travel destinations around the world

World’s 30 Best Travel Destinations, Ranked

Best places to visit in the world.

The ultimate ranking of travel destinations aims to solve a serious problem: so many places to visit, so little time.

But even in a world with a trillion destinations, some manage to stand out and rise to the top. From the sleek skyscrapers of Dubai to the emerald-green waters of the Bora Bora lagoon, you’re sure to find at least one vacation that piques your interest (and likely several!).

These are the 30 best places to visit in the world. Which ones have you already been to? And which ones stoke your wanderlust most?

30. Argentine Patagonia

In this region of the Andes, you’ll find glaciers, evergreen trees, deep blue lakes and clear skies everywhere you look. For a trip full of adventure and discovery, there are few better destinations on the planet.

No trip is complete without a visit to the craggy Mount Fitz Roy, the historic (and mysterious) Cave of the Hands, the Punta Tombo wildlife preserve, the Peninsula Valdes marine wildlife refuge and the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. Be sure to bring your camera and your sense of wonder.

* Rankings are based on U.S. News & World Report's " World's Best Places to Visit ," traveler ratings as well as our own editorial input.

What to Know Before You Go to Argentine Patagonia

Where to stay: Cyan Soho Neuquen Hotel

Hot tip: Since springtime occurs in the southern hemisphere in October and November, those months are your best bet when planning a trip.

Fun fact: The largest dinosaur fossils ever unearthed were found in Argentine Patagonia. They belong to the largest-known titanosaur, believed to have weighed about 83 tons. 

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29. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Set in the Sorrentina Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast has long been renowned for its natural beauty and idyllic coastal towns. During the golden age of Hollywood, it was a preferred vacation spot for glamorous movie stars.

Days here are spent eating Italian food, drinking wine and walking around colorful cobblestone streets. You can also expect to drink copious amounts of wine as you look out into the Mediterranean Sea.

The best way to see the coast is to rent a car and then drive to different towns each day.

What to Know Before You Go to the Amalfi Coast

Where to stay: Hotel Marina Riviera

Hot tip:  If you're planning on using a beach chair to work on your tan, make sure you wake up early, as they are usually first come, first served.

Fun fact:  The Amalfi Coast is featured in Sofia Loren's 1995 Film, "Scandal in Sorrento."

28. Cancun, Mexico

For years, Cancun has been the preferred getaway for East Coast Americans (particularly Floridians) who want an international getaway that's still close to home. But despite the droves of tourists, the area has managed to keep the charm that attracted people in the first place.

The city is known mostly for its luxury hotels, wild nightlife and warm beaches. Definitely indulge in all of these — as well as the Mexican food! — but also consider other activities like visiting Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes and snorkeling. One thing is certain: You won't run out of things to do in Cancun .

What to Know Before You Go to Cancun

Where to stay: Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Hot tip:  While you're in Cancun, make a plan to visit one of Grupo Xcaret's six eco-tourism parks, with the best ones being Xcaret and Xelha. The Mexican-owned company is credited with starting the eco-tourism trend in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the parks offer incredible and varied local experiences.

Fun fact:  The Yucatan Peninsula, where Cancun is located, was the cultural, political and economic center of the Mayan civilization. Many locals have Mayan ancestry and Mayan continues to be widely spoken in the area.

27. San Francisco, California

Everyone should visit San Francisco at least once in their lives. Though tech companies grab all the headlines these days, it remains down-to-earth, diverse and packed with things to do.

Where to start? No matter your style, you’ll want to check out the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, see the sunbathing sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf, take a tour of the historic prison Alcatraz and relax in one of the city’s many parks, especially Dolores Park for its epic people-watching on the weekends. 

For dinner, treat your tastebuds and make a reservation at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in the Bay Area .

What to Know Before You Go to San Francisco

Where to stay: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Hot tip: Want similarly beautiful landscapes and rich cultural attractions, but at lower prices and with (slightly) fewer crowds? Head to Oakland just across the Bay Bridge, named one of the most exciting places on earth to travel by National Geographic. 

Fun fact: The fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco by a Japanese resident. Random!

26. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world . The power with which water storms down cliffs on the border between the United States and Canada has captivated the imagination of humans for centuries. 

This natural wonder is comprised of three awe-inspiring falls. One of the best ways to experience them is on a boat tour.

What to Know Before You Go to Niagara Falls

Where to stay: Sheraton Niagara Falls

Hot tip: There is some debate about which side of the falls is better, but the general verdict is that the Canadian side offers better views. This is because you can (ironically) get a better view of the American Falls as well as get up close to Horseshoe Falls. 

Fun fact:  Established in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the U.S.

25. Yellowstone National Park

Located mostly in Wyoming as well as Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is America’s first national park and remains one of the most popular in the country, welcoming more than around 3.3 million people in 2022. With unpredictable geysers, rainbow-colored hot springs, craggy peaks, shimmering lakes and tons of wildlife — from elk to boars to bison — it’s easy to see why so many people flock here. 

The park makes for an awesome family trip and is well-suited to budget travelers since it offers so many campsites ( over 2,000! ). 

What to Know Before You Go to Yellowstone

Where to stay: Stage Coach Inn

Hot tip: You’ll never fully beat the crowds at this wildly popular park, but April, May, September and November are your best bets for finding some solitude.  

Fun fact: Yellowstone is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined.  

24. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

As the largest reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of marine species. This makes it a paradise for scuba diving or snorkeling. 

The reef system is truly gigantic, with over 600 islands and about 2,900 individual reefs. This is one of Australia's greatest prides, but it's also a planetary national treasure. Seeing it with your own two eyes is an experience that is incredible beyond words.

What to Know Before You Go to the Great Barrier Reef

Where to stay: Crystalbrook Flynn

Hot tip: Though going underwater to see the reef is a must, we also recommend booking a helicopter tour to experience the magic of it from above.

Fun fact:  Made of corals, which are animals that live in collectives, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on the planet.

23. Santorini, Greece

With its picturesque blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings and colorful beaches, the island of Santorini is a photographer’s paradise. If you want to snap photos to post to Instagram and make everyone back home jealous, this is the place to go. 

Also make sure to experience some of Santorini’s archaeologically significant sites, like Ancient Akrotiri (an ancient city preserved by volcanic ash) and Ancient Thera (where humans lived as early as the 9th century BC). And don’t forget to visit the smaller islands that surround it, including Thirassia, Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. 

What to Know Before You Go to Santorini

Where to stay: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini

Hot tip: To optimize your vacation, visit in September and October or April and May — when the weather is still warm, but there aren’t as many other tourists milling around.

Fun fact: While it’s difficult to prove, locals like to say there’s more wine than water on this island where it hardly rains (and vino abounds).

22. Florence, Italy

For art and history buffs (and anyone who appreciates delicious Italian food), Florence is a must-visit city. 

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, it’s home to some of the most iconic artworks by the world’s premier artists throughout history — Michaelangelo, Brunelleschi and Donatello, just to name a few. In addition to art museums and architectural wonders, Florence is also home to chic shops, quaint cafes and spectacular gardens. 

What to Know Before You Go to Florence

Where to stay:  NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa

Hot tip: Keep Florence in mind if you want to spend your honeymoon in Europe without spending a fortune, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Fun fact: The city’s famed “El Duomo” cathedral took over 140 years to build .

21. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite, one of the most-visited national parks in America with more than 4 million annual guests, encompasses 750,000 acres of wilderness just waiting to be explored.

It’s home to scenic waterfalls, like the 317-foot Vernal Fall and the 617-foot Bridalveil Fall, as well as iconic rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome, two popular spots for the world’s best rock climbers to test their mettle.

Not surprisingly, the wildlife here also impresses. Dozens of species of butterflies, marmots, bobcats and mule deer are just some of the animals that call Yosemite home. And keep your eyes peeled for black bears; some 300 to 500 roam the park . 

What to Know Before You Go to Yosemite

Where to stay:  The Ahwahnee

Hot tip: Summer can get really busy here, so if you want to camp, be sure to book a spot early. Want to beat Yosemite’s notoriously bad traffic? Ditch the car and take advantage of the park’s extensive free bus system.

Fun fact: This is one of the only places in the country where you can catch a moonbow — like a rainbow, but created by the light of the moon instead of the sun. 

20. St. Lucia

Whether you’re visiting on a cruise ship or just relaxing at an all-inclusive resort or boutique hotel, stunning St. Lucia is a clear winner. This Caribbean island offers diverse terrain for vacationers, from its pristine beaches to its lush rainforests to its volcanic peaks, the Pitons, that loom over the landscape. 

Adrenaline-junkies love hiking, climbing and zip-lining, while newlyweds (and soon-to-be-married couples) enjoy the romantic mix of fine dining, adults-only resorts and exotic activities. 

What to Know Before You Go to St. Lucia

Where to stay: Rabot Hotel From Hotel Chocolat

Hot tip: Visit when temperatures are moderate, which is typically in May and June.

Fun fact: St. Lucia is the only country named after a woman: Christian martyr Saint Lucia of Syracuse.

19. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Everything is bigger and better in Dubai, home to one of the world’s largest shopping malls, tallest towers, largest man-made marinas — and the list goes on. 

This Las Vegas-like urban center in the United Arab Emirates has an eclectic mix of activities for visitors to enjoy, including beaches, waterparks, tons of shopping and even an indoor ski resort. Outside the skyscraper-filled city, the vast desert awaits, best enjoyed via quad-biking or sandboarding.

What to Know Before You Go to Dubai

Where to stay:  Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai

Hot tip: Though you’re likely to pay a pretty penny for a trip to Dubai no matter when you visit, you can save a little cash by visiting during the scalding-hot summer months and by booking your hotel room two to three months in advance.

Fun fact: Dubai’s man-made Palm Islands were constructed using enough imported sand to fill up 2.5 Empire State Buildings . 

18. Machu Picchu, Peru

Many travelers describe their visit to Machu Picchu as life-changing. Why? It’s an archaeological wonder, the remains of an ancient Incan city dating back more than 600 years. No wonder this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most-visited attraction in all of Peru. 

Be sure to visit significant sites like Funerary Rock, where it’s believed Incan nobility were mummified, and Temple of the Condor, a rock temple sculpted to look like the impressive bird in its name.  

What to Know Before You Go to Machu Picchu

Where to stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Hot tip: If you’re planning a trip, be sure to get your ticket in advance, as only 2,500 people can visit Machu Picchu each day. (And a lot of people have this destination on their bucket list.)

Fun fact: The site contains more than 100 separate flights of stairs . 

17. Sydney, Australia

With its iconic Opera House and lively Bondi Beach, Sydney is the perfect spot to vacation if you’re looking for a blend of culture, arts, nightlife and relaxation. 

Spend the day on the water at Darling Harbour, then head to the Royal Botanic garden for even more fresh air. Want to travel like a local? Get a ticket to a rugby match and order a Tim Tam, a popular chocolate-covered cookie that pairs well with coffee. 

What to Know Before You Go to Sydney

Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Hot tip: You can make your trip more affordable by visiting during Sydney’s shoulder seasons, which are typically September through November and March through May.

Fun fact: In 2007, Bondi Beach was the site of the largest ever swimsuit photoshoot ; 1,010 bikini-clad women participated, enough to earn it a spot in the Guinness World Records book.

16. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is truly massive (277 river miles long and up to 18 miles wide!), which helps explain why so many people feel the urge to see it in person. 

In 2022, 4.7 million people visited, making the Grand Canyon the second-most popular national park in the country (behind Great Smoky Mountain Nationals Park). Established in 1919, the park offers activities for all ability levels, whether you want to do an intense hike down into the canyon and sleep under the stars (with a backcountry permit, of course) or simply want to saunter along the South Rim Trail, an easy walking path with views that wow.

What to Know Before You Go to the Grand Canyon

Where to stay:  The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

Hot tip: If you’ve wanted to visit the Grand Canyon for a while now, this is the year to do it. The park is celebrating its 100th birthday with musical performances, lectures, screenings and other special events.

Fun fact: The most remote community in the continental U.S. can be found in the Grand Canyon. At the base of the canyon, Supai Village — part of the Havasupi Indian Reservation — has a population of 208. It’s inaccessible by road, and mail is delivered by pack mule. Want to see it for yourself? The village houses a collection of campsites , accessible via a hiking trail.

15. Bali, Indonesia

In recent years, Bali has become a popular expat destination, where groups of "digital nomads" work and play. 

But the island hasn't lost its original charm to this added tourism and continues to be an incredible destination. Divide your time between swimming in the beach, hiking active volcanoes, visiting temples and enjoying views of tiered rice terraces.

What to Know Before You Go to Bali

Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach

Hot tip:  Though shoulder season (January to April and October to November) means fewer crowds and cheaper prices, it also means rain. Tons of it. We'd recommend avoiding the rainy season if possible.

Fun fact: On the Saka New Year, Balinese people celebrate Nyepi. This Hindu celebration is a day of silence when everything on the island shuts down and no noise is allowed.

14. New York, New York

As the saying goes, New York City is “the city that never sleeps” — and you won’t want to either when you visit, lest you run out of time to take it all in. 

Be sure to check out newer attractions, like the High Line (an elevated park) and Hudson Yards (a mega-mall along the Hudson River), but also make time for some New York City classics, like catching a Broadway show or standing under the lights of Times Square. 

Foodies will have a hard time choosing where to eat (the city is home to almost 100 Michelin stars !), which is why an extended trip is always a good idea.

What to Know Before You Go to New York City

Where to stay: The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel

Hot tip: Yes, January and February get cold here, but this is also the best time to lock in relatively reasonable hotel rates. You can spend your time eating in the city’s restaurants, exploring its fabulous museums and catching its world-class theater shows without needing to spend much time in the chilly outdoors. 

Fun fact: There’s a birth in New York City about every 4.4 minutes — and a death every 9.1 minutes. 

13. Banff National Park, Canada

Some of the world’s most stunning mountain scenery and vistas are located in Banff, the tiny Canadian town located at 4,537 feet above sea level inside the national park by the same name. Banff is the highest town in Canada, and Banff National Park was Canada’s first, established in 1885.

Shred some powder at Banff’s three ski resorts in the winter, then come back in the summer for activities like hiking, biking, fishing and scrambling (scaling steep terrain using nothing but your hands).

What to Know Before You Go to Banff

Where to stay: Fairmont Banff Springs

Hot tip: June to August and December to March are the best times to visit if you want to take advantage of summer and winter activities. 

Fun fact: Banff National Park has more than 1,000 glaciers.

