If you love discovering the many wondrous, diverse, and stunning locations that exist all across our planet, then don’t miss a single article of the showcased raw beauty travel series.
This series of posts presents some fabulous spots that appeal to all that love the great outdoors. From the more well-known natural attractions to places that are well off the beaten track, these posts seek to show readers places of mother nature that are worth visiting.
Featuring mountains, rivers, islands, deserts, fjords, showing Earth’s natural wonders via road trips, cruise ships, and train journeys, the Natural Beauty Travel Series has a focus not typical of the typical travel blog.
Created by travel writer Nicole Anderson, her natural beauty journey chronicles her adventurous treks as she visits our world’s continents, oceans, and accessible regions for their impressive outdoor experiences.
Some places are renowned for their beauty, whilst others you may not have heard of. With boots on the ground, Nicole is determined to uncover and share many gems that are often not on the radar for the average traveler. Her love of the outdoors saw her inspired to create the Natural Beauty Travel Series for publication on Camping for Women.
If you dream of experiencing something special on your next holiday that is not engaging in the usual tourist attractions and traps, check out the growing list of posts in this series.
As the map indicates below, the natural beauty travel series is only just getting started…
The posts published so far are listed below with links to each post. Brand new posts on new regions will regularly be published and will be added as they go live online. Subscribers to Camping for Women are automatically sent notifications as soon as new posts are published.
Natural Beauty Travel Series Articles
The Continents
Europe
Belgium
Touring Canals in Belgium
Belgium may not be the first place you might think of when it comes to European canals but there are quite a few of them to check out. While Belgian canals are not necessarily on the same scale as the canals in Amsterdam they are still very picturesque and well worth seeing. When I visited, I found that most of the Belgian canals were in the flatter Flanders region in the north, far more so than the hilly Wallonia region (including the heavily forested area of the Ardennes) in the south. The map below gives you some idea of ...
Travelling through the Ardennes Belgium
By Nicole Anderson. Even prior to my first visit to Europe, I had heard a bit about the Ardennes Belgium. Also known as the Ardennes Forest or Forest of Ardennes, this is a region of extensive dense forests, rough terrain, rolling hills, and ridges. It is one of nature's unspoiled areas, rich in fauna and flora, with vast forests of broadleaf and fir, many hills, valleys and gorges, and some fast-flowing rivers. It is not a small forest either. Primarily located in Belgium and Luxembourg, but stretching as well into Germany and France, we are talking about a total ...
Luxembourg
Visiting Luxembourg in Summer today
Europe generally is so popular with tourists that fall in love with the abundant natural beauty found virtually everywhere on the continent. However, of the millions of visitors that travel to Europe, only a very small percentage have discovered the beauty of Luxembourg. That’s probably not surprising when you consider its small size and that it does seem to get lost against its much larger and more tourism-focused neighboring countries that get far greater international attention. Landlocked between Belgium to the west, France to the south, and Germany to the east, Luxembourg is a comparatively tiny country in Western ...
Netherlands
Experiencing the naturally beautiful Dutch countryside
The naturally beautiful Dutch countryside is quite unique compared to most other countries and its features are something you come to appreciate the more time you spend there. We are talking about a nation that has almost a third of its land beneath sea level, no mountainous terrain at all, an amazing array of canals and dikes to manage the water levels, and lovely fields of flowers as far as the eye can see. The Netherlands might be a comparatively small nation but it has a surprising 21 national parks, a high number when you also consider that France, ...
Exploring Beautiful Zaanse Schans on the Zaan River, The Netherlands
Located on the east bank of the Zaan River, just north of the small city of Zaandam lies the traditional Dutch village of Zaanse Schans. If you were ever keen to find one place that encompasses so many great icons the Netherlands is famous for in such a lovely, natural and historical setting, then Zaanse Schans is where I would recommend you visit. We are talking about windmills on the river, Dutch riverboats, traditional clogs, gouda, edam, and other cheeses, green-painted houses, and crafts. Even the famous Dutch tulips are grown in this area, although not to the same ...
