Lakes, mountains and coasts offer some of the most spectacular hiking trails. But let’s not forget about waterfalls. Offering so many incredible treks with endless photo opportunities, we’ll talk you through our top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. From Angel Falls in Zambia to Guffloss in Iceland, find inspiration for your next waterfall walk below.

1. Plitvice Falls, Croatia

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is the country’s most popular tourist destination. With nearly 1 million visitors every year, Plitvice Falls consists of a series of waterfalls from 16 different lakes. And with roughly 8 unique trails to choose from, you can take your pick of 3km to 18km routes. If you’re after a challenge, head to the Upper Lakes and Veliki Prstavac where you have the option to explore the whole park.

2. Niagara Falls, Canada & USA

Located on the border of both Canada and the US, the Niagara Falls are both impressively long and high. What’s more, most people aren’t aware of the fact that the falls are actually made up of three different waterfalls – the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. For a leisurely family stroll, the Niagara Recreation Trail takes between 1 to 2 hours for each section, so remember to pack a rucksack full of snacks and water! For some of the best views of the falls, embark on the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area Trail, which can take up to 2 hours. And if you’re there in the spring, look out for the annual hawk migration.

3. Iguazú Falls, Argentina & Brazil

Experience the thundering sounds of the Iguazú Falls located on the Argentinian/Brazilian border. Consisting of 275 cascades, the Iguazú Falls is considered the largest waterfall in the world. It was also declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. So, whether you’re on a gap year in South America or you’re simply holidaying in Brazil, you won’t want to miss the Iguazú Falls – one of the most picturesque waterfalls around the world.

4. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa

This incredible four-tiered waterfall is located on the Mandovi River in Goa. Reaching 310m in height, the Dudhsagar Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in India. If you’re looking to head on a trek before you reach the falls, you can take the train and get off at Kulem or Castle Rock station. Otherwise you can arrange a private taxi to drop you off close to the entrance of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. While you’re there, why not take a dip in the deep pool of water at the base of the falls? Either way, it’s a good idea to take some swimwear with you just in case.

5. Yosemite Falls, USA

One of the world’s tallest waterfalls, Yosemite Falls is a must-see if you’re camping in the valley. You can spot these falls from various places around the valley, serving as a reminder to go and visit. Looking for an adventure while you’re there? Try hiking to the top of the falls! Although, be warned it will take you all day so make sure to prep all your travel accessories before you begin your journey. For a less strenuous waterfall hiking trail, with a lot of the same views, try the Columbia Rock trail instead – this should only take you a couple of hours.

6. Gullfoss, Iceland

You’ll find the iconic Guffloss waterfall in the canyon of the Hvita river in Iceland. In order to get the most out of this waterfall, it is generally viewed from above. The huge masses of water seem to disappear and transform into an ethereal mist. And contrasting with the bright green lands that surround the falls, it provides a range of dramatic photo opportunities. While hiking down to the crest it can become quite misty, so you’ll want to have a waterproof jacket handy for the trip.

7. Victoria Falls, Zambia

Widely considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls around the world, Victoria Falls has been attracting tourists for years. However tourist numbers have dwindled amid the fears that the waterfall is drying up. But local authorities insist that although they have experienced a drop in water levels, the waterfall is not in danger of vanishing just yet. And with the end of the dry season approaching, the falls are still well worth a visit if you’re travelling to Zambia.

8. Ban Gioc-Deitan Falls, Vietnam & China

Arguably some of the most interesting waterfalls in Vietnam, the Ban Gioc-Deitan Falls are fed by the Quay Son River, marking the Chinese border. Lush green forests line the backdrop to the falls, giving the appearance of a tropical paradise. Luckily, if you’re staying in Hanoi this waterfall is pretty easy to get to; just jump on a bus and it’ll take you right where you need to be! Having said this, it’s not recommended that you travel during the wet season (June – August). Instead, the best time to visit is between September and October to experience much calmer waters and a more relaxed atmosphere.

9. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Regarded as the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela is a sight to behold. The water begins to drop at a cleft near the summit of the Auyán-tepui tabletop mountain into Devil’s Canyon. Being so remote, there are plenty of areas to camp near the base of the falls for a truly adventurous experience, with an option to sleep overnight in one of the hammocks. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers one of the most exhilarating travel experiences, as you have to fly to get to the location. Be warned though, as the pilot sometimes flies pretty close to the top of the waterfall – so it’s not for the fainthearted!

