Although no tours are offered inside Al Alam Palace, the building, which serves as the ceremonial residence of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq is still a must-see on your Muscat itinerary. Perched gracefully against a backdrop of rugged hills and adjacent to the picturesque Mutrah Corniche, the palace's striking façade is a feast for the eyes. Visitors can wander around its grounds to marvel at its intricate exterior and lush gardens. Adding to the grandeur, the palace is flanked by two imposing 16th-century forts, Al Mirani and Al Jalali.

Lord Howe Island Marine Park brings together a mix of tropical, subtropical and temperate marine life found nowhere else on Earth, making it one of the world’s best diving sites. Discover the numerous atolls, pinnacles and reefs of the Admiralty Islands. Explore the basalt caves and reefs below Balls Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack. The waters are home to huge schools of violet sweep, rainbow runners, marlin, dolphins, turtles and rare species such as Spanish dancers, double-headed wrasse and Galapagos whalers.

Residents of Estes Park go to great lengths to minimize their impact on wildlife. Animals have been known to meander through downtown, but don't sit in the town your whole vacation waiting for them. Whether seeking out one of the 282 species of birds or hundreds of other species of animals, the Rocky Mountain National Park website has information on getting a glimpse of the local wildlife.