Most people may have possibly seen the Great Barrier Reef on TV and over the internet than up close and personal. It is a very popular destination in Australia attracting millions of tourists annually. While many people may have an idea of how the Great Barrier Reef looks, they will never experience the fun and wonders it has to offer. It is renowned all over the world as one of the best sites for diving.

Location

Located off the coast of Queensland northeast Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is made up of 2900 individual reefs, which makes it the largest coral reef system in the world. Stretching over 2575 km, this incredible attractions covers an area of 133,000 sq. miles. The magnificent, massive reef can be seen from space.

It is also considered one of the most impressive natural landmarks in Australia and a perfect destination for a family vacation. Due to its natural beauty, the iconic Great Barrier Reef welcomes visitors from different parts of the world to experience its wonders first hand. Asides the extensive number of reef systems, there are also beautiful beaches, coral cays and lovely tropical islands.

Check out these facts about the Great Barrier Reef

1. This vast composite reef is made up of over 3,000 individual reef formations, stretching between 1 hectare to an unbelievable 100,000 hectares in size
2. Home to over 1,500 species of fish, 360 different species of hard corals, 4000 species of molluscs and 400 different types of sponges, the Great Barrier Reef is considered the world’s most densely populated ecosystem.
3. Here you’ll find several endangered species such as green turtles and loggerhead. It is also the breeding ground of the spectacular humpback whale that visits annually
4. It is one of the most impressive sites in the world for diving
5. The Great Barrier Reef attracts millions of visitors every year who come for a first-hand experience of the Reef, whether they choose to swim, snorkel or dive.
6. The Great Barrier Reef is greater in size than a combination of both Tasmania and Victoria as well as a combination of Holland, Switzerland and United Kingdom

When is the best time to go to the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is a beautiful place and can be visited all year round. From the month of November to May which is known as the stinger season, visitors are advised to either wear a stinger suit or swim inside the stinger enclosures at one of the many beaches.

Travel is one of the major goals of many people’s retirement. Healthy lifestyle prolongs our ability to travel the world because it makes our brain function more effectively and our bodies look stronger and healthier even as we advance in age. Everyone who loves travel enjoy plenty of great benefits including feeling good and healthier lifestyle. Taking time off to leave behind the stress of life and work for a period of time makes us feel better. And when you return home from travel, you feel rejuvenated and refreshed. Traveling regularly has a positive effect on both your physical and mental health. Here is a list of some of the amazing health benefits of travel

Reduces stress

A vacation of just few days can help lower your heart rate, blood pressure and level of the stress hormone epinephrine. Travel is one of the best ways of lowering stress and most times health professionals prescribe it to patients

Lowers risk of heart attack

Traveling regularly is a great way to protect yourself from risk of heart attack. Those who travel more often are at low risk to die of heart disease by at least 50 percent. Stress can seriously increase your risk of high blood pressure and other heart problems, and one of the most effective ways to combat stress is traveling

Improved mental ability

The thoughts of going on a trip can cause more positive feelings about everything around you including your health, your finances, your life and your family. Travels improves your cognitive abilities.

Reduces risks of Alzheimer’s disease

The mental simulation of taking a vacation helps make the brain function properly and can also reduce risks of developing degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Lowers risk of stroke

If you go through so much stress daily, you stand at a high risk of having stroke. For those who handle work related stress effectively particularly through traveling, they are considered very healthy and happy at all times

Better sleep and sex life

Travelers experience better sleep at night following a vacation. Traveling also improves your sex life as you feel more romantic when on vacation.

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll find out that travel is just perfect for good health. It can improve your mood, increased happiness and broaden your outlook. It is not to far-fetched imagining doctors prescribing travel for patients.