Contributed by Info Guru Rosemary O’Brien
The world is full of beautiful destinations for your next getaway.
Finding only ten is a challenge, so consider this a sample of ten beautiful destinations for you to check out. From volcanoes to beaches to big old canyons, there is a rich variety of places to explore.
10. Maui, Hawaii
The United States is lucky enough to have all types of geography, from mountains to beaches. The island of Maui in Hawaii provides a little of both with the Haleakala volcano in Haleakala National Park. Travelers can walk into the crater of the volcano and even obtain a free permit to camp beneath its enormous rim. The crater is so large it would easily swallow up the island of Manhattan. Check out a few Hawaiian island videos and explore the beauty before you go.
9. Grand Canyon, USA
Another U.S. destination popular to tourists worldwide is the Grand Canyon. It too provides sprawling vistas dug out by enormous glaciers during the last Ice Age. Visitors can ride a donkey to the bottom for another unique view of the towering canyon ridges. The variety of colors alone is worth the trip, from the sand to the star-filled sky at night. Don’t forget to stop for a moment at the end of the day since the Grand Canyon is also one of the best places to watch a sunset.
8. Iguazu Falls, South America
Iguazu Falls is known to be one of the most beautiful destinations because of its waterfalls that run from the border of Brazil to Argentina. It is so beautiful that when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt first saw the falls, she proclaimed, “Poor Niagara!”
7. Amazon Rainforest, South America
The Amazon Rainforest is a beautiful and important area of the world. Responsible for 20% of the earth’s oxygen, the rainforest is a paradise to millions of species of insects, plants and animals. Some research to South American travel options will help guide you to the perfect vacation so you, too, can learn about the riches of the rainforest.
6. Sicily, Italy
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Sicilians live with gusto, perhaps due to their gorgeous surroundings. There are picturesque fishing villages arranged around the perimeter of the island contrasted by Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in the world. Olive and citrus groves add to the beauty with their aromatic fruits.
5. Caribbean Cruise
There is nothing like waking up in a different place each morning without having to change hotels. That is exactly what happens when you take a cruise. A cruise is an excellent way to find the perfect island for whatever you want to enjoy. Whether it’s catching rays at the beach or hiking through the hills of St. Thomas, there is beautiful scenery for everyone by hopping on a ship in one port and hopping off at another.
4. Antarctica Cruise
If you like it a little cooler than the Caribbean, consider a cruise in Antarctica. The blue-tinted glaciers greet you at every turn. The ship moves slowly through the most beautiful destinations to not only give you time to absorb the beauty around you, but to make sure none of these treasures are disturbed.
3. Northern Lights
Many people think of Alaska as the best place to see the Northern Lights, but northern Norway tops Alaska due to its more temperate climate during the winter months. These splashes of color are a natural phenomenon occurring when electrons enter the earth’s atmosphere and are not to be missed. The Northern Lights occur year-round, but are best seen when the sky is its darkest, generally from September through April. Check into one of Hilton’s Nordic Hotels after an evening enjoying the lights.
2. Queensland, Australia
Queensland sits on the northern part of the Australian continent close to the Equator. As such, the climate is hot throughout much of the state making the coastline perfect if you want a beach experience complete with snorkeling and sailing. If you like to surf, Queensland’s Gold Coast offers some of the longest waves in the world.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is nothing if not restful and absolutely one of the most beautiful destinations. From the sensational fragrance of the frangipani flowers to the almost blood-red sky at sunset, Bali assaults the senses, but in a good way. Some of the world’s best spas are also located in Bali if you want to get that massage after a long day of tanning.
Next time you are planning a vacation, look around for something different if your wallet allows. View a sunset from a volcano or surf a long wave. The world’s most beautiful destinations are just waiting for your discovery.