How to Plan an Epic Trip to the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?

Are you picturing yourself at the edge of the Grand Canyon, feeling the mist of Victoria Falls on your face or looking up to see the northern lights twinkling away in the Arctic? These are only some of the incredible experiences you can enjoy on an epic trip to the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

But how do you make this dream a reality? Planning an epic trip like this can be daunting. In this guide, we will share everything that you need to know how to plan your epic trip to the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Are you excited to go on the most amazing adventure of your life? Let’s get into it!

Which are the 7 Natural Wonders?

1. Grand Canyon, USA

You have most likely seen multiple pictures of the Grand Canyon, but experiencing it in real life is an astonishing experience that cannot be recreated. It is located in North America, Arizona, USA, and it is evidence of the extraordinary awesomeness of the power of nature and time. When you find yourself at the rim, you will be stunned by the magnitude of this enormous gorge scoured by the Colorado River over millions of years. 

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, nearly 18 miles (29 km) wide and drops more than a mile (1.6 km) deep. The layered bands of red rock tell a nearly 2 billion-year geological history of the Earth. You’ll find yourself enchanted by the varying colours, as the sun moves and paints the canyon walls in a brilliant palette of colours. 

It’s essential to spend at least a couple of days to take in the full Grand Canyon experience. Walk along the rim trails, mule ride into the canyon or experience the thrills of whitewater rafting down the Colorado River! To take your experience to the next level, be sure to watch the sunrise and/or sunset at one of the canyon’s many rim viewpoints! 

2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia 

As you journey from the rugged outback of the Grand Canyon to the aquatic wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, you will experience a change of scenery. The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, which is the world’s largest coral reef system and an overwhelming example of a natural wonder. 

The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 1,400 miles (2,300 km) and has a vibrant, richly diverse marine ecosystem. When you go, you will have a chance to snorkel or dive into colourful coral, tropical fish, sea turtles and even gentle giants like whale sharks and manta rays. 

The Great Barrier Reef is not a reef but a complicated system of almost 3,000 reefs and 900 islands. You can see it by taking a boat tour, sleeping on one of the beautiful islands or flying over it in a seaplane to see the pattern and colours from above. 

However, you should remember that the Great Barrier Reef is threatened by climate change and other environmental stressors. When you visit, be sure to choose eco-friendly tour operators and undertake responsible tourism practices to protect this amazing natural wonder for future generations. 

3. Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

From the underwater amazement of Australia, your trip now takes you to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In South America, you’ll witness the unique blend of natural beauty and urban landscape that earned the Harbour of Rio de Janeiro its place among the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

You will be in awe of the dramatic scene of Rio’s harbour as you approach the city. The harbour is an outstanding example of nature and human presence coexisting within an impressive granite monolith mountain range that rises out of the sea. Sugarloaf Mountain is without a doubt the most recognisable sight in the harbour of Rio. 

You can take a cable car to the top, where you will be treated to an incredible panoramic view of the city, the bay and the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. You should also see the Christ the Redeemer statue on the top of Corcovado Mountain, which provides equally stunning views. 

Also, take the time to see the harbour itself. You can enjoy a boat tour around it to appreciate the scope and beauty of the area or relax on one of the beaches that line the coastline. The lush green mountains, golden beaches and lively city are something to behold and there is nothing quite like it. 

4. Mount Everest, Nepal/China

Leaving the tropical warmth of Rio, let’s head next to the “roof of the world”, Mount Everest. Straddling the border of Nepal and Tibet (China), Mount Everest is the highest altitude on Earth at 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level. 

Even if you’re not an experienced mountaineer aiming to reach the summit, there are still several ways to experience the grandeur of Everest. You can trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, which is a challenging yet rewarding accomplishment that goes through the beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas and the traditional Sherpa villages. 

You can drive to the base camp on the Tibetan side to have a wonderful view of the north side of Everest. Its snow-covered peak, usually obscured by clouds, touches the sky. The surrounding area, with stunning valleys, glaciers and even larger peaks is a reminder of the raw strength and beauty of nature.

