This article showcases our top picks for the Best Places To Travel For Nature Lovers. We reached out to industry leaders and experts who have contributed the suggestions within this article (they have been credited for their contributions below).
We are keen to hear your feedback on all of our content and our comment section is a moderated space to express your thoughts and feelings related (or not) to this article This list is in no particular order.
Kotor, Montenegro
This product was recommended by Laura Peters from Mike & Laura Travel
Kotor sits within Boka Bay surrounded by the Dinaric Alps. There are endless hiking opportunities right outside your door with epic views from 2500 feet above sea level. The best part about these hiking trails is the lack of tourists. You’re likely to have the entire trail to yourself!
Hokkaido, Japan
This product was recommended by Talia Klein Perez from Traveling Overseas with Kids
Japan is an amazing country, but most people only know the main island. Hokkaido is the northernmost island in Japan, the capital of which is Sapporo. Hokkaido is full of lakes and mountains where you can hike for days. We took a caravan to travel around the island with our children (who were 7.5 and 5 at the time). Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu, and you can see wild deer on Nakajima island, and there are endless camping spots all over the island. Hokkaido also has wonderful hiking trails, such as Mount Meakan, where you can see the volcano’s bubbles in the crater, and Mount Yotei, which is similar to Mount Fuji, but much less visited. Mount Mashu offers not only gorgeous views, but there are certain time of the year where bears can be spotted.
Wales
This product was recommended by Joe Francis from The Surf Atlas
Wales is an adventure-travel mecca. Up north, it’s got craggy mountains with knife-edge ridges in the Snowdonia National Park, a place to conquer 1,000-metre summits and go wild swimming in chilly lakes. Down south are beaches of golden sand with clifftop trail-running courses and deep caves to explore. Some of the most stunning bays open in the Gower, a peninsula that’s capped off by wide Llangennith Bay – regularly hailed as one of the most beautiful in the world, where Welsh hills roll into a sea of lashing waves frequented by surfers.
Khao Sok National Park
This product was recommended by Chris Kaiser from B’n’Tree: You travel, we tree – for free!
It’s prime rainforest, believed to be the oldest rainforest in the world, largely unaltered since over 160 million years! (To compare: The Amazon rainforest is only about 25,000 years old…) The national park boasts stunning vistas, an emerald green sweet-water lake surrounded by towering limestone mountains and a myriad of wildlife, including wild elephants, gaurs, Malayan sun bears and various cat species such as the Asian Golden Cat and the clouded leopard. 38 mammal species have been counted to date. In addition, Khao Sok is home to the rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. There are various accommodation options near the park to suit all budgets, from backpackers to 4 and 5 star resorts. I’d recommend to spend 3-4 days in the area, taking walks in the rainforest, canoe trips down the Sok river or spotting wild life with binoculars right from the terrace of your bungalow. It’s an absolutely marvelous place!
Vancouver Island, BC
This product was recommended by Philip Weiss from PhilipWeiss
Vancouver Island is one of the hidden gems of North America, if not the world, The capital city, Victoria, is located about 2 hours away by boat ferry from Vancouver and is the entry point to the magical Vancouver Island. There are numerous hiking trails through the forests and you can see everything from bears and beavers to cougars and orcas depending on the season. You can also quickly access Tofino, one of the few surf spots in western Canada with decent waves. Not to mention the many micro-islands in the area where you can find some tranquility surrounded by the lush natural environment. My favorite place on Vancouver Island for being immersed in nature is Salt Spring Island, which is a quick ferry away from Schwartz Bay in Victoria. Salt Spring Island sits on top of a giant piece quartz, and the is home to unique mushrooms, plants, and wildlife. It’s said that the energy from the massive quartz has affected every living thing on the island for thousands of years, according to ancient native lore.
Northern Territory, Australia
This product was recommended by Rick Wallace from Tackle Village
Australia’s Northern Territory is one of the best places in the world to travel for nature lovers. Combining both tropical mangroves in the north and arid deserts in the south, the Northern Territory is home to snakes, sharks, buffalo, kangaroos, echidnas, thousands bird species and numerous other creatures, all of which can be readily seen by visitors. But is perhaps most famous for its saltwater or estuarine crocodiles. Visitors don’t have to travel far from the capital, Darwin, to see these magnificent and potentially deadly creatures, which grow as long as five metres. They can be seen in any of the river systems, and even in Darwin Harbour itself at times and various tours will get you up close and personal with the crocs in Australia’s outback.
