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We currently live in a globalized world, where different cultures interact, allowing you to broaden your perspectives; in addition to fostering a positive outlook on life and empathy. Traveling to different destinations helps, in general, both to gain self-confidence and to develop many qualities and skills.
Experts say, according to some studies, that getting to know other destinations brings benefits, because in this interrelation with other cultures, communication, respect and tolerance are fostered. It also broadens the vision of the world, improving the family exchange, thanks to these multicultural contacts.
Compiling the most beautiful destinations on the planet is not so easy, since the globe has such spectacular places in terms of beaches, deserts, parks, mountains and in general any number of natural wonders. In this article we are going to mention some of them, and in different continents of the planet.
In the Asian continent:
On the eastern border of Jordan, The Dead Sea:
The Dead Sea is located at the southwestern level of the Asian continent, on the border between the countries of Israel and Jordan. The name Dead Sea is due to the fact that it has very little life, including algae. The reason for this is the incredible amount of salt it contains; it is said to be 10 times saltier than the oceans.
The Dead Sea is considered one of the most spectacular wonders of the world, located 300 m below sea level, being also the lowest point of the planet; reason that gives it the characteristic of being so salty. It is also known for its calm, clear waters, sandy beaches, natural pools and the mineral formations that surround it.
In Turkey, the Pamukkale Hot Springs:
The thermal pools of Pamukkale are located at the southwestern level of Turkey, exactly in the province of Denizli; about 475 km from Ankara, its capital, and 600 km from Istanbul. These blue pools of thermal waters and abundant minerals rest on natural formations of calcium carbonate or white travertine rocks that have eroded with the passage of time, and have crystallized.
This spectacle is visited by some 3 million travelers annually. In addition, it borders an ancient spa city, dating back to 190 B.C., called Hierapolis. Among the ruins you can see a theater, a necropolis about 2 km long and the Roman columns of the thermal pool, which, due to an earthquake, were submerged.
In Jordan, the ancient city of Pella:
Towards the northwest of the country of Jordan, and several kilometers from the Sea of Galilee, exactly 27.4 km, is located the city of Pella, which dates from the Hellenistic period and was part of the 10 powerful cities of the Roman Empire. Nowadays, archaeological remains from that period can be observed, but they are not the only ones.
The place has been inhabited since Neolithic times, passing through different cultures, leaving its mark in different periods. For example, you can see ruins from the Greco-Roman era, also remains of a settlement from 4000 BC, ruins of walled Bronze and Iron Age cities, Islamic neighborhoods, Byzantine churches, among others.
On the African continent:
In Madagascar, the Avenue of the Baobabs:
West of Madagascar is located this street of tall trees, called the baobabs, at the level of the Menabe region. It is said that this landscape is all that remains of a forest of the past. These centenary giants have a height ranging from 5 m to 30 m, thick trunks, fibrous wood and their shape seems that God turned them upside down; as if they were growing upside down.
Legend has it that this is the first tree that was created by God. In the rainy season, they produce fruits and flowers, but in the dry season they lose their leaves. This island contains 6 of the 9 species of this tree; the rest are located in Australia and continental Africa. The fruit of baobabs is rich in fiber, iron, vitamin C, potassium and calcium.
In Morocco, the Ouzoud Waterfalls:
The Ouzoud Waterfalls are located in the Ourika Valley, about 2.5 hours from Marrakech if mobilized by car, in what they call the Atlas Mountains. They are considered the largest waterfalls in the north of the continent, with a height of 110 m; which are interrupted by 3 waterfalls that fall into a lagoon where bathing is allowed: crystal clear waters, but very cold.
Before descending to the lagoon is located at the top a viewpoint, from which you can admire the whole landscape; and to descend there are 2 routes: one with steps and the other rural. Obviously the stepped one is faster to reach, but the rural one is through the forest, where you will get both macaque monkeys and some sheep.
In Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro:
This mountain, which is located towards the northeast of Tanzania and near the Kenyan border, is the highest mountain in Africa and the 4th highest on the planet. It is formed by 3 volcanoes that have been dormant for a long time and are characterized by ice formations on their summits; these have been gradually shrinking since the 20th century.
Visitors hiking to this mountain encounter different climatic zones along the way; such as rainforest, desert and peaks known as the famous roof of Africa.
