Natural tourist destinations: naturally beautiful countries

Nature has all kinds of unique adventures and discoveries to offer to travellers and, thankfully, the world is full of incredible places to explore. A trip to the wilderness is the ultimate way to get away from the daily life routine. Spending time in natural settings can positively influence you and make you relax.

After a trip to the wilderness, your energy will be boosted. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience where you can gain a sense of peace, harmony and connection with Mother Nature, have a look at this selection of three tourist sites, located in different parts of the world.

Laos, the Asian gem

It is one of the most scenic and mountainous tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. It has majestic waterfalls and lush jungles and the warmest of inhabitants. Laos is a peaceful country where you won't find luxurious hotels or shopping malls. It is a destination that stands out for the diversity of its nature, its Buddhist temples and its enigmatic sites. 

The south of Laos is much less crowded and Don Det is one of the favorite places of travellers. Don Det is a hippie paradise that lies north of the border with Cambodia. It is also a great place to go kayaking or rent a bike to explore its small villages.

3 hours from Don Det is the Boloven Plateau where you can access countless unique waterfalls such as Tad Fane and Dong Hua Sao. The area is famous for its beautiful landscapes, picturesque towns and hiking trails.

In the north of Laos is Bokeo, a city rich in natural resources with incredible mountains, tropical forests and farmland. It is also home to some 30 indigenous communities that still maintain their traditional culture. You can also see gibbons, elephants, bears, tigers and buffalo.

Vang Vieng is another city that attracts many visitors. The place is especially popular with backpackers who come to admire its natural beauty and it is surrounded by high mountains, rivers, caves, jungles, limestone cliffs and rice fields.

Benin, the authentic African flavour

Located in West Africa, Benin is a fascinating country that offers a lot to explore. The strongest asset of this country is its people. In fact, you will hardly find people as friendly as the Beninese people, whether in Africa or elsewhere. 

However, Benin also offers a fantastic natural environment. As a tropical region, its lands are populated by a varied fauna. The north of the country has two very important national parks, the Pendjari and the W National Park. They are home to elephants, lions, buffaloes and an extraordinary variety of birds. This part of the country has also got magnificent beaches.

On the Beninese coasts, you will find impressive stretches of golden sand that follow one another endlessly and paradisiacal beaches with exuberant nature. The best beaches are located near the city of Cotonou, such as Grand Popo or Fidjrossè. Another wonderful place for amateur (or experienced) birdwatchers is Lake Nokoué.

You should also visit Ganvié, the Venice of Africa, a special floating city. Lastly, you will be fascinated by its tropical forests and voodoo culture. 

Costa Rica, the land of life

Located between two oceans and two continents, Costa Rica is a country full of biodiversity, forests, active volcanoes, impressive river valleys and pristine beaches. It is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

No matter which part of Costa Rica you visit, you will encounter a variety of landscapes, climates, and wildlife. A quarter of its territory is protected under the badge of national parks and nature reserves, making it difficult to choose the best places to visit.

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most visited in the country. Here you can take a guided tour through the rainforest where you can observe monkeys, raccoons, iguanas and a large number of birds, insects and spiders. Once completed, you will have the opportunity to discover the legendary white sandy beaches.

Volcanoes are one of the main attractions for many tourists. There is a wide choice, but we recommend you visit the Volcán Arenal National Park, which is actually made up of two volcanoes: the Arenal Volcano and the Chato Volcano. In the area, you will also have the opportunity to swim in thermal springs.

The Tortuguero National Park in northeastern Costa Rica on the Caribbean coast is also worth a visit. From June to October, endangered sea turtles nest, lay their eggs and frequent the coastline. Trust us, visiting green turtle nesting beaches is the ultimate travel experience!