What is better than a trip after the difficult years of the pandemic? Traveling to take on a new adventure, to discover mountains or grasslands you have never seen before; some return to the same cottage in a pristine forest; some travel to see old friends in that old little town. Regardless of where you go, we always travel for relaxation, rediscovery, and renewal of our mind and body.
There are some unique spots around the world that provide more than a simple escape. These places not only provide natural sceneries that we do not experience in a crowded city, but also heal us—through the magic of Mother Earth.
Here are some of those spots. Every one of them provides an irreplaceable ecosystem for you to refresh, restore, and heal from stress and anxiety.
Cape Reinga, New Zealand
Standing at Cape Reinga, the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, one gets to watch the Tasman Sea meet the vast Pacific Ocean. Besides having a great view of the ocean that stretches to the horizon, Cape Reinga is also a sacred place for the Maori people. According to oral history, Cape Reinga is where the spirits of the deceased enter the afterlife. A gnarled pohutukawa tree stands by the coast, overlooking the ocean. Some say that this tree is more than 800 years old, and is the tree that the spirits of the deceased climb first before leaping into the afterlife.
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Uluru / Ayers Rock, Australia
This is a majestic sandstone formation that stands 348 meters (1,142 feet) high, with a perimeter of 9.4 kilometers (5.8 miles), and is more than 500 million years old. The image that many picture when hearing its name is its distinct red coloration. The nearest large town is more than 300 kilometers (around 200 miles) away. But Uluru is far from alone. Just about 25 kilometers (16 miles) away is the Kata Tjuta rock formation, formed almost simultaneously with Uluru.
Uluru is sacred to the Aṉangu, the Aboriginal Australian people of the area. To them, Uluru is more than just a rock. It is the resting place of ancestral spirits. According to the local Aboriginal tales, Uluru was formed during Dreaming—the beginning of time. Currently, climbing Uluru is banned out of respect for its rich cultural history, and to protect the stone.
The Dead Sea, Jordan and Israel
The Dead Sea is the lowest body of water on Earth, with a surface elevation of -430.5 meters (-1,412 feet). It borders Israel and Jordan and is referred to in the Bible as the “sea of salt.” Because of the Dead Sea’s high salt concentration (a salinity of around 35% and a density of 1.24 kg/L), a person can relax and float on the surface of the water with no fear of drowning. People tell tales of how the water in the Dead Sea can heal skin issues like psoriasis and even cure other health issues like asthma and arthritis. When floating on the Dead Sea, you also get to enjoy the mountains that make up the surrounding Jordan Valley, as if the Dead Sea was specially created as a special location secluded from the noise of the outside world.
Mount Shasta, California, United States
A stratovolcano does sound powerful, and its power, to many people, exhibits in the form of healing. Located in Siskiyou County in Northern California, this snow-covered mountain has been the destination for many spirit seekers for years. Camps are set up in the surrounding national forest, and the water nearby is considered the cleanest water in all California.
Mount Shasta is a common location in many Native American stories, considering there are territories of the Shasta, Wintu, Achumawi, Atsugewi, and Modoc around. There are ancient and modern myths about Mount Shasta. In some Native American stories, this is where their people began. According to some more modern tales, there is even a secret city hidden beneath the volcano’s peak. Regardless of how the stories go, this is a place that makes you feel reborn again when leaving.
Camino de Santiago, France and Spain
Also known as the Way of St. James, this route is part of ancient pilgrim routes that led people throughout Europe to the tomb of St. James in Spain. The most famous route is the one starting from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port, France and extends about 780 kilometers (about 500 miles) to Spain. People today continue to complete this journey on foot. They cross grasslands, hills, and even coasts. This route might not have as many steep slopes as one sees in mountains, but Camino de Santiago is a tour through nature, allowing one to refresh in the energy of many beautiful sceneries.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Here is one of Iceland’s most attractive warm waters. The lagoon’s geothermal water does not only exhibit a soothing light blue color, but is also rich in minerals, from salt to silica. Soft, white, silica-rich mud forms naturally and, when applied to your skin, relieves your body and refreshes your spirit. The warm water will gently let your stress or worries seep away. After healing in the lagoon, well-decorated restaurants nearby overlook the signature blue water, allowing people to enjoy their meals while surrounded by views of the lagoon.
Table Mountain, South Africa
Overlooking the entirety of Cape Town and the coast, Table Mountain heals its visitors from up high. It got its name from its iconic flat mountain top, and standing on top of it, you can truly feel the vastness and beauty of nature. There are two ways to reach the top: hiking, or taking the cableway, and each has a unique experience to offer.
Ubud, Indonesia
Ubud is a town in Bali, Indonesia that blends history with forest. Bali is nicknamed “island of Gods,” and this is not an overstatement. Temples hide amongst the trees, and you can visit the Puri Saren Agung, or the Ubud Royal Palace, that is well-maintained by the heirs of the royal family. Animal lovers might want to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest, home to around 700 long-tail macaques. Those wanting to stretch their legs on a hike will enjoy a walk down Campuhan Ridge Walk, which takes visitors through the traditional livelihoods of the people in Ubud. Not only does Ubud offer quiet scenery, the local cuisine lets visitors taste the history and culture of this island, and artists or yoga enthusiasts will find their retreat among the temples and trees.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Originally a fortified royal estate of the Inca Empire, the stone temples and shrines of Machu Picchu are deeply secluded in the Andes Mountains. Looking out in all four directions, you can only see the waves of mountains and trees that seem to stretch out indefinitely. To reach Machu Picchu, you can take the Inca Trail, which connects the historical site with the city of Cusco, a city with rich history in itself as well. The trail goes through all kinds of Andean environments, such as cloud forests and alpine tundras, not to mention the Inca ruins along the sides.
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