BUCKET LIST – Natural wonders
Amazing places – Which one is on your bucket list?
Is there somewhere you have always dreamt of seeing up close. Maybe you have seen an amazing place in a movie or in a book. Somewhere that stirs the imagination and a place you just have to see before it’s too late. Maybe it is one of these truly stunning natural wonders of the World. It’s never as hard as you think to fulfil a lifelong dream. What are you waiting for?
GRAND CANYON
This is a truly epic and awe inspiring site. The sheer scale of the Grand Canyon as you gaze from one side to the other side, 18 miles away is mind boggling! If you are planning a trip to America then this should be top of your list.
Where – Arizona
When – May and June offer warm weather without the scorching Summer highs and before the school holiday crowds
How – Fly to Las Vegas & either take a road trip, or a bus, plane or helicopter tour. There are also options to raft through the canyon on the Colorado river.
Great With – Most people will incorporate a stay in Las Vegas but why not hire a car and experience a road trip to Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, the Pacific Highway and Los Angeles.
EVEREST
Climbing the World’s highest mountain might be a bit of a pipe dream but a trek to Everest base camp is not as out there as you might think. You can join an organised tour group these days and trek the same route that those famous climbers before you have taken, through the stunning Nepalese mountain landscapes to base camp.
Where – Nepal
When – April & May are the best months for weather although it is prime climbing season so the busiest time. October is a good alternative if you want a quieter time.
How – Fly to Kathmandu. Then the best way to get up close and personal to Everest is on an escorted tour and trek to base camp.
Great with – If you are doing Everest base camp trek it will be a two week tour already. If you are lucky enough to have more time off work then maybe spend a few days in lively Kathmandu or relax on a beach in Goa or Sri Lanka before returning home.
VICTORIA FALLS
The thunderous sounds of these majestic falls will be one of your lasting memories. It is the Worlds largest single curtain of water you know. Will you brave the Devils pool and sit on the edge of the mighty falls?
Where – Zimbabwe / Zambia
When – April to June when water levels are highest and the falls the most spectacular without the rains on the main wet season
How – Best to visit as part of a guided and escorted tour maybe with a Zambezi cruise or a Safari.
Great With – Visit Victoria falls on an escorted tour that also combines a Zambezi cruise and maybe a multi centre tour of South Africa. Why not also combine with a beach stay in colourful Zanzibar or beautiful Mauritius.
ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
Australia’s most recognisable natural feature. This huge rock towers out of the endless flat plains of the outback and is an awesome sight, especially at sunset or sunrise when the rock seems to magically change colour.
Where – Australia, Northern Territory (The Outback)
When – All year, although the summer months can be very hot and regularly hit 40oC. So maybe May to September with cooler temperatures.
How – fly to Ayers Rock airport and stay at one of the Ayers Rock resorts. You can also fly to Alice Springs and hire a car from there.
Great with – Also visit nearby Alice Springs, the Olgas and Kings Canyon. Ayers Rock is a great stop on a multi centre tour of Australia and New Zealand and it is a really unique drive through the outback to get there is you hire a car or motorhome. The Blue train is one of the World’s most iconic trains and stops in Alice Springs with tours to the Rock from there.
HALONG BAY
This is one of the Worlds most magical landscapes (or seascapes to be exact). When the mist sits on the water with the vast limestone outcrops poking through like giant teeth it is a mystical and magical place.
Where – North Vietnam (near Hanoi)
When – May or October avoid the Typhoon season (June-Sep) and boast clear sunny days without being too hot and humid.
How – fly to Hanoi – book a one or two night cruise of Halong Bay on a luxurious junk boat. Most cruise companies will offer pick up from Hanoi airport or Hanoi hotels.
Great with – combine Halong bay with a few days in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh and maybe visit the colourful Mekong Delta. You could even combine a visit to nearby Thailand or Cambodia.
THE AMAZON RIVER
The Deepest, darkest parts of the Amazon conjure up images of long lost tribes and strange creatures. Become an adventurer and explorer and visit this fascinating region and explore the jungles and rainforests.
Where – Peru
When – July to December is generally the dry season so much less rain and mosquitoes. Some smaller rivers may not be navigable but there are more jungle trekking opportunities.
How – We choose Peru over Brazil as it is easier to get to the best parts and some of the best river cruise boats are in Peru. Escorted tours with flights via Lima are the best way to experience the upper Amazon in Peru. Enjoy remarkably luxurious cruise boats
Great with – Choose an escorted tour that combines the Amazon cruise with a visit to other South America highlights like mystical Machu Picchu or the fascinating Galapagos islands.
GREAT BARRIER REEF
The Worlds longest reef stretches over 2300 kilometres and is home to a huge array of marine life. The crystal clear waters are a great place to scuba or snorkel in this unique and impressive underwater environment.
Where – Queensland, Australia
When – You can visit all year but June to October are the driest months.
How – fly to Cairns which is a great little town with plenty going on and the main departure point for the Barrier Reef. You can jump on day boats that take you out to the reef for a day of snorkelling or diving. Alternatively you could fly to stunning Hamilton island and stay in one of the luxurious resorts in the heart of the reef.
Great with – combine a visit to the Barrier reef with an adventure around Australia. Stop off in vibrant Sydney and set off into the outback to see Uluru.
These are just some of the most famous natural wonders. You might have different ones on your bucket list. Whatever and wherever is on that list Paul can help fulfil your dreams and create a bespoke holiday just for you.
