The coronavirus pandemic has locked us in and canceled our travel plans pretty much for the entire year. In other news, nature is thriving from the lack of human activity and a significant decrease in pollution.
When the crisis is over, we will all scramble to book our trips, but we must be careful not to destroy the newly blossoming nature. Instead, we must strive to protect it. And whether you’re a nature lover or not, maybe it’s also time to see the world’s best wonders and, as they say, commune with nature.
Here are some destinations you can put on your must-visit list.
Yosemite National Park, California
The park is currently closed to visitors until further notice. But it will open its doors again to visitors soon.
Yosemite National Park is part of California’s Sierra Nevada range and has been protected since 1864. It covers nearly 1,200 square miles of deep canyons, meadows, and vast wilderness. And it offers over 750 trails for hikers. You can do a lot of activities in between hikes like bird watching, horseback riding, or even go swimming along the Merced River.
Many plants and animals inside the park have been put on the endangered species list, so be careful not to disturb or destroy anything. But this is a perfect trip if you want to clear your head and appreciate being part of nature.
Seward, Alaska
The state of Alaska seems like a world away from the rest of the US. The landscapes are a sight to behold, and wildlife abounds here.
The town of Seward is a gateway to the famous Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can see magnificent glaciers and go whale watching. Fishing is the town’s main occupation, and many visitors come here to do leisure fishing trips.
Travel companies offer salmon fishing trips to tourists all year round. But don’t worry, people are aware of their responsibility to protect nature. The US and Canadian governments have joint efforts to allocate an allowable volume of catch to prevent overfishing.
Or if you don’t like fishing, a simple boating trip along the lakes would also give you a wonderful time. You can enjoy the sights of snow-capped mountains and play with an array of fishes.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Japan
Over to the other side of the Pacific is the country of Japan. It has many historical sites and parks worth visiting, but the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto is where you’ll find yourself in the midst of nature.
Walking along the towering bamboos is one of the most relaxing things you can experience on a trip. It’s a good break from the cities and trains and noisy tourist areas. You will be in awe of the peaceful and beautiful surroundings around you.
Continue your walk uphill, and you’ll reach the sublime Okochi-Sanso Villa. Once owned by a famous Japanese actor, the villa is now open to visitors for a fee. The house is an excellent example of traditional Japanese architecture, but people really go there for its sprawling gardens.
You will find many amazing nature destinations, but they may require preparations. You’ll need to be of good health to do long hikes, go rock climbing, or deep diving. The good news is you don’t need to be the sporty type to take nature tours. Just remember not to take anything (rocks, plants, animals) for souvenirs and hire a local guide when necessary.