Cruising the Amsterdam Canals, The Netherlands
By Nicole Anderson As a travel writer focused on sharing articles around locations of natural beauty, you probably wouldn’t expect to read anything from me about something located within a major European city. Nevertheless, the waters making up the canals of Amsterdam are impressive and worth seeing when you are in the area. Making up a combined system of over 160 canals, we are talking about waterways crisscrossing this city and together are over 100 kilometers (62 miles) in length. Although often referred to as ‘The Venice of the North’, Amsterdam actually has more canals than Venice! The Amsterdam ...
Experiencing Beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, The Netherlands
If you love flowers, and tulips especially, then you really would love to visit Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands. According to the website, Holland.com Keukenhof is the most famous and largest flower park in the world. It is also billed as the most beautiful spring park in the world, and from what I saw, I certainly could not argue with that claim. It is truly as impressive as it is beautiful. It is little wonder that Keukenhof is one of the top attractions in the Netherlands. Known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, the Dutch word ‘Keukenhof’ translates to English ...
Norway
Taking the very best train journey in Norway
Surprisingly not that well known outside of Norway, the Bergensbanen is nevertheless acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful train trips in Europe, if not the world. Train enthusiasts globally are well aware of this train and the route it takes. People who love to travel by train to enjoy seeing so much more than you can from the air also have this trip on their radar. Here you do not simply buy a train ticket but an amazing travel experience. Traveling just short of 7 hours from the capital of Oslo, this train crosses virtually all of ...
Experiencing a Norway Road Trip along the Atlantic West Coast
Our Norway Road Trip – the best so far! Norway is rightfully renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Majestic Fjords, mountainous snowy peaks, literally thousands of beautiful waterfalls, lush green vegetation, crystal clear blue waters with virtually zero pollution, unspoiled islands, beaches are all wondrous sites you can experience in this amazing country. Once you get out of the main cities, Norway’s natural assets exist on a grand scale everywhere you look. You don’t need to be a skilled photographer to capture great images, as it is actually quite hard to take a bad photo in the majority of ...
Taking a Road Trip above the Arctic Circle Norway
Travelling north on a road trip above north polar Norway is simply a beautiful and unforgettable experience. The natural beauty all around you is immense. There is just so much to see on such a grand scale that much of it takes your breath away. Driving in winter up there can be quite dangerous, especially if you’re not used to the region, the changing weather and conditions. As we were going to be driving ourselves, my fiancé James and I decided that summer would be the preferred option. This was not just from a safety perspective, but also because ...
The Natural Beauty of the Midnight Sun Norway
Heading north of the arctic circle during summer in Norway is where you can witness a wondrous phenomenon known as the midnight sun. Indeed, Norway itself has often been referred to as ‘the land of the midnight sun’, although this can only really be seen way up in the north of the country. You can also see the midnight sun in other countries such as Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, USA (Alaska), Iceland and Denmark (Greenland). This is where the sun does not set during summer months within the arctic circle. The midnight sun phenomenon is the opposite of the ...
Natural Beauty from the Atlantic Road Norway
Our experience of the Atlantic Road Norway This particular road was a ‘must-see’ for us as we took a Norwegian road trip from Bergen, north to visit places in the Arctic Circle during summer. So, what is so special about this road you might ask? The Atlantic Road (in Norwegian called Atlanterhavsveien or Atlanterhavsvegen) is a road that runs through an archipelago just off the mainland that offers wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastal landscape as you hop between a series of small islands and skerries, driving through several causeways, viaducts and 8 bridges. In total, the ...
The Natural Beauty surrounding Trollstigen Norway
Driving up the western coast of Norway, there is certainly no shortage of beautiful scenery to enjoy. In fact, I don’t recall many instances at all during our whole trip, where there weren’t stunning natural vistas everywhere you looked. However, there is one section of highway situated slightly inland that is famous as an engineering feat and driving challenge amidst a majestic natural landscape. I am referring to ‘Trollstigen’. What is Trollstigen Norway? Trollstigen translates as 'ladder for a troll' or 'Troll's ladder'. It is a steep, narrow mountainside road that is regarded as one of the more dangerous ...
