Five Unique Lakes Around the World and Why We Love Them

How many beach holidays have you pictured that were on a lake instead of the ocean? Often, when people picture beach vacations they imagine swaying palm trees and sandy toes, but there’s an alternative, and in some ways, it’s even better than the ocean.The lakes we’re talking about have fresh rather than salty water, some are surrounded by mountains, and some are incredible colors thanks to their mineral content. If you didn’t love lakes before, check these out:

Lake Superior

By surface area, Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake and the third largest by volume. The average retention time (amount of time a drop of water remains in the lake) is 191 years and it contains 10% of the world’s surface freshwater.That is one seriously huge lake, with two countries and several states bordering it.In Bayfield, Wisconsin, sandstone sea caves have been carved by the waves overtime and have formed sea caves. In the wintertime, they freeze over for quite the spectacle.
 

Lago O’Higgins

Lago di Braies

Lake Malawi

Lake Tahoe

In a state known for its beaches, California’s (and Nevada’s, too, let’s not forget)Lake Tahoe is a favorite in the summer for the sun and the winter for the slopes. It’s the largest Alpine lake in the United States, sitting high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range at an elevation of 6,225 feet (1,897 meters).  Of all of the lakes on this list, Lake Tahoe is the one of the most popular with tourists thanks to its location and wealth of year-round activities.Can a lake vacation be just as good as a beach one? With the benefit of the scenery of higher elevations and the unique surroundings, sometimes they can be even better and more interesting.In any season and all parts of the world, lakes have their place on every bucket list.
 
Kristin Addis
Kristin Addis is the solo female traveler behind BeMyTravelMuse.com, a website for off the beaten path adventures!  She is also the author of solo female traveler guidebook, Conquering Mountains and How to Solo Travel the World Fearlessly.