Although it can be fun and fulfilling to head to Manhattan and catch a Broadway show or perhaps book a ticket to Paris for Fashion Week, sometimes you’ll have more memorable trips by getting acquainted with some sights that were purely created from nature’s splendor. The list of destinations below should give plenty of inspiration for how to lessen your wanderlust.
Situated in the southern part of Australia‘s Northern Territory, Uluru is a huge sandstone formation. Its reddish hue provides a striking contrast against the blue sky. Also called ‘Ayers Rock’, Uluru has become one of the most popular landmarks in Australia. The Anangu, the area’s Aboriginal people, consider it a sacred site. You’ll have plenty to see since Uluru has caves, ancient paintings and watering holes surrounding it.
This landmark is in the Gulf of Tonkin, off the northern Vietnam coast. It features over 1,500 islands plus islets made from limestone pillars. Humans do not inhabit most of the islands since the landscape has steep, cliff-like formations. Nevertheless, it’s definitely a place worth checking out. The fact there are so few people around might provide much-needed peace.
It’s no secret that Americans have a strong love affair with beaches. History says it began as early as the first century when summer homes were constructed along the Bay of Naples for Italians in search of relaxation. However, if you’re living stateside, there’s no need to go to another continent to enjoy a beach getaway at a destination that some travelers consider among the world’s best. The One’uli Black Sand Beach, in Maui, Hawaii, got its name from the fact that the sand there is a very dark color, rather than the usual white. It’s not ideal for basking in the sun, but this beach is excellent if you’re into snorkeling.
Head to the Lone Star State and check out this swimming spot that formed when part of an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago because of erosion. It’s only about 20 miles from Austin, which may be helpful if you’re doing other things in the area. Swimming is sometimes not permitted after heavy flooding, but you can almost always hike to the pool and admire spectacular views.
These natural structures in Shillong, India were formed from the roots of a particular type of native rubber tree. Some bridges are over 100 feet long and take over a decade to become strong enough to use. Eventually, some can support the weight of 50 people at a time. Local residents use some bridges daily and are so fond of them that they’ve been able to prevent the root bridges from being destroyed in favor of steel ones.
Ireland is known for its rainfall and, subsequently, lush landscapes. However, you’re not likely to see a lot of greenery when admiring The Burren. Its name comes from an Irish word meaning ‘rocky place,’ but you’ll see a lot more than just stony ground. The Burren is beloved by locals and tourists alike because it’s home to many wildlife species. You can also see plentiful flower and herb growth there. The ground is very fertile, thanks to the prevalence of limestone rocks.
This Bolivian landmark is impressive for being the world’s largest salt flat. Filling over 4,000 square miles, it creates a stark, white landscape. You can even stay in a hotel that’s entirely made of salt blocks.
