Best Spots In the World to Sit and Do Nothing

Photo: Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef, 2014.

In honor of National Nothing Day this month (Jan. 16), it was only natural to make a list of the best spots in the world to sit and, well, do nothing.

The holiday has been celebrated since 1973, and it has become more popular throughout the years.

No, this isn’t just a bunch of freeloaders making up a holiday to justify doing nothing. In fact, there is something rather ingenious in the thinking behind National Nothing Day: It forces us to stop for a second, look around, and recognize the beauty that surrounds us…without us needing to do anything. In a culture that screams “more, more, more,” we don’t need half of what we think we do.

And one look at these destinations proves it.

Midway Island

A focal point of the Battle of Midway in World War II, Midway Island is a 2.4-square-mile atoll that lies about halfway from North America to Asia.

Midway Island is a critical habitat, home to a millions of albatrosses, from the Laysan to the Short-tailed species. You’ll also be able to sit back and check out reef fish, squid, dolphins, turtles and monk seals.

From the abundant wildlife to the surrounding coral reef and blue waters to the small population (about 60 residents), you aren’t just getting away; you’ll feel like you’re almost on a different planet.

The Lau Archipelago, Fiji

Situated in the southern Pacific Ocean just east of Koro Sea, the Lau Archipelago is composed of about 60 islands and inlets.

Encompassing about 188 square miles, both the sunrises and sunsets in the area will take your breath away, as will the spectacular environment that includes crystal-clear waters, grand peaks and an array of marine and bird life.

Add in a peaceful and loving community, and you have an unreal location that will give you everything you need without asking you to do much at all.

Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Established in 1959 and encompassing 935 square miles, Torres del Paine National Park is a spectacular spread of snow-capped mountains, green forests, flowing waterfalls and dazzling lakes.

Wander around the many hiking trails, or simply sit and look out into the great expanse. You’ll be floored by the number of animals that can find in certain areas, from guanacos to foxes to pumas to the endangered Chilean Huemul.

Include more than a dozen species of birds, dark night skies free from pollution, and a variety of colorful flora, and there’s a reason why Torres del Paine National Park is regularly listed as one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Tuscany, Italy

Not only will you find the grand cities of Florence and Pisa in the Tuscany region of Italy, the true magic lies in the countryside.

Hills make up nearly two-thirds of the region’s area, and mountains add to the bumpy topography that extends from the Appenines to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Along the way, you’ll come across ancient villages, castles and roads, as well as the Orcia Valley, which was the inspiration for many Renaissance artists.

And you can’t forget about the picturesque vineyards, which have produced the famous Chianti wine.

Of course, there are also stunning cliffsides and coastline that complete the natural work of art.

Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy

The Mont Saint-Michel island commune of Normandy only makes up about 240 acres, but those 240 acres are stunning, and the surrounding waters aren’t too shabby, either.

Overflowing with history, the ancient abbeys, monasteries and walls tell of another time, while still remaining intact. Despite it being a relatively small area, more than 60 buildings have been labeled historical monuments.

The sweeping beaches and grand tides around the area add an exclamation point to the eye-popping experience.

No matter where you hang out at Mont Saint-Michel, chances are you will have a big grin on your face in the process.

La Digue, Seychelles

There are plenty of stunning islands within Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, but La Digue may take the cake, as they say.

It may take a little effort to actually get to La Digue (take ferries from Victoria), but, once you’re there, just kick back and worry about nothing.

Beyond the warm temperatures, La Digue also offers spectacular beaches (like Anse Source d’Argent and Grand Anse), Veuve Nature Reserve (which houses the extremely rare Black Paradise Flycatcher), and great mountain peaks like Belle Vue (which literally translates to “beautiful view”).

The tropical wonderland that is La Digue is noteworthy in itself, but then you add in the variety of wildlife—from birds to tortoises to geckos to crabs—and you may never leave.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, composed of more than 2,900 individual reefs and 600 continental islands, while encompassing nearly 345,000 square kilometers off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, it is also the only living thing visible from space.

“Great” indeed.

Beyond the vast expanse of corals and water, you’ll find more than 1,500 species of tropical fish and more than 20 types of birds, as well as dolphins, rays and—just to give you a little extra—giant clams more than 120 years old.

Beautiful, scenic and exploding with marine life, the Great Barrier Reef is an experience in itself—and admission is completely free.

St. Barths, French West Indies

Saint Barthelemy (or St. Barths, for short) in the northeastern Caribbean is a volcanic island spanning for about 8.5 square miles.

Puffy, white clouds drift across the blue sky and over the magnificent beaches and lush green land, looking down on the tourists naturally lying on hammocks under coconut palm trees.

When not napping, float around in the picturesque waters along the soaring cliffs as turtles pass by. Or take a stroll through the forests, where you can take photos of iguanas.

Add in the numerous flora and aquatic plants, and there is so much to see at St. Barths. All you have to do is allow your eyes to wander.

Iguazu Falls, Border of Brazil and Argentina

Iguaza Falls (or “Big Water”) is 1.7 miles wide, and at some spots it drops for nearly 270 feet.

There are 275 small falls and cataracts, as well as the famous chasm called Devil’s Throat, which is 150 meters wide and 700 meters long. Often compared favorably to Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls, the spectacular destination has the greatest average annual flow of any waterfall in the world, which drops into a colossal canyon below.

Boasting free-flowing undisturbed water, deep green trees and vegetation, and more than a few rainbows, Iguaza Falls must be seen to be believed.

Victoria Falls, Border of Zambia and Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls (or “The Smoke That Thunders”) is the largest waterfall in the world, with a width of more than 5,600 feet and a height of more than 350 feet. It’s twice the height of Niagara Falls, features several gorges and is surrounded by a variety of wildlife spanning the woodland and scrubland savannahs.

Dozens of species of fish flow through the falls and Zambezi River, and animals such as elephants, zebras, leopards and baboons can be seen.

Gaze around the surroundings and look over the falls…you’ll be amazed by the sheer beauty of nature.

Why sit on the couch when you can sit at the edge of an awe-inspiring waterfall?

Any destination I should have included? Email me at rrudnansky@travAlliance.com. 

Follow me on Twitter @RyanRudnansky.