Check out our mythical creatures. While myths and legends are tales of heroes, monsters and fabled creatures, they’re also a glimpse into the richness of culture and the history of a country.
And behind every myth and legend is a kernel of truth yet to be revealed.
USA BIGFOOT, Folklore
Travelling to the States brings visitors plenty of opportunity to experience both snow-capped mountains and beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking for breath-taking scenery, amazing food or thrilling adventures, the USA has it all.
To add an extra dimension to your trip, head to the Pacific Northwest to glimpse the elusive Bigfoot.
Most commonly found in the forests or mountains, Bigfoot has dark-coloured fur and stands at approximately nine feet tall. Travellers have previously tracked footprints of the giant ape-like creature and captured blurry photos. Could you be the one to capture the image that puts all nay-sayers to shame?
Inspired by the thin line between fantasy and reality, GoCompare Travel Insurance has designed a series of travel posters illustrating nine countries according to their mythical creatures. From the well-known American Bigfoot to the terrifying Japanese kappa, these posters are set to inspire travellers across the globe.
IMPUNDULU AND INKANYAMBA, SOUTH AFRICA Folklore
For intrepid travellers keen to see animals in their natural habitat, South Africa is perhaps the best safari destination you can find. From the big five to incredible birds and sea creatures, the county has it all.
The creatures that could really add an extra dimension to your visit are much more elusive and difficult to find. Head to the base of Howick falls, a waterfall in KwaZulu-Natal Province to find the Inkanyamba. A huge serpent with a horse-like head, the best time to catch a sighting of the creature is during the summer months when it’s rumoured that its anger causes the seasonal storms.
A creature to be avoided during your trip is the impundulu or the lightning bird. Said to be a companion of witches, it’s a large bird that can conjure storms with its wings. It’s described as a vampire-type creature, due to its insatiable appetite for blood.
TROLLS, SWEDEN Folklore
If you’re looking for a nomadic adventure but you’re not sure where to start, take a look a Sweden. As the largest of the Scandinavian countries, Sweden encompasses the best bits of all the Nordic regions – cool urban areas, breath-taking mountains, deep forests and cool coastlines.
In the mountain-areas, away from human dwellings, lurk Sweden’s trolls. A common feature in Scandinavian folklore, trolls are a dim-witted, slow and lumbering species that tend to live in isolation as they’re described as ‘rarely helpful to human beings’.
If you want to avoid these creatures, visit on a sunny day when they’ll be hiding from the sun, scared of turning to stone.
GIANTS AND LEPRECHAUNS, IRELAND Folklore
A feature in many films, and the inspiration for countless literary feats, Ireland is a small island full to the brim of culture. With wind-swept hills and breath-taking coastlines, there’s something for everyone in this part of the world.
In Antrim, Northern Ireland, you’ll find a 60 million year old UNESCO World Heritage Site which has proved popular with many tourists over the years. Home to an ancient but mighty giant, Finn McCool, the unusual rock formations that formed during a fight between Finn and a Scottish giant need to be seen to be believed.
If you’re out and about in rural Ireland and strange things seem to be happening around you, you could be in the presence of a leprechaun. It’s rumoured that if you catch one of these faeries you’ll be granted three wishes. We wouldn’t advise it, as the mischievous creatures are hard to catch and you could find yourself falling foul of one of their many tricks.
DRAGON, WALES, Folklore
The land of song and mountains, Wales is a place to enjoy the outdoors and the traditional ‘Welsh welcome’.
Remember to pack clothes for all weather, as even in the summer the Welsh weather can’t be relied upon. As long as you’re prepared, you can enjoy the dramatic effect that the rain can have on the Welsh landscape, especially around its many waterfalls.
If you’re looking for the best views in Wales, head to north Wales where you can experience the lakes and mountains of beautiful Snowdonia.
Teeming with myth and legend, Snowdonia is the site of many a Welsh tale so you never know what magic you might encounter in the shadows of Wales’ highest mountain. However, be careful where you tread and bear in mind the phrase ‘let sleeping dragons lie’. A king once ignored this advice, and awoke two dragons sleeping under Dinas Emrys, provoking a vicious battle between the two.
Image Credits: GoCompare Travel Insurance
We are showing a few but the full set of travel posters can be found here.
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
