Accommodation

Few women admit their age and fewer men act theirs’, but you can exhibit both. Before attacking Mauritius, take care of your comforts, book yourself a room or a suite at one of the luxurious resorts like Tamassa Mauritius, and let the fun days begin. The resorts can itself be a small beautiful world of their own with fantastic sea view from all the rooms and swimming pools, spas, and facilities for water sports, qualified instructors as guides, a golf course close by, a range of traditional and international delicious meals at show restaurants, snacks bar, and of course the cocktail bar. Not to mention, you can avail special holiday offers if you are the early bird.

Explore the Wild

You can have great day out on a biking excursion in the Chamarel Mountain. It is fun of its own with wonderful scenic landscape, vegetation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The atmosphere weighs with calmness and serenity. You travel from Chamarel, a small village, and a place with wonderful waterfalls and colored earth. You travel down to the coast at Bel Ombre. You will be at ease as most of the track is downhill and you have medium difficulty level track; you can add-on some rocky rides if you have the thrills for it. You ride all the way down through plantations of sugarcane, banana, pineapple, and coffee. It is fantastic way to say hello to nature.

Explore the Water Park

You can have a fantastic day out with your whole family at this wonderful park, a Mecca for kids. It is great place for anyone who wants to do nothing but have fun and get thrilled at the many exciting rides. There are places for rest and for have some yummy bites. The place has an amazing big wave pool where you can even body-surf. Kids have their rides cut-out with shallow splash areas, inner-tube ride, lily pads, water cannons and many more. Furthermore you have Giant slides, Kid’s pool, Adult’s pool, Paradise Cove, Mushroom shower, Funny wheels and many more to keep you busy all day long.

Explore the Waters

Swim with the dolphins, this is what you should do when you are in Mauritius. Take couple of an hour trip and visit the natural habitats of the dolphins. You are taken on a boat and skipper gives you the running commentary on dolphins. You will have some exciting moments in water and pure fun.

These being just a speck of what lies in Mauritius, give your-self a break and get your-self to Mauritius to get it all.

Photo by Natesh Ramasamy, Mohammed Alnaser and Ashwin CM

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Teacher Teacher

This will be far easier for native English speakers, but even if you aren’t, there are opportunities! English is a highly desirable language in the world, and therefore every non-English speaking country needs teachers. Native speakers with degrees will likely have a job a few minutes off the plane in some countries. It’s easy and you get paid.

There are some places that can’t afford to pay very much, and therefore can’t be as choosy when finding a teacher. So non- native English speakers who know English rather well are still hired. Don’t worry if you don’t know English enough, it doesn’t mean you can’t teach and make money. You just need to know another language. So for example when I was teaching English in Thailand, some of my co-workers were Chinese. They didn’t know English but they were fluent in Thai, so therefore they were able to teach Chinese in Thailand.

The point of the story is, if you’re bi-lingual, you can likely find a teaching job somewhere in the world.

Volunteering Ventures

Duh! This one is an obvious one. Volunteer to get yourself abroad. Don’t think you have the money to do it? Think again. You don’t need much if you volunteer. Many organization set you up with a place to stay, which is usually a large chuck of your budget. If that is taken care of, then you don’t need much else besides food and the ticket to get there. Sometimes your food might even be provided.

If you happen to have a green thumb, try WWOOF an organization dedicated to making our world more organic and sustainable. Other sites connect volunteers with people who need help with handy work around the house, a nanny, teaching, helping around a hostel or guesthouse, helping a small business get set up or grow and more. There is plenty that you can do, experienced or not. Not to mention, you will be giving back to a community or maybe a lovely family. Either way, it will be pretty rewarding. The experience and skills you can gain from these experiences should be enough for you to get a move on this opportunity.

Abuse the Internet

Have a knack for something that you can do over the computer? Hello! Take advantage of it. There are so many things you can do over the internet. I have a vision that working in an office will soon be obsolete. At least that’s my wish, working in a cubicle is cruel. Get your laptop and get on the plane. Do a Google search for freelancing websites and apply to a project that matches with your skills. Make the world your office, trust me, it’s awesome and easier than you think.

