Want to take a trip but don't know where to go? Why not try to see some of the natural wonders of the world? Some of the most remarkable sights on earth, these natural phenomena and places make a truly unforgettable trip.

Grand Canyon

The Colorado River in Arizona, USA, has carved the Grand Canyon over 17 million years. It is perhaps the best-known canyon in the world, due to its powerful visual impact and beautifully preserved layers of strata holding millennia of geological history. Native Americans have lived along the canyon for thousands of years. Some groups consider the site to be holy, which is why they make pilgrimages to it.

Great Barrier Reef

The North-East coast of Australia is home to the Coral Sea, where thousands of visitors head every year to experience the largest system of coral reef in the world. Comprising a little under 3,000 types of reef, the Great Barrier Reef extends 2,600 kilometres into the sea. Remarkably, the reef is so large that it is visible from space. The Great Barrier Reef is an important spiritual site for local Aboriginal groups and Torres Strait islanders. It is home to a range of sea life and happens to be a nesting spot for many varieties of bird.

Harbour in Rio de Janeiro

The Harbour in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was created by Atlantic Ocean erosion and is surrounded by stunning mountains. It was named by Portuguese explorers after the date they found the harbour, the 1st of January in 1502, the harbour still goes by its Tamoio name, Guanabara, 'The arm of the sea', the imposing statue of Christ on top of the mountain is a drawing attraction for many tourists.

Mount Everest

Measuring  29,029 feet, Mount Everest is the tallest mountain, above sea level, on Earth. Climbers first made an attempt to conquer the Himalayan mountain in 1885, but it was not until 1953 when Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary reached the peak.

Aurora Borealis

The Northern Lights appear when charged particles from the sun are drawn to the Earth's magnetic poles, colliding with atoms in the upper atmosphere in the process. The result is arguably the best light show on the planet, the display is usually green, however the lights can also be pink, violet, white and sometimes red. The Aurora Borealis can be seen as far south as Scotland, but is more commonly seen in places circling the magnetic pole further north, such as Alaska, Norway, Canada, Sweden and Finland.

Victoria Falls

Known by locals as 'The cloud that thunders', it forms the largest sheet of water in the world, with a width of 1,708 metres and a height of 108 metres.  Located on the Zambezi river in Africa, the waterfall is between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The area has seen human habitation for many thousands of years, with Stone Age tools found nearby.

Paricutin Volcano.

This volcano in Michoaccn, Mexico, is particularly interesting as it was witnessed from its inception on the 20th of February 1943. The youngest of more than 1,400 volcanoes in Mexico, there are fascinating eye witness accounts of its beginnings and effect on the area as two villages were covered in ash and lava. Its last eruption was in 1953, but it is thought to be dormant now.

It is not always necessary to travel too far afield to visit some of the world's most beautiful and atmospheric places. European travel is easy, convenient and relatively cheap and can take you right into the heart of a few of the world's most magnificent cities. 

Romance in Paris

Paris is famed for being the city for lovers and there is no doubt that Paris has a distinctly romantic ambience. A visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower at night, when the city is ablaze with twinkling lights, is a sight that will inspire even the most committed bachelor to propose to his lady. A head for heights is needed to climb to the top level, but the view is spectacular, not to mention the potential for a grand romantic gesture. A walk to the top of the steps at Basilica Sacre Coeur offers an equally glorious view of the city of romance.

Festive Cheer

A visit to the Swedish city of Stockholm is a great choice for a Christmas city break. Each year, Stockholm lays on a Christmas market in the Old Town, where little red stalls sell gingerbread, cheese, candy and gifts, as well as warmed Glogg to ward off the cold and fill visitors with Christmas cheer. Visit Stockholm around mid December and take an excursion to the Skansen open-air museum to see the annual crowning of Lucia, otherwise known as Saint Lucy, queen of the light, with its glorious procession.

Extraordinary Architecture

For many holidaymakers, no summer holiday would be complete without a few hours lying on the beach, however, for those looking for an alternative to a sun, sea and sand holiday, Barcelona offers the best of both worlds. As well as its history, culture and designer shopping, Barcelona contains seven beaches, covering 4.5km of coastline. Barcelona's beaches were voted number one in a survey of city beaches undertaken by the National Geographic. 

One of the most beautiful European cities to visit is Venice. The city in its entirety, together with its lagoon, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and without doubt, Venice is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. The whole city is a masterpiece of extraordinary architecture and there is something about the atmosphere of Venice that makes the heart beat faster. From St Mark's Square, where dozens of shops and cafés rest side by side with the spectacular view of the Basilica San Marco, tourists can wander down side streets and alleyways to find unique little shops and local restaurants and bars.

