The world is full of unforgettable destinations that offer visitors once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether it is the rich history they are steeped in or a unique natural phenomenon they provide, these destinations around the globe make up just part of the must-see locations you’ll want to add to your bucket list.
Iceland
Not only can you walk between two continental plates at Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, but experienced divers can also have the chance to experience what it’s like to swim between them. The location is one of the only places in the world with this opportunity, while also offering some of the world’s clearest waters that make diving through the continental plates of North America and Europe all the more unforgettable.
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Arizona
Arizona’s Antelope Canyon is one of the most-visited and most-photographed canyons in the American Southwest, and with good reason. The water that has flooded through the desert’s sandstone over thousands of years has created surreal curving stone formations that visitors from around the world flock to admire. The best time to visit is in the summer, between late March and early October, when the light beams that cast their colorful hues across the canyon are most visible.
Brazil
The Earth is full of magnificent natural wonders, one of which can be found at this national park where visitors can actually swim in the midst of a desert filled with Brazil’s biggest dune field. Thanks to the rain that hits the area from February to May, the dunes in this park transform into clear lagoons. The best time to visit here is between May and September when the lagoons can be enjoyed in their full glory.
Oregon
While the world is full of beautiful lakes to admire, one of the most interesting ones in America is located in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest. Clear Lake is known for its magnificently clear waters that come from its surrounding mountains, making it known as one of the best freshwater diving locations in America, but what awaits underneath is just as fascinating. The lake is filled with tree trunks that can be seen extending over a hundred feet into the water, thanks to surrounding forests that sank into it over the years. Those who don’t mind cold water temperatures can dive in for incredible underwater views, while kayaking is also available to enjoy the scenery from above.
Croatia
Croatia’s biggest and oldest national park offers an array of awe-inspiring scenes that range from dense forests to cascading waterfalls, natural dams, and its series of 16 interlinked lakes. The waters that fill this park are known for their clarity — schools of fish can be seen swimming in them — and the way the lakes change hue depending on the lighting throughout the day. The park is home to thousands of plants and more than 100 species of flora and fauna. Boats and buses also allow weary walkers some time off their feet.
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Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
There’s so much to see within Yellowstone National Park, including the geyser Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is America’s largest natural hot spring. The spring is famed for its array of colors that vary from greens in the winter to bright orange in the summer. Yellowstone is also home to the world’s tallest active geyser — Steamboat geyser — which can shoot some 300 feet up in the air when it erupts.
Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, stretching thousands of square miles with colored lakes, geysers, surreal rock formations, and pink flamingos that call the area home. Enjoy dips in natural hot springs, four-wheel-drive excursions, and stay in hotels where everything from walls to furnishings are made of salt. During the wet season, from December to April, you can experience mesmerizing reflections of the sky thanks to a thin layer of water that forms over the salt flat.
Related: 35 Stunning Landscapes That Make Earth Look Like Another Planet
Palau
When making a trip to Palau in the South Pacific, visitors won’t want to miss the opportunity to snorkel in Merchercar Island’s Jellyfish Lake, which is noted for its waters filled with jellyfish that do not produce the painful stings normally associated with such creatures, making for a surreal swimming experience. Those wishing to snorkel in the lake will need to go with a tour and purchase an official permit to access the area.
Argentina and Brazil
The Iguazú Falls, located between Argentina and Brazil within the expanse of a lush national park, display the sheer power of nature as one of the world’s most powerful waterfall systems. Made up of a chain of hundreds of waterfalls, the cascading waters are the result of over 100 million years of volcanic activity, with some of its tallest dropping over 80 meters.
Portugal
This archipelago is home to nine different islands, all of which offer their own incredible scenery. Travelers can visit several islands in a trip, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites on the island of Terceira, which is known for its hidden caves and volcanoes. On São Miguel Island, visitors can find awe-inspiring hikes, sulfur pools, and plantation tours.
California
This roughly 90-mile coastline is home to some of California’s most photographed locations and is noted for its impeccable scenery that includes expanses of redwoods and soaring mountains and cliffs that collide with the bright waters of the Pacific Ocean. Nature abounds here, from the purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach to the monarch butterflies that migrate through popular spots like Andrew Molera State Park in the fall.
