UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS

UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS by: Gayle Hurst

The world is full of wonders, and some of the most incredible ones are hidden in plain sight. As you explore different corners of the globe, keep an eye out for unexpected encounters with nature. Often, these are the most memorable moments on a trip!

The Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are an iconic part of the country's landscape and natural beauty. To get to know them better, start with these tips: The Alberta Rockies is the easternmost range in Alberta, and it has three distinct sections: Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Yoho National Park. These parks are all home to bears (including grizzlies), elk, bighorn sheep, deer—and lots of hiking trails!

For more information about what to do in the Rockies' mountains and valleys once you're there (ahem), check out Banff's official website for more details on activities like canoeing across Lake Louise or hiking through wildflower meadows at Sunshine Meadows Provincial Park.

Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest game reserve and home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. It also boasts a diverse array of other wild animals including cheetah, hippo, hyena, and crocodile.

Kruger is an excellent place to see the migration of wildebeest and zebra—a spectacular sight that occurs every year between July and October as these animals travel from Tanzania across southern Africa in search of greener pastures.

Amazon Jungle

The Amazon is the world's largest rainforest, home to 20% of all known species and three million square miles of territory. It's also home to the world's largest river—the Amazon. River— which originates in the Peruvian Andes and flows out into the Atlantic Ocean after traveling over 6,400 miles.

The Amazon is also home to Angel Falls, one of Earth’s tallest waterfalls at 3,212 feet tall; this waterfall plunges off an edge that juts out from Venezuela’s Auyantepui mountain range. Lastly, you'll find that the entire basin of this river system covers some 7 million square miles!

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are a group of islands in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, with a population of around 25,000. It is not only a province of Ecuador but also one of its best-known tourist attractions. It is home to unique species of flora and fauna that make it an ideal holiday destination for nature enthusiasts. The islands were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979 because they possess “outstanding universal value” due to their biodiversity and rich history as well as being one of the most important sites for studying evolutionary biology in action.

Green Lake, Austria

Green Lake is a lake in northern Austria. It is the only natural lake in the Alpine region, making it a popular tourist attraction. Surrounded by a nature reserve, it is also popular among hikers and fishers.

Patagonia, Argentina, and Chile

Patagonia is a region in the south of Argentina and Chile. It is famous for its mountains and glaciers, as well as it's wildlife and natural beauty.

There are many different types of activities to do in Patagonia: you can hike through beautiful landscapes or ride horses along the coast. You could also go fishing or kayaking, or visit a wildlife sanctuary where you can see some of South America’s most diverse species up close!

You don't need to be an expert adventurer to enjoy your trip to Patagonia - there are plenty of ways for beginners to get involved too! For example, if you want something relaxing then why not try white water rafting? Or if you'd prefer something more adventurous... why not bungee jump from one of these stunning bridges high above the river below?

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Located in Agra, India, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Taj Jama Masjid: Built by Sultan Shah Jahan I (1628-58), who also built the Taj Mahal, this mosque was constructed with red sandstone and marble and has two large towers flanking its entrance. It serves as an example of Indo-Islamic architecture that combines both Hindu and Muslim influences.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior, 50 miles from the Canadian border. It is the largest island in Lake Superior and is home to a diverse array of wildlife.

The park was established on April 3, 1940, by Franklin Roosevelt after several years of lobbying by conservationists concerned with protecting the island's natural resources.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

Uluru is a large sandstone rock formation in Australia. It's situated in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which is the world's largest national park. In fact, it's so big that it has its own postal code!

Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara Anangu people, who have lived there for thousands of years. They believe that Uluru holds deep spiritual significance and many ceremonies are performed at its base each year by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal visitors alike.

Komodo Island, Indonesia

In the western part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Komodo Island is an island with a rich history and culture. Home to Komodo National Park, which is a World Heritage Site, it also has one of the most unique inhabitants: the Komodo dragon. The park protects this endangered species and its habitat while preserving natural resources for future generations.

What will you find on your next trip?

You might want to visit:

Barcelona, Spain. The city has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It has a unique blend of cultures and architecture that can be found nowhere else on Earth. And did we mention it's beautiful?

Los Angeles, California. LA is full of culture and adventure—from Hollywood to the beachside towns, there's something for everyone here! If you like hiking or swimming in natural waterfalls, this is the place for you!

It’s amazing, isn’t it? The world has so much to offer. With the right mindset and a little bit of planning, you can have some truly unique travel experiences. How will you spend your next vacation?

Gayle Hurst