National Park – Awesome Places to Visit

The Galapagos Islands – Heart Warming and Adventurous

Giant Galapagos tortoises roaming freely in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island.

The Galapagos Islands are a group of isolated volcanic islands and tiny islets sprinkled in the Pacific Ocean. Friendly wildlife along with the scenic beauty of this archipelago is responsible for its top position in most bucket lists.

Galapagos Islands Animals – your pals during your Galapagos Holidays

Thanks to its remote location and equatorial position in the Pacific, the Galapagos Islands harbors magnificent flora and unique wildlife. The vivid ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands had inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of Evolution.

A mother seal and her pup resting on the rocky shores of the Galapagos, a tender natural moment. — Witness the tender moment between a mother seal and her pup on the rocky shores of the Galapagos Islands.

Not to forget, the beloved, adorable, and incredibly friendly Galapagos Sea lions are another major attraction along with the quiet and peaceful Galapagos fur seals. The only category of penguins to live in the north of the equator, the Galapagos penguins are a very rare sight to see – consider yourself fortunate if you do.

It is impossible to mention all these lovelies in one go, from bottlenose dolphins to golden stingrays, blue-footed boobies and albatross; oh my!

How many Galapagos Islands are there?

There are about 130 islands, of which 13 are larger and four are smaller islands above Galapagos hotspot.

The first islands formed here at least 8 million years ago, but possibly much earlier. While the older islands have eroded over time and disappeared back into the sea.

A Galapagos penguin swimming gracefully near Isabela Island, a rare sight in the tropical region. — Spot the rare Galapagos penguin swimming near Isabela Island, a unique encounter in this tropical paradise.

However, the approximately 25,000 inhabitants are only found on the five inhabited Galapagos Islands:

San Cristobal with the port Puerto Baquerizo Moreno which is also the provincial capital with 8.000 inhabitants;

Santa Cruz with the largest city of the archipelago, Puerto Ayora and 15.000 inhabitants;

Isabela with the port Puerto Villamil and 2.000 inhabitants;

Floreana with the port Puerto Velasco Ibarra and 120 inhabitants;

Baltra Island, where there is an airport and a small naval station.

Another 17 islands of the archipelago can be visited extensively during a Galapagos trip or cruise.

How to get to the Galapagos Islands?

First of all, you need to arrive at the mainland of Ecuador by landing either at Guayaquil or the capital city of Quito – Guayaquil’s Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport or Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Guayaquil seems to be more convenient for most travelers.

Most tours and cruises start from Santa Cruz Island. So you got to fly to Baltra Island first, from Quito or Guayaquil and then take a scenic ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island. It’s now time to head on to your tour.

Marine iguanas basking on the sun-drenched rocks of the Galapagos shoreline. — Marvel at the unique sight of marine iguanas sunbathing on the rocky shores of the Galapagos, a distinctive feature of the islands.

What to do at the Galapagos Islands?

You have to get your hands on Galapagos Island tours, months before your journey. They are high on demand and sell off really fast. They must include the following:

Snorkeling and diving.
Wildlife watching
Hiking – who wouldn’t want to trek over dried lava beds!
Kayaking – rent out a kayak at Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz, you don’t even need a guide for this
Volunteer for some eco-friendly activities like farming and habitat restoration campaigns

The Galapagos holidays are a dream adventure for many travelers out there. Take a few days off and spend some wonderful time with friends or family, exploring the diversity of the group of islands.

Where to stay when visiting the Galapagos Islands?

You might have to spend quite a few days here since there is so much to explore and enjoy. Below are our top recommendations for a comfortable stay at the Galapagos Islands.

Albemarle – Simple beachfront lodging, with antique wooden ceilings and a swimming pool area.

Royal Palm Galapagos – Perfect for a relaxing and exotic night stay.

Galapagos Morning Glory – Apart from the beachfront view, it gives access to a commercial area featuring stalls and banks.

Angermeyer Waterfront Inn – Minutes of walking away from the shore, and has an elegant design.

