Dream Vacations for Nature Lovers

You’d be hard pressed to find a corner of Earth without a phenomenal view of nature.  Volcanoes, mountain ranges, oceans, jungles, forests and deserts, the world is consistently showing us reminders of how beautiful it can be.  Thinking of packing your bags and heading on an adventurous vacation?  Here are ten ideas to spark your inner explorer with a list of dream vacations for nature lovers.

 

Landscape Lovers United States National Parks

 

The US has parks across the country, perfect for any nature lover.  There are 58 major National Parks in America so you could essentially take years just visiting different US parks as your vacation time.  It’s an opportunity to learn more about your own backyard, and an iconic way to see the country as a visitor.  A great attribute of the parks are that they make them accessible to all types of visitors.  Go for a short walk, pack a picnic, take a hike or camp, there is something for anyone who appreciates nature or wants to dip your toes into more outdoor activities.

Park Tip:  Don’t forget that each state also has their own park system.  There are over 10,000 state parks in the US, many just as beautiful as their National park counterparts.  Use the National Park Service website to find your park.

 

Road trip Lovers Trip Through Iceland

 

The Ring Road is an unforgettable way to witness the magic of nature.  This makes Iceland one of the most popular vacations for nature lovers.  It is essentially a road trip that circles the island, starting & ending in Reykjavik.  Be prepared to stop every few minutes, the scenery even on the roadside is so unbelievable!  There are several ways to take the tour, either by bus, a tour or on your own.  Iceland in recent years has seen a serious influx in visitors, many coming for a few days on a “stop over” flight.  Over-tourism is a major problem for several destinations so when we do intend to visit these popular vacations for nature lovers, to make sure we are protecting the landscapes that brought us there in the first place.

Travel Tip:  Make sure you find out when the best weather is depending on what you are looking for in your trip.  July & August have great weather.  I was there in the winter which is optimal for viewing the Northern Lights.

Outdoor Lovers Camp in Norway

 

Summer is the best time for a camper to spend time in Northern Norway.  The Lofoten Islands are a prime location to see a less populated region of the country, drama inducing landscapes and challenging hikes.  The islands spread out over the Norwegian Sea and offer up a view of what life is like above the Arctic Circle.  If that doesn’t sell you, the sticky buns that are baked there surely will.

When to go:  In the summer the Midnight Sun is a unique time to visit, the sun practically never sets giving you days of soft light, a natural occurrence only found in the Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle region of the Earth.

 

Animal Lovers Safari in Botswana

 

Chobe National Park is known to be one of the best parks for viewing wildlife in the world.  The Okavango Delta is a region full of diverse species of birds, mammals and reptiles alike.  African safari is likely to be found on any nature or animal lovers vacation list and one of the first place I’d recommend is Botswana.  Be ready for a few days of long bumpy rides, the savannah isn’t always the most comfortable but it’s the most rewarding.  Aside from the Rhinoceros, over a few good days you’ll be able to see all the famous animals that brought you Africa.

Safari Tip: The Big 5 is not the biggest animals, but the ones hunters had said to be the most dangerous to kill.  Elephants, Buffalo, Leopards, Lions and Rhinoceros are all members of the five.  There are other amazing creatures on the continent so I encourage you to keep your eyes on the look out for creatures big and small!

Mountain Lovers Hiking through Himalayas

 

The Himalayas are the ultimate vacation spot for avid hikers and nature lovers.  The mountain range is the reason the phrase jaw dropping was created.  I challenge you to find more inspiring view.  Nepal & Bhutan are 2 of the 6 countries where nature lovers can vacation and enjoy the mountains.  The Himalayan Mountain range is home to the tallest mountain in the world, the famed Everest.  The range covers 1,500 miles so if Mt. Everest is intimidating to you, there are dozens of other different hikes and treks you can choose.

The Secret Weapon of the Himalayas:  Bhutan is a small country that is visited by few tourists.  It’s a great opportunity to vacation in a country that has sustainability and cultural preservation at the forefront

 

Ocean Lovers Sailing in Ecuador

 

The Galapagos is teeming with marine life, it’s a conservation and nature lovers dream place.  There isn’t anything quite like it on the planet.  The waters are clean, the wildlife is safe and the scenery is dynamic.  The best way to see the sights is by a small cruise.  Several of the islands can’t be accessed by public ferry and some are closed to the public all together.

