10 Amazing Places To Visit Before They Disappear

Have you ever thought of the places to see before they vanish? I’ve never thought of them until now. Many of these places are quite devastating since they’re so beautiful and rare. No matter where they’re situated, they’re still places that will not be around much longer. Check out a few amazing places to visit before their beauty will disappear forever.

1. The Dead Sea

Renowned for its awesome beauty products that could make anyone look younger,the Dead Sea is one of the great places to visit before they disappear. In the next 50 years, you will not be able to find Dead Sea products. The thing is that the sea is shrinking at an alarming rate. When you visit the Dead Sea today, you see that all hotels and resorts that once were on the coast are a mile away from where the sea lies these days.

The Dead Sea beaches are well known throughout the globe. The high salt levels allow you to float on your back and enjoy the wonderful view surrounding the sea. The climate varies depending on the season. During the tourist season temperatures can become extremely warm, ranging from 30°C in the spring to 40°C in the summer. The shores of the Dead Sea have something to offer for every age and every taste.

2. The Maldives

The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in both land area and population. The islands of Maldives are also the lowest nation in the world. With 80% of the islands less than one meter above sea level, within 100 years the Maldives could be uninhabitable since they could be underwater.

In fact, there are many reasons to visit the Maldives today. The great number of atolls makes it a perfect place for snorkeling and scuba diving among the native marine life. Kayaking, canoeing, surfing and rock climbing are another amazing activities to enjoy while on holiday.

3. Madagascar

Madagascar is world-famous for its lemurs. Over 20 different species of lemurs and the 80% of the wildlife and plants that are found in Madagascar are not found anywhere else in the world. If nothing is done to save the island, it will disappear in 35 years. The ecosystem is being destroyed by poaching, logging, and burning for subsistence farms.

Madagascar is just a perfect place to embrace a simpler way of life. The only noises you will hear are the birds and the waves. Diving is another reason why so many people visit Madagascar. Clear warm water, vibrant ocean life and unusual underwater rock formations make this island a true diver’s paradise!

4. Venice

Venice has sunk 9 inches in the last 100 years. Just imagine, 9 inches! Even though officials are trying to stop the sinking, there’s not much to be done. Scientists estimate that in 70 years, Venice will be underwater. Probably, that’s why tourism has jumped dramatically since 2007!

If you are an Italian-cuisine-loving gourmand, you should definitely consider visiting Venice. Its cuisine will please you with its simplicity of dishes and focus on fresh local seasonal ingredients. Go to one of the out-of-the-way restaurants, listen to what the locals order, and order the same thing, that’s a truly amazing experience!

5. The Great Barrier Reef

The world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef is another fabulous place to visit before it disappears. The continuing rising of ocean temperatures, cyclones, coral bleaching, and water pollution are destroying the reef every year. Experts estimate that about 60% of the reef may be lost by 2030. Sadly, those 8,000 years of natural creation could vanish within your lifetime. So make sure to see the Great Barrier Reef before it disappears.

The opportunity to visit the tropical city of Cairns is probably the best thing about taking a trip up to the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is the city where the summer never ends, so you can enjoy your holiday any time of the year. And if you like whale watching, Cairns is an ideal for whale as well as dolphin watching, as there are 30 different species of whale and dolphin live in the reef.

6. The Congo Basin

The second largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon, the Congo Basin spans across six Central African countries. It is a collection of forests, rivers, swamps and savannas. It’s also responsible for 40% of the world’s oxygen. The United Nations has estimated that more than 2/3 of the forest and its plants and animals could disappear by 2040. Illegal logging, mining, ranching, farming, and guerrilla warfare are destroying the basin yearly.

7. The Alps

One of the great mountain range systems of Europe, the Alps are well worth a visit. There are many resorts including Saalbach in Austria, Oberstdorf, in Bavaria, Chamonix in France, Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, and Davos in Switzerland recording over a million visitors every year.

In the past century, the Alps have lost about half their glacial ice because of increasing temperatures. Since the 1980s, the glaciers have lost 20% of their size. If the temperatures continue to increase, the Alps will disappear in the next 40 years!

8. The Taj Mahal

Being one of the most popular tourist attractions in India, the Taj Mahal attracts over 3-4 million people every year. However, it could soon disappear. The air pollution and the crowds are eating away its white stone facade, so tourism officials are considering closing this monument to the public. You have 5 years to visit it, why not book your ticket right now?

9. The Glacier National Park

A little more than 100 years ago, the Glacier National Park had more than a 150 glaciers strewn throughout it. Nowadays, there are only 27 glaciers, which could disappear by 2030. There are also more than 1,500 species of animals and plants that could be lost. That’s why I decided to take a road trip and do a little camping in the Glacier National Park to experience its beauty and wonders.

