McArthur-Burney Falls- California

McArthur-Burney Falls State Park in northern California is one of the most beautiful waterfalls even though it is certainly not one of the tallest. The 129-foot Burney Falls of Burney Creek is located in the Cascade Mountain Range . More like a river than a creek, the water crashes on the rocks below creating an eerie mist that is absolutely haunting. The water below the falls is the most amazing shade of blue. You can find this stunning waterfall near Redding California. I have been there and I will never forget the beauty of the surrounding landscape as well as the falls themselves. There is a hiking trail that follows the river a short distance before crossing and takes you back up the other side to the top of the waterfall so you can view it from every angle. I must remind you however to bring your camera, you won't want to miss the opportunity to photograph this place.

Little River Falls- Alabama

Located in northeast Alabama the Little River flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain. The Little River is over 100 feet wide here which makes the 45 foot drop of Little River Falls impressive to eyes and ears. Little River Falls is just upstream from the head of Little River Canyon, one of the deepest - and most beautiful - canyons east of the Mississippi. Little River is the only river in the United States that flows its entire length on top of a mountain and has formed the deepest canyon east of the Rocky Mountains. In vivid contrast to America's western canyons, Little River Canyon has a maximum depth of 600 feet and a maximum width of over 3,800 feet. This canyon is a beautiful green from Spring into Autumn when it becomes a riot of color. The Little River Canyon is classified as an Alabama Wild and Scenic River as a "preserve" under the protection of the National Park Service.

North Falls- Oregon

North Falls at Silver Falls State Park, southeast of Silverton Oregon, is one of the best waterfalls for walking behind. It is a good flowing stream about 15 feet wide that drops 136 feet over a promontory. The resulting "cave" is 70 to 80 feet deep and the sound... ah, that's part of the thrill. There is also a good viewing point from your car about a mile beyond the parking area. There is also an Upper North Falls. It is twice as wide, only 65 feet tall, and is completely different from its brother. To see this fall you have to take a short trail under the road and up the other side of the mountain, but it is very easy going.

Bridalveil Fall- Yosemite National Park- California

If you've ever been to Yosemite, you will know that there are many stunning waterfalls through-out the park. One of my favorites is Bridalviel Fall. It is one of the first waterfalls seen by people entering the park. During the spring, as the snow melts and flow is at its peak, it thunders. The rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow. I have seen this fall both times of the year and it is absolutely gorgeous at peak flow. If you go in the spring, you should take an umbrella or rain coat on the short hike to the falls, you will get wet.

Natural Bridge Falls - Montana

Natural Bridge Falls is located at Natural Bridge State Park in Montana. Natural Bridge is named for the stone arch that used to cross over the river. The "Natural Bridge" is long gone - it fell into Boulder River in 1988 - but the waterfall that got its name from the bridge is still as great a sight as ever: just different. The 105 foot Natural Bridge Falls changes its appearance with the water flow. When the Boulder River is carrying the snow melt - or after a heavy rainstorm upstream - you'll see three separate waterfalls. The river cuts through the limestone river bed each year forming caverns which the river flows through. If you look closely in the rock you can see fossilized seashells from millions of years past. Natural Bridge offers spectacular viewing all year long but is best viewed May through July when waters are at their highest. Paved paths lead from the parking lot to the Boulder River allowing leisurely strolls up and down stream to take in the beauty of this unusual river. The several viewing points are wheelchair accessible (with signs bearing little blurbs about the area) and give excellent views of the Boulder River, the Natural Bridge and its waterfall. You'll probably see some of the wildlife, too. There is also handicap access to the viewing points.

Raven Cliff Falls- South Carolina

Raven Cliff Falls has been called both king and queen of South Carolina's waterfalls depending on who you talk to. It is 420 feet of non-stop tumbling, roaring water. It is a spellbinding waterfall located in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area in South Carolina. Mathews Creek plunges off Raven Cliff Mountain at the Blue Ridge Escarpment near Caesars Head. The escarpment is where the Blue Ridge Mountains drop abruptly 2,00 feet to the Piedmont below. To see this stunning waterfall you will need to take the popular 4.4 mile roundtrip hike leading to an overlook across the gorge to the falls . This trail is moderately difficult with a few steep descents. As you know, if you go down, that means you have to go back up when you return!

Strawberry Springs

Located 7 miles from Steamboat Springs and nestled between Rocky Peak and Copper Ridge. The water from the springs usually trickles down the hillside at approximately 150 degrees before it enters the stream. The largest pool is kept at 104 Degrees while the smaller shelves of the cells are cooler due to geothermal venting.

