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It’s one of the seven wonders of the natural world, larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing visible from space. It is no wonder then that the Great Barrier Reef is a destination for millions of tourists every year.

The marine park runs parallel with the Queensland coast and stretches over 3,000km². The reef is 65km wide in some parts and has the most vivid coral in the world, making it a scuba diver’s paradise. There are over 400 different kinds of coral on the reef and 1,500 species of tropical fish; it is also home to mussels, sponges, rays and dolphins. There are over 200 different species of birds and approximately 20 types of reptiles living in the park, including sea snakes and turtles.

Hundreds of tour operators and thousands of vessels and aircraft are permitted to operate in the marine park every year as tourists flock to see the stunning fish or the humpback whales that travel miles to reproduce there. The natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef extends, both under the water and above it and visitors enjoy an experience of the senses as well as learn about the world heritage aspects of the park they are visiting. The Dugong and large Green Sea turtle are just two of the endangered species that inhabit the reef. The marine park was established precisely to protect such creatures from extinction.

Picture: eutrophication&hypoxia

Surrounded by Andorra and France to the north, Aragon to the west, Valencia to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the east, Catalonia has everything a tourist may look for: a mild climate just perfect for an unforgettable holiday; beautiful, ample beaches with fine sand and crystal waters; and the Pyrenees, a beautiful mountain range.

Climate

Catalonia’s climate is very diverse, with a Mediterranean climate affecting the provinces such as Girona, Barcelona and Tarragona located along the Mediterranean coastline; a continental Mediterranean climate characterising the inner part of the region; and an Alpine climate surrounding the Pyrenean peaks and valleys. 

Things to do and see

Catalonia is a semi-autonomous community in Spain with a unique culture easily distinguished from that of other Spanish regions. Besides its cultural heritage, Catalonia offers a wide assortment of water sports, many natural wonders, beautiful monuments and modern attractions that are well worth a visit. A few highlights include the incredible Costa Brava with romantic small coves and steep cliffs, the Golden Coast, the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, aqueducts, an amphitheatre, the birthplace of Salvador Dali, and a few outstanding monuments such as the Tomb of the Scipios, a reminder of the Roman Empire in Tarragona.

Travellers are also invited to try Catalonia’s excellent traditional seafood platters, accompanied by superior wines and famous desserts like the ‘Catalonia Cream’. Additionally, travel agencies operating within this region recommend a variety of wine tours that give tourists the chance to taste some of the best wines in the world, such as Grans Muralles and Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon.

Lodging

With hundreds of hotels, villas, apartments and private holiday rentals, Catalonia can compete against the top holiday destinations in the world. Depending on the area a tourist intends to visit, he or she can opt for an elegant villa on the coastline, a small apartment in the heart of Barcelona, or a luxury hotel with all the amenities needed for a perfect holiday.

Transportation

Catalonia has a vast network of trains, trams, metros, buses, and car and bicycle rental services that allow tourists to explore the entire region. Since a direct flight from London to Barcelona only takes about one hour and forty-five minutes, most British tourists planning to spend their holiday in Catalonia choose this route.

Picture: Scott Wylie

As one of the biggest and most culturally diverse countries in the world, The United States of America boasts some of the best tourist attractions in the world, they may not be an old and historic as those in Europe or Egypt, but they are still as stunning.

Natural wonders combine with manmade monuments and structures to form the iconic country we see today, so where should you visit first? Here are our top attractions to visit in the US:

The White House

Possibly the most recognisable residence in the world, apart from Buckingham Palace in London, the White House is an icon of the United States. Built between 1792 and 1800, the White House is the official residence and principle workplace for the President of the United States (currently Barack Obama).

Since March 2013, White House public tours have been suspended because of federal budget constraints, however if you wish to visit the White House you may be able to do so by contacting your embassy in Washington, DC.

Las Vegas Strip

The number one gambling mecca of the world, Las Vegas is full of glitz and glamour. Nestled neatly in the midst of the Nevada dessert, the city bills itself as ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’ and rightly so. The casinos are the main draw of Las Vegas, but there is much more to the city than just gambling.

Shopping, fine dining and nightlife are all bigger and better in the city that doesn’t sleep. The Las Vegas Strip is probably the most popular destination in the city, with a multitude of mega-casinos and hotels, theatres and bright lights.

Las Vegas really is one of those places you have to see to be believed and with over 40 million tourists a year you’ll be in good company.

Florida Keys

For sun, sea and sand there is no better place than the Florida Keys. This 120 mile long chain of tropical islands situated on the East coast of the US is truly breath-taking. As well as a range of activities to take part in including boating, diving and surfing, the Florida Keys is also home to some of the best shopping malls and golf courses in the US.

Whether you want to sit on a beach and relax or do something a bit more adventurous, the Florida Keys has it all.

Niagara Falls

Located between the state of New York and the province of Ontario, Canada, Niagara Falls is one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Consisting of three different falls, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls is a great day out for the whole family.

Prospect Point Park observation tower provides a spectacular view of the falls from its 282 feet advantage point, or if your want to experience the natural wonder from above you can purchase a ride in a helium balloon or helicopter.

Niagara Falls is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the worlds with over 14 million visitors each year.

Golden Gate Bridge

Spanning between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Suspension Bridge is a triumph of engineering. The bridge is a popular with pedestrians and cyclists and has walkways on each side, but the best way to view the bridge is from afar.

Hawk Hill & Battery Spencer and Kirby Cove are two of the best places to see the bridge in its full glory and offers tourists the perfect vantage point for some spectacular pictures.

Interesting fact: The Golden Gate Bridge was painted its iconic red/orange colour to make it more visible through the thick fog that frequently covers the bay.