Each one of these 10 National Parks I’ve chosen offers an awful lot: scenery, peace, wildlife, history, and cool places to see. I’d heartily recommend visiting any one of them if you’re in the UK.

So, here are my top 10 UK National Parks!

1. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Closest City: Glasgow, Scotland
Size: 1,865km² / 721mi²
Website: lochlomond-trossachs.org

If there’s one thing Scotland does well its mountains. And whiskey. And actually shortbread. But also mountains…and that’s the first thing we’ll talk about today.

In fact, they have so many they had to coin a term for those higher than 3000 feet. Munros can be found all over Scotland but there are 21 in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs alone.

Joining them are 22 large lochs and 50 rivers and streams, meaning that both walkers, climbers and boat lovers alike can all find a brilliant way to pass the time here.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Now let’s get back to that whiskey. It goes without saying that a trip to Scotland should include a small tipple. So make sure to stop off at a friendly local distillery and try Scotland’s golden nectar.

2. Peak District

Closest City: Sheffield, England
Size: 1,438km² / 555mi²
Website: peakdistrict.gov.uk

As a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, you’d be hard pushed to find better climbing, walking or wildlife watching anywhere else in the UK.

This National Park is split in two; The Dark Peak characterized by gritstone and the White Peak made up of dramatic limestone. The former perfect for some serious climbing, the later providing beautiful panoramic views and distinctive, natural stone structures.

As an inspiration to Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte and Daniel Defoe to name a few, it’s a must-see for any National Park enthusiast.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Visit Chatsworth House to see the inspiration for Pemberley in Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”.
• Pop down to the road to Bakewell to try an authentic Bakewell Pudding. Although you’ll have to choose between the two bakeries who both claim to have the original recipe.

3. Lake District

Location: Cumbria, England
Size: 2,362km² / 912mi²
Website: lakedistrict.gov.uk

If you like the idea of the Peak District but wish it included a bit more water, may we suggest traveling a bit further North and exploring the Lake District.

Home to 16 lakes and numerous tarns (or small lakes) this really is the place for any watersport lover. Have you really gone wild swimming if you’ve not done it beside a high fell and within a deep glacial lake?

If that sounds a bit too nippy, you can always join in the fun on a boat, canoe or other watery modes of transport and enjoy the breath-taking scenery whilst staying dry.

It’s easy to see why it’s the most visited park in the United Kingdom but as the second largest, there’s more than enough room for everyone.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Complete one of the famous 214 fell walks categorized by Alan Wainwright. Beware though, all but one of them involve scaling over a 1000ft peak.
• After all that climbing, you’ll be needing a few calories. Head over to the small village of Grasmere where a small shop has been making Grasmere gingerbread since 1854. It’s so good they literally named the village after it.

4. Snowdonia

Location: Northwest Wales
Size: 2,142km² / 827mi²
Website: eryri.llyw.cymru

Famous for containing Snowdon (the highest mountain in Wales), there are plenty of other attractions in this beautiful area to tempt all. And by “all” we mean the over 4-million tourists who visit Snowdonia each year.

Woods, valleys, moorlands and historic castles all smatter the countryside adding variety to beauty. Or if none of those tickle your fancy, just pop down to the coastline to be greeted by 23 miles of beautiful, sandy beaches.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Fly through the air above a gorgeous quarry lake, when you visit Zip World Velocity 2. Although this might seem like a man-made way of enjoying the natural beauty of the park, as the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe, you’ll be having too much fun to care.
• Visit an authentic Welsh castle. Built by Edward I between 1283 and 1289, Conwy Castle was one of the most expensive castles built in its time. Go check it out and see if it was worth the money.

5. Cairngorms

Location: Northeast Scotland
Size: 4,528km² / 1,748mi²
Website: cairngorms.co.uk

Now to Britain’s largest National Park up in the snowy hills of Scotland. The Cairngorms boast ancient Caledonian Pine forests, astoundingly beautiful mountain landscapes reflected in crystal clean rivers and lochs.

If you’re a fan of winter sports, then head high into the hills for a spot of skiing in some of the most dramatic landscapes in Britain.

