Thomas Später
Thomas Später, PhD, is an experienced backpacking traveler that specializes in adventurous trips around the globe. He has traveled to remote and exotic places, such as Namibia or Mongolia and focuses on landscape and wildlife photography to share the beauty of our planet with others. In 2021, Thomas published a (German) book about Overpopulation and Over-consumption (Die Überbevölkerung). With his awareness of current global issues, he uses his travels to support particularly local hotels and restaurants to raise awareness for the nature and culture of his destinations. Follow Thomas´ adventures on Instagram as well as on his website, World In Frames.
Articles by Thomas Später
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
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.
United States Nature & Outdoors
Defying Gravity at the Dead Sea in Israel
By Thomas SpäterIt was a hot summer day when I left Jerusalem to travel south towards the Dead Sea, an indescribably beautiful salt lake, sitting peacefully landlocked between the countries of Israel and Jordan. Although visiting Israel had been on my bucket list since forever, the Dead Sea had always fascinated me … Read more
Middle East Experiences
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.
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
United States Nature & Outdoors History
Underestimating the Climb of Namibia’s “Big Daddy Dune”
By Thomas SpäterAt the end of my second week of traveling through Namibia during the pandemic, I reached the most-anticipated stop of my journey within the Namib-Naukluft National Park: Deadvlei, a white clay pan that represents an inevitable stop for nature lovers and photographers. I will never forget the second I stepped … Read more
Africa Adventure Landscape
El Paredon: A Safety Guide to Guatemala’s Premier Beach Town
By Thomas SpäterAmong the picturesque beach towns in Guatemala, El Paredon Buena Vista, situated on the southern Pacific coast within the Escuintla municipality, stands out as the ultimate destination for beach lovers and surf enthusiasts alike.
Central and South America Backpacking & Camping Safety
Exploring the Enchanting Tamanique Waterfalls in El Salvador
By Thomas SpäterEl Salvador, though compact in size, boasts a plethora of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Among its treasures lies the breathtaking Tamanique waterfalls, nestled deep within a tropical forest, approximately 55 km from the international airport, 16 km from El Tunco (a renowned beach town), or 40 km from … Read more
Central and South America Adventure Nature & Outdoors
Longing for isolation: A demanding journey through Mongolia
By Thomas SpäterWhen I was desperately searching for a new place to explore without hundreds and thousands of other tourists around me, I came across a mysterious and equally attractive country called Mongolia.
Asia Experiences
A Guide to Conquering Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador
By Thomas SpäterMost people that visit Latin American countries, such as El Salvador and Guatemala, probably do so to see some volcanoes. Especially because there are so many of them, it may sometimes get a little overwhelming when it comes to deciding which ones to see.
Central and South America Adventure Nature & Outdoors
Lauterbrunnen Valley – Traveling to the world of “The Lord of the Rings”
By Thomas SpäterSwitzerland is known for its beautiful and dramatic landscapes. But there is more than just the natural aspect to it. Some of its most famous places have served as great inspirations for authors and movie directors. One such place is the incredibly picturesque valley surrounding Lauterbrunnen, a small village deeply … Read more
Europe Landscape
Tips for hiking Mauritius’ Black River Peak Trail
By Thomas SpäterAnyone who plans a trip to the beautiful African island of Mauritius will most likely come across at least one activity that is connected to the Black River National Park–the largest protected forest area on the island. This landscape is a real treat for nature lovers. The park provides about … Read more
Africa Adventure Nature & Outdoors
Hiking California’s Haunted Black Star Canyon Falls
By Thomas Späterhe Black Star Canyon Falls almost always rank the number one waterfall to visit on the bucket list of nature seekers. Located deep inside the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County, the picturesque waterfall drops at a maximum elevation of 1,638 feet (500 meters) and can be reached by means … Read more
United States Adventure Nature & Outdoors
A day trip to Mexico’s Playa Balandra will leave every nature lover speechless
By Thomas SpäterAlthough I usually have a hard time ranking landscape destinations, there is one specific beach I would easily consider the most beautiful in the Baja California area, if not even in all Mexico: Playa Balandra, a spectacular, crescent-shaped bay with crystal clear and shallow water.
