Natural wonders
GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA
One of the greatest natural wonders on earth, the Grand Canyon is just hours from the dazzling lights of Vegas but a world away from the frenetic pace of 'Sin City'. Vast, ancient and dramatic, there’s a quiet calm here: stand on the canyon rim gazing out over this immense natural rift and all you’ll hear is the timeless whispering of the wind, as the Colorado River rumbles over billion-year-old rocks a mile below you. Total bliss.
NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK
Nothing can prepare you for the force of nature that is the mighty Niagara Falls in New York state. More than 600,000 gallons of water rush over the falls every second, plunging at speeds of up to 68mph into the gorge below. Jump aboard the historic Maid of the Mist boat tour and feel the spray on your face, or, for a spectacular view from above, take to the skies in a helicopter.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA
Like when entering the gates of Disneyland, there are some places in the world where you just can’t help but smile: Yosemite National Park is one of them. This pristine slice of paradise boasts grandiose granite peaks, lush valleys and rainbow-splashed waterfalls, including America’s highest, Yosemite Falls. Black bears and mule deer graze its meadows, while giant sequoias soar skywards in ancient forests. A natural gem.
THE EVERGLADES, FLORIDA
One of the most precious regions of our planet, the Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Covering 1.5 million acres of Florida wetland, it’s home to unique wildlife including manatees, alligators and the elusive Florida panther. Explore its primordial forests and swamps with a guide at dawn – its raw beauty will stay with you forever.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA
For those with a love of outdoor adventure, there’s no better place to indulge than amidst the stunning landscapes of Glacier National Park. With its turquoise mirror lakes, crystal-clear rivers and streams, 7,000-year-old glaciers, and soaring, snow-capped mountains, it’s a picturesque playground for trekkers, hikers and campers, who share this million-acre wilderness with grizzly bears, moose, wolverines and lynx. Pull on your boots and breathe deep.
HANAUMA BAY STATE PARK, O’AHU, HAWAI‘I
Divers and snorkellers will find a multitude of watery wonders beneath the waves in Hanauma – Hawai‘i’s first marine preservation zone. Once a volcanic crater, the Bay and its coral reef now shelter abundant tropical fish, with nearby opportunities to whale-watch or swim with wild spinner dolphins and green turtles. Back on land, Hanauma’s award-winning beach is the perfect spot to dry off and soak up some of that endless Hawaiian sun.