If you’re more of a history buff, then there are a plethora of castles, small villages, Highland estates and other suitably old attractions to tempt your fancy.

All this can be finished off with a glass of Scotland’s finest whiskey, preferably in front of a roaring fire.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• For the adventurous among you, why not take in a spot of whitewater rafting. It may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Scotland, but despite that, there is excellent rafting to be had here. Just remember to wrap up warm. Those Scottish rivers can be chilly.

6. Dartmoor

Location: Devon, England
Size: 956km² / 369mi²
Website: dartmoor.gov.uk

Moving now to the South of England, Dartmoor National Park is located in the county of Devon, not too far from the city of Plymouth.

Dartmoor features wild ponies, medieval villages, stone circles and important archaeological points of interest. Used as a training area for troops landing on D-Day during WW2, the place also has a rich war history.

Dartmoor is also the only National Park in England that lets people camp in its wilderness.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Visit Castle Drogo, the last castle ever built in England (constructed ended in 1930) and located near Drewsteignton.
• Check out the village of Lustleigh which has authentic tearooms, a 13^th Century Church, and lots of beautiful thatched cottages.

7. Exmoor

Location: North Devon, England
Size: 693km² / 268mi²
Website: exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Located again in Devon, Exmoor National Park is about an hours drive north of Dartmoor National Park and touches the coastline that overlooks South Wales.

Like, Dartmoor, Exmoor National Park features quaint villages, wild ponies, stone circles and other similar places of interest. Though where Dartmoor is more dramatic, Exmoor is calmer and prettier with its rolling hills and North Somerset coastline.

What really makes Exmoor stand out is its Wild Red Deer and the fact that it is an International Dark Sky reserve. This means that, at night, the heavens are clearer and more spectacular than in places that suffer from light pollution.

So whether you visit during the day or night, Exmoor National Park is sure to impress!

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Visit the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. This is the World’s highest and steepest water powered railway. Amazingly this railway has been running since 1888 and judging by what we’ve seen, it’s still going strong.

8. Brecon Beacons

Closest City: Cardiff, Swansea, Hereford or Newport
Size: 1,351km² / 522mi²
Website: beacons-npa.gov.uk

Back to Wales now and less than an hour away from the busy city of Cardiff is the peace and tranquillity of the Brecon Beacons.

There are more ponies to be found here but this time it’s Welsh Mountain Ponies that might cross your path, whilst above them soar beautiful red kites on the lookout for dinner.

Everything you want from a National Park can be found here; amazing walks, stunning scenery, historical castles and as the Brecon Beacons have been chosen as a Global Geopark, you know there are some amazing sights to be seen.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• The beauty doesn’t stop when you go underground. At Dan-yr-Ogof National Showcaves, visitors get an introduction to the otherworldly beauty of Welsh caves.
• Eat a Welsh cake. Available all over Wales, these griddle cakes have been around since the late 19^th Century. Immensely popular and perfect after a long day exploring the Welsh countryside.

9. Yorkshire Dales

Location: Northern England
Size: 2,178km² / 841mi²
Website: yorkshiredales.org.uk

If you’re a fan of a dry-stone wall, then you will really love the Yorkshire Dales. These unique structures have stood the test of time and create a very distinctive landscape amongst the green, rolling Yorkshire hills.

The Yorkshire Dales is a haven for walkers who may choose to scale one of the famous three peaks, Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent. Or they may choose to strike their own path and walk the hills that inspired so many Bronte Sisters novels.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Yorkshire folk take their cheese very seriously and it has had delicious results. Birthplace of Wensleydale cheese, you can also get a cracking bit of cheddar cheese around these parts. Eat your cheese with a bite of apple or a slice of rich Christmas cake in December…either way you’re in for a treat!

10. New Forest

Closet City: Southampton
Size: 566km² / 219mi²
Website: newforestnpa.gov.uk

New Forest National Park is a dreamy place filled with magnificent landscapes graced with wild horses and ponies. There is a huge range of rare animals and plants here to give the park the rather pompous title of the “World Capital for Wildlife”.

