Gathering as a family to decorate the Christmas tree is a common ritual in many households.
Taking a cue from the practice, here’s a handpicked selection of stories about prominent trees from around the world that inspire travellers and hold symbolic meaning in some cultures.
Who knows, maybe these incredible natural environments will inspire your future family vacation ideas.
Surreal Salt Pan Trees
An image synonymous with Namibia’s arid landscape is that of the salt pan trees in Sossusvlei.
Poking out from a large bleached white salt pan, against a backdrop of orange dunes and blue skies, the 700 year old dead black trees create an eerie, almost dream like landscape.
Centuries ago, the Tsauchab river used to flow to this area, known as Dead Vlei. But as the climate changed, sand dunes encroached the area, cutting it off from the river. The trees could not survive and were scorched black in the heat, while the salt flats dried up and held them in place. The result was a distinct barren forest.
Scenic sights abound in Namibia all year round, but the best time to visit to truly witness the sharp colour contrasts in the region is during and after the wet season (December to March).
Giant Sequoias In The Wild
California is absolutely jam-packed with big adventures, from Hollywood to Venice Beach, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, but it’s also home to some of the country’s most stunning national parks.
Yosemite National Park is known for its waterfalls, valleys, and ancient giant sequoia trees. These towering beauties are clustered throughout the park, and will leave you awestruck as you wander underneath their lush green canopy. If you can, search out the park’s oldest resident, the Grizzly Giant tree, which is estimated to be around 2,700 years old.
That Wanaka Tree
In Lake Wanaka, on New Zealand’s South Island, sits a lone willow tree, rising sharply from the misty waters.
The tree shot to fame after being the subject of a winning photo clicked by Dennis Radermacher, who was awarded the 2014 New Zealand Geographic Photographer Of The Year in the landscape category. The scenic region has always been a tourist hotspot, and it’s not hard to see why.
Wanaka is set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Southern Alps with amazing hiking, skiing and cycling trails. A visit to the resort town and nearby Queenstown is a great way to soak up the pristine beauty of New Zealand.
Historic Frankincense Trees
While most of us may not know much about frankincense apart from its biblical reference, the aromatic resin is actually used in many common beauty products today, including incense, perfume, candles and skincare products.
This ancient frankincense forest sits in Wadi Dawkah in Oman, an important stop along the ancient incense trade route. It is part of the Land of Frankincense UNESCO site, which recognises the important role it played in medieval trade and includes a museum, estuary as well as ancient ruins. Visit in April to see workers tapping the trees to collect the fragrant sap.
The Spectacular Arbol Del Tule
This beautiful tree lies behind the gated churchyard of the simple white-faced church of Santa Maria del Tule in Mexico. The 1500-year-old cypress tree holds the record as the widest tree in the world, with a diameter of 11.6 metres.
As you keep gazing at its gnarled bark, knots and crooks, you will be able to conjure up imaginative faces of animals, humans and monsters. Not far from the charming city of Oaxaca, this is one detour you’d absolutely want to take!
Check out some of our sample itineraries that will let you explore these stunning natural sights and plenty more.
Luxury Tour New Zealand South Island
Tour Muscat Oman
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California inspiration
For more exciting destination ideas, browse these California pages and start planning your next adventure.
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