15 Breathtaking National Parks You Should Visit This Year

There’s nothing quite like stepping into a national park. These destinations are perfect for any kind of adventure, from the quiet hum of nature to the thrill of discovery to the awe of breathtaking landscape, and you don’t even need a passport.

With so many options, it’s difficult to know where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve narrowed down 15 national parks to give you everything from beautiful views to unforgettable experiences and the great outdoors. Find out what iconic U.S. parks and global gems you need to visit this year.

Yellowstone National Park, USA

The granddaddy of them all, and one of the most iconic, is Yellowstone, the world’s first national park. Yellowstone is nature’s theme park, famous for its geysers, bubbling hot springs, bison and grizzly bears. Make sure you see the Old Faithful that goes off on schedule and the kaleidoscopic Grand Prismatic Spring.

Banff National Park, Canada

Canadian Rockies is the real paradise for nature lovers. Its photo shopped Lake Louise and other turquoise glacial lakes are so vivid they are unreal. Whether you’re hiking, skiing or just soaking up the natural beauty, Banff has lots to offer anyone who wants to get connected with nature.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine in Patagonia will make a heartfelt serenade for you if you are into dramatic landscapes. It’s big mountains, big glaciers, big grasslands, the photographer’s dream. The park’s iconic “W” trek is one of the world’s most famous multi day hikes, and it’s worth every blister.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

If you want a whole other kind of adventure, Kruger National Park is the place to be. This South African gem offers the ultimate safari experience, with chances to spot the Big Five: Elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalo. Kruger’s well maintained roads and lodges make it a wildlife watching destination for all.

Grand Canyon National Park, USA

A list of national parks would be incomplete without the Grand Canyon. It’s so big, sometimes up to 277 miles long and a mile deep. And apart from hiking the Bright Angel Trail, visiting the South Rim of Grand Canyon is something we all keep on the bucket list.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Picture cascading waterfalls rushing into sparkling pools bordered by lush greenery. In a nutshell, that is Plitvice Lakes. It’s a wonderland of interconnected lakes and waterfalls that nearly feel magical. And with wooden boardwalks, it’s easy to explore, and go early—this gem is no secret.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Wildlife and adventure is what the Serengeti is known for. Millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles cross Tanzania’s plains in The Great Migration to find greener pastures, and so pack visitors into this sprawling Tanzanian park. It’s the most raw and untamed nature.

Yosemite National Park, USA

Any nature lover will already know Yosemite — towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, giant sequoias. It also has more accessible hikes and grand sweeping views, El Capitan and Half Dome draws in scores of rock climbers from around the world. It’s certainly magical in spring, but it’s even more beautiful when the waterfalls are at their peak.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

All misty fjords, towering peaks and tame rainforest, Fiordland is just like something you step into a fantasy novel. Milford Sound, the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ is the draw here. Boat tours and scenic flights will give you great views, and so will the park’s hiking trails.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

You may never have heard of Zhangjiajie, but if you have seen the surreal sandstone pillars that make up this part of China, you know them. The floating mountains in Avatar were inspired by this Chinese park and it might just be the closest thing to a real life Lost City of Atlantis you’ll ever see. There is a glass bottomed bridge looking down into a large canyon in the park from a very wide perspective.

Glacier National Park, USA

Montana’s Glacier National Park is a hiker and photographer’s paradise. Unfortunately, climate change is causing its namesake glaciers to retreat, so now is the time to see what’s left. A 1,000 square mile park with breathtaking views from the Going-to-the-Sun Road and many trails into alpine lakes, hidden waterfalls and wildlife sightings, you’ll want to finish this one.

Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan in Nepal is the place to go if you’re looking for an off the beaten path adventure. Bengal tigers, one horned rhinos and sloth bears are the unique wildlife of the place. Rich in biodiversity, the park is crammed with a guided jungle safari, on foot, by jeep or even on a canoe is an unforgettable way to experience the park.

Arches National Park, USA

Utah’s Arches National Park is a geological wonderland boasting among the 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The most famous feature of the park, Delicate Arch, looks best lit from sunrise or sunset, when the light gives the stone a lustrous paint job. With the park’s Mars-like landscape, it feels out of this world.

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Vatnajökull, also the home of Europe’s largest glacier and some of its most dramatic landscapes, covers more than 14% of Iceland. Ice caves, glacial lagoons and towering waterfalls are just some of what you can see, if you are willing to brave the cold. It is a cool place to spot the northern lights dancing across skies during winter.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

The Smokies straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, making this America’s most visited national park. And for good reason: All year round, their mist covered peaks and beautiful forests are stunning. This park is an Appalachian treasure, from road-less Cades Cove to hiking the highest peak in the state at Clingmans Dome or chasing waterfalls.

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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience