Travelling is amazing, but it can be difficult. Even if you have the energy, the time and the money to travel, how do you decide where to go? A person who went a new country every year could still never see them all; there are almost 200 recognized countries in the world. Edmonton hotels are certainly a great place to start and Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but there are other places you have got to see. Here are five countries you can’t miss in your lifetime:
1) Ecuador
Ecuador is the country that has it all. It has a tropical climate, but none of the gross humidity. This is kept at bay by the high altitude throughout most of the country. It has mountains and beaches; hiking and relaxing. It has historical sites and modern amenities. Not to mention a fascinating culture and incredible value for your money. Two of the highlights are: the breathtaking Andes Mountains and the rare and beautiful wildlife of the Galapogos Islands and the Amazon rainforest.
Photo credit: ecuadorphototours.com
2) Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka makes the list especially because it is mostly undiscovered to the average tourist. A long civil war and a devastating tsunami have kept the country behind the times when it comes to tourism. Now that there is stable peace and the economy has recovered, Sri Lanka is a prime travel destination. It is a small island with small prices. The ancient culture has left captivating relicts and charming ancestors. Sri Lanka contains beaches and rainforests; highlands and exotic wildlife. The bonus about this country is that all of these things are close together- all on a relatively small island.
Photo credit: withanage.tripod.com
3) Madagascar
Madagascar is for the animal lover, the beach lover and the scenery lover. A full five percent of the earth’s animal and plant species can only be found on this majestic island. Some of the world’s most terrible diseases have been cured with plants that can only grow in its unique ecosystem. You’ll find sea life, lemurs, reptiles and birds. The beaches are stunning. The country contains 5000 kilometers of coastline and a massive barrier reef. You can never get bored of Madagascar, one of the most unique places on the planet.
Photo credit: nationalgeographic.com
4) Turkey
Turkey is a culinary and historical gem. The seat of numerous historical empires, Turkey has been built upon history and culture. Istanbul offers one of the most exciting cities ever. Historical buildings and artifacts from Romans and Ottomans; Christians and Muslims, are spread among the modern day markets, restaurants and hotels. Turkey is more than just one city. Outside, it is a country with Aegean beaches and sky-scraping mountains. Discovering the diversity of Turkey is a job forever unfinished.
Photo credit: asia-trip.info
5) Montenegro
Another diverse and mesmerizing country, Montenegro is a charmer from the start. The crystal-water beaches rival any in Europe, the old towns as charming as those in Italy or Greece, Montenegro is a magical escape. Montenegro was once a part of Alexander the Great’s Macedonia, and was built up with the best materials and skilled worker that existed at the time. The result, today, is old stone churches, cobblestone streets and classically European squares. All of this inside an area that would fit inside of Germany more than thirty times.
Photo credit: metrolic.com