Some holidays stay with you not because of famous landmarks, restaurants or lively cities, but because of the landscapes and wildlife you experienced along the way.
Whether it’s dense rainforests, volcanic scenery or vast glaciers beneath dramatic mountain ranges, these destinations are at their best when you’re outdoors, and the natural world is the reason to go.
If you are happiest exploring somewhere wild, scenic and a little different from the usual city break, these destinations put nature firmly at the centre of the experience.
Costa Rica
Few countries are as closely tied to nature as Costa Rica. Around a quarter of its land is protected as national parks and reserves, and its tropical scenery shifts from misty cloud forest to steaming volcanoes and wild Pacific beaches within a relatively short distance.
Wildlife is a highlight wherever you go. Sloths hang in the canopy, howler monkeys call at dawn, and toucans and scarlet macaws are a common sight. In Tortuguero, sea turtles come ashore to nest, while Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is often described as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. For more active travellers, there’s zip-lining through the forest canopy around Monteverde, white-water rafting and hiking in the shadow of Arenal Volcano.
Travellers looking to see more of the country’s landscapes can explore organised Costa Rica trips with the reassurance of expert guides and well-planned routes.
Iceland
Iceland offers a very different side of Europe, shaped by the forces of fire and ice. Glaciers cover around 11% of the country, with Vatnajökull the largest. At Jökulsárlón, icebergs drift through a glacial lagoon before washing up on the nearby black sand of Diamond Beach.
Waterfalls are everywhere. Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss are among the most famous, though countless smaller falls tumble from cliffs along the roadside. Iceland’s volcanic landscape also gives it abundant geothermal activity, from the erupting springs at Geysir to natural hot pools where you can soak, surrounded by snow-dusted mountains.
A road trip is the best way to take it all in. The Golden Circle is easily done from Reykjavík, while the Ring Road loops around the island, letting you explore at your own pace.
Canada
For travellers who want to escape the crowds, Canada’s sheer scale is a big part of its appeal. The Rocky Mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenery in North America, particularly in Banff and Jasper national parks, where turquoise lakes such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake sit beneath jagged peaks.
The Icefields Parkway linking the two parks is one of the world’s great road trips, passing glaciers and waterfalls along the way. Hiking trails vary from gentle lakeside strolls to demanding mountain routes, and wildlife watching is a highlight, with the chance to spot elk, bighorn sheep and even bears. Further west, British Columbia’s coastal forests are home to orcas and humpback whales, adding yet another dimension to a country defined by its wild spaces.
New Zealand
New Zealand naturally lends itself to an active itinerary, packing an extraordinary variety of scenery into two islands. In the North Island, Tongariro National Park is home to volcanic peaks and emerald lakes, and its Alpine Crossing is regarded as one of the country’s finest day hikes.
The South Island is wilder still. Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak, towers above glacial lakes, and Fiordland’s Milford Sound is famous for sheer cliffs and plunging waterfalls. Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden beaches and calm bays, is ideal for kayaking, while the scenic drive along the West Coast is one of the most beautiful anywhere.
