A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Galapagos Islands offer unparalleled wildlife encounters and is a must-visit for animal lovers. You can even go swimming with sea lions and snorkel alongside sea turtles.
Rafting the Zambezi River is one of the world’s greatest river journeys – tackle its hair-raising rapids with a short trip from Livingstone or a longer, beach-camping expedition. It’s the perfect bucket list tick for adrenaline junkies.
1. Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are where lizards frolic with sea lions and visitors can stroll highlands with massive tortoises that don’t mind the humans cooing over them. It’s a place where scientific history was made, and one of the best places to see wildlife at surprisingly close range in their natural habitat.
On the island of Santiago, hike to Punta Vicente Roca for stupendous panoramic views and a chance to see marine species such as Galapagos fur seals, Nazca boobies, and flightless cormorants. This is also a good snorkeling site as the Cromwell Current brings nutrients up to the surface, making it a prime feeding ground for marine life. Alternatively, head to the unique Kicker Rock on San Cristobal. This rock formation resembles a boot or a sleeping lion, which has earned it two names: “Kicker Rock” and “Leon Dormido.” The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island offers a tour that blends wonder with knowledge.
2. Iceland
Winter in Iceland is magical, with snow covering the countryside and giving way to activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, dogsledding, and ice climbing. The ice caves at Jokulsarlon are especially impressive and must be seen to be believed.
Another must-see attraction is the mighty Glymur Waterfall, accessible by one of the best hikes in the country that includes a river crossing and incredible views. The icy glacier at Vatnajokull is the largest in Europe and offers incredible views as well.
In the capital city, Reykjavik, a visit to the visually striking Hallgrimskirkja church is mandatory. And for an evening out, a concert at the Harpa is a must-do. The Icelandic Seal Centre is also a fun activity for families. It explores the history of seal hunting in Iceland with educational displays and hands-on activities.
3. South Africa
According to Tourguiderio, South Africa offers stunning scenery, world-class wildlife viewing, luxury accommodations, and incredible adventures. Visitors can enjoy everything from sandy beaches to rugged mountain peaks and beautiful gardens.
While in Cape Town, travelers can climb the famous Table Mountain and visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, a UNESCO Heritage Site. They can also explore Cango Caves, which are believed to be inhabited since the Stone Age era.
For a more historical adventure, visit the historic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison for fighting against apartheid. Other historic attractions include Bartholomeu Dias Museum and the Post Office Tree, which is an almost 600-year-old Milkwood tree, where the first mail was sent in South Africa.
4. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most iconic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the mysterious ruins each year, though increasing tourism and land erosion have led to a number of changes at the site.
One of the most important Machu Picchu attractions is the Temple of the Three Windows, named for its three substantial trapezoidal windows and a temple that sits behind them. Some theorize that the windows represent different planes of existence.
The ruins also feature amazing stonework, including perfectly cut walls that fit together without mortar. The ruins are a testament to the Incas’ engineering and architectural mastery. The site is often crowded with tourists, but there are a few quiet spots where you can appreciate the beauty of the Lost City in peace.
5. Ningaloo Reef
If you’re seeking pristine beaches and incredible marine life, Ningaloo Reef is your destination. It’s a place where the continental shelf dives close to the shore and is one of the only coral reefs on the west coast of Australia.
The region is home to whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs and dolphins and more than 500 species of fish. It’s also an important turtle nesting area, and you can see turtle hatchlings scamper to the ocean at the nearby Ningaloo Sea Turtle Centre.
Swimming with whale sharks is a popular activity at Ningaloo Reef from March through July. You can join a tour to swim alongside these gentle giants and follow guidelines that protect their habitat. You’ll also find great snorkeling and diving here year-round. Other highlights include Yardie Creek, a picturesque gorge with red limestone cliffs.
6. Antarctica
Antarctica is a destination that fires the spirit of adventure in any traveler. Its mammoth glaciers jab out of the steel-blue sea, and icebergs lie shattered over the rocks like pulverized cathedrals. There are whales and gentoo penguins to spot, as well as the rugged beauty of South Georgia Island.
Hiking along wild cobble beaches with the ringing of pinnipeds in your ears, striking off across pure-white snowscapes on skis or snowshoes, and stepping off of your Zodiac onto offshore sea ice all define the on-foot activities that make Antarctic travel a truly memorable odyssey.
For super-fit travellers and those who love ticking things off their bucket list, a trek to the South Pole is one of Antarctica’s most epic adventures. Swimming in Deception Bay, which is actually the caldera of a volcano, is another Antarctic must-do: The water is warmer here than elsewhere due to volcanic activity, and you’ll be close to penguins!
7. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is a must-see for any traveler. Get up close to its vibrant marine life by snorkelling and scuba diving, or explore its enchanting islands, historic towns, and spectacular rainforest on land.
A favorite dive site for nudibranch lovers, Magic Point’s unique underwater maze of tunnels and cutouts draws in scores of these tiny critters to roam its sandy bottom. The shallows here also offer a great place to see sea dragons, coral shrimp and damselfish.
There’s never a bad time to visit Iceland, but winter brings milder temperatures and the chance to witness the Aurora Borealis as its colors dance in the chilly northern sky. Book a trip with National Geographic Journeys to see this natural phenomenon along with its icy waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and geothermal hot springs.
8. Namibia
Namibia’s vast backcountry has catapulted this scarcely populated West African country to the forefront of adventure travel. A trip here is sure to be awe-inspiring thanks to its colossal dunes, desert-adapted wildlife, and ancient rock paintings.
One of the most popular attractions is Deadvlei, a lake-filled pan dotted with giant orange and red sand dunes. Be sure to visit in the morning for a sunrise and the chance to climb Dune 45, also known as Big Daddy, which offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding area.
The other must-visit attraction is the Quiver Tree Forest, a group of unusual trees that resemble quivers made of branches. The trees get their name from the way they were used by the Bushmen who once lived here. For more history, visit Twyfelfontein, a site with ancient rock engravings. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Jordan
From the iconic ruins of Petra to the salt-encrusted rock ledges of Wadi Rum, Jordan delivers jaw-dropping landscapes and ancient culture. Whether you’re seeking relaxation at the Dead Sea or adventure in the backcountry, this Middle Eastern nation will steal your heart with its endless possibilities.
Start in the capital Amman, where crumbling Crusader castles and gilded temples add to the city’s rich history. Then head to Mount Nebo, where the Old Testament states Moses gazed upon the Promised Land before his death. Atop the mighty ridge, you can see a number of spectacular mosaics and the Moses Memorial Church. Afterward, hike into the Dana Nature Reserve for soaring views and miles of untamed wilderness.