On the continent of Oceania:
In Australia, Whitehaven Beach:
This beach is said to be one of the most beautiful on the planet. The reason is that its white sand has almost entirely silica quartz, in an extension of about 8 km. And when the tide begins to change, this combination of turquoise waters and white silica create spectacular scenery, especially this can be seen towards the northern part of Whitehaven.
Likewise, the area where the blue pearl bay is located is very popular for scuba diving and snorkeling, with many corals and marine life. Langford, on the other hand, is an area for strolling or simply watching the incredible sunsets; and it is also a turtle area.
In Western Australia, Shark Bay:
Towards the westernmost side of this continent and north of Perth is located this bay. The most striking thing is the red color of the land, which contrasts with the greenish blue waters of the Indian Ocean. This bay contains extensive seagrass beds, as well as stromatolites, which are algae-like life forms from about 3.5 billion years ago and are the first fossil evidence of life on the planet.
It is also an area of turtles, bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, manta rays and dugongs, called sea cows, as they are aquatic herbivores. We can also find other species, such as the whale shark; although the latter is best observed towards the Ningaloo reef, towards the north.
On the European continent:
In Scotland, the Glencoe Valley:
This valley is located in the Lochaber Geopark and the Highlands, where both mountain and valley formations are located by ice glaciers and volcanic explosions left centuries ago. Lochaber is known as the “outdoor capital of the UK”.
Among the activities that can be done in this valley are skiing, for example, or snowboarding. You can also go kayaking in Loch Leven, mountain biking in Glencoe or, if you prefer, you can visit the islands of Eigg, Canna, Mucky and Rum.
In Switzerland, the city of Lucerne:
Lucerne is a city that functions as the economic, social and cultural center of central Switzerland. It is the most touristic city of the country and is located on the shores of the lake called the 4 Cantons; very close to Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, at the level of the Swiss Alps. One of the tourist attractions is the Kapellbrücke bridge, which crosses the Reuss River.
This bridge connects the new city with the old one, and on its roof there are 111 paintings about the history of Lucerne. There are also the Pilatus Mountains with their aerial cog railway, although you can also go by cable car or hiking; and the Rigi Mountain, to visit the viewpoint, skiing, hiking, wellness or relaxing treatments in a Spa.
In France, the Cirque de Gavarnie:
The Cirque de Gavarnie is located in the heart of the High Pyrenees, belonging to the department of Hautes-Pyrénées and is part of the massif called Monte Perdido, in the region of Occitania. In addition, it has a waterfall with a free fall of more than 400 meters.
It is the perfect place for different excursions and hiking trails. This Cirque de Gavarnie consists of mountains as a kind of walls, based on pure granite, which enclose, as in a ring, the entire valley.
In Norway, the Lofoten Islands:
An archipelago of 80 islands, covering about 1227 square kilometers. Offering its tourists a spectacular nature, in which you can appreciate the famous northern lights, especially from the end of September until March.
Likewise, you can admire the sun at midnight, a phenomenon that lasts 76 days, from May to July. You can also go hiking, for example, in the Himmeltinden mountain; or an excursion to the bay of Kvalvika Beach, among other things.
On the American continent:
In the United States, Acadia National Park:
This park is located on Mount Desert Island, off the coast of Maine, although it also includes High Island, as well as part of the peninsula called Schoodic. The entire area has forests, mountains, lakes and ocean shoreline.
Usually the inhabitants of the area and tourists come to this place to hike, fish, climb or simply experience the feeling of tranquility and peace that the place offers.
In the United States, Zion National Park:
We are talking about the Natural Reserve in the southwest of the state of Utah. This reserve is characterized by the presence of steep, red-colored cliffs of the famous Zion Canyon. The Tourist Route crosses the main part, reaching the forest and the river.
The river flows through the enchanting Emerald colored pools with waterfalls and overhanging gardens. There are also deep chasms, but of great beauty, and a fantastic biodiversity.
In Hawaii, the Nā Pali Coast State Park:
This park, of about 2500 hectares, belongs to the state of Hawaii, and is located towards the northwest side of the island of Kauai; the oldest of all the inhabited islands. This coastline extends from southwest of Ke’e Beach to Polihale State Park.
The Nā Pali are the cliffs, with a height up to 1200 m. The coast is too vertical and steep, which does not allow good access by car, so the only ways to get to know them are by helicopter ride, by boat or by hiking; but the latter option is only for the more experienced, as the journey is very intense.
