There are so many unforgettable places around the world that it is virtually impossible to see everything we would love to experience in one lifetime. We often tend to focus on the most popular destinations, and this causes many extraordinary places to be overlooked on occasion. The six exotic destinations listed below will captivate history and nature lovers, as well as anyone with a desire to visit the road less traveled, which always yields more wonders than those crowded with tourists, with their endless paraphernalia of maps and camera lenses.
The Amazon Rainforest
Spreading across parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and the French Guiana, the Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world and the natural habitat of millions of unique species. Known as the “lungs of the Earth,” the Amazon offers much more than lush vegetation and exotic animals. It is also home to a rich variety of indigenous peoples, some of which continue to live as they did many centuries ago, far from the madding sound and fury of the modern world. The Amazon river is also the first in waterflow and the second in extension in the whole world, offering many opportunities for extreme rafting adventures.
Antelope Canyon
I recently flew over Arizona on my way to Seattle and had a chance to see this marvelous work of nature from the sky. Antelope Canyon is the most scenic canyon in the American Southwest. It is made up of two separate, slot canyon sections, known as Upper Antelope Canyon or The Crack; and Lower Antelope Canyon or The Corkscrew. Featuring an abundance of waterways, the canyon was named Tsé bighánílíní by the Navajo indians, which means “the place where water runs through rocks.” If you ever dreamed of walking on the surface of Mars, Antelope Canyon might do the trick.
Bora Bora
The beautiful island of Bora Bora is located in French Polynesia, in the South Pacific. Surrounded by magical, crystal clear waters, the island boasts some of the top resorts in the world. Luxury and relaxation combine with a rich Polynesian heritage to make a perfect escape to paradise. This is a land, and a sea, where dreams can come true.
Norwegian Fjords
Norway has one of the longest coastlines in the world. Riddled with jagged inlets and intricate fjords, it makes for some mesmerizing views. The best way to experience these natural beauties is by taking a cruise, which will often cross the Arctic circle and perhaps offer some opportunities to behold the spectacular Northern lights across the subpolar skies.
Iceland
Iceland has been on the frontpage of newspapers for two things, its progressive politics and the multi-talented artist known as Bjork. Besides its modern ways in music and politics, Iceland also offers otherworldly landscapes, including partially frozen waterfalls, unreal sunsets and sunrises, and the fairy-tale like allure of the tundra.
Petra
Built around 1200BC, Petra is an ancient city in Jordan. It is a man-made wonder, built inside towering rocks. The Nabataens were able to complete this build by redirecting waterways, thus creating an artificial oasis. Petra is also known as the Rose City because of the color of the stone out of which it is carved. This awe-inspiring wonder is Jordan´s most visited attraction today, but it remained unknown to the Western world till as late as 1812.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is situated almost eight thousand feet above sea level in Peru. It is believed that it was built for the Incan emperor Pachacuti. Historical, architectural and spiritual significance meet breathtaking scenery at the top of this world wonder. You might wanna have some coca tea before the ascent, as the atmosphere´s pressure at the top can be quite difficult to bear.
Planning a trip to cross some of this marvels off your bucket list can be quite a challenge, especially when in need to work with a limited budget. Fortunately, the Internet offers many affordable package deals that can make your bucket list dreams come true. For example, this website is great for finding some travel associates information and quotes. Happy bucket-listing!
Featured image: Magical Iceland by Dysanovic