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Scotland
A trip to the Scottish highlands offers untouched landscapes with otherworldly scenery that range from secluded beaches dotted with dolphins, seals, and otters to dramatic valleys, soaring cliffsides, and alpine lakes. Some of the world’s most beautiful hikes are here. The area is also home to impeccable whisky and stops like Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the United Kingdom, where travelers will find everything from distillers and ancient castles to the stargazing at the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world.
Related: See the Stars: Dark Sky Destinations Across America
Arizona
Sedona is considered a premiere wellness destination thanks to its range of magnificent hikes that weave through evergreen forests, clear water creeks, its ancient red rocks the area is famous for, and calming meditation and spa treatments that include the red clay pulled from its natural surroundings. Often referred to as a geological wonderland, Sedona has sights like none other. It has also been ranked as one of the Most Beautiful Places in America by USA Today.
Combine history and natural wonders in Jordan, where you can marvel at the ancient architecture of Petra, famed for its rose-colored stones out of which the city is carved. Take a day trip to the Dead Sea to float in the warm salted waters of the mineral-rich body of water, known to be 10 times saltier than sea water, and make a stop at Wadi Rum, a vast dramatic desert known for its surreal brightly colored sands and soaring sandstones.
The state known as the “The Last Frontier” treats travelers with a host of natural wonders, ranging from views of the northern lights to gray-sand beaches, and glorious ice caves. Alaska is also home to America’s highest peak, found in the Denali National Park and Preserve, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, which is America’s largest national park.
Australia
The world’s largest coral reef system is a popular location for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and sailing. It is known for the vast array of marine life that abound with bright colors to explore underneath its waters. Top activities also include diving in to see the world’s largest green turtle population surround Rain Island and making a visit to Hinchinbrook Island to discover pristine secluded beaches and waterfalls.
This group of 19 islands off the coast of Ecuador offers some of the best wildlife encounters the world has to offer. Here, visitors will find unique wildlife species that can’t be found anywhere else, which they can admire while exploring the many stunning beaches and expansive lava fields found across the islands. These islands are where Charles Darwin famously developed his theory of evolution after noticing how each island had a different species of finch adapted to its particular conditions.
Australia
Scratch the surface at this town in Southern Australia, where an entire underground world awaits. Thanks to the hot temperatures of the area, the residents of Coober Pedy have created an array of underground attractions ranging from bars and churches to bookstores and entire hotels. The town is home to an international underground hotel and a large supply of beautiful opals that make for shimmering souvenirs.
Enjoy majestic remote and city getaways in Chile, where can’t-miss natural attractions include the swerving Marble Caves that have formed over thousand of years through melting waters from nearby glaciers and the expansive Torres del Paine National Park, noted for its awe-inspiring mountains, vibrant icebergs, and bright turquoise waters. For a unique city stop, head to Valparaiso, where historic funicular elevators lead to magnificent views.
The Incan citadel of Machu Picchu is a popular stop in Peru thanks to its impressive architecture and impeccable scenery on the top of a mountain in the midst of a tropical forest. Peru also is home to mystical wonders like the ancient Nazca Lines dating to 500 B.C. and considered to be the world’s most outstanding group of geoglyphs. Experience a bird’s eye view of them by taking a flight from the Ica Desert, where you’ll also find the Huacachina oasis — a watering hole located right in the middle of the sand that seems straight out of a mirage.
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Italy
There are many unforgettable destinations in Italy to explore, and one of them is the string of five towns that line Italy’s Ligurian coast to make up the romantic Cinque Terre. The villages here date back centuries and are known for the colorful homes that dot their terraces. You can visit all five of the villages along the ancient footpath systems that weave through Cinque Terre, and enjoy gastronomic delicacies like freshly baked focaccias, local seafood, and lemon goods ranging from limoncello to delectable sorbets.
