home or at work?
Consider the following cities for your next vacation to show you support the fight against plastic pollution.
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We’ve all seen the images; what was once a pristine coastline, with sugary white sand, dazzling waters, and swaying palms, now littered beyond recognition.
From Hawaii’s Kamilo Beach, to Kuta Beach in Bali, and El Gringo Beach which has been nicknamed the “Dominican Chernobyl”, irresponsible human behavior has turned some of the world’s most beautiful beaches into trash heaps.
If we don’t act soon to curb single-use plastics, we are in danger of losing our coastlines beneath a sea of waste. So Waterlogic has put together the following list of the world’s most idyllic and unspoiled beaches to showcase what we are putting at risk.
Whether you’re visiting for their turquoise waters, bleached-white sand, or mesmerizing marine life, each spot deserves protection. Read on to learn about five remarkably untouched destinations.
And, when you visit, please keep them that way.
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They are some of our closest relatives, yet unlike humanity’s population, which has exploded to well over seven billion people, world gorilla numbers have been drastically declining.
Trekking through the mountainous jungles in search of wild gorillas in countries like Uganda and Rwanda is one of the most memorable travel experiences you can have; standing face to face with living creatures that resemble us in so many ways.
Though this opportunity, to seek out Mountain Gorillas in the wild, may not be possible in the very near future. The consequences of habitat destruction, poaching, human civil wars, and deadly viruses such as Ebola are wiping them out.
But, it’s not all doom and gloom!
Conservation efforts are under way to preserve this species, so in today’s post we plan to introduce you to the world of gorillas: where you can see them in the wild, and what’s being done to ensure these majestic creatures remain for future generations to come.
Read on for tips on what you can expect on a gorilla trekking experience, how to pack for the adventure, and ways to ensure your experience is a success: for both yourself, and the gorillas in the wild.
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An archipelago made up of 115 islands set in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles just might be the most relaxing beachside getaway in the world. And all it takes is a quick Google image search for “tropical paradise” before you’re inundated with images of the Seychelles’ many idyllic islands.
Picture this: gently swaying palms, pure white powdery sand, and unrealistic blue seas. Better yet, one of the best things about Seychelles beaches is that they’ve all been made public!
Once a popular hideaway for pirates, where treasure is still said to be buried, many travelers visit the Seychelles to escape reality and lounge on the the world’s most picturesque beaches.
The following is a guide to three of the best, on each of Seychelles’ top 3 islands. I’ll introduce you to the nation’s most popular beaches, as well as those that offer a bit more seclusion.
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