The Natural World Blog

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Cherry Blossom in South Korea

When you think of cherry blossom, we’d bet you picture Japan and its springtime Sakura. Now, we’re not denying that Sakura season is beautiful, but its reputation means it draws flocks of visitors, contributing to overtourism and disrupting local life. To combat this, we’re on a mission to shout about South Korea’s cherry blossom. Known locally as beotkkot, South Korea’s cherry trees bloom at a similar time to Japan’s and are just as breathtaking – without the pesky crowds (and skyrocketing costs).

Most Beautiful Lakes in the World

Since the beginning of time, humans have been drawn to lakes, whether it’s to appreciate their beauty or see first-hand the places where monsters such as Nessie (Scotland) and Ogopogo (Canada) are said to reside. Fortunately, we’re spoilt for choice, from Lake Como’s bluer-than-blue waters to Moraine Lake’s magnificent mountainous backdrop. Fancy a trip to one of the world’s best bodies of water? Read on for our shortlist of the most beautiful lakes in the world…   Lake Como,

Where to see the Southern Lights

Is it always possible to see the Southern Lights? No. Is it worth trying? Without a shadow of a doubt. The Southern Lights (aurora australis) are notoriously more difficult to see than their northern counterparts, but that only makes the swirling rivers of greenish blue even more spectacular when you do catch a glimpse of them. The best time to see the aurora australis is during the Southern Hemisphere’s darker, cooler months – from March to September – when the skies are clearest and the nights are longest.

Most Beautiful Rivers in the World

Crisscrossing through every continent, rivers are a vibrant and vital part of the Earth’s ecosystem. They’re also exceptionally easy on the eye. Cutting through thick forests, flowing through cities and winding around mountains, a river’s route can reveal incredible landscapes just steps from its banks. From the colourful Cano Cristales to the dreamy Danube, read on for our pick of the most beautiful rivers in the world…   Cano Cristales The Nile The Danube The Kenai The Amazon   Cano Cristales Aptly nicknamed the ‘liquid rainbow’,

Most Beautiful Islands in Norway

The most beautiful islands in Norway have to be seen to be believed. Rugged cliffs rise from icy fjords, colourful villages brim with storybook charm and craggy mountains kiss the clouds. Hop between the Lofoten Islands, north of the Arctic Circle, or play spot the tail on a whale-watching tour off the coast of Andoya in Vesteralen. To witness the ever-elusive Northern Lights, visit Senja or head to Bo Island for prime birdwatching opportunities.

Most Beautiful Mountains in the World

Whether you climb up them, ski down them or drive around them, there’s no denying a mountain’s beauty. With many dating back millions of years, these mighty monoliths are a testament to Mother Nature’s endurance and artistic talent. And although each one is impressive in its own right, we all have favourites (and that’s okay). Ready to be amazed by these hefty hunks of rock? Read on to discover our pick of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

The Most Beautiful Places in British Columbia

There’s a reason why the signs into British Columbia read, ‘welcome to the most beautiful place on Earth’. Canada’s southwestern province is home to scenery that’s as diverse as it is breathtaking. From soaring mountains and lush green forests to sparkling coastlines and bustling cities, British Columbia (BC) has it all. The whole province, from Vancouver Island up to the Yukon, has some of the most staggering natural scenery we have ever seen.

The Biggest Sand Dunes in the World

Sculpted by wind and wild weather for decades, centuries and even millennia, sand dunes are some of the most extraordinary natural landforms on Earth, with their seemingly limitless cumin-coloured cascades or caster-sugar sands. Sand dunes are dotted across deserts, coastlines and semi-arid regions around the world, some with pointed peaks, some towering above the rest, and each different to the next.

Mother Nature’s Marvels: Natural Phenomena Around the World

Mother Nature has plenty of tricks up her sleeve and never fails to impress with her many marvels. And while there are myriad man-made wonders worth travelling to, there’s something special about witnessing the natural world at its most powerful. From the otherworldly spectacle of the Northern Lights to the sci-fi splendour of a solar eclipse, the natural world really puts us in our place. Part of their charm lies in their transience, so travelling to see them requires careful calendar coordination.

Top 12 Most Beautiful Deserts In The World

From soaring sand mountains to misty coastal dunes and polar ice sheets, the most beautiful deserts in the world are a diverse lot. Whether you’d rather seek out Earth’s tallest sand dunes in Namibia or enjoy some stellar stargazing in Chile’s Atacama, there’s a quiet beauty found in every harsh environment. But with 33 major desert areas in the world, the question is, where to begin? Read on for our roundup of the best of the bunch…   1.

Top Seven Rhino Facts

Spread across Borneo, Sumatra, Namibia, the Eastern Himalayas and coastal East Africa, rhinos are some of Africa and Asia’s most iconic animals. There are five species in total – black, white, Indian, Javan and Sumatran – and while they share common characteristics, each species has distinctive traits. From super speed to communication quirks, read on for a roundup of our top rhino facts…   Name origins Strong horns Super speed Quirky communication Strong swimmers Remarkable recovery Enormous appetite   Name origins Black and white rhinos’ names aren’t as self-descriptive as they seem.

Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica

Pint-sized Costa Rica might be small, but it sure is mighty. Fusing thrumming cities like San Jose and Limon with outstanding nature, this pocket of paradise boasts two rugged coastlines, a strip of smouldering volcanoes and plenty of lush rainforests, jade green lakes and misty mountain peaks. It’s no wonder we struggled to pick just six of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica for this roundup. From waterfall chasing at Tenorio Volcano National Park and rafting down the Pacuare River,

Top Five Buffalo Facts

Not to be mistaken for the big-headed bison, buffalo are some of nature’s most robust beasts. Two distinct species, African and Asian water buffalo, are scattered across their respective continents, weighing over 2,000lb and standing up to six feet tall. While they share similarities – like their characteristic curved horns – each boasts species-specific differences. From their grudge-holding tendencies to their mud-loving ways,

Top Five Marine Iguana Facts

Marine iguanas are some of the Galapagos’ most resilient residents. By adapting to their harsh environment over millions of years, these remarkable reptiles have set themselves apart from any other lizard on the planet. With aquatic adaptations that see them foraging in the ocean and distinctive salty sneezes, this scaly species is testament to the power of evolution. Eager to learn more? Read on for a deep dive into our favourite facts about marine iguanas.

Most Beautiful Places in California

One thing the Golden State isn’t short of is beauty. Whether it’s the sun-drenched coastline, the mountainous interior or the diverse national parks, there’s something to marvel at in every corner of California. Add in an enviable climate and some must-visit cities, and it’s no surprise that this sparkling state is high up on everyone’s travel bucket list. But when it comes to nature, nowhere does it quite like Cali.

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