Mount Everest, Nepal

There are several ways to experience Mount Everest. For those who are extremely adventurous and have had extensive experience with mountain climbing, the challenge to climb to the summit of Everest awaits. The mountain must be climbed in stages so that the body can get acclimatized to the changing conditions. The first stop is at the Base Camp where the elevation is 17,000ft (5,400m), whereas the elevation at the Summit reaches 29,035ft (8,850m.) ¹

Not quite looking to climb to the summit, but still interested in seeing the beauty of the mountain? Another option is to take a guided hike to the mountain and view Mount Everest up close and personal from the base of the mountain.

If you aren’t up for the hike, another way to experience breathtaking views of the mountain is to take a guided flight around the mountain. For more details on flights around Mount Everest, visit the Ghale Treks and Expeditions site.
http://www.ghalegroup.com/Nepal/Adventures/mountain_flight.php

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia

Victoria Falls is located in southern Africa between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Visitors can see as much as 80% of the falls from the Zimbabwean side, while from the Zambian side only 20-30% of the falls can be seen. The Zambian side allows visitors to view the falls in one of two ways: from above by taking a helicopter ride or from base-level by walking down a footpath within the rainforest. ²

A spectacular way to see the falls is from the air. You can visit United Air Charters http://www.uaczam.com/ for more details on helicopter flight information that will show you the majestic aerial view of the falls. During the peak flood season around March and April, the view from the air is amazing due to the masses of spray rising from the falls. At this time of year it is prohibited to see the falls by foot. ³

If hiking through the rainforest, some points that offer an impressive view of the falls include Knife Edge Bridge, Livingston Island, and The Boiling Pot. The Boiling Pot provides a view of the falls from deep within the gorge into which the Falls descend. ⁴

The Grand Canyon, USA

Want to be one of the nearly five million people that see the Grand Canyon each year? It surely is a spectacular site. Most visitors see the canyon by taking a car ride to various overlooks along the South Rim. The South Rim is open all year round and is located 60 miles (97km) north of Williams, AZ and 80 miles (129km) northwest of Flagstaff, AZ. ⁵

There are fewer crowds visiting the canyon in early spring or late fall, so this can be an ideal time to visit. There will be heavier crowds during spring, summer, and the earlier fall months, but the canyon is certainly large enough to accommodate everyone!

The entrance fee to the Grand Canyon National Part is $25 per private vehicle or $12 per pedestrian or cyclist. Commercial bus and tour van fees vary. This fee includes 7 days of admission. For more information about visiting the Grand Canyon, visit http://www.grandcanyon.org/.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Approximately 2 million visitors travel to the Great Barrier Reef every year. ⁶
The most spectacular way to experience the Great Barrier Reef is to go on a snorkeling or scuba diving expedition. Generally, a pontoon boat will take you out to your snorkeling or scuba diving location. There are also several boat or cruise tours, but still make sure to hop into the water with some gear to see the exquisite underwater life.

For more information on snorkeling or scuba dive adventures around the reef, visit http://www.reeftrip.com.

The Northern Lights, Northern Hemisphere

The Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) are a beautiful, natural light show. If you’d like to try to catch a view of the Northern Lights, the spectacle is generally best seen in September or March, and is most clearly seen from Northern Canada and Fairbanks, Alaska. You could also possibly catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in states that are furthest north such as Maine, Minnesota or Washington with the help of a telescope. ⁷

Paricutin Volcano, Mexico

The Paricutin Volcano is located approximately 200 miles west of Mexico City. If you’re planning a visit to the volcano, you may want to stay in the city of Uruapan, which is located 20 miles south of the volcano and surrounding lava fields. From Uruapan, catch a bus to the small village of Angahuan. In Angahuan, you can hire a guide to take you around the volcanic sites for the day, since the trails are otherwise quite difficult to find. There is also a fun option to view the volcano and surrounding area by horseback. The lava rock can be very slippery so make sure to wear proper footwear. ⁸

The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is best seen from the top of one of the mountains that surrounds it. There are several mountains that surround the harbor and provide a spectacular view, but you may want to take the tram that goes up the Corcovado Mountain. This not only provides a good view of the harbor, but you’ll also be able to get an up-close view of the Christ the Redeemer statue, which stands atop this mountain.

The city of Rio de Janeiro provides a lot of other exciting things to do while you’re visiting. For instance, soccer lovers will appreciate the Maracana Stadium, while shopping fanatics will enjoy the diversity of malls in Zona Oeste, which is often compared with Miami. ⁹