2 . They supposedly swim in remote lakes, hide in dense forests, and walk among snowy mountains. Yet despite being unreal proven by science, cryptids—fantastical beasts that probably don’t exist—have fascinated humans for centuries and gave birth to cryptotourism which boosts the local tourism. North America’s Bigfoot helps generate over $140 million annually for the U.S. economy, according to the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine.

In Nepal, cryptotourism reaches back to the 1950s. It centers on the Yeti. Up to six feet tall and similar in appearance to the Bigfoot, this legendary creature is reported to wander on the snowy peaks of the Himalayas and is a prominent figure in the folk tale of Nepal. Its tale is 6,000 years old. But the furry beast was a regional fairytale until British explorer Eric Shipton claimed to have photographed a 13-inch-long human-like footprint in the snow of Nepal’s Menlung Glacier. Explorers all over the world soon flooded into the Himalayas, competing to detect the cryptid.

Over time, the Yeti became a powerful tourism brand in Nepal. This beast’s foot forms the logo of the domestic carrier, Yeti Airlines, while hotels, restaurants, cafés, and tour companies profit off its name.

Some Nepalis are more skeptical. Sushil, a tour guide, says even as a child he viewed Yetis as a sham. Now, when his customers ask about the monster, he tells them it’s widely considered a myth. Sushil says he dislikes cryptotourism, which steals focus from the country’s remarkable architecture and ancient traditions. “I don’t think the Yeti is a valuable tool to promote Nepal tourism,” he says. “We have a lot of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Nepal should focus on its rich natural diversity.”

Academics have also offered scientific explanations for the Yeti and other cryptids, yet these legends persist. “People have always been fascinated by things in nature which confuse us, things which we just don’t understand,” says Panday, a Nepali author. “That’s not going to change any time soon.”

3 . Spring is just around the corner, but if you are tired of sunflowers, tulips (郁金香) and other standard gardens, why not head to one of these mysterious and wonderful botanical gardens？

Butchart Gardens, British Columbia, Canada

One of the rarest flowers you’ll find at Butchart Gardens is the Meconopsis, otherwise known as the Tibetan blue poppy. The most impressive flowers can be found in the borders, where you’ll find over one million bedding plants. And although the gardens are famous for their perennials (多年生植物), 300,000 spring-flowering plants are grown every year, and over 900 varieties of plants are grown for the summer gardens alone.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of a handful of botanic gardens to grow only native plants. Some of the most popular varieties include the king protea, which produces enormous flowers between autumn and summer, and the rare silver tree, a silky-leaved plant, which experts believe could become extinct in the next 50 years.

Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado, US

Once native to South Africa, these oddly-named flowers are famously drought-hardy, making them perfect for this part of North America. This garden is one of the few to focus on draught-tolerant plants from Colorado and the grasslands of Africa, Mongolia and Argentina. In fact, Colorado is home to nine species of endangered plant, and several can be found here.

Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden, Tromso, Norway

Visit the world’s northernmost botanical garden and you’ll find a breathtaking collection of plants from the world’s polar and mountainous regions including, in the Himalaya section, the rare giant Tibetan blue poppy, with its huge flowers and metre-high stem. You’ll also see the Wilander buttercup, which can only be found in the quite terrible areas of Svalbard’s unforgiving icy islands.

4 . Top recommendations for visiting Arusha

Arusha, the capital city of the Arusha Region, is situated in Northeast Tanzania. It is the most visited Tanzanian city — it’s considered the entry point to the “safari circuit (狩猎路线)”. It provides easy and convenient access to many of the safari destinations and National Parks. In fact, the city itself is set against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Here are our top picks for tourist destinations in Arusha:

Arusha is jam-packed with local markets in the centre of the city, where various vendors (摊贩) set up to sell their goods.Most markets have a theme(food, crafts,textiles, etc.). These markets area great way to get a feel for the local culture.

Arusha has a robust coffee and cafe scene. You’ll see vendors selling quality African coffee beans all over the city. The popularity of coffee has spilled over into an exciting cafe culture that continues to grow. You can’t go far without spotting a cafe. Each cafe serves up African style coffee,as well as many European and American favorites.

The Cultural Heritage Center is located on the suburbs of Arusha. Check out their museum, craft shop,a restaurant, an art gallery, a collection of precious stones, and more. It is a great way to get a sense of the culture and history of Tanzania there. Get ready to learn a lot, and don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs at the various shops.

Tanzania is home to one of the world’s most popular precious gems (宝石) — the Tanzanite gemstone. Check out the Tanzanite Experience Museum, which guides visitors to understand the history and culture behind this precious gem.

6 . Waynesville, North Carolina Travel Guide

About 25 miles southwest of Asheville, Waynesville is the perfect western Carolina mountain town with real charm. So why not visit it?

Best Things to Do in Waynesville

●Make the short drive to Waterrock Knob, where you’ll find one of the best trails and views in Western North Carolina.At 5,820 feet, it's the highest visitor center along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

●Go to Cataloochee Valley to see the elk(麋鹿).The valley is filled with wildlife and wildflowers.

●Visit Haywood's Farmers Market, filled with local products from produce to cheese to crafts. Fill up your bag with fresh fruit and sweet treats for a picnic around Lake Junaluska.

