French Polynesia: a must on your paradise travel bucket list
Imagine scattering clusters of emeralds and sapphires across a vast carpet of turquoise and you begin to get an idea of the visual splendor that is French Polynesia. Composed of 118 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over an expanse of more than 1,200 mi (2,000 km) in the South Pacific Ocean, this overseas collectivity of France spans the size of Europe. A globally renowned destination, French Polynesia is divided into five island groups: the Society Islands archipelago, composed of the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands; the Tuamotu Archipelago; the Gambier Islands; the Marquesas Islands; and the Austral Islands. Soaring moss-green peaks and idyllic beaches define these islands, which are lapped by warm sparkling waters filled with abundant marine life. Adding texture to the ocean are numerous atolls—rings of living coral embracing shallow, crystal-clear lagoons. The Society Islands, believed to have been named by British explorer Captain James Cook during his first voyage in 1769, attract the majority of the region's visitors. The archipelago includes Tahiti, Mo'orea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Taha’a—islands that between them feature world-class luxury resorts, compelling cultural sites, and provide adrenaline-fueled watersports options. French Polynesia is full of surprises: the most photographed isle in the South Pacific, Motu Tapu, is here; wine, (yes, wine) is produced on one of the remote atolls; and the beautiful Tahitian pearl makes up over 50% of French Polynesia's exports. A vivid undersea world of fish, rays, sharks, and turtles greets those exploring below the blue lagoons that circle the islands. Deeper waters reveal gracious whales and playful dolphins. On land, mysterious stone carved statues stare blankly onwards, their weathered features testament to the many gods in Polynesian mythology worshiped by an ancient indigenous population. Sultry French Polynesia is a place to relax and soak in a laid-back vibe on some of the most enchanting islands on the planet. Browse through this gallery for an inspiring island-hopping excursion and some great ideas on where to go and what to see.
2024-06-29T13:12:31Z
Natural wonders destroyed by tourists
Our planet is full of amazing places that many of us dream of visiting one day. Places that we would only be exposed to through a National Geographic documentary are now available at the distance of a click. Do you want to know where the most spectacular and secluded places on Earth are located? All you need is access to the Internet and you’re good to go. It doesn’t take much to come up with a shortlist of beautiful distant destinations for your next vacation. Traveling to remote locations has never been easier. Lower air travel fares and a wider network of local transportation has made once remote places easily accessible. Your average folks are now following the trail of explorers and scientists alike and delving deep into the wilderness. Tourism can be extremely beneficial for many countries’ economies and an important source of income for many people around the world, but if not properly controlled, it can have disastrous consequences. Despite the rise of sustainable tourism, many places in the world are simply not prepared for the influx of people they’re getting, nor is the ecosystem in many of those places. From remote natural parks to uninhabited islands, tourists are getting everywhere, and sometimes their footprint causes irreversible damage. It’s inevitable that, as more people travel, more often, and to more locations than ever before, accidents will happen. How many of us have been to beautiful locations, away from it all, only to find traces of human presence, from bottles to cigarette butts. While this is far from being an enjoyable experience, the truth is that it can get worse—a lot worse. From unfortunate accidents, to downright vandalism, in this gallery you’ll find many cases where stupidity outweighed curiosity. While you might not completely lose faith in humanity, these examples will at least make you question the whole human conscience and our relationship with the planet. Click through and get to know some of planet’s most amazing places that have been ruined by tourists.
2024-02-22T16:41:52Z