Those in search of big attractions will want to add Dubai to their list. The country features the world’s largest natural flower garden with 150 million flowers, the world’s largest mall, the world’s tallest building, and the recently opened world’s deepest diving pool where an entire sunken city can be explored.
Egypt
Giza’s Great Pyramid is the only wonder of the ancient world that still survives, standing as an architectural marvel for visitors who come to gaze at its sheer size and precision. The three pyramids, along with the Great Sphinx of Giza and several smaller pyramids and tombs within the area form the Giza Pyramid Complex, which can be best enjoyed in the early morning hours in the fall and spring when you’ll find smaller crowds.
History awaits in every corner of Italy’s capital, including at the Colosseum where its enormous size is a treat for any history buff. There are many attractions to see here, from the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. After exploring its historic sites, consider a stop at the Hostaria Antica Roma restaurant, which cooks meals from the world’s oldest cookbook.
Hawaii is another U.S. destination that offers otherworldly scenery. Besides its clear waters, the island is also dotted with colorful beaches ranging from black sands and green sands to red. Explore volcanic terrain at stops like Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the Hana Lava Tube along Maui’s Road to Hana, and at Mauna Kea in Hilo, the highest point in the Hawaiian islands. Stay up late during your trip to experience some of the planet’s best stargazing.
Related: The Best of Hawaii on a Budget
France’s capital is a romantic art, fashion, architecture, and gastronomic center. Famous artworks line the walls of the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, while magnificent French Gothic cathedrals dot the city. Skip the lines to admire the Eiffel Tower by booking a dinner inside of it, and make sure to catch its glimmering 20,000-light show at 1 a.m., when the golden lights shut off to reveal twinkling lights reminiscent of camera flashes against a dark night sky. Have dinner at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte, famous for its steak-frites served piping hot, and don’t forget to indulge in bakery treats that include baguettes, macarons, and eclairs.
Cambodia
Millions of tourists visit the city of Siem Reap every year, thanks to its close proximity to Angkor Wat, which is the world’s largest religious structure. Angkor Wat is composed of dozens of larger and smaller temples that make up its massive area, and while its most popular can be immensely crowded, heading to the temples further down will allow you to enjoy the historical structures tucked away in lush jungles without massive crowds.
New Zealand is often touted as an adventure lover’s dream, thanks to attractions that include its bubbling hot springs and mud pools in Rotorua, which is nicknamed the “Sulphur City.” Fiordland National Park, the largest of the country’s national parks, is known for its glacier-carved fjords that cut through its terrain. Make sure to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where a glowworm species found solely in New Zealand creates sparkling effects across the limestone caves.
Spain
Catalonia’s largest city is also the only city to be awarded the Royal Gold Medal for architecture. Walking through Barcelona is like taking a journey through architecture’s history, with its Gothic, Romanesque, and modernist varieties. More than a dozen Antoni Gaudí installations can be seen throughout Barcelona, all of which offer their own intricate beauty. Those in search of nightlife will also find bustling beach parties and festivals that come alive in the summer.
Puerto Rico
No trip to Puerto Rico should be completed without a visit to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in North America and one of the oldest natural reserves in the Western Hemisphere. Wildlife is abundant here, including endemic species like the coqui frogs that sing throughout the evening. The Puerto Rican parrot — one of the 10 most endangered bird species in the world — is also here. Zip line through the park’s lush greenery and enjoy the many stunning waterfalls like Juan Diego, which you can wade into.
Greece
Athens is often one of the main locations travelers head to in Greece, but if you’re spending time in the capital, consider setting a few days aside to head to Meteora. Meaning “suspended in the air,” Meteora is known for its six ancient monasteries that sit perched on top of vertical peaks. The unique rock formations surrounding the monasteries make the area a geological wonder to be explored. Avoid the summer months in order to enjoy it amid smaller crowds. Stop at Neromilos for an authentic meal showcasing Meteora’s mushrooms in vast selections and noteworthy trout.
