Every year, the New York Times names 52 places as top destinations to visit. This year, nine Nat Hab destinations made the list. Some destinations are making strides in conservation and others are dramatically changing as a result of climate change. Travel can bring about inspiration and perspective to those trapped in their everyday bubble. Seeing these places can cause travelers to take action for the betterment of the planet. So, add these places to your travel bucket-list for 2020 because the time to travel is now!
Greenland’s landscape is changing—fast. The ice that covers 80% of the island is melting at 4 times the rate it was only 15 years ago. Here, surrounded by towering icebergs and dramatic inlets, visitors can see an arctic landscape seriously effected by climate change. Nat Hab takes travelers to its very own base camp to be immersed on Greenland’s remote east shore.
China has been working to create a new unified system of national parks for some of their most iconic wildlife. In the last decade, the population of pandas has increased and IUCN downlisted giant pandas from endangered to vulnerable. While they are still rare to see in the wild, Nat Hab takes travelers to see these playful bears at the Dujiangyan Panda base, mentioned specifically in NYT’s top 52 places.
The gateway to the South Island, Christchurch is Nat Hab’s final stop on its impressive New Zealand itinerary. Travelers have the chance to experience New Zealand’s landscape which is unlike anywhere on earth. Here you can find towering fjords, bright blue lakes, and the chance for unique wildlife encounters like the rare Hector’s dolphin.
The Polar Bear Capital of the World made this year’s NYT list. Churchill, Canada is world-famous for polar bears, a population which is at-risk due to climate change. Nat Hab takes travelers to this Arctic town annually for unparalleled polar bear viewings. Watching these arctic giants playfully interact at the edge of the world is a once in a lifetime experience.
Uganda was highlighted not only for its gorillas, but the efforts underway to protect their endangered species. Uganda is home to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which limits tourist interaction with the gorillas. Gorilla trekking permit profits also directly support conservation efforts for mountain gorillas. On the Nat Hab itinerary, travelers have the chance to see mountain gorillas and more of Uganda’s famous primates like chimpanzees and bonobos.
Lima is the massive capital of Peru that travelers usually pass through on their way to Machu Picchu or the Amazon. However, this seaside city is full of culinary culture and gorgeous architecture. Nat Hab offers an optional extension to explore the historical side of the city including a visit to Museo Larco which features pre-Columbian art.
While on safari in Kenya with Nat Hab, travelers can spy number 40 on NTY’s list, Mount Kenya. The second highest mountain on the continent sets a shadow over the Laikipia plateau where travelers can see high concentrations of endangered wildlife like African wild dogs and black rhinos.
NYT applauded Addis Ababa’s eco-conscious energy efforts and the city was named a World Capital of Culture and Tourism. Addis Ababa is just the beginning of Nat Hab’s trip through Ethiopia. This itinerary takes travelers through the roof of Africa with views of jagged mountains, opportunities for wildlife viewings, and tours of ancient human history.
Last on the list is the US’ monumental Glacier National Park. This park is known for its magnificent beauty, but its namesake glaciers are slowly becoming a thing of the past. The 150 glaciers here have melted over the past 110 years, leaving only 25 to remain, and scientists predict they won’t last for long. Bringing tourists to a national park in danger makes the threat of climate change real instead of a headline in the news. This can lead to changes in opinion and lifestyle to better our planet. Nat Hab takes travelers through pristine wilderness for chance encounters with wildlife and guaranteed spectacular views all while making sure their trips leave only positive impacts on the places they visit.
Hannah Wagner is a Travel Associate with WWF’s Travel Program. She helps manage a variety of travel communications and uses her travel writing experience to inspire WWF’s travelers and members. She recently graduated from the University of Virginia, where she earned degrees in Media Studies and Art History. Hannah was born in Alaska, which fueled her love of the outdoors and passion for nature travel. Some of her favorite travel memories include trekking Machu Picchu’s Salkantay route, studying glaciers in Iceland, and meeting elephants in Togo.
Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly 100 nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.
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