Sometimes, we get caught up in the comfort of our surroundings and forget about all the other ethereal sights that the world has to offer. The time to travel is now. There are far too many beautiful places on this earth to go to merely stay in the comfort of one place. You want to look back on your life thinking about the amazing things you saw, insane stories you can tell, and unforgettable memories you reminisce on. You want to be able to look back and remember the things you did and places you saw rather than regret the things you didn’t do and places you didn’t see. While sometimes you get the opportunity of a lifetime to travel internationally, and other times you’re limited to about as far as your car will take you, adventure still awaits. Without further ado, here is the ultimate travel guide for wanderlust souls craving adventure in their lives.
International Travel:
1. Lake Braies, Dolomiti, Italy
Yes, this is a real place. The gorgeous lake has the bluest waters you’ve ever seen, and is surrounded by breathtaking mountains. You can paddle in a kayak, canoe, or rowboat if you’re looking for an in-water adventure, or you can walk around the gorgeous lake on one of the few trails through the mountains for a hike.
2. Lake Moraine at Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Much like Lake Braies, Lake Moraine has absolutely breathtaking views of blue water surrounded by mountains. Situated in the heart of Banff National Park, Lake Moraine is a stunning view in Canada that locals can’t even get enough of. There is another lake in the National Park, named Lake Louise, which is a bit bigger and equally as stunning. There are plenty of hikes to with ethereal views above the clouds, but if you simply want to sit on a bench at the bottom of the lake and take in the natural beauty, then there’s a picnic table readily available for your viewing pleasure.
3. Tarumae Gora Gorge, Hokkaido, Japan
This mysteriously alluring river bank is none hidden in the depths of Hokkaido, Japan. The Tarumae Gorge is a moss cave surrounded by eroded cliff edges, and despite its beauty, it is an uncommon tourist location. It takes some hiking to get here, but the hikes provide profound views from mountains overlooking Hokkaido.
4. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Most people tend to forget about Vietnam’s awe-inspiring natural beauty, but the country flourishes with gorgeous views; Ha Long Bay is one of them. Ha Long Bay is famous for the mountain rocks jutting out of the bright blue water, providing a stunning scene for locals and tourists. You can kayak and canoe in Ha Long Bay, and you will frequently see locals doing the same. In fact, it is not uncommon to see locals living on the bay in their boats.
5. Emerald River, Slovenia
With a view similar to that on the front page of a travel magazine, Emerald River in Slovenia is easily one of the most unreal sights you’ve ever seen: the best part is that it is very real, and you can visit at your leisure. Emerald River is home to clear blue water, lush green trees, and a gorgeous mountain view. You can whitewater raft, canoe, kayak, and hike around this jaw dropping body of water.
In the US:
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
As someone who spent the majority of her life on the East Coast, I had no idea the beautiful sights that Montana had to offer. In Glacier National Park, there are countless sights just like this one to bask in. The hikes provide out of this world views of the lake and mountains from all angles, and the sights are so breathtaking that every few steps you’ll want to stop and stare.
2. Havasu Creek, Grand Canyon
Located in the Grand Canyon, Havasu Lake is known for its turquoise waters, which stay so vibrant because of the high mineral content. Tour guides are willing to take you into this water for kayaking and canoeing to show you the exquisite bottom of the canyon. The best news? The water stays around 70 degrees fahrenheit year round.
3. Vidae Falls, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake is home to many breathtaking views, and just one of them is Vidae Falls. With blue, reflective water, a perimeter of mountains, and a lush treeline, Crater Lake National Park has views that you can never get tired of.
4. Rainbow Falls Park, Hawaii
Rainbow Falls Park is one of the few beauties in Hawaii. The waterfalls are magnificent, not to mention the gorgeous greenery elsewhere. This location isn’t just known for the gorgeous waterfall, though: it’s commonly visited after a rainstorm, when gorgeous rainbows hit the water and produce a stunning view.
5. Emerald Pool, Zion National Park, Utah
Emerald Pool in Zion National Park is perhaps one of the most beautiful gems of the state park. After a hike through a natural tunnel, you will find this gorgeous water hole with clear water surrounded by the rock of the mountain. Emerald Pool isn’t the only great thing about Zion National Park, though: there are plenty of other gorgeous hikes that will lead you to astonishing views of Utah.