10. Patagonia

A massive and untouched land in South America, Patagonia could be greatly altered by global warming. Because of increasing temperatures and precipitation declines many of its glaciers are steadfastly retreating. Maybe this land won’t vanish entirely, but its landscape will soon be changed beyond recognition if climate change persists.

When you travel to Patagonia, make sure you visit the main tourist attractions like the Valdés Peninsula, the Perito Moreno glacier, Torres del Paine National Park, Ushuaia and Argentina’s Lake District. If you are interested in Patagonian cuisine, it’s greatly the same as the cuisine of Buenos Aires – pasta and grilled meats with different local ingredients. Lamb, grilled over an open fire, is considered the traditional meat of Patagonia.

World's Smallest Christmas Tree

Professor Moriarty - using nano lithography - shows off a Christmas Tree created by precisely removing 42 hydrogen atoms atoms from a silicon surface.

Watch more in the following video:

The World's Largest Pizza

Five Italian chefs came together to create the World’s Biggest Pizza. The delicious monstrosity measured 131-feet in diameter, tipped the scales at over 51,000 pounds, and contained 1,488 pounds of margarine, 19,800 pounds of flour, 10,000 pounds of tomato sauce, 8,800 pounds of mozzarella cheese, 551 pounds of salt, 220 pounds of lettuce and 55 pounds of vinegar. Zero pounds of pepperonis though and to be hones– waiwaiwaiwaiwaiwaiwait. Hold up. Lettuce? On a pizza? Look, if I wanted a salad I would’ve ordered it on the side. But I didn’t. I asked for an extra round of garlic knots and a swimming pool full of ranch. Plus a to-go box.


Source: Incrediblethings.com

10 Places to Visit That You’ve Never Heard of

Are you tired of visiting the same locations as millions of other tourists? Have you visited locations like Disney World, the Grand Canyon, and Niagara Falls but now feel yourself yearning for something a little less ‘normal’? It might be time to discover destinations that are definitely not on most people’s radar. Check out the following ten places to visit that you’ve never heard of to see if you can find your next travel destination. Do you think you have it in you to shatter your own comfort zone and venture into places unknown?

1. Turkey’s Pamukkale

Turkey’s Pamukkale is one of those spectacles of nature that will leave you scratching your noggin in amazement. The hot springs of Pamukkale stretch into the distance and are especially tempting at dusk. It’s breathtakingly beautiful place that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime.

2. Arizona’s Coyote Buttes

Arizona’s Coyote Buttes is a not-to-be-missed natural landmark. While the Grand Canyon gets all of the tourist attention, Coyote Buttes is actually more stunning. If dunes carved by centuries of sand are to your liking, you’ll definitely want to add Coyote Buttes to your travel temptations list.

3. Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda

Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is known to the mega-rich of Europe, but is still a treasure hidden from many global visitors. Hugging the Mediterranean, Costa Smeralda is home to sailing races, yachts moored at sunset, and whispered secrets beneath the Sardinian sun.

4. Lanai’s Keahiakawelo

Lanai’s Keahiakawelo just might leave you thinking you have been dropped off on the face of the moon. Desolate and haunting, the red clay dunes are covered with gigantic boulders and tiny tuffs of vegetation. Breathtaking!

5. Wuppertal in South Africa

Wuppertal in South Africa is an exotic combination of waterfalls, hillside boulders, and breathtaking pools of tranquility. If you ever travel to Cape Town, be sure to add Wuppertal to your itinerary. Your soul will thank you for the indulgence.

6. Providence Canyon in Georgia

Providence Canyon in Georgia, USA is a tempting treasure you don’t expect to find in the southern United States. Shades of taupe, tan, and rust color the rocky walls of this exquisite destination. Spindly trees watch over the canyon, causing visitors to wonder how vegetation manages to grow with no source of water in sight.

7. Yemen’s Socotra

Yemen’s Socotra is another beautiful place o visit that you’ve probably never heard of. Barren, rocky desert is speckled with incredible mushroom-like trees that will leave you wondering how on earth beautiful vegetation manages to grow in such a desolate place.

8. Lencois Maranhenses National Park in Brazil

The sand dunes of Lencois Maranhenses National Park in Brazil are a spectacle of nature that will leave you stunned into silence. White sand ripples amongst deep green water in tunnels that look like a giant carved them with an outstretched finger.

9. Sumatra’s Mentawai Islands

Sumatra’s Mentawai Islands are known to insiders in the surfing community, but have yet to be discovered by the mainstream traveling public. If blue water, coral reefs, and miles of marvelous beaches are the sights you daydream over, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to the Mentawai Islands.

10. Coronation Street, Providence, Maine

If you are a fan of cobblestone streets and enchanting taverns like the Rover’s Return on Coronation Street, you’ll want to check out Providence, Maine on the east coast of the United States. You’ll have to watch where you are walking along the rickety pathways of Providence. Puddles, protruding grates, and worn out cobblestones just add to the charm of this memorable destination.

