Atacama Desert
(Chile)
This is one of the world’s most spectacular deserts, with huge salt pans, amazing fossil remains, rock formations and weirdly-coloured sands oh, and some great little hotels, not necessarily expensive.
Ayers Rock/Ulury
Many people now go to this incredible red rock at the heart of Australia, in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and choose not to climb it in accordance with the wishes of local aboriginals. Others do, there’s no rule about it. But the view of Uluru at sunset is never to be forgotten.
Carnival
(Brazil)
Rio stages the most famous carnival in the world and has dozens of samba schools, but many people prefer the grittier, more African-influenced carnival in Bahía (or Salvador) in the north and there are smaller carnival celebrations all over the country.
Danube Delta
(Romania)
This gigantic wetland at the mouth of one of Europe’s great rivers is famous for its birdlife and peaceful, traditional fishing villages. It’s a lovely contrast to Transylvania and Dracula country, but make no mistake; the winter and summer migrations are equally spectacular.
Iguacu Falls
(Brazil)
These raging cataracts form a three-way border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, each country claiming the best vistas. Wherever you are, the brown-and-white torrent thundering down the Devil’s Throat, the lush surrounding jungle and the vibrant birdlife makes it an absolute thrill. Watch the DVD of The Mission before you go.
Rocky Mountains & Lake Louise
Louise looks more like a fiord than a lake, flanked by almost sheer mountains that are eerily reflected in its unusually deep green waters. Lake Louise twins itself with Banff as a resort and is one of Canada’s classic sights, set right in the heart of the incredible Rocky Mountains.
Mount Everest
(Nepal)
Everest sits on the border between China, Tibet and Nepal and many British climbers have ascended from the Nepali side. It is possible to arrange affordable Base Camp trips, though it’s a rugged ten-day walk. An alternative is to find a fine vantage point and see it that way!
Mount Kilimanjaro
(Tanzania)
Snow-capped, 15,000-foot-high ‘Kili’ soars from the African plains up to three volcanic craters at its summit and is a serious challenge for thousands of individual and charity walkers every year. There’s no shame in not reaching the top even regular guides can suddenly succumb to altitude sickness but everyone talks about the incredible camaraderie on the long haul up, and the views when you get there.
Mount Kenya
(Kenya)
The second-highest mountain in Africa sits on its own UNESCO World Heritage Site the park below and rises to a definite peak. First seen by Europeans in the mid-19th century, it’s always been a huge draw for expeditions. It’s also, like Kili, home to mountain tribes, for whom it is a sacred being and who cultivate the fertile lower slopes.
Taj Mahal
(India)
The mausoleum of moon-white marble built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz, was originally meant to have a black marble twin, for him. It never happened, but the Taj went onto become one of the great beauties of the world. Pity about the urban surroundings, but a glimpse of the monument first thing or at the end of the day is magical.
Victoria Falls
(Zambia)
The ‘Vic Falls’, famously known in local dialect as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, were given their English name by Dr Livingstone and today are shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe. The total water drop is 360ft, but quite aside from the spectacle, the falls are famous for the adventure experiences they offer on the river, most of all the white water rafting.
