Exploring nature is a great way to relax and unwind from the stresses of your usual routine. Pack comfortable shoes, clothes, and lots of layers so that you can deal with any kind of weather that may occur. Here are 6 great destinations to get you back to nature.
Corfu is an island off the coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea that has a rich heritage of Venetian, British and French culture. Corfu is known for its beach resorts and rugged mountains. If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife scene then visit Kérkyra Town and Platía Vrahlióti. Be sure to visit Palaiokastritsa, a village in the north-western part that has caves to explore and spectacular beaches to bask in the sun or snorkel. Sidari also is a great place to visit for beaches, trekking and water parks.
Bhutan
Bhutan lies on the eastern edge of the Himalayan mountain range and is a Buddhist kingdom known for its spectacular views of high mountains and deep valleys. On a holiday to Bhutan you’ll be able to explore several monasteries which are built on the mountains which are accessible only by foot. You can also visit Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan which has a bustling market and is also a popular destination for religious festivals. You can visit the Cliffside monastery of Paro Taktsang which has storied caves and stunning views as far as the eye can see.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a country in the south western Pacific Ocean which is primarily two main islands and both have volcanoes and glaciers. You can visit Milford Sound to catch the view of the breathtaking 1200m vertical sides of mountains. You can visit Queenstown which lies on the shore of the stunning Lake Wakatipu with the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Life in Queenstown is very laidback and it is a great place to explore with its historic mining town, rivers, vineyards and lakes. You can also go bungee jumping, skiing, kayaking and trekking.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean just south of India. It has a diverse landscape that is filled with sandy beaches and rainforests. Sri Lanka is a brilliant holiday destination if you are looking to be at one with beautiful nature. You can visit the city of Anuradhapura which is an ancient capital of Sri Lanka to see the age old ruins which date back 2,000 years. You can visit Sigiriya, a rock fortress accessed by steep stairs that offers breathtaking views. Take a trip to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a nursery and captive breeding ground for Asian elephants. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve offers several trails for trekking and you can view rare species of flora and fauna only found in these forests.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and is a coastal city known for its rich Viking history. It is also a popular destination for outdoor activities and there are several late-night clubs and bars. You can visit Golden Circle popular for its Aurora, Glacier and waterfall and has a route which loops back to Reykjavik passing through the southern uplands of Iceland. You can visit Nauthólsvík for its beach with a manmade hot spring. Be sure to spend a day in the Laugardalslaug which has a thermal outdoor pool, a garden and a zoo.
Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal lies in the rainforests of Guatemala and is known for its ruins of ancient Mayan temples and ceremonial ruins dating back 900 BC. Tikal was one of the major cities that flourished during the Mayan civilization. You can visit the Tikal Temples while taking in the scenic view of the forest around it. The Tikal National Park is 575 kilometres squared and the central part of the city alone has around 3000 ruins. You can stay in the park itself to immerse yourself in this ancient culture and explore the beauty of the jungle.