The Natural Beauty of Geirangerfjord Norway
Geirangerfjord in the Kingdom of Norway: Our favorite Fjord! Geirangerfjord Norway is a world-famous, UNESCO listed site that combines majestic high cliffs, lush green vegetation, magical ice-cold waterfalls and calm, dreamy, emerald waters to make this fjord arguably the most beautiful in Norway and perhaps the world. For people that love or have an appreciation of nature, this is simply a must-see when visiting Norway. Named the best travel destination in Scandinavia by Lonely Planet, Geiranger and the sheer grandeur and scale of this fjord promises to be something that will stay in your memory always. For a place ...
The Natural Beauty all around Stavanger Norway
For all the immense beauty that Stavanger Norway (and the rest of amazing Norway has), this has been somewhere I have wanted to visit for such a long time. I can’t tell you how excited I was when my fiancé James told me that Stavanger was the chosen location for his family’s reunion in 2019. Excitement was on two fronts – the first was to finally meet many of his family members that live in different parts of the globe, and the second was to do this while visiting such a beautiful location. Established in 1125, Stavanger is the ...
The Natural Beauty of Lysefjord Norway
Lysefjord Norway is located around 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of the city of Stavanger within Forsand municipality, part of Rogaland county, in the south west of this incredibly beautiful country. The name Lysefjord translates to ‘light fjord’, and this name is understood to have come about due to the lightly colored granite rocks that exist along all sides. Carved by glaciers dating back to the Ice Age, it is the southernmost of the biggest fjords in Norway. During my stay in Stavanger to attend a reunion of my fiancé’s family, I couldn’t believe our luck to be so ...
The Natural Beauty of Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock Norway
Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock Norway, (Preikestolen in English: "The Pulpit Rock", "Pulpit" or "Preacher's Chair") once visited, is one of those places that you are never likely to forget. To say it is impressive feels like it’s an understatement. Its majestic beauty and that of its surrounding region is hard to compare to anywhere else. Acknowledged by many as being the most photographed and popular site of natural beauty in Norway, Preikestolen is a steep cliff which rises 604 metres (1,982 ft) above the Lysefjorden. Atop the cliff, there is an almost flat top of approximately 25 by 25 ...
South America
Chile
The Natural Beauty surrounding Santiago Chile
Many tourists are really impressed with the city of Santiago in the Southern American country of Chile. I know I certainly was. This is a very large, modern, organized, clean city full of very friendly people with so many wonderful and interesting attractions. However, there is a lot more to experience if you ever find yourself visiting Santiago Chile, as the city is absolutely blessed, being surrounded with so much natural beauty in virtually any direction you travel. The biggest and most obvious natural beauty (by virtue of its sheer size and proximity) is the Andes Mountains which form ...
The Natural Beauty of the Andes Mountains Chile
Ever since learning about the Andes Mountains while studying geography at school, I have always wanted to visit and experience this incredible range. Not that it would be possible to see it all as it is just so vast, but on a recent trip to Chile, I was able to get up into the Andes and see its beauty in this region of Chile first hand. I was certainly not disappointed. The big picture: Some Facts Completely dominating the skyline of the large, modern city of Santiago, this area of the Andes is only one small section of this ...
Asia
China
Captivating Shanghai and Surrounding Natural Beauty
Nicole Anderson explores areas in and around this mega metropolis of captivating Shanghai, China. Shanghai is recognized as China’s largest city with a population of 26.3 million. Staying at a hotel in central Shanghai and looking out the windows on any side, James and I seriously couldn’t see where the skyscrapers end as we scanned the horizon. Having just arrived by flight from Chongqing (the actual largest populated region in China with 31 million) we had just completed an amazing cruise through the Yangtze River and 3 Gorges which was a serene experience and very different to the fast-paced ...