Krause Springs

Krause Springs is located 34 miles from Austin, Texas and is known to be the most prevalent in the state. The springs are a compilation of two separate cells that overlook Cypress Creek. The lower levels are adorned with Cypress trees and waterfalls which made it a spiritual place by the Native Indians. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "Two springs feed the 70' by 20' swimming pool at a rate of 70 gallons a minute at a temperature of about 70 degrees."

Crab Cooker Hot Springs

The beautiful Eastern Sierras viewed from Crab Cooker Hot Springs. This spring is among several located in this highly popular camping and backpacking area. It's quite shallow but big enough for several people and the scenery that surrounds the bathing hole is spectacular.

Wekiva Springs

One of my favorite places to call home; the Wekiva Springs is located in Longwood, Florida where the Timucuan Indians fished and hunted for years. These thermal springs are fed by five diverse sources, while the fish come directly from the springs into two large cells. "The thermal water flows at a rate of 130 liters per second with a daily capacity of 5,760 people." The temperature is usually kept around 72 Degrees which at times can feel like bathing in ice cubes. These healing waters contain calcium, sodium, magnesium, chlorine, and carbon dioxide which can cure neurological disorders, arthritis, and skin deficiencies.

Banjar Hot Springs

The Banjar is located in Bali and not too far down the road from the only Buddhist monastery in the area. These hot springs are marvelously landscaped with tropical plants. Being they are proven to help with ailments and spiritual clarity, local residents and tourists are urged to spend a couple hours a day relaxing to sooth the soul and clear the mind.

Onsen in Nachikatsuura

The Onsen Spring in Nachikatsuura, Japan located on the premises of the Nakanoshima Hotel on Nakanoshima Island. The island has six different hot springs with high sulfur content and this is just one of them. The spring is said to aid in the healing process of arthritis, female infertility, gout and rheumatism.

Chena Hot Springs

Chena Springs is located northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska near the Chena River State Recreation Area. The resort is using the first low-temperature binary geothermal plant built in Alaska to explore alternative energy sources.

The main attraction at Mammoth Hot Springs is the terraces. The Mammoth Hot springs are continuously changing. As cells grow, water is forced to flow in different directions and the constant changes create a living sculpture made from heat, water, limestone, and rock fractures. The colors are derived from natural living organisms attaching themselves to the side of the terraces.

Estonia

Estonia is a wonderful way to see the essence of Europe. To the east is Russia, to the north is Finland, on the west side sits Sweden, and to the south, there is a land border with Latvia. The small nation enjoys a Baltic Sea coastline. Estonia was oppressed for decades under the U.S.S.R.'s ruling, after World War II.

In 1991, it was finally declared a separate nation. The national language Estonian enjoys a fully, 100%, literate population. Sometimes it is referred to as “E-sonia,” seeing as it is highly wired for the Internet and technology.

Throughout Estonia's history, it has often been in the middle of battles, strictly on account of its geographical location. It is a country that was taken over by Hitler in 1941 and then lost its identity again as part of the U.S.S.R.

While visiting Estonia, be sure to check out Hiiumaa Islets Landscape Reserve, a national park and island; Kiek-in-de-Kök, a fortress and a museum; and Naissaar, an island and war memorial in a lush natural forest.

The capital of Tallinn is a favorite destination for many seasoned globe trotters that know what they like. Estonia is full of beautiful churches and countryside.

The ideal season to check out this enchanting locale is from June to September, as the winters are quite frosty. Estonia is known to have a great deal of character and charm, without breaking the traveler's bank account. Some visitors find it similar in quaintness to Prague as it was 20 years ago.

Estland

This is Estonia

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is in Central America, and while the country did recently endure a civil war, it is peaceful now. Nicaragua is a beautiful and scenic tropical spot that is not a tourist trap. It lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

This Spanish-speaking country is a place of thick green tropical rain forests, vast beaches of blue water and remarkable volcanoes and mountains. As this is a rainforest, the best time to visit is the dry season, from November to April.

Who wouldn't want to visit an unspoiled and still pristine part of the world with exotic animals, gorgeous beaches and postcard perfect natural splendor? Many travelers return to this country for the hospitality of the “Nicas”, the people of Nicaragua.

Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is an island about 200 miles off the coast of Brazil. The island is largely in a natural and conserved state. It is another stunning, unspoiled place for explorers looking to stray away from the usual island tourist crowds.

To keep the island from becoming overcrowded, less than 500 visitors are allowed on the island at one time. Although the remoteness of the island is more expensive than what you would pay on the mainland, the seasoned tropical visitor will find it to be truly fabulous. Seventy percent of this island is appointed as a national park, and wildlife abounds. Sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, exotic birds and manta ray all share the habitat in and around this island.

The archipelagos a favorite place for diving enthusiasts. Unfortunately, it is becoming quite expensive to stay on this island, as the natives are rumored to be enjoying the foreign cash. However, even if you could stop off for a few nights, it would be worth the splurge to be so close to a perfect ecosystem of such intense beauty.

Fernando De Noronha

Fernando de Noronha National Park - Brazil

Fernando de Noronha - A hidden and lonely beach in Brazil

Beach - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Greenland

Greenland. You are thinking, the land of ice? Yes, it is “that” Greenland, and it is actually showing more greenery than ever, thanks to climate change, and revealing is what lies beneath.

Crime is completely unknown in this area of the world, so if you value safety, this may be the place for you. Greenland is the world's biggest island. 85 percent of Greenland is ice cap. This ice cap is used by ten percent of the Earth's population as a water source. If these ice caps melt, the level of the oceans would rise by more than 20 feet.

Greenland has the most daylight hours in the summer, with a 'midnight sun,” visible from May until late July. The highest summer temperature is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Whales are frequently seen by tour boats, whose passengers will be able to view some of the most beautiful humpbacks, pilot whales, sperm whales and narwhals very easily.

The Northern Lights are best in August and September. There is fishing and golf on the island, and many quaint inns for lodging. Nature lovers will become addicted to this spot, as there are a variety of fantastic outdoor activities, such as ice climbing, dog sledding, and kayaking. Greenland is probably the most isolated place left on the planet, hence the serenity is the most beautiful aspect of a journey to this seemingly mystical land.

Aurea Borealis and Animals on Greenland

2004 Greenland

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Tasmania

Tasmania is an island off the coast of southeast Australia. About 40% of the island is protected land and reserves. Less than half a million residents call Tasmania home. It is about 26,000 square miles in size. Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is from December until February. The trees on the island of Tasmania are some of the oldest on the planet.

Tasmania is full of lush rain forests, alpine meadows, mountain peaks and large clear lakes. Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair National Park are some of the most beautiful places to see on the fabled island.

The best time to visit Tasmania is between the months of October and April. The Tasmanian Devil is found only on the island of Tasmania, and cartoons, of course.

Tasmania: A Visual Experience

Soothing Sunrises on the Shores of Tasmania

Tasmania In Spring

These little known and lesser publicized destinations will surely create many memories of adventure and stunning views for those who dare to venture off the well-traveled path.

One thing that can get lost in all of the glitzy and fun atmosphere of the state's more popular attractions is just how beautiful the natural scenery of California can be. If you're looking for a holiday retreat, but one that's still environment friendly, Laguna is a great destination.

A young woman enjoying sunflowers at a local florist.

While they are each separate cities, we are grouping together Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, and Laguna Woods into one (Las Lagunas - Spanish: The Lagoons - I like to call them).

Laguna Beach

The Laguna Shore

Laguna has always been one of the best beaches, in my mind. While it can be a little more rocky than other Orange County beaches, it is so beautiful and has many lovely nature reserves and spectacular view points.

Laguna Hills, Niguel, and Woods are mostly residential areas, so the Beach and its surroundings are the real hot spots. Don't forget to check out the amazing tide pool by Heisler Park.

Tour the area surrounding the main beach for a fun, local sort of feel. Those producers at MTV didn't choose this location for their hit show for nothing.

Get That Inspired Feeling: Your Great Escape

Crystal Cove State Park

Laguna Art Museum -

A beautiful way to spend an afternoon... exploring history, culture, and thought expressed visually. The permanent collection of the museum has over 3500 works of art, many a great portrayal of California itself. The museum is in Laguna Beach on Cliff Drive.

Crystal Cove State Park -

Take a hike! That's right, take a hike on one of the lovely wilderness trails in the Crystal Cove State Park. This is a beautiful, natural reserve where you can literally spend the entire day just enjoying the fresh air and outdoors. Pack a lunch and a blanket so you can stop along the trail to sit and enjoy the scenery.

Sea Lion Kayak Tours -

Feel great by getting out there and loosen up a bit while kayaking through lovely coves of Laguna Beach. For those of you that haven't been out in a kayak before, no worries, it's simple to learn and La Vida Laguna will provide lessons before each tour.

A Taste of Laguna

Lunch at Las Brisas

The Gourmet Cheese and Wine Shop -

An extension of Laguna's school for Culinary Arts, the cheese and wine shop is filled with "a fabulous selection of cheeses, delicacies, food-friendly wines and lunchtime fare. Their lunch menu contains a nice selection, and you can either sit in the cafe or take your food to go. My favorite is the traditional fondue, best to share amongst friends/family, although the sandwiches are very reasonably priced and taste wonderful. Map.