12. Maldives

You can look at picture after picture, but you still really need to visit the Maldives to believe its beauty. If rich sunsets, flour-like beaches and vibrant blue waters are your style, this is the destination for you. 

Though it’s somewhat difficult to get to this small island nation southwest of Sri Lanka, that also means it’s incredibly private and secluded, which makes it the perfect spot for a honeymoon or romantic beach getaway. 

And don’t worry about getting bored, either — explore the water by snorkeling or scuba diving, relax in the spa or wander around the bustling Male’ Fish Market.

What to Know Before You Go to Maldives

Where to stay: Velassaru Maldives

Hot tip: May to October is the island-nation’s rainy season — but that also means it’s the best time to go for fewer crowds and better rates.

Fun fact: In 1153 AD, the nation’s people converted to Islam. Today, the Maldives remains the most heavily Muslim country on earth.

11. Barcelona, Spain

Soccer, architecture, shopping, nightlife, world-class food and wine, arts and culture — is there anything Barcelona doesn’t have? If there is, we honestly can't think what it would be. 

This cosmopolitan Spanish city is home to some awe-inspiring architecture, including several buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi, so be sure to book tours of his whimsical creations like Park Guell and the yet-to-be-finished Church of the Sacred Family (La Sagrada Familia). 

For nightlife and shopping, Las Ramblas is always bustling; for an enriching arts experience, follow the progression of famed artist Pablo Picasso at Museo Picasso.

What to Know Before You Go to Barcelona

Where to stay:  Hotel Bagues

Hot tip: It can get really humid here, so it's best to plan your trip in May and June before things really heat up.

Fun fact: In preparation for its 1992 hosting of the Olympics, the city flew in sand from as far away as Egypt to make Barceloneta Beach a place where people would want to go. Though largely man-made, the beach remains a wonderful spot for seaside R&R. 

10. Glacier National Park, Montana

The crown jewel of beautiful Montana, Glacier National Park is every outdoors traveler's dream.

Of course, the most defining natural feature of the park are its glaciers, which provide spectacular views as well as a number of pristine lakes. There are hundreds of trails that will take you up peaks, down through valleys and across some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever see.

What to Know Before You Go to Glacier National Park

Where to stay: Firebrand Hotel

Hot tip:  Plan to spend a day or two in the nearby town of Whitefish. This gateway to Glacier National Park is one of the best small towns in America and a destination in its own right. 

Fun fact: During your visit, you're very likely to run into mountain goats, which are the official symbols of the park.

9. Tokyo, Japan

The Japanese capital is one of the most exciting cities on the entire planet. It is notoriously fast-paced, with neon lights illuminating the multitudes that are constantly rushing to their next destination. 

But Tokyo is also a city of temples, of taking time to picnic under the cherry blossoms and of making sure you enjoy the abundance of delicious food that can be found on basically every corner.

What to Know Before You Go to Tokyo

Where to stay: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Hot tip: Visit between the months of March and April or September and November for more comfortable temperatures. Of course, spring is when the city's cherry blossoms are famously in full bloom.

Fun fact: Tokyo happens to be the largest metropolitan area in the world, with more than 40 million people calling the greater metro area home.

8. Phuket, Thailand

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that feels luxurious but won’t break the bank, start searching for flights to Phuket now. 

This island in southern Thailand, which is just an hour flight from Bangkok, is surrounded by the Andaman Sea, so white sandy beaches abound. If a stunning sunset is what you’re after, head to Promthep Cape, the southernmost point on the island and a popular spot for photo-ops. For views of the island and beyond, climb to the top of the massive alabaster statue called Big Buddha.

You can even learn something during your vacation by visiting the Soi Dog Foundation, an innovative animal shelter that’s fighting the meat trade and taking care of the thousands of stray cats and dogs in the area.

What to Know Before You Go to Phuket

Where to stay: InterContinental Phuket Resort

Hot tip: Visit between November and April for the best weather — and ideal conditions for beach activities like swimming and boating. 

Fun fact: The island is not pronounced in the rather colorful way it appears to be. The correct way to say it is “poo-ket” or “poo-get.”

7. Rome, Italy

Though Rome’s historic significance cannot be overstated, don’t assume that this Italian city is stuck in the past. On the contrary, you’ll find posh storefronts and luxurious hotels not far from iconic structures like the Pantheon (built in 120 AD) and the Colosseum (built in 80 AD).

And then, of course, there’s the city’s art. Stroll through Rome, and you’ll stumble upon some of the greatest treasures the world has ever seen — an astonishing collection of frescoes, paintings, ceilings and fountains created by icons like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael and Bernini.

After all that exploration, take advantage of ample opportunities to eat and drink, including at several Michelin-starred restaurants. City staples include suppli (deep-fried balls of risotto, mozzarella and ragu meat sauce) and cacio e pepe (a deceptively simple mix of al-dente pasta, pecorino romano and fresh black pepper). 

What to Know Before You Go to Rome

Where to stay: Radisson Blu Ghr Hotel

Hot tip: Tourists congregate here in the summer when temperatures are also sweltering. Go instead between October and April, when there are thinner crowds, better rates and cooler temps. Just make sure to bring a light jacket.

Fun fact: Each year, travelers throw about $1.7 million worth of coins into the Trevi Fountain. The money is donated to Caritas, a Catholic nonprofit that supports charities focused on health, disaster relief, poverty and migration.

6. London, England

English writer Samual Johnson once said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” 

From live performances of Shakespeare to truly world-class (and free!) museums like the National Gallery, London will enrich your mind and enliven your senses. Of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at Buckingham Palace to see the famous stone-faced guards outside and the 19 lavish State Rooms inside (though, unfortunately, you can’t see the queen’s private quarters). Another must-see landmark is the Tower of London, the historic castle on the north side of the River Thames.

What to Know Before You Go to London

Where to stay: Vintry & Mercer

Hot tip: Many U.S. cities now offer direct flights to London, so set a price alert and act fast when you see fares drop.

Fun fact: London’s pubs are worth a visit for their names alone; fanciful monikers include The Case is Altered, The Pyrotechnists Arms, John the Unicorn and The Job Centre. 

5. Tahiti, French Polynesia

Flavorful French cuisine, top-notch resorts, warm waters — need we say more? Though Tahiti can be pricey, travelers say it’s so worth it. 

The largest of the 118 French Polynesian islands, Tahiti is split into two main regions (connected by a land bridge). Tahiti Nui, the larger region, is home to the island’s capital Papeete and surfing hotspot Papenoo Beach, while Tahiti Iti, the smaller region, offers more seclusion and the bright white sands of La Plage de Maui.

What to Know Before You Go to Tahiti

Where to stay: Hilton Hotel Tahiti

Hot tip: Visit between May and October, Tahiti’s winter, when there are less humidity and rain. 

Fun fact: Overcrowding is not a concern here; Hawaii gets more visitors in 10 days than all of French Polynesia does in a year.

4. Maui, Hawaii

If you’re short on time or you just can’t decide which Hawaiian island to visit, Maui is right in the sweet spot: not too big, not too small, but just right.

There are five regions to explore on Maui, including the popular West Maui and South Maui, home to some of the island’s best-known attractions and beaches (Wailea Beach is in South Maui, for example). But don’t overlook East Maui, where you can travel along the Road to Hana, or the Upcountry, where you can explore the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakala. 

What to Know Before You Go to Maui

Where to stay:  Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Hot tip: This is Hawaii we’re talking about, so your trip will be on the pricey side. Be sure to budget for add-ons if you need them (think gym access and WiFi at your hotel), and do some research on insurance before you head to the car-rental counter.

Fun fact: How’s this for a selling point? Maui has more beach than any other Hawaiian island — 60 miles of it, with red, white and black sand.

3. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Don’t write off the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora just because of its size. Though it’s a little more than 2 miles wide and just 6 miles long, Bora Bora packs in an abundance of natural beauty. To start, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the island’s turquoise lagoon surrounded by lush jungle.

If you’re looking for more than relaxation on your trip, consider hiking or booking a 4X4 tour of Mount Otemanu, part of an extinct volcano that rises 2,400 feet above the lagoon. You can also snorkel among the coral reef of Coral Gardens, where you might catch a glimpse of reef sharks, eels and stingrays.

Because of its remoteness, flying into Bora Bora Airport will be quite a journey, no matter where you're departing from. But you'll forget everything as soon as you see this Polynesian paradise that is beautiful beyond words.

What to Know Before You Go to Bora Bora

Where to stay: Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Hot tip: Though Bora Bora can be wildly expensive to visit, you can cut costs by visiting between December and March (though you should avoid the Christmas holiday) and by bringing your own alcohol and sunscreen with you.

Fun fact: Bora Bora is one of the countries that no longer exists . The Kingdom of Bora Bora was an independent state until it was forcefully overtaken and annexed by France in 1888.

2. Paris, France

Paris has it all — incredible cuisine, legendary landmarks and centuries of history. Those are just some of the reasons it’s the second-best place to visit in the world.

Though you’ll want to spend your time hitting up popular tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Musee d’Orsay, you should also carve out time to explore other parts of Paris — the city’s 20 diverse neighborhoods, called arrondissements, for instance. Standouts include the 2nd arrondissement, which touts covered passages and some of the city’s hippest restaurants, and the romantic 18th arrondissement, with charming squares, cafes and bars, set apart from the city’s more tourist-packed areas.

What to Know Before You Go to Paris

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal

Hot tip: Yes, summer in Paris is busy, but the weather is also ideal — average highs are in the 70s.

Fun fact: Built for the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower was originally meant to be temporary , and was almost torn down in 1909. Luckily, local officials saw its value as a radiotelegraph station, preserving the future tourist icon for generations to come. 

1. South Island, New Zealand

South Island, the larger but less populated of the two islands that make up New Zealand, earn this top-spot honor for its gorgeous scenery, adrenelin-pumping experiences and affordability.

The 33.5-mile hike on Milford Sound, which is limited to 90 people at a time, is considered one of the world’s best treks, with stops at Lake Te Anau, suspension bridges, a mountain pass and the tallest waterfall in the country, Sutherland Falls.

For a heart-pumping experience, you can jump out of a helicopter while flying over the Harris Mountains with skis on your feet. Still not satisfied? Roam Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area, and explore the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, two of the most accessible glaciers in the world.

What to Know Before You Go to New Zealand

Where to stay: QT Queenstown

Hot tip: Book your trip for the fall, when South Island is temperate, not overcrowded and offers great rates. Bonus: This is also when the island is at its most stunning.

Fun fact: New Zealand natives, called Kiwis, are among the most hospitable you’ll ever meet. The local saying “He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata” translates , appropriately, to “What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people.”

100 Best Places on Earth – The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 13.12.2023

This isn't just a travel bucket list; it's a gateway to experiences so profound and diverse that they promise to reshape your understanding of beauty, culture, and adventure. From the majestic peaks of Patagonia to the hidden alleyways of Kyoto, each destination on this list has been chosen not just for its aesthetic appeal, but for the unique story it tells. Rough Guides, your trusted travel companion, goes beyond the usual tourist trails to bring you authentic, tailor-made experiences that resonate with your personal travel aspirations.

1. Bhutan - a tiny country leading the way in sustainable tourism

• 2. Discover Tbilisi's reignited cultural scene

3. Ethiopia - the sunken churches of Lalibela

• 4. Gorges du Verdon - the 'alternative Grand Canyon'

5. Taj Mahal - one of the new Seven Wonders of the World

6. victoria falls - the world’s widest curtain of water.

Hidden in the Himalayas, with all the matchless scenery you’d expect, the tiny country of Bhutan is staggeringly beautiful. Piercing peaks and plunging valleys fold into its borders, where you can climb to mountaintop monasteries, hike through ancient forests and horseback ride over lush green plains, while local guides give a real insight into the country’s living spirituality.

Bhutan has been quietly forging its own path for centuries. Now, it’s leading the way in sustainable tourism. With at least sixty percent forest cover, Bhutan takes environmental conservation seriously. It’s already carbon negative, and while the target to become the world’s first fully organic nation by 2020 has been pushed back, they are still actively working on it.

Preservation is priceless, and travellers to this enchanting nation will leave with a real sense of what a privilege it is to experience Bhutan’s natural, cultural and spiritual riches.

You may have heard of Bhutan’s now-famous compulsory tourist tariff, which sees foreign visitors paying a minimum of $250 per day just to visit. But what you may not know is this includes all accommodation, food, transport and a local guide – and it also grants you access to one of Southeast Asia’s most pristine corners. A tailor-made trip ensures you get to see exactly what you want to see and travel the way you prefer - a specific route, selected hotels, particular activities, it's all possible when you go tailor-made.

Monks in Bhutan

2. Discover Tbilisi's reignited cultural scene

While the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, has long lured visionary types to its bohemian neighbourhoods, it’s slipped under the tourist radar for years. That may have something to do with its turbulent recent history: although Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, there followed a period of civil war, violence and ethnic tensions.

Over the past decade, however, a new generation has reignited Tbilisi’s cultural scene through a mix of local art galleries, exhibition spaces, music venues, concept stores and creative hubs. A growing crop of industrial- style hotels is springing up across the city, many set in Soviet-era factories and publishing houses. The food scene is thriving, too – innovative chefs have taken the helm in the kitchens of new restaurants, where they reimagine traditional Georgian cuisine with a modern twist. The revolution is underway. Read more about why Georgia is the ultimate adventure destination .

Where to stay

Enjoy a stunning view from the Terrace Boutique Hotel , located a short walk from the Tbilisi funicular.

Discover the wine region on a full-day tour from Tbilisi . Visit beautiful towns, taste plenty of Georgian wine and find out more about the traditional winemaking process.

Tailor-made travel

Planning to visit Georgia for a holiday? Talk to our carefully selected local expert to create and book your perfect trip to Georgia.

Tbilisi in Georgia

An enigmatic and utterly beguiling country, Ethiopia has endless intrigue. From its unique, highly sociable cuisine – the basis of which is injera , a spongy sourdough pancake, piled high with piquant curries and stews and shared between friends – to its ancient language and curly Amharic script, there’s very little that’s familiar about this place, and your trip will be all the better for it.

Ethiopia is a largely Orthodox Christian country, and its religious festivals and structures are something to behold. The sunken churches of Lalibela , hand-carved out of the red rock below ground some nine hundred years ago, are an astonishing feat of engineering. Come January, the network of tunnels and staircases that connect all eleven churches fill up with thousands of worshippers dressed in white, celebrating the birth of Christ with a twelve-hour mass.

Exploring Ethiopia with your own guide and at your own pace will help you really discover this fascinating country. A local expert working for a local tour operator can help to plan and book your ideal trip .

