Top ten places to see in your lifetime

Travellers have always made lists of the top destinations to be visited in the world and even armchair travellers dream of experiencing the most unique and exciting sites the planet has to offer.

Bruce Poon, the founder of adventure travel company GAP Adventures, shares his top ten tourist places to see in your lifetime.

Despite recent troubles and ongoing Chinese domination, the Tibetan capital of Lhasa is at the top of Bruce Poon's list.

He says the spirit of the people of Tibet is still palpable in the city, which was at one time the spiritual and cultural heart of Asia.

The Potala Palace sits looming over the city and Buddhist monks pass by on their daily routines, reminding visitors that this city carries the pulse of a nation in change.

Every Saturday morning, the world's largest craft market in the Ecuadorian town of Otavalo comes to life with a wash of vibrant colour as the local Indians come down from the hills to market their wares.

India's Taj Mahal is in third place as the greatest monument to love on earth remains an inspiring example of beautiful architecture, creating a powerful effect on visitors from all backgrounds.

The highest waterfalls in the world are also the most spectacular. Angel Falls in Venezuela are approached by river and the canoe journey makes a trip to view this spectacular natural wonder unforgettable.

Watch rhinos and baboons roaming free against a stunning backdrop of the setting African sun in the Ngorongoro Crater.

This lush wildlife playground in the middle of the dry desert of Tanzania offers a truly unspoilt experience African, putting it in fifth spot.

In Guatemala, the ruined city of Tikal was built by the Mayans and seems remarkably undisturbed in the middle of its tropical jungle setting.

"By imagining how the Mayans once ruled this area of the world, it is easy to transport yourself back to a time of ancient and savage civilisation," Mr Poon said.

The desire to get off the beaten tourist track promotes the sandy peninsula of Placencia in southern Belize in seventh place.

This hidden gem remains undiscovered by mainstream tourists aside from a few lost backpackers and it is possible to relax with local villagers in total anonymity.

More lost islands are located just off the coast, which can be easily reached.

Ecuador makes Mr Poon's list a second time with the Galapagos Islands at number eight. Bring what you know about Darwin's research on evolution to life as you explore these curious islands.

This is still quite a remote destination, encouraging relaxation, learning and inspiration in a virtually untouched place.

The magnificent ancient caves of Pak Ou in Laos are set high above the Mekong River some 25km from Luang Prabang.

These caves have been a place of Buddhist worship and solitude for more than 600 years and more than 4,000 images of the Buddha have been placed inside them over that time.

source:http://www.travelbite.co.uk/feature/south-and-central-america/venezuela/top-ten-places-see-in-your-lifetime-$1217114.htm