Iceland
This product was recommended by Inga Stumpf from Dynjandi Guesthouse
Iceland is a country of solitude and tranquility. With only about 350.000 inhabitants spread over 40.000 sq mi there’s plenty of places visitors can enjoy nature on their own and travel for hours and hours without meeting someone else. The rich and diverse nature of Iceland invites for a lot of different activities: hiking in the highlands, riding on black beaches, climbing mountains, visiting glaciers or volcanoes, swimming in natural hot streams and lakes, experiencing dramatic light effects with aurora borealis in winter and almost 24 hrs of daylight in summer. Also Icelandic wildlife with herds of reindeer, huge amounts of seabirds and whales showing up around the coastline, is super impressive.
Hormuz Island, Iran
This product was recommended by Hamim Moshtaghian from ElCid Tour
Hormuz island is the best island in terms of natural landscapes in the middle east. The outstanding sand mountains and bright coast side create an exciting destination for international tourists and photographers. Hormuz island is also called Rainbow Island because of the same name mountains there. Rainbow mountains put Hormuz top 5 islands of Iran.
Portland, Oregon
This product was recommended by Dr. Bethany Tennant from Natural Sports Medicine
If you love nature you can’t beat the Pacific Northwest with it’s Cascade mountains, rivers and although it rains most of the year it yields lush greenery and brilliantly colored flowers come Spring. While in Portland you can access the world’s largest international test rose garden, (for free) and the Japanese Garden is in walking distance all within Washington Park. A local favorite is Forest Park, popularized because of the old forest trees and sharing the same Central Park (NYC) architect. The Willamette River runs through Portland proper with Mt Hood in view. On a clear day you often will also be able to appreciate Mt St Helens and Mt Adams as well. Traveling East of Portland you will encounter the Columbia River Gorge and the stunning Multnomah Falls while traveling west you can find yourself along the rocky Oregon coast (each within 90 min). So whether you are looking to explore the forest, kayak the river, bike the coast line or ski the mountains – this is a destination place for you! If you love nature you probably are also concerned about the environment and this region is a sustainability leader with its recycling, composting, farmers markets, public transportation and bike lanes!
Antarctica
This product was recommended by Bruce Josephs from Travel More For Less
The sheer numbers of penguins, seals and whales and their lack of fear of human beings as well as breathtaking pristine scenery unlike anywhere else in the world makes this place special.
Galapagos Islands
This product was recommended by Bruce Josephs from Travel More For Less
The variety of unique wildlife from blue footed boobies to frigates with bulging red necks to swimming marine iguanas to red crabs to hammerhead sharks to sea lions the wildlife is teeming and again totally unafraid of human beings make this archipelago amazing and another bucket list item.
Madagascar
This product was recommended by Bruce Josephs from Travel More For Less
The species are unique ranging from the spiny little tenrec to humanlike lemur and sifakas that are unseen anywhere else in the world make for another bucket list.
Namibia
This product was recommended by Bruce Josephs from Travel More For Less
The big beasts (elephants, giraffes, lions, warthogs, hyenas) are plentiful and you can drive yourself through the game reserves such as Etosha, making it a special place.
Australia
This product was recommended by Bruce Josephs from Travel More For Less
With mammals that lay eggs, have pouches, jump further than any other animal and scenery from barren empty deserts to the great Barrier Reef to snow capped mountains (in winter). Again this should be on any nature lover’s bucket list.
Rock Islands of Palau
This product was recommended by Kristen Bernarsky from Boundless Journeys
Palau is a world unto itself. The crystal clear turquoise waters hold four times the reef diversity of the Caribbean, with over 600 species of coral along with more than 1,500 species of fish, a plethora of colorful birds, endangered turtles, docile reef sharks, non-stinging jellyfish, and the shy dugong-a distant cousin of the manatee. Beyond the spectacular wildlife, the untouched and uninhabited landscape of palm-lined, white-sand beaches, jungle-covered limestone islets, serpentine mangrove forests, sea caves, and waterfalls beg to be explored via kayak and snorkel.
The Shetland Islands, Scotland
This product was recommended by Manny Hernandez from Embarky
The Shetland Islands are a group of 100 islands north of Scotland, they are located in one of the most northern parts of the United Kingdom, Scotland to be precise. These picturesque islands are known for their beauty, nature, and of course, the Shetland ponies. There are plenty of jagged rocks and cliffs for you to see. The Shetland Islands gives lots of amazing experiences for nature lovers.
