Nature/Wildlife
We live busy lives, often in urban settings, so when the time comes for a vacation, many of us know that the best thing to do is to turn to nature. Nothing blows the cobwebs away more than a trek in the mountains or communing with creatures in the deep forest. Whether peering into a volcano, riding horseback along a trail, or spotting wildlife on a river cruise, something deep within us needs to feel connected to the natural world. All regions of the world present opportunities for enjoying nature.
In cooler temperate climates you may seek out snow-capped mountains such as the Alps, while equatorial regions offer the dense jungles of Asia or the vast plains of Africa. Anywhere animals live free offers us the chance to witness their majesty and understand better our place in the natural order. We can give ourselves privileged memories of seeing lions, elephants and gorillas on safari, or witness orangutans, monkeys and birds in the trees of the rainforest. The oceans and coastlines of the world offer opportunities for encounters with whales, dolphins, penguins, seals and more. Nature is always good for the soul.
Planning a VIP Experience Vacation? Here’s How to Make It Effortless
You've worked hard all year, and you deserve more than just a typical getaway. You want the kind of vacation where everything flows seamlessly, where someone else handles the details, and where you actually feel like a VIP. The good news? Creating that elevated...
Beyond the Rhetoric: The Reality of Marine Conservation in the Solomon Islands
While many locations and their range of stakeholders are enjoying the benefits of well-run marine national parks and marine protected areas, the situation in The Solomon Islands is somewhat different. On paper there are a number of protected zones and you will hear...
Cocos Island National Park: Costa Rica’s Remote Kingdom of Sharks
Aerial view of Cocos Island, Costa Rica. Photo courtesy: Argo The Cocos Island National Park is located in the Pacific Ocean, 330 miles (535 km) southwest of Cabo Blanco in Costa Rica. It covers 9 miles² (24 km²) of land and 760 miles² (1,977 km²) of ocean. It has a...
Protecting the Historic Truk Lagoon – Marine Conservation Efforts in Chuuk
Aerial shot of Truk Lagoon. Photo courtesy: Nippo Tonoas Chuuk Lagoon (Truk) and its surrounding waters in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) are part of the Coral Triangle, the global epicenter of marine biodiversity. The region boasts over 300 species of...
Galapagos Islands National Park and Marine Reserve – the Living Laboratory of Evolution
Turtles are abundant at the islands In 1959 the Ecuadorian government formed the Galapagos National Park. In 1978 the Galápagos Islands were among the first group of sites that were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. By 1998 the Galapagos Marine Reserve had been...
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park – a Pristine Marine Sanctuary in the Bahamas
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP) is one of the most extraordinary marine conservation areas in the world. Established in 1958, it holds the distinction of being the first marine park of its kind, setting a global standard for the protection of both marine and...
Rowley Shoals Marine Park – Western Australia’s Remote Underwater Paradise
Paddleboarding on the Rowley Shoals. Photo courtesy: Explore Parks Located off the coast of Western Australia, approximately 300 km from Broome, lies the Rowley Shoals Marine Park, a remote and pristine marine sanctuary renowned for its incredible coral reefs and...
Neptune Islands Group Marine Park – The Realm of the Great White Shark
The Neptune Islands Marine Park, South Australia. Photo: Rodney Fox Tucked into the wild southern reaches of the Great Australian Bight, off the coast of South Australia, lies a remote marine sanctuary known as the Neptune Islands Group (Ron and Valerie Taylor) Marine...
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: Conservation for the Future
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the world and as such it is included in CNN's Seven Wonders of the Natural World. It is an eco-system like no other and this was recognised in 1975 by the creation of a marine park and in 1981 by being added...