From ancient cities to dramatic natural landscapes, these nine international destinations are usually recommended by seasoned travellers as places worth visiting earlier rather than later.

Introduction

There are some journeys in life that are best taken while energy, curiosity and physical stamina are still on your side. Certain destinations reward travellers who are able to walk long distances, handle uneven terrain or embrace slightly demanding itineraries. From ancient cities to dramatic natural landscapes, these nine international destinations are usually recommended by seasoned travellers as places worth visiting earlier rather than later.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto offers a rare window into Japan’s traditional culture, with more than a thousand temples, historic neighbourhoods and seasonal festivals. Many of its highlights, including the Gion district and Arashiyama bamboo grove, are best explored on foot, making mobility an advantage.

Iceland

Iceland’s appeal lies in its raw landscapes: waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and lava fields. While infrastructure is good, experiencing the country fully often involves road trips, short hikes and exposure to unpredictable weather, which can be more demanding with age.

Machu Picchu, Peru

American historian Hiram Bingham is credited with discovering (more accurately exposing) Machu Picchu in 1911. They are perched high in the Andes, and remains one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Although trains and buses make access easier, many travellers aim to complete the Inca Trail or similar treks, which require good fitness and acclimatisation.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali combines temples, rice terraces, beaches and volcanic scenery. Exploring inland villages, climbing Mount Batur at sunrise or navigating narrow streets and steps around temples is far more comfortable while stamina is high.

Paris, France

Paris is a city designed for walking. This is especially true as, from museum-hopping to wandering along the Seine and climbing monuments, the experience often involves full days on foot. It is said that the city rewards travellers who can move at a steady pace.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town’s location is very interesting. It’s dramatic setting between mountains and sea offers outdoor activities such as hiking Table Mountain, thus exploring coastal trails and visiting nearby vineyards. These experiences are said to be most enjoyable with physical confidence and flexibility.

Rome, Italy

Rome is rich in culture. It’s layers of history unfold across sprawling archaeological sites, cobbled streets and busy piazzas. Visiting landmarks such as the Roman Forum or Vatican Museums involves extensive walking and standing.

Annapurna Region, Nepal

The Annapurna region is one of the world’s most popular trekking destinations as it offers routes such as the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp. In fact, Nepal in itself is a destination defined by its landscapes and trekking culture. However, Annapurna region is especially very demanding as even moderate treks involve altitude, uneven terrain and basic facilities, making them more suitable for travellers with physical resilience.

Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica is demanding even before arrival. According to official expedition operators, the visitors have to deal with rough sea crossings, cold conditions and they have to follow strict safety protocols. Landing excursions often involve climbing in and out of boats and walking on icy terrain, making it a destination best tackled while physically capable.

Wales is called the Land of Castles because it has more than 600 castles, the highest number per square mile in the world. These ancient fortresses, built by Welsh and Norman rulers, showcase the region’s strong medieval history and make Wales a major heritage destination.

Many countries around the world are known for their beautiful historical buildings, especially old castles that show stories of kings, queens and past battles. These castles attract visitors who love exploring ancient structures, learning about culture and understanding how people lived hundreds of years ago. Among all these places, one country is especially famous for having the highest number of castles and a very rich royal history.

Which Country is known as the Land of Castles?

The country known as the Land of Castles is Wales. It has more than 600 castles, which means it has the highest number of castles per square mile in the entire world. These castles were built by Welsh leaders and Norman rulers, making the region rich in medieval history.

Why is Wales known as the Land of Castles?

Wales earned this name because castles were built here for hundreds of years. They were used for protection during wars, as administrative centres, and as homes for important rulers. Today, these castles are symbols of Wales’ long and powerful past.

How many Castles are in Wales?

There are over 600 castles recorded across Wales. Some are beautifully preserved, some have been repaired, and many stand as ruins that still show ancient designs and defence systems. This large number makes Wales the most castle-dense country in Europe.

Famous Castles in Wales

Wales has several world-famous castles, such as Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle, Cardiff Castle, Harlech Castle, and Beaumaris Castle. These are among the top tourist places in the United Kingdom and attract visitors from around the world.

History of Castles in Wales

Most castles in Wales were built between the 11th and 14th centuries. Native Welsh rulers and Norman kings constructed them during times of battles and political change. The style and location of each castle tell stories about Wales’ long history of conflict and power.

Most Visited Castles in Wales

Caernarfon Castle is one of the most visited castles. It is known for its striking design, UNESCO recognition, and the famous event where Prince Charles was crowned Prince of Wales in 1969.