Rishikesh
This product was recommended by Sampark Ray from Our Positive Story
Rishikesh is a serene place located amid hills, plains and the bank of the river Ganga. Rishikesh is both a gateway to the mighty Himalayas on the outside and to Yoga and Meditation on the inside. You can dance along waves in the lap of the river Ganga, what they call the best white water river rafting experience in the world.
Lake Tahoe
This product was recommended by Lynell Ross from Zivadream
I suggest Lake Tahoe because it is one of the most scenically majestic locales on Earth. From the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains that surround the lake, to the crystal clear alpine water and white sand beaches, Tahoe really has it all. For nature lovers, it is the perfect place to come take in the raw beauty and play. Lake Tahoe offers outdoor activities in abundance, including hiking, skiing, snow shoeing, boating, cycling along the Truckee River, river rafting, mountain biking and so much more. Lake Tahoe is a nature lover’s paradise.
Catskills Mountains
This product was recommended by Christina Moschetti from QUINN
The Catskills is a world-class destination at any time of the year with its breathtaking foliage, campsites and endless outdoor activities. For those seeking a quiet Catskills respite with a dash of color, The Roxbury at Stratton Falls offers its own private waterfall trail for those seeking isolation in its Tower Cottages. In between enjoying the individual, bespoke thematic designs of the seven cottages (which, upon request, require no in-person check-in), guests can stroll through the new exclusive, private trail leading to the millennia-old Stratton Falls in the property’s backyard, where the wonder stands as tall as 50 feet. For those looking for a complete forest immersion, Plattekill State Forest is just five minutes away and spans over 1,700 acres of wildlife. Within a half-hour’s driving distance are 5,700 acres of fishing at Pepacton Reservoir, the gorgeous Mine Kill Falls, and the 19-mile Catskills Scenic Trail.
Catalina Island, California
This product was recommended by Sherri Cline from Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
With nearly 90 percent of its 76 square miles protected from development, Catalina Island offers an irresistible retreat for nature lovers. Unique wildlife, dramatic terrain and spectacular island views surround wanderers who explore the island’s miles of trails and remote campsites.
Rastoke, Croatia
This product was recommended by Chiara Biasi from Indie Campers
Whether it’s a long road trip or a short getaway from the city, this green location won’t disappoint any traveller. Blessed with a dramatically beautiful setting, Rastoke is a small village just north of the town of Slunj where the Korana and Slunjcica rivers meet and form thundering waterfalls and flowing cascades. This charming village is also famous for its water-powered mills and dozens of hiking trails. If you are looking for a peaceful environment to simply unwind and admire the natural beauty of the crystal-clear rivers, adding Rastoke to your travel wish list is simply a must. The Petrova Gora Mountain Range is just along the way to Rastoke and is the perfect spot for some of Croatia’s best hiking trails. You can also visit the Pod Rastovackim Krovo, a family estate that offers spectacular views of the pools. Don’t forget to stop at the popular Petro’s restaurant and try signature dishes such as smoked or grilled trout, suckling pig on the spit, and grilled beef fillet.
Ravello, Amalfi Coast
This product was recommended by Giada Filippetti Della Rocca from One Percent
Many people link the Amalfi Coast to a lavish kind of tourism but it’s really a very naturalistic destination. Ravello, in particular, is the perfect place to forget your car and hike for the whole day. From the Path of Gods, a 4h hike with stunning views, to the Mount Lattari journey you will be amazed by the natural and uncontaminated landscape that you will be able to see.
