Nature

The Yosemite area offers a lot for an adventurous traveller, as part of the Mariposa County the area has been attacking traveller since the mid-1800.  When gold was discovered, prospectors came from near and far in their thousands, hoping to strike it rich. The easy gold lasted long enough for the area to get the necessary infrastructure to developed into a striving town.  Yosemite has now become a must see are for anyone visiting California.  So, whether you want to visit Sprint, Summer, Autumn and Winter are is something here for you to do and see.

In Sarawak, fortune favours the intrepid.  As Malaysia's largest state it isn't just beautiful, it's a land of wild encounters, of 140-million-year-old rainforests and unique tribal cultures. Those that tread lightly - who travel slowly and sustainably - will see a side to the region that few others do, for this is a destination that rewards a deeper exploration.  Spend a night in a tribal homestay, and you'll be welcomed as a member of the family. Join a turtle nesting project, and the beach reveals its wild side.

Green is the perfect adjective for Nicaragua. Not only does it apply to the country's lush jungles but also to the raft of responsible measures Nicaragua has introduced to make sure that its area of pristine and natural beauty stay protected for generations to come.

A twig snaps in the distance and birds begin to circle ominously overhead. I hold my breath, keeping my eyes peeled for a flash of fur. We are in prime brown bear territory in Kainnu, Finland's northern-most region, just 2km from the Russian border.  There are only two inhabitants per square kilometre in Kainnu, which is the size Belgium. The plan is to spot more bears than people.

Adventure awaits you in Austria. As the seasons in Tirol change, so too does the landscape; transforming the region from a winter wonderland into a summer playground. Think majestic mountains and craggy ravines, emerald pastures strewn with wildflowers, playful brooks rushing through verdant woodland, and crystal-clear lakes just waiting to be leapt into.  Winding pathways meander throughout, helping those who wish to wander; in fact, there's 24,000km worth of marked hiking trails and 6,000km of mountain bike tracks to find and countless outdoor activities to try. Charming alpine villages with friendly locals, hearty dishes served in cosy mountains huts, and lively summer festivals all add to the appeal after an action-packed day of exploration.

Travelling responsibly is easy in Belize, due to the country's goal to become a world leader in sustainable tourism. With eco-lodges scattered across the pristine rainforest and along the unspoilt Caribbean coast, the highest population of jaguars on the planet and a whopping 28% of territory set aside to ensure the preservation of the flora and fauna, you're in for a wild and responsible adventure. Here's how to best enjoy all that bountiful Belize has to offer.

Tanzania has had its trouble internally and sometimes trouble from its neighbour Kenya spill over scaring visitors. But putting that aside Tanzania is one of Africa’s best kept secrets, with its searing temperature, Tanzania has emerged as the African destination of choice for those seeking a host of natural wonders, exquisite safari opportunities and a wealth of secret spots.  Here, we pick our favourites and throw in a few hidden gems.

'Pura Vida' can be heard echoing throughout Costa Rica. Translating to 'pure life', the term has been adopted unofficially as the country's national motto, symbolic of the Costa Rican mindset and indicative of the enriching experiences that await travellers.  With today's hectic lifestyle, it's never been more important to enjoy an occasional break from the daily grind, take a digital detox from our phones or simply make time to revel in the world around us. If you're looking to pair all this with an immersion into nature, then Costa Rica makes for a prime destination choice.

The baby wildebeest is lying in the long grass, lurching around like an infant learning to walk as it strains to get back on its feet. It would be cute, if only it wasn't struggling so much - but then the lioness, her mouth dripping with blood, digs her fangs back into the baby's throat, and the flailing ends; the wildebeest has succumbed and the queen of the jungle is ready to enjoy her fresh kill.

As I roll along a narrow country road behind yet another country road being yet another tractor in no hurry, I take the chance to poke to my head out of the car window. Sprawling paddocks dip into a huge body of water and the grass is an impossible shade of green, like it has been touched up in Photoshop. Sheep turn their heads and walk towards me as if they are the welcoming party for the wild west of Ireland - it seems Irish hospitality knows no bounds.