Villa Escalesia – Stunning villa with your very own private outdoor pool. Situated directly at the beach, providing a landscape view of a vast stretch of the Pacific.

Athabasca Falls – Picturesque and powerful

Aerial view of Athabasca Falls, showcasing its impressive scale and the surrounding landscape.

The Athabasca falls is a picturesque waterfall in the Jasper National Park of Canada. It is known for its loud, powerful, heavy, and forceful downfall all throughout the year.

The waterfall has been able to very well erode the quartzite and limestone rocks around it and carve its own way out in the form of a gorge and many potholes.

The fall is surrounded closely by many lookout platforms, from where tourists can see the powerful waterfall.

How to get to the Athabasca Falls?

You will need to head to the south of the Jasper main town in Alberta. Go down the famous Icefields Parkway. In around 20 minutes, you will reach the bottom of the trail to the falls, from where you will have to hike 1 kilometer up, to witness this powerful fall.

Rainbow forming in the mist of Athabasca Falls on a sunny day. — Catch the magical sight of a rainbow in the mist of Athabasca Falls, a memorable moment in Jasper.

In case you are on a visit to the Banff National Park, you should get from Banff to Jasper National Park by an exhilarating road trip filled with mountain sceneries, forests, and glaciers.

What to do in Jasper National Park?

Get going along the trails and capture views of the falls, the river, and the canyons.
Walk past the constructed concrete bridge and go down to get an idea of the canyons formed due to previous erosions. You will be able to appreciate the power of flowing water.

Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park, with powerful water cascading over rugged rocks. — Witness the raw power of Athabasca Falls on your visit to Jasper National Park, a truly majestic sight.

As you walk along the way, you will also be enlightened by the inscribed or written facts and information about the place. There are also many other things to do in the Jasper National Park apart from the Athabasca Falls sightseeing:

Get to the banks on the beautiful Maligne Lake, which is the world’s second-largest glacier-fed lake.
Experience Jasper’s Sky Tram and get stunning views of the mountain ranges and gorges from above 7,500 feet.
Do visit the Maligne Canyon lookout.
Go around Lakes Annette and Edith, spend some family time picnicking and hiking the mini trails around.
Go for the adventurous Whitewater rafting and get yourself an adrenaline rush by rafting and exploring the deeper and remote terrains of the Jasper National Park.
The Glacier Skywalk further adds to your adventurous trip to Jasper National Park.

The trails are well marked with signboards to assist tourists and to keep them out of risk. Nevertheless, you may carry a Jasper National Park map with you, it could come handy.

Close-up of the roaring waters of Athabasca Falls, illustrating the force of nature. — “Feel the might of Athabasca Falls up close, a captivating display of nature’s power in Jasper.

What makes the Athabasca falls a place to definitely stop by?

Who would not love the gushing sound of a huge waterfall and the rainbow above it? The unbelievably great walking trails that surround the falls provide a view of this magnificent Athabasca falls from innumerous angles.

The powerful Athabasca Falls is a stunning presentation by nature itself, in the Jasper National park. Your Canadian Rockies trips just can’t end without stopping by this misty Athabasca Falls.

Where to stay around Jasper National Park?

You won’t usually find any trouble when it comes to lodging around the Jasper National park:

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper Downtown Hostel
Alpine Village Jasper
HI Jasper

Fiordland National Park – Stunning glaciers in the lap of nature

Mirror Lakes reflecting the stunning scenery of Fiordland, a peaceful and picturesque spot.

Fiordland National Park is completely a fantasy world for travelers. While visiting New Zealand, it is inevitable to come back without exploring this stunning trail. Accompanied by the dazzling and beautiful natural features like the classy fiords, unmatched waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, this place is a dreamland painted with pure sheer love.

This New Zealand National Park is an enchanted piece of nature is a bouquet of mountains, lake, fiord, and rainforest environment. This place is stunningly beautiful and romantic. Perhaps would be a perfect site for a romantic date with your partner.

So join us in this complete guide where we have explained each part of this location.

What are the top attractions to visit in Fiordland National Park?

