10 alternative wonders of the world

Why are these marvels named official wonders? And why are there only seven of them? This is simply because of their magnificence in creation, and seven was considered a ‘sacred number by the ancient Greeks’. Throughout history, there have been ancient wonders, natural wonders – the works – all with their own unique presence.

Now that’s cleared up, it might be tempting to follow in Jamie’s footsteps and travel around the world to visit the seven, right?

Of course! And we wouldn’t blame you. While mighty and well worth a visit, it’s also worth noting that many other magnificent worldwide wonders exist. And if you’re wondering about the alternative wonders of the world – we’ve got you covered.

The legendary Angkor Wat Temple is the first of our impressive alternatives. Located on one of Asia’s most significant archaeological sites, this Cambodia-based temple is covered in intricate detailing. We probably should mention, though, this temple is just a small part of Angkor Park, a site that covers a colossal 40,000 hectares! If this isn’t already on your bucket list, it definitely should be, simply because it’s considered by the Guinness World Records as the largest religious structure in the world!

These impressive stone figures date in back to approximately 1200 – 1500 AD, are said to be the work of the early Easter Island inhabitants and represent the spirits and achievements of the ancient Polynesian peoples, including ancestors, chiefs and others who held important roles throughout history. What’s interesting is that almost half of them are still at Rano Raraku, which is the main quarry in this area. However, a selection was transported to the new Moai. All we can say is they must have been challenging to move, as the carved head and torsos are said to weigh around 14 tons!

Located on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, this is an extraordinary masterpiece of architecture. The Sydney Opera House was constructed in the 20th century, and this building is still used to showcase the most spectacular of performances, including the ballet. The largest venue within the building is the Concert Hall - which is home to 2,679 seats and a grand cathedral-like ambience and majestic design. It’s easy to see why this is such a sought-after performance space.

This phenomenal landmark boasts a rich history and a unique design. It’s an absolute must-see when visiting New York. It was intended to be the world’s first 100+ story building! And what’s truly breathtaking is that it was completed in just one year and 45 days. This architectural masterpiece is one of the most iconic skyscrapers of all time. There are a total of 102 floors, with guided tours available, where you can learn about its history, dine in its restaurants, and enjoy jaw-dropping views from the highest floors.

Completed in 1914, this 82-kilometre waterway connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It runs south-eastward from Colón, through Gatun Lake to Panama City. The main purpose of this canal was to reduce the time it took for ships to travel from the Pacific to the Caribbean Sea, and to this day, the canal has seen over 900,000 vessels! The canal is extraordinary and is considered a must-see for anyone travelling to the USA.

Built from 1887 to 1889, this colossal Parisian landmark is the same height as an 81-storey building! Named after its designer Gustave Eiffel, there are many ways to experience this iconic structure. Some take a daytime trip, while others enjoy its dream-like, twinkling lights during the evening. How about a romantic meal at one of its two beautiful restaurants? It’s no wonder why seven million people visit the Eiffel Tower every year.

A shout-out to the UK. This impressive historical landmark is an ancient wonder in Wiltshire, England. This prehistoric monument was built over 5,000 years ago and took over 1,000 years to build! Surprisingly, the real meaning behind the structure is still unknown, which only adds to its mystery. Each form is around 13 feet high and seven feet wide! Some believe giants assembled them; others say they are the ruins of a Roman Temple. Another popular belief is they were placed as a way to tell the time of year - some ancient calendar. Understandably, numerous theories surround the history and purpose of one of Britain’s most historical sights!

The world is full of wonders, including natural ones. Why not jet off to see a few of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World?

Located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef, stretching over an impressive 344,400 kilometres! There are over 400 distinct types of coral here and 1,500 species of fish. The biodiversity alone is genuinely remarkable. It’s home to animals such as dolphins and turtles but also an array of endangered creatures such as dugongs and marine turtles. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, how about a swim in the Great Barrier Reef? The waters are safe all year round, and the underwater worlds you’ll discover are beautiful.

The Aurora Borealis, or the Polar or Northern Lights, is a fluorescent natural light display in the sky and can often be seen in high-latitude places such as Norway, Swedish Lapland and Reykjavik, Iceland. This spectacular sighting of aqua-coloured hues is caused when charged particles like electrons and protons mix with gases in the earth’s atmosphere! These collisions create little flashes of vibrantly coloured light that appear to ‘dance’ in the sky. It’s a truly astonishing natural experience.

Another jaw-dropping natural wonder, this fascinating waterfall, can be found on the Zambezi River in southern Africa. Home to many unique species and animals, and at an impressive 1700 metres wide, visiting this site is an awe-inspiring experience. Did you know that Victoria Falls is often referred to as the ‘Smoke That Thunders’? And although it’s not the widest or even the highest waterfall in the world, it’s the greatest falling sheet of water which cements its significance in the natural world.