When it comes to research, nothing comes close to the Smithsonian Institution, a massive complex of museums, research centers and a zoo that are dedicated to amass knowledge for the “increase and diffusion” of the same.
When asked of their own bucket list, the Smithsonian – who should know nature, the arts and world culture better than anyone – came up with 43 places they consider must-see, where getting to one or all will surely enrich a traveler’s life before kicking the bucket.
There’s something for everyone, from the adrenaline-seeker to the nature lover. If there is anything that may not apply to all, it’s the fact that time, for some of us, may be running out, or that the places themselves are running out of time. So better get there before one or the other moves on to the next dimension.
The Appalachian Trail winds through 14 States of the USA (Photo by Miguel Vieira)
Does not exactly look like an adventure, until you realize this trail winds through 14 states of the USA!
For the thrill-seeker, there’s the Appalachian Trail, the Tour de France, the Vasaloppet ski race and the road trip to Hana, Maui.
Ancient temples and places of worship are some of the world’s most exhilarating sights, and nothing can beat the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the 3,000-strong temples of Bagan, Myanmar, the Parthenon, and the ruins of an ancient city, the Ephesus.
Of course, time travel is not always as sophisticated as using a teleporting machine that can digitally disassemble and reassemble an entity from one time to another, or one place to the next. Excavated and still-standing portals into the past are there for exploring. From the Red City of Petra to the enormous Pyramids of Giza, time travel is up for grabs to anyone with travel money to burn and time to squander. When all is said and done, there’s still the Great Wall, the Taj Mahal, and ancient cities of Maya.
For simply fantastic views that nature has to offer, the Great Barrier Reef is a splendid introduction, and the Northern Lights, a punctuation. In between, the Amazon Rain Forest, the 500-year-old Machu Picchu and the Iguazu Falls are life-changing diversions.
The thundering Iguazu Falls is overwhelming even by day (Photo by mark goble)
The adventurous will not want for anything after a trip to the Grand Canyon or a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro. A trip to Antarctica or a cruise along the Yangtze River would be a nice topper on the cake.
For outdoor enthusiasts who would want to have an up close and personal encounter with wildlife, Newfoundland is currently the hot spot for whales, while the Everglades is an old standby in alligator watching. Costa Rica has become a mecca for bird and turtle lovers, while the Serengeti still thunders with annual wildlife migration.
Smile, she should make your day brighter
(Photo by Joaquín Martínez)
Those longing to unwind can pack their bags (and preferably ditch everything electronic and distracting) and head to the Tranquil Zen Garden of Tokyo, or gaze for hours at the masterpieces on the walls of Louvre. There’s also the romantic canals of Venice, and the outstanding creations of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater in Pennsylvania.
If you really want to carefully consider each one before you say “I do,” take a look at the complete list.
And off you go.
Explore the rest of the world
Get down and dirty: Fun in the Sun!
Escape to a relaxing holiday in Bali, Indonesia
Explore geysers and thermal waters
Article by Chris
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
- Google+ |
- More Posts (327)
Help others get the information they need by liking or sharing our page!
Follow @followloveblab