This National Park is an ecological wonderland, enchanted with glaciers, lakes, greenery, fiords, and mountains. With the scenic beauty pleasing your eyes and pure air to inhale, this place is no less than heaven.

A serene morning at Doubtful Sound, with reflections of mountains on the calm waters of Fiordland National Park. — Experience the tranquil beauty of Doubtful Sound during your visit to Fiordland National Park.

New Zealand Fjords is also famous for the rare and endangered species. It is proclaimed as one of the most famous and devastating New Zealand’s National Park. The best places to see at this location are:

Milford Sound
Doubtful Sound
Te Anau
Lake Manapouri

A rare Fiordland Crested Penguin spotted along the rocky shores of Fiordland National Park. — Spot the elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin during your visit, a unique wildlife experience

Where is Fiordland National Park?

The enchanted and beautiful Fiordland National Park in New Zealand is a place that will leave its visitors speechless.

The beauty scattered everywhere will mesmerize you. Located at the southwest corner of the south island of New Zealand, this place is the most remarkable trail to visit.

The Fiordland National Park gives a soothing and cool environment with peace of mind and calmness for the soul.

When to visit Fiordland National Park?

There is no perfect time to visit a lovely place like Fiordland Park. But still, when nature is at its peak beauty, and the climate is perfect, this place becomes the land of beauty and turns to live heaven.

Hence, the best time to travel Fiordland Park is from December 3rd to April 8th. The climate is perfect, and the temperature is not too cold, making this place even more romantic.

Majestic view of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, with towering cliffs and waterfalls — Discover the stunning Milford Sound, a highlight of your visit to Fiordland National Park, New Zealand.

What has Fiordland National Park to do with the Lord of the Rings movie trilogies?

Lord of the Rings was one amazing series. The movie trilogies and the scenery displayed within the movie are nothing short of spectacular. The Fiordland National Park Lord of the Rings are various locations of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, where the movie was shot.

The unique U-shaped glacier formations, ice-caps, soothing environment, and greenery everywhere, the place is dreamland and heaven to visit.

So, if you want to spend some time in the lap of nature with a cool breeze, clean water, sheer clean air, and abundant flora and fauna then pack your backs and visit this hidden gem of New Zealand!

Where to stay at Fiordland National Park?

Fiordland Park offers many hotels and stays points for you to stay. All these stay points will give you the best view of the Fiordland National Park is undoubtedly Te Anau.

If you are planning to stay in New Zealand Fjords, the best places are:

Kingstate Hotel, Te Anau
Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau
Distinction, Te Anau
Fiordland Hotel, Te Anau.
Lakeside Motels and Apartment, Te Anau
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, Milford Sound
Explorer Motels and Apartments, Te Anau

Bastei Bridge – See These Famous Rock Formations

Aerial view of Bastei Bridge amidst the rugged terrain, inviting visitors to explore its majestic beauty

Bastei Bridge – or Bastei, is the term given to the tall and sturdy rock formations that you find in the Saxon Switzerland National Park area.

The place is called Saxon Switzerland though it is not actually Switzerland. It is the far south-eastern part of Germany at the border of the Czech Republic.

Right there is a magnificent bridge built amidst these famous rock formations, known as the Bastei Bridge of Germany.

How old is the Bastei Bridge?

It was built in the 1800s! The bridge was actually a wooden one which was re-constructed in 1851 using sandstone, keeping in mind the increasing number of visitors. So you see, it is a pretty 170 years old! But hey, you can still walk through above it.

Sunset over Bastei Bridge, showcasing its silhouette against a vibrant sky — Witness a spectacular sunset at Bastei Bridge – an unforgettable sight for every visitor.

It is very sturdy even now and completely merges with the rocks as if it was a carving of the rocks itself. The most unbelievable part about this attraction is that it is not as commercialized as other tourist spots. So no charges, no fences, no entry or exit time!

How to get to Bastei from Dresden?

