United States | Washington, D.C.
The United States National Arboretum is a large outdoor area in northeastern Washington. It has wide open areas with picnic spots and the National Capitol Columns. There's also a large collection of bonsai trees, an herb garden, and a number of other collections.
New Mexico | United States
Just about a twenty minute drive from downtown Albuquerque, the Sandia Peak Tramway will take you to the top of Sandia Peak, which towers over the city at an elevation of about 10,300 feet. The views are incredible, and there are hiking trails up top as well.
New Zealand | North Island
This national park encompasses there large volcanoes in the center of the north island an hour and a half south of Taupo. Tongariro is most famous for the Tongariro Alpine crossing, billed as the best day hike in the world. It's a challenging 12.5 mile one way hike up from forest through lakes, volcanic flows, alpine scenery, and hot springs.
Vietnam
A fantastic day trip from Hanoi that mixes natural beauty with history and culture. You'll see Hoa Lu ( Cố đô Hoa Lư), Vietnam's beautiful historic capital, cruise the rivers near Tam Coc, and see Bich Dong Pagoda.
Thailand
A great way to see Phang Nga Bay and some of the islands off of Phuket. Most of the stops are absolutely worthwhile. The caves, James Bond Island, and the boat ride itself are beautiful.
Vietnam
Known as "Ha Long Bay on land," this breathtaking part of Ninh Binh Province features incredible limestone formations and vibrant rice paddies. Take a rowboat cruise on the Ngô Đồng River on a small craft driven by a guide who will paddle you up the river with her feet. The Ngô Đồng winds through the mountains around Tam Coc, and it slides beneath three limestone caves near the village of Van Lam.
New Zealand | North Island
Orakei Korako is a geothermal area between Rotorua and Taupo. You take a short ferry across a lake to a huge terrace of limestone with a trial up through active geysers. It's a bit out of the way and quite colorful.
New Zealand | North Island
This is a 70 acre complex that encompasses an old village area where the Maori of the area originally had a large settlement. The area has a lot if interesting geysers and hot springs but the Maori cultural show and other Maori exhibits ( carving school, weaving school) were the highlights.
Norway | Svalbard
A fascinating look at the human and natural history of Svalbard.
India
Grab a boat in Varanasi early in the morning to see a beautiful sunrise in one of India's most picturesque locations.…