Money Saving Tip:  If you have the flexibility, book your island hopping cruise when you arrive in the Galapagos.  Prices are cheaper if you are a last minute addition on an existing trip.

Winter Lovers Snowshoeing in Finland

 

The Finnish Lapland have some of the more peaceful forests you’ll find.  In the winter it is a magical place, cotton candy pink clouds set along the backdrop of snow covered evergreens.  If you come prepared for the cold you can enjoy being out in nature, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing.  The official home of Santa Claus is located in the Laplands of Finland so it must be a special place!

Best Place to Stay to Get Away: 7 Fells Hostel 

 

Nature Lovers Sleeping in the Sahara Morocco

 

The desert is a natural phenomenon.  When you think about how many minuscule grains of sand make up the dunes of the Sahara, it makes you wonder how a desert is created.  Shortage of rain water,  ocean currents creating winds with little moisture in combination with erosion creates our deserts.  I think that even with a barren landscape it can still be a beauty of nature.

Fun Fact:  The word Sahara means desert in Arabic, so the Sahara desert is the “desert desert”.

Where to stay: Be sure to find an ethical tour operator like Open Doors Morocco that takes you on to the desert oasis of your dreams in a responsible way, paying workers a fair wage.

 

Snorkeling with Sea Life in the Philippines

 

Nature is just as stunning under the water as it is above.  The Philippines is one of those rare locations that boasts both, island scenery on land and a whole other land to admire below.  There are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, each region of the country with it’s own micro culture and traditions.  In the months spent on the islands there isn’t one place I stayed where I wouldn’t return.

Best Island for Swimming with the Fishes: Siquijor or Boracay

Adventure Lovers Exploring in Costa Rica

 

Cloud forests, Rainforests, volcanoes, and oceans, Costa Rica is teeming with biodiversity and diverse landscapes.  Pura Vida isn’t just a saying here, it’s a way of life.  Living simply and enjoying life is easy to do when you can go whitewater rafting one day and zip lining through the jungle the next.  Costa Rica provides a perfect backdrop for any adventurous traveler.  The country has put their environment and eco systems at the forefront of their agenda towards more sustainable tourism practices.  It is apparent in the way that the people of Costa Rica care for their conservation areas and reserves.  The environment is the star of the show, you’ll be consistently impressed with the landscape and views at any corner of the country.

Best Costa Rican Resident: The sloth!

Preserving Nature

How can we keep these places protected for future vacationers?  There are a few easy things we can all do that make an impact wether you live in these countries or not.  Here are a list of a few simple changes you can make to keep these locations as vacations for nature lovers.

• Reduce, Recycle, Reuse.  Three little words we have heard for years that somehow still need repeating.  Be sure to not only recycle, but make choices that reduce the need for wasteful products in the first place.  Reusable items, eliminating unnecessary packaging and plastics are a great way to help the cause.
• Plant a tree!  There are so many organizations that help coordinate tree planting events where they are really needed.  Don’t want to get your hands dirty?  Donate to non profits like One Tree Planted that focus on reforestation.
• Use your own two feet when possible or means of more environmentally friendly transportation.  Cruising less, flying less and taking more public transportation are the best ways to help our climate.
• Eat less meat.  Vegan and Vegetarian lifestyle isn’t for everyone but it is proven way to help our environment.  If you can’t take meat out of your diet all together start slow and participate in #MeatlessMondays.
• Don’t litter.  Keep these beautiful places pristine by not leaving anything behind.  Picking up trash can be a quiet but bold action that will motivate others to do the same.
• Conserve water.  Be a little more frugal in the bath and help save water and energy.  Turning off the water while you brush your teeth, being mindful about long showers and get a low flush toilet.  Even though the Earth is made up of mostly water, clean water is a precious commodity!

Like these vacation ideas?  Pin & share with your adventure & nature loving friends!