Laguna Canyon Winery -

Take a break in the middle of your day and enjoy a few sips of vino. The Laguna Canyon Winery offers wine tasting in their tasting room Tuesday-Sunday, 11a-6p. My pick from this local winery is their sultry Cabernet Sauvignon, although most of my friends love the raspberry sparkling wine. Map.

Las Brisas -

Not only is this place practically a landmark at the north end of the main beach, it is a favorite of my mother's.The Sunday Brunch is legendary and an absolute must if your timing allows for it. If not, try to get a seat on the patio and order the delicious mahi mahi tacos. You won't regret it!

Sweet Dreams: Where to Rest Your Head

Comfort Inn, Laguna Hills -

This is one of only a handful of Orange County hotels participating in the state's Green Lodging Program. The accommodations are quite reasonable for a "Choice Hotel" (not known to necessarily be the best quality of lodgings), and some great features include free wireless internet, well-designed bathrooms, and a comfortable place to relax.

Casa Laguna Inn & Spa -

My expensive taste never fails me when it comes to accommodations, but Casa Laguna does offer rooms at reasonable prices. For instances, they have the tasteful courtyard rooms, with cottage-like decor starting at $150 per night. I personally prefer the Laguna Suite, which was incidentally featured as a "Romantic Stay" in Sunset Magazine and nightly rates start off at a more steep $400 per night. Whichever room you choose, you still have a fabulous spa to go to for a replenishing massage, along with all the other normal resort features.

Getting Around

EV Rental Cars

Because Southern California is the capital of cars, driving, and freeways, you almost can't get around without one. EV Rental Cars are partners with Fox Rent-a-car. They have a selection of three hybrid vehicles: the Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, and the Toyota Highlander. I recommend renting the Highlander, since you may find yourself wandering into an area without fully-paved roads. Pick-up station is available at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana.

OCTA: Cruisin' on the Bus

The Orange County buses are not known to run late or often, but they do have routes that cover nearly every section of the county. For bus routes/maps/schedules, click here.

Travel gear shops can be complicated by sales people trying to get you to buy equipment that isn't essential to your needs. These five sites provide you with the information you need to get what you want, but won't empty your wallet with a bunch of things you won't need.

REI 

Perhaps the best store for travel gear. They have equipment for every skill level traveler in any situation. From an expert mountaineer on the way up Everest to the Cub Scout enjoying his backyard on a rainy day, REI provides awesome gear at a great price. Plus, they have an “Expert Advice” section so you can get information on what you need without being hassled by an in store salesperson. REI members can earn up to 10% back in their “membership refund” which is then applicable to new stuff in the store. Spend a couple hundred bucks on that new winter jacket and get next year's garden gloves free!

Moosejaw 

Crafted as though it were your local outdoor gear shop, Moosejaw is a great online supplier of quality goods. Arcteryx, North Face, Marmot, and Mountain Hardwear can all be found here at very reasonable prices. With accurate descriptions and user ratings and explanations available for every item you'll know exactly what you're getting from real people who own the product. Moosejaw also has a killer rewards program for those who shop even just a little!

Backcountry

This website offers a huge volume of brands at very competitive prices by cutting out the middle man in retail. While the selection may be somewhat limited, that is because Backcountry provides deals on overproduced or late season goods (though no manufacturers defects), but presents these deals up to 50% off what other sites charge. That's a deal that you cannot afford to overlook!

Sierra Trading Post

Calling themselves “your in-home outlet mall,” STP gives shoppers great prices on many goods. Like Backcountry, STP availability can be somewhat limited as its selling point is providing heavily discounted goods and the latest jackets and such may not be immediately available for a great deal. This site is perfect for those who shop out of season (i.e. those who buy winter clothes in summer and vice-versa). If you're able to plan for your needs several months in advance, check out these prices!

Altrec

One of the most well-known and trusted names in outdoor gear, Altrec has a huge selection and decent prices to boot. They always provide the latest in gear to keep you in style and up on the latest, greatest, and safest gear for your trip. The immensity of their selection affords Altrec the opportunity to help with any of your travel or outdoor needs, whether it be crampons for your summit attempt in K2 or an extra bug free tent for that barbecue next weekend.