Tanzania
This product was recommended by Denise Brown from Sababu Safaris
Tanzania is unquestionably one of the very best destinations for nature lovers. It is home to the tallest mountain in Africa, the continent’s biggest mammal population (20% of Africa’s large mammals) and the largest migration of land mammals on the planet. The country boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is the most biodiverse country in Africa – it has designated about 40% of its total surface area to forest, wildlife and marine protected areas! The seemingly endless grasslands supported by the incredible diversity of wildlife are unparalleled anywhere in the world. The country unveils a world of untamed wilderness and welcomes visitors with its jaw-dropping landscapes, magnificent snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife viewing and some of the most pristine beaches on the planet. You can easily lose yourself in its sweeping vistas, endless blue skies, and timeless rhythms. Travelers have the opportunity to engage in many different outdoor activities, like hot air balloon rides, bush picnics and nature walks with the indigenous Maasai tribe. Staying at a luxurious safari lodge or camp in the middle of the African savannah means to experience sundowners (a glass of wine or champagne while watching the sunset), cozy bonfires, and to sleep peacefully under beautiful starry skies. Travelers have the choice between climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or escaping from the modern world by exploring its numerous national parks and game reserves while being immersed in the peaceful beauty of the savannah. Tanzania’s overwhelmingly beautiful flora and fauna and its rich culture make Tanzania stand out among other countries on the African continent.
Galapagos Islands
This product was recommended by Fernando Diez from Quasar Expeditions
Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are home to over 30 different species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles and 100 species of birds, including: sea lions, tortoises, penguins, marine and land iguanas, dolphins, Darwin finches, and more. While visiting the Galapagos, travelers can partake in a variety of activities such as nature hikes, snorkeling and swimming to explore the islands and interact with the native wildlife. To get up close and personal with the islands, offers luxury small yacht cruises on seven night itineraries, allowing guests to feel like they’re on an expedition while still receiving five-star accommodations and service.
Vero Beach, Florida
This product was recommended by Melody Pittman from Wherever I May Roam Blog
Vero Beach is a spectacular place to visit, located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast in the central part of the state. Not only home to magnificent mangroves and manatees, the beloved gentle giants of the seas, but also historic and eclectic McKee Botanical Garden, Environmental Learning Center, and an abundance of citrus farms. In fact, Indian River County, where Vero Beach is located, is citrus capital of North America. From rare birds to breathtaking beaches, stately palm trees to picture-perfect orchids, Vero Beach is quite the eye candy.
San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
This product was recommended by Marina Girgis from Livin’ Vivaciously
SJDS satisfies and checks all the boxes for nature lovers. This small and colorful beach town off the southwest coast of the country has beautiful beaches like Playa Hermosa or Playa Marsella. The beaches in SJDS are great for surfing or chilling. They are surrounded by lush mountains and forests making it ideal for both hikers and loungers. In less than 3hrs from SJDS, you can be day-tripping in the volcanic island of Ometepe or visiting the active volcano Masaya in Granda.
Costa Rica – Corcovado National Park
This product was recommended by Yenyi Fu from kimkim
Corcovado National Park is a 164-square-mile protected area and prime tourist draw to the Osa Peninsula. It’s regarded as the most remote and secluded of Costa Rica’s national parks, and therefore the most difficult to access. It’s also known as one of the most biodiverse areas of the world. This is a net positive for anyone who wants to see some of the nation’s most exotic flora and fauna unencumbered by massive crowds.
Maui
This product was recommended by Andy McComb from Redline Rafting
Maui is an undeniable destination for nature lovers due to its many options for land-lovers and the more obvious ocean lovers. You can snorkel Molokini in the morning (one of only three calderas or ‘craters’ in the world), hike picturesque waterfalls in the afternoon, and finish the day off with sunset on one of Maui’s many idyllic, white-sand beaches.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA
This product was recommended by Charlotte Tweed from A Wandering Web
It is the largest white gypsum dunefield in the world. This anomaly in the Chihuahuan Desert covers 275 square miles. Life still exists in the dunes in forms of animals and plants that have adapted to the conditions. It is a beautiful and mystical location.
Guatemala
This product was recommended by Rafa Parra from Homeschool Spanish Academy
Guatemala is one of the best places to visit for any nature lover out there. You can go to Cobán, where you can experience the crystalline waters of and dark caves of Semuc Champey, you can go to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, Petén (where they filmed several Star Wars scenes), and the beautiful town of Panajachel in Lake Atitlán, where you can kayak across one of the most beautiful lakes this country has to offer. If they’re feeling adventurous they can go to Tajumulco, the tallest peak in Central America. Travelers usually go to Antigua Guatemala, where they find cheap shuttle buses that take them to and from any of these places. Two weeks won’t be enough to see all the natural beauty this country has to offer!
Kerala, India
This product was recommended by Divya Bhatia from Indian travel store
The most fascinating backwaters on earth, Kerala is blessed with exotic wildlife, spices, green hills, waterfalls, and dreamy beaches. Run free, howl and get in touch with your true nature, in this paradise of nature and bliss. Wedged between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats, it has a wet tropical climate and is best visited in winter months from November to February. Trek the heavens or hug the coconut trees, find your moment in Kerala!