Lalibela in Ethiopia

4. Gorges du Verdon - the 'alternative Grand Canyon'

The breathtaking beauty and majesty of the Gorges du Verdon – also known as the Grand Canyon du Verdon – almost matches that of its American cousin, albeit on a much smaller scale. Peppered with spectacular viewpoints, plunging crevices up to 700m deep, and glorious azure-blue lakes, this area of Provence in France is absolutely irresistible. The river falls from Rougon at the top of the gorge, disappearing into tunnels, decelerating for shallow, languid moments and finally exiting in full, steady flow at the Pont du Galetas at the western end of the canyon. Alongside is the huge artificial Lac de Sainte-Croix, which is great for swimming when the water levels are high.

Moustiers-Ste-Marie is the loveliest village on the fringes of the gorge, occupying a magnificent site near its western end. Set high on a hillside, just out of sight of both canyon and lake, it straddles a plummeting stream that cascades between two golden cliffs. A star slung between them on a chain, originally suspended by a returning Crusader, just adds to its charms.

If you're planning to stay in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the Hotel La Bonne Auberge features a large terrace and garden, as well as a swimming pool in an excellent location in town.

Visit the gorge as well as the lavender fields on a day trip from Nice . Particularly suited for those short on time or without their own transportation, this day tour allows you to discover the area while returning back to Nice the same evening.

If you're thinking of visiting Provence and the Gorges du Verdon – get in touch . Rough Guides has paired with experienced local tour operators in France to offer fully customisable trips, like this from Paris to Provence itinerary .

Gorges du Verdon in France

Simply the world’s greatest building, Shah Jahan’s monument to love does not disappoint. Volumes have been written on its perfection, and its image adorns countless glossy brochures and guidebooks; nonetheless, the reality never fails to overwhelm all who see it, and few words can do it justice. A workforce of some twenty thousand men from all over Asia completed the Taj Mahal in 1653 after twenty years of toil, and it is undoubtedly the zenith of Mughal architecture in India .

Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore described the Taj Mahal as “a teardrop on the face of eternity”, and though its layout follows a distinctly Islamic theme, representing Paradise, it is above all a monument to romantic love. Shah Jahan built the Taj to enshrine the body of his favourite wife, Arjumand Bann Begum, better known by her official palace title, Mumtaz Mahal (“Chosen One of the Palace”). The emperor was devastated by her death, and set out to create an unsurpassed monument to her memory – the result is sublime.

There are endless accommodation options in Agra , from where most travellers start their Taj Mahal visit. Our favourites include Tajview IHCL SeleQtions with stunning views and the Grand Imperial - Heritage Hotel .

Planning to explore the Taj Mahal on your own? Get your skip-the-line access tickets to the Taj Mahal beforehand to enjoy a hassle-free visit.

To see the Taj for yourself, drop us a line . Our tailor-made trips service will pair you with a local expert based in India to plan and book a fully customisable tour of India, like this sample itinerary to explore the Golden Triangle .

Taj Mahal in sunset

Along with Mount Everest and the Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls – or Mosioa-Tunya (“the smoke that thunders”) – ranks as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. No matter how many pictures you’ve seen beforehand, nothing can prepare you for the awe-inspiring sight and deafening sound of the falls. The world’s widest curtain of water crashes down a huge precipice, producing clouds of spray visible from afar, before squeezing into a zigzag of sheer-sided gorges as a torrent of turbulent rapids, carving its way to the Indian Ocean well over 1000km away.

Their dramatic setting on the Zambezi river – on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border – has also made Victoria Falls the undisputed adventure capital of Africa. There’s an array of adrenaline-fuelled activities on offer, from whitewater rafting and bungee jumping to zip-lining and bodyboarding. Less touted are the stunning wildlife-viewing opportunities

Victoria Falls affords: the national parks that line the serene banks of the Upper Zambezi are home to large mammals, such as elephant, lion, buffalo, giraffe and leopard, as well as a variety of antelope and more than 410 bird species.

Read more in our First-timer's Guide to the Victoria Falls .

Ilala Lodge is your best bet if you want to be as close to the Falls as possible. Occupying lovely grounds, the lodge has stylish rooms, a small pool and an excellent restaurant. Best of all, though, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the park’s entrance; from the hotel’s terrace, you can see clouds of spray rising from the Falls.

There are endless opportunities to explore the area: from a guided walking tour over sunset cruises to exploring the local entertainment and food scene .

Victoria Falls

Find more travel inspiration in our book The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places on Earth 2020 .

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The 60 most beautiful places in the world

Where are the most beautiful places in the world? On a planet home to flamingo-pink lakes in Mexico, plus vast, multi-coloured hills in the USA, green ripples of rice paddies in Indonesia and epic icescapes in Antarctica, it's hard to choose a favourite – but why pick one? From countries all around the world, these are our top 60 most beautiful places to visit.

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Scattered along Scotland 's west coast, this chain of isles is one of the country's most beautiful places to visit. Think shimmering white-sand beaches , sparkling seas and crowd-free hinterlands – it's one of the UK's last remaining secrets, and for good reason.

Douro Valley, Portugal

With endless rows of vines tumbling down hillsides and birds of prey swooping along the riverside, at first glance you'd think this place was anywhere but Europe. Right in the depths of Portugal , this valley is as romantic as it comes – hike along ridges, taste-test your way through the region's wine and cosy up in some of the country's very best hotels, before waking up and doing it all again.

Shark Bay, Australia

The most westerly point on mainland Australia is this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded before Captain Cook discovered land at Botany Bay, with Dutch explorers touching down here in the 17th century. The area is diverse – there’s a beach made up entirely of tiny white shells, stromatolites on the shore of Hamelin Pool and the salt mine at Useless Loop, which produces the purest grade of salt in the world and is only accessible via four-by-four – or visible from the sky.

Paracas, Peru

A small seaside town in the Ica region of Peru , Paracas is where the desert meets the sea. A trip to the area isn’t complete without a boat ride to Islas Ballestas, the rocky islands off the Pacific coast known for their diverse wildlife including flocks of sea lions and crowds of baby penguins.

Algarve, Portugal

The red-cliff coastline and pristine whitewashed Moorish villages that dot the south-western region of Portugal have started shifting crowds away from the region’s busier hotspots. It has its own sunny microclimate and affordable places to stay such as Casa Mãe in Lagos make it a great winter-sun option too.

Paris, France

With its striking architecture, grand boulevards, world-class art, jewel-box patisseries and classic places to stay , this is a city that never sleeps. Its unrivalled food scene is best experienced by stumbling upon corner bistros down cobbled streets.

Hòa Bình, Vietnam

Vietnamese for peace, Hòa Bình province is located in the north of the country and is home to hill tribes including the Hmong, Muong and Dzao, plus endless rice fields.

Sarakiniko Beach, Milos, Greece

Off-radar Milos has some of the best beaches in the Aegean without the buzz of Mykonos or Santorini . Moon-like Sarakiniko is made up of mounds of undulating bone-white, wave-like volcanic rock and forms one of the island’s most mesmerising bays.

The most extreme continent on earth is also the coldest, windiest, driest and most inhospitable to forms of life. Pristine and practically untouched, no one lives in Antarctica full time, apart from seals, penguins and marine life. It’s as remote as one can get.

Death Valley, California

Known as the hottest place on earth, Death Valley reached a record temperature of 53°C in 2019. It’s a vast area of extremes: with snowy peaks, scorching sands and wildflower meadows, the National Park encompasses a wide range of different landscapes. One of the most popular locations is the multi-hued Artists Palette, a series of eroded hills whose colouring is due to the oxidation of natural metal deposits in the mountains. ‘ Star Wars ’ fans will be keen to see the site that inspired the planet Tatooine.

Provence, France

In summer, endless fields of lavender in bloom turn the Provençal landscape purple. At the end of the season, when the crop is harvested, honey, soaps and pastries are made with a fragrant dose of the plant.

Bayon, Cambodia

Built in honour of one of Cambodia’s most famous kings, Jayavarman VII, Bayon is a 12th-century state temple that’s a unique architectural feat in the heart of Angkor Thom. Fifty-four gothic towers carved with 216 gargantuan smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara – the bodhisattva of compassion – fill the temple , and the design showcases the shift from Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism. With Angkor Wat not far away, Bayon, its off-the-beaten track little sister, is a close second in popularity.

Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The famous three peaks of the National Park are among Wyoming’s most recognisable sights, the Grand forming the highest point of the range. It’s a hike on many pro adventurers' list, but for newbies looking for an outdoors excursion floating down the Snake River or mountain-biking through the 310,000-acre landscape are viable options, too. Top it off with supper at Snake River Grill in Jackson’s town centre and an overnight stay at the cliff-side Amangani .

Angel Falls, Venezuela

The world’s highest waterfall, with 3,212ft cascades, is located in the UNESCO-protected Canaima National Park and was the inspiration for the Disney film ‘Up’. The site is only accessible by boat or plane.

A gateway to the East, Kyrgyzstan has natural beauty. Unspoilt pine forests, rocky ridges and rolling jailoos (summer pastures) are typical of the country. In the warmer months visitors flock to glacial lakes, while in winter a stay with semi-nomadic shepherds is an experience unlike any other.

Grand Canal, Venice

The 12,500ft-long canal runs straight through the centre and has inspired numerous artists including Canaletto, Monet and JMW Turner. Flanked by buildings dating from the 12th to the 17th centuries, it’s the grandest waterway in the Floating City .

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange has a greater diversity of mammals than any national park in the world and is the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe . The size of Belgium , it is home to more than 50,000 elephants and 500 species of bird. The wet-season winter months are the best time to see migratory birds or book an off-season safari when the park gets fewer visitors.

A third of Mongolia is covered in desert, and while it’s the 18th-largest country in the world, its three million inhabitants make it the most sparsely populated. Visitors can go local: riding horses, helping to look after livestock and sleeping in a herder's ger – a traditional felt yurt.

Lake Eyre, Australia

This salt lake constitutes the lowest point on the continent. Normally dry due to evaporated water, with its salt-deposit haze, the body only fills completely twice every 100 years on average.

Bali, Indonesia

Minutes from scooter-buzzing Ubud are artsy, low-key villages, vivid green rice paddies, lush forests and vast jungles. Bali is one of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands and sees an average temperature of about 30°C year round. Explore by bicycle and then head to one of its many cool beach clubs.

Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex, UK

Britain’s unspoilt south coast is home to one of the country's greatest walking trails and seaside parks, the Seven Sisters. Made up of 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, a winding river valley and flat top grasslands with views of the English Channel, the coastal path begins near Eastbourne, the start of the 100-mile South Downs Way.

Atacame Desert, South America

On a route made famous by revolutionary Che Guevara who kicked off his motorcycle journey in Buenos Aires , head down to Chile through the Atacama Desert into the Peruvian Amazon and up to Venezuela. Vast expanses of sandy flats quickly roll into high tops of dunes and gorges leading to plateaus of dusty grass. It’s a trip for explorers, with the Andes standing tall above the Argentine –Chile border, blurring one side into the other. NASA even uses the desert as a testing ground for future Mars missions.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Fuji-san, the tallest peak in Japan , is a sacred mountain and symbol. On a clear day, it can be seen from Tokyo , but one of the best ways to view the still-active volcano is by taking the shinkansen bullet train from the capital to Osaka (top tip: sit on the right-hand side for the best views). Surrounding areas Hakone (where there are natural hot springs) and Fujigoko are worth visiting during cherry-blossom season.

Jaipur and the Hawa Mahal Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan

The largest city in Rajasthan is filled to the brim with buzzing bazaars, sacred lakes and gilded royal palaces – the decadent 18th-century royal-owned Rajmahal Palace is a smart hotel. Among the famously rosy-hued buildings of the Pink City, the honeycomb-like Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, is surely the most recognisable of all. The incredible sandstone structure has 953 small exterior windows (called jharokhas ) decorated with intricate lattice work.

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

The Namib Desert is the oldest in the world, and in the middle of its vast Skeleton Coast are endless miles of stone and sand, dry riverbeds and dunes. Desert-adapted animals here include elephant, giraffe, lion, brown hyaena and Cape fur seals that thrive in the area.

The Scottish Highlands

It’s a few hours from buzzing Edinburgh , not far from the Cairngorms, to the start of the eastern Highlands. Stretching around Skye, around the North Coast 500 route up to the village of John O' Groats, the region is also home to the tallest mountain in the British Isles, Ben Nevis. There’s natural beauty everywhere, from babbling Fairy Pools and big-horned cattle to clear coastal waters and snowy mountain caps.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Meaning cotton castle in Turkish , this natural wonder is made up of layers of white travertine terraces of ice-blue spa pools. It’s also next to the site of the well-preserved ruins of Hierapolis, the Greek-Roman city established in the 2nd century BC.

Stretching over eight countries – France , Switzerland , Monaco, Italy , Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany and Slovenia – the Alps are the most extensive mountain range in Europe . It has some of the greatest skiing in the world with popular towns including Chamonix -Mont-Blanc (the highest mountain), Lech , Gstaad and Courchevel .

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

This archipelago of five islands – Bazaruto, the largest, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and the smallest Bangue – was once part of a peninsula connected to the mainland but now, when the Indian Ocean retreats at low tide, swirls and ripples of white sand become visible. A protected marine park, its waters are rich in manta rays, schools of dolphins, hawksbill turtles and dugongs (cousins of equally curious manatees).

Ojos del Mar, Bolivia

Six turquoise waterholes lie within the salty plains of Ojos del Mar in the Tolar Grande region of Bolivia . Inhabited by stromatolites (deposits formed by algae) and microorganisms, the water can change slightly in colour, depending on the angle of the sun, from bright blue to seafoam green.

Mount Cook, New Zealand

Home to the tallest mountain in New Zealand , the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Site on the South Island, is a mountaineer’s dream. More than 40 per cent of the area is covered in glaciers, with the largest and longest named the Tasman Glacier. It was here that Sir Edmund Hillary trained for the first momentous ascent of Mount Everest.

Gordes, Provence

One of the Luberon's most striking hilltop hamlets, Gordes stands tall on the edge of the Vaucluse plateau. With views across the surrounding region of Provence , the quintessential medieval town is a must-visit. A stay at Bastide de Gordes , the village’s most glamorous hotel, will make the trip complete.

Emerald Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Easily one of the Canadian Rockies’ most recognisable landmarks, Emerald Lake is located within Yoho National Park in British Columbia. Backed by the towering mountain peaks of the President Range, in summer the clear glacial water is ideal for canoeing and attempting a quick swim.