Keep in mind that there is a severe altitude, therefore, even if you are not summiting Everest, this can be challenging. Make sure you acclimate well and respect the mountain environment. The experience of being near Everest, enjoying it from a distance or trekking there is certainly life-changing.

5. Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights, Norway

Now that you have been to the highest mountains in the world, we take you to one of the most ethereal displays of nature, the Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights. While the Northern Lights can be experienced in many locations, the best experiences to see would be in Northern Hemisphere, Norway.

The Aurora Borealis is a beautiful presentation of lights in the sky caused by struck electromagnetic charged particles that come from the sun and collide with atoms in Earth’s atmosphere. While the lights can be different colours, green is the primary colour seen. The visual presentation of the colourful curtain of lights coming from a starry Arctic sky is unforgettable.

If you are interested in seeing the Northern lights, plan your visit between the end of September to the end of March, when the days and nights are the longest. Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle, is called the “Northern Lights Capital” and a perfect place for your adventure of the aurora hunt.

There are countless ways to see the Northern Lights in Norway. You can join a tour, stay in glass igloos or ice hotels, or you can experience the Northern Lights cruise and sail through the amazing Norwegian fjords. Dress warmly and take a camera to document this magnificent natural light display.

6. Parícutin Volcano, Mexico

Leaving the cold beauty of the Arctic, the next stop takes you to the fiery land of Mexico. Parícutin Volcano in Michoacán, Mexico, is special among the 7 Natural Wonders as it is the only Natural Wonder whose entire life cycle has been observed and documented by modern science.

Parícutin began its life on February 20 1943, when a farmer observing his cornfield watched the ground open up and begin spewing ash and stones. Over the next 9 years, Parícutin grew to a height of 1,391 feet (424 meters) and in 1952, it fell dormant again. This rapid development and subsequent growth make Parícutin a very interesting subject of study for geologists and for the visitor, awe-inspiring.

Today, you can hike to the base of the volcano or ride a horse to experience this volcano and you will be surrounded by an otherworldly appearance of black lava fields. The cone of the volcano is closed to visitors for safety, but the views are just as stunning as the surrounding areas. 

Don’t overlook the chance to see the village of San Juan Parangaricutiro, where only the church tower and altar are above the lava field, a hauntingly beautiful scene. The Paricutin Volcano allows you to witness the raw power of the Earth’s geological processes. The volcano is a powerful reminder of the ever-evolving Earth. 

7. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Your tour of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World concludes in Africa with the breathtaking Victoria Falls, located along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or the “Smoke that Thunders.” It is the world’s largest sheet of falling water. 

During full flow, Victoria Falls is about 1.2 miles (2 km) across and 354 feet (108 meters) high. The volume of water pouring over the edge of the falls creates a mist that can be seen from miles away, helping to sustain a lush rainforest ecosystem on all sides of the falls. Victoria Falls can be viewed from both countries and each will give you a different view. 

The Zimbabwean side has more viewpoints of the main falls, while the Zambian side has the Devil’s Pool, which is a natural infinity pool right at the edge of the falls. This spot is only reachable during low water season. 

For an unparalleled adventure, take a helicopter tour to view the falls more closely from the air. You also have the option of white-water rafting on the Zambezi River downstream from the falls or going on a sunset cruise to see wildlife along the river banks.

Once you are standing and experiencing Victoria Falls, feeling the spray on your face and hearing the roar of the waterfall, you will understand why it is one of the great natural wonders of the world. This experience would be a fitting, epic conclusion to your trip around these natural wonders of our beautiful planet.

Planning Your Itinerary

Determining the order of visits

As you plan your epic trip to the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the order of your visits is very important. First, consider the locations and geography of each wonder. Try to group nearby wonders to save on travel time and costs. 

