Travel reddy!
The world offers you a myriad of colours in every corner but having a specific ‘colour’ destination is the latest thing to do! So, join the trend and plan your trip to experience the world of RED!
Pacula Dunes, Hidalgo, Mexico
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Gorda mountain range, these dunes are red due to high levels of iron and other minerals in the soil. Here, rocks are nestled amid the sand, which varies in colour between rust orange and fire truck red. Take a short hike or just pause to take in the view before visiting the nearby Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve.
Torii Gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Japan
A major shrine of the Shinto religion in Japan, Fushimi Inari venerates mainly agricultural and mercantile spirits. Here, you can walk on beautifully manicured paths up the Inari Mountain through the Torii Gates, which are painted a blinding shade of red. After the 2-hour hike, visitors should visit the main shrine building to make an offering to the deity. S most things in Japan, the shrine is easily accessible by Japan’s high speed train service.
Moulin Rouge. Paris, France
The legendary cabaret immortalized by Toulouse Lautrec and the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film remains an electric spot for nightlife in the Pigalle neighbourhood of Paris. The name literally means “red windmill,” and the building is topped by one—though the colour doesn’t end there. Inside this birthplace of the can-can dance, the costumes and stage look as though they are draped in red velvet. If you book ahead, you’ll receive a bottle of champagne along with your entry.
Pacula Dunes, Hidalgo, Mexico
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Gorda mountain range, these dunes are red due to high levels of iron and other minerals in the soil. Here, rocks are nestled amid the sand, which varies in colour between rust orange and fire truck red. Take a short hike or just pause to take in the view before visiting the nearby Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve.
Torii Gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Japan
A major shrine of the Shinto religion in Japan, Fushimi Inari venerates mainly agricultural and mercantile spirits. Here, you can walk on beautifully manicured paths up the Inari Mountain through the Torii Gates, which are painted a blinding shade of red. After the 2-hour hike, visitors should visit the main shrine building to make an offering to the deity. S most things in Japan, the shrine is easily accessible by Japan’s high speed train service.
Moulin Rouge. Paris, France
The legendary cabaret immortalized by Toulouse Lautrec and the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film remains an electric spot for nightlife in the Pigalle neighbourhood of Paris. The name literally means “red windmill,” and the building is topped by one—though the colour doesn’t end there. Inside this birthplace of the can-can dance, the costumes and stage look as though they are draped in red velvet. If you book ahead, you’ll receive a bottle of champagne along with your entry.
Lake Natron, Tanzania and Kenya
Lake Natron, which straddles the border of Tanzania and Kenya, is highly alkaline, which means that it’s filled with a form of salt. This creates a pH level that sometimes reaches 12, meaning the water can look blood-red. Surprisingly, certain animals—namely, flamingos—have adapted to living in this inhospitable environment. Consider pairing this visit with a safari in the Serengeti.
Red tulips, The Netherlands
Each spring, much of the Netherlands transforms into a festival of colour thanks to its flower fields. The most famous of the bouquet—tulips—sprout from mid-April to early-May. To make the most of this short window, visit Noordoostpolder to see the largest flowering of these Dutch favourites—in red and nearly every other colour. In the city of Aalsmeer, you can even visit the auction house of Royal FloraHolland, where over 20 million plants and flowers are sold every single day.
Panjin Red Beach, Panjin, China
Around six hours from Beijing, the Panjin Red Beach ripens into a deep red colour every summer. This is due to the concentration of a variety of seaweed—Suaeda heteroptera—which can survive in the salt-rich soil of the area. The “beach” is also a protected wetland where you can spot dozens of species of birds and other wildlife. The best time to visit is September, before the seaweed turns purple and eventually dies off for the year.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, US
The volcanoes themselves are not red, but if you’re lucky enough to arrive and see some lava, then you certainly will be seeing red. Though eruptions vary (visitors should check the website of the National Park Service to see current conditions), any amount of lava can be a life-changing sight. The park includes two volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the world’s most active, and Mauna Loa, a huge shield volcano. In 2018, the park had to close after eruptions clouded the summits in smoke, but since then visitors have been allowed back.
Red Beach, Santorini, Greece
Thanks to its carmine colour, the sand at this beach is a tourist attraction for many who visit the famed Greek isle. The beach has such a unique colour because the sand was created by pulverized volcanic rock that originated in a long-ago eruption. You can arrive here by boat or on foot via a narrow path. Of course, there’s plenty more to do on Santorini when you’re done with the sun: go horseback riding on Eros Beach, which is covered in black sand, or enjoy a sunset wine tasting and sample the local fare.
La Muralla Roja, La Manzanera, Calpe, Spain
On the other end of the Mediterranean from Santorini lies Calpe, a beachside city in the east of Spain. The architect Ricardo Bofill designed a series of buildings here, collectively known as La Manzanera, over the course of 20 years. The star of the bunch is La Muralla Roja, a strikingly red apartment complex that includes pools, sea views, and Moroccan-inspired geometry.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona, US
Carved by centuries of flash floods, the narrow Antelope Canyon is a spectacular visit for anyone interested in geology—or photography. You can hike through the ravine and be amazed by the play of light and shadow on the red rock. At moments, areas may look almost purple and at others orange, while the sky above plays peek-a-boo. Antelope Canyon’s smooth lines and tight corners are unlike anything else in the region.
As with any world travel, it’s important to do your research first and make sure you’re aware of any specific requirements (e.g., health) by countries you plan to visit. There are many highly experienced travel operators who will help you develop your red trip of a lifetime!
Antelope Canyon, Arizona, US
Carved by centuries of flash floods, the narrow Antelope Canyon is a spectacular visit for anyone interested in geology—or photography. You can hike through the ravine and be amazed by the play of light and shadow on the red rock. At moments, areas may look almost purple and at others orange, while the sky above plays peek-a-boo. Antelope Canyon’s smooth lines and tight corners are unlike anything else in the region.
As with any world travel, it’s important to do your research first and make sure you’re aware of any specific requirements (e.g., health) by countries you plan to visit. There are many highly experienced travel operators who will help you develop your red trip of a lifetime!