The Faroe Islands

The self-governed group of 18 volcanic islands makes up this remote archipelago where sheep outnumber humans. Grass-lined houses, craggy coastlines and lush waterfalls are all part of the Nordic landscape but there’s a surprising food scene too.

Modern high-rise buildings meet period architecture in retro Hong Kong , one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It’s a street-food capital where eating dim sum like a local in an old teahouse is a mandatory experience. For the best views of the harbour, catch a Star Ferry or hike the hills of Ma On Shan, one of the summits that surround the city.

Jodhpur, India

The magical, walled Blue City is a tangle of winding medieval streets. The monumental 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, which is still run by the royal family and now serves as a museum, looks out over the old city and its mesh of box-shaped buildings, shops and bazaars.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

The Navajo name of this slot canyon translates to ‘the place where water runs through rocks’ and the narrow ravine is an American Southwest treasure, filled with ripples of eroded stone formations, and sunlight creating orange filters and bright patterns. The popularity of this spot among keen photographers speaks for itself – this is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Svalbard, Norway

This Arctic archipelago , about a three-hour flight north of Oslo , has one of the harshest environments on the planet. Nearly two-thirds of it is protected and the islands are made up of bird sanctuaries, nature reserves and national parks where polar bears roam. The Northern Lights can be seen in the winter and in the summer, when the temperature tops out at 6°C, the sun doesn’t go below the horizon.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The forward-thinking capital of Scandi cool appeals to foodies, design junkies and a cool young crowd. With its ground-breaking food scene , including world-famous Noma (and Noma 2.0 ), it’s a city to be taken seriously. Colourful buildings dot the central Nyhavn port, but it’s worth exploring alternative community Christiania, quirky Vesterbro and hipster Nørrebro, too.

Lamu, Kenya

The old town of Lamu , on the Indian Ocean island of the same name, was established in the 14th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the port city is a mish-mash of cultures – Swahili, Asian, Arabic, European – while along the laid-back coast majestic dhows sail by all day long.

Wulingyuan, China

More than 3,000 narrow, quartz-sandstone pillars make up Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area in the Hunan Province. These natural wonders, many higher than 656ft, are broken up by ravines, gorges, caves and waterfalls. It’s easy to see why the UNESCO World Heritage Site was James Cameron’s inspiration for Avatar .

Redwood National Park, California

Home to the world’s tallest trees, Redwood National Park, north of San Francisco , is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of an International Biosphere Reserve that protects close to half of the planet’s old-growth redwoods – some of which are 370ft high. With more than 200 miles of trail routes, it’s ideal for camping, hiking and riding.

Havana, Cuba

The crumbling façades of this island nation's capital keep bringing in waves of travelling artists, rum fanatics and cigar smokers to the city. It’s where Hemingway wrote seven of his books and drank Mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio. And with temperatures of 27°C in December, it’s an ideal winter-sun destination.

Kyoto, Japan

Considered to be the cultural centre of Japan, Kyoto is awash with ancient temples and shrines, serene teahouses and sublime gardens. The bright-orange Fushimi-inari, a shinto shrine in the hills, is a visual beauty. Grab an artisan coffee, taken very seriously in the traditional city, and make the two-hour pilgrimage through the shrine's thousands of torii (gates). Other spots worth visiting include Gion, the home of the geishas, the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji and Nishiki market for street food or a traditional kaiseki feast at one of the city's local restaurants.

Marrakech, Morocco

The kaleidoscopic city may best be known for its market life, spice sellers and ancient medinas, but its reimagined riads, cool independent shops and contemporary art scene are giving it a modern edge. There are lots of places to discover – from Yves Saint Laurent’s restoration of cobalt-blue Jardin Majorelle to the smoky street-food stalls in Jemaa el-Fna.

Ischia, Italy

A quick ferry ride from Naples , the island of Ischia – famed for its thermal spas and unshowy local life – is a tumble of fishing villages and beaches that match Amalfi but without the crowds.

Bondi Iceburgs, Australia

Bondi Icebergs might easily be the most famous pool in the world. The Olympic-size structure has been standing on the southern end of Bondi Beach for more than 100 years. It’s not heated or chlorinated, but filled with seawater, with the Tasman Sea crashing against its edge.

The Philippines

The Philippines has more than 7,000 islands – about 5,000 of which are uninhabited – where roughly 175 languages are spoken. For diving, El Nido is the ideal spot with crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life.

Arashiyama, Bamboo Forest, Japan

About 20 minutes outside Kyoto’s city centre is the atmospheric Arashiyama bamboo forest. Arrive at around 7am to avoid the crowds and get a chance to see and feel the wood, as well as hear it creaking in the wind. Morning light is just as ethereal, too. Arabica coffee shop is nearby, overlooking Hozugawa River.

Las Coloradas, Yucatan, Mexico

The incredible pink lakes here make up part of the protected nature reserve of Ría Lagartos Biosphere on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula. Red-coloured algae, plankton and brine shrimp that thrive in the waters not only turn the native flamingos pink but help produce 500,000 tons of salt per year.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

This is one of Madagascar's most visited natural sites – and for good reason. Aside from the spectacular photo opportunities on offer as the sun casts auburn shades on the trees, travellers come to support local conservation efforts, and spot the unique wildlife that frolics in the overgrowth nearby.

Blue lagoon, Iceland

One of  Iceland's  most spectacular sites is, surprisingly, man-made. The Blue Lagoon's waters are a byproduct of a nearby geothermal power plant, which passes through turbines and into the lagoon. Natural geological layers account for the water's rich mineral content, which travellers use to their benefit, bathing and smothering themselves in the rich clay.

Cape Town, South Africa

Eager to spot a waddle of penguins in the wild? There's no need to save up for the ultimate excursion to Antarctica – although that's just as high on many bucket lists. On the shores of some of  South Africa's  most picturesque beaches, the animals mingle in search of a mate – safe from the fearsome great white that circle beneath the waves just metres away.

The Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon is part of the Colorado River basin and, aside from its beauty, is geologically significant as the waters that pass through here have revealed billions of years worth of rock layers. While it's popular with travelling day-trippers, native Americans still call it home, having first settled in the caves thousands of years ago.

Cenotes, Mexico

Formed by the collapse of eroded limestone,  Mexico's  cenotes harbour secrets and beauty discovered by sunshine-chasers each year. The unique formations were celebrated by the ancient Maya people, and archaeological investigations over the years have found artefacts made from gold, jadeite, shell and more on the sandy depths.

Joshua Tree National Park, USA

Stone tools and spearheads discovered in Joshua Tree National Park suggest the region was inhabited as long as 8,000 years ago. Modern travellers experience this wilderness in a very different way, checking into luxurious micro-resorts and serviced holiday homes. Think the landscapes are otherworldly by day? Look to the skies at night for an altogether different, and unforgettable, sight.

The Maldives

Spoiling retreats of all shapes and sizes litter the sandy banks of the Maldives , an archipelagic state in the Indian Ocean. Between the indulgent wellness resorts and exotic restaurants, the crystal-clear waters offer ample opportunity for snorkelling and diving excursions. Dive into the blue and find yourself in a world of kaleidoscopic colour as fish fizzle in and out of focus.

Peyto Lake, Canada

One of Canada's most beautiful and most-photographed lakes is a pool of cerulean on darker days, while its glacier waters mirror the sky's dappled blue on brighter days. Keen amblers are well rewarded as they reach Bow Summit, the highest point on the Icefields Parkway.

La Digue, Seychelles

The third most populated island in  the Seychelles , La Digue takes its name from a ship in the fleet of French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, who visited the Seychelles in 1768. Thanks to its otherworldly granite formations, glassy waters and fine sand, Anse Source d'Argent is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – a spot travellers fawn over as they venture out from the island's uber-luxurious hotels and resorts.

Yellowstone National Park, USA

Bison, bears, geese, deer – these are just some of the animals that call the oldest national park in the world home. Each change of the seasons beckons new residents out of their homes, as many cosy up during the cold winters and await the first signs of spring. A highlight of the park is the Yellowstone Caldera, a gargantuan crater that was formed by a cataclysmic volcanic eruption some 640,000 years ago.

The 51 Most Beautiful Places in the World

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Massive glaciers, staggering mountains, plains dotted with wild animals: Our planet sure is incredible. In fact, when looking at the most beautiful places in the world, it can feel impossible to decide where to visit next. The islands of Southeast Asia? The deserts of the Middle East? How about the countless travel-worthy sites right here in the United States ?

While pinpointing all of Mother Nature’s greatest hits could take a lifetime, we think these 51 staggering landscapes and awe-inspiring wonders—from Antarctica to Zimbabwe—need to move to the very top of your travel list. Whether you’re looking for beaches, forests, or national parks , you’re sure to find your new favorite destination below.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Covering roughly 40 percent of South America , including parts of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, the Amazon is the largest rainforest on the planet, and home to more than 40,000 plant species and 1,300 bird species alone. But be sure to visit the winding rivers and diverse wildlife while you can— climate change (along with man-made fires ) is increasingly whittling away the habitat every day.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Venezuela overflows with natural wonders, including the world’s highest waterfall: the 3,212-foot cascades (that’s 19 times higher than Niagara Falls) of Angel Falls, located in the UNESCO-protected Canaima National Park. Bonus: Pixar animators used the location as inspiration for Paradise Falls in Up —so you know it’s good.

That’s right, we put an entire continent on here. Although 99 percent of Antarctica is covered with ice, the landscape still manages to be stunningly diverse—surreal blue glaciers, active volcanoes, the rough waterways of the Drake Passage, and 360-degree views of untouched snow. And those views are made even better when an emperor penguin or humpback whale makes an appearance.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan

Every traveler should experience the ethereal glow and seemingly endless heights of this bamboo grove on the outskirts of Kyoto . The experience even extends beyond the visual realm: In 1996, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment included the sounds here—wood creaking, leaves rustling—as one of the top 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the moon? A trip to Valle de la Luna in Chile’s Atacama Desert is a much shorter flight. Years of erosion have left behind jagged peaks, dry riverbeds, and a landscape startlingly similar to that of our favorite celestial body.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Separated from continental Africa by 250 miles of water, Madagascar is adventure personified. The island nation’s secrets include giant moths, bug-eyed lemurs, and places like the surreal Avenue of the Baobabs, where the centuries-old trees reach heights of nearly 100 feet.

The Azores, Portugal

Roughly 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon , this Portuguese archipelago can inspire wanderlust with a single photo. The verdant valleys, steep oceanside cliffs, rows of blue hydrangeas, and scattering of waterfalls make the Azores a paradise worth exploring . Just make sure you visit before everyone you know beats you to it.

Banff National Park, Canada

Easily one of the most beautiful spots in Canada, Banff National Park overwhelms with views of the Canadian Rockies and a regular cast of animals. The park is also known for its abundance of beautiful lakes , including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and glacial Lake Minnewanka—each more pristine than the last.

Boulders Beach, South Africa

Located on the False Bay Coastline about 17 miles south of Table Mountain, Boulders Beach shows off the famously beautiful landscapes of Cape Town: bright blue water, granite boulders, and even penguins. Many people swim here just a few feet away from the adorable African penguin community, but feel free to just sit back and admire the sprawling coastline as well.

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

It’s hard to pick just one beautiful spot in geographically diverse Malaysia, but the Cameron Highlands might be the winner. Located in the state of Pahang, the 275-square-mile region is home to the largest tea plantations in the country—a place of fuzzy green hills rolling into the distance, where you can also explore butterfly gardens and strawberry farms.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia, an area in Turkey where entire cities have been carved into rock, is pretty incredible on its own. But whenever hot air balloons pepper the sky—with many floating up right at sunrise—its beauty level literally skyrockets.

Caucasus Mountains, Georgia

For adventurous travelers who have grown tired of the crowded mountain trails in the Alps or or reservation-only vineyards in France, Georgia has everything you need and then some (yes, including wine). The best way to witness the diversity of the country’s terrain is on its hiking trails , which wind through the Greater Caucasus mountain range dividing Europe from Asia.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Few places exemplify the raw, untamed beauty of Ireland’s west coast like this natural wonder, which tops 702 feet at the highest point. And while you might know them better as the Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride , in reality, the cliffs are located just south of Galway.

Danxia Landform Geological Park, China

These striped, multicolored mountains are Mother Nature's answer to Photoshop. Red sandstone and mineral deposits have been stacking in China's Danxia Landform Geological Park for more than 20 million years, causing the surreal layered effect.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Despite controversies over name changes and a shrinking elevation , Denali’s beauty is worth braving the extreme low temperatures. Make a road trip out of your visit, seeing as much of the 6 million acres of shimmering lakes and jagged mountains as you can.

Étretat, France

Located along France’s Alabaster Coast, the pebble beach of Étretat is popular among sailors and surfers. But most visitors come to this stretch in Upper Normandy for one reason: The famous chalk cliffs and arched rock formations. At various points along Étretat's 80-mile stretch, you’ll find natural sculptures that have inspired travelers and artists (most notably Claude Monet ) for ages.

Finnish Lapland

If your travel fantasies aren’t complete without a snowy setting, be sure to add Finnish Lapland to your list. While this northern region of Finland is lovely during the warmer months, try to plan your visit between November and March, when the trees are covered in thick layers of snow, huskies are eager to pull you around on a sled, and the Northern Lights are most likely to make an appearance.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Do we really have to explain the allure of the Galápagos? If you can, make it a priority to visit this of-another-time stretch of Ecuador, with dinosaur-like giant tortoises lumbering through the tall grass and real-life blue-footed boobies. (Pro tip: A cruise is definitely the preferred way to explore the islands; Celebrity Cruise’s Xpedition ferries just 100 passengers and holds nightly lectures by naturalists from Galápagos National Park.)

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park, often called one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is on most travelers’ lists for a reason. Plan to hike some of the park’s most scenic loops —like Horseshoe Bend and the South Rim Trail—to get views of the rocky badlands of the Painted Desert, Navajo Nation, and even a waterfall or two.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Although the Great Barrier Reef (aka the largest living thing on Earth) can be seen from space, the best vantage point belongs to the avid snorkelers and scuba divers who visit each year. If you must resurface, do it at the Whitsundays—namely Whitehaven Beach, often considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Greenland is icy, mysterious, and one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet. And he world's biggest non-continental island is so much more than glaciers (although they are spectacular)—think magnificent fjords, colorful villages, fields of sheep, and that ever-alluring midnight sun.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, located in northeast Vietnam , is beloved for its blue waters and spread of limestone islands, all occupied by tropical trees and wildlife. Board a Chinese junk boat to experience the beauty (and associated myths and stories) of the mist-shrouded emerald basin for yourself.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

With fairy pools and endless undulations of hills, the magical Isle of Skye is the stuff dreams are made of. While the nature here is timeless, the island also has a food scene that’s totally modern—we can’t think of a more beautiful place to sample Michelin-starred cuisine.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

There's a reason Lake Bled is one of Slovenia 's most popular sites. With its emerald waters, vistas of the surrounding Julien Alps, and Disney-like castle high on a hill, you won't be short of picture-perfect views if you venture here.

