1. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
The Plitvice Lakes can be found on Croatia’s Adriatic Sea coast, just lingering on the border between Zadar and the nation’s capital, Zagreb. These lakes consist of 16 bodies of water that are all joined together by a variety of cascading waterfalls and fascinating bridges, flanked by age-old emerald forests that hold wildlife aplenty: birds, wolves, bears, and more!
2. Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous vacation spots in the world, and with good reason! It’s one of the world’s Seven Wonders and it serves as a symbol of true, never-ending love. This mausoleum is, contrary to popular belief, not a palace – but the final resting place of Mumtaz Mahal, built by her husband for her. This architectural success is a prime example of the finest in Mughal architecture, with four completely identical sides over its 240-foot height.
3. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is one of the earth’s largest waterfalls, reaching a majestic 355 feet in height and spanning across an entire mile. Its rush of falling water is the biggest of its kind, with the shocking speed of 550,000 cubic meters per minute. On top of that, Victoria Falls is among the world’s Seven Natural Wonders, and its mist that shrouds the area can be seen from 50 kilometers away, creating a rainbow!
4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is an island paradise isolated from much of the world, in the middle of the South Pacific ocean. It is one of the world’s most famous go-to honeymoon locations. It hosts a dormant volcano, which is encircled by thick, gorgeous green. This is the perfect spot to just kick it back and relax. It’s romantic and close to nature, yet is extravagant in its elegance.
5. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is among the best places to travel in the already attraction-packed nation of Japan. Located along Kyoto’s outskirts, this grove is packed with countless bamboo trees, all growing to amazing heights that have to be seen to be believed. Plus, this grove is a treat for all your senses. Not only is it a gorgeous sight to see, but it has also been named among the top 100 Soundscapes of Japan by the country’s Ministry of Environment.
6. Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is such a mysterious location, which is why it is one of the best places to visit in the world. Heavy rocks sit in a semi-organized pile in the middle of a valley, balanced on each other. It’s unknown who exactly put them there, what they were for, or even how they all were brought to that spot and arranged. A guided tour will show you around the area, and you’ll be impressed with how much beauty such a simple-looking landmark can hold.
7. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Amalfi Coast is a fantastic getaway for everyone. Whether you’re looking for some calm relaxation, you’re itching for some fresh seafood, or you desire something more adventurous, Amalfi Coast is one of the best vacation spots you can hope for. 13 towns along the cliffside provide hiking trails and a sense of warm civilization, while beaches provide the white expanses of sand perfect for a picturesque lounge.
8. Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
The Niagara Falls, positioned on the border between America and Canada, is a once-in-a-lifetime type of trip that you won’t regret. There are two ranges, each located on either side of the border, and both are equally cool places to check out. The Falls have a natural whirlpool along the base, and a boat ride is available for those who want to even more fully explore the waterways. If you go in the evening, you’ll be treated to a spectacle of the rushing water illuminated in vibrant hues.
9. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is likely one of the most intriguing vacation spots in the world. This is because of its fascinating, unique, and borderline bizarre natural structures known as fairy chimneys. These are geological formations made from rock, shaped in cones, that form in a variety of sizes as volcanic ash solidifies. On top of this interesting phenomenon, Cappadocia also hosts underground structures of all kinds that served as homes, stores, and cities all the way in the 4th century.
10. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
You may feel like Neuschwanstein Castle looks familiar. That’s because the famed Cinderella’s Castle building, located in Disney World, is heavily inspired by and modeled after this incredible, opulent palace. This magnificent structure is built on top of a mountain, and its Bavarian construction is a wonder to behold.
11. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
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The Cliffs of Moher span 14 kilometers across County Clare, Ireland, and it’s a prime location for untamed, natural beauty. They’re such an iconic location thanks to their roles in Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets and The Princess Bride, where they served as a fantastical location for the perfect scenes.
12. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The Salar de Uyuni makes for an unusual trip, but it’s still one of the best vacations you might ever go on. High up in the Andes mountains, this salt flat boasts a range of 4,086 square miles, which makes it the largest on the planet. Standing on top of the sparkling salt that shines white in the sun, often providing a bright reflection that makes the expanse of land look like a giant mirror.
13. Blue Lagoon, Iceland
If you’re a sucker for a good soak in a hot spring, the Blue Lagoon is one of the best places to travel. It’s a one-of-a-kind geothermal spa that sits right in the middle of a rather intimidating lava field. It might sound frightening, but when you see it, you’ll know why it’s such a great place to take a trip to.
14. Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
The Torres Del Paine National Park is located in the southernmost region of the Andes, and it is full of diverse natural sights to enjoy. These sights range from wide rivers to emerald forests, from deep lakes to tall mountains, and from cobalt icebergs to golden pampas. You can explore on foot with a good hike, or head to specific landmarks, such as the French Valley, the granite towers, or Los Cuernos, among others.
15. Socotra, Yemen
Socotra is one of those unusual places that is more bizarre than normal, but that just makes it one of the best vacation spots for nature-lovers. It is an archipelago that hosts countless towering dragon’s blood trees, which fan upwards like an umbrella or a giant, branch-filled mushroom. There is a grand total of 825 rare species of flora on the island of Socotra, and a good third of them can only be seen in this small locale.
16. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is one of those travel destinations that have to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The river delta winds in and out of gorgeous greenery and spans a whopping 49 million acres. On either side, you’ll be able to spot incredibly diverse wildlife, ranging from predators like cheetahs to herd mammals like elephants, zebras, rhinos, and buffalos.
17. Moraine Lake, Canada
Moraine Lake is often referred to as the earth’s most stunning and picturesque lake. It sits within the Banff National Park, where it is nestled in a valley between ten hill and mountain peaks. The deep, bright turquoise waves gently lap across the rippling lake, and a mineral-rich content allows for a truly brilliant and vibrant hue.
18. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
The Avenue of the Baobabs, like the name suggests, is home to incredible baobabs that reach up into the sky at 100-foot heights. Each of these ancient trees appears surreal and almost alien-like in aesthetic as if they leaped right out of the pages of The Little Prince, where they are so whimsically featured. The Avenue of the Baobabs sits on a rural island in Madagascar, which also hosts unique wildlife, including lemurs that stare at you with wide, big eyes, and some of the largest moth species on the planet.
19. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in all of Africa, and, amazingly, it isn’t connected to a mountain range of any kind. It hits 19,000 feet in height and is surrounded by flat expanses, so it truly stands out and serves as a noticeable and breathtaking landmark. This stratovolcano is among the best places to visit for mountain-climbing enthusiasts and nature-lovers alike.
20. Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
The Raja Ampat Islands aren’t just a few specific places – they span 1,500 different small islands that take up 29,000 square miles of ocean, and each one is biodiverse and highly unique. If you’re up for resplendent nature to feast your eyes on, these islands will be among the best vacations you’ll ever take.
21. Northern Lake Baikal, Russia
Northern Lake Baikal is an extremely large freshwater lake – the biggest on the planet! If you visit when temperatures are at great lows, you’ll be in for an aesthetically pleasing treat. Ice sheets form over the top of the water, glowing turquoise and seafoam in the light. This lake is truly splendid in all its beauty, and it’s really not a surprise that it’s among the best vacation spots in the world.
22. Reed Flute Caves, China
China’s Reed Flute Caves are among the nation’s best places to travel. The cave system runs for about 240 meters and it has been open for public viewing for more than a thousand years! As such, it’s rich in history, intrigue, and fascination. In modern times, pillars and other cave formations are highlighted by the installation and use of bright colorful lights, which fill the caves with exquisite beauty.
23. Geiranger Fjord, Norway
We already know that Norway is easily in the top best places to visit in the world if you want to see grand, dazzling fjords of all kinds. But of all those hundreds of fjords to visit, Geiranger Fjord is probably the most incredible. It spans 15 kilometers in length and its coasts are completely inhabitable. The fjord can be visited by ferry, through kayaking, or by passing through Trollstigen road.
24. Sossusvlei, Namibia
Sossusvlei is undeniably one of the best vacation spots in Nambia. It is a clay and salt pan located within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is characterized by red dunes that roll, rising and falling, across a wide expanse of land. They form as a result of the rare rain that reaches the usually dry desert land.
25. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
The Iguazu Falls isn’t just one single waterfall – it’s a collection of multiple small ones spanning across 3 kilometers, each one cascading down onto the next with raw power and energy that is spectacular to behold. This shocking spectacle alone easily makes this location rank among the top vacation spots in the world. This marvelous modern natural wonder sits on the border between Argentina and Brazil, within a larger national park that holds plenty of majesty and whimsy on its own in its rainforests.
26. Zhangye Danxia, China
At first glance, Zhangye Danxia looks like it may be photoshopped. But it’s all natural, and that’s why these Rainbow Mountains are one of the best places to vacation for unique and breathtaking sights. These mountains make up a geopark and have multicolored stripes, showing off vibrant shades of yellow, red, green, and more.
27. Mount Fuji, Japan
For the mountaineers, Mount Fuji is one of the best places to travel in the world. It scales 12,388 feet in height and its beauty is worthy of any storybook cover. Hike at the right time, and you’ll be able to get the summit without the hassle of the overwhelming snow. Better yet, the area also hosts Lake Kawaguchiko, which is flanked by cherry blossoms that send soft pink petals drifting to the ground magically.
28. Kuang Si Falls, Laos
The Kuang Si Falls is known to be among the top travel destinations for backpackers. Located very close to bustling city Luang Prabang, these waterfalls rush downwards in amazingly clear azure streams, falling through three tiers. You can jump right into the water beneath the falls or, if you prefer, hike around the area to uncover more serene nature-filled spots that are perfect for a little exploring.
29. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
If you like nature and culture all in one, New Zealand is one of the best countries to visit. This park holds 14 fjords that, according to Maori legends, were all carved by a giant stonemason with an adze. It’s not too difficult to believe that myth when you take a look at the deep, dipping valleys, though most experts believe it’s more likely that the fjords were created by glaciers over a hundred thousand years.
30. The Pitons, St. Lucia
The Pitons are a pair of volcanic plugs that go by the names Petit Piton (the smaller one) and Gros Piton (the larger one). Their peaks are striking in appearance and make for incredible landmarks. You can hike up the mountains or simply enjoy the view by resting and relaxing in Sugar Beach, which offers prime viewing of one of the best vacation spots in the world.