Cruising the serene beauty of the Yangtze River and 3 Gorges China
Nicole Anderson completes a journey on the Yangtze River and 3 Gorges China to discover firsthand the stunning natural beauty for which this amazing waterway is renowned. Few rivers on the planet could claim coming close to displaying the astonishingly beautiful natural sights that you will find when you explore sections of the Yangtze River in China. Not surprisingly this amazing river has been a source of inspiration for writers, poets, travellers and explorers for many hundreds of years. This particular journey is also featured within Lonely Planet’s ‘Amazing Boat Journeys’ and for good reason. For anyone who loves ...
Xian to Yichang eye-opening beautiful Central China by 2 Bullet Trains
Nicole Anderson explores ancient central China by 2 bullet trains. Long gone are the days when Beijing and Shanghai were understood to be the only main Chinese cities easily accessible for travel to and from for visitors. Today China has an amazing travel network that allows you to reach many stunning areas quickly, safely, and comfortably. If you are keen to get away from major cities and see more of this beautiful country, I would suggest you travel by train. A trip from Xian to Yichang exploring central China by 2 Bullet Trains, stopping along the way, was something ...
The Great Wall of China from Beijing
Would any trip to China really be complete without seeing the famous Great Wall? Would there be anything more symbolic to China than the Great Wall? Sure, China is famous for many things. Pandas, jade, silk, tea, terracotta warriors and the beautiful Yangtze River to name a few. And while many of these things are associated specifically to China, the Great Wall of China no doubt rises above all in the minds of most people. Anyone who had standard global history and geography subjects taught as part of the school syllabus would have been made aware of this awe-inspiring ...
Thailand
The Natural Beauty of Northern Thailand
I had been fortunate enough to visit this wonderful country a couple of times on past trips but my most recent visit (April 2018) took me for the first time to North Thailand, which is a stunning contrast to the metropolis of Bangkok and the more popular coastal areas. Here I found less development and more natural beauty and naturally hospitable people. Known as the “Rose of the North” Chiang Mai is where I was based, which is quite central to explore all this fabulous region had to offer. The Chiang Mai region is situated much higher geographically than ...
Africa
Egypt
The Natural Beauty of Lake Nasser Egypt
Although well regarded as a place of natural beauty, Lake Nasser, Arab Republic of Egypt is, in fact, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. It was completed in 1971 as a vast reservoir located mostly (83%) in southern Egypt and the remaining part located in northern Sudan, where it is referred to as Lake Nubia. The area surrounding the lake is the traditional home of the Nubian people who date back to ancient Egypt. I found modern-day Nubian people to be extremely friendly indeed, very polite and quite humble. A real pleasure to meet and interact ...
Natural Beauty from Cairo to Aswan Rail
Travelling by rail in Egypt may not be everyone’s first choice due to the train carriages not being of a similar standard when compared to western countries. Generally, it is true to say that the trains are comparably quite old and not that well maintained with regards to cleanliness and amenities. If you can understand this from the very start, then you are likely to have a more enjoyable time than if you just spend your time thinking about how this experience does not compare to elsewhere. You just need to remember that Egyptian rail does not promise to ...
The Natural Beauty of the Nile Egypt
To me, there has always been something mystical about the thought of gliding down the River Nile, Egypt. It has always conjured up beautiful and romantic images against a backdrop of history and wonder. I was so fortunate to experience this on a trip to Egypt in June this year. We were lucky enough to stay in a five-star cruiser sailing from Aswan to Luxor in addition to taking a ride on a traditional felucca in Luxor and seeing the Nile from many different locations across this fascinating country. The Nile of course, does not just travel through Egypt ...
The Natural Beauty of the Sahara Egypt
Touring different locations within the largest hot desert in the world, across a country with the most in the way of ancient history was a real joy and privilege. When you first mention the word ‘Sahara’, people generally do not automatically associate this with natural beauty. And yet the Sahara in its vastness offers so much beauty that shines through its harshness and barren terrain. Last month, I was fortunate enough to travel to North Africa and experience much of Egypt, a country completely dominated by the Sahara while offering other treasures such as the famous Nile, Lake Nassar, ...
