Young people should take advantage of the opportunity to travel. It moves you out of your comfort zone exposing you to new cultures and ways of thinking that you would otherwise not experience. Furthermore, it exposes you to people who do not look the way that you look and may hold different values than you hold. Depending on where you travel, you may realize how lucky you are to live where you live. Overcoming the hurdles experienced when traveling empowers you to overcome other hurdles in life.
1. Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon is the largest freshwater reserve in the world. Almost 50 percent of all species of animals known to man live in the rainforest. The rainforest contains about 5,000 species of fruit that are edible. The people who live here have a unique culture that they want to share with you.
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2. Hạ Long Bay
Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam, is a series of 1,969 islands that is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its geological and geomorphologic importance. The stunning karsts outcroppings have taken nature more than 3,000 years to create as the water slowly drips onto the limestone. While the most popular way to see the bay is from a junk boat, spend some time in a kayak or canoe. One really must explore the food, especially the jumbo shrimp. For a day that you will never forget, many local fisherman will take you along for money tips.
3. Jeju Island
Jeju Island, South Korea, contains the tallest mountain in South Korea. With some careful planning, you can hike it up and down in a day while enjoying this UNESCO biosphere natural wonder. The mile hike into the lava-tube cave called Manjang is one of the most amazing places on earth. The 45 massive phallic statues will have you thinking that you went to Easter Island. Jungmun Beach is usually nearly vacant while the nearby water often offers breaks that surfers adore.
4. Komodo Island
Komodo Island is home to over 2,500 komodo dragons. If that is not enough to bring you here, then picture yourself lying on a white sandy beach or sipping a cold drink while relaxing under a mangrove tree while crystal-clear water is lapping at your feet. Diving experts claim that the waters off Komodo Island are one of the best spots in the world to see diversity in marine life.
5. Puerto Princesa Underground River
The Puerto Princesa Underground River in the Philippines is the longest underground river in the world. You will simply not believe this natural wonder. As you ride along the river, you will be amazed as hundreds of bats fly above your head, watch giant monitor lizards crawl on the cave’s walls and laugh at the antics of the cave monkeys.
6. Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park near Cape Town, South Africa, is famous for the clouds that usually gather near the top giving the whole mountain a fairytale-like appearance. The ride to the top of the mountain on the aerial tramway is unforgettable. Nearby, explore the silver mines. Do not leave without visiting the African penguins in their natural habitat. When planning where to stay Cape Town check check around the internet.
7. Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. While you may not want to hike to the top of the mountain, there are other ways to enjoy its view. You can take the shorter 48 mile hike that lets you stay at a monastery hostel on the mountain for the night. From there, it is an easy six mile high to Mount Everest’s base camp that you can explore. Of course, you can rent a helicopter and fly over the mountain.
As you explore each of these wonders, try to leave a piece of yourself with the people who live there. Likewise, encourage them to interact with you. In the end, human connections built by traveling throughout the world can create world peace.