Another city that is based around a network of canals is Amsterdam. It has gained a reputation as a party city for the young in recent years but the city has much to offer to the older traveller. Spend a day at Museum Square, where the largest museum, the Rijksmuseum, has a rectangular pond that becomes an ice skating rink in winter. For something a little different, pay a visit to the House of Bols Cocktail or the Coster Diamonds museum. For lovers of food and wine, Amsterdam offers a range of multicultural cuisine choices and terraced bars with a great view of the city's architecture.

Australia is a hugely popular destination for holidaymakers and travellers and as a place to settle down, too. Part of the attraction to this vast nation is the sheer diversity on offer here. Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by total area and is made up of six mainland territories and regions, each with their own distinct culture, attractions and way of life.

Queensland

Queensland is the second-largest and third most populous state in Australia and has plenty to offer. Perhaps its greatest attraction is the Great Barrier Reef, which runs alongside its Eastern coast and is an unparalleled diving spot. The reef is reason alone to visit Queensland. Other major attractions include the city of Brisbane and the great weather which gives Queensland its nickname of the Sunshine State.

New South Wales

New South Wales shows the wide range of diversity that is within Australia. Along the coast of NSW there are many fabulous beach towns, including Byron Bay, which is known worldwide for its hippy and relaxed atmosphere, whilst further inland there are rich forests and open agricultural plains, such as the Blue Mountains. Beyond that, there are the peaks of the Snowy Mountains, which offer excellent skiing opportunities. For those looking for a more urban experience, the cosmopolitan city of Sydney is perfect for them. Sydney is Australia's biggest city and is famed for landmarks such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Victoria

Victoria is the smallest of the Australian mainland states and is also very densely populated, with around three quarters of Victorians residing in the major city of Melbourne. The state has a fascinating history as it was named after Queen Victoria, who ruled Great Britain when it was founded in 1851, which then expanded as a result of one of the biggest gold rushes the world has ever seen. Aside from Melbourne, other key attractions in Victoria include the Great Dividing Range, coastal features such as the Twelve Apostles and many excellent wine regions.

New York City has to be on everyone's list of must-see places and if it isn't, it should be. Bursting with things to see and do and buzzing with excitement, New York can be sampled in a few days, but will certainly leave you wanting more.

New York is described as the cultural capital of the world, with 50 million visitors annually, it is understandable why NYC is ranked at number one in the World’s Greatest Cities according to 'Time Out' experts. New York has 8.2 million inhabitants across the five boroughs: Brooklyn, Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island and Queens. Such a large population breeds incredible diversity and is part of what makes New York such an unique and exciting city.

Top Five Must-See Attractions:

The Empire State Building

The iconic Empire State Building resides on an area of land which was once a farm, it wasn’t until 1930 that excavation of the site began and 17 months later President Hoover opened the building. From the years of 1931 – 1972 The Empire State Building was the world’s tallest building and has received over 110 million visitors since opening.
The observation deck on the 86th floor offers an unforgettable 360-degree view of New York City, or for a little extra money you can go even higher to the 102nd floor for even more breathtaking views.

Statue of Liberty

Must-see attraction number two is the Statue of Liberty, which was a gift from France to America in 1886 as a symbol of friendship, the statue was broken down into 350 pieces and transported by ship to be erected on the US-built pedestal.
Ellis Island became part of the Statue of Liberty monument in 1965 and no visit to the Lady Liberty is complete without a stop-off at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which tells the fascinating story of why America was a place of refuge for over 12 million immigrants.

World Trade Center

At number three is a place of remembrance at the World Trade Center, which was once the site of seven buildings including the twin towers, which were so tragically destroyed in the 9/11 attacks.
Ground Zero is now a place of reflection and rebirth as the new One World Trade Center arises from the ashes. The stunning and moving 9/11 Memorial pays tribute to the fallen and in the first three months the Memorial was visited by over one million people.

Brooklyn Bridge

New York is full of iconic images and the Brooklyn Bridge is certainly one of them. It is one of the oldest bridges of its kind in the US, dating from 1883 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The Brooklyn Bridge spans across the East River and links Manhattan and Brooklyn together.

Central Park

Finally, enjoy the magnificent national treasure of Central Park, which was opened in 1857 and is a staggering 843 acres. The best way to see the park is by bicycle, with well-marked routes of differing lengths, which take you past the park's major sights, such as the Conservatory Water, the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, Belvedere Castle on Vista Rock and Bow Bridge.

