New Seven Natural Wonders of The World

The New Seven Wonders of Nature Competition is still running, so if you haven't yet chosen your favorite sites, check out our selection of seven places most worthy of honors. Painted by the artistic hand of nature, these sites are truly impressive and some of them definitely deserve to stand on a podium.

The New7Wonders of Nature campaign started in 2007. The competition aims to select seven most amazing natural sites from around the globe, and everyone can vote for their favorite place.

New7Wonders of Nature voting will continue throughout 2010 and 2011. The 28 finalists have already been nominated out of hundreds of sites that you can find at www.new7wonders.com.

Here's our Fantastic Seven:

7. Milford Sound. New Zealand.

Milford Sound.

Not without reasons Milford Sound is acclaimed to be New Zealand's most famous tourist spot. This amazing fjord is located in the south west of the country's South Island, running 15 kilometres inland from the Tasman Sea, which means that the visitors can travel the length of the fiord to the open ocean. This magnetizing land of high peaks and crystal waters is home to dolphins, seals, and penguins.

6. Iguazu Falls. Argentina and Brazil.

Spectacular Iguazu Falls, shared by Argentina and Brazil, is another breathtaking site that deserves to be placed on the Seven Wonders list. This breathtaking waterfall system comprises 275 falls, and its highest drop - the 82 m (270 ft) Devil's Throat - is the fifth highest fall in the world.

5. Cliffs of Moher. Ireland.

Cliffs of Moher.

The dark limestone wall of the Cliffs of Moher is one of the flagship sites of Ireland. Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean for 8 kilometers, the cliffs boast 214 m at their highest point. Inhabited by more than 30 species of birds, they are one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in the country.

4. Grand Canyon. The USA.

Winter in the Grand Canyon.

Carved by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is truly grand and spectacular. Although visited and photographed by five million people a year, the site has slightly degenerated to cliché and its jaw-dropping beauty remains untouched.

 3. Uluru. Australia.

Uluru.

Uluru, the iconic site of Australia, is much more than just a gigantic rock formation. The world's largest monolith is a place of great significance to the local Aboriginal people. Many visitors to the site speak of its magical and spiritual ambiance.

2. Galapagos. Ecuador.

 Bartolome Island, the Galapagos, Ecuador.

The Galapagos Islands are a unique mix of an exotic destination, bizarre wildlife and volcanic remnants. This isolated land (around 1,000 kilometres from mainland Ecuador) is famed for its vast number of endemic species such as, among many others, land iguanas, Galapagos green turtle or sea lions.

1. Halong Bay. Vietnam.

Halong Bay.

Several thousand small green islands, emerging from the azure waters of Halong Bay and dotted with golden beaches, give the site its charming and inimitable beauty. The place brims with fantastic vistas, hidden inlets, unexplored grottoes and caves. Located in the northeast of Vietnam, the site is one of the most amazing places in the world, and a natural wonder deserving a podium.

World's Roof - Highest Places in The World

You don't need to climb Mt. Everest to reach some of the highest points on earth. There are some more accessible locations bearing the name of the highest ... though in their own hight category. 

 

La Paz. Bolivia

The highest capital: Up to 4,100 m (13,450 ft)

La Paz.

Thanks to its high location, La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, is the city of record-breaking extremes. Situated at an elevation of 3,660 meters above sea level (12,000 ft), it is the world's highest capital city, with some of its districts rising as high as 4,100 meters (13,450 ft). Due to its altitude, La Paz can boast one of the highest major airports in the world, the world's highest golf course, football stadium and velodrome.

The Tilicho Lake. Nepal.

The highest lake:  4,949 m (16,236 ft)

Tilicho Lake.

High in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas in Nepal there is the Tilicho lake, world's highest located body of water. Also called 'tarn', i.e., a pool formed by glacier, the lake is difficult to access due to its extremely inhospitable surroundings. Nevertheless, in 2000, a Russian diving team conducted the world's highest scuba dive in Tilicho.

The Qingzang Railway. China.

The highest railway: 5,072 m (16,640 ft)

The almost 2,000 km long Qingzang railway, called the train to the roof of the world, is the highest railway on earth. Connecting the Qinghai Province in China with Tibet, the line was specially built for high altitude environment - the carriages have an oxygen supply for each passenger and several oxygen factories were constructed along the track. Also, toilet water must be heated to prevent freezing. The highest part of the railway is the Tanggula Pass, rising at 5,072 m (16,640 feet) above sea level, making it the highest rail track in the world.

 Chacaltaya. Bolivia.

The highest ski resort: 5,421 m (17,785 ft)

Chacaltaya.

