The world is a big place, and with that, there are thousands of hidden and not so hidden treasures! I was thinking about some of the usual holiday traps and I have been seriously wondering what is so popular about them… We have almost unlimited access to anywhere in the world, not only can we travel via plane, but we have extensive road infrastructure, cruise lines such as Holland America, and Royal Caribbean and of course trains. Don’t let cost hold you back; the world has so much more to offer than a cheap holiday to Tenerife!
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China – it’s more exciting that it sounds – honest! The Great Wall is a master piece of a construction. It is deeply immersed in culture and history of the region. It such an amazing spectacle to be able to see in the flesh. The wall is over 1,800 years old and it said to be around 5,500 miles long! This wall certainly has thrill seekers taken for a ride with hiking, paragliding and you can even get a birds-eye view from the cable car ride. There is also the opportunity to take part in the Great Wall Marathon; a 26.2 mile race, normally held in May – bring lots of water with you, it can get hot and tiring!
The Grand Canyon
Driving, hiking or walking – the Grand Canyon certainly earns the title “Grand”. I have to say though; the best view of the Canyon is an aerial view from a helicopter! There are lots of activities to keep you amused on the canyon and the National Park Services offer guided tours, bikes for hire, white water rafting and there is even a rail system that runs through canyon offering spectacular views. So would you rather go to Ibiza, or visit this amazing place…. Oh yea, you are only a few hours’ drive from Vegas too!
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It’s Not Cold in Chile!
Chile is an amazing place to visit and nearly all of your travels will start in the city of Santiago. Santiago is the epicentre of Chile where everything happens. Most of the major airline operators will fly to Santiago and the nightlife is fantastic, there are restaurants, pubs, clubs and some tremendous little places to eat. If you fancy a dip in the pool, well you are in luck. Chile is home to the San Alfonso del Mar, the largest pool in the world! This amazing saltwater lagoon hold an astonishing 250 million litres of water, to be honest, I can’t even compare that to anything, if you can: feel free to add a comment!
Mexico – Private Tours
Mexico has lots to offer the holiday maker including the island of Contoy. Contoy is one of Mexico’s best kept secrets. The island is closely monitored as there is a wealth of sea birds and vital wildlife which inhabit the island. There are only a select few tour operator who have permission to take visitors onto the island; therefore you can almost guarantee that it will not be bustling with people. The island offer guided tours from biologist who study the island – who better to take you! Some of the information that they can offer you is absolutely priceless!
Grand Caymen – The Caribbean
The Grand Caymen is the largest of the Caribbean, but it certainly has not lost any of it’s character and flair! There is a wealth of underwater reef to explore, a plethora of beaches and some of the lushest and tropical waters on earth! You have the opportunity to swim with stingrays and you could even get married on the island! Due to the fact that the island is a tourist attraction, you will find most of your desires are fulfilled.
So would you rather the typical tourist traps, sticky floors, drunken yobs and all charm and charisma of a black-board? Or, for a little extra, visit some of the most amazing dynamic and beautiful ecosystems in the world, choice is yours.
The author of this article James King, is a travel enthusiast always looking for the next big getaway!