Are you a traveler looking for the best route from Saxony, Germany to Bastei? Regional interconnecting trains to the rescue! After you have explored the castles and palaces of Saxony Germany, take a train from Dresden to Kurort Rathen Station. After that, get into a ferry and ride across the Elbe, and there you are.

Springtime at Bastei Bridge with blooming wildflowers enhancing its natural beauty — Experience the vibrant colors of spring on your visit to Bastei Bridge, surrounded by blooming wildflowers.

How to get to Bastei Bridge?

After you have crossed the Elbe, all you got to do is to hike up to the Bastei Bridge. As you go up to the bridge, you get to see some breath-taking views.

What you got to see?

You will see those famous rock formations all around. They were carved out over millions of years due to erosion by water and are around 200 meters high. As you go even higher, you will be able to see below several miles away in all directions.

In this panoramic view, you find castles here and there like the Koenigstein Fortress, the Elbe River, valleys, and some more rock formations.

After you cross the bridge, you enter the rock castle. It won’t definitely look like one, but there used to be a properly constructed castle built out of those same rock formations, where people actually lived. It was built around the same time as the bridge.

"Bird's-eye view of Bastei Bridge surrounded by the lush Saxon Switzerland National Park — From above, visit Bastei Bridge and witness its harmony with the lush landscapes of Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Where to stay at Bastei?

In case you were looking for places to lodge in at Saxon Switzerland, we have you sorted. There are plenty of options to choose from. Below are a couple of hotels near the Bastei bridge:

Amselgrundschloesschen – Nearest one to the bridge.
Parkhotel Bad Schandau
Aparthotel Steiger Bad Schandau – The most visited 4 star hotel
Hotel Elbresidenz an der Therme
Hotel Elbparadies

Lastly, a piece of advice!

Make sure you come to this spot very early in the morning, maybe around 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. so that you are able to see these picturesque spots without having to push through the crowd.

Plitvice Lakes National Park – Makes Croatia ‘Full of Life’

Early morning mist rising over the waterfalls and lakes of Plitvice, adding a mystical atmosphere to the park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the crowning jewel of Croatia. The erstwhile chalk and limestone have been overflown with tumultuous waters over several years to create organic dams, Croatia waterfalls, and lakes. The coastline itself spans 1.778 kilometers and a whopping 1185 islands.

The natural beauty of the park is amplified by the surrounding forests that house exotic animals such as wolves and bears.

How to reach Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Here are a few routes that you can take to reach Plitvice Lakes, National Park:

From Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes: You can opt for a connecting bus from the terminal building at the Zagreb Airport to the Zagreb bus station. Take another bus from this station. You will reach Plitvice Lakes within three hours.

Panoramic view of the cascading waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park, showcasing the park's lush greenery and pristine waters — Experience the majestic waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder in Croatia.

From Split to Plitvice Lakes: Buses are the only modes of public transport from Split to Plitvice Lakes. You can also sign up for the organized day tours to reach the Croatia National Park. It will take around four hours to reach Plitvice Lakes from Split through the bus service.

From Zadar to Plitvice Lakes: Plitvice Lakes National Park is approximately 130 kilometers away from the Zadar Airport. You can take a connecting bus from this airport to Zadar Bus Station and then venture toward Plitvice by boarding a different bus. The entire journey spans two hours.

In case you are in any other part of Croatia and wish to visit the Plitvice Lakes, you may board a bus to any of the three locations mentioned above and take another bus once you reach there.

When to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Our recommendation will be to visit this Croatia National Park between June and September. There’s a significant influx of tourists between July and August and during the morning hours. The scenery is picturesque and the crowds are sparse from 7 a.m. onwards so you should seriously consider exploring this part during this tranquil time.

Wooden walkway winding through the scenic landscape of Plitvice Lakes National Park, offering an immersive nature experience — Stroll along the charming wooden paths of Plitvice Lakes National Park for an up-close encounter with Croatia’s natural beauty.

However, don’t let this restrict you. There’s a seasonal perk to visiting this during all seasons – the beauty of the peak of the waterfalls during spring as the water levels increase. On the other hand, fall showcase the wondrously changing colors of nature while winter allows visitors a look at the frozen lakes and the winter wonderland in general.

