Lonely Planet, the popular travel media company and travel guide book publisher, has released the second edition of its popular “Ultimate Travel List” coffee table book! And the book lists 500 greatest places to visit on Earth – the most memorable, thrilling, and enjoyable places on Earth.
And while the pandemic has made us cancel our travel plans, this list can certainly help you plan much ahead in time for your next holiday.
Here is a list of the top five destinations on the list.
1. Petra, Jordan
Shrouded in the midst of mountains and desert canyons and spanning over a 100 square miles, the city of Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most mystical and breathtaking places on Earth. A thriving trading center and the capital of the Nabataean empire between 400 B.C. and A.D. 106, the city was in ruins for centuries before it was rediscovered in 1800s.
So popular and sought-after is this destination that it was voted in as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World by popular ballot in 2007.
2. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
A stunning range of wildlife, clear and placid waters, and breathtaking volcanic rocks – what more can be said about these group of volcanic islands that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection!
Located in the Pacific Ocean and part of the Republic of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are home to an unusual and unique animal life that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Little wonder that this archipelago is called the ‘living museum and showcase of evolution.’
3. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
A beacon of Australian indigenous culture, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to massive ancient sandstone rock formations that are believed to be 500 million years old. This is a sacred site for the Aṉangu people, the area’s original inhabitants, who consider this home to spirit ancestors. However, this destination is also holds a special place for all Australians!
4. Okavango Delta, Botswana
A paradise for nature lovers, the Okavango Delta comprises of permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains. The Okavango Delta, one of a very few large inland delta systems without an outlet to the sea, houses some of the world’s most endangered and exotic species of large mammal, which include the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog and lion.
5. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Home to more than 500 active geysers including the famous Old Faithful, the Yellowstone National Park is the largest geothermal area in the world. The wildlife in the park is exotic and includes animals such as the bison, bighorn sheep, elk, bear and wolf.
Read more about the other destinations featured on the list here.
And while this year has been a little disappointing for travel lovers, you must start packing for your holiday next year soon!
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