If you are searching for a destination that will show you the “real” Africa, look no further than Zambia. It is home to some of the most spectacular sights in the world and is also among one of the safest to visit. A visit to Zambia is sure to bring visits to Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and many other areas bursting with wildlife. The wildlife of Zambia is very divers and is a pleasure to experience via safari. This country is perfect for casual travelers and thrill seekers alike.

One of the major sights that travelers come from all over to see is Victoria Falls. The falls are so big that columns of spray can be seen from miles away. For ideal views of Victoria Falls, you will want to trek to the Victoria Falls Bridge where you can see down the gorge on one side and through the falls on the other. For a especially thrilling Victoria Falls experience, consider taking to the skies. Micro-light and fixed wing flights are available to take you around the falls.

Another reason people travel to Zambia is its robust wildlife. Animals that you would likely see while on safari are leopards, lions, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, buffaloes  giraffes, primates and hundreds of different bird species. If you are a bird enthusiast you will definitely want to visit Zambia as it has been said that at least 740 species live there. There are several options for taking in the Zambian wildlife such as safaris, walking, canoeing, horseback or even on an elephant!

If all of this adventure is a bit intimidating, Zambia is also home to some great shopping as well. A visit to the Mukuni Victoria Falls Craft Village will offer the opportunity to browse a wide range of intricate crafts such as wooden or stone animal carvings, masks, drums, walking sticks, jewelry and more. The local vendors are usually open to trade for things such as T-shirts, batteries, shoes or other essentials.

As you can see, Zambia has a wide range of activities that are sure to please travelers of all interest sets. For a taste of the best that Africa has to offer, consider visiting Zambia.

A visit to Laos is sure to be filled with many surprises. You never know which cultures you might experience, foods you may taste, or ancient history you might discover. It is a place filled with wonders and plenty of experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.

If you are in search of an outdoor adventure, be sure to bring your hiking boots. A tour of the mountains in Laos will have you in awe. Not only is the scenery beautiful, there is also some beautiful culture to be found too. There are some very old hill tribe societies that still thrive here. They adhere to their traditional ways of life and craft everyday items as they have for many years. After the hike, be sure to explore the lush forests. These remote areas are home to misty waterfalls and a variety of wildlife. From colorful birds to simple tree-dwelling mammals, you are sure to spot something exciting.

If you are looking for a less wild experience, staying within the city limits is also pleasurable. As you wander the streets, you might encounter Buddhist monks traveling to and from temples. Seeing how calm and peaceful these monks are will resonate with you, perhaps even giving you some inner peace. If you are eager to do some shopping, there are many places to do so in the capitol city of Vientiane. Here you will find shops, restaurants, and other ways to find entertainment. Despite its high population, Vientiane has a laid back feel to it.

While Laos may not be the most popular tourist destination, it boasts some wonderful landscapes and rich culture that is a must-see for any experienced traveler.

Costa Rica means “rich coast” and the country truly lives up to its name. It has a wonderful climate, an advantageous geographic position, and its rich natural resources. If you are a nature lover, you will definitely want to pay this country a visit. The local wildlife is often the main reason why people from all over the world travel to this tropical paradise.

Costa Rica holds two very important titles: first in the Happy Planet Index and most “green” country. The country plans to be carbon neutral by 2021. The people of Costa Rica call themselves “Ticas” are very proud of their country and are very committed to keeping it healthy. They fiercely protect their land and wildlife. As one of the most bio diverse countries in the world, Costa Rica is home to approximately 500,000 species. Many of these can be seen in person at Manuel Antonio National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, or one of the other beautiful parks in the country.

Some of the species that can be found here are scarlet macaws, quetzals, marine turtles, toucans, monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, snakes and many more.  In terms of sea life, you can usually see dolphins, whales, sharks, jellyfish, manatees and starfish. Some animal species, like the jaguar and tapir, are very elusive and rarely seen by visitors. To maximize the amount of wildlife you will see, it is ideal to have a naturalist guide as they are trained how to find the-hard-to-spot animals like sloths.

Butterfly lovers will be delighted by the amount of butterflies in Costa Rica. There are over 1,250 species of butterfly and 8,000 species of moths in this country and they play an important role in its biodiversity. They also give an interesting look into how the animals and insects of Costa Rica can adapt to their surroundings to survive. For instance, swallowtail caterpillars disguise themselves as bird droppings to hide from predators.

Traveling to Costa Rica will give you an experience like no other, especially if you are a nature lover! Take advantage of the opportunity to see some of the most wonderful native wildlife in the world.