A Beginners Bucket List: Seven Natural Wonders of the World

These days everyone has a bucket list made up of things they want to do and places they wish to go. But how do you compile such a list? Why not kick start it with the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. PassportChop.com is glad to have a guest post from Hayman’s Digital Marketing Executive, Lauren Esplin who loves nothing more than passing on her tips and tricks for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, from one of the most beautiful islands in the world – Hayman Island.

Great Barrier Reef
Stretching along the eastern coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef offers some of the best diving locations in the world. The coral reefs, atolls and tropical paradise islands that make up this spectacular ecosystem are bustling with marine activity, unique species of wildlife and offer some of the most picturesque and idyllic places to stay in the world.

Many choose to visit the reef purely for relaxation, but there’s a load to do around, on and in the water! Take your pick from diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking, horse riding and 4WD driving (to name just a few!).

The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon stretches almost 300 miles through the western US state of Arizona. It’s nothing short of massive, plunging one mile deep and spanning 18 miles across in its widest places. And the true beauty of it all? Geologists still don’t really understand how or why it got there.

The Canyon is an adventurer’s dream, with walking, hiking and helicopter flights being just a few of the activities on offer along the rims. For the more adventurous sort, you can abseil or climb the canyon walls and white water raft along the Colorado River at the bottom.

Victoria Falls
In the heart of Africa and on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe you’ll find the largest curtain of falling water in the world. Located on the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls are 1.7km wide and over 100 metres high.

There’s loads of ways to experience the falls, you can try bungee jumping, helicopter and micro-light flights, and, when the waters are low in the dry season, you can even walk along the lip of the falls themselves. Of course for the less dare-devil sorts among us (or should that be sensible?!) there are plenty of safe viewing points from the opposing cliffs and bridge.

Paricutin Volcano
There are many volcanos in the world but Paricutin is so special is because it’s the only one in North America that’s birth has been witnessed by humans. Laying around 200 miles west of Mexico City and measuring around 10,000ft, Paricutin rose out of the ground in the mid 1940’s and last erupted in 1952.

The best way to take in Paricutin is by making the 12 mile journey around the volcano either by hiking, horseback or guided tour. The trek can be done in one long day, however many choose to take their time by camping over two or three nights.

The Harbour at Rio de Janeiro
If you’re a James Bond fan, this will definitely make your list! Also known as Guanabara Bay, the harbour at Rio is home to Sugar Loaf Mountain and the infamous statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado.

The natural granite harbour was created purely by the mighty strength of the Pacific Ocean and boasts incredible views of the mountains, city and beaches. Cable cars ferry eager tourists up the Corcovado (best head up there early to avoid the masses) and there’s plenty to see and do in the City once you’re done. Head there during the Rio Carnival and you’re guaranteed an experience of a lifetime!

Mount Everest
The tallest peak in the world and infamous for both successful and non-successful climbers. 99% of us will never reach the top – the climb is dangerous for even the most highly skilled climbers – but if you’re fit and train hard you can always take the guided trek to Everest Base Camp.

Northern Lights
Thanks to the Earth’s magnetic fields, the Northern Lights (also known as Aurora Borealis) are best seen from within the Arctic Circle. Caused by electrically charged particles from the sun entering the Earth’s atmosphere, you will see bright coloured lights dancing across the sky like something out of a fairy tale!

Head to northern Norway between September and March for the best displays and don’t forget to pack lots of warm layers!

So there’s your first 7. There are hundreds more places to add – why not check out the national parks of the United States or the cities of South America for inspiration? Before you know it you’ll travelling to new and exotic locations and ticking things off!