The Chacaltaya ski resort, located in the Chacaltaya mountain range in Bolivia, used to be the highest ski area in the world. The 18,000-year old glacier that served the ski resort has completely melted down though. Whether the disappearance of the glacier was caused by global warming or a natural variation in climate is still a matter of dispute. At present, what is left of the ski resort is a 600-foot (180 m) stretch that receives sufficient snowfall during the winter.

Khunjerab Pass. China-Pakistan

The highest border: 4,693 metres (15,397 ft)

Khunjerab Pass.

Khunjerab Pass, strategically located between Pakistan and China, is considered to be the highest paved border crossing in the world. The pass is also the highest point of the Karakoram Highway, the highest paved international road in the world. Rising at an altitude of 4,693 metres (15,397 ft), the border is often covered with snow and therefore it is closed during the winter, from November to May.

Semo La. Tibet. 

The highest vehicle-accessible road: 5,565 m (18,258 ft)

Semo La.

The Tibetan road Semo La leading to the Chang Tang region in Central Tibet is the highest vehicle-accessible pass in the world. The old unsurfaced road is travelled only by a weekly bus, some trucks and adventurous travellers that use Semo La as an alternative access road to western parts of Tibet and Mount Kailash, a sacred peak in Hinduism and Buddhism. By the way, the mount has not seen any known climbing attempts, as climbing it would be considered an offence against the latter religions.

La Rinconada. Peru.

The highest permanent settlement: 5,100 m (16,732 ft)

La Rinconada. Peru.

La Rinconada is renowned for being the highest permanent settlement in the world. Despite its magnificent location in the Peruvian Andes, the town is one of the filthiest places to live in, with no running water and no sewage system. Its economy is based on the production of gold in the local mine. Apparently, the mine's employees work under the cachorreo system, which means that they work without payment and on the last day of the month they are allowed to take as much ore as they can carry on their shoulders. There is no guarantee, however, that the ore will contain gold.

The Burj Al Arab tennis court. The UAE

The highest tennis court: 210 m (690 ft)

Last but not least, one of the world's most striking constructions - the Burj Al Arab hotel, located in Dubai, is home to the highest tennis court on the globe. Situated 210 meters above sea level, the setting of the court is as impressive as the whole complex. Burj Al Arab is the only 7 star hotel on the globe and the second tallest building in the world that is used exclusively as a hotel.

World's Best Natural Spas

The peoples of the ancient world already knew that bubbling mineral waters and gurgling mud pools are good for the body and the sprit. Yeah, there is nothing more relaxing than immersing your body in the hot, thermal waters that soothe away your worries and pains. Thanks to our generous nature there are hot springs all over the world, and some of the countries are truly blessed with hundreds of amazing natural spas.

Here they are: 

1. New Zealand

If you are an eager bather, head for New Zealand, home to absolutely amazing nature and natural wonders. The country can boast hundreds of thermal hot pools, from bubbling mineral hot springs to mud pools. Known as waiariki in Māori, the hot springs have been used for therapeutic purposes for ages in New Zealand. Among the most popular geothermal areas is Whakarewarewa near Rotorua, which has around 500 pools.
New Zealand has such enormous thermal activity that in many places the hot waters are located just beneath the ground and all you need to do is to dig your own pool and relax.

2. Iceland

The ultimate destination for geothermal bath lovers is, of course, Iceland. This isolated land of geysers, glaciers and volcanoes (what a mix!), is home to about 250 thermal areas forming around 800 hot springs.
The famed Blue Lagoon, a huge natural spa, is one of the most visited attractions in the country. Rich in minerals, the waters of the Lagoon are reputed to have a number of therapeutic uses.
Besides, the geothermal waters heat about 85% of the households in Iceland - apparently, a supply of hot water is cheaper than a supply of cold water in the country.

 3. The Czech Republic

Have you ever heard of the Czech Republic being one of the most popular balneological destinations (by the way, balneology is the science of the therapeutic use of thermal baths) in the world? This little landlocked country in the Central Europe is home to more than 30 health retreat resorts where you can find an array of spa centers, thermal baths and mineral pools. The West Bohemian region has the highest concentration of spa treatment resorts in the Czech Republic where five most important spa centers are: Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, Frantiskovy Lazne, Lazne Jachymov and Lazne Kynzvart.

4. Turkey

Turkey is a heaven for natural spa addicts. With around 1,300 thermal springs throughout the country, Turkey is one of the richest states in the world in terms of geothermal activity. This is thanks to the country's strategic location above a geothermal belt and seismic fault. The country, dotted with marvelously located hot springs and spa resorts, will not disappoint even the most demanding bathers. While ‘spaing' in Turkey, do not forget to visit one of the traditional Turkish steam baths called hamam that can be found in every town of the country.