Perfect for runners or cyclists, there are many fantastic routes on offer that will help you stay fit while escaping into nature. The park is great all year round and is just as popular with people as it is with animals—though it’s not overcrowded.

This gem in the South of England is definitely worth a visit (or two!)

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Visit The Greenwood Tree after a lovely walk for hot food & drink with a friendly atmosphere that is also good for kids.
• Car enthusiasts should check out the National Motor Museum details the fascinating motoring history of Britain as well as housing cars from James Bond films, and cars created by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.

What did you think of my selection of top 10 UK National Parks? What would make your top 10 list of National Parks in the UK? Feel free to comment below.

PS. I’d like to send my condolences to the 5 unlucky National Park losers who only narrowly missed this list: Pembrokeshire Coast, Northumberland, North York Moors, The Broads, and South Downs. All great National Parks in their own right and they each offer something unique!

Suggested next reading: Faith Hidden Among The Rocks: Lud’s Church In The Peak District, England

The post Top 10 UK National Parks You Need To Visit appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Nothing could be better than spending a couple of weeks on the beach in the middle of winter. But after a few days of lazing around, I start feeling like I can’t handle any more sunshine—like another cocktail might kill me.

I need to explore.

If you’re anything like me then the answer could be to strap on an air tank and a pair of fins and head into the great unknown below the waves.

The submarine world is far from a featureless desert—in fact, it’s almost like another planet and just as varied as the land around us. Walls of coral tower rise like skyscrapers from the deep, underwater caverns loom as big as cathedrals, shipwrecks peer through the gloom.

At times scuba diving can be an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, at other times it’s as relaxing as underwater yoga.

If you’re new to this world it can seem a little baffling, but if you’re intrigued then read on as we share some tips for scuba diving and guide you through some of the things you need to know in order to get started.

We’ll then take a tour of some of the best dive sites in the world and—hopefully—help inspire you to take those first steps.

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Into The Blue

There are three options if you’re thinking of beginning a life aquatic:

1. Introductory Dive / “Try Dive” / Discover Scuba

Unsure whether scuba is going to be your thing? Try a taster session with a dive center on holiday first.

You’ll get a safety briefing and shown the equipment before doing some basic exercises in a controlled environment, like a pool or shallow water. You’ll then get chance to try a dive or two in the open water, normally in the shallows near a reef.

Don’t worry, you’ll be closely supervised by a qualified dive instructor at all times, so it’s a very safe, and for most people, a relaxing experience.

Price: Typically $60-$120 depending on the number of dives and location.

2. PADI Open Water

The Open Water qualification is the gateway to more independent and cost-effective dive adventures.

The test consists of a theory test, two confined water dives (e.g. in a pool), and four “open water” dives (at sea). You can complete the qualification in about 3-4 days. Most people either take the whole thing on holiday or sometimes take the theory and confined water dives at home before completing the open water dives while they’re on vacation.

Once you’ve finished you’ll be given your “C-Card” meaning you’ll then be ready to dive all over the world. You’ll only be permitted to dive with another trained diver—called a “buddy”—so don’t worry about being left on your own.

Visit PADI for more information, or to register.

Price: Prices are location-dependent. Typically, the whole course should cost anywhere from $350-$500.

3. PADI Advanced Open Water

If the Open Water course is like taking your Bachelor’s degree, then this is like a Master’s: you’re still a long way from being a Professor, but by this stage you are building your knowledge and starting to specialize in the areas of diving that interest you most.

You’ll have to take two compulsory dives—the Deep Water dive and the Underwater Navigation dive—before choosing three more “adventure dives” from an approved list.

The adventure dives you take will depend on what your dive center offers and what you are most interested in, so make sure you check what your closest center offers first before booking your trip.

Some of the most of popular adventure dives are:

• Digital Underwater Imaging (for budding photographers)
• Wreck Diving
• Dry Suit (for cold-water dives)
• Night Diving
• Peak Performance Buoyancy (sounds boring but is incredibly useful)
• Search & Recovery

Price: Around $200-250, depending on location.

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Common anxieties (just breathe)

1. Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

Not really, but you do have to be comfortable in the water.