Lake Como, Italy

This 56-square-mile Lombardy jewel has been attracting summer vacationers since ancient Roman times. Today, it’s as popular for its natural beauty as it is for its luxury hotels—and George Clooney sightings, of course.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

While purple, pink, and blue-hued lupin flowers may not be native to New Zealand (they hail from North America), they really do seem to bloom most vibrantly on the Oceanian nation’s South Island. At Lake Tekapo, in particular, the flowers juxtapose against the backdrop of the crystal clear water to create one of the country’s most stunning vistas.

Machu Picchu, Peru

While the intricate stone ruins of Machu Picchu are the work of 15th-century Incans, the site’s natural setting makes it even more alluring. Perched atop the flattened peak of a mountain, the ancient Wonder of the World benefits from the famous backdrop of Huayna Picchu, lush green surfaces, and a barrier of Andean peaks that, despite the landmark’s fame, makes you feel like you've stumbled upon a secret.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

The geography of Brazil's Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is like nothing else on the planet. The rainy season (which hits around early June) fills every trough with water. The effect is not unlike an M.C. Escher print: the scene resembles either a drowned desert or a sandy lake, depending on how your mind's eye frames what it's seeing.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

New Zealand is no stranger to breathtaking landscapes, particularly on the west coast of the South Island. Case in point: Milford Sound, a mountainous fjord where you can live out all of your Lord of the Rings fantasies.

Mount Fuji, Japan

It’s hard to pick the single most beautiful place in Japan , but 12,388-foot Mount Fuji just might take the prize. Visit Lake Kawaguchiko in the spring for some of the best views of the mountain and cherry blossom trees —a postcard-worthy sight if we ever saw one. Or if you’re an avid hiker, plan a trip for mid-July until the end of August, when the snow melts enough to allow access to Fuji’s summit.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Africa’s highest peak seems more striking than a lot of other famous mountains, because it’s an ancient stratovolcano that’s not part of any mountain range. That means the 19,000-foot summit drops down to vast, flat plains on all sides, making it a mirage-like blip on Tanzania’s widespread topography. As an added bonus, the peak requires no technical mountaineering skills to summit, so even novice hikers can cross this item off their bucket list.

Namib Desert, Namibia

With its otherworldly landscapes and populations of rhinos, giraffes, and elephants, the Namib Desert is like nowhere else on Earth. In fact, its red sand dunes and skeletal trees might make you think you’ve been transported to Mars instead of Southwest Africa.

Na Pali Coast, Hawaii

Kauai has one of the world’s most gorgeous coastlines , with towering waterfalls and isolated crescent beaches. Just be prepared to put in a little effort to soak up its wonders: Na Pali can only be seen from a helicopter, catamaran, or a rather grueling hike.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The lush Okavango Delta—a 49-million-acre river delta in northern Botswana—is like a real-world eden, where cheetahs, zebras, buffalo, and rhinos roam freely. Visit during Africa’s winter (summertime in the Northern Hemisphere), after the rains—the savanna’s grasses are low, while growth along the waterways attracts tons of wildlife.

Palawan, Philippines

With its blue lagoons and limestone cliffs, it’s easy to see why Palawan is consistently voted one of the best islands in the world by our readers. It is also home to the otherworldly Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that travels five miles through an underground cave system.

Pamukkale, Turkey

The 17 tiered pools of Pamukkale (“cotton castle” in Turkish) are as beautiful as hot springs get. The stacks of white travertine (a form of limestone) overlook the city of Denizli, and the still 94-degree Fahrenheit waters perfectly reflect the cerulean Aegean sky.

The Pitons, St. Lucia

The scenery of St. Lucia can be summed up in one jaw-dropping site: a duo of striking spires known as the Pitons. The two volcanic peaks—Gros Piton and Petit Piton—are the most iconic landmarks on the island, and visitors can enjoy them in a variety of ways. A singular experience has to be actually hiking the mountains, an activity which takes the better part of a day. Or, if you prefer to keep your feet at sea level, plop a towel down at Sugar Beach, set dramatically (and conveniently) between the two Pitons.

Playa de Las Catedrales, Spain

As a destination on Europe's Iberian Peninsula, Spain is renowned for its island paradises and semi-remote sand beaches. We're particularly big fans of Playa de Las Catedrales, a small stretch of sand on the Galician coast where natural stone arches form a walkable "cathedral" at low tide.

Reynisfjara, Iceland

If the moon had a shoreline, it would probably look something like Reynisfjara. Just a 20-minute drive from Vik in southern Iceland, jet-black sand and spectacularly shaped basalt columns make this beach one of the most impressive sites in an already impressive country.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Southwest Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world, and is about as surreal as landscapes come. When dry, the flat is a sheet of blindingly white salt tiles. During the wet season, the shallow lake mirrors the sky, creating a dreamy illusion of infinity.

Sequoia National Park, California

This central-Californian park is home to some 8,000 colossal sequoia trees —the gentle giants of the tree world. “General Sherman,” a tree named for the Civil War general, is the hero of these treasured acres: It stands 275 feet tall and 25 feet wide, making it the largest known single-stem tree on the planet.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Tanzania’s portion of the Serengeti is the ideal location for an African adventure. Visit between January and March to witness the wonder that is the Great Migration, an iconic phenomenon that sees 1.5 million wildebeest sweep through East Africa on an annual, 1,200-mile cycle.

Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard, the northern archipelago off the coast of Norway, is known for spectacular Northern Lights viewing opportunities—the sky is pitch black all day and night from October through February, due to its position within the Arctic Circle. Svalbard is also celebrated for its wildlife, including polar bears and arctic foxes who live out their days among the deep fjords and sheets of ice.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

With its granite pillars, azure lakes, and steppes spotted with grazing guanacos, Torres del Paine is one of the most impressive sites in the entire Southern Hemisphere. It also happens to be an extremely popular destination for hikers: The ultra-ambitious can travel the Full Circuit—crossing the entire park—in nine days.

As crowded as Ubud can get, the town is only minutes from dozens of quaint villages and peaceful countryside vistas. Rent a motorbike or bicycle at your hotel and get lost in the villages, tangerine groves, and rice paddies—all of which are kept alive by farmers who tend the terraces just as previous generations have done for millennia.

Uluru, Australia

No matter how you choose to view the 700-million-year-old Uluru (or Ayers Rock)—from above by hot air balloon, across the desert on a motorcycle—witnessing its majesty should be on every traveler's list.

Vaadhoo Island, Maldives

The beaches at Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives have received their fair share of online swooning, and for good reason. The bioluminescent phytoplankton in the water’s reefs emanate a dazzling blue glow, making it look as though the stars have somehow found their way down to earth for the night—a phenomenon that has aptly become known as the “Sea of Stars.”

Valle de Cocora, Colombia

Valle de Cocora is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Colombia —and that’s saying something. The park (about a 7-hour drive west of Bogotá ) is filled with the tallest palm trees in the world at nearly 200 feet, which look even more incredible set against the backdrop of misty green hills and craggy mountains.

Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Nothing compares to standing in front of the world’s largest waterfall, which stretches in length for a full mile. Visit between February and May (after the region’s rainy season) for the clearest views of the 500 million liters of water that pour over the falls every 60 seconds.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

With its cliffs, caverns, natural arches, and Mars-like red sand, it’s no wonder Wadi Rum is so beloved by both tourists and directors. ( Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian , and Rogue One are just some of the many movies that have been filmed here.) The site is just as stunning at night, when the sky transforms into an incomparable blanket of stars.

Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China

“Scenic” might be an understatement here: This 100-square-mile attraction in China’s Hunan Province contains thousands of sandstone pillars that are nature’s version of skyscrapers—some even stretch taller than the Empire State Building’s midpoint.

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18 Best Places to Visit in the World

Written by Lana Law Updated May 11, 2023

Author Lana Law has traveled the globe extensively, including two year-long world trips, the most recent one in 2022/2023.

The world is filled with such a wide variety of wonderful destinations and beautiful places to visit, it can be difficult to compile a list of the best ones. Thinking about a traveler who, for whatever reason, has never set foot outside his or her hometown, where would be the first places they might visit?

The list of the world's best places to visit has to include great cities, like New York, Paris, London, and so on, each of which is filled with a multitude of individual sites or must-see places to visit. The list also includes specific sites, monuments, and locations, each also worthy of a visit in their own right.

For more ideas on where to go and what to see, read our list of the top places to visit in the world.

Machu Picchu, Peru

The grand canyon, arizona, rome, italy, maui, hawaii, masai mara, kenya, new zealand, istanbul, turkey, angkor wat, cambodia, london, england, manhattan, new york, paris, france, montreal, canada, san francisco, california, marrakesh, morocco, cartagena, columbia, the canary islands, map of places to visit in the world.

Highlights : Ancient 700-year-old city with an incredible location high in the Andes

Located high in the Andes mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is now believed to have been a sacred royal retreat for the Incan rulers. Built in the 15 th century CE and abandoned less than 100 years later, the remote site continues to amaze with its perfectly joined, mortarless, intricate stonework. Huge multi-ton blocks of stone are perfectly joined with each other, without the use of mortar or cement.

The journey to Machu Picchu typically starts in the mountain city of Cusco , which was the capital city of the Inca Empire . Cusco is a fascinating place to explore-be sure to spend a few days there before or after your Machu Picchu adventure.

It's possible to hike the Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The full hike takes five days, but you can also start closer and do a one-, two- or three-day hike along the trail. Most people take the train from Cusco, which takes about three and a half hours.

Machu Picchu has taken steps to avoid over-tourism and has limited the number of visitors to the site each day. All visitors need a permit prior to visiting. They are easily available from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture reservation page up to four months in advance. Many websites, hoping to sell tours, do not share this information.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Peru

Highlights : The earth's geological history opens before your eyes in a mile-deep chasm

This incredible sight, one of the seven natural wonders of the world , is in the U.S. state of Arizona. It's one of those beautiful places for which photos or video just don't do it justice-its sheer size and scope are hard to comprehend.

With geology formed over the past two billion years, yes billion, the 277-mile-long canyon itself is believed to have been started around five to six million years ago. It was formed by the flow of the Colorado River, which still flows through it and continues to erode the geology along its course. The Grand Canyon is up to 18 miles wide in places and up to a mile deep. Imagine standing on the edge, looking down a sheer rock wall almost a mile to the river below.

Most visitors come to the area referred to as the South Rim . This is where a number of impressive hiking trails into the Grand Canyon begin and great overlooks are spread along the rim road, known as Desert View Drive. A range of accommodations is available here and nearby, from tents to a rustic luxury canyon-side resort built from logs. A few accommodations are also found on the remote North Rim .

Many visitors access the canyon via the historic Grand Canyon Railway , which runs from the town of Williams, Arizona. The 64-mile rail line provides an entertaining way to get to the canyon with food and live music onboard. For those who prefer to drive, see our articles on driving north from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon or driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon .

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

Highlights : History around every corner; the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon are must-sees

The Eternal City is more like a giant, living museum. Visitors are immersed in and surrounded by thousands of years of history. It's a relatively compact city, and a three-day itinerary gets you to the minimum number of must-see places.

These must-see sites for any visitor include the Colosseum and adjacent Roman Forum ; the Pantheon ; and Vatican City , a separate country in the middle of central Rome.

Take some time to explore the outskirts of Rome, too. Consider a hike along a tomb-lined section of the Appian Way, the ancient Roman superhighway, and a visit to one of the aqueduct ruins outside the city.

If you feel like hitting the beach after all your exploring, Rome has a wonderful assortment of beach towns just a short drive away on the Lazio Coast. Escape the heat, hustle, and bustle of the city to bathe in the cool waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rome

Highlights : A tropical paradise with stunning beaches and five-star luxury resorts

This Hawaiian island offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. You can surf, enjoy a meal on the beach at a five-star luxury resort in Wailea, ride a horse across a dormant volcano in Haleakala National Park , or hike through a rainforest in the West Maui Mountains. The natural scenery is amazing-it's truly one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

When it comes to accommodation, there is something for everyone here, from rustic hippie bungalow bed and breakfasts to five-star luxury resort hotels . Wailea has all the luxury resorts-it's like the beachfront Beverly Hills of Maui. If you're staying here, be sure to venture out and spend some time in Kihei, where the locals hang out.

• Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Maui
• Best Beaches on Maui

Highlights : Wild animals in their natural environment, luxury safari lodges

Kenya's Masai Mara is an incredible bio-diverse area and a popular safari destination. It's an opportunity to see the "big five" animals (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) all during one trip or, if you're lucky, during one afternoon.

The protected Masai Mara National Reserve park area is huge, with over 1,500 square kilometers of mainly grassland, extending all the way to the Serengeti Plain of Tanzania. The popular times to visit are during the twice-yearly migrations, the main ones being in July and August. Over a million wildebeest and other animals cross the area in huge groups to go from one feeding area to another. Most visitors fly into Nairobi , then take a small bush plane to the Mara.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kenya
• Best Game Reserves in Africa

Highlights : Amazing natural sights in one easy-to-visit country

With its striking natural beauty , friendly citizens, and recent popularity due to its use as the filming location for the Lord of the Rings films (as well as many others), this island nation is one of the world's great places to visit. The biodiversity here is amazing — it's believed New Zealand was one of the last places on Earth to have human inhabitants.

Start your visit off in Auckland , with its culture, history, and museums. Spend some time on the water and at the beach — Waitemata Harbour has beaches, along with a range of sailing and boating activities.

Visit the Rotorua area to learn about and experience Indigenous Maori culture and head to Queenstown to experience the country's wide range of outdoor extreme action sports. Remember, this is where bungee jumping was invented.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Zealand

Highlights : Shopping in the bazaars, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia are not to be missed

Turkey's capital city is another destination that offers a great mix of culture, food, and history. There are thousands of years of history here, starting with Ancient Greeks and Ancient Romans and leading up through the Ottoman Empire.