Best Castles to Visit

Visitors love exploring different types of castles, such as:

• Conwy Castle for its strong walls and towers
• Cardiff Castle for its city location
• Harlech Castle for its hilltop views
• Pembroke Castle for its medieval charm

Largest Castle in Wales

The largest castle by area in Wales is Caerphilly Castle. It has huge defence walls, deep water-filled moats, and a powerful design that reflects medieval engineering.

Oldest Castle in Wales

Chepstow Castle is among the oldest stone castles in Wales. Built in the 11th century, it is a wonderful example of early medieval architecture.

UNESCO World Heritage Castles

Several castles in Wales are UNESCO-listed. The famous “Iron Ring of Castles” built by King Edward I includes:

• Caernarfon
• Conwy
• Harlech
• Beaumaris

These are recognised globally for their history and architecture.

Interesting Facts About the Land of Castles

• Wales Has the Most Castles per Square Mile: No other country has so many castles in such a small area, making Wales a dream place for castle lovers.
• Many Castles Are UNESCO Sites: Castles like Caernarfon and Harlech are world-famous for their heritage value.
• Castles Host Events and Festivals: Many Welsh castles organise music shows, exhibitions, and historical displays that attract thousands of tourists.
• Wide Variety of Designs: Some castles are simple tower houses, while others have royal rooms, courtyards, and stunning decorations.
• Castles in Every Landscape: You can find castles in cities, small towns, hillsides, and even near the sea — offering different travel experiences.

Learn why the Ladakh Desert is famously known as the Cold Desert. Its freezing weather, high elevation, very low rainfall, thin air, unique wildlife, and dramatic Himalayan scenery make it one of the most unusual and remarkable deserts in the world.

Some deserts are extremely hot, but some remain cold throughout the year. These cold deserts receive very little rain, have dry air, and are surrounded by high mountains. Their climate is harsh, with freezing winds and long winters that shape the land, wildlife, and lifestyle of the people living there. Understanding such deserts helps us learn how nature works in difficult environments.

Which Desert is known as the Cold Desert?

The Ladakh Desert in northern India is called the Cold Desert. It is located in the Himalayan region and remains cold even during the summer months. The high altitude and dry air make this desert very different from hot deserts like the Thar.

Why is Ladakh known as the Cold Desert?

Ladakh is known as the Cold Desert for several reasons. Temperatures in winter can fall below –20°C, and even in summer, the air stays cool. The Himalayan mountain ranges stop moisture-filled winds from entering the region, which means Ladakh receives almost no rain. The height of the place also keeps the climate extremely cold.

Location of the Cold Desert in India

The Cold Desert lies in the Ladakh Union Territory. Important areas in this region include:

• Leh
• Nubra Valley
• Diskit
• Hunder
• Pangong Lake region

These places have a mix of high sand dunes, rocky landscapes, and dry open valleys.

Climate and Weather of the Cold Desert

The Ladakh Cold Desert has:

• Very cold winters
• Cool to mild summers
• Strong, dry winds
• Very little rainfall

Snowfall in winter is the main source of moisture. The air is thin, which makes the sunlight appear bright, but the ground stays cold.

Why does the Cold Desert Stay Cold Throughout the Year?

The Cold Desert stays cold because it is located at a very high altitude. The air pressure is low, so heat cannot stay trapped in the atmosphere. After sunset, the temperature drops quickly, making nights extremely cold. The thin air also cannot hold warmth, which keeps the region cold day and night.

Famous Places in the Cold Desert Region

Some well-known tourist places in the Cold Desert include:

• Nubra Valley
• Pangong Lake
• Turtuk village
• Hunder sand dunes
• Diskit Monastery
• High-altitude passes like Khardung La

These spots show the beauty of Ladakh with its blue lakes, wide valleys, and snowy mountains.

Interesting Facts About the Cold Desert

• High-Altitude Sand Dunes: The Ladakh Desert has sand dunes at very high heights. These dunes are found among cold mountains, which is uncommon in most deserts.
• Glaciers Provide Water: Glaciers melt to form rivers such as the Indus, Shyok, and Zanskar. These rivers give water to villages, crops, and wildlife.
• Lies in a Rain-Shadow Zone: The Himalayas block rain clouds from reaching Ladakh. Therefore, the area gets extremely low rainfall—sometimes less than 10 cm a year.
• Home to Double-Humped Camels: The region is famous for Bactrian camels, which have two humps and thick fur. They can survive the cold weather and are used for travel in Nubra Valley.
• One of the Highest Deserts in the World: Much of Ladakh is above 3,000 metres, and some parts are even higher than 5,000 metres, making it one of the highest cold deserts on Earth.