From the Strawberry Fields in Central Park to the Rockerfella Centre, New York City will thrill you from the moment you arrive until the minute you reluctantly jump in your yellow cab to leave.

Boutique hotels started in the early 1980’s in the USA and were made to offer a unique and more personalised experience than you receive from normal hotels. Boutique hotels generally have no more than 100 rooms and are usually situated in a trendy location. City boutique hotels are often old, revamped buildings with much charm of their own and are given a modern interior twist to their look.
 

World Class Amenities

The service in these hotels is exceptional and of a personalised nature and the atmosphere is always intimate and professional. It is almost as if the staff, often available for 24 hours, can foresee a guest's every need and fulfil it quietly and without any fuss. The décor in the hotel is usually based on spectacular and exciting themes and some hotels have different themes in every guest room, making the experience a unique one even if a guest returns to the hotel.

Australian Boutique Hotels

The St. Marine Boutique Hotel in Melbourne is a small and personalised boutique hotel with only six rooms and one apartment. This refurbished Edwardian style building on St. Kilda Beach is situated near a golf course, the beach and is just five kilometres from the city centre.

Ayers Rock boasts one of the most spectacular boutique hotel experiences in the world. It is a luxurious tented camp in the wilderness, at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and offers gourmet dinners, spectacular views and one of the most famous rocks in the world is only a helicopter, camel or Harley Davidson away.

Another Melbourne boutique hotel, the Royce, is situated on St. Kilda Road, close to all of the fashionable restaurants, theatres and shops. The bedrooms and suites are contemporary and chic yet extremely comfortable. The At Dish restaurant serves an ever-changing menu of contemporary Australian cuisine and the Amberoom Bar sees many VIPs visiting.

Boutique Hotels across the world

In New York, the Nolitan Hotel only has 55 rooms and the view of the East Village from the rooftop sun deck is truly breathtaking. Animal lovers will be happy to know that their pets get treated in a manner that is just as luxurious as that of their owners.

In Bali, Indonesia, the Amandari Hotel consists of 30 suites, and is situated close to the artist community of Ubud, which overlooks the Ayung River. Designed to resemble the nearby villages without losing any of its luxury, it boasts a large compound of five pavilions, each with its own bedroom, dining room, living area and kitchen. Guests have access to private sessions with a yoga teacher, a spa, a pool and a tennis court.

Other exceptional boutique hotels include The Soho in London's trendiest district. It boasts two screening rooms and the very popular Refuel Restaurant and Bar.
Hong Kong's, The Upper House, is all about Asian chic, with large guest rooms, walk-in rain showers and all of the rooms have a great view of either the harbour or island.

Many modern hotels, especially chain hotels, have a reputation for being bland, sterile and impersonal. However, there are many hotels throughout Europe and the rest of the world that offer a welcome change to what you might expect from a typical hotel.
 

Museumotel

The Museumotel in Raon-l'Etape, France was originally designed by the visionary architect, Pascal Haüserman in the 1960s as the summer annex of a larger hotel. However, in 2006 the Museumotel was converted into a hotel in its own right. The Museumotel consists of nine futuristic egg-shaped bungalows, or bubbles, each with its own themed interior. Six smaller bubbles provide accommodation for up to two people, whilst three larger bubbles, with two separate rooms, provide accommodation for up to five people.

Hotel Silken Puerta America

In Madrid, Spain, the Hotel Silken Puerta America is another unique hotel project, which brings together the work of no fewer than 19 architectural design studios from 13 different countries. No two floors and no two rooms in this exclusive hotel are the same. The interior designers were given carte blanche to experiment with materials, colours and shapes, to create striking visual effects wherever you look.

Blow Up Hall

The Blow Up Hall in Poznan, Poland, is a former brewery and doesn’t look like anything special from the outside. However, the interior of the hotel was inspired by the 1966 cult film, "Blow Up", directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. The beautifully designed rooms feature striking décor, reminiscent of "Swinging London" in the 1960s. The hotel has no reception and no room numbers; guests are supplied with an iPhone when they check in to gain access to their rooms.

Dog Bark Park Inn

Further afield, the Dog Bark Park Inn, just off Highway 95 in Cottonwood, Idaho in the United States, is probably the most idiosyncratic hotel that you will ever come across. The Dog Bark Park Inn is, in fact, shaped like a giant beagle. Guests go into the beagle's body from a deck on the second storey and continue up into the head and muzzle of the dog to find their sleeping quarters. Some of the interior furnishings are carved by chainsaw, by the husband and wife team that run the hotel.