10. Sutherland Falls, New Zealand

New Zealand’s best waterfall, Sutherland Falls, may be tricky to access but it’s well worth the effort. You can choose between two travel options; head to the falls on foot via the Milford track (this takes 4 days) or take the easier option and catch a scenic flight via plane or helicopter. One of the highest and most captivating waterfalls around the world, the Sutherland Falls offers a real mystical and breathtaking travel adventure – whichever route you decide to take to get there.

It’s always fun to explore a new place, especially if that place has an interesting history or community, or is shrouded in mystery.

And it is even better if you were to go without reading up too much on the destination prior to your visit. Just get basic information like how to get there and where to stay.

Of course, there are many types of travellers: Some would want to know and plan for everything beforehand, while others – like myself – prefer to just… wing it. Fortunately for me, I usually end up getting the best experiences from travelling this way.

One example is when I walked through the Sea Of Trees or Aokigahara in the Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan. I was in Tokyo a few days earlier for work, and had extended my stay. From the city, I took a bus to Lake Kawaguchi or Kawaguchiko, which is about two hours away.

Kawaguchiko is near Mount Fuji, and even though I wasn’t going to climb the mountain, I thought it would be a nice place to explore and hike. It was only when I got to the train station at Kawaguchiko, and ruffled through the tourist brochure, that I realised just how close I was to the infamous Aokigahara forest.

OK, cool.

The brochure was very useful and it gave me all the details I needed about hiking to Aokigahara. (Many of us now would just Google or check an app for information, but don’t dismiss the value of a physical tourist brochure, especially if there is no WiFi available in the area!)

I got on the tourist bus that would take me to the starting point of the Aokigahara walking trail, or so I thought. I must have missed the stop because when we got to the end of the route, it did not look like the picture in the brochure. I was the only one left on the bus so I asked the driver, “Aokigahara?”

He looked at me, nodded and pointed at the door.

OK.

There was a visitors’ centre or something at the place, but when I went into the building there was no one around I could speak to.

OK.

I found a trail behind the building that led into the forest. There was a sign in Japanese which I could not read, but since it did not have the “No Entry” symbol on it, I figured it was safe to enter the forest.

The trail was clear and looked like it had been properly built for walking or hiking purposes; it was also big enough for a whole horse carriage to go through.

As I was trying to decide which direction to go, an elderly man and a teenage boy suddenly appeared and the former cheerily said “Ohayo!” (good morning). “Tourist?”

“Yes.”

“OK, enjoy!”

I took another path, one that had a little more light than where the men went. It was a wonderful trail and very easy to navigate, as long as you stayed on the path. Every now and then I came across distance and direction markers, but none were in English. No big deal, I thought, because I seemed to be going the right way… until I came to a section that… felt different.

Suddenly the beautiful forest was all quiet, and I could no longer hear the insects, bugs and small animals. The air also felt… it felt like there was no air, no breeze. Had I accidentally walk over to the “forbidden” part of the forest?

(The forbidden zone is clearly marked, although there is no large barrier – just a rope – that would prevent anyone from walking in.)

I started to get a little paranoid and looked around, but then I didn’t want to “see” anything so I stopped and kept walking instead.

There was more vegetation in this part of the woods, and the tree roots grew everywhere so the path was no longer clear. I had to stop every few meters to make sure I was moving straight forward and not to the left or right.

It was a little eerie but I was mostly afraid of getting lost than anything, as my phone signal was also very weak.

About 20 minutes later, I finally came across a sign nailed to the root of an interesting-looking tree with a pinkish bark. Again, I had no idea what the sign said, but it was a welcome sight nonetheless.

There was a bench nearby so I sat down and took a lunch break. As I was eating, I heard some children laughing in the distance… it was a group of schoolboys and their teachers having a field trip in the forest.

“Konnichi wa!” some of them said as they walked past me, a few bowing their heads.

“Hello!” I replied.

One of the boys stopped, smiled and said, “Good afternoon.”