Marmaris:

Marmaris is one of the best touristic destinations on the Mediterranean Coast. It is located in Mugla. Tourism is the main source of income for the resident of Marmaris. Many young people go to Marmaris to work in tourism sector. They generally work in hotels.The population of Marmaris is actually 20000. However in summer season, it approaches to 400000. There are many shops, restaurants and bars in Marmaris. Marmaris also has a beautiful natural harbor which is used as Turkey's premier yachting port for Blue Voyage yacht cruises.

Bodrum:

Bodrum is another touristic city in Mugla Province. In ancient times it was known as Halicarnassus. Famous Turkish novelist, Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli, took the name of “fisherman of Halikarnas” from Bodrum. He had lived in Bodrum for many years before his death. Bodrum is one of the international centers of Turkey for tourism and yachting.Bodrum is rich with it's history. One of the seven wonders, Mausoleum of Mausolus, was in Bodrum in ancient times. Famous historian of ancient times Herodotus, famous Ottoman Admiral Turgut Reis, and Zeki Muren had lived in Bodrum for years.

There are many historical and sigthseeing places in Bodrum, such as Bodrum Castle, Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology and Turgut Reis. Due to the touristic activities in Bodrum, population of Bodrum increases from 33000 to 500000 in summer season.This means “money” for the people who lives there.

Every year, millions of tourists come to Turkey to see the natural beauties of my country. Most of these tourists are Russian, German and people coming from North Europan countries like Finland, Sweden and Norway. There are many historical and touristic places in Turkey but most of them are found in Aegean and Mediterranean region. Izmir, Antalya, Didim, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Fethiye, Bodrum and Ephesus are all great examples to these beauties. All of these places are located near the sea. Some of them have a historical background while some don't have. This article is about a small town Patara.

Patara is an ancient town in Mediterranean region. It is located in city of Kas which is one of the touristic cities of Antalya Province. According to the historians, Patara is the birth place of Saint Nicholas who is known as Noel Father in Turkish culture. Most of you know him as an old man who drives his deers and gives presents to the children in Noel nights. He lived all his life nearby Patara, in the town of Myra..

Patara was founded by Patarus. So, it is known with his name. Patarus was one of the sons of famous Greek commander Apollo. In the past, Dorians coming from city of Crete lived in this small town. It witnessed many wars of Greek and Egyptians. In 1. century B.C, it was joined to Roman Empire and Rhodians occupied the ancient Patara. It was joined to Pamphylia in the year of 43. According to the quotes in Bible, Paul of Tarsus and Luke changed their ships in Patara.

Patara has a small hill and a ruined temple on one side of the hill. Currently, It is under ruins. Every year, Europan and Turkish archaeologists come to Patara to search about ancient civilizations living in this region. Excavations are made.Most of those excavations are made on the hill and ruined temple nearby. Off-shore part of Patara is under sand. After the latest excavations, archaeologists announced that Patara has a main street and amphitheatre.

One day, if your steps take you away to Turkey, you should visit Patara. Sure that, you can find many interesting things which have not been discovered yet.

Topkapi Palace

It's construction started in 1459 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Mehmet II is one of the important sultans of Ottoman Empire since he was the the conquerer of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was the home and official residence of Ottoman Emperors from 1465 to 1863. The historical tissue of Topkapi Palace damaged because of big earthquakes and fires. Currently, Topkapi Palace is museum. It is under administration of Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When you visit Topkapi Palace Museum, you can see a large collection of Ottoman art and architecture, Ottoman miniatures, weapons, shields, armor and a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Dolmabahce Palace

It is located at the European side of Istanbul. After 1853, it was used as the official residence of Ottoman Emperors. It was also the administrative center of Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Dolmabahce palace is the first European style palace in Ottoman Empire history. It was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid II between 1842 and 1853. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and the first president of Turkey Republic, spent his last years in this palace. Ataturk died in November 10, 1938 in Dolmabahce Palace.

Yildiz Palace

It was built in 1880 and used by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. Inside Yildiz Palace, there are apartments, pavilions, theatre, opera house, museum and a porcelain factory.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Unlike Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Yildiz palaces, Beylerbeyi Palace is located at the Assian side of Istanbul. It was built between 1861 and 1865 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed in baroque style. It was mainly used as a place to entertain visiting heads of state. Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his last years of captivity in Beylerbeyi palace. He died in Beylerbeyi Palace in 1918.

Ciragan Palace

It is located between Besiktas and Ortakoy at the European side of Istanbul. It was built between 1863 and 1867 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed by famous Armenian architect Nigogayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Hagop and Sarkis Balyan. In 1910, it was destroyed by a great fire. However, the ruined palace was restored in 1991. It was designed in Baroque style during restoration. Currently, it is used as a five-star hotel.