If you love animals and like to travel, then this is one travel tip you don’t want to miss. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to experience animals in their own environment and for them to be truly unconstrained? More and more ‘adventure’ trips are being offered to consumers to experience that once in a lifetime, up close encounter with extraordinary species. Read on to explore the endless possibilities of destinations waiting at your fingertips.
Galapagos Islands
One of the most sought after trips in the past few years by travelers and it’s certainly on the majority of animal lovers bucket lists. My visit to these islands earlier this year was a life changing experience and I can still re-live every moment in my mind like it was yesterday. There is something about going to a deserted island whose only inhabitants are those of animals; land and sea. From sea lions playing on the beach to penguins diving into the water searching for food, there was never a moment of the day that didn’t interest me. The total package was not just about viewing different animals species, and trust me there is lots, but to learn and develop a deeper appreciation and respect for our ecosystem. I thought I would never see the day that I would swim with the sharks and not
feel scared by invading their territory. These islands are protecting our ecosystem by providing endangered species like sea turtles a chance to increase their population and return their numbers to its natural balance.
If you would like more information on this destination, check out my blog ‘A Day in the Life on the Galapagos Islands.’
Africa
Who’s up for a safari? This popular destination is still #1 on my bucket list and I look forward to the day that I get to cross it off. The safari options are endless and how could you ever get sick of viewing animals roam this wild untamed land. From tigers and lions, elephants and giraffes, to the most feared land animal, the hippo. Take a visit to Kenya in search of the endangered Gorillas and watch how they interact with their own kind. I’ve been told that it’s simply breathtaking. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, try going for a shark dive off the coast of South Africa to view the king of the oceans in a safe and secure shark cage.
Alaska
You don’t have to take a cruise to go to Alaska but let me tell you, it’s not a bad idea. One of the most scenic and picturesque trips I’ve ever been on, I would do it every year if I could. You can venture to Alaska by plane, sea, or train. If you are taking a cruise, there is only one option, cruise through the inside passage. The views of the shore from the ship are amazing from the whales surfacing to the top of the water to the bears on shore searching for their next meal. The whale watching tours available are endless as the blue whales migrate to the waters of Alaska to feed on the abundance of salmon. Sea kayaking is an adventure in itself as you might even get the opportunity to get up close and personal with the whales. Bald eagles are generally soaring around in the skies looking for their next meal while the playful sea lions hang out on the buoys. If the sport of kayaking doesn’t interest you, then try a sea plane ride towards the interior where you can get up close and personal with the black and brown bears. Watch as they fish for their next meal and play with their cubs. It sounds scary but it’s very safe and it will leave you with a feeling of never wanting to leave.
Australia
How cute are those Koala’s? A little smelly and some very sharp claws couldn’t keep me away from holding one of these cute and cuddly creatures. The odds of holding a Koala is very slim as they spend the majority of their time sleeping but that’s what wildlife sanctuaries are for. There is always an abundance of kangaroo’s everywhere you go. I was visiting the ‘Whitsundays’ and woke up one morning to open my hotel room door to see a kangaroo hopping by to greet my with a g’day mate! I had to pinch myself to make sure that I wasn’t dreaming but as I followed it, more of its friends kept it company. It was pretty cool!
I could go on and on about the abundance of destinations worldwide that offer these timeless experiences but shouldn’t you experience them for yourself?
WHERE WILL YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE TAKE YOU?