Australia
Drive 5 Awesome Cairns Road Trips in a standard sedan
When it comes to Australian road trips there are plenty of options to explore stunning natural beauty found all over this amazing continent. When you visit the region of Tropical North Queensland in the northeast of Australia, you will no doubt have to include Cairns in your plans. Cairns road trips is a natural follow-on from that given the immense natural beauty in the region. Cairns is pretty much the epicenter of tourism in this part of the continent and the most popular starting point for any North Queensland road trip itinerary. There are quite a few easy day ...
Discover Atherton Tablelands and 7 Hidden Treasures
The Atherton Tablelands is a lush, fertile plateau that is part of the Great Dividing Range in the tropical north region of Queensland, Australia. The ‘Tablelands’ (as referred to by locals) is a combination of wet tropical rainforests, sweeping Savannah Lands, and a vast outback desert. The Atherton Tablelands is well known within Queensland as a region of stunning natural beauty situated at an altitude ranging from 600m to 1100m where the air is cool and fresh. Yet to the rest of the world, it seems that the Atherton Tablelands often appears lost when compared to the famed Daintree ...
Delightful Kuranda Scenic Railway going strong since 1891
If you are keen on seeing a beautiful slice of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Rainforest in the Far North of Queensland, Australia, then I can think of no better way of doing this than to experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It certainly isn’t one of the longest train journeys you will ever take, but this trip is renowned for traveling through stunning natural beauty in this part of Australia. Notably, this journey is also featured in Lonely Planet’s book ‘Amazing Train Journeys’, detailing what they regard as the world’s top 60 unforgettable rail trips. The Kuranda Scenic Railway ...
The Magnificent Daintree Rainforest and Top 3 Attractions
Australia's Daintree Rainforest may not be the largest, but many are surprised to learn that it is in fact the longest living (oldest), continuously growing rainforest in the world. How old is the Daintree Rainforest? Well, it is estimated to be about 180 million years old, making it around 10 million years older than the Amazon! In addition to being the oldest forest, the Daintree is also one of the largest continuous areas of rainforest in Australia - it covers about 460 square miles (1,200 square kilometres). The Daintree is a part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland. The ...
The Oceans
North Atlantic
United Kingdom
Visiting 2 Alluring Icons around Salisbury Plain
Icons of England. Ask people what they associate Salisbury Plain England with and you will predominately just get one answer. The legendary Stonehenge. It has been the main icon of the area and promoted as such in Britain’s tourism marketing. Stonehenge even takes up the whole cover of my England Lonely Planet book in which it is listed as #1 in England's top 20 attractions, not to mention broader TV advertising and its image being plastered on the walls of so many travel agencies. Stonehenge is special and understandably considered a ‘must-see’ for so many domestic and international tourists ...
5 Beautiful South Downs National Park Attractions
The region of South Downs in Southern England is home to South Downs National Park and some beautiful, lush nature that the English countryside generally is renowned for. It is an area that visitors find is really easy to get around whether by car or hiking/trekking on foot. There are so many lovely vistas throughout this area that it is hard to decide what to do and see first. On one particular trip to the UK, my fiancé James and I were so lucky to be hosted by my very close friend Di and her husband Richard and daughter ...
Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover
It’s not every day you get to see something that is beautiful in nature and at the same time has become so historic and iconic for the country you are visiting. Such is the case though for the White Cliffs of Dover England, UK. And if you are as lucky as we were, your visit will be on a sunny, clear day where you will be able to see the fabulous surrounding scenery and attractions that make this place so special. Let me share with you the key things you should see, experience, and appreciate if you are planning ...
South Pacific
Easter Island
The Natural Beauty of Easter Island
It is understandable that most of us Outdoor Women Adventurers just love to get away from our normal living routines and embrace nature as far away from our day-to-day grind as possible. Well, I certainly managed to do that quite well by visiting Easter Island in late January 2017. This scenic and fascinating place is known to be one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth. Easter Island is located in the South Pacific Ocean, some 1,850km (1,150mi) west of Juan Fernandez Islands (which has 850 inhabitants) and some 3,512km (2,182mi) west of continental Chile. It is 2075km ...