Thorngrove Manor

Thorngrove Manor, in Adelaide Hills, Australia, is a beautiful property that looks like it belongs in a medieval fairytale. Different architectural influences are apparent in every inch of the hotel, externally and internally. The impressive façade consists of distinctive Baroque towers, turrets, bays and half-timbered construction which provides a clue to the equally flamboyant interior.
Inside the hotel there are antiques, artwork and bespoke furnishings which create a timeless feel for the guests. The hotel is undoubtedly artistic but is constructed from quality materials, such as copper, Angaston rock marble and glass, using modern construction technologies.

Traditionally thought of as the preserve of gap-year students filling time before going on to University, more people nowadays are planning a round-the-world trip. Whatever your reason, a round-the-world trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that more people are seizing.

When to travel

Bear in mind when planning, that you will encounter most seasons and types of weather as you traverse the globe, so do your homework. Decide on the things you really want to do and plan the rest of your holiday around these. For example, if you want to visit India as the highlight of your trip, you would be wise to avoid the monsoon season, when heavy rains and winds will almost certainly disrupt not only your travel plans, but also your memories.

Buying your ticket

In order to buy a round-the-world ticket, you must make sure you travel in the same direction throughout your trip, so you can travel west-to-west or east-to-east, but you should not mix up the directions. You must begin and end your journey in the same country and you must book all your flights at the point of purchase. It's possible to change flight details later, but bear in mind that you may have to pay extra to do so. Book through an alliance of airlines that allows you a greater choice of flights and for the best deals.

Where to go

If you've done your research, you'll already have some idea of the places you really want to visit and the things that you really want to do. Most global trips link together major cities across the continents, so pick and choose according to your budget. For instance, India and other Asian countries can work well for those with a more limited budget, whereas places such as Singapore and Japan allow you to really push the boat out when it comes to spending.

How long to go for

Theoretically, you could circumnavigate the globe in a couple of weeks, but you'll spend a lot of money, get very jet-lagged and see very little of the world if you try to cram it all into such a short space of time. Most round-the-world tickets are valid for a year, so try to arrange a sabbatical and stockpile some cash, to allow as long as possible. Remember, this is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, so it's important to make the very most of it!

Things to watch out for:

Book through an agent with experience of round-the-world tickets, as they will be best placed to advise you on suitable itineraries and cheapest prices.

You may find that it's cheaper to book internal flights once you are in a country rather than booking them at the same time as your main flights.

Be aware that if you miss one of your scheduled flights, the airline could feasibly cancel all your remaining flights, so be strict about notifying the airlines of any changes in your plans, well in advance.

Situated in Northern Germany, Hamburg's Dom Fairground is the country's largest and longest fair, attracting millions of visitors each year. This famous fair is part of Hamburg's tradition having started as a Christmas market in 1329 in front of the Cathedral, where traders, craftsmen, jugglers and showmen would meet.

A Triple Treat

The fair has since moved to the Heiligengeistfeld but kept the DOM name, which means 'cathedral'. The fair takes place tri-annually in March, July and November with each one lasting one month. Today, the market is overshadowed by the thrilling rides although there are still traditional traders and local produce on sale. The fairground is open every day until late and visitors can explore the three kilometre long DOM inside.

Everyone Welcome

The fair offers something for everyone and in particular, families and teenagers wanting to experience all the fun and excitement inside. Visitors come from overseas, as well as across Germany to the fairground and it typically attracts around nine million visitors each year.

If fairground rides are your thing, this popular attraction will not disappoint. There are plenty of rides from thrill seeking roller coasters to exciting, fast modern rides that do everything from spinning to rising high into the skyline. There is a mixture of extreme rides, family rides and children's rides depending on your level and age.

The traditional ferris wheel dominates the DOM skyline and has done so for many years. It can be seen from all around the fairground with its lights sparkling as it turns around. For those that love the romance of the more traditional rides and entertainment such as the ferris wheel, there are plenty to enjoy including the horse carousels and old-fashioned show booths.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

There is much more to this attraction than simply a fairground with all of its rides. There are brass bands providing traditional music as you wander around the DOM, beer tents selling the local ales and every type of food imaginable from local snacks to full menus. Here amongst the food stalls, roasted almond and corn on the cob sellers stand alongside more traditional German food kiosks such as those selling sausage and potato fritters.

The spring DOM will also feature a special Easter event for little ones. The Easter bunny will be on hand to give out sweets alongside clowns and jugglers for their amusement. Every Friday night after dark there is a large firework display that attracts the locals to watch the skyline light up with colour.

It is this exceptional mixture of attractions and things to see within the DOM that continues to draw the crowds each year looking for a unique experience.