Photo by Children’s Organization, Jennifer B and Gideon

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Grow Something

First things first, can you travel? Are you the type of person who is open to other ways of life, other people, foods, and lifestyles as a whole? Do you handle change well and if things don’t go your way are you cool calm and collected? These are all questions to ask yourself before you jet-set from your living room couch to a far away land. It takes a certain person to pick up and travel long-term / live in another country. It’s not for everyone. What about you?

You’re still here? Great, so you are the traveling type, excellent. Now GROW a pair and make some goals. What do you want to do? Live or travel long-term? Where? What do you have to do to make it happen? This is the time to make one of those old fashion things called a list. Get everything down on paper so you can see your goals, check off the things you need to do to make it happen. What do I mean by that? Things like, sell your car, ask your parents to take your dog in, sell your stuff, store your stuff, save X amount of money etc…

After getting everything down on paper….Are you still willing to do this?

Find Something

Still reading? Awesome. So you’re willing to do everything is takes to make this happen. Sounds good. How much money did you save? Is it enough? If you’re lucky and have enough to travel for months and months, have fun! If you are like many of us who still need some kind of income while traveling, then you need to FIND something to do.

There are heaps of ways to make money while you’re on the road. If you happen to be a native English speaker, you’re in luck. You couldn’t have it any easier. Just teach English. You can live and work in nearly any country in the world. Other ideas for work just needs a quick Google search. Look for volunteer websites such as HelpX or WOOFING. You can exchange your time for a bed and food. You can find work freelancing online if you have some kind of computer skills, writing skills, translation abilities, or even data entry experience. The internet is your friend. There are many way to make money from your computer which means you can live anywhere.

Do Something

So are you excited now? Do you feel like this can maybe be something you can do? You found some work that might be able to work out for you and perhaps even be kind of enjoyable? Awesome. What are you waiting for? Buy that one-way plane ticket already! I can’t tell you how many people I encounter on my travels who say they wish they do what I can do, that I am so lucky, and that they want to be me. Why? How am I lucky? If I can do it, you can do it. Just DO it! The only thing stopping you is yourself. Stayed tuned for more information about working abroad.

Click Here for Part 2 of This Post »

Photos by martinak15, Thomas Galvez and Marufish

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With such legendary travel destinations as Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam, it is no wonder that Southeast Asia is some travelers’ favorite destination. It’s a land of beautiful landscapes, ethnic food, and endless adventure. Unfortunately however, the best time to visit this remarkable location is during the winter, a time that does not work for the traveling student because it conflicts with their school semesters. So how can students possibly see the beautiful countries of Southeast Asia during the best season with such a conflicting schedule?

Online Classes

Perhaps the best answer to the traveling student’s predicament is to take online classes. Online classes allow students to complete an entire course at their own schedule. The way it works is that students log on to the class via the Internet whenever they have free time in order to get the next lessen and assignment. While it takes a lot of self-discipline to devote time and thought to your classes while on the go, traveling actually offers you a lot of flexibility in order to complete the desired coursework. With so many bus, train, and plane rides, the traveling student will have plenty of time to go through any required readings, complete assignments, and study for exams. Additionally, one can always plan ahead and complete their schoolwork when they have time so that it doesn’t conflict with a busy week of travel.

Study Abroad

Many colleges offer semesters abroad, which can serve as the perfect opportunity for someone looking to complete coursework while traveling. A semester abroad is when your school places you for one semester in a foreign university in the country of your choice, giving you the chance to really experience another country in depth. While this option does not provide as much flexibility as online classes, as you will be unable to travel far from the school you choose to attend while classes are in session, it is a great option for someone that really wants to spend a lot of time in a specific location. Additionally, many students who choose to go abroad take advantage of their situation and do a lot of traveling during any breaks from school, though most choose to take a month at the end of the semester to backpack through nearby countries before heading home.

