One of two great monoliths in Yosemite National Park, El Capitan is a one of the world's sheerest granite rock faces, rising 3000 feet above the valley floor below. In between the two main climb routes on El Capitan is a massive jut called "The Nose" which is very popular and holds the highest bragging rights for conquering on this infamous peak. This climb was once believed impossible, but is now scaled regularly by experienced climbers.
The shores of The Baths in Virgin Gorda, look as though a fairytale giant long ago simply cast some stones along its pristine shores, remaining today strewn with massive boulders, they create some of the most exotic grottoes and enticing pools. Ranging in size, some of these granite boulders are upwards of 40feet long. The trail down to Devil's Bay where majority of the grottoes and pools are, is also beautifully intriguing as you pass through boulders that throw bursts of shade into your otherwise hot and sunny trek. This area of Virgin Gorda provides visitors with some of the most beautiful beaches and relaxing snorkeling. Dead Chest Island nearby, has some amazing views in this uninhabited National Park with several coral gardens to dive, ...
Despite its dark name, the Dead Sea is in fact not at all deadly to humans, but is to other organisms such as plants and fish, hence the complete lack of living inhabitants. This is due to the levels of salt in the water which is approximately 30% salinity, 9 times saltier then the Mediterranean. These levels of salt are also responsible for the ability to float along the waters of the Dead Sea, the increased density in the water allows visitors to float effortlessly along the surface. Located between the banks of Israel and Jordan, this natural spa is 420 m below sea level making it the lowest place of the earth's surface. Visitors flock to the oasis of the Dead Sea to kick ...
Housed in the "Eternal City" of Rome, the Colosseum is the true essence of Roman Grandeur. Built between 70 and 80 AD, the Colosseum originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, was built to entertain the public with chariot races, gladiator duels, circuses, battles of wild beasts and host tremendous banquets. Following Grand Imperial times the Colosseum was abandoned and used for various every day activities. Today it is the most revered monument in Italy and honored so highly that it is even on the five cent Euro coin. To visit the Colosseum it costs approximately 10 Euro, and depending on your citizenship and age you could receive further discounts. The glow of the Colosseum at night is a vision not to be missed. As the ...
This tilted tower know locally as La Torre di Pisa, began to shift soon after its construction in 1173. Located in Cathedral Square, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is actually a free standing bell tower apart of the Pisa Cathedral. Currently the angel of the slant is 3.97 degrees , making the top of the tower 3.9 meters lower then where it should be if it were straight up. Tourists can enjoy a trek to the top of the tower and experience first hand a tilted center of gravity on this beautiful work of art!
The greatest of the greats, humbling, awe inspiring, life changing, and empowering are all common regards held toward the highest mountain on earth, Mount Everest. Those who endeavor to conquer it in their lifetime follow the trail of some of the greatest adventurers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the first two people to ascend to the summit of Everest on May 29, 1953. Also known as Chomolungma, Qomolangma, Sagarmatha or Zhumulangma this epic summit measures 29,029 feet above sea level. It's hard to say exactly how many thousands of people have now challenged the heights of Everest's famous peaks, but due to the extreme weather conditions deaths are not uncommon tolling 210 to date. Located between Nepal and Tibet, there are different ascent routes to ...
With only 700 left in the world, and none in any zoo the chance to see a Mountain Gorilla face to face is the experience of a lifetime. Tracking Gorillas is not easy, and there is no guarantee you’ll even get to see one. For me the opportunity of observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat was something I’d always dreamed of doing. The hours spent hiking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest melted away as soon as I caught my first glimpse of black fur through the foliage. Before I knew it the guides had carefully cleared away the hanging vines and dense leaves and we were treated to a little over an hour long close encounter with some of the most intriguing animals in ...
The Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal is unrivaled in mayhem, with over two hundred long tailed macaques monkeying around with visitors daily. The antics unfold in the depths of some of the lushest green forests that Bali is famous for, with ancient sculptures and temples interspersed between trails and the consuming greenery. Drawing upwards of 10,000 visitors during peak visiting months, the Macaques at the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud are well accustomed to humans and are even known to climb up and sit on your shoulder in return for a treat. More mischievous macaques have been known to run off with your sunglasses or watch so be sure to keep your eye on these little monkeys!
Descending down jagged rock and squeezing through confined underground pools, professional caver's and speleologists surpassed the world record caving depth in 2005, descending an astounding 2,140 meters into the earth at Krubera Voronja Cave. This tunnel to the deepest depths of the earth also known as the Crows Cave, Krubera Cave, or Voronya Cave, is located in Arabika Massif of the Gagra Range, in Abkhazia, Georgia. Even now it is unknown as to whether the absolute bottom has been reached, and it is speculated that the future holds deeper descents. Something to explore for those looking to join an elite group of adventurers.
Space tourism is here! Many commercial providers are chomping at the bit to get some of this pricey pie. Currently Russia is the only provider of genuine space travel which gets you a trip out to the International Space Station, at the price of a cool $ 20 million dollars. A cheaper alternative is suborbital flights which are projected to cost $200,000. This trip takes you out to the edges of earth to see a full panorama of the world, allows you to experience zero gravity and get one hell of a view of the stars of course!