Introductory dives are suitable for all levels of proficiency but for the Open Water course, you will need to demonstrate that you can swim 200 meters uninterrupted and tread water for 10 minutes.

2. What if I get seasick?

As a fellow sufferer, I can empathize, but there are many treatments to help you feel happier at sea.

Many good dive centers will offer seasickness tablets if you come unprepared, but if you’re planning ahead then I highly recommend Scopoderm patches, which should help keep motion sickness at bay for 72 hours.

3. Will I get eaten by sharks?

Not likely. Dangerous sharks are extremely uncommon in most diving areas and attacks on scuba divers are virtually non-existent.

I have dived with big sharks before and what’s an incredible adrenaline rush for humans is completely boring for the shark. They really just aren’t that interested in us.

4. What about other nasties?

There are some dangerous animals in the sea but again they very rare and are not interested in us. Just follow your dive instructor’s guidance, don’t touch anything, and you’ll be fine.

5. What if I run out of air?

You won’t. Your dive instructor will be checking your air, not you, and you’ll normally finish the dive with around 25% of a tank left anyway, just as a safety measure.

6. Can’t I just go snorkeling?

Yes of course, but scuba gives greater access to underwater formations and marine life that simply can’t be reached by snorkeling.

You’ll also get to experience the unique feeling of weightlessness that comes with scuba.

Where To Go

So now you’re clued up, wheretips for scuba diving are the best places to go?

1. Indonesia / Malaysia / Philippines

Together, these three countries form a sort of golden triangle for scuba divers. The marine biodiversity in the waters around these three countries is among the very best in the world, the water is warm all year round and the beaches are pristine.

Between dives you can explore ancient temples and lush rainforest, just make sure not to strain your arms picking your jaw off the floor when you see how low your restaurant bill is.

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Best dive sites: USS Liberty Wreck, Bali (Indonesia), Sipadan Island (Malaysia), Bicol (Philippines)

What can I see: In Malaysia, shipwrecks, seamounts and coral reefs home to a range of mid-sized sharks as well as turtles, rays, tuna and clownfish.

The USS Liberty is a must for wreck divers in Bali, but manta rays, dolphins, seahorses, dugongs, turtles, sunfish, seahorses and even tiger sharks make Indonesia’s reefs endlessly surprising.

In the Philippines, Bicol stands out as the place to be if you want to see whale sharks, the biggest fish in the sea. Sunken WWII ships off Palawan are a major draw for wreck divers.

• PADI Malaysia
• PADI Indonesia
• PADI Philippines

2. Belize

The Great Blue Hole has made Belize a perennially popular location for divers.

At around 1000 feet across and more than 400 feet deep, this undersea sinkhole is indisputably one of the wonders of the underwater world. If you’re an experienced diver then that’s the place to head, but if you’re just getting started on your diving adventure there’s still plenty to do in Belize.

Placencia is a highlight for beginners as it’s home to calm but vibrant waters that make it perfect for learning in. Whale shark sightings are all but guaranteed here from April to June.

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Best dive sites: Great Blue Hole, Placencia, Ambergris Caye

What can I see: Hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, bull sharks are all possibilities. Stingrays, reef sharks and spectacular walls are all common.

• PADI Belize

3. Mexico

I did my first ever dive in Mexico, so it has a special place in my heart. That said, I still think it has a genuine claim to be one of the best dive destinations in the world.

The reefs near Cozumel and Playa del Carmen can be accessed right from the beach, and with calm waters and protected marine parks they’re an ideal place to learn. You can also combine your dive holiday with a trip to the world-famous Chichen Itza or enjoy Cancun’s nightlife.

For more experienced divers, the cenotes of Yucatan present the finest example of cave diving in the world. Thrill-seekers can seek out Great Whites in Guadalupe, and if that wasn’t enough, La Paz on the Sea of Cortez is one of the few places in the world where it’s possible to dive with Blue whales. What more could you possibly need?

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Best dive sites: Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, La Paz, Guadalupe, Cenote Dos Ojos

What can I see: Underground caverns, almost every big shark and fish imaginable, and some of the healthiest reefs in the world.