Semester at Sea

Another fantastic studying abroad option is Semester at Sea, a cruise ship that has been made into a university in order to offer students the chance to visit multiple countries while still completing a full semester of classes. Students live on the cruise ship and stop at amazing countries, though each year the program offers a different schedule. While that schedule sometimes includes Southeast Asia, it doesn’t always. However, it does usually take students to multiple continents, be it Europe, Africa, Australia, or South America.

With these options, in mind, a student should never feel like his schooling is standing in the way of his travel experiences. If anything, studying while traveling is an opportunity for a truly great and productive experience, particularly if you shape your classes around the locations you intend to visit by taking, per say, a History of Southeast Asia course, or a class on Asian literature.

This is a guest post written by @Courtney

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Visiting the region is easier than ever before, with cheap flights to Thailand, affordable accommodation, numerous attractions and several activities on offer throughout the year.

However, if you want to avoid the common tourist traps and discover some authentic culture, here are some of Thailand’s hidden gems.

Koh Lao Liang

A favourite among Bangkok locals who want to stay away from the often over-populated tourist-filled islands, Koh Lao Liang is one of Thailand’s greatest hidden treats. However, the number of travellers allowed to visit is limited per day to preserve the island’s pristine beauty.

This also means that building work is completed using natural materials and no trees are cut down. As a result, you will get to experience a wonderful landscape featuring a near-perfect white sand beach with imposing limestone cliffs.

Nan Province

Although many travellers’ inland destination of choice if Chiang Mai, a more genuine Thai experience can be found in one of the country’s most northern regions on the border with Laos.

Here you will find rolling hills and rice paddies as far as the eye can see. Notable sights and highlights include Doi Phy Kha National Park and the Nan Riverside art gallery.

Phimai

While the town itself doesn’t have much to offer, Phimai plays host to one of the Khmer Empire’s ancient temple complexes. Similar to the stunning Angkor Wat found over the border in Cambodia, Prasat Hin Phimai is a striking example of what Thailand used to be like.

Built between the late 10th and early 11th Century, the best way to explore is to hire a bike and cycle around every corner of this breathtaking location.

Koh Khai

Yet another idyllic beach paradise, Koh Khai on the coast of Phang Nga Bay features beautiful turquoise waters and unspoilt sand.

However, this secluded retreat, which makes you feel like you’re on a deserted island, has little else to offer so a day here is plenty of time. Thankfully, Koh Khai is just 30 minutes by boat from Phuket.

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1) Hoi An

Recently named one of the most luxurious beaches on earth by Forbes is the popular beach of Hoi An. More than just a beach, this coastline town is studded with old French colonial buildings, rice paddies fields, and 200-year old buildings in the Old Quarter. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once used as a trading post between Southeast Asia, China and Japan. Let’s not forget the beaches, the white sands here are welcoming, famed, and beautiful, so out of all the beaches to go to in Vietnam, this seemed to be the #1 choice amongst globe trotters in the area.

2) Mui Ne

This popular backpacker spot is known, but once you get here you won’t be welcomed by swarms of people. It still maintains a rather nice and laid back feel. These beaches are great for kitesurfers and windsurfers alike due to the nice breeze that comes in on a rather consistent basis. There are restaurants, cafes, and a few bars dotted along the way. The seafood is must try here, especially from the fresh markets that open up at night. There are sand duning adventures and a charming Fairy Stream to see what walking on water might be like.

3) Nha Trang

This beach is super popular with the locals but more and more, the foreigners, especially the backpackers. Here is where you can get nicely acquainted with the colorful and spectacular marine life that’s before you. Take the plunge with any of the scuba schools in the area, or just throw on a snorkel and mask and take the cruise on top of the water to get a feel for the ecological conditions of the Vietnamese coastline. If you are more of a partier, there is a Booze Cruise waiting for you to come aboard and sip (or chug) away.

4) Phu Quoc Island

This paradise is located around the Gulf of Thailand. Becoming more and more known due it’s spectacular stretches of sand and beautiful blue waters, this island is perfect for any getaway, whether it be your and your better half or the whole family. There is a some brilliant snorkeling and scuba diving to enjoy while you are here. The area is protected by a national park and the entire place feels untouched and natural.

