What are the Seven Natural Wonders of the World?

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was the original top destination guide. As I wrote last year, numerous Seven Wonders lists have evolved, for better or worse: new wonders, man-made wonders, engineering wonders, etc.

Naturally occurring wonders is a fun list. Some are over-achievers, being listed on other “Seven Wonders” lists. And whether you agree or disagree with the designation, they are all worth the trip!

Victoria Falls, named after Queen Victoria by explorer David Livingston, is locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or The Smoke that Thunders. Located on the Zambezi River where it crosses Zimbabwe and Zambia the falls are over one-mile long. In addition to drinking in the views, sunset cruises and river-rafting are additional activities by which to enjoy the river. And if you’re in Southern Africa, you must include a safari! In addition to Zimbabwe and Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia all have great safari offerings and are near the falls. What an adventure!

Harbor of Rio De Janeiro, or Guanabara Bay was naturally created by erosion from the Atlantic Ocean. It is the world’s largest natural deep-water bay and has some of the world’s most famous and spectacular beaches. Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, Christ the Redeemer, Carnavale Festival. How do you want to spend your time in Rio?

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide at its broadest. Carved by the Colorado River over many millenniums, this spectacular site is visited by over 4 million people annually. More visited in summer, try fall, spring, or even winter to avoid crowds. You can explore via pack mule, hiking, helicopter, or van. Lodging ranges from backpack camping to three-star hotels within the park. More luxurious accommodations are a short drive away from the park entrance. How about a spa retreat combined with a Grand Canyon visit? Ahhh.

The youngest volcano in the world, Paricutin Volcano’s birth was witnessed rather than discovered after the fact. First erupted in 1943 in a cornfield while a farmer was plowing and grew 1200 feet its first year. Fortunately, the lava flow was slow enough to allow local villagers to escape unharmed. It last erupted in 1952 and is considered dormant. Over 9,000 feet in elevation, it provides a spectacular view of surrounding countryside. Located in Michoacán, Mexico, it is a great side trip to a beach vacation in the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo area.

There are many places from which to view the Aurora Borealis – aka the Northern Lights. Northern US, Canada, Iceland, Finland, and Norway all have great viewing. One of the best sites is Fairbanks, Alaska. High latitude plus easy escape from light pollution in the surrounding countryside make this a popular viewing destination. Add a Winter Carnival, sled dog races, and Denali National Park and you’ve got a spectacular winter vacation.

Mt Everest at 29,029 feet tall, is the highest and most iconic peak on the planet. Although scaling the peak is on my naughty list, I highly recommend viewing it. If you’re are a hiker, there are various treks ranging from a few hours to several days to Everest Base Camp. If hiking isn’t your thing, the camp is accessible by car for that Kodak moment. Kathmandu, Nepal is the primary international gateway to Mt. Everest and is a wonderful destination unto its own. A yoga retreat or spiritual tour of the Lhasa monasteries are possibilities.

The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia is the largest living thing on earth. An ecosystem over 1400 miles long and visible from space. While it may be scuba divers’ number one bucket list item, dive skills aren’t required to enjoy and view this wonder. Snorkel, sailing, even submarines are all means to see and appreciate the innumerable species of fish, corals, and sea life. Miles and miles of sun-kissed beaches make this a tropical paradise. And, a perfect way to relax after spending time in the Australian Outback!

Are any of these Natural Wonders on your bucket list? If so, I’d love to help you plan a trip that exceeds your expectations and leaves the worries and details to us.

Five Destinations to Avoid in 2018

Are you planning a bucket list adventure for 2018? There are so many places to see and experience and some are destinations we wait an entire lifetime to visit. But, some places might be better visited in a year other than 2018. Here are five destinations that I do not recommend for 2018 travel. The reasons range from ethical to photographic.

1. Balancing the desire to help oppressed populations with tourism dollars vs the support of questionable regimes with those dollars can be a dilemma for any well-intentioned traveler. Myanmar (Burma) is mysterious, rich in history and has had an uptick in tourism since the country reopened its borders in 2010. While travel is a great bridge between cultures, the current human rights violations go beyond political or cultural injustice. The atrocities committed against the Rohingya by the Myanmar Army is being compared to the genocide of Rwanda.

2. Normally, I don’t dissuade clients from traveling because of potential crime in other countries. Media outlets love to sensationalize criminality in other countries and frequently blow things out of proportion. Of course, judiciousness is important, and you should consider all factors when deciding on a destination. But, would you not visit Chicago because of their murder rate? Of course not. Unfortunately, Honduras is experiencing a crime wave to which local law enforcement is a faction. Not only are they of no assistance, but often are the perpetrators. For the time being, I am recommending that you consider voting with your wallet and withhold your travel dollars until the situation improves. One of my favorite dive sites, I hope it will be soon.

3. Once again, the US government has made traveling to Cuba an exercise in red tape. It’s not that you can’t do it, it’s just they make it so confusing and add so many extra hurdles. I wrote an article a few weeks ago about how the changes might affect you. But, in addition to the hassle factor, the questionable assault against US diplomats is still unsolved and concerning. Until we know more about who, what, when, where, and why, you might want to wait a bit to take a spin in a vintage convertible in this Caribbean hotspot.

4. The Taj Mahal makes the list because it is getting a face lift in 2018. Literally! A mudpack is being applied to remove the yellowing stains and restore the white marble. So, unless you want your once-in-a-lifetime photos of the monument to include scaffolding, mud, and tarpaulins, you might want to wait a year or so before visiting this iconic site.

5. Beautiful, dangerous, a natural wonder. Once pristine, Mt. Everest is now littered with trash and dead bodies. While you may be brave (or foolish) enough and rich enough ($50,000+) to embark on an Everest Climb, consider the damage to the environment. Even if you make it back, your garbage won’t. If it isn’t safe enough to retrieve corpses (over 200), who do you think is going to pick up your trash? Your mother? Consider an Everest Base Camp Trek as an alternative. Not only is it more achievable, it is kinder to the environment.

There you have it. My “naughty list” for 2018. Are any of them on your list for this year? If so, I’d love to help you manage the challenges or find an alternative that will exceed your expectations.

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