The Top 5 Most Beautiful Places for Botanical Tourism

Hey plant lovers!

Ready to level-up your knowledge of horticulture and botany? There’s no better way to dive in than going to see plants in their own homes. If that idea interests you, it may be time to join the rankings of other plant-lovers like yourself in a special type of travel called botanic tourism.

Botanical tourism is the exploration of new places, specifically to see native plants up close and personal.

There are more benefits to botanical tourism than just getting to see pretty plants from all over the world (although what more could you really ask for?).

Botanical tourists are part of a niche community, which you too can join. What better way to meet and connect with people than joining them on a tour of a rainforest, ogling over the biodiversity?

Botanical tourism also helps you learn more and more about plants, and not just the ones right in front of you. By learning about different ecosystems and the different needs plant species have, you’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of horticulture.

Your garden back at home will definitely thank you for it.

Best of all, it’s a great excuse to travel! Next time you’re stumped about where to take your next trip, let the flowers be your guide.

To get you started, we’ve rounded up 5 of the most biodiverse places to explore. Whichever one you choose, you’re bound to experience some fantastic views!

Take In the Cherry Blossom Trees in Japan

Japan is known for its iconic cherry blossoms that bloom once a year, filling the countryside with beautiful pink and white hues and a tantalizing scent you’ll never forget.

The blooming of cherry blossom trees has been celebrated in Japan since before 700 BC. Hanami, or flower viewing parties, became almost exclusive to cherry blossom trees by 761 BC during the Heian Period.

Since the flowers on cherry blossom trees only bloom for about 2 weeks, they’re considered a symbol of the short-lived beauty of life.

If you’re looking to experience cherry blossoms for yourself, contact us to book a cruise to Japan any time between late January and early April, the window in which they typically begin blooming.

Once you’re there, head to Yoshino Mountain for the full biodiverse experience. Yoshino Mountain is home to more than 30,000 of these dazzling trees.

It’s best to go in the morning or early afternoon so you can head 2.5 hours north to the city of Kyoto before nightfall. Here, the cherry blossoms are lit with lanterns made to perfectly complement the trees.

Explore the Everglades in Florida

You don’t always need to leave the country to sightsee and be surrounded by exotic plants. After all, the Everglades are right here in the U.S!

The Everglades are home to over 750 native plant species, including the very popular air plants you might have around your home. Air plants are notorious for growing without soil.

Unfortunately around 160 of the 750 plant species are endangered in the Everglades, so you might not have the chance to see them for long. Or maybe seeing them will inspire you to join efforts in preserving them!

For some added education and guidance, spend a day at Flamingo Gardens. Here, you’ll find a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is lush with over 3000 species of native, tropical, and sub-trope plants living in perfect harmony. And don’t forget to stop by the Arboretum, home of some of Florida’s biggest trees.

Frolic Through the Flower Fields of the Netherlands

If flowers are your love language, this is a trip that should be on the top of your bucket list.

The Netherlands are known worldwide for their expansive fields featuring a stunning variety of flowers as if Mother Nature created a bouquet of her own.

The sight is so breathtaking it has inspired countless works of art, including the Van Gogh painting “Bulb fields” and a piece by Monet entitled “Tulip Fields.”

To get the full flower field experience, try booking a trip to the Noordwijk, Netherlands during Bloemencorso Bollenstreek, the annual festival celebrating all the stunning flowers that grace the countryside of the Netherlands.

The flower festival takes place on April 17th. You’ll get to see a parade of elaborate floats adorned with flowers of all kinds (did someone say photo op?).

Afterward, you’ll join locals and tourists alike in celebrations featuring music, entertainment, and delicious food.

Trek Through the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloud forest reserve is where adventure meets botany.

The forest is made up of over 35 acres of elfin woodlands, or high-elevation tropical forests, oftentimes gently covered by a layer of clouds that makes you feel like you’re living in a fairy tale.

These magical acres are home to 8 microclimates, 400 bird species, 100 species of mammals, and 1,200 species of amphibians. The wildlife thrives amongst the mosses, orchids, vines, ferns, and trees. All of these are crucial to the animals as they provide them with homes, food, and safety.

To get to the reserve, book a trip or make a stop in San Jose. From there, it’s a scenic 2.5-3 hour drive to the forests.

Once you’ve arrived, check in at the Monteverde Rustic Lodge, a hotel nestled between 2 of the cloud forests. This lodge is known as a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife fanatics.

It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens, rich forestland, and plenty of species of plants and animals that are sure to delight. You’ll want to bring your best camera to do these sights justice.

Travel Through Time at the Rio De Janeiro Botanical Gardens

The Rio De Janeiro Botanical Garden is located at the base of the iconic Mount Corcovado; a mountain that reaches about 704 meters high and overlooks the city of Rio De Janeiro.

The garden was first created in 1808 under the orders of King John VI of Portugal. The original intent was to use the space to grow exotic spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.

The park was so beautiful, though, that it ended up being a sightseeing spot open to the public.

Stroll along alleys lined with ancient palm trees that reach about 100 feet tall accenting a backdrop of endless forests including the 330,000 specimens preserved there. The garden is crucial to the preservation of plant species that are rapidly becoming endangered.

Between palm-tree alley strolls, you’ll encounter breathtaking architecture surrounded by new varieties of plants.

The Fray Leandro Lagoon, for example, is a historic building bordered by a carefully landscaped display of water, flowers, and trees and is occupied by stunning herons.

Pair Your Botanical Tourism with a Memorable Cruise

Wherever you decide to go, you’re going to want to make the most of it. Exploring forests and gardens is memorable in itself, but what if you add some thrills in between your horticultural studies?

Traveling to distant lands is always a great opportunity to enjoy the luxury and thrills of a cruise. You’ll experience the fresh breeze of the ocean, and get an excellent view of the water.

Even better, you can accompany your cruise with more plant excursions and other fun activities onshore.

Check out these exciting cruises to try >


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