Nature has a powerful effect on the human psyche.  Studies show that simply being in natural spaces elevates mood, reduces stress and may even sharpen cognitive function.

Incredible natural phenomena have the added value of being awe-inspiring. Beholding the beauty and vastness of wonders such as the Aurora Borealis or Giants Causeway, humbles us and inspires a deeper connection to nature, psychologists say.

“Awe blurs the line between the self and the world around us, diminishes the ego, and links us to the greater forces that surround us in the world and the larger universe,” writes psychologist Jonah Paquette.

If you’re in pursuit of mental well-being and a transcendent travel experience, check out our bucket list of 10 must-see natural phenomena and wonders across the world. 

1. Pink Lakes, Western Australia and South Australia

Ranging from magenta and Barbie pink to soft lilac, pink lakes can be seen throughout Australia and other places in the world. The pink hues are due to high concentrations of salt in these bodies of water that react with green algae. Hutt Lagoon in Perth, is a pink lake that can appear both bubblegum pink and red, depending on the time of day.

2. Iguazu, Argentina and Brazil

The 80-meter-high Iguazu Falls are the gem of Iguazu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Multiple water cascades surrounded by rainforest, span a diameter of 2,700 meters on the border between Argentina and Brazil. The falls formed due to a series of volcanic eruptions. 

3. Lunar Rainbow at Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Forming a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is “known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world when its width and height are combined,” writes Zambia Tourism.  Victoria Falls is also one of the only places worldwide where lunar, or night-time, rainbows occur and can be easily seen. Similar to rainbows seen during the day, moonbows happen when light is refracted by water particles in the air. Take a tour to see lunar rainbows every month during the full moon.  

4. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Formed by evaporated prehistoric lakes, Salar de Uyuni is one of the most unusual natural sites in the world. “Here, a thick crust of salt extends to the horizon, covered by quilted, polygonal patterns of salt rising from the ground,” National Geographic writes.

The magic happens when surrounding lakes overflow, pouring a shallow layer of water over the salt flats that forms a perfect reflection of the sky. The rainy season, December to April, is the best time to observe the mirror effect. But heavy rains in December and January often lead to tour cancellations. 

5. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

The Glowworm caves are the most famous and arguably most other-worldly of the three Waitomo Caves. On a short boat ride, you’ll glide under dark cave ceilings filled with glow worms that appear as strands of light suspended like natural chandeliers. The creatures aren’t actual worms, but instead are the bioluminescent larvae of fungus gnats.  

6. Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland, Canada

Between late April and early June, you can stand on the coasts of New Foundland and Labrador and watch colossal icebergs flow slowly by. Between 400 and 800 of these huge pinnacles and blocks of ice break off of even larger icebergs in Greenland, then travel south toward Iceberg Alley during the spring thaw. Use this simple tracker to follow the icebergs from the shore or take a boat tour. 

7. Geirangerfjord, Norway

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Geirangerfjord is surrounded by towering mountains and waterfalls and reaches a depth of 260 metres. “The two most notable waterfalls in the Geirangerfjord are ‘de Syv Søstre’, The Seven Sisters, and ‘Friaren’ The suitor, also called The Wooer. The two waterfalls face one another across the fjord, and the suitor is said to be trying to woo the sisters opposite,” writes Fjord Tours. Hike to see the fjords' incredible vistas or take a kayaking trip to see The Seven Sisters up close.

8. Aurora australis, Australia

You’ve heard of the northern lights, or Aurora Borealis. The Southern Lights, Aurora Australis, also appear in the night sky as bright and dancing shades of green, purple, blue and red. The southern lights can be seen year-round, but the best time is in the winter, May to August in the Southern hemisphere, and during the spring equinox in September. Bruny and Satellite islands in the state of Tasmania are known as great locations for catching the southern lights. 

9. Halong Bay, Vietnam

Pillars and cliffs of limestone covered with lush forest tower above the green waters of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Gulf of Tonkin. The bay’s iconic limestone features formed over a period of 500 million years. Wind and rain erosion shaped the area, which was once inland before it began to flood, creating the bay. Visit the Virgin and Hung Sung Sot caves or take a several-day cruise.  

10. Catatumbo Lightning, Venezuela

Also known as the “‘everlasting thunderstorm,” Catatumbo Lightning strikes almost 300 nights a year, solely over where the Catatumbo River flows into Lake Maracaibo. The storms can last as long as 10 hours, with fierce lightning strikes occurring 28 times a minute! Warm air from the Caribbean melding with cold air from Andes Mountains creates the stormy conditions. You can take a tour to view the lightning safely.  

Protect your trip with travel insurance on your next journey to see a natural wonder. You should know that your domestic health insurance plan may not fully protect you overseas. An Allianz Travel Insurance plan with Emergency Medical benefits can help in the event of a covered medical emergency. We also offer benefits that cover non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or delayed due to a covered reason.  

Get a quote to find out how Allianz Travel Insurance can help make your travels stress-free.

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