Making memories that last a lifetime, from Australia to China

They’re on so many bucket lists, whether the dream is sharing the friendly fun of Australia, seeing China’s landmarks or journeying to Nepal, home to the highest mountains on earth. But have you gone? Make this the year you do.

Australia
Splash into the Aussie fun with sightseeing around beautiful Sydney Harbour. Catch the ferry across the harbor to the Taronga Zoo, passing the dazzling Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge along the way. Feed a wallaby at the zoo, pose with a koala and admire a platypus, one of the strangest-looking animals on the planet. Later, enjoy a dinner cruise, and thrill to the nighttime beauty of the illuminated opera house, bridge and sparkling cityscape. If you’re game, climb the Harbour Bridge to the breezy summit, 439 feet above the water. If you dive, the Great Barrier Reef is a must. Explore the Outback and Ayers Rock (Uluru), the sandstone monolith jutting 1,142 feet into the sky, and then watch it turn deep red at sunset or sunrise. Walk around the base with a guide from the indigenous Anangu people and learn about its spiritual significance, or hike to the top and celebrate a personal best.

China
Seeing your first glimpse of the Great Wall, so immense it can be seen from space, is a “wow moment” not to be forgotten. Trod across its misshapen bricks, through watchtowers and up stair-step inclines of up to 460 feet where 14th century Ming Dynasty soldiers once marched. In Beijing, stroll through Tiananmen Square — the world’s largest plaza — and into the Forbidden City, the labyrinth of imperial courtyards, gardens and palaces that was China’s power center from 1406 to 1912. Ancient China’s opulence is also on display at the Summer Palace, 743 acres of palaces, temples and a manmade lake so huge the emperor’s navy practiced ship maneuvers on it. Then see how the commoners lived with a rickshaw ride through the old Hutong Quarter, and check out today’s reigning favorites — the giant pandas — holding court to everyone’s delight at the Beijing Zoo.

Nepal
Fly to the top of the world and one of the earth’s oldest living cities: Kathmandu in the shadow of the Himalayas. The feeling is surreal as you see Mt. Everest rising 29,029 feet above the clouds from your airplane window, and later as you snap pictures of the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, with its painted eyes and fluttering prayer flags. Tour the pagoda-like palaces and temples — many 1,000 years old — of Durbar Square. Overnight in Chitwan National Park and ride an elephant into the jungle to see rhinos, sloths and hopefully a Bengal tiger. Hike in the Himalayan foothills and thrill to views of Mt. Everest — or tackle the earth’s highest mountain if you dare.

For more great summer travel options, go to latimes.com/summertravelseries.

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