Travel By Design: Nature & Outdoors
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
– Anne Frank
Being outdoors in nature is an elixir for our souls.
The love for being outdoors stems from a sense of wonder and awe at the beautiful tapestry of nature. Listening to the quiet flow of a stream, enjoying a gentle breeze, hearing the sounds of crashing wave, or the gentle melody of birds singing are all wonderful reminders of nature‘s precious gifts.
Being outdoors in nature is inspiring. The outdoors also provides a powerful motivator to reach the summit–literally or figuratively.
Walk in nature as you enjoy these stories.
A day trip to Mexico’s Chichen Itza
By Thomas SpäterBecause Chichen Itza is one of the new 7 world wonders according to UNESCO, this place represents the most-visited archaeological site in Mexico. Read more
Mexico Nature & Outdoors
Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes | A Natural Treasure
By Tonya FitzpatrickDo you know that feeling of how a smell, sound, or taste takes you back to some of your fondest memories? That’s what happens to me when something reminds me of my summer family vacations in Michigans Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. So, after all these years, whenever I travel … Read more Read more
United States Landscape Nature & Outdoors
Osum Canyon – A Day trip to Albania’s beautiful Gorge
By Thomas SpäterDuring my road trip through the beautiful Balkan country of Albania, one specific destination was “number one” on my itinerary: Osum Canyon. In fact, my entire trip was inspired and initiated only by the desire to take photographs of this breath-taking natural attraction. Read more
Europe Nature & Outdoors
Why the Westman Islands Should Top your Iceland Must-See List
By Kirsten HarringtonWe had checked off a handful of well-known sights already on our three days in Iceland: soaking in the Blue Lagoon, zipping up close to icebergs in a zodiac and hiking up to Svartifoss, an impressive waterfall tumbling over Jenga-like basalt columns. Read more
Europe Adventure Family Travel Nature & Outdoors Food & Drink
Grab a Field Guide: Birdwatching Enhances Your Connection to Place
By Cara Siera“Once you begin bird-watching, no street, sky, or forest ever looks the same: Birds are everywhere, and their comings and goings tell stories most humans aren’t attuned to.” Read more
The World Nature & Outdoors
The Seven Rila Lakes – A cold and very challenging Bulgarian winter hike
By The Seven Rila Lakes – A cold and very challenging Bulgarian winter hikeIn November 2021, my best friend and I decided to visit the beautiful country of Bulgaria. We knew Bulgaria isn’t really a place for winter vacation (unless you like skiing and snowboarding), but wanted to check out a specific destination: The Seven Rila Lakes! Read more
Europe Adventure Nature & Outdoors
Bedford Peak – A hidden gem with a breathtaking 360° view
By Thomas SpäterBedford Peak can be reached via a 12 km (7 miles) roundtrip hike and is located at an elevation of 1161 meters (3800 feet), offering an outstanding 360° view over the surrounding mountain range as well as the adjacent valleys. On days with good visibility, Lake Matthews can even be … Read more Read more
United States Adventure Nature & Outdoors
Red Rock Canyon – A perfect getaway from Las Vegas
By Thomas SpäterVisiting the beautiful Red Rock Canyon, an often-overlooked national conservation area that is located only 15 miles outside Las Vegas and features hiking and trails, plants and wildlife, outstanding geology and camping. Read more
United States Nature & Outdoors
No Roads Lead to Stehekin
By Eliza AmonTucked in the rugged North Cascade Mountains near the Canadian border, is a town unreachable except by ferry, foot or flight. Remote as Stehekin is, the Washington town is a hub for nature lovers looking to hike, kayak, ride horses or fish in a national park whose glacier-tipped peaks are … Read more Read more
United States Nature & Outdoors Off the Beaten Path
Exploring Pyramid Lake by Boat – A unique Southern Californian Adventure
By Thomas SpäterAre you looking for an adventurous nature-getaway to escape the hectical Los Angeles city life for a few days? Search no more! Located inside the Los Padres National Forest of California, Pyramid Lake offers a great option for those who truly like to enjoy nature. Read more
United States Nature & Outdoors
Hiking to Bonita Falls – A perfect Californian daytrip within the San Bernardino National Forest
By Thomas SpäterHiking to a waterfall is likely not the first thing that comes to the mind when people are visiting Southern California. Overwhelmed by all the well-known and frequently recommended must-dos, it is easy to miss the smaller and less famous opportunities, especially when it comes to spending time in nature. Read more
United States Adventure Nature & Outdoors
Palatinate Forest – A hidden gem in southwest Germany
By Thomas SpäterWhenever I read about people planning a trip through Europe, Germany seems to be frequently skipped or, at least, at the end of the queue behind Spain, Italy, or France. And those who do decide to visit Germany, sadly often focus on Berlin and Munich only. Read more
Europe Landscape Nature & Outdoors
Valley of Fire Slot Canyon – A geological masterpiece
By Thomas Später“What could it mean?” was crossing my mind as I carefully tried to interpret the engravings covering an entire wall of fiery red sandstone within the Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada, USA). It was 10 AM, and I found myself standing on a metal platform in front of a … Read more Read more
United States Nature & Outdoors History
Exploring Niagara Falls
By Kathleen WallsNiagara Falls, one of America’s most scenic wonders, wasn’t always a pristine park open to the public. Comprised of three waterfalls that straddle the U.S.-Canadian border, the falls have a long history; not all of it pretty. Industrial factories once marred their astonishing grandeur and their spectacular views were restricted. … Read more Read more
North America Family Travel Nature & Outdoors
Best Backpacking Trails with Amazing Sceneries
From narrow canyons to rocky mountains, the Earth is a wonderful place to live on. Travelers enjoy being connected with nature while witnessing unique flora and fauna along the way. Mesmerizing waterfalls and movie-like ice fields add value to any trip inside our beautiful planet. Below, we have a list … Read more Read more
The World Backpacking & Camping Nature & Outdoors