What should you visit when come to Plitvice Lakes National Park?

It lives up to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park comprises around 90 waterfalls, lakes that date back to thousands of years, and a diverse ecosystem with different varieties of flora and fauna.

Plitvice is a great place for adventure lovers. You can go hiking on the mountains or forest trails, opt for horse riding or kayaking, or just book a buggy ride.

You can fit in a trip to Smiljan, which is the birthplace of Nikola Tesla, and houses a museum with his mementos. It is only 65 kilometers away, so the opportunity is ripe!

Crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Plitvice Lakes surrounded by dense forest, reflecting the serene beauty of the park — Discover the tranquil turquoise waters of Plitvice Lakes, nestled in the heart of Croatia’s lush forests.

If you wish to kick things up a notch and visit a unique tourist destination that puts you at peace, Plitvice Lakes is the place to be!

Banff National Park – See the Picturesque Treasure of Canada

Majestic view of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Canada, with its turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains

Banff in Alberta, Canada, is synonymous with the Banff National Park. Not only do you find glistening lakes with crystal clear water here, but the Rocky Mountains also offer the visitors a spectacular show. Sightings of exotic animals such as caribou, elk, and black bears are quite common here.

World travelers swear how the simple grandeur of Banff is unlike anything they have ever witnessed before.

The Banff National Park map showcases how the nearby Icefields Parkway engulfs Lake Louise and leads to the northern Jasper National Park.

How to get to Banff?

Banff is approximately 80 miles away from Calgary. Bus, shuttle, and car rental services are available once you reach the Calgary International airport. Car rents generally take the Trans-Canada 1 route to venture into the Banff National Park.

What is the best time to visit Banff?

The Banff weather is truly majestic to behold with a pleasant temperature and humidity all year round. We recommend visiting Banff between December and March or from June to August as the Banff weather conditions are most optimum during this time.

The Banff Springs Hotel and other establishments offer special discounts during the summer season. Naturally, this time is favored by outdoorsy tourists who wish to visit numerous tourist attractions.

On the other hand, skiers and adventure seekers often seek out Banff weather during winter. If you are thinking now that the Banff weather makes it a year-round attraction, you would be quite right!

The vibrant autumn foliage in Banff National Park, with a tapestry of red, orange, and yellow leaves — Marvel at the autumn colors in Banff National Park, a spectacular display of Canada’s seasonal beauty.

What can you do in Banff National Park?

Eat breakfast at Vermillion: The Vermillion restaurant at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers a breakfast buffet array. The sustainable way of cooking and emphasis on organically sourced food will sweep you off your feet. You can enjoy your waffles, hot cocoa, and fresh fruit while enjoying the mountain view. No wonder why the locals have named Banff Springs Hotel a ‘Castle in the Rockies.’

Avail a Gondola Ride: The Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola allows you to easily go up the alpine mountain range. The scenic beauty afforded by the gondola ride is only paralleled by the hiking opportunities that it presents.

Enjoy Art at the Banff Mountain Film Festival: The international presentation of documentaries and movies related to environment, sports, and culture in the mountains is the highlight of the winter season. The Banff Film Festival also invites speakers for seminars and reading sessions. This year, the Banff Film Festival is scheduled from October 31st to November 8th. Cinephiles, pay heed!

Canoeing on the serene Lake Louise in Banff National Park, a peaceful way to explore Canada's natural landscapes — Canoe across the iconic Lake Louise, an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Banff National Park.

Where to stay in Banff??

Banff has a multitude of accommodation facilities available at your disposal. The historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a historic 130-year-old establishment inside the Banff National Park, should be your top choice for the authentic Banff experience. It is the perfect medley of castle glamour and modern taste.

However, if palatial is not your style, you can book equally hospitable hotels such as The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Stoneridge Mountain Resort, Buffaloberry B&B, or even the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

World travelers swear how the simple grandeur of Banff is unlike anything they have ever witnessed before. Book your trip today to avail of your slice of heaven.