France
The bubbly drink we associate with celebrations today can only be called champagne when it comes from the Champagne region of France, which is why it’s no surprise you’ll find an array of vineyards and over 100 wineries to explore here. Grand champagne houses abound where you can see the production and taste the drink. Visiting at the end of summer means you can witness the harvesting season. Besides sparkling wine, visitors will also find the medieval castle of Sedan and local delicacies that include cheeses with champagne-soaked and wood-matured rinds.
Switzerland
The Alps are the largest and highest mountain range in Europe, spanning several European countries. The Swiss portion of it is large, covering some 60% of the entire country and offering dramatic natural scenery that includes vibrant wildflower hues in the warmer months, and some of the world’s best skiing in the winter.
Greece
Santorini’s scenery is what draws so many visitors, as black-sand beaches combine with the city’s famous white-washed and cliff-perched buildings and crystal-clear waters to make for postcard views. Enjoy them throughout the day and within the beautiful hotels here like the Dana Villa and Suites, which feature private indoor pools as well as outdoor plunge pools.
Turkmenistan
Also known as the Gates of Hell, this strange phenomenon is a giant hole of fire that has been burning for years in Darvaza. Now a popular stop in Turkmenistan, the eye-catching large glowing hole was created by accident, when geologists tapped into the cavern filled with natural gas and burned it off in the hopes that this would burn out the fire. To this day, it has continued to burn, which adds all the more to its mystery.
Vietnam
Though Hoi An has seen a rise in tourism, it is still often overlooked by travelers who head to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but a visit to Hoi An is like taking a step back in time. The historic trading port still preserves much of its original architecture that includes timber-framed buildings and pagodas visitors can explore amid the narrow alleys that weave through its ancient town. Don’t miss the lantern festivals that take place here at night, when bright lanterns can be seen floating across the river and in homes.
Austria is beautiful throughout the year, and immensely charming during the holiday season when Christmas markets are filled with local treats and handmade ornaments. In Vienna, travelers can explore the history of famed individuals that are from the country, including Freud and Mozart. Stop into one of the many cafes and indulge in the decadent layered cakes that line its shelves.
History and nature combine in Havana, where pre-revolutionary buildings and classic cars can be seen alongside centuries-old architecture in Old Havana, though currently, tourist travel from the U.S. is prohibited. Amazing beaches are located as close as 10 minutes from Havana at the Playas de Este strip, while the city also boasts cigar production at its finest and the former home of Ernest Hemingway.
For a destination filled with ancient history and unspoiled nature, head to Armenia, which is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing countries and is loaded with historic sites dating back to 4000 B.C. Its capital Yerevan hosts open markets, bustling cafes, historic attractions, and close proximity to stunning natural sites found in locations like Lake Sevan and the mineral-water springs of Dilijan National Park.
Utah is a nature lover’s dream, hosting some of America’s most popular national parks that include Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and its unusual hoodoo rock formations, and Arches National Park. Utah is also home to the Bonneville Salt Flats and its white salted crust formations that stretch for 12 miles in length and cover a total of 46 square miles, and which are known for the land speed records that have been set there.
Florida
One of America’s least visited parks is also home to some of North America’s best snorkeling and diving. Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of seven islands, with a staggering 99% of it actually located underwater. Explore its colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks and enjoy the incredible sky views that arrive at night. The park is only accessible via plane or boat, making it one of the most remote locations, which adds all the more to the experience of swimming in its clear water crowd free.
While Saint Lucia has the clear, warm, and marine-filled waters the Caribbean is known for, its bright blue waters are also surrounded by soaring peaks and lush botanical gardens that create stunning scenery. The island also boasts a drive-in volcano. The island’s majesty becomes all the more apparent as you drive through its many winding hills.
New Mexico
At White Sands National Park, you’ll feel like you’re in a large expanse of snow without the cold. The park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field, stretching over 200 square miles. Not only do the powdered gypsum dunes look like snow, but they also provide the same enjoyable activities as it. Sledding is a popular way to enjoy the dunes.
Philippines
The Chocolate Hills comprise over 1,000 hills that spread across 20 square miles and which seem symmetrical in shape in the landscape they dot. They get their nickname from the fact that their green grass tends to dry up in the dry season, from late November to May, making them turn a dark brown color.