5) Danang

Posh resorts, fabulous marine life, and a dash of history awaits here you here in Danang. This was a central fighting area during the Vietnam War and thus has become a popular expat scene to foreigners who never left or came back. The area, although a reminder of history, is now know for it’s awesome surfing, diving, and snorkeling.

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The Mutualism of Online Banking and Travelling

Gone are the days when you had to bring your entire budget with you when travelling abroad. Today, the alternative mode of payment communication is by swiping your credit card or by transacting online. What’s good about online banking is that you can access your bank account wherever you are in the world.

Envision a scenario where you are travelling into Southeast Asia doing some serious business transaction that involves payment. Online banks like Halifax are your best company to secure your money. How? Banks like Halifax are handy abroad because they allow you to do online banking as well as mobile banking; thus, doing away with the physical act of depositing money.

Another scenario is when you travel for leisure. Since Southeast Asia is a prime holiday destination, expect major hotels, restaurants, and other establishments to accept payment through the use of debit cards or credits cards like the ones issued by Halifax. Halifax Bank Accounts are handy abroad because the services of Halifax allow you to pay in the current currency of the country where you are in with the lowest charge rates. Using the services of online banks is an effective and safe way in managing your finances while travelling.

Speaking of managing finances while in Southeast Asia, here are some practical tips on how you can safeguard your money while enjoying a holiday in any of the popular countries in Southeast Asia.

Book Online

Booking your travel and accommodation itineraries online will save you the time in going around places looking for a hotel. What’s more, if you use your credit card, you can even earn points for booking online.

Always Take the Public Transport

Southeast Asian Countries are home to one of the friendliest citizens in the world; so don’t be afraid to mingle with the crowd when travelling into Southeast Asia. What’s more, taking the public transport will save you money which you can use for other activities.

Be Cautious of Too Friendly Locals

Being friendly with the locals is not a problem; but if they are too friendly, then it is time to raise that eyebrow and fend them off. If you are new in a certain foreign place, chances are you are likely to be a target of scammers. So before travelling into Southeast Asia, do some research about scams being employed by locals.

Avoid Using Public Computers for Financial Transactions

The best measure to avoid falling prey to credit card fraud is not to use them in public computers like internet shops. Chances are your credit card details might easily get stolen.

End Note

When it comes to managing finances, especially when you are travelling abroad, always keep tabs on your expenses; never spend too much, especially when you use your credit card.

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Sangklaburi

This town is certainly not on the tourist trail, but it’s on the way to Myanmar, so stop on by. The draw here is to see the exciting sunken temple called Wat Saam Prasob. During the dry season the water levels will drop drastically and even disappear giving you opportunities to wander the ruins. If you are here during the rainy season then you can hire a boat to explore the underwater temple that peaks out of the water.

While here it’s also worth taking a stroll over the bridge called Saphan Mon. Be careful it’s a bit rickety, but happens to be the longest manmade bridge in the country. On the other side you will get to mingle with the Mon people at their village. Stop by their holiest temple while on that side of the river, it’s called Wat Wang Wiwekaram and was built by one of the most revered monks of the country.

Mae Hong Son

To get formally introduced to this town, take the climb up to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu for some epic views of the town and the nice Burmese mountain range in the background. After getting your views, get some action by trekking the mountains. You will get to gaze upon Thampla waterfalls and meet the hill-tribe people in the area. The most well known tribe is the Pa Dong Karen. The women often wear brass rings around their necks stretching it and dubbing them the nickname ‘long necks.’

Chiang Rai

The main things to do and see here are actually just a bit out of Chiang Rai. Head North and you can see three countries at the same time. At the Golden Triangle you can see the land split up by the mighty Mekong River. While you’re in Thailand you can set your sights on Laos to the right which has a casino that you can visit for the day. You don’t need to get a Laos visa to do this trip, but be sure you don’t blow all you’re money. To the left you will see the hills of Myanmar.