• PADI Mexico
• Marine life calendar, La Paz

4. Maldives

The Maldives is synonymous with luxury resorts and immaculate beaches, and it comes with the price tag to match. Or at least it used to, but since 2009 the country has relaxed its tourist regulations and many islands now have affordable guesthouses on them, meaning this dream destination is within much easier reach.

Most guesthouses will have dive centers attached—though always check before booking—and many have their own house reefs for snorkeling and diving. With calm waters protected by coral and exotic marine fauna in abundance, this is a perfect place to begin, or continue, your love affair with scuba.

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Best dive sites: South Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll, Rasdhoo

What can I see: Whale Sharks are a year-round attraction in South Ari Atoll. Manta Rays are common in several spots, as are Hammerhead Sharks. Dolphins, turtles, sharks and eagle rays are also frequently sighted in most parts of the country.

• PADI Maldives

We’ve made a complete guide to the Maldives, including how to choose the right island. You can check that out here.

5. Iceland

OK, so this might be a weird one to include for a winter article aimed at beginner divers, but I had to mention it nonetheless.

At the tectonic rift in Silfra, central Iceland, the North American and Eurasian plates push away from each other, creating a huge chasm where the Eastern and Western halves of the country split apart. The resulting chasm has flooded with glacial water, resulting in one of the most unforgettable sights in the underwater world.

Unfortunately, you’ll need to be adept at Dry Suit Diving in order to manage the cold temperatures, but the good news is that if you’re not at that point yet you don’t need to miss out: snorkeling trips are available for all levels of proficiency.

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Best dive sites: Silfra

What can I see: Primarily for the geologists, highlights include geothermal chimneys and undersea volcanoes, though whales and other marine animals can also be spotted from time-to-time. You may also be able to take a night dive beneath the Northern Lights, if you’re lucky.

• PADI Iceland
• Dive or snorkel Silfra

6. Egypt

The Land of the Pharaohs might be more well known for its many other attractions but search the internet for the world’s best dive destinations and you’ll notice that the Red Sea is always near the very top of the list.

These crystal-clear seas are dotted with thriving reefs and teeming marine life, making for an underwater explosion of color. As well as diving, try some watersports in front of a stunning desert backdrop.

Best dive sites: Sharm-el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Alexandria

What can I see: As well as wall-to-wall tropical fish, the Red Sea is an excellent place to spot dolphins, tuna, lionfish and the elusive frogfish.

Alexandria, on the Mediterranean coast, offers the unique opportunity to explore an ancient underwater city dating from the time of the Pharaohs, as well as a Napoleonic shipwreck and a sunken WWII fighter plane. Divers’ heaven.

• PADI Egypt

7. Australia

As one of the undisputed natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef steals all the headlines when it comes to diving in Australia. However, speaking from personal experience, I’m not sure it’s the best dive site this vast country has to offer.

For one thing, though the reef is massive, it faces ecological threats and therefore isn’t quite as brimming with life as others around the world (though it’s still pretty amazing).

Second, the tourist crowds around the major hotspots can make it a stressful place for beginners and an exasperating one for advanced divers.

As an alternative, consider Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. Whale sharks, mantas and seals make it a better dive option than the busy East Coast.

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Best dive sites: Ningaloo Reef, Cairns, Whitsunday Islands

What can I see: Big sharks, turtles, mantas, Minke Whales are among the many highlights.

• PADI Australia

8. USA

It’s fitting that one of the most geographically diverse countries on earth is just as spellbinding below the sea. From the underwater lava tubes of Hawaii, to the wrecks of the Atlantic North-East; from the kelp forests of California to man-made desert oases in New Mexico, there are diving options here to last a lifetime.

Best dive sites: Kailua-Kona, Santa Barbara Island, Monterey, Catalina, Key Largo

What can I see: Anything you want really, provided you’re willing to travel around.

• PADI USA

9. Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands hold an attraction for nature lovers that borders on the sacred.

This is a place that abounds with natural wonders both above and below the surface. Towering columns of schooling hammerheads spiral around underwater volcanoes, sharing the seas with marine iguanas, sea lions, and unexpected residents like penguins and fur seals.