There's a mix of the new and the timeless here unlike anywhere else. You can spend the day shopping and the night at a wonderful restaurant eating great Turkish food and dancing to Turkish music, then rise (very early) in the morning to the sound of the Ezan or morning Islamic call to prayer. It echoes across the rooftops as it's broadcast from loudspeakers set atop the minarets of the city's mosques.

Istanbul has excellent public transit, which means it's easy to get around and explore all the major sites and monuments. Must-see places include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia , and Topkapi Palace.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

Highlights : A stunning ancient jungle city with hundreds of intricately constructed temples

Located just outside the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is the largest religious site in the world. Angkor Wat is Cambodia's top tourist attraction.

It was created originally as a Hindu temple and mausoleum for the Khmer ruler in the early part of the 12 th century and was converted to a Buddhist temple at the end of the 12 th century. Just part of an enormous ancient city. Angkor Wat is the temple area, and Angor Thom was the city and palace area. There are hundreds of other ruin sites in the area, all part of the ancient capital of Angkor.

Siem Reap and its temples and ruins are now very easily accessible via daily flights from Hong Kong and other large Asian cities. Accommodations range from inexpensive guesthouses to lavish luxury resorts, with everything in between.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Siem Reap

Highlights : Tropical beaches, volcano hikes, ancient temples, and friendly people

The tropical Indonesian island of Bali is a lush, tropical destination that should not be missed. A bit of everything can be found here, from towering volcanoes and sun-kissed shores to lush jungles complete with mischievous monkeys.

Add in the cultural aspect of vibrant temples and the friendly Balinese people, it becomes very easy to spend longer here than you may have planned. Bali has a long list of interesting things to do including rice terrace tours, volcano climbs, surfing lessons, and handicraft markets.

In the evening, enjoy the delights of Balinese dining with a tasty plate of Nasi Goreng or satay followed up by the rhythmic beats of a Kecak dance performance.

Highlights : History, architecture, dining, and world-class shopping

This historic English city is another destination just filled with incredible places to visit. A trip to London is an opportunity to visit iconic places like the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace , and the Tower of London .

Take advantage of the city being a cultural center as well by seeing a West End theater show or watching a musical performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Modern London is also a city of fine dining, luxury hotels, and world-class shopping.

Don't miss the museums, the vast British Museum is free, and usually quite crowded. Make time to visit The Wallace Collection , a free museum on Oxford Street. It has one of the world's greatest collections of furniture and porcelain, along with some important Old Master paintings.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in London

Highlights : Shopping, dining, Broadway shows, museums, and the Statue of Liberty

One of the five boroughs of New York City, Manhattan is actually an island, bordered by the East River and the Hudson (and a little bit by the Harlem River). This island is a bit less than 23 square miles and is home to almost two million residents. Add in the daily influx of workers, and the island routinely holds close to four million people.

No other city in the world offers the frenetic energy of New York City. It's filled with the world's best shopping and dining, along with incredible museums .

Manhattan also has a giant green heart, Central Park . No matter the season, it provides a playground for the city's residents, offering a range of activities from museums to a zoo. There's also a lot of green space where you can play and relax, along with miles of running, biking, and skating trails. You can also enjoy plenty of things to do in winter in NYC , from skating and sipping hot chocolate, to shopping and Broadway shows.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City

Highlights : Dining, shopping, the Eiffel Tower, museums, Seine River cruises

No visit to the French capital is complete without a trip to and a trip up its most iconic structure. The 300-meter-tall Eiffel Tower was quite simply, the tallest man-made structure in the world, from its opening in 1889 for 41 years until 1930.

Use your visit as a stair workout and climb the 300 steps from ground level to the first of three levels on the tower. If you're in great shape, climb another 300 steps to the second level. Then hop on the elevator here to get to the top. Aside from the workout, you'll also skip most of the crowd who want to take the elevator the whole way.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris

Highlights : Notre Dame Cathedral, historic Old Town and waterfront, delightful dining options

As you listen to the sound of French being spoken around you and explore Old Montreal , wandering down its narrow cobblestone streets-you might think you're in France. The historic area is filled with quaint shops and cafés; this Canadian city can be a chance to experience a bit of Europe in North America.

The city also has a thriving food scene, with several popular farmers' markets, including the Atwater Market and the Jean Talon Market. It's also known for its bagels, cooked hot and fresh by several iconic must-visit bakeries.

Be sure to visit the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica and take a drive up to Mount Royal, the big hill (or low mountain) the city is named after. You'll be rewarded with some amazing views extending all the way to the port.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Montreal

Highlights : The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, historic streetcars

San Francisco is a truly unique American city and one of the world's great vacation spots. Explore its hills, ride the cable cars that climb them, and eat some seafood at Fisherman's Wharf . Also spend some time exploring Marin County on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge , including the picturesque town of Sausalito . The giant redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument are only 30 minutes away and also well worth a side trip.

Be sure to also make time for a visit to or even better, a drive across, the Golden Gate Bridge. This monument to modern engineering genius spans the strait that connects San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The almost two-mile-long, six-lane bridge connects the Northern California city with Marin County.

Opened in 1937, the bridge has a unique, geometric beauty and can be viewed from many areas on either side of its span. Some of the best views are from the Marin Headlands, a hilly part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a national park that includes areas on either side of the bridge.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco

Highlights : Old walled city, shopping in the bazaars, and a sensory overload

Start your Marrakech adventure in the Jemaa el-Fnaa , the main, open square in the Moroccan city. It's the gateway to the medina or old walled city. The square is like nowhere else in the world, presenting a constant show of humanity. There are musical performers, snake charmers, monkey trainers, amateur boxing matches, and transvestite belly dancers.

It's also a giant food market, as well as a giant antique market and swap meet. You can even get a haircut or have some dental work performed. At night, there are fire performers, and an outdoor food fair is set up in the center, with rows of food stalls fronted by counters lined with chairs.

This exotic African destination is only a short flight (usually less than four hours) from most major European cities. As a popular getaway destination, there are frequent flights available. Accommodations range from riads , traditional houses remade into luxury boutique hotels in the medina to five-star luxury resorts just outside the city in an area called La Palmeraie.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Marrakesh

Highlights : Incredible 500-year-old walled city with historic 19th-century architecture and some of Colombia's best dining

Colorful Cartagena, one of the great historical Spanish cities of the Caribbean, pulses with life along the north coast of Colombia. Founded in 1533, its old walled city has seen its fortunes rise and fall through the centuries and has more recently experienced a resurgence and revitalization.

Significant restoration of the old city has resulted in once-dilapidated 16th-century buildings springing back to life as modern, yet historical hotels, world-class restaurants, and shops. Wander through the narrow city streets to see an impressive church, an open plaza with public works of art, or an eclectic shop selling that perfect souvenir.

Be sure to wander along the ancient city walls, and as you watch the sunset over the ocean, think back to what life used to be like here nearly 500 years ago.

It's easy to get to Cartagena from the United States, with daily flights from Miami and good connections through Panama City. This is the perfect destination for an exotic long weekend getaway from almost anywhere in North America.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia

Highlights : White-sand beaches, rugged mountains, luxury resorts, island adventures

Off the coast of northwestern Africa are a delightful chain of islands that should be on every sun-seeker's to-do list. The Canary Islands are all a bit different from one another, allowing the intrepid traveler to have four or even five (or more), experiences in one trip.

The Canary Islands are especially known for their beaches. Stunning white-sand beaches washed by crystal-clear waters are among the best beaches in Spain . Many people come here to stay at the multitude of luxury resorts that line the waterfront, and rarely venture off the property.

Those that have a taste for adventure will find towering volcanoes, stunning hiking trails, towering pine forests, and authentic old towns dating back to the time of Christopher Columbus.

Some of the most popular islands are Tenerife , Gran Canaria , Lanzarote , and Fuerteventura . Each of these offers its own unique experience and landscape.

Highlights : Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor, skyscrapers, Victoria Peak views, awesome dining

Asia's largest city can feel like an Asian Manhattan, with giant skyscrapers in a compact area and a serious focus on business. But venture deeper, and you'll find the city's unique mix of ancient Chinese culture and remnants of its British Colonial history as well. Gleaming skyscrapers are built with hand-assembled bamboo scaffolding in a fusion of new and old.

The city is divided into two main sections: Hong Kong Island and Kowloon , separated by Victoria Harbour . Take the Star Ferry across the harbor, still one of the great travel bargains, given the spectacular scenery on both sides. You can also venture into the more rural areas to discover the sparsely populated Outlying Islands , hiking trails , and beautiful beaches .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Great Places to Visit Around the World: If you are heading to Europe, be sure to see our guides to the best places to visit in France , Italy , and Portugal . Our lists of best places to visit in Scotland and Ireland will also point you in the right direction in these countries. For ideas on where to go in America, see our recommendations for the best places to visit in the United States .

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Destinations on the rise for 2021

25 amazing places to inspire future journeys and remind us why we love to travel.

A diver explores the coral reefs around Lord Howe Island. The volcanic isle, located in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, has more than 60 dive sites, including Ball’s Pyramid—the world’s tallest sea stack.

The world is full of wonders—even if they’re hard to reach. While the pandemic has brought our journeys to a standstill, it has not quieted our curiosity. Ahead of a new year—with the promise of a return to travel—we are eager to share these 25 timely tales of timeless places that will define our future itineraries.

Reported by the global editors of National Geographic Travel and framed by five categories (Adventure, Culture and History, Nature, Family, Sustainability), these superlative destinations speak of resilient communities, innovative conservation efforts, and thrilling opportunities for future explorations.

The joy of travel comes from the unexpected. Now is the time to dream of your next journey and lay the foundation for your next trip. We hope our list of the new year’s most important places will inspire you. We look forward to seeing you out in the world soon!

In 1912, an eruption of the volcano Novarupta formed the caldera and crater lake at the summit of Mount Katmai, in Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve.

Katmai National Park, Alaska

In the shadow of the volcano.

There are no roads into Katmai. Most of the nearly 5 million acres of this combined national park and preserve are designated wilderness where no hunting is allowed. The only way in is by boat or float plane.

For many travelers to the park—limited in number even before the pandemic— Katmai is where to visit a 1.2-mile-long fishing hole that serves the largest concentration of brown bears in the world. Thanks to the Bear Cam and Fat Bear Week it has become famous.

For archaeologists such as Laura Stelson, who explored here in the footsteps of a 1910s expedition sponsored by the National Geographic Society, the park is a site to study 9,000 years of human history. The longstanding Indigenous communities that lived in the area were displaced and re-established after the massive 1912 eruption of the Novarupta, the largest volcanic paroxysm of the 20th century. Stelson hopes one day to find the right technology to scan what lies beneath the pumice and other rock that covers this otherworldly landscape about 290 miles southwest of Anchorage .

( Related: Find six otherworldly destinations on our planet . )

“Katmai is a very unique place with all these different types of landscapes presented in one single park,” says Stelson. “You have coastal beaches. You have tundra. You have spruce forest, mountains, volcanoes, and you have this weird desert. So there’s just a lot of environmental diversity and diversity of experiences.”

Wildlife lovers can swim alongside Dominica’s resident sperm whales, but only with an accredited tour operator that follows strict animal-welfare protocols.

Caribbean adventure tourism helps fuel this island’s climate resiliency

The weathered mountains running down the spine of Dominica formed a natural shield, largely protecting the eastern Caribbean island, called Waitukubuli (“tall is her body”) by the Indigenous Kalinago, from colonial intrusions and overdevelopment. Left alone to thrive were leafy rainforest and a thrill-seeker’s dream collection of natural marvels: nine active volcanoes, 365 rivers, towering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and blistering-hot geothermal features like Boiling Lake, a flooded fumarole with water temperatures nearing 200°F (93.3°C).

What Dominica’s formidable volcanic terrain couldn’t block is global climate change, which is worsening the effects of hurricanes. Warmer ocean temperatures supercharged Hurricane Maria , whose direct hit on the island in September 2017 caused catastrophic landslides and critically damaged nearly every man-made structure.

( Related: Discover more big-time adventures on the island where nature rules. )

Post hurricane, nature rebounded, residents rebuilt, and the government resolved to make Dominica the world’s first climate-resilient nation. It requires not only hurricane-proof buildings but also a diverse economy , including a tourism sector that attracts more high-end spenders and an agricultural system that grows a variety of fruits and vegetables eaten locally. Adventure tourism plays a huge role in the climate resiliency push by creating jobs and an economic incentive to restore and protect Dominica’s greatest natural resource—its wild side.

Ready to book your trip? Snorkel Dominica’s crystal-clear waters with Nat Geo Expeditions.

Perito Moreno glacier, located in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, is one of the only glaciers in the world that is growing instead of shrinking. It forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field—the Earth’s third-largest reserve of freshwater.

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

Where to hike a kingdom of ice.

Along the turquoise shores of Lake Argentino, the town of El Calafate gets its name from the thorny plant whose berries infuse cocktails and regional beers. However, its proximity to Los Glaciares National Park has placed the town on the tourist map as the gateway to the kingdom of ice in southern Argentine Patagonia .

There, near the border with Chile , the 1,722-square-mile park encompasses subantarctic forests that preserve habitats for species such as the guemal, puma, rhea, condor, guanaco, and the calafate plant. But the park’s main draws are the nearly 300 glaciers that cover almost half of the park surface. The most popular and accessible, three-mile-wide Perito Moreno glacier, stands almost 200 feet above the surface of Lake Argentino. Huge masses of ice spectacularly calve from its face with thunderous roars. It’s possible to hike with crampons on the glacier to find swaths of electric-blue color among waterfalls, crevices, ice caves, underground rivers, and extravagant ice formations.

( Related: Saddle up for stellar views and gaucho culture in Patagonia .)

This frozen desert is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third largest expanse of continental ice in the world, after Antarctica and Greenland . After exploring the frigid ends of the Earth, visitors return to a boat waiting on the lake to celebrate their adventures with a shot of whiskey and chips of ice. —Erick Pinedo, Nat Geo Traveler Latin America

Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus mountain range, Svaneti is home to some of the most isolated villages in Georgia. Many of the watchtowers pictured above were built during the Middle Ages to protect against marauding armies.

Svaneti Region, Georgia

A remote land of warm welcomes.

Located in the shadows of 15,000-foot peaks, the Svaneti region in northwest Georgia ’s Caucasus mountains may seem forbiddingly inaccessible. The rugged landscape bristles with medieval stone towers that doubled as dwellings and defense posts. These fortresses attest to a time when Svan families fought fiercely to hold possession of their lands in small villages and lofty settlements such as Ushguli. Protected as the Upper Svaneti World Heritage site , Ushguli is one of Europe’s highest inhabited communities, at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level.