While the rest of the traveling public visits popular tourist locations like Paris, London, or New York City, you can be experiencing the truly tempting travel spots if you are willing to venture into lesser known locations. Do you think any of these hidden gems will make it to your bucket list of places to visit before you croak?

10 World's Weirdest Hotels

If you’re tired of staying in luxury hotels, you might want to try out some of the many unique and sometimes strange hotels that can be found all over the world. If you want a change from the cookie-cutter hotels you’re used to, try one of the following 10 hotels on your next trip.

1. CasAnus

CasAnus is a giant sculpture of a human intestine that is located in Kemzeke, Belgium. CasAnus was created by Joep Van Lieshout. It contains a double bed, heater, shower, and toilet. CasAnus is run by a couple of Belgian art collectors. While it might not look especially appealing from the outside, except for being in the middle of nature, the inside of the room is as comfy as any place else.

This one-room hotel is extremely popular with couples since it’s situated in a quiet and remote place. It is visited by 200-250 people per year. Joep Van Lieshout once said that he was inspired by human body and he had cherished the idea of such a hotel for a long time. This hotel is made of natural materials such as wood, PU foam and it is printed with naturalistic reddish color. The interesting thing is that the sculpture anatomically corresponds to the human digestive system from the tongue to the anus. Despite the immense size of the construction, it took a few months to finish the sculpture. When the building was presented to the public the reaction was utterly approving! I’ve already added this hotel to my list of the places to visit this year.

2. Das Park Hotel

Das Park Hotel located in Linz, Austria is actually a number of repurposed drainpipes that have been turned into rooms. It’s one of the greatest examples of how people can reuse materials and goods. The workers used only varnish and wall paintings to transform the pipes into comfortable accommodation. Since the space of each room is about 2 square meters, there are only a bed, light, power and ventilation in the room. You can also find some place for your luggage. Bathroom facilities and kitchen are not too far from the pipes, however you will have to pay for them.

Concrete is a wonderful sound-proofing material, so you won’t be disturbed by the outer noise. The pipes keep cool temperature during the summer months and protect you from cold weather in autumn and spring, since the hotel is available from May to October. Andreas Strauss, the creator, emphasizes that Das Park Hotel is non-commercial project. It was designed to demonstrate hospitality and to lure tourists.

If stay at the Das Park Hotel , you will be highly impressed by the cosiness of these pipes. What you'll love best about this place is “pay as you wish” system! However, as an average tourist, you should (not must) give about 50 euro (around $65) per night.

3. Palacio del Sal

This hotel is in Bolivia and is made entirely from salt. The floors, walls, and ceiling are made from salt. Even the bed and chairs are made of salt. Each room has a private bath. The Palacio de Sal is located at the eastern shore of the Great Salar de Uyuni, near the world’s biggest salt flat. The current hotel was built in 2007, though the original building (1993-1995) was dismantled due to sanitary problems. Now, however, you can be sure that all the discrepancies are removed. Since the building and some furniture are made entirely of salt, there are some specific rules the guests should follow. For example, visitors are prohibited from licking the walls and they also should be careful with salt furniture.

All in all, the hotel is supplied with 16 rooms, steam room, whirlpool, massage room and several golf courses, available from May to November. Typically, the Bolivians treat their guests to salty meat and veggies. The Palacio de Sal leaves lasting impression.

4. Dog Bark Park Inn

If you are a dog lover, this place is definitely for you! Located in Cottonwood, Idaho, this hotel is actually in the shape of a dog. The room sleeps 4 and contains a full bath, a microwave, air conditioning, books, games, and puzzles, but no television or telephone. The owners say that you will feel the rural atmosphere more vividly without external influences. I think that Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conklin, the creators of this whimsical accommodation, were inspired by the love of animals and dogs in particular. When it came to the hotel, they decided to create a beagle-shaped building in order to lure more tourists and guests. And they were right! Their hobby and passion developed into one of the most unusual places in the world.

The hotel consists of two parts: Sweet Willy and Toby. Since this hotel is extremely popular with visitors, you should book the place in advance. Every detail inside displays the love of dogs: pillows, carpets, books, and even cookies. Moreover, the toilet is hydrant-shaped! When you stay you’ll also be treated to a continental self-serve breakfast and even dog food!

5. The Hobbit Motel

The Hobbit Motel can be found in Woodlyn Park, New Zealand. The hotel is made of polystyrene blocks, which keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. The roof is covered with thick grass and you always have amazing view from the window.

