Where do you see yourself on your next holiday? For Brits, the most likely answer is “on a city break” – it’s the most popular kind of holiday, having recently overtaken trips to the beach. But while there’s plenty to enjoy about visiting cultural hubs like Paris or Prague, there’s so much more out there to experience.
The world abounds with incredible landscapes unlike anything you’re used to at home, meaning you could turn your journey into one of true exploration. If you’ve got a taste for adventure, here are just some of the kinds of places just waiting for you to discover…
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Volcanic landscapes
Volcanoes have huge impacts on the environments around them, shaping unique ecosystems around them. Indeed, different volcanic regions can be completely unlike each other – as different as holidays to Cape Verde’s volcanic West African islands are from a weekend in Barcelona, so are the snow and geysers of Iceland unlike the teeming wildlife hub of the Galapagos Islands despite their geological connections. These places can seem truly alien at times, in the most fascinating ways.
Rainforests
It’s hard to understate how important rainforests are for our planet, with urgent work being done in places like the Amazon to help regulate Earth’s fragile climate. Visiting the Amazon or similar areas in the Congo Basin, Indonesia or Papua New Guinea not only promises a visually stunning experience but will help you appreciate the significance of our connection to the natural world.
Deserts
Venture into the vast and arid landscapes of the Sahara, Gobi or Atacama deserts – to name only a handful – to witness up close nature’s resilience. Even in these harsh environments, you’ll be able to see how plants and animals have adapted to their surroundings, while taking in the majesty of rolling dunes and stark canyons.
Mountains
The UK has a few mountains of its own but most of them pale in comparison to the imposing features of the Himalayas, the Andes, the Alps and the Rockies. Naturally, these destinations make for incredible adventure holidays, with plenty of opportunities for picturesque hikes and thrilling days spent climbing. But it’s easy to overlook how satisfying they can be on a cultural level, as well, as you discover first-hand how living in the shadow of major mountains shapes the everyday lives of the locals.
Coasts
Holidays on the coast don’t all have to be about relaxing on the beach – although many of the best ones do work in some of that too. If you want to travel in order to learn more about the world, coasts are great places to do so – they’re often home to unique ecosystems, while the challenges and relative isolation of island living give rise to all manner of fascinating cultural practices that you’d never have expected. You’ll be able to discover how coastal regions respond to the threat of coastal erosion and enjoy the sumptuous cuisines that arise from plentiful access to seafood.
