Dramatic and otherworldly, Deadvlei in Namibia is one of the most surreal landscapes on the planet. Located within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Deadvlei is a white clay pan that was once an oasis filled with acacia trees. Over 900 years ago, a shift in climate and the encroachment of the towering red sand dunes cut off the river that fed the pan, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful scene of dead trees that have been perfectly preserved in the arid environment.
Dallas is a major city in North Texas, situated within the broad prairie and wooded creek landscapes of the Trinity River region. Its urban area includes a dense downtown, established residential neighborhoods, modern business districts, and extensive parks and trails. The city is part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and has developed as a major center for business, transportation, technology, arts, and culture.
West of Vienna, the quaint town of Dürnstein lies on the banks of the iconic Danube and is the perfect destination for river cruising, sightseeing, and enjoying the best of Austrian culture. Though small, this picturesque village offers plenty to see and do.
Roscommon is a county town in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, surrounded by the rural landscapes of central Ireland. The town is known for its collection of historic buildings and its position within a wider countryside of lakes, rivers, woodland, and farmland. Roscommon Castle, a substantial medieval fortress, stands beside Loughnaneane Park, while Roscommon Abbey and the former gaol add further layers to the town’s architectural heritage.
Mpumalanga is a province in northeastern South Africa, stretching from the grass-covered Highveld to the subtropical Lowveld along the border with Mozambique and Eswatini. Its name means “place where the sun rises” in siSwati. The province is known for contrasting landscapes, including the escarpment, mountain forests, rolling grasslands, citrus farms, and wildlife-rich bushveld.
Photo Credit: Photo by Issabelle Travels on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Richard Lin on Unsplash
Mount Gambier is located midway between Adelaide and Melbourne. The city is built on its slopes, in the center of the largest pine plantation in Australia. Caves and craters dominate the landscape of this extinct volcano which has been inactive for a few thousand years. Blue Lake, which changes from gray to an intense turquoise blue in November, and back to gray at the end of summer, is one of four crater lakes in the area. Piccaninnie Ponds which is 75 meters deep is a world famous for cave divers.
Other Popular Destinations in Australia
Sydney
Sydney, Australia, is a vibrant city where iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and natural beauty converge. The Sydney Opera House, with its striking sail-like design, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are symbols recognized around the world, yet the city offers much more beyond its famous skyline.
Cairns
Cairns is the majestic entrance to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This warm, tropical destination is located in Far North Queensland. Must-see attractions in Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which educates tourists about indigenous peoples, and restaurant and bar-dotted Cairns Esplanade, which has a lagoon for swimming.