5 Places To Go Before You Die
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
There are some places in the world that are beyond belief, locations that words and pictures cannot describe and views that take the breath away. But often these are places we never visit. 'I'd love to go there,' we say, 'we'll go next year,' we promise, but more often than not we never go, citing excuses such as the expense or that it's not the right time.
This guide's aim is to drag you out of the doldrums and make you realise you can go anywhere you want to with a bit of planning. Whether it means you use low APR cards to pay for your trip or just good old fashioned saving, there's always a way.
You can't spend that money when you pop your clogs so why put it away for a rainy day now? Get out there and see the world! Consider this the bucket list of natural wonders; so without further ado, here are five places you have to visit in your lifetime.
1/ Angel Falls, Venezuela
This is the waterfall that every other waterfall wishes it was. The highest in the world and towering above the rainforests of Venezuela, Angel Falls is a breathtaking monument to the power of nature.
If the adrenaline rush of seeing that water crash into the rocks below isn't exciting enough for you, then just getting to Angel Falls is an adventure in itself. Travel down the river towards the falls in a wooden canoe and stop on the riverbank to sleep in hammocks along the way, if you want the genuine Angel Falls experience.
2/ Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
If lunar landscape turned big game playground is more your thing, then look no further than the Ngorongoro Crater. Thrust into an Africa desert, the crater plays host to stunning views as well as all sorts of wildlife.
You can witness lions and tigers prowling the desolate land or elephants bathing in the watering holes dotted around the crater. Experiencing your first African sunset in itself is something you'll never forget but team this with a safari and a feeling you are a part of the landscape itself and you have one hell of a holiday.
3/ Taj Mahal, India
We've all seen it on postcards and in films but most people have never actually made it to see this beautiful palace in the flesh. More elaborate than any gesture anyone's ever made to a loved one, the Taj Mahal is a testament to that famous Beatles lyric: all you need is love (well that and a massive palatial structure to make everyone else look bad).
4/ Pak Ou Caves, Laos
Caves have got a bit of a bad name really. They either shelter creepy crawlies, idiots going potholing or infamous terrorists, but in the Pak Ou Caves in Laos you'll thankfully find nothing of the sort. Nestled high above the Mekong River, Buddhists have worshipped there for over 600 years. This dedication has lead to over 4,000 images of Buddha being carved into the caves making it the perfect place to reflect and nourish your spiritual side.
5/ Kampala, Uganda
If you've always wondered what gorillas look like when they are not playing the drum solo to Phil Collins's eighties classic, 'In The Air Tonight', then Kampala is the place for you. After trekking through dense African forest, you are rewarded with a glimpse of mountain gorillas in their own habitat. There is nothing quite like seeing such majestic animals up close and it will certainly be an experience you will never forget.
So there we have it, five places you just have to see before it's too late. Forget the excuses and get down that travel agent today.
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