Yes, it’s remote and inaccessible and so can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean it has to be beyond reach.

Perhaps the Galapagos are not the best place to learn to dive, but if you’re already logging dives then it should undoubtedly be at the top of your bucket list.

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Best dive sites: Darwin Island, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island

What can I see: Hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, Penguins, Marine Iguanas, Seals, Sealions, Sea Horses, Silky Sharks and Eagle Rays, among others.

• PADI Galapagos

Other Honorable Locations:

Scuba diving is a great bucket list experience to add to your holiday plans. It’s also incredibly addictive and can soon become a hobby or even an obsession.

It’s an activity that challenges you and teaches skills, knowledge and self-reliance that can help you in other areas of all your life. It’s a hobby that will push you all around the world in a search for that perfect dive.

As you travel, you’ll see parts of the globe that are hidden to everyone else and connect with a global community of like-minded individuals.

Best of all, no beach holiday will ever be the same again.

Know any more tips for scuba diving you’d like to share with other readers? Comment below!

Suggested next reading: Snorkeling With Sharks To Mayan Ruins: 6 Top Things To Do In Cozumel

The post Scuba Diving: The Ultimate Guide On What To Know & Where To Go appeared first on Modern Trekker.

True.

It would also be nice to walk on the moon.

What I hadn’t realized until recently is that things have changed a lot since I last looked. Once back, the only places you could visit in the Maldives were the luxury resorts, and they came with a price tag way beyond the reach of most people.

But Now It’s All Changed

Since 2009, however, the regulations have been relaxed and it’s now possible to stay with locals in homestays, on what are commonly known as “local islands”. Here the prices are much more affordable—the cheapest rooms available right now, for example, are around $45 per night for a double room.

So, while you may not get the full luxury treatment you’ll still be able to find inviting, cozy accommodation right near the beach without breaking the bank. And let’s face it, you’re there for the beaches, and you get the same sea and sun as everyone else, right?

Where To Stay

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But before you can head out, first you need to decide where you’re staying. That’s not all too straightforward in the Maldives. My recommendation would be to identify your preferred atoll first, as different atolls have different attractions for snorkelers and divers. If you’re not sure, this website is a handy guide to help you pick.

Next, hone in on the island that you like—be sure to check your island has a dive center and a “bikini beach” first—and then email your hotel to ask about transfers from the airport.

We stayed at Mala Maldives at Dhangethi island and Somerset Inn in Malé city. We recommend both hotels unreservedly for travelers looking to spend sensibly without compromising on quality.

We took the speedboat to Dhangethi for $35 pp each way. We paid this directly to the hotel.

Depending on your budget, you’ll either get your island via:

• Seaplane ($200-250 pp)
• Speedboat ($35-40 pp)
• Ferry ($2-4 pp)

Choosing an island is overwhelming but there isn’t too much difference between them really. Some are slightly bigger than others, but they’re all beautiful so you really can’t lose.

Disclaimer: We have no financial incentive to promote these hotels or any other services. This recommendation comes solely from personal experience.

What To Do When You Get There

1. Scuba Dive

The Maldives has got to be one of the best places on earth to dive. The waters are crystal-clear, with good visibility, and warm all year round—plus there are loads to see.

It’s an ideal place to learn, but rewarding even for the most experienced divers.

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Dive at Rasdhoo Atoll if you want to spot schooling hammerhead sharks, or Baa Atoll for manta rays.

Experienced divers can head to the wild Fuvahmulah Atoll in pursuit of tiger sharks and ocean whitetips, whereas divers who simply want a taste of everything (except the big sharks) can head to Malé Atoll.

Wherever you go, you’re sure to experience some unforgettable moments beneath the waves.

2. Snorkel With All Creatures Great & Small

For me, the ultimate prize in the Maldives was the biggest fish in the sea—the whale shark. These huge and elegant animals are one of the country’s major draws as it’s the only place in the world where they can be seen all year round, meaning sightings are almost guaranteed to those who are willing to make at least 2 or 3 journeys out to sea.

