Carl Turnley Travel

Carl Turnley discusses his love of and experience with travel.

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Tag: World

Visually Stunning Sights to See in the World

Whether you are traveling to take a break from work responsibilities, explore new cultures, or to visit friends, squeezing in time to see some of the most visually breathtaking locations should be a necessity. Most locations have something to offer. All you have to do is look.

Lover’s Beach in Mexico

The Marieta Islands just south of Cabo house some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Because they are uninhabited, and thus, undisturbed, the wildlife and overall environment are in pristine conditions. Known as Lover’s Beach, this enormous crater covering a secluded beach was supposedly created by military testing in the early 1900s. Today, it is one of the most stunning beaches in the world.

Canada’s Spotted Lake

Out west in British Columbia lies an amazing sight that does not last all year. The Spotted Lake’s deposits are caused by the vast amounts of minerals found in its waters, which are manifested after the snow melts and evaporates in late spring, early summer. It’s located just a short distance from the Okanagan Valley, and a couple-hour trip east from Vancouver.

Norway’s Trolltunga

Resembling Pride Rock from The Lion King, this amazing cliff sitting above Norway’s Lake Ringedalsvatnet is quite difficult to reach. From the basepoint, it requires a 10 or 12 hour hike to reach this spot, but the view is absolutely worth the trek, so long as the weather permits. With that said, the best times to go are between mid-June and early September for optimal visibility. The hike up this monstrous mountain provides quite the scene as well, with waterfalls and forests lining every turn.

Japan’s Sagano Bamboo Forest

Right outside Kyoto rests this enormous group of what just may be the tallest bamboo plants you will ever see. Through winding paths and gardens, visitors are able to explore this amazing forest free of charge. While it can get crowded, early morning or late evenings tend to open up the park for those who wish to experience it without too much noise.

The Northern Lights
From Alaska, to Canada, to Denmark, the Northern Lights can be seen far across the northern hemisphere of our planet, and they are truly a sight to be seen. No matter where you choose to travel to see them, there are usually guided tours to give you the best date and time for the best views. Iceland is one of the many countries lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Should you choose to make this your viewing spot, the country itself is an emerging tourist spot, and for good reason.

3 Places to Travel to After Retirement

Saying goodbye to the working world can be a bittersweet experience, but as long as your retirement fund is able to support you for the rest of your life, the next stages can be extremely enjoyable ones. With all this free time now on your hands, what better thing to do than to travel the world? Below are some of the best destinations to visit post retirement, and how you can make the most of your time at each.

Ireland

An extremely popular vacation destination for all types of travelers, Ireland is home to some of the warmest, most welcoming cities in the world. From Dublin, to Belfast, to Killarney, it would be difficult to find a town that doesn’t greet you with open arms and beautiful scenery to match. Dublin specifically is home to some of Ireland’s greatest landmarks, including the National Museum of Ireland, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Guinness Storehouse, as well as most of the country’s notorious pubs.

For those seeking a more relaxed vacation, Killarney is home to the country’s more scenic points of interest. The Killarney National Park has the highest mountain range in all of Ireland, McGillycuddy’s Reeks, beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and castles.

Australia

Though a flight from the United States to Australia is less than ideal for most (typically spanning anywhere from 14-18 hours), once you’ve reached the land Down Under, you’ll be happy you chose this as your vacation destination. As one of Australia’s largest cities, Sydney has an enormous variety of things to do and landmarks to visit, including the world famous Sydney Opera House, or the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Don’t be afraid to venture into the outback where you can experience Australia’s eclectic wildlife which includes kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and dingoes, just to name a few.

Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef is, obviously, something that can only be experienced of the coast of this beautiful continent. There are countless tours you can take part in to get the most out of your Great Barrier Reef trip, and even more to see the wonders of Australian in general.

Sicily

The largest mediterranean island just off the coast of Italy, Sicily is the perfect destination for travelers looking to visit a historic region rich with ancestral towns and stunning architecture. The capital city of Palermo specifically, is a bustling town with open markets, restaurants, museums, cathedrals, and more for a sightseeing experience unlike most. Of course, the food and wine is something that must be tried like any region in Italy, so be sure to take advantage of all the vendors at your disposal.

Being an island, the beaches and coastal views Sicily has to offer are truly breathtaking. Plan a trip out to the city of Trapani on the west coast for some of the best beaches in the region. Trapani is yet another town with gorgeous architecture and streets full of restaurants and shops.

 
No matter what your post-retirement plans are, traveling the world can be a luxury you are able to experience at any point in your life. Should you choose to make that decision sometime soon, consider any of the three destinations mentioned above for an enjoyable, relaxing trip.

4 Destinations You Would Have Avoided in the Past

Current events have led many people to believe that the world is a dangerous place. Of those affected by war, conflict, or legal tensions, there are very few countries that people would consider ideal vacation destinations. However, there are a number that have since reemerged as hotspots for the avid traveler due to changing times. Below are just a few to consider now that tensions have subsided, and their tourism industries are again beginning to flourish.

Iran

A country that was once on George W. Bush’s “Axis of Evil,” Iran is beginning to see a booming tourist industry thanks largely in part due to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office lifting its blanket ban on certain areas of the country in 2015. The heritage of the country is truly unique that most travelers should aim to experience. Rich with ruins, mosques, and a remarkable culture, Iran offers much to do for those looking to experience a more sound part of the middle east.

Colombia

All too often do most people associate Colombia with drug wars and government conflicts. While this was a country riddled with such issues throughout the late 20th century, it has since calmed. Notable figures like Pablo Escobar and Carlos Lehder led a revolution against the Colombian government in their efforts to become the richest drug traders of all time, but the country’s war against them was too much. Now, Colombia revels as a thriving tourist destination with colonial architecture, visually stunning beaches, and bustling nightlife.

Beirut, Lebanon

Between the years of 1975 and 1990, the Lebanese Civil War ravaged the entire country, dominating the world’s perception of Beirut, and Lebanon in general. Multiple attacks on government officials and tension in general has deterred most from visiting, but the city of Beirut is reclaiming its title as “The Paris of the Middle East.” Beaches, luxury hotels, and restaurants are easy to find in the city, and offer a relaxing getaway for couples.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

 
In 1992, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared its independence from the country of Yugoslavia. This led to a series of attacks that resulted in nearly 100,000 fatalities, commonly referred to as the Bosnian Genocide, the effects of which have been felt for years. The early 2000’s would not have been a good time to visit, but now, over 20 years since the war, military involvement has dwindled. The capital of Sarajevo is a beautiful town flourishing with culture and history that is accommodating to travelers of all types. Tours around the country are offered as well for those seeking a guided experience.