Simpson Desert, Australia

When it comes to Australia's extremes, nothing beats the Simpson Desert.  It lies in a mostly uninhabited area near the middle of the country. What makes it stand out is the sand swirling through the desert of 54,000 square miles which is blood red in color! The Simpson Desert is a dunal desert having linear dunes stratching up to 125 miles in length and 23 miles in height. The red color is caused by the presence of iron oxide in its sands.  The shades range from light pink to bloody red.

Socotra Island, Indian Ocean

What makes this island unbelievable is its amazing flora. Located 250 miles off the Yemen coast, this is the biggest among the 4 islands found in the Socotra Archipelago.  It boasts 250 plant species that you cannot find anywhere else on earth! Be stunned with the blood tree that has canopy tops and oozes bloody red resin if you pierce its trunk. Also, never miss out on the desert rose that grows up to 10 feet and has a bulbous trunk swelling with water to prepare for the summer heat.