Though Bhutan may be small in size, the attractions it offers are of soaring heights. The country, which consistently ranks as the happiest in the world, is famous for attractions like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which sits 3,000 meters in the mountains. Mountain views are plentiful here, from those of the Himalayas to that of Gangkhar Puensum—the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. Tourism is limited here. Visitors — except those with Indian, Maldivian, or Bangladeshi passports — must get a visa, book trips through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, and pay a "minimum daily package" ($200 to $290 a day, depending on the month) in advance.
Las Vegas is one of those locations where time ceases to exist. The Strip is one of the world’s most famous streets with its buzzing hotels and array of legendary dining options to explore. Prime concerts and entertainment shows like Cirque du Soleil regularly take place here, while massive casinos and bustling parties are known to give the city its Sin City nickname.
South Africa
A trip to Kruger National Park is one of the best ways to experience the continent’s unique wildlife, where Africa’s famed “Big Five” — the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and rhinoceros — can be seen in their natural habitat. The park is one of Africa’s largest natural game reserves and also includes hundreds of other animal species to see.
The Emerald Isle hosts a mystical scenery of lush forests, soaring cliffs, ancient castles, and impeccable hiking trails. Attractions range from the cosmopolitan capital of Dublin, which is the home of the Guinness brewery, to the seafood of Kinsale and the 400-year-old Bushmill distillery located in County Antrim. The Cliffs of Moher are renowned for their visual beauty, stretching roughly 8½ miles against the sea, and hosting 20 different bird species. Meanwhile, the Giant’s Causeway, made up of some 40,000 basalt columns that rise from the sea resulting from a volcanic eruption, have drawn travelers and artists alike for years.
Related: 30 Free Things to Do in Ireland
Japan offers a wide range of scenery and destinations, from its cosmopolitan center of Tokyo to its more remote hot springs of Yamanashi Prefecture, where travelers will also find the world’s oldest hotel. Cherry blossom season is one of the most popular times to visit, when locations throughout Japan are adorned in rose-colored hues, but its wisteria blooms are equally beautiful. While in the winter, the country turns into a premiere skiing destination.
For a country filled with diverse attractions, head to Costa Rica, where visitors find lush rainforests, prime surfing beaches, incredible national parks, and deep river valleys. Adventure lovers will enjoy thrills here ranging from zip lining to cave tubing, while wildlife enthusiasts won’t want to miss the chance to get up close to its sloth population at the Sloth Sanctuary.
Holland
Nicknamed the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof offers one of the world’s largest flower gardens and is a prime destination for getting some of the best views of the famous blooming Dutch tulips. More than 7 million flowers bloom here, with the tulips most visible in April and May, but everything from orchids, roses, carnations, lilies, daffodils and more create the park’s colorful displays.
Norway
Adventure seekers will be in bliss at the Lofoten Islands, where hiking, climbing, fishing, kayaking, and Arctic surfing await. In the winter, the islands are known for their views of the northern lights, while the fact that the islands receive midnight sun means you can enjoy its outdoor activities all throughout the day.
Related: Best Vacation Rentals for Seeing the Northern Lights
In Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, one of the few remaining locations in Thailand where you’ll experience modernity alongside history, there are over 500 ancient temples to explore. In the far south, there are stunning coastal areas, from the more popular locations in Krabi to the unspoiled beaches of Trang that are surrounded by lush reefs. Night markets with seafood abound in cities like Phuket, while historic Buddha statues and ruins wait to be explored at destinations like Ayutthaya.
New York is one of America’s cities that gives visitors a look into what a dense urban environment is like. Explore the city on foot as much as possible to take in its marquee destinations like Central Park, Times Square, Greenwich Village, Grand Central Terminal. Hiking the city is also the best way to come across its many hole-in-the-wall historic food stops and watering holes that line its streets. The city is a foodie’s paradise, with its diverse population offering foods from all over the world. Italian delicacies are, of course, a staple here, with some of the best baked versions offered at the more than 100-year-old Veniero’s.