Whale shark safaris are usually around $60 per person and you don’t need to dive—the sharks often come close to the surface so it’s perfect for those that are snorkelers only.

If whale sharks are your main reason for visiting the Maldives then stay on Dhangethi, Dhigurah or Maamigili islands in South Ari Atoll for your best chance at spotting these beautiful beasts.

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There’s a whole lot more to the Maldives than the big fish though; sometimes the most unassuming creatures can be the most beautiful.

One of the best places to explore the country’s abundant marine diversity is one of the islands’ house reefs. Most islands have these reefs and they can usually be accessed easily from the beach.

It’s normal to see rays, sharks, triggerfish, eels and even turtles on a morning swim. Pipefish—a sort of stretch seahorse—were a personal highlight.

3. Honeymoon

With its beautiful beaches, lilting palm trees and glorious sunsets, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting for a honeymoon.

Most resorts will be able to arrange transportation out to a low-lying sandbar where you’ll get to enjoy a picnic or candlelit dinner for two, with nothing around to break the silence but the gentle lapping of water and maybe the odd dolphin.

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If you’ve not yet tied the knot then here’s something that might surprise you: many hotels can even arrange to get you hitched for around $800-$1000.

Unsure if you’re ready for the commitment? Well, by that point you’ll likely have spent some time scuba diving so you’ll already be used to blind plunges into the abyss with tough, leathery creatures—so it’ll be easy by then.

4. Explore Malé

Malé is the capital of the Maldives and the only really notable city in the country.

Most people pass straight through it on their way to the island or liveaboard, but if you have time to linger a day or two then it’s really worth exploring; it’s unlikely you’ll have seen anything quite like this cramped, hectic city before.

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The ports bustle as fishermen climb over each other to unload their daily catch into the waiting markets, scooters fly through impossibly narrow streets and brightly-colored totter precariously in the air.

If you’re a street photographer or just someone who loves breathing the atmosphere of an unfamiliar world then this city, one of the most densely populated on Earth, promises a truly exhilarating day’s walk.

5. Embrace healthy living

One of the best and worst things about the Maldives is that, for religious reasons, alcohol is completely banned on all but some of the luxury resort islands.

I know. For those of you who are still reading, take a breath. The good news is that not having the option can actually be pretty great.

The same goes for the food. Most local islands are so small that they often don’t have any restaurants at all and you’ll probably have to eat in your hotel each night. In the smaller places this will usually mean fish every night.

But as long as you go into the situation with sensitivity and an open mind this can actually be a blessing in disguise.

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For the ultimate feel-good end to the day, check in for a spa treatment on the beach and watch the sunset with a massage.

6. Watersports

As an island nation, the Maldives is obviously not short of places to try water sports. Parasailing, water flying, jet skiing and even surfing are all popular options. These tend to be more available on the busier islands, so be sure to do your research before heading out.

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Now is a great time to trade the winter drudgery for the Maldives. November to April is the dry season: the time the weather is best, the sea is calmest and many of the animals at their most active.

But if you can’t make it that soon then don’t sweat it, May to October may be the wet season but it’s also the time when the prices are cheapest and the manta rays are absolute banter.

Once a playground for only the very rich, the Maldives is now an affordable holiday for many more of us. But that doesn’t mean it’s been ruined. The islands and their accompanying homestays are so small that they remain low-impact, both ecologically and on the communities that surround them.

The pearls of the Indian Ocean may be more accessible, but they have lost none of their value.

Feel free to comment below and let us know if this Maldives guide was useful. Also, feel free to share more tips if you know any!

Suggested next reading: How To Best Enjoy Mauritius & Make It A Trip You Won’t Forget

The post Maldives Guide: Where To Stay, What To Do & How To Save appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Victoria Falls, Zambia/ Zimbabwe Border

I recently asked one of my friends who has traveled Africa extensively to choose one location on the continent he would go back to. Without hesitation, he named Victoria Falls. The waterfall, considered the largest one in the world with a length of one kilometer and a height of one hundred meters, is breathtaking. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is worth a visit for several reasons. First of all, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the late 1990’s so you know that Victoria Falls is truly one of the most spectacular sights you can see. Interestingly enough, Victoria Falls was previously never a tourist attraction. That all changed in 1905 when construction on a railway was complete and rapidly become a hotspot for adventurous visitors. In the 1960’s, violence broke out in Zimbabwe, but now that the violence has settled, tourists are coming back. If you can only visit one spot in Africa, be sure to head to Victoria Falls.

2. Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids Of Giza are among the most iconic monuments on the continent and they are considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of The Ancient World. Located on the outskirts of Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza were built 4,500 years ago by the Pharaoh Khufu to have a burial site for the royal family. The project was completed by Khufu’s son, Khafre. The engineering of the buildings and statues still baffles scientists to this day. The findings from the site have revealed a highly complex and sophisticated society that was organized and ran efficiently. The tombs have paintings depicting scenes from everyday life and which tell us a lot of information about how Egyptians used to live. Visiting the Pyramids is a must for any traveler interested in ancient cultures and it happens to be one of the most stunning locations in Africa.

3. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is an island located off the coast of Tanzania. It is actually apart of Tanzania. Its beaches are considered some of the best in the world, but it is so much more than just an idyllic place to relax, snorkel, or dive. Zanzibar has influences from many different places including Europe, India, Africa, and Arabia. In the 19^th Century, it was a major trading port for traders from all over and it made Stone Town one of the busiest economic hubs worldwide. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town was given the designation for its beautiful colonial and Arabian architecture that still stands to this day. It is also the home of all things Swahili, so it’s a great place to learn more about the local culture and how the town developed. While Zanzibar may not be the first place you think of in Africa, it is well worth the visit for an interesting history lesson.

4. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic Of Congo

Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth with over half of all biodiversity on the continent found in the national park. Located in Congo, Virunga was created in 1925 with over 5,000 square kilometers of preserved land and is Africa’s oldest national park. For much of its existence, the area has been threatened by armed conflicts in the region and caught in the crossfire is Virunga’s Mountain Gorilla population. The gorilla population dipped down to 300 in 1997 due to instability and violence in the region, but thanks to aggressive conservation efforts and support of the local communities, there are now over 1,000 gorillas in the park. Unfortunately, Virunga is closed to visitors until 2019 due to violence within the park and the status of Virunga is currently uncertain. It is only a temporary situation and the park looks to thrive again in 2019 and, since it is on the more stunning locations in Africa, we certainly hope this is the case.

5. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has it all. From beaches to mountains to harbors to a proper city, whatever you desire, Cape Town provides. It is picturesque and has great year-round weather. Think San Diego weather with a New Orleans style party street in Africa. The city is known for the stunning Table Mountain acting as a backdrop to daily life. The mountain is easily accessible by cable car, but the more adventurous travelers can climb up the mountain on a beautiful hike. Of course, nearby Boulders Beach is a must visit. The beach is stunning by itself, but add in its penguin residents and you have yourself quite the view. We haven’t even mentioned all of the small neighborhoods that Cape Town has to explore. Be sure to check out the gorgeous, colorful homes of Bo-Kaap. Cape Town may be at the very southern tip of Africa, but it is well worth the visit.

6. Djemaa El Far, Morocco

Marrakech’s Djemaa El Far is one of Morocco’s largest markets but is more well known for its live theatre that plays out every night. You’ll likely see Berbers with snakes or others with monkeys for entertainment. The shows have been going on since 1050 AD and are now a Moroccan tradition known around the world. Its unique culture alone is worth visiting the Djemaa El Far market.

7. Ts’enhlanyane National Park, Lesotho 

The small country of Lesotho located within South Africa holds one of Africa’s most beautiful national parks and one of the least visited. The park is only 56 kilometers of land, but it has over 220 species of plants and animals within its limits. As one of Africa’s best kept secrets, it is great for budget travelers as its prices are very reasonable. Did I mention that it was stunning too? Visit Ts’enhlanyane National Park, you won’t be disappointed.

Suggested next reading: How To Best Enjoy Mauritius & Make It A Trip You Won’t Forget

The post 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In Africa appeared first on Modern Trekker.