
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda: This lush forest is one of the last homes of the mountain gorilla, and several hundred call this national park home.

Samburu, Kenya: A haven for some of Africa's most amazing wildlife, this national reserve is home to perfect sunrises, the endangered reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra.

Mount Toubkal, Morocco: The path to the "roof" of North Africa, the summit of Mount Toubkai gives climbers unrivaled views across the Atlas Mountains.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China: Known for its towering sandstone pillars, this forest is best explored on foot. Visitors can experience spectacular views on the 100-meter-long and 1.6-meter-wide glass skywalk clinging to the cliff of Tianmen Mountain.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: One of the most popular natural attractions in Southeast Asia, Ha Long Bay is home to 1,969 islets of hulking limestone and deep, green waters that are home to myriad floating villages.

El Nido, Philippines: El Nido offers access to the limestone peaks of the Bacuit Archipelago, as well as some of the world's most beautiful beaches and captivating dive sites.

Rotorua, New Zealand: Located on New Zealand's North Island, Rotorua is home to geothermal waters, Maori culture, forests to explore and the Tarawera Ultra Marathon (Ryan Sandes is seen here training for it in February).

Kata Tjuta, Australia: The Anangu people, who have lived here for over 22,000 years, manage this land -- one of the most sacred in Aboriginal culture -- with Australian park authorities.

The Maldives: There's plenty of beach to enjoy with over 100 private resorts and guesthouses around the Male and Ari atolls. The beach on Ihuru Island on North Male Atoll is shown here.

Petra, Jordan: Explore the perfectly preserved ancient Nabatean city of Petra on camel back or strap on your walking boots and hike around its walkways. This is a sunset view of Ad Deir (The Monastery).

Atacama Desert, Chile: With the clearest skies on Earth, a tent in Chile's Atacama Desert is the perfect way to stargaze.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica: This muggy, damp environment is home to lovely winding trails and an array of birds, big cats and insects.

Ciudad Perdida, Colombia: Known as "The Lost City," these ancient ruins are believed to pre-date Peru's Machu Picchu by as much as 650 years.

Dominica: Known as the nature island, this tiny Caribbean state is home to lovely coastlines, hot springs and rainforest treks.

Svalbard, Norway: Between the North Pole and mainland Norway, the Svalbard Islands are the perfect destination for polar exploration and spotting glaciers.

Lake Bled, Slovenia: Amid the backdrop of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled has become an iconic European destination for hiking and swimming.

Cappadocia, Turkey: Deep within the Anatolian plains, Cappadocia dates back to 3000 B.C. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's known for volcanic landscape, fairy chimneys and large network of underground dwellings.

Positano, Italy: One of the most beautiful villages in Europe, Positano is known for its killer boutiques and waterside restaurants and the Byzantine Church of Maria Assunta.

Lake District, United Kingdom: The UNESCO-protected Lake District is an inspiration for artists, wanderers and those seeking calm.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: While Croatia is already known as the ultimate European outdoor escape, Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to one of its most arresting sites: 16 lakes connected via waterfalls.

Vancouver Island, Canada: Visitors can spot grizzlies, elk and orcas on this island, which is also home to 2,000 miles of coastline, almost 10,000 lakes and acres of soaring mountains.

Denali National Park, Alaska: Home to North America's highest peak, Denali National Park protects six million acres of wild space, along with the moose and bears living there.

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona: Close to the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend is within easy walking distance of the nearest road.

Badlands, South Dakota: Named by the native Lakota tribe for its dry terrain, Badlands is known for its fossil beds.

Monument Valley, Utah: The bright red mesas and buttes standing high above the desert, where director John Ford shot many movies, are the stuff of American movie legend.