Due to its remoteness, Svan culture evolved over the centuries in isolation from the rest of Georgian lands, developing a unique oral-only language and traditions such as ritual beard cutting and blood feuds. Once infamous for lawlessness, the region is recognized today for its welcoming spirit. “Georgia is famous for its hospitality, but Svaneti is Georgian hospitality times 10. Parties, toasts, and alcohol are the order of the day,” says Michał Głombiowski, a travel writer and photographer from Poland who frequently visits Georgia.

( Related: This mega-trail offers hikers nearly a thousand miles of forest and mountains .)

While still far off any beaten path, Svaneti now is accessible to intrepid adventurers via the Upper Svaneti section of the Transcauca sian Trail , an ambitious long-distance trail network project ultimately aiming to connect Georgia, Armenia , and Azerbaijan . Trekkers with enough lung capacity to tackle a four-day, high-altitude hike from Mestia, the regional capital, to Ushguli are treated to cool vistas of serrated peaks by day and warm receptions in Svan guesthouses at night. —Martyna Szczepanik, Nat Geo Traveler Poland

A crowd mills around the “Black Wall Street Mural” in Tulsa’s Greenwood District, soon after its unveiling in June 2018. Racial violence devastated this once thriving Black-owned business district, but a cultural and economic revival is underway.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

A hub for discussions on race in the u.s..

Greenwood Rising , the name of Tulsa’s new “Black Wall Street” history center, aptly describes the groundswell of support for sustainable socioeconomic transformation in the Oklahoma city’s Historic Greenwood District—site of one of the worst incidents of racial violence in the United States’ history.

Beginning on May 31, 1921, white terrorists destroyed the prosperous district in an 18-hour assault, murdering some 300 Black residents and erasing nearly 35 blocks of Black-owned homes and businesses. To commemorate the 100th anniversary—and tell the story of the once vibrant community—the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission is building Greenwood Rising (expected to open in fall 2021) and is hosting speakers, concerts, and other special events throughout the year.

( Related: Remembering “Red Summer,” when white mobs massacred Blacks from Tulsa to D.C. )

The history center is designed to be a catalyst for revitalizing Greenwood and for confronting and ending systemic racism across the U.S., says Phil Armstrong, project director of the Centennial Commission.

“There’s a real sense in Tulsa and throughout the country that we are much better than this,” Armstrong says. “Greenwood Rising will be a launching pad for continuing the discussion of racial trauma and reconciliation, and the entire historic district will be a place where people can come to learn, acknowledge implicit bias, and personally commit to enacting real change within their own spheres of influence.”

The only Native American site designated both a UNESCO World Heritage site and U.S. National Historic Landmark, Taos Pueblo is one of the country’s oldest continuously inhabited communities.

Pueblo Nations, New Mexico

Surfacing native american voices in the american southwest.

In New Mexico, monuments to oppressors of Native Americans—such as Spanish conquistador Don Diego de Vargas—are toppling, as some activists call to honor Po’pay, organizer of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt . The uprising ousted the Spanish from Pueblo Indian homelands. Although Spain regained control in 1692, the revolt is credited with ensuring the long-term survival of Pueblo culture.

A statue of Po’pay represents New Mexico in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. At home, Po’pay’s enduring legacy is evident in the state’s 19 Pueblos, including Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each Pueblo is a sovereign nation and living community with distinct traditions. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) in Albuquerque is the starting point for exploring the Pueblos—online via a Virtual Culture Guide and in-person when it’s safe to resume group tours and celebrations.

Michael Lucero, IPCC’s guest experience manager and member of San Felipe Pueblo, calls the center’s resources the “lens” through which visitors can better appreciate the richness of Pueblo life. “When you step foot on a Pueblo, you’ll start connecting the dots,” Lucero says. “This is where we feel safe and connect with the Earth.”

( Want more stories from New Mexico? Visit our travel guide. )

In Guam, a local Chamoru dance group performs a blessing at the U.S. Naval Cemetery, in April 2017.

Revisiting Magellan’s legacy in the Pacific

The 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe isn’t exactly a cause for celebration on Guam , a U.S. territory and largest of the Mariana Islands. During a three-day stopover in March 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan killed Indigenous Chamoru people and erroneously labeled the Marianas Islas de los Ladrones (Islands of Thieves).

A Spanish naval vessel will stop in Guam in March 2021, as part of a commemorative voyage retracing the world-circling route launched by Magellan in 1519 and completed by Spanish navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano in 1522. For the Chamoru today, the arrival of the anniversary expedition is an opportunity to tell their story, one whose chapters include the Magellan encounter, Guam’s colonial history, and the realities of living at what’s dubbed the U.S. military’s “tip of the spear” in the Pacific.

( Related: Guam’s ecological fate is in the hands of the U.S. military .)

Guam’s complex story is reflected in the Chamoru language, which features Spanish, English, and Japanese words. Young Chamorus are increasingly learning to embrace their culture, says Chamoru author and activist Michael Bevacqua .

“Chamoru is an Indigenous memory,” adds Bevacqua, who teaches free language lessons and encourages fellow Chamorus to voice their choice for the future of their island’s political status—whether statehood or independence. “To me, being able to speak Chamoru and pass it on is at the core of our culture and the identity of our people.”

Donggung Palace overlooks the serene waters of Wolji Pond in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.

Gyeongju, Republic of Korea

This ancient korean kingdom still glitters.

Named Korea ’s Culture City of East Asia 2021, Gyeongju is more commonly known by its nickname: “the museum without walls.” The city, located at the southeast corner of the Korean peninsula, is home to an astonishing abundance of archaeological sites, thanks to a nearly thousand-year reign as capital of the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla (57 B.C. to A.D. 935).

Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Gyeongju Historic Areas are a captivating collection of Buddhist art from this golden age. Among the treasures: temple and palace ruins, stone pagodas, rock carvings, a superb eighth-century statue of Buddha, and about 150 Silla nobility burial mounds, some up to 75 feet high.

( Related: How did South Korea prevent a COVID-19 disaster? )

Gold, silver, and gilt-bronze crowns, jewelry, and other glittering artifacts excavated from the tombs are displayed in the Gyeongju National Museum’ s “Silla the Kingdom of Gold” exhibit. Virtually tour the exhibition hall for an inside look at the lavish lifestyles of Silla royalty. —Bo-yeon Lim, Nat Geo Traveler Korea

The elegant Plaza Nueva (or Plaza de España) is a central gathering point in the Basque capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain

Jazz and legends in a basque cultural capital.

In the interior of Spain ’s tradition-rich Basque Country, one city claims the cultural crown. Vitoria, also known by its Basque name of Gasteiz, was historically a commercial and cultural crossroads due to its prime position on the shortest route connecting the medieval kingdom of Castile with northern Europe.

Now, Vitorians continue the tradition of welcoming outside influences by hosting emerging and legendary jazz artists—such as trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, whose Vitoria Suite album pays tribute to the city—during the international Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival held each July. A bronze statue honoring Marsalis stands in the gardens of La Florida Park, Vitoria’s green lung and part of a ring of parks giving Vitorians more square feet of green space per inhabitant than any other Spanish city. Urban nature conservation efforts coupled with a commitment to sustainable transport—a large part of the population travels by bicycle or tram—earned Vitoria-Gasteiz the title of European Green Capital in 2012.

( Related: This is how the Basques became an autonomous community within Spain .)

Planet-protecting Vitorians are equally passionate about preserving tradition, particularly in the historic quarter. The Gothic majesty of the Cathedral of Santa María tops a hill overlooking the centuries-old district. On streets that bear the names of medieval artisans’ guilds, locals throng bars and restaurants, sampling the habit-forming Basque version of tapas, known as pintxo . A plaza at the southern end of the old town is the site every August of an unusual celebration that honors the patron of the city—and the plaza’s namesake— la Virgen Blanca (the White Madonna). During the festival, a crowd gathers here to watch an effigy of a Basque villager, known as Celedón, whiz down a zip wire with his open umbrella to kick off the party. On reaching a balcony, Celedón magically “becomes” a real person who then encourages the crowd to enjoy the revels. —Sergi Ramis, Viajes National Geographic (Spain)

The picturesque countryside of Tonglu has inspired Chinese artists and writers for centuries, including the famed painter Huang Gongwang.

Tonglu, China

A chinese landscape made famous in paintings lands its first art fest.

Completed in 1350, “ Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains ” is a touchstone of traditional Chinese shanshui , or landscape painting—a flowing visual journey along the Fuchun River and mountains that, when fully unrolled, extends more than 22 feet long.

Painter Huang Gongwang, one of the Four Masters of the Yuan dynasty, lived in seclusion alongside the Fuchun River, in Tonglu, for three years before completing this handscroll masterpiece. Ever since, tranquil Tonglu—tucked in the mountains of eastern Zhejiang Province, 168 miles southwest of Shanghai —has been a source of inspiration for generations of Chinese artists and writers.

In 2021 Tonglu is once again in the art spotlight. The first Tonglu Art Triennale, originally scheduled for autumn 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic to spring 2021, will display modern art installations in fields and along the river—and, the hope is, boost rural tourism. Festival curator and director Fram Kitagawa, founder of Japan’s Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, says the very word “Tonglu” embodies the spirit of the event.

He explains, “At this season, the fog on the Fuchun River and the clouds in the mountains are intertwined with each other, which is very similar to the Chinese landscape painting I knew when I was young.” —Yi Lu, Nat Geo Traveler China

A female moose wades across a lake in Isle Royale National Park, Michigan.

Isle Royale, Michigan

Wolves and moose roam this lesser known u.s. national park.

Nature runs wild on Michigan ’s untamed Isle Royale, a best-kept secret of a national park in the northwestern corner of Lake Superior. The 45-mile-long wilderness island is only 18 miles from the shores of northeastern Minnesota , yet frequent fog banks, fierce storms, and choppy waters can make it seem edge-of-nowhere remote.

Along with causing numerous shipwrecks in the late 1800s to early 1900s, the hazardous waters surrounding Isle Royale shaped the island’s unique ecosystem. The park has only 18 mammal species (compared to more than 40 on the mainland), many of them descendants of the hardy animals who were able to swim here in summer or cross the frozen lake in winter.

( Related: See why Isle Royale National Park is a camper’s paradise .)

Since 1958, scientists have been observing Isle Royale’s most famous residents, wolves and moose, in the world’s longest predator-prey study. When only a single wolf pair remained in 2018 , a multiyear relocation plan began to restore the population, helping keep moose numbers in check and boosting the resiliency of the entire ecosystem.

Moose sightings are frequent, as are haunting loon calls. Less seen or heard are humans. The isolation and solitude mainly beckon seasoned backpackers, kayakers, and canoeists who arrive equipped to navigate Isle Royale’s roadless backcountry and inland lake paddling route, Chain of Lakes.

Brazil’s Cerrado, South America’s largest savanna, is a haven for the seven-banded armadillo and hundreds of other species.

Cerrado, Brazil

This brazilian wilderness may be the closest thing we have to a ‘jurassic park’.

Environmental victories in the Brazilian Amazon don’t always turn out to be a good thing for its lesser known biome neighbor, the Cerrado. South America ’s largest savanna, the Cerrado covers nearly a quarter of Brazil’s land surface and is extraordinarily biodiverse. But it is increasingly vulnerable to deforestation due to soybean farming and cattle ranching driven from the Amazon . More than 40,000 square miles have been destroyed in the past decade alone.

The Brazilian Campaign for the Defense of the Cerrado (“No savanna, no water, no life”) is sounding the alarm about the pressing need to save this endangered wonderland. Several of South America’s major rivers—including São Francisco, Paraná-Paraguay, and Tocantins-Araguaia—begin here, and 5 percent of the planet’s plants and animals are found here.

( Related: Brazil’s wildfires may destroy the world’s largest tropical wetland .)

The Cerrado’s dizzying variety of life includes more than 10,000 species of plants (nearly half of which exist nowhere else) and Jurassic Park –size creatures: boarlike tapirs that can top 650 pounds; rare giant armadillos weighing up to 110 pounds; and giant anteaters, threatened with extinction in Brazil, that can weigh more than a hundred pounds. Equally outsized is a giant palm tree called buriti , nesting site for some of the 850-plus bird species and a main food source for many other wild things that call the Cerrado home.

Mount Lidgbird rises over the lagoon at Lord Howe Island, Australia. Only 400 visitors are allowed at any one time to experience the natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lord Howe Island, Australia

A ‘last paradise’ in the tasman sea.

Being off the path to anywhere helped Lord Howe, a tiny island in the Tasman Sea, stay human-free until the 18th century. Today, only 400 visitors (slightly more than the permanent population) are permitted at any one time, helping protect one of Earth’s most isolated ecosystems in what locals rightfully call “the last paradise.”

While less than seven miles long and just over a mile at its widest, Lord Howe is the largest in an eponymous World Heritage -listed chain of islands, remnants of an underwater volcano that erupted millions of years ago. Surrounding the island is Lord Howe Island Marine Park , home to the southernmost coral reefs on the planet, more than 500 fish species, and a who’s who of protected and threatened marine species, including the whale shark, great white shark, and hawksbill turtle.

( Related: Explore the southernmost coral reef in the world .)

The island’s Protecting Paradise Program takes a holistic approach to biosecurity, enlisting the help of community volunteers and technology to remove destructive invasive species ( most recently rodents ) and protect endemic ones like the critically endangered Lord Howe Island Phasmid, or “walking sausage,” a big-as-your-hand stick insect thought to be extinct until 2001.

The aurora borealis swirls over Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Northern lights shine here 240 nights a year.

The story of Yellowknife , capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, reads like an adventure novel. Sitting at the edge of the Arctic , on the banks of the Great Slave Lake, and surrounded by wild taiga, the city of 20,000 came into being when gold was discovered in the area in the 1930s.

Gold mining was the main industry in Yellowknife for decades, and when the last of the local gold mines was closed in 2004, the city was already busy mining diamonds: In 1991, geologists found one of the richest diamond deposits on Earth here.

The Dene people have stewarded and traveled this land for thousands of years. Today, in the face of global challenges like COVID-19, climate change, and environmental degradation, the Dene find freedom in the land, says Catherine Lafferty, a Yellowknives Dene Nation author whose latest book, Land-Water-Sky/Ndè-Tı-Yat’a , is the first penned under her Dene name, Katłıà.