5. Costa Rica

A part of the Pacific Ring Fire Circle, Costa Rica is home to around 200 volcanic formations. Thanks to the volcanic activity, the country has become one of the world's most rewarding hot spring destinations. Be it mud baths, mineral pools or thermal hot springs, spa facilities can be found throughout the country. Among the most popular destinations for thermal retreat are Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja and the Miravalles Volcano.

6. Hungary

Bathing culture, brought to Hungary by the Romans and then developed by the Turks in the 16th and 17th century, has become an essential part of the Hungarian tradition. Today, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is often called the Spa Capital of the World. It is the only city on the globe with natural hot springs within the city's limits.
Among the absolutely stunning and amazing spa areas is also Lake Hévíz, which is the largest thermal lake in Europe. Hévíz, the famous town of spas that emerged on the shores of the lake and surrounded by picturesque hills, has been a spa destination throughout the ages. The healing power of the lake's water was known even to the ancient Romans.

7. Japan

A trip to Japan would not be complete without visiting an onsen - a Japanese term for a hot spring. As a volcanically active country, Japan has literally thousands of hot springs scattered along its islands. The thermal baths can be found in many types and shapes, including outdoor and indoor baths. Every town and region has its share of hot pools, often accompanied by ryokan, traditional Japanese style inns where one can experience traditional lifestyle of Japan.

The Colorful Trips of a Lifetime

Call me a color freak but I'd rather think of myself as a sophisticated connoisseur of tone whose world is not built of prime colors but defined by firebrick red, mint green, misty rose and indigo. The nature is a visual feast of shades and the Architect has painted the world a myriad of hues to caress your senses, stir your mind and inspire your artistic soul. So go for it and don't trek the world passing the simplest of beauty unnoticed. Sharpen your senses and embrace the variety for you surely deserve a life in Technicolor.

1. Golden Imperial Dunes, California

For the yellow and pure golds head for the Californian Imperial Sand Dunes, sometimes called the Algodones. Bordering with Arizona and the Mexican state of Baja California, this sandy patch of enormous dimensions stretches for 72 km and has 10 km of width. The prevailing northerly and westerly winds blowing from the dry bed of Lake Cahuilla have sculpted the landscape into marvelous forms making the site an off-roaders' and photographers' paradise. So if what you're looking for is scenic scenery of gold and yellow hues, awesome opportunities for a bit of solitude, unless you happen to share the spot with maniac OHVs, and rare fauna and flora, the mega sandbox is there for you.

 Imperial Dunes, California.

2. Lavender fields of Provence, France

For an uplifting and mind calming experience choose Provence whose lavender carpets  soothe the nerves and give the highest  of eye delights. Mind-stirring and stimulating, this picturesque part of France is famed for its soft light and vivid landscapes of pastel colored beauties which many an artist, Picasso or Van Gogh to name just two, found inspiring enough to produce outstanding masterpieces. Although the cultivation of lavender goes back to the last century, its healing properties have been appreciated since antiquity. So to spice up, or should it be 'herb up', your Provence of historic fortified medieval towns of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence or the ancient Roman towns like Orange and Arles, just find your lavender-clad fragrant beauty spot and let the purples and violets do their magic tricks.

 The lavender fields of Provence, France. 

3. Turquoise Tongariro Lakes, New Zealand

A hypnotizing  turquoise beauty somewhere along Tongariro Trail in New Zealand is a trio of turquoise-colored lakes which owe their remarkable tint to the volcanic minerals dissolved in them. The landscape of solidified lava flows,  yellow sulfur specked rocks  and active vents emitting steam and sulfur dioxide gas takes your breath away almost literally. And although the walk is surely not a comfy one, either,  with sharp-edged volcanic rock and shifting scree underfoot, your pain shall be made up for with the amazing view of the three, uniquely rare in color, lakes.

 Turquoise Tongariro Lakes, New Zealand.

4. White icebergs of Jökulsárlón, Iceland

You're bound to freeze here but surely with awe first. This bizarre seascape of black and white icebergs, snow caps and ice splinters cutting the blue waters of the Jökulsárlón Lake make the visitors agape and shiver. Situated at the south end of the glacier Vatnajökull and around 400km from Reykjavik, the waters of this glacial lake are the largest in Iceland and sport an awesome palette of white, black and blue. The freezing lagoon is a popular destination for cruisers to see and hear the icebergs breaking off the mighty glacier. So wrap up warm, put some protection cream and sunglasses for the dazzling whites are there to blind you!

 White icebergs of Iceland.

5. Emerald Lake, Canada

The mesmerizing emerald jewel shimmers and murmurs in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada. The water here marvels with rare peaceful beauty of blue and emerald shades dotted with sparkles of light. The unique color results from fine particles of glacial sediment, also referred to as rock flour, suspended in the water. This nature gem stone, with its pine and cedar wooded slopes, is enclosed by the President Range, Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain of rugged peaks and makes a perfect hideaway for those yearning for some unwinding treatment of cross country hiking and canoeing.