Next, you must consider the seasons when to travel. The best time to visit destinations such as Victoria Falls is during specific months of the year. Do a bit of research to determine the best times of year to visit each destination and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Estimating the time needed at each wonder

You will need to have a rough estimate of the time for each of the natural wonders to enjoy the experience. For the Great Barrier Reef, you will want to plan for at least 3 to 4 days for snorkelling, diving and viewing the islands. A trek to Mount Everest base camp will take roughly 12-14 days. 

The Grand Canyon will also require around 2-3 days for hiking and sightseeing. Victoria Falls can be experienced within 2 days, however, you will want 3 to 5 nights for a better chance of spotting the Northern Lights. Visiting the Harbour of Rio de Janeiro could be as short as 2-3 days, while visiting the Parícutin Volcano in Mexico might take 3-4 nights.

Factoring travel time between locations

Be sure to factor in travel time between wonders. Flights between two continents can take entire days and then you’ll need time to recover from jet lag. For example, it’s possible to spend 30 hours in transit traveling from the Grand Canyon to Victoria Falls with layovers. 

The travel days should be included in your plans so you’ll be able to avoid exhaustion with travelling while also being energised for each of the new locations.

Creating a flexible schedule

While having a plan is a good idea, flexibility is key when visiting the 7 Natural Wonders. As weather conditions can impact your experience, especially for wonders like the Northern Lights or Mount Everest. You should build buffer days to accommodate unexpected delays or if you get particularly captivated by a certain wonder. 

You may want to include a couple of free days in between wonders to accommodate some unplanned discovery excursions or just time to rest. No doubt your epic adventure will be even more epic when you allow room for the unexpected and build in time to enjoy each spectacular experience.

Budgeting for Your Epic Adventure

Estimating costs for transportation

When you start planning your epic adventure to the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, planning your transportation costs will most likely be one of the biggest expenses involved. You would want to try to budget not only for international travel but local travel. 

Begin by checking flight costs for each destination. Booking flights well in advance or during off-peak times which can save you money. Also, don’t forget to add visa costs if necessary.

For local ground transportation, research your available options for the best cost. Your transportation options generally include renting a car, public transportation or hiring local guides with a vehicle. Don’t forget to assume costs for fuel if you drive.

Accommodation expenses

A budget for accommodation varies considerably based on the preferred comfort level, as well as the destinations you’ll be travelling to. We would recommend to do your homework here and consider accommodation options that fall on the lower end of the scale like hostels, mid-level hotels or resorts. 

Also, consider alternative accommodations such as vacation rentals or camping, as they can be less expensive for multiple nights. Note that prices vary from season to season, so study and plan accordingly. You may be able to save some money by booking accommodation in advance or by using any available “reward programs.” And don’t forget to include fees for any resort fees or taxes that could affect your budget.

Food and entertainment budgeting

You will want to budget a reasonable amount for daily food and snacks. Do research on food costs at your various locations. You may find it reasonable to have some meals at a restaurant, while sometimes prepare meals or snacks can reduce your cost. Additionally, don’t forget to investigate tasty, small local street food for some delicious, cheap local food experiences.

Don`t forget to check at each stop for free/low-cost entertainment activities. Many natural wonders offer hiking trails and/view scenic views to visit without cost. Although you may want to set aside some money for a few activities or experiences tied only to the specific location.

Entry fees and guided tours

Some 7 Natural Wonders might have an entry fee or special permits, so make sure you review them in advance and plan for them in the budget. Some locations may also have multi-day extended passes if you plan on trying to view them for multiple days.

Do you want to consider some activities that were guided tours for at least one of the natural wonders? A few of these will definitely cost you more money, however, many will provide insight, experience or context that cannot be able to be found on your own. Look for combination packages that might offer better value for money.

Emergency fund allocation

Regardless of all the planning involved, unexpected things can happen to you while travelling. It is recommended to have an emergency fund budgeted at about 10-15% of the total travel budget. An emergency fund is to be used for matters that can be unexpected during travel. 

Examples can be a health emergency situation, lost bags or changes to an itinerary that you did not see coming. Travel insurance is also something to consider in your emergency planning. Travel insurance can be an upfront cost, but if something goes wrong while on the trip of a lifetime, it is worth the cost to help save money and stress.