Pitcairn Island
The Natural Beauty of Pitcairn Island
Located deep within the South Pacific is Pitcairn Island. This island is part of the Pitcairn Islands group of 4 islands: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno. Scattered across several hundred miles of ocean, these islands only make up a combined land area of 47 square kilometres (18 square miles). While Henderson Island accounts for 86% of the total land area, Pitcairn Island is the only island in the group that has any people at all. Even so, with a population of just 50, Pitcairn is the least populous national jurisdiction in the world! Similar to Easter Island, Pitcairn makes ...
American Samoa
The Natural Beauty of Tutuila Island, American Samoa
Tutuila Island is a tropical paradise that is part of the islands and atolls that make up American Samoa. Tutuila Island is also the largest and main island of America Samoa and home to its capital, Pago Pago. American Samoa is located pretty much in the center of the Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii in the north and New Zealand in the south. Its geographic coordinates are 14° 16S, 170° 42W. The 5 volcanic islands of Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u along with the 2 atolls of Rose and Swains are spread over an area of 117,500 square ...
Tonga
The Natural Beauty of Tongatapu Island Tonga
Part of the Kingdom of Tonga, the island of Tongatapu (pop. 70,000) is also home to the nation’s capital, Nuku’alofa. It is one of 40 inhabited islands of the total 176 Tongan islands located in the South Pacific. Given its geographical position at 20° 00’S and 175°00W, Tonga is actually the very first country in the world to see the dawn every day. Tongatapu Island is indeed a very beautiful place in the Pacific. Tonga itself is quite unique compared to other island nations. It dates back to the arrival of the Polynesians 3,500 years ago and today it ...
The Seas
Not as large as our oceans, but equally beautiful in many respects…
Coral Sea
Australia
The Awe-Inspiring Great Barrier Reef and Discover 2 Beautiful Islands
Truly one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is something so many people have on their bucket lists. Not surprising when you consider what makes it so different and special from other marine attractions in the world. Do read on as I share so many wondrous things I saw and learned when I was able to visit recently with my fiancé James. What is the Great Barrier Reef? Comprising over 2,900 reef and coral cays, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest and most spectacular coral reef system. Situated within the Great ...
Norwegian Sea
Norway
The Natural Beauty of the Lofoten Islands Norway
If you don’t mind the cold so much and you love checking out island paradises, the Lofoten Islands Norway just might be heaven on earth for you. There are few places in Europe that could possibly rival the sheer magnificent beauty of this amazing archipelago. By this, I mean majestic mountains and peaks, deep fjords, colorful fishing villages, open sea and sheltered bays, squawking seabird colonies, fabulous arctic-fresh air and long, surf-swept beaches. When describing the Lofoten Islands, Lonely Planet stated: “The beauty of this place is simply staggering”. Here I want to share with you some of what ...
Mediterranean Sea
Egypt
The Natural Beauty of the Mediterranean Sea Egypt
The entire Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected in the west by the Atlantic Ocean via the Strait of Gibraltar. This sea is surrounded by the three continents of Africa (south), Europe (north) and Asia (east). It is also the sea that connects to the Nile through Egypt and the Red Sea via the Suez Canal. In total the sea covers an approximate area of 2.5 million sq km (965,000 sq mi). Around 3 hours’ drive north of Cairo is a lovely stretch of Egypt’s northern coastline running for some 500 km along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea ...
Red Sea
Egypt
The Natural Beauty around the Red Sea Riviera Egypt
Located between the continents of Africa and Asia (Middle East) is the Red Sea. The Red Sea is actually a saltwater inlet of the Indian Ocean which enters from the Gulf of Aden on the Saudi Arabian Peninsula and then leads all the way up to the Gulf of Suez on one side and the Gulf of Aqaba on the other. My partner James and I had heard about the beautiful resort areas that exist in the Red Sea area of Egypt. Having an international reputation for being one of the best locations for snorkelling, diving and fishing, we ...