I continued my walk, all the way to the Saiko Bat Cave Information Centre, which is the actual starting point of the Aokigahara walking trail. I had missed the Bat Cave tour (yes, there are some caves you can explore here), so I went back into the forest to see how much further the trail would take me.

As it turns out, it took me back to where I started. Perfect.

For a pictorial guide on how to get to the Aokigahara walking trail, check out the Yamanashi Prefecture tourist website (shorturl.at/awAJP).

It isn’t any black magic, nor there is any secret.
There is a direct correlation between physical fitness levels & lesser risk of lung or colorectal cancers. Even though it is advisable to take anti-cancer news with a pinch of salt, a tweet from the University of Alabama stated a plain fact that simply higher levels of physical fitness may sometimes act as a shield against certain varieties of cancer. The levels of data found through research show how outstanding levels of differences staying physically fit can make.

A fairly recent cancer-related tweet from the University of Alabama stated an unsurprising fact, which is high-physical fitness can act as a shield against certain kinds of cancers. What might catch someone’s attention is that there are tonnes of data to back up the fact that physical fitness can ward off a few types of cancer.

Henry Ford Health System, alongside John Hopkins University, based in Michigan launched a new study fueled by the tweet. The Henry Ford Group has the data of close to 70,000 people who were asked to appear for a treadmill test by their doctors in the years 1991 till 2009, which gave them a somewhat accurate grasp on the cardiorespiratory fitness of the subjects.

By tracking the ensuing health condition of the recorded patients from within the Henry Ford Group, as well as other external databases, the researchers could conclude how the fitness levels of the subjects affected their health later on in the future. In the experiment, it was found that the fitter the subject was, their lifespan lengthened.

Even though the idea of exercising to ward off cancer may seem a bit far-fetched to the average individual, it all comes down to improving the fitness to reduce the overall risk of being diagnosed with cancer.
Adding to that, the easiest ways to stay fit are exercising & eating healthy.

This very moment, scientists around the world are trying to decipher the process behind cancer formation in bodies & how to avoid getting cancer. But until a breakthrough is achieved, the sure-fire way to stay above cancer is to stay as fit as can.

Here’s how you can curb motion sickness!

Long car rides make you nauseous? Well, then motion sickness can be a great hurdle when you have to travel. It can upset the stomach, and you may feel nauseous and woozy. Long car rides are not suitable for some people and do result in the feeling of nausea. But you need not be afraid anymore while travelling as we have come up with some lifesaving foods that you can eat to avoid sickness and vomiting. Have a look!

Ginger

Ginger has qualities that might help curb nausea. It can ease the irritation of the stomach and bring instant relief. Try having ginger tea, ginger ale or candy or you can crush a tbsp of ginger, mix it in hot water and drink which will help you get past that queasy feeling effectively.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another traditional remedy used to treat motion sickness. Both its leaves and its oil help deal with indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome, according to the NCCIH, and a small study published in February 2014 in the Journal of Peri Anesthesia Nursing suggests that the scent of peppermint oil can ease nausea. You can have it in the form of tea for good taste and results.

Crackers

Foods that are high in starch helps to settle a queasy stomach. The bland taste of crackers with high starch helps to avoid motion sickness. It’s also a good idea to keep a handful of crackers with yourself while you are travelling and eat whenever you feel hungry. Also, nibble those crackers with some cold water for best results.

Cardamom

Cardamom is an effective remedy for motion sickness. Chew 1 or two cardamom seeds as it will change the taste that will help soothe the vomiting sensation. Black cardamom subdues Kapha, pitta, vata, while green cardamom stimulates pitta and soothes Vata and Kapha.

Nuts

Nuts are protein-packed and will replenish your depleted energy, keeping nausea at bay. However, you should have it in small amounts. A low-fat, lower protein meal plan rich in starchy foods is the best solution when you’re struggling with nausea.

Banana

Snack on a banana if you feel dehydrated and nauseous. Bananas can help restore potassium, which is often depleted as a result of diarrhea and vomiting. It also has a good amount of starch in it.

Water

Water keeps you hydrated. Taking small sips of plain water will do the same and avoid the headaches that often accompany nausea. Start by slowly drinking tiny amounts and don’t drink too much as it will make the condition worse.