Essential Gear and Packing Tips

Climate-appropriate clothing

When planning your epic trip to the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, you need to carefully consider the variance in climate you experience during your travels. You can find yourself on a hot day in the Amazon rainforest and in the next moment freezing at Mount Everest. A versatile approach to your travel closet is essential. 

You should include lightweight moisture-wicking layers for hot climates, along with thermal underwear for colder climates. Do not forget the high-quality waterproof jacket that doubles as a hat and fitted, comfortable, and sturdy hiking boots for several landscapes.

Photography equipment

If you are hoping to document the impressive beauty of these natural wonders, you will want to prepare by bringing along your photography gear. In an ideal world, you will bring along a camera with a quality lens and extra lenses to share in the excitement of the day’s landscape. 

If you do not have a camera, most smartphones can do a great job documenting as well. Once again, an extra memory card is useful to have along. A portable charger and a small tripod will improve your quality of documentation, too. It’s a good idea to have a waterproof bag or case as you can find yourself in mixed elements.

Health and safety items

Lastly, your health and safety should always be a priority on your adventure. Since this may be the most significant thing to consider, take some time and pack a full-complement first-aid kit, including your medications and/or any personal health needs. 

Be sure to also pack insect repellent, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle with a filter. Depending on where you’re headed, altitude sickness medication or malaria pills may also be necessary. Before you go, touch base with your doctor to check off all the vaccinations and medicines that you need.

Travel documents and copies

Check that you have everything you need for travelling, such as your passport, any visas, and a permit to visit the natural wonders. It’s a good idea to have hard and digital copies of those travel documents stored away in a separate area from the official copies. 

You may also want to have copies of your travel insurance policy, emergency contacts or any important medical records. These emergency documents must be quickly at hand throughout the travel, but it is safest to avoid leaving them exposed.

Staying Safe and Healthy

Travel insurance options

On an epic adventure traveling to the 7 natural wonders of the world, travel insurance should not be considered a luxury, it’s a necessity! Look at comprehensive travel insurance policies that cover things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations or adventure activities. 

If you are headed to remote locations like the Amazon Rainforest or Mount Everest, you may also want to consider policies that include evacuation coverage. Check with a lot of different providers and choose a policy that best fits your travel itinerary and risk factors.

Vaccinations and health precautions

Before departing, you should check with your doctor or a travel clinic about the necessary vaccinations, because it is important. Depending on travel locations, you may need vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid or the hepatitis A vaccine. 

It is smart to familiarise yourself with the health risks that come with each natural wonder, such as altitude sickness or sunburn.

Emergency contact information

Make a detailed list of emergency contacts when travelling, including local embassies, a hotline for your insurance company and emergency contacts back home. Share your trip itinerary with family or friends and schedule check-in times throughout your trip. 

If you are planning to visit an outlying area, look into apps or services that allow you to provide updates on your welfare and location.

Safety tips for each location

Each of the 7 Natural Wonders has its own challenges for safety. As an example, when you view the Northern Lights, be ready for extreme cold and possibly slippery conditions. When you visit the Grand Canyon, stay on the designated paths and always have sufficient water to stay hydrated. 

At Victoria Falls, make sure to follow all safety orientation, rules and guidelines for activities on or under the water. Research or talk to locals about safety reminders for each of the wonders and always be respectful of regulations and environmental guidelines. The more health-aware and safety-conscious you are, the more enjoyable and unforgettable your epic trip will be.

Conclusions

Organising a trip to the 7 Natural Wonders of the World is a big and exciting endeavour. Making a plan of your itinerary, your budget, transportation and what to pack will prepare you for this epic trip. Remember to include your health and safety in your considerations so you can fully enjoy the magnificence of these natural wonders.

When visiting, take a moment to appreciate the incredible diversity and magnificence of our planet. Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, observing the Northern Lights or exploring the ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef will all give you perspective on the natural beauty of the world. Start planning out your travel to the 7 Natural Wonders today!

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