An Earth Day Celebration of the Most Beautiful Places to Travel
In honor of Earth Day (April 22, 2019), I’ve decided to compile a list of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Making this list was tough because I wanted to include every single amazing place I’ve ever seen! In no particular order, below is a non-exhaustive list of some of the indescribable natural wonders I’ve been privileged enough to see.
Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada
A swooping twenty-minute gondola ride takes you up the mountains overlooking Howe Sound, just an hour north of Vancouver. Read about our experience here.
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Thousands of bright blue glowworms twinkle above you in the darkness of a Maori cave. Read about how these “stars above the water” changed my life here.
Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona
Read more about the magic and mysticism of the colorful the Sedona vortices here.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Stand 700 feet above the sea and watch waves crash against the rocks beneath. Read about it here.
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Take a helicopter ride onto the ever-changing glacier and spend the rest of your time climbing through blue ice caves and trekking through crevasses. Read about our journey here.
Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona
Visit Navajo Point at sunset for unobstructed views. Read how here.
Cathedral Cove, New Zealand
A hike through dense forest leads you to this famous South Pacific landmark. Read more here.
Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada, Spain
Stand at the top of the Alhambra and gaze at the snowy mountains surrounding the ancient fortress. Read more here.
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
An hour hike up the mountain leads you through sheep-saturated meadows and verdant rainforest to expose you to 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. Read more here.
Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia
Follow wild ponies as they nibble their way through the park.
Eze Village, France
Just thirty minutes from Nice and Monaco, this medieval village founded by the ancient Phoenicians offers stunning views of the Mediterranean sea and the rocky hillside below. Read about it here.
Sunset Cliffs, San Diego, California
Hop (safely) onto the rocks below the cliffs to face the surf as waves break. Read about it here.
Putangirua Pinnacles, New Zealand
Travel the Dimholt Road near Wellington here.
Max Patch, North Carolina
A quick hike to the top of this mountain gives 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Fall leaves in Tennessee
Take a hike through Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in November.
Hokitika Gorge, New Zealand
Cross a suspension bridge over the glacial-fed waters of this South Island gorge. Read about it here.
