8. Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls stretches along a 3 kilometer (nearly 2 mile) long rim that is shared by Argentina and Brazil. It thunderously plunges the height of a 24-story building into the Iguazu gorge below.

Iguazu Falls is rivaled in mightiness only by Victoria Falls in Africa. The world's other two gold medal winning falls are Angel Falls and Niagara Falls.

The Argentine side has the best and most varied up-close views of Iguazu Falls while the Brazilian side has the spectacular panoramic view.

Of all many tall cascades that collectively make up Iguazu Falls, the semi-circular Devil's Throat is by far the most awesome. It is the world's mightiest single water fall (in terms of water-flow volume) - and its incessant roar is deafening, to the point of being terrifying.

9. Bali

The island of Bali in Indonesia is a traveler's dream-come-true - and offers visitors an exciting variety of things to do and see.

What to do and see in Bali:

Rice Terraces

Rice terraces thoughout the world are photogenic. Of all of them, those in Bali are the most beautiful.

Traditional dance & music

Balinese dance entertains and uplifts your spirit. And nothing is more mesmerizing than the haunting percussion sounds of a Balinese gamelan orchestra.

Arts & Crafts

On a per capita basis, Bali probably has the most accomplished artists and craftsmen on earth. Skills include painting, stone carving and wood sculpting (including elaborate masks).

Temples

Bali is nicknamed the Island of the Gods because it has over 10,000 temples. No trip to Bali is fulfilled without observing a festive temple ceremony.

The Ubud experience

Ubud village and its surrounding lands rest among lush hills and rice terraces. It is the artistic heart and soul of Bali.

10. Amazon rain forest

The Amazon rain forest is immense (it is larger than Europe). The 6280 kilometer (3900 mile) long Amazon River is fed by a thousand rivers – some over 1600 kilometers (1000 miles) long.

Broadly defined, the Amazon Rain forest extends into nine South American countries. Nearly two-thirds lies in Brazil. Peru is the runner-up.

Amazon rain forest is vital to life around the world. The Amazon Rain Forest produces 20% of the earth's oxygen (and is the source of 20% of our planet's fresh water). A large number of medicines we take for granted come from Amazon plants. And, because so many of the plant species have not yet been analyzed, we should see new drug discoveries. It is a biologically rich environment. More than a million colorful plant, animal and insect species inhabit the Amazon Rain Forest.

Although "cruising down the Amazon" is a popular childhood dream, in reality the view from the deck of a passenger ship soon becomes monotonous. You get a bored déjà vu feeling as the river and its banks remain virtually unchanged for days on end. And, the dense riverside greenery prevents you from seeing the wildlife.

The worthwhile cruises explore the Amazon tributaries and offer interesting land excursions. Alternatively, stay in one of the lodges along the small Amazon tributary streams. They range in quality from budget to luxury. Use the lodge as a base to explore nature up close along jungle trails and narrow waterways.

Although the Amazon rain forest looks like other rain forests to the amateur eye, nearly all its plants and animals are unique. The Amazon ground must be nutrient rich because it fosters profuse plant growth. Right? Wrong. The soil is nutrient poor. The rain forest survives because it quickly recycles its limited nutrient sources.

The Amazon also rapidly recycles its water. When it rains, the trees absorb the water, then let it evaporate, which creates clouds, which generate rain. Half of that rain falls on the rain forest. The water shortcoming is made up by westbound clouds from the Atlantic Ocean. Average annual rainfall approaches 3 meters (10 feet). Some areas can experience twice that amount.

High trees create what is called the canopy, a dense umbrella of leaves. Little reaches the ground plants. To survive, they have developed broad leaves to capture as many defused sun rays as possible.