●Explore the Frog Level District located on Richland Creck,which features one- and two-story brick and frame buildings from the early 1900s.

Best Time to Visit

Fall is the most popular time for Waynesville tourism. The bright oranges, yellows, and reds of the fall leaves draw crowds from near and far-so you can expect the cost to mirror the demand. Spring, however, is the best time to visit Waynesville if you want to enjoy pleasant weather, and various fairs and festivals.

Where to Stay in Waynesville

You’ll feel at home instantly you pull up to The Yellow House on Plott Creek Road. Built in the Late 1800s, the hotel sits on five rolling acres of land, surrounded by walking paths, two ponds and a stream. There’re ten rooms and suites and each has its own private bath, fireplace and sitting area.

How to Get There

Ashevile Regional Airport is the closest airport. If you’re flying into the area, you’ll need your own transportation to travel around Waynesville. Downtown Waynesville is walkable but exploring further out into the Blue Ridge Mountains requires a car.

7 . SHARK CONSERVATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Take a two-week trip that you will never forget as a volunteer with sharks on a beautiful stretch of South Africa’s coastline. Head out to sea to witness one of the world’s most powerful (and most misunderstood) creatures on this inspiring project, enjoying watching them from both above and below water.

The DAY-BY-DAY schedule

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town on a Sunday. You will be collected from the airport and spend your first night in a guest house in the city centre.

Day 2: You will be collected bright and early from the guest house and taken down to the project. The drive takes about 90 minutes. You will receive a welcome and head out to sea to witness your first sharks!

Day 3+: Most days you will be out on the boat with the sharks, depending on weather. Help out with the full range of tasks on the boats, and in conservation initiatives on land too.

Last day: On the final day of your project you will be taken back to Cape Town for your onward travel.

The price is £829,including the voluntary work programme with accommodations,   airport transfers, one night in a guest house in Cape Town, breakfasts daily and lunches when on the boats. Your trip can be extended at a cost of £ 375 per week.

It is an amazing experience! Some volunteers planned to stay for 4 weeks, extended to 6 weeks and still didn’t want to come home. If you’d like to chat about this holiday or need help, we’re very happy to help.

Call us at 01273 823 700.

Email us at rosy@responsibletravel.com.

8 . Noteworthy Theme Parks

Peppa Pig Theme Park, the US

The world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park opened in February 2022 in Florida.

Devoted to the classic British animated TV show, the park welcomes guests with well-designed activities. The Daddy Pig ride takes families on a windy road in the show’s red car. They can also enjoy a dinosaur ride, and play games at the Fairground.

Tickets from $34.

Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Thailand

Thailand’s Columbia Pictures Aquaverse opened in October 2022.

The movie-themed water park features rides and experiences inspired by popular films like Zombieland. In addition to the rides, the park hosts performances at its Mega Wave Pool, where guests can hang out in the pool while enjoying movie screenings and pop concerts.

Tickets from $41.

Katmandu Park, Dominican Republic

Opened in March 2023, the park is full of mystery (奥秘).

The 4D dark ride is brought to life by lighting and projection effects. Another key attraction is EtherQuest, an interactive walk-through experience. Aside from the rides, guests can also check out a sky-high ropes course, and climbing walls for younger adventurers.

Tickets from $120 for adults: $85 for children for a one-use pass.

Legoland Korea Resort, South Korea

Opened in May 2022, the park is designed for 2- to 12-year-olds.

This playful wonderland is devoted to all things of Lego, with more than 40 rides and attractions across seven thematic zones. Guests can get on family-friendly rides, visit Legoland Lookout for great park views, and get hands-on experience with creative workshops.

Tickets from $38 for adults; $30 for children.

9 . Tiger Conservation Safari: India

December 2022—6 days

Register now at tours @newscientist. com and we will contact you soon with full tour details.

Visit the protected areas of Tadoba in search of the Bengal tiger, putting yourself in forest life.

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

You will be met on arrival and sent to the 5-star Roseate Hotel. You can spend the day in its rooftop pool overlooking Delhi or explore the city, which may be one of the world’ s largest cities, but building wonders — new and old — fill the city. Mughal treasures, including the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, are added by more recent additions (添加物) to Delhi’ s traditional buildings, such as the Lotus and Akshardham Temples.

Day 2: Journey to Tadoba

Take the early morning flight to Nagpur. On arrival into Nagpur, you will be met by our local guide, who will take you to Tadoba National Park. Part of the park contains Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (保护区), one of India’s most exciting and best-protected tiger reserves.

For the next 4 nights, you will be staying at Bamboo Forest Safari Lodge. Later this evening there will be a welcome dinner.

Days 3-5 : Safari Drives

The next three clays will follow a similar schedule, as you head into Tadoba National Park searching for India’s tigers as well as the park’ s many other wildlife species and birdlife.

The day starts early, usually before sunrise, as this is when the wildlife is at its most active. Mornings begin with tea in bed. Breakfast will normally be taken in the park.

Day 6 : Departure

Go to Nagpur airport for your flight back to Delhi and your journey home. We can make extra days sightseeing with a private guide covering the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, including the Amber Fort and The Taj Mahal. Please ask for more details.