Mexico Landscape
Take your time when visiting Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park
By Thomas SpäterIn the central part of Croatia, close to the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, lies the Plitvice National Park, one of Europe’s most famous and, by far the prettiest. This almost 300-square-foot area consists of a broad range of natural features, such as turquoise water, deep green forest surroundings, limestone … Read more
Europe Landscape Nature & Outdoors
Yamadera – A Japanese temple experience with a special view
By Thomas SpäterAt the end of my backpacking trip through Japan, I had three days to spare with no idea what to do. I had already explored the very south (Hiroshima) as well as all major landmarks around the central part of this beautiful Asian country (Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo).
Asia Off the Beaten Path
The Tatras Mountains: A Picturesque Hike Between Two Countries
By Thomas SpäterWith a total length of 60 km, the Tatras Mountains represent the highest part of the Central Carpathian Mountains, a 1,500 km-long mountain range winding its way through Central and Eastern Europe, all the way from Czech Republic to Moldova. The Tatras are further divided into four parts (Belianske Tatras, … Read more
Europe Adventure Nature & Outdoors
Discover the EDRO III shipwreck on the island of Cyprus
By Thomas SpäterIn October 2011, the EDRO III left the Cyprus port of Limassol to head to the Greek island of Rhodes when it got caught in a severe storm.
Europe Off the Beaten Path
The Journey to Bali’s Sekumpul Waterfall
By Thomas SpäterDeep inside the jungle of Bali’s northern Sawan district of the Buleleng regency lies one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world–Sekumpul waterfall. What makes this specific waterfall so special is its overall impressions and the layout of its surroundings.
Asia Nature & Outdoors
Hiking the “Bridge to Nowhere” after rainfall feels like paradise
By Thomas SpäterSouthern California has many hiking trails, but only a few are as famous as the trail heading towards the “Bridge to Nowhere.” This arch bridge is 120 feet high and 180 feet long, a majestic throne over the San Gabriel River.
United States Nature & Outdoors Off the Beaten Path
An early visit to Namibia’s most famous ghost town: Kolmanskop
By Thomas SpäterDuring the early years of the 20th century, the small town of Kolmanskop, which originally was just a train station, became the richest town in Namibia during a diamond boom. However, after mining over 1 ton of diamonds during World War I alone, the resources soon became depleted, and the … Read more
Africa Off the Beaten Path History
The amazing sea caves of Ayia Napa
By Thomas SpäterThe island republic of Cyprus, located in the Mediterranean Sea, offers everything that anyone could ask for: amazing forests, ancient archeological sites, breathtaking waterfalls, diverse nightlife, and beautiful beaches. Amongst all those things, Ayia Napa must be considered one of the most special places on the island. Although a lot … Read more
Europe Adventure Nature & Outdoors
A hike to the underrated Shengjergj waterfall of Albania
By Thomas SpäterShengjergj waterfall, which is locally called “Ujëvara e Shën Gjergjit”,offers an amazing 30-meters drop with breathtaking stratified rock formations surrounding the scenery. The water comes straight from the “Mali me Gropa Mountain” and is especially impressive during the fall-to-spring season, when rain increases and snow melts from the mountain tops.
Europe Adventure Landscape Nature & Outdoors
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.
Mexico 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.
Europe Nature & Outdoors
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.
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.
United States Adventure Nature & Outdoors
One Night on the Great Wall of China
By Thomas SpäterI have already traveled most of Asia, but never really had the chance to see the Great Wall of China. It was the end of May, when I touched down in Beijing after traveling both Japan and Mongolia for 8 days each. Using Beijing as a 3-day layover on the … Read more
Asia Experiences