If you’re a nature lover, there’s no reason to stay in one place all year. Spending time away from the city and busting out of your routine can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Below are five travel ideas for nature lovers:
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1. Sacramento
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, white water rafting in Sacramento is the perfect way to spend a day. You can take trips down the American River or the Klamath River in Sacramento. Both offer thrilling adventures that will leave you exhausted but happy.
Sacramento River offers a variety of rafting trips that allow for plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the river. Plus, there are plenty of other activities available in Sacramento, like biking, kayaking, and hiking. So whatever your interests are, there’s sure to be something for you to do in Sacramento.
2. The Dettifoss Waterfall, Iceland
The Dettifoss waterfall straddles the border between Iceland and Norway; at 268 meters, it is the highest waterfall in Europe. The name Dettifoss comes from the old Norse word “diet,” meaning “two,” and “fosse,” meaning “fall. ” The waterfalls are formed when two tumbling water streams join just below the falls, creating a series of cascades down to a wide pool. The water flow is especially strong during the winter when temperatures exceed freezing. You can reach the waterfalls by hiking from the nearby village of Hvítárvatn. The hike is about 10 kilometers and takes around two hours to complete.
3. Postojna Cave, Slovenia
Postojna Cave is one of the most unique and stunning caves in Slovenia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to over 30 miles of passageways, chambers, and galleries. The cave was first explored in the 18th century and has since been used by humans for religious ceremonies, treasure hunting, and as a source of water. Today, visitors can explore the cave on foot or by boat. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of Postojna Cave that make great trip stopovers.
4. Laurisilva de Madeira, Portugal
If you’re looking for an epic nature experience, look no further than Laurisilva de Madeira. This forest covers over 1,000 square miles and is located on the southern coast of Portugal. The forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains various ecosystems, including Atlantic Forest, Serra da Estrela National Park, and Montesinho Natural Park.
If you’re interested in hiking or biking the trails in the park, be prepared for steep inclines and long distances. You can also take scenic drives through the forest or visit one of its many attractions like the Miradouro da Penha Longa viewpoint or Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês. There are also plenty of restaurants and hotels to choose from in the area if you need a break from all the natural beauty.
5. Lakes of Plitvice, Croatia
The lakes of Plitvice National Park are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. The lakes, formed by the River Plitvice, are a series of interconnected waterfalls and Lakes. The park is over 137 square kilometers and contains over 2,000 cascades and waterfalls.
To get to the park, take the bus from Zagreb or Split. The journey takes around two hours. There are also direct buses from London and other major cities. The park is open all year round but is busiest in July and August. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.
There are several ways to explore the parks: hiking along riverside trails, exploring the lakes on paddleboats, or renting bikes to cycle through the villages surrounding the parks. Some highlights include Zrmanja Waterfall, Upper Lake Ledenica, and lower lake Krka, all accessible by boat or hiking trails from different entrances into the parks.
If you’re looking for something quieter, consider spending a day exploring Paklenica National Park with its untouched landscape full of caves, crystal clear waters, and cliffs overlooking gorgeous valleys below.
Conclusion
If you love spending time outdoors, consider looking into some of these destinations that offer scenic and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a destination with captivating scenery or one that features rare wildlife, these trips will have you exploring new territory and feeling like an explorer.
