Looking for more than a little adventure? These places offer unforgettable experiences that you’ll remember for more than a few years to come.
The world we live in is now getting smaller. But that doesn’t mean we’ve seen it all. So instead of heading to the usual suspects in Europe and the United States, don’t miss these alternative places that boast postcard-perfect views and more.
1. Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
With its distinct blue-green hue and glittering alpine landscape, it’s no surprise that the lake has become somewhat world-famous, with appearances in many places including posters, desktop wallpapers, the Canadian twenty dollar bill, and movies.
2. Spotted Lake, Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada
Considered to be sacred by the First Nations of the Okanagan Valley, the pool brings to mind a dried up road after the rain with several puddles. But the appearance of the lake is really thanks to its mineral-rich contents, including magnesium sulphate, calcium, and sodium sulphates. The multi-coloured spots appear mainly over summer when the water evaporates, and are so developed according to individual mineral compositions.
3. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The world’s largest salt flat is said to be one of the most treacherous terrains (and one of the hardest to drive through) on the planet. It is also one of the most beautiful, though. Located near the Andes and formed as a result of the drying of prehistoric lakes in the region, the vast white plain which reflects the sky, is a favourite amongst photographers for its gorgeous landscape.
4. Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan, China
With postcard-perfect views of clear, multi-coloured lakes, exquisite flora and fauna, snow-capped peaks and multi-tiered waterfalls, it’s no secret that Jiuzhaigou, which literally means nine-village-valley, is popular amongst local and international tourists. The nature reserve and national park, which is part of the Min Mountains and Aba Tibetan Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, is also home to colourful Tibetan villages and locals.
5. Patagonia
If you’re curious to find out what lies at the end of the world, the sparsely-populated region shared by Argentina and Chile, is probably as close as it gets (short of heading to the North and South poles). The region comprises vast plains, towering peaks, and vividly hued bodies of water. Animal-lovers will adore the region’s denizens which include penguins and deer. While you’re there, don’t miss the magnificent sight of the Milky Way when the sun sets.
6. Nigardsbreen Ice Cave, Norway
And on the opposite end of the globe, lies a large, pristine ice cave in Norway’s Jostedal Glacier National Park, near the Arctic Circle. The cavernous dome is illuminated in iridescent blue hues from the water and ice formations all around. As temperatures rise, the glacier is slowly melting into water, which causes the cave’s appearance to constantly change.
7. Myanmar
Formerly one of the world’s most reclusive countries, Myanmar revealed a collection of breathtaking beauties when it opened up to tourism in 2012, almost after a 50-year ban. From the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda in its gilded glory towering over Yangon to the old capital of Amarapura, home to the U Bein Bridge and Bagan, a single trip there isn’t enough to cover it all.
8. Pancake Rocks, South Island, New Zealand
Lying across the Tasman Sea, Pancake Rocks in New Zealand’s Paparoa National Park is probably New Zealand’s answer to Australia’s famed 12 Apostles. The rock formations which resemble stacks of pancakes, is said to be the result of layers of sandstone and limestone accumulated on the ocean floor since 30 million years ago.
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