If you stay at the Hobbit Motel, you will have a chance to enjoy Billy Black’s Kiwi Culture Show. This performance draws people from all over the world and allows you to participate in the really unique New Zealand experience. You will have fun and you will learn a lot about their culture, traditions and nature. The inside of the hotel is very cozy and homelike. The accommodation is clean, neat, with well-equipped kitchenette and all the bathroom facilities. The stuff is friendly, positive and helpful. If you are in New Zealand, you cannot lose the chance to stay in this fantastical place!

6. Null Stern Hotel

The world’s first zero star hotel is located in Teufen, Appenzellerland, Switzerland. Their catch-phrase is “the only star is you.” The hotel was built in a cold war bunker and there are no windows. This hotel is another example of reusing old disused buildings. The Null Stern Hotel was nominated for the best innovation of the year at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards (2009). In 2010 it was included to the top 100 hotels in Europe. Frank and Patrik Riklin, the conceptual artists and twin brothers, decided to leave the interior of the shelter intact: the concrete walls and pipes. However they added a touch of a comfort by supplying the rooms with beds, furniture and lights.

The bathrooms are shared, and there is a lounge, and two large rooms for 14 people with 4 double-beds and all the rest single. All in all, there is nothing unusual about the interior. The bunker is supplied with essential things. The designers wanted to call attention to the problems of environment. Thus, this hotel is originally an installation. You won’t find luxury and prosperity here. But this place is definitely worth visiting.

7. Capsule Hotel

In Japan capsule hotels are quite popular. The idea of capsule hotels first appeared in 1979. Since that time capsule hotels are part and parcel of Japanese culture. These hotels are perfect for unpretentious people who need overnight accommodation and basic service. Moreover, the Japanese often rent capsule hotels for a considerable period of time when they experience hard financial times. Such accommodations didn’t gain much popularity outside Japan, but they begat counterparts all over the world. They are small measuring only 1 x 2 meters. Many of the capsule hotels do offer television and wireless internet, but usually don’t allow eating inside the capsule. Bathrooms are shared and there are restaurants. They are very basic and quite cheap to rent running approximately $25-50/night.

The great thing about capsule hotels is that you can take the place without prior booking. It is explained by the bigger number of places available than in any other hotel. I think it’s a great experience to spend the night in a cockpit of an aircraft, for instance. 

8. Ice Hotel

If you’re looking for a unique experience, the IceHotel is a must. Opened in 1990, this hotel in Lapland, Sweden is rebuilt every winter. The designers and architects say that IceHotel is more than just beds and rooms; it’s an art project made of snow and ice that constantly challenges their imagination.

The IceHotel is the original. It has 65 rooms with beds made of ice. Opt for Ice Rooms, Snow Rooms, Art Suits, Northern Light Rooms or Deluxe Suits. While the temperature inside will be a chilly -5 Celsius, it’s warmer than the -15 Celsius outside. The hotel also has an IceBar, sauna, and restaurants.

People from all over the world arrive to this place to tie the knot and promise each other eternal fidelity. Those couples, who are already married, wish to have their marriage blessed in a magnificent Ice church, which exists between December and April only. The IceHotel is extremely popular with visitors. Nearly 50,000 people from all over the world come here to experience northern lights, calmness and complete wilderness.

9. V8 Hotel

Are you a car fanatic? The V8 Hotel in Meilenwerk, Germany may be your cup of tea. Both design and architecture are about automobiles: legendary vintage cars, sporty timers, exclusive cars and rarities will definitely create the racing mood! Each room has an automotive theme as well. You can sleep in a bed made from a white Mercedes or sleep in the workshop room where your car bed is actually lifted up on jacks. This hotel is child friendly. There is a CD player in each room, wireless internet, free parking, and laundry services.

The hotel is supplied with 34 places, 10 of them with unique design. You can order a tour to the Mercedes-Benz Museum and learn the 125-year history of automobiles. Moreover, the V8 Hotel isn’t located in somewhere; it is located in a special and unique area – the Motorworld Stuttgard. Car specialists, enthusiasts, people who love technology and technical aesthetics can find everything here. Well, I’m sure even a lady will be astonished at the unique beauty of these cars!

10. Forest Hut Hotel

This one is considered to be the most primitive Sweden hotel, since there is no electricity and showers. So you will face pure natural mystic here! The rooms are applied with 2 beds, fireplace, candles and lamps. Facilities are outside and the shower is replaced by a dip in a lake. Be ready to sleep on wooden beds, which are much harder and less comfortable than your home beds.

If you would rather not forage for your own food, you can have food dropped to your site. There are numerous wildlife tours to choose from, and with the guide’s help you will see many unique wild animals. You can also choose hiking and blueberry-picking. Of course such vacation is not to everyone’s taste. 

If you’re looking for a new and unique experience, one of these hotels might be a nice change of pace and give you a once in a lifetime experience.

Source: Amerikanki.com and Google Images