  Emerald Lake, Canada.

6. Heather Ilkley Moor, England

Serene and brimming with charm,  the Ilkley Moor carpets your walks along the countryside with a thick lush rug of purple heather. Nothing is more relaxing than a leisurely stroll along the moorland's winding pathways with a palette of those amazing violets, greens and browns spreading under your feet. On your way, look out for The Cow and The Calf, also known as Hangingstone Rocks, a rock formation consisting of large boulders resembling the animals and Ilkley Tarn, a lake to give you endless tranquil walks around. And why don't you hum the  popular Yorkshire anthem 'On Ilkley Moor Baht'at' which was inspired by the moorland scenery? That will make the picture complete.

  Heather Ilkley Moor, England.

7. Fiery Monument Valley, Arizona

Fiery red and surreal, the Monument Valley on the Arizona and Utah border will take  you through a hell of reds and flames of orange. The site, bristling with free standing sandstone rock forms rising majestically up to 1,000 feet, creates a magical desert landscape. One which is an epitome of truly western America and famed backdrop of a number of Cowboys-and-Indians shots. The isolated red mesas and buttes surrounded by an arid sandy desert provide not only pic-ready dramatic vistas but also outstanding hiking and vehicle tours to make your tires burn for the most of unforgettable adventures. Hellish awesome!

Fiery Monument Valley, Arizona. 

Keep alert for the natural born color seeker never gives up his or her hunt for hues, shades and tones! Let the photos inspire you and feel free to add destination choices of your own. May the Color be with you! :)

The Remotest Places For Lonely Traveler

Isolated, lonely, remote and hard to get to - such destinations have always tempted travelers with their beauty, magic and inaccessibility. Infinite steppes of Siberia or eternal glaciers of Greenland, though majestic looking, become less seductive when you picture living there permanently.

 

5. Siberia.

 Lake Baikal. Siberia. 

Siberia, the land of endless steppes, is one on the last unspoiled tourist destinations in Asia. Geographically it is bounded to the west by the Ural Mountains and to the east by the Pacific and Arctic drainage basins. Its northern border is the Arctic Ocean and it extends to Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China in the south.

Although it makes up about 77% of Russia's territory, it accounts for only 25% of Russia's population. There are about 36 million people living in on an area of 13.1 million sq km (5.1 million square miles), so its population density is really low.

Siberia. 

Baikal Lake 

Winter in Siberia. 

 4. The Pitcairn Islands.

Astronaut Photography of Pitcairn. By NASA

Lost in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, the Pitcairn Islands are four volcanic sisters named Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno. They are located about midway between Peru and New Zealand and the nearest (30 hours by boat) island where people can be found is Mangareva in French Polynesia. There are 48 people living permanently on Pitcairn, while the other three islands are uninhabited. According to Lonely Planet it is one of the remotest places on earth.

Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands. 

Pictarin Island 

3. Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego.

The remoteness of Tierra del Fuego is fascinating. This beautiful archipelago shared by Argentina and Chile sits on the tip of the South American continent. Ushuaia, the archipelago's biggest city, holds the title of the World's Most Southerly City. The  subpolar oceanic climate in the region, with long winters and short chilly summers is pretty unfriendly, but there are always some travelers around eager to reach the end of the world.

The lighthouse in the Beagle channel. 

Tierra del Fuego. 

Tierra del Fuego. 

2. Greenland.

Greenland's Glacier. 

Greenland is the world's largest and truly far-away island, situated between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic. Around 80% of its territory is covered with ice, so the little space left for people is inhabited by only 57,600 people - the island has the world's lowest population. The dramatic beauty and breathtaking alien-looking landscape of eternal glaciers make Greenland a totally unique, though a bit lonely destination.

Oqaatsut village, Greenland.

Greenland's glacier. 

Kulusuk, Greenland.

1. Tristan da Cunha.

Tristan da Cunha.

Last but not least, Tristan da Cunha is the most tucked away and isolated inhabited archipelago in the world. The group of volcanic islands (Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale Islands, Inaccessible Island and Gough Island) is situated 2,816 kilometers (1,750 mi) from South Africa, and 3,360 kilometers (2,090 mi) from South America. Tristan da Cunha, which is the only inhabited island of the archipelago, has no airport, so it can be reached only by boat. The little society on the island comprises 271 people who live mainly in the Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, the island's main settlement.

Tristan da Cunha houses.

Tristan da Cuhna.

 Tristan da Cunha. 

 In the long run loneliness can be heartbreaking, but a day or two of complete isolation in those places must be a lifetime experience. What do you say?