A therapist offers her tips on limiting electronics and work stress in order to have a more peaceful, fun vacation. Try these ideas before you go away on your next trip.

In our work-obsessed world, it can be difficult to unplug and stay present when we travel, but it’s essential in order to give our nervous system a well-earned break. Brianna Paruolo, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Director and Founder of On Par Therapy, based in New York offers these tips for living in the moment when you go on vacation.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Be realistic about the time you can actually step away and disconnect from work and technology. “I often find that wanting to go cold-turkey with a habit can have a rebound effect of engaging in the habit you’re looking to kick even more intensely when you return,” says Paruolo. What are the structures and dynamics set up at work that make it easy or difficult to truly disconnect during travel? Will there be real repercussions from going offline, or is it more perfectionism and control-driven anxiety? Start small if complete disconnection feels overwhelming. Maybe it’s checking emails only once in the morning and evening, or designating certain hours as completely offline. The goal isn’t to prove something to yourself or others, but to genuinely recharge and be present for your travel experience.

Setting Boundaries

Set thoughtful out-of-office email responses that include when you’ll be back and who to contact for urgent matters. Communicate to your direct team your true availability – not what you think they want to hear, but what you can realistically maintain while still enjoying your time away. Get clear with yourself about your “why” around the desire to disconnect. Is it burnout? FOMO? The need to prove your dedication? Understanding your motivation helps you stay committed to the boundary. “Remember that a boundary is a conversation, not a demand, and certainly not something someone else has to automatically respect,” says Paruolo. “The only person in charge of respecting a boundary is yourself, so be clear about how you’d like to implement it and what sticking to it actually looks like in practice.” This might mean turning off work notifications entirely, using a separate device for personal use, or scheduling specific check-in times rather than being reactive all day.

Calming Down Our Nervous System

Constant connectivity keeps our nervous systems in a state of low-level activation – we’re always waiting for the next notification, email, or crisis to respond to. This chronic state of alertness prevents us from truly resting and processing our experiences. When we unplug, we allow our minds to wander, make connections, and actually integrate what we’re seeing and learning during travel. “Unplugging also helps us reconnect with our own internal rhythm rather than being driven by external demands,” says Paruolo. Many people discover they’ve lost touch with what they actually enjoy or find interesting when they’re not constantly consuming other people’s content and responding to others’ priorities.

Setting Up a Plan

Sometimes the best unplug is a forced unplug – when there’s no WiFi or cell service to connect to, the decision is made for you. If it feels safe and doable, try sticking to airplane mode and only connecting to WiFi when it’s available and free, rather than actively seeking out connectivity. Consider unplugging during the activities or experiences that drew you to travel in the first place. “If you’re hiking, exploring a new city, or having dinner with travel companions, that’s not the time to be documenting everything for social media or checking work emails,” says Paruolo. The most meaningful moments of travel often happen when we’re fully present rather than thinking about how to capture or share them.

Preventing Anxiety

Preparation is key to making unplugging feel sustainable rather than anxiety-provoking. Download offline maps, entertainment, and any essential information before you leave. Let people know your communication plan ahead of time so you’re not fielding questions about your availability while you’re away. Create systems that make reconnection easier when you return. Maybe that’s scheduling focused work time for your first day back to catch up, or asking a colleague to sort through emails and flag only the truly urgent ones. “The fear of returning to chaos often keeps us tethered to work during vacation, so addressing that proactively helps you actually disconnect,” says Paruolo.

Overcoming Challenges

Fears around structures at work falling apart, no one else being capable of getting the job done, or receiving pushback from co-workers if you step away. These fears are often rooted in control issues and the belief that our worth is tied to our indispensability. Says Paruolo: “There’s also FOMO, both professionally and personally. What if something important happens and you miss it? What if everyone else is documenting their travels perfectly and you’re not keeping up? The irony is that the constant documenting and checking in often prevents us from having the experiences worth sharing in the first place.”

Another challenge is the physical habit of reaching for our phones. We’ve trained ourselves to fill any moment of quiet or transition with scrolling. Being in new environments can actually trigger more phone-checking as we seek familiar comfort, so having alternative coping strategies ready, like bringing a book, journal, or simply practicing sitting with unfamiliar feelings, can be helpful.