Great Himalayan National Park, India
This product was recommended by Divya Bhatia from Indian travel store
A UNESCO world heritage site, Great Himalayan Nation Park is an ideal spot for a vacation in the lap of nature. Located high in the Himalayas, the park s home to 375 exotic species of fauna and 100 species of flora. It has amazing trekking opportunities on an altitude range of between 1500 and 6000m. Get in touch with the lost wilderness, fish, camp, and bird watching amidst the glacial terrains that will soothe your mind, body and soul.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park
This product was recommended by Divya Bhatia from Indian travel store
Valley of flowers is why they always tell you that the best view comes after the hardest climb. You have to trek 17 km to get a glimpse of the most unique flowers in Indian Himalayas, blooming in their grace. Far away from all human interference, no man is allowed to stay inside the park. At an elevation of more than 3,500 m, panoramic views of the second highest peak in India, Nanda Devi (7816 m) are an added attraction. It is a paradise for Botanists and Mountaineers, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
Ladakh
This product was recommended by Divya Bhatia from Indian travel store
Ladakh is a land of high passes on the borderland of India & Tibet. It is known by several names, ‘The Land of the Mystic Lamas’, ‘The Broken Moon land’, or ‘The Last Shangri-La’. It is best known as ‘Little Tibet’ because of the cultural & geographical similarities with Tibet. Still, no words do justice to the wonderful and breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh. The trail to Ladakh has the highest mountain passes, thrilling adventure activities, Buddhist Monasteries and is best visited mid-October and March is considered to be the best time to visit Ladakh for an adventure trip.
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
This product was recommended by Divya Bhatia from Indian travel store
Ziro is a picturesque town, which is located 115 km from Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. Shortlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is at an altitude of 1500 m above sea level, Adorned with bamboo and pine trees, surrounded with paddy fields, Ziro hosts Ziro Music Festival and it is a must-attend event. Even if you don’t do much here, you can have the most relaxing time, just camping on these grasslands and just revel in its idyllic nature.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
This product was recommended by Nikko Karki from Indo Yachts
Described as ‘the last paradise’, Raja Ampat is the epicenter of marine biodiversity. Emerald lagoons sprinkled with karst pinnacles form the backdrop for the most incredible photos, while under the sea, a plethora of wildlife sets the stage for incredible encounters suitable for all ages.
Bergen, Norway
This product was recommended by Uri Sharon from Travel Trend
The second largest city in Norway has a unique position between seven mountains and the North sea. If you can handle a little bit of rain then this will be the perfect getaway for you. The mountains are accessible by foot directly from the city center. Whether you are after ashort nature walk or a full day hike, there is something for everyone. If you wish to embark on further adventures, you can easily take the train to e.g. Voss, which offers an array of hiking trails.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota
This product was recommended by Melanie Musson from QuoteCarInsurance
If you love nature, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in it than in the BWCA. The area is vast and you may go most of the day without seeing another person. What you will see is a system of lakes and creeks leading from one to another, wildlife, fish, and birds. You’ll need a canoe to experience the Boundary Waters to the fullest, and you’ll need your own tent and supplies. You can forget all the hustle and bustle of the world you normally live in and bask in the beauty of nature when you spend time in the BWCA.
Brazillian Rainforest
This product was recommended by Tim Bigknee from SightsAndInsights
Deep within the Brazilian rainforest is some of the most beautiful nature you’ll ever see in your entire life. It’s not for the faint of heart. There are a lot of mosquitos and difficult hiking. It’s advisable to get a proper tour guide to show you around and to have proper equipment to do it. Something you don’t want to skimp on is proper mosquito netting, footwear, and clothing. If you’re a true nature lover and up for the adventure the Brazilian rainforest is second to none. It’s getting smaller every year, but there is still ample rainforest to visit, so it’s advisable to see it before it’s gone.
Fouta Djallon
This product was recommended by Monique Teggelove from Papillon Reizen
The Guinean highlands, the Fouta Djallon, are amazing for nature lovers and hikers. The Fouta Djallon is home to stunning rock formations (including the area nick-named Indiana Jones), an incredible number of waterfalls and to several natural (stone) bridges.
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