Most Scenic Holiday Destinations in the World
Written by Trevor Charles
The world we live in is incredibly beautiful. Mother Nature has gifted us with places so breathtaking they seem surreal. From mountains to lakes, amazing landscapes to game-filled plains, there is so much that waits to be seen and experienced. To complement nature man has created some fascinating architectural feats, from the ancient cities to the Pyramids of Giza and the Taj Mahal.
Publishing a list of the five most beautiful destinations in the world is almost impossible, given the hundreds of fascinating places just waiting to be discovered. That said, here are five holiday destinations that we think you should bump up to the top of your bucket list:
Iguazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil Border
The mighty Iguazu Falls are a jaw-dropping display of nature. Split between Misiones in Argentina and the Brazilian state of Parana; there aren’t enough superlatives to describe the majesty of these falls. The Iguazu is made up of over 250 waterfalls, and this number changes depending on the amount of water available.
These 3km wide falls are twice as tall as Niagara Falls and more extensive than the breathtaking Victoria Falls in Africa. The amount of water that falls here is mind-boggling as well. Every second, 1500 cubic meters of water drops into the Iguazu River per second, and this can go as high as 13,000 depending on the season. These beautiful waterfalls are surrounded by lush rainforest and unique flora and fauna.
Iguazu Falls were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and in 2011 picked as one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature. It can be reached easily from either the Argentinian or Brazilian sides, or even from neighboring Paraguay.
Machu Pichu, Peru
This ancient Inca city lies high on the Andes Mountains in Peru. It is an archaeological marvel that is believed to have been constructed for the Inca emperor Pachakuti around 1450. Machu Pichu was designed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and is still one of the most popular tourist sites in the world.
The site itself is a maze of plazas, temples, palaces, and homes that shed light on the complexity of the engineering genius employed here. The stones that make the city are not joined by mortar, but are expertly stacked close together. Built on two fault lines, Machu Pichu has stood firm against threatening earthquakes. Other than the city ruins, the site offers breathtaking views of the Urubamba River that lies down below.
Machu Pichu is easily accessible from the city of Cusco, a distance of 80km. Upon arrival at Cusco, you can take a bus or train to Aguas Calientes Town from where you can take a public bus to access the Citadel.
Namib Desert, Namibia
This fascinating marvel of nature is the oldest desert in the world, located in Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft Park. Being a coastal desert, it has some unique features and is home to some of the tallest and most beautiful dunes in the world. The red, yellow and orange dunes stretch through Namibia’s Atlantic Coast, spreading over 6.5 million hectares. In the local language, Namib means ‘a place where there is nothing.’
However ‘nothing’ is far from what you will experience here. The multi-colored sand dunes, formed by winds over thousands of years, continually shift, creating beautiful patterns. There is plenty of wildlife that has adapted to the desert, calling it home. You can experience this marvel on horseback, and imagine you are competing on the Kentucky Derby race, or glide over them from the air. Gazing at the vastness of the space leaves you with a feeling that you have just become a part of something so much bigger than yourself.
Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon is a geological marvel located in the US state of Arizona. It stretches for a mind-blogging 446km, with the mighty Colorado River snaking through it. Like many of the most jaw-dropping wonders on earth, Grand Canyon is a designated UNESCO Heritage site that divides the Grand Canyon National Park into two, the north and south rims. The south side is the most popular, seeing over 90% of the park’s visitors.
The sheer size of the gorge is one of its most fascinating features, with strata on the rocks holding over two billion years of history. If you love hiking, the canyon has several hiking trails with beautiful views of the entire canyon. The Colorado River offers some of the most thrilling white water rafting adventures anywhere, as you alternate between calm waters and the rapids. For adrenaline seekers, try skydiving for the ultimate thrill.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, located on the west coast area of County Clare. The Cliffs rise to an awe-inspiring 214 meters, majestically strutting over the Atlantic Ocean. This UNESCO Global Geopark offers tremendous views of the surrounding counties. There is no better way of seeing the cliff than trekking to the top, as waves hit the rocks below.
The Cliffs feature an array of wildlife, and bird lovers will be especially spoiled here, the home to over 20 species of seabirds. There is also an abundance of sea life, and you will likely see dolphins, porpoises, minke whales, and grey seals. On land, foxes, badgers and hare share co-exist with cattle and goats.
Popular culture has also recognized the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, and they have been featured in several movies including the Princess Bride and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