After heading back down from the Golden Triangle the main attraction in Chiang Rai is the white temple, or Wat Rong Khun. This spectacular temple is like no other in Thailand. It’s a newly built temple that’s decorated with all the nagas, Buddhas and other Buddhist memorabilia that you often see, however the temple sparkles and shines. It’s completely white and is adorned with tiny mirror pieces that make it extra glam and glittery. A bright and spectacular sight indeed.

Nong Khai

A measly 20km from Laos is the town of Nong Khai. Here is the jumping off point to Vientiane, Laos and is often passed by tourists on the way to either visit Laos or for a border run to obtain a new Thai visa. Should you be passing by, it would be worth checking this place out just for the day. You can spend the day at the outlandish park of Sala Kaew Ku. There are randomly placed statues and structures of elephants, Buddhas, Nagas and everything else in between. Roam the area and check out this bizarre Hindu and Buddhist fused park before heading off to Laos.

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Singapore has its own version of ‘controlled chaos’ (ever been to hawker centers?) that contributes to its brand of culture, but a quick look at it at night – when it is all dolled up in neon signs – indeed makes it beautiful inside and out.

Here is a photo collection of breathtaking Singapore awash in neon lights.

Singapore CBD, like all other central areas that characterize mega-cities, contains the core financial and commercial districts that include the famed shopping enclave Orchard Road. The Central Business District defines Singapore’s skyline, but it is by no means the only skyline in the city worth gaping at. Because of its central location and future commercial value, land use in CBD is understandably tightly regulated by the government.

Named after Singapore’s second Governor Sir Andrew Clarke who was largely responsible for positioning Singapore as a regional port for Malay traders in the late 19th century, Clarke Quay is now a five-block daytime and night destination for entertainment, dining and open air R&R space. The historic quay, once lined with warehouses, has been “gentrified,” making it an ideal go-to place for antiques, cafes, jazz clubs and pubs.

The Orchard Road is Singapore’s prime shopping enclave, and what better way to convey that idea than to put up shopping malls that sparkle and dazzle and entice high-end shoppers to indulge in retail therapy? Once an actual road that led to an orchard, Orchard Road’s 2.2 kilometer stretch is now lined with posh boutiques that sport the names Gucci and Louis Vuitton, among others.

Contained within the Central Business District, Tanjong Pagar is a historic neighborhood that traces its roots from early 19th century when it was a humble fishing village. Today, this district has undergone chic transformation that has made it the fashionable district for dining and nightlife entertainment. The once coastal promontory – which still retains relics of its past – has become the pulsing hub of cafes, bars and restaurants.

At the mouth of the Singapore River lies a scenic location dominated by what appears to be an architectural rendition of an armored armadillo, otherwise known to Singaporeans as the Esplanade. Its strategic location between the Merlion Park and the Singapore Flyer makes it a busy waterfront R&R space. It is also the venue of big ticket events, held at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

Looking out from Elgin Bridge, the after-hours skyline of Singapore suggests both its (small) size and its people’s ingenuity to make the most of what they have. Singapore may not be the biggest country in Southeast Asia – in fact, it is one of the smallest in the world – but it has one of the fastest growing economies in the region and in the global scene. Highly regarded for its ability to direct logistics in the region and out into the world without causing massive nervous breakdown in its support infrastructure, Singapore is a “tiger” economy ready to pounce on unsuspecting visitors and surprise them with various delights that range from mundane to heavenly.

If Singapore were personified, it would be this very statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The “merlion” (technically, it could be translated as sea lion as “mer” means sea) symbolizes Singapore’s origins as a fishing village and its Sanskrit-derived name translated as “Lion City.” Neither lions nor sea lions are endemic to Singapore, but the symbolism has a mythical appeal and it has stuck since then. It also doesn’t hurt that the merlion looks good on postcards.

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The easiest way to get lost in a new territory is to plunge ahead without knowing which end is north. But to a (independent) traveler, this is a goldmine of opportunity to interact with the locals. After all, traveling affords meeting people. How else to better meet new ones than to break the ice and ask for directions?