Touring the globe in the footsteps of rugby giants or golf professionals can be the ultimate holiday for sports fans. Combining the worlds of sport and travel can make for an action-packed break, which can be enjoyed in just about any exotic destination.

Rugby

The big events on the rugby calendar are found in Britain and the Far East. Just following the Six Nations tournament through the months of February and March will take fans from the Welsh drizzle at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to the Italian sunshine at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is a popular option for fans of the smaller game and those who want to experience a more unusual sporting holiday amid the buzz of this exciting oriental destination. Australia's not just the place to go for cricket either; the British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour in the summer months brings together the top players from the British Isles to compete against local Australian teams.

Motor Sport

The high-octane world of motor sport combines historic venues with exotic destinations. The key event in Formula 1 racing is the Grand Prix in Monaco, France's small but cultured neighbouring principality. There is also the domestic UK championship at Silverstone, not to mention the tracks in Malaysia, China and Spain. The Moto GP tournaments don't disappoint when it comes to venues either; Assen in Holland is a popular option for the huge street parties that accompany the event. Alternatively, fans can travel to the USA for the Indianapolis circuit with its thirteen-turn course and bike displays, which take over the city centre all weekend.

Cricket

Cricket fans will of course be looking forward to the next Ashes series in Australia. Always greatly anticipated and charged with emotion on both sides, the Ashes series takes place in a country that offers not only the typical holiday fare of sun and surf, but ultra-modern urban landscapes and vast bush-lands. Elsewhere on the cricket schedule, next year fans can follow the England team to the humid climate of India and the spectacular scenery of New Zealand.

Golf

For the calmer pleasures of the golf tournament, there are no less diverse and magnificent locations to enjoy. The upcoming Ryder Cup will see visitors from across the globe arrive in Illinois to witness Europe vs. America in the five-day event. The Masters tournament is also held in the USA, but countries as different as Sweden and Dubai also play host to golfing competitions. Golfing holidays also make for more relaxed breaks, as spectators can explore the surrounding area in the evenings, ahead of the next day's play.

Those who take their sport seriously travel thousands of miles every year to see their favourite team on foreign soil, or absorb the transforming pre-match atmosphere of a familiar haunt. A sporting holiday allows visitors to explore new places and pursue their hobby at the same time, so it is not surprising that sporting tours remains a popular holiday choice for many.

As the capital city of the Balearic Islands, Palma offers holiday makers a destination full of history, adventure and beach life. Palma is more than simply a coastal resort, it is also a major town that provides visitors with excellent facilities, attractions and shopping. Surrounded by the beautiful Mallorca countryside, it's a great place to base yourself while spending your days touring this wonderful island.

The tradition of tourism in Palma is well established, with visitors discovering the island's beauty in the 1950s. The island is well equipped for holiday makers but has not compromised on the preservation of its heritage. A huge selection of Palma accommodation is available through lodging-world.com, including beach and city hotels and a choice of places to stay across the whole island.

Catalan is the principal language on the island but Spanish is spoken by many people, so any visitors with basic Spanish will be fine. As a major holiday destination, many locals especially the younger population, can speak or understand English and German, making it fairly easy to communicate.

Historic Palma

Major attractions include the large Gothic Palma Cathedral found at the very heart of the city. Taking nearly 400 years to build, the cathedral is vast and dominates the Palma skyline. As with many ports, the city boasts a fascinating history which starts with the Romans, who used the island as a military camp. In its long history Palma has also been occupied by the Byzantines and the Moors. The island's history can be discovered at Bellver Castle, which was built in the 13th century and also houses a History Museum, making it two attractions in one.

The city is a great place to wander and explore around. The architecture reflects the many facets of Palma's past and the winding lanes are reminiscent of its Moorish heritage. Palma has also become synonymous with luxury shopping and its boutiques and globally known clothing stores can rival major European cities.
 

Mallorcan Highlights

Other popular holiday destinations on the island include Magaluf and Playa de Palma, where visitors will find great beaches and excellent tourist facilities. The island is also full of charming towns and villages such as Valldemossa. One of the major attractions is the Caves del Drach (the Dragon Caves) and there are many lovely beaches but the most admired is probably Cala Alluga, which is set among mountains, pine trees and beautiful blue waters.

For anyone travelling with children, it's unlikely you'll want to miss out on a trip to Aqualand, one of Europe's largest water parks. The park includes a large number of flumes and slides, including the Black Hole, the Rapids and the Grand Canyon. 
Palma provides visitors with a beach holiday or cultural city break. Either or both can be enjoyed in Mallorca's beautiful capital city.