Wanderlust: 5 Bucket-List Worthy Trips Courtesy of Mother Nature

Mr & Mrs Stanley and Livingstone Hotel, part of an IHG One Rewards program partnership

“The world is a book. And those who do not travel read only one page.”

A saying that’s held truth for centuries. For Earth Day, turn the page. Plan that trip. Marvel at the natural beauty of our world.

From stateside wonders like the Grand Canyon to deep-sea adventures at the Great Barrier Reef, IHG Hotels & Resorts has rounded up five trips that will increase your wonder-lust and help inspire your next big bucket-list worthy escape.

Grand Canyon National Park (Source: IHG Hotels & Resorts)

1. Grand Canyon National Park

The majestic Grand Canyon, with its layered bands of red rocks and spanning Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, is quite well… grand. So, travelers tend to prioritize the South Rim because it is the most widely recognized portion of this natural wonder.

There are several attractions that sit in a loop along the rim from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and the Hopi House to the Kolb Studio. But, to experience the canyon turn to crimson, a visit to Hermits Rest and Hopi Point at sunset are a must.

Located just a mile from the South Rim entrance – which is open all year round and has some of the most spectacular viewpoints – is Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Grand Canyon.

The hotel is near must-see sites, like the Desert View Watchtower and National Geographic IMAX Theater. It’s also close to tour agencies, offering airplane, helicopter, jeep, horseback riding and rafting excursions throughout the park and surrounding areas.

Paricutin Volcano and San Juan Parangaricutiro Church (Source: Getty Images)

2. Paricutin Volcano

The youngest volcano in the world, Paricutin, is an easy day trip from the Mexican city of Uruapan. With a stay at Holiday Inn Uruapan, you can conveniently bus to the Angahuan village and from there horse ride to Paricutin.

Yes, Paricutin is only accessible by horseback, but because of this, it’s often you (and those you are traveling with) will be the only ones at the site – meaning you can take in all this natural wonder has to offer without navigating swaths of tourists.

Once you’ve reached Paricutin, you will be able to climb the volcanic peak and view the hardened lava flows – including the ruins of the San Juan Parangaricutiro Church – the only building that survived the 9-year eruption that destroyed Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro.

Northern Lights (Source: Getty Images)

3. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Definitely look up.

Colors of green, blue, and purple dancing across the sky make up the natural phenomenon we call the Northern Lights, and a chance to see this wonder in the sky should not be missed. And while some of the most awe-striking displays of light are in the polar regions, the aurora can be seen in several countries.

In fact, one place you can see the lights year-round – due to its location south of the “auroral oval” – is Prince Albert National Park. A stay at Holiday Inn Express and Suites Prince Albert puts you just short of an hour drive from the splendor that is watching the northern lights play from above.

The Great Barrier Reef (Source: IHG Hotels & Resorts)

4. The Great Barrier Reef

Right off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the largest coral reef system in the world – the Great Barrier Reef. Home to varied spectacular marine life, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef is nothing short of enchanting. There are many ways to marvel at the reefs and the sea life that live among them – from behind a scuba or snorkel mask or above the water by boat or plane. Positioned at the heart of it all is InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.

Surrounded by verdant cliffs, white sandy beaches, and celestial-blue sea, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort will immerse you in the island wonders – easily allowing you to explore the Great Barrier Reef (while the little ones can learn about its marine life through the hotel’s Planet Trekkers Kids’ Club)!

Victoria Falls (Source: Getty Images)

5. Victoria Falls

One of the world’s most mighty (and largest) waterfalls, Victoria Falls – in Zimbabwe – is a quick 15-minute drive from Mr & Mrs Smith Stanley and Livingstone Hotel, which is available to book by IHG One Rewards members. It’s been said that the spray and mist from the falling water can be seen from 30 miles away – dubbed ‘the smoke that thunders’ by the locals.

In the fall months, the waters subside enough to where you can swim at the edge of the falls, but if you want something more pulse-racing, you may opt to swoop over the cascades in a helicopter, zipline over Bakota Gorge or bungee jump from Victoria Falls Bridge. The hotel shuttles to Victoria Falls are free and is just one of two hotels on the Victorian Falls Game Reserve.

With 17 brands to choose from around the world and IHG's reimagined loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, that gives members richer benefits and faster ways to earn on each stay, start planning that awe-inspiriting adventure you’ve always wanted to take at with IHG Hotels & Resorts today.