Get “Live Updates” from the Ground

Even with language barriers (another reason why you need to know at least a handful of useful phrases), asking for directions and not relying on your Android map adds a human element to your travels. Maps maybe good, but people on the ground are even better. They know which public transport passes by which street; where to get off; how much to pay; and what time the last bus or boat leaves for the day. Local knowledge of the area is helpful to avoid going around in circles (although that in itself is sometimes a learning opportunity), so tap the most up-to-date information from those who have been there all their lives.

Don’t think that you are a bother; most people, especially in Southeast Asia, would just be too willing and even eager to help, especially if such an opportunity allows them to show off their intimate knowledge of the place. ‘Exploit’ this eagerness to share information while genuinely building a connection. They would feel good at having helped a stranger, and you would get the information you need to ‘connect the dots.’ That’s a win-win!

The Way to Spend Like a Local Is To Ask a Local

Having broken the ice, you also get to dig deeper for bits of insider information that is not as often shared even in review sites. Locals would know where the cheapest accommodations or restaurants could be found, like those that have escaped rave reviews but are as obvious as daylight to anyone who has stayed in the area long enough.

Accommodations, for example, are notoriously tourist-priced for the simple fact that most travelers are willing to pay a little bit more to be spared the run-around of having to call and compare so many establishments. But if you chat up with locals, they are likely to point you to places where traveling salesmen stay, or where locals spend the night when they get stranded in town.

These accommodations, while not up to par with five-twinkling-star hotels that are meant to create impressions to the tourists, are more than enough to provide you with a place to sleep and shower without leaving a gaping hole in your wallet. If you are the non-picky kind of traveler who would want to cover more mileage than your peers with the same travel budget, street-level information gives you a head start.

Of course, not everyone could give you an entire, or even accurate, picture. But if you talk to enough number of people, you are likely to complete the puzzle yourself and figure out which end is up.

Photos by Cherry Vic Patalita

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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.

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 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.

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.

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The Grand Canyon of Arizona is justifiably (at one point) one of the Seven Wonders of the World (the new list, depending on who makes it, often leaves it out). Easily one of the most recognizable and magnificent rock wonders the world over, this steep-sided canyon reveals about 2 billion years of Earth’s geological past, thanks to the Colorado River that carved it over time to expose the Proterozoic and Paleozoic strata. The canyon’s sheer immensity and combination of geologic colors and patterns overwhelm any first time visitor, and its thick sequence of ancients rocks are a goldmine of information for geologists to study.

Part of the larger Antelope Canyon, also found in Arizona, the Upper Antelope Canyon is every photographer’s dream landscape. A slot canyon that could easily trap travelers as seen in “127 Hours”, the Upper Antelope is famous for its “flowing” landscape that mimics the movement of water, having been formed by millennia of flash floods that could still catch unsuspecting day trippers off-guard.

Another rock wonder that straddles the Arizona-Utah border is the Monument Valley, famous to moviegoers the world over as the definition of American Wild West (because of its frequent use as a setting to various films of the same theme). Monument Valley is identifiable with its towering “buttes” (some reaching 1,000 feet above the valley floor), isolated “hills” that have been carved by wind erosion in the arid plains.

Another Utah “rock superstar” is the Delicate Arch, a freestanding geologic sculpture made of Entrada Sandstone that has been shaped by a combination of weathering and erosion. This compelling rock formation is depicted in Utah license plates and postage stamps.

Travelers may realize that Utah seems to have an inordinate amount of rock superstars given that another geologic wonder is just at its doorstep. The Bryce Canyon National Park, unlike the Grand Canyon, was formed by the dissolving power of frost and rainwater. This park is filled with thousands of towering jagged limestone rocks known as “hoodoos.”

For hard-core geo-adventurers who would want to see how a volcanic plug looks like (the remains of a volcano when all of its flank are removed), they may want to troop to the Devil’s Tower National Monument in Wyoming for a closer view. Declared in 1906 as the United States’ first national monument, the Devil’s Tower is consecrated by the Cheyenne and Lakota Indians as a ground for religious worship.

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