( Related: These tips will give you the best shot at experiencing the northern lights. )

“Going out on the land is one way to find peace and solace, to reconnect and to heal,” says Lafferty, who was raised in Yellowknife and writes about Indigenous injustices in northern Canada . “The land helps us to remember what is important. It is there that we can find happiness in the simplicities of nature’s gifts.”

Future visitors to Yellowknife can experience some of these gifts during nights lit by the aurora borealis shimmering over the boreal forests and countless small lakes outside the city. —Ondřej Formanek, Nat Geo Traveler Czechia

Totem poles in Vancouver’s Stanley Park are rich with meaning for several First Nations peoples from British Columbia’s west coast. Each carving refers to a real or mythical event.

Indigenous British Columbia, Canada

Where nature and first nations connect.

Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia , is home to more than 200 distinct Nations . Amid the global reckoning on race, learning about Indigenous B.C. as a family is a springboard for talking with kids about timely issues such as cultural appropriation and racial stereotypes.

With an Indigenous history that spans some 10,000 years, the province is a perfect place to embark on authentic Indigenous travel experiences hosted by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Vancouver and Vancouver Island are among the most convenient places for families to learn about Indigenous culture. The island alone has more than 45 Nations and the city offers some kid-friendly urban options, such as Talaysay Tours’ “Talking Trees” walk in Stanley Park.

( Related: How First Nations-led protests in Canada sparked a conservation movement .)

On the 90-minute forest ramble, Squamish and Shíshálh cultural ambassadors share knowledge passed down through the generations to help visitors understand how First Nations people across southern British Columbia use the land for food, medicine, and technology.

“We do not see ourselves as separate from the land,” says Candace Campo, co-owner of Talaysay Tours and a member of the Shíshálh Nation. She explains that in the Shíshálh language, they have a saying: “ Nuchutmulh , [which] means ‘we are one’ and connected to all living things.”

Ready to plan your trip? Spend four days exploring the rich wildlife and culture of Haida Gwaii with Nat Geo Expeditions.

The Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Florida’s Cape Canaveral, includes Saturn, Juno, and Mercury-Redstone rockets.

Space Coast, Florida

A launchpad for wonders both in the sky and in waters below.

With all systems go for U.S. astronauts to rocket into orbit via NASA’s new Commercial Crew program, Florida ’s Atlantic shoreline east of Orlando is again at the center of space exploration. The 72-mile stretch, known as the Space Coast, includes launch facilities at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center .

At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (open with COVID-19 restrictions), families can watch scheduled blast-offs of SpaceX and Boeing spacecrafts and walk among gigantic rockets towering over a hundred feet high. A different sort of giant, the lumbering West Indian manatee, plies the waters of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge , surrounding the space center.

Tour company Florida Adventurer leads kayaking trips in the 140,000-acre refuge. By day, kayakers are treated to glimpses of manatees and dolphins. At night (June to September or later), the refuge’s Indian River Lagoon hosts an otherworldly underwater show, called bioluminescence, courtesy of billions of light-producing plankton.

( Related: Learn more about Florida’s Space Coast and its wildlife haven . )

“On bioluminescence tours, kids see light zigzagging in every direction under the water,” says Florida Adventurer owner Josh Myers. “During the day, a manatee could pop up next to their kayak and squirt water at them. Those moments are life-changing for kids, inspiring them to learn more about what lives in the water.” —Ivan Vasin, Nat Geo Traveler Russia

When completed in 2021, the England Coast Path will link existing stretches, like the South West Coast Path (Cornwall’s Atlantic coast, pictured here), with newly minted paths to create a 2,800-mile coastal trail.

England Coast Path, U.K.

An epic walk to remember.

A colossal undertaking reaches fruition in 2021 as the England Coast Path —the world’s longest seafront walking trail, stretching nearly 2,800 miles—is unveiled in its entirety.

How does a small nation successfully vie for this global title? The answer lies in England ’s geography: peer closely at a map of Great Britain and you’ll see the land meets the water in an uneven zigzag of estuaries, inlets, and promontories. That rugged seascape—awash with secretive coves, windswept bluffs, and welcoming port towns—has been intrinsic to shaping the nation’s fortunes and character. And the new England Coast Path aims to bring this prized patrimony to the people and, in so doing, protect the landscape for generations to come.

( Related: Walking in Wales reveals legends and landscapes of imagination . )

While the project was partly inspired by the opening of the 870-mile Wales Coast Path in 2012, England has a long history of coastal hiking. In the 1970s the 630-mile South West Coast Path was established as a National Trail. The England Coast Path absorbs such existing stretches and has created dozens more from scratch for a total of 67 sections. Landowners, residents, and conservationists were consulted to harmoniously enact the landmark ruling of 2009 that legally opened up England’s whole coastline to the public for the first time.

Each segment of shore has a different character. While some stretches offer unspoiled rural scenery, others have been carefully curated. Opened in September 2020, the 40-mile segment dubbed “ Cumbria’s Hidden Coas t ,” winding from Whitehaven to Millom in the country’s northwest, is dotted with art installations and adrenalized activities. Meanwhile, in the southeast, a trail christened “ England’s Creative Coast ” links artworks and plots out a digital geocaching tour across Sussex, Kent, and Essex. —Maria Pieri, Nat Geo Traveller UK

Ready to book your trip? Nat Geo Expeditions has a 16-day cruise around the ancient isles of England, Ireland, and Scotland.

A Hungarian csikós (a traditional horse herdsman) shows off his equestrian skills at Hortobágy National Park.

Hortobágy, Hungary

Cowboys and cranes in europe’s wide-open plains.

The broad spaces of Hortobágy National Park are nature-made for social distancing. Covering nearly 200,000 acres of the Great Hungarian Plain in eastern Hungary, the expansive World Heritage site preserves the largest remaining native grassland in Europe as well as pastoral traditions dating back millennia.

Poor soil for farming helped keep Hortobágy’s mosaic of alkaline marshes, meadows, pastures, and loess-steppe vegetation intact. Free from plowing and significant development, this puszta (barren land) flourished. The resulting rich grassland ecosystem, protected since 1973, provides critical habitat for some 340 bird species, including tens of thousands of winged fall migration travelers, such as gray geese and common cranes, that make the park one of central Europe’s best birding locations.

Hortobágy isn’t strictly for the birds, though. A few hundred shepherds and cowboys, called csikós , still roam the wavy grass, giving families a rare look at centuries-old animal husbandry traditions. Horse-drawn carriage tours pass by herdsmen and their puli dogs, an ancient Hungarian breed with a coat like a mop, and racka sheep, famous for their corkscrew horns. Tours typically feature demonstrations of big-thrill rodeo skills—like galloping while standing on the backs of two horses—by daring csikós dressed in their flowing, blue-and-black traditional folk wear.

( Related: Discover one of Europe’s most underrated wine regions .)

Also home on the Hortobágy range: one of the largest populations of endangered Przewalski’s horses . Some 300 wander the park’s Pentezug Wild Horse Reserve . Although the reserve isn’t open to the public, the add-on safari ride from Hortobágy Wild Animal Park rolls closely past the grazing animals—untamed residents of Hungary’s wild, wild east. —Tamás Vitray, Nat Geo Traveler Hungary

Founded in 1211, Brasov is a gateway city to the wildflower meadows and wooded mountains of rural Transylvania.

Transylvania, Romania

Finding the real in a land famous for fantasy.

One of the side effects of Dracula —the Gothic horror novel by Irish author Bram Stoker—was that it transformed Transylvania, a perfectly real Romanian region, into a mythical realm, a “cursed spot, from this cursed land, where the devil and his children still walk with earthly feet!” as the writer put it.

Since Stoker had never seen the place himself, he craftily compiled information for his 1897 novel from books written by British travel writers. He got some of the details right: the “robber steaks” (grilled beef kebabs called rablóhús ) and national dish mămăligă (a cornmeal porridge); sweet Golden Mediasch wine; descriptions of the folk wear; the roadside crosses; and the culturally complicated mix of Magyars, Saxons, Székelys, and Wallachians.

( Related: Peek inside the fortress known as “Dracula’s Castle.” )

What Stoker missed is what Transylvania should be known for: its pastoral, old-Europe feel. Cosmopolitan Cluj is a base for exploring rural Transylvania’s wildflower meadows, storybook castles, and cobbled-lane villages. For families increasingly tethered to technology, a future farm stay here would be a chance to unplug, to spend time instead traveling by horse-drawn cart, hiking in the wooded Carpathian Mountains, and helping with chores like milking sheep, collecting eggs, and piling haystacks.

Transylvania’s bucolic charms have long captivated the Prince of Wales, whose foundation funds local architectural heritage preservation projects. “It’s the timelessness of it which is so remarkable,” the future king says in the travel documentary Wild Carpathia, “almost out of some of those stories one used to read as a child.” —Catalin Gruia, Nat Geo Traveler Romania

Ready to plan your trip? Nat Geo Expeditions offers a four-day extension to Transylvania on its Lower Danube River cruise.

A group of traditional Aztec dancers perform during Crush Walls 2019, a popular street art festival in Denver, Colorado. Originating in central Mexico, the dance honors ancestors and represents different relationships with the Earth, animals, time, and customs.

Denver, Colorado

A green giant of a city in the american west.

Despite financial challenges related to COVID-19, Denver is powering forward with its goal of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. Among the latest forward-thinking initiatives are 125 miles of new bike lanes by 2023 and solar gardens to be “planted” on municipal parking lots, rooftops, and vacant land in 2021.

“Investments in Denver’s clean energy economy will strengthen our community and address multiple concerns including our carbon footprint,” says Grace Rink, executive director of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency . Along with producing clean energy for public buildings, vehicle charging stations, and nearby low-income neighborhoods, the gardens will grow jobs and a paid training program during construction.

Connecting climate action and sustainability to economic prosperity and social justice has helped Denver earn the coveted LEED for Cities Platinum Certification . To encourage business owners to join the effort by putting eco-friendly solutions to work, Colorado ’s capital offers free, customized sustainability plans through Certifiably Green Denver . Thanks to the program, nearly 2,000 Denver businesses are creating greener, more efficient operations that use less water and energy, and produce less air pollution and waste.

( Related: Discover the best of Denver with top 10 tips .)

“We’re so fortunate to live in this beautiful place,” says Adam Schlegel, co-founder of Chook , a Certifiably Green restaurant that champions sustainable food practices, “and with that fortune comes the responsibility to protect it.”

Divers explore a bounty of amphora from a fifth-century B.C. shipwreck—the first to be open to the public in Greece—in the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades.

Alonissos, Greece

Mediterranean haven for seals—and a deep dive into an ancient shipwreck.

Called “the Parthenon of shipwrecks,” the eerie remains of the ancient Peristera shipwreck recently opened as the first underwater museum in Greece accessible to recreational divers. Located below the surface in the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades , the site is thought to hold cargo from a large Athenian barge that sank in the fifth century B.C. Limiting human activity in the 873-square-mile marine park—established in 1992, primarily to save the endangered Mediterranean monk seal —helped keep archaeological looters at bay, preserving the wreck site and its bounty of intact, two-handled wine jars.

( Related: How Greece is rethinking its once bustling tourism industry .)

To explore the submerged museum in person, you’ll need to be able to dive to depths of 80 feet or more on a guided tour (slated to resume in summer 2021). Or, visit the information center on the small island of Alonissos and embark on a virtual reality tour of the wreck —no swimming required. —Lakshmi Sankaran, Nat Geo Traveller India

Since 2005, the Loango Gorilla Project has been studying a population of critically endangered western lowland gorillas in Loango National Park, Gabon.

More than 11 percent of this African country is national parkland

Elephants and hippos walk undisturbed on the beaches of Gabon —“Africa’s last Eden,” according to National Geographic explorer-in-residence Mike Fay —where more than 11 percent of the country is national parkland encompassing white-sand shorelines and inland forests.

Not all of Gabon’s 13 national parks are readily accessible. But Loango alone offers a variety of landscapes, vegetation, and wildlife, as well as the waterside Loango Lodge . One of this standout park’s highlights is an encounter with critically endangered western lowland gorillas . One group per day of four people maximum is allowed to try and find them, with no guarantee of success. In Pongara, one of five national parks protecting important sea turtle habitat, the beachfront Pongara Lodge offers close-up views of nesting leatherbacks, November to March, and migratory whales and dolphins, June to August.

( Related: Here are 17 unforgettable African safaris .)

Thanks to global investment in the country’s transportation networks, visiting Gabon—where an estimated 80 percent of the landmass is still covered by forest—is expected to become easier in the future. A sustainable development strategy also promises to expand ecotourism responsibly, helping ensure the country’s wildest places stay wild. —Barbera Bosma, Nat Geo Traveler Netherlands

The crystalline waters of New Caledonia harbor more than 9,000 marine species, including stingrays.

New Caledonia

Where marine life frolics in the south pacific.

Humpback whales, green sea turtles, dugongs—all congregate in the welcoming waters of New Caledonia . This French territory comprises a group of islands set like jewels in the southwest Pacific Ocean, some 900 miles off the east coast of Australia.

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, New Caledonia’s lagoons represent one of the most extensive reef systems in the world, with pristine waters and more than 9,000 marine species. In 2014, the government created the 500,000-square-mile Coral Sea Natural Park , which extends well beyond the UNESCO site. Christophe Chevillon, senior manager at the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy , says the establishment of the Coral Sea park was “a notable and critical step for the conservation of New Caledonia’s waters as well as the protection of the last virgin coral reefs in the world.”

Now, the territory has taken further steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of its unique marine sanctuary. Fishing, nautical sports, and boats carrying more than 200 passengers are forbidden in large parts of the park, while some areas are banned from any human activity at all, except scientific research. A coral farm will open on Lifou island to restore reefs damaged by tourism in the past.

( Related: Can new science save Australia’s dying coral reef? )

Inland, the government is promoting ecotours and a new law aiming to ban all disposable plastic products by 2022. Tourism is strictly regulated in provincial parks, and the Giant Fern Park —a must-see in the tropical rainforest on the main island—is divided into zones for walking and biking while others are left to nature. —Marie-Amélie Carpio, Nat Geo Traveler France

CopenHill, billed as one of the cleanest waste-to-energy plants in the world, doubles as a year-round ski slope and hiking path in Copenhagen, which is aiming to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025.

Copenhagen, Denmark

A cosmopolitan capital creating sustainable solutions that pay off.

The widespread inequalities unmasked by the COVID-19 pandemic have ignited global interest in making cities more resilient, equitable, and healthy. In other words, a city like Copenhagen , on track to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025.

“In Copenhagen we insist on green solutions because they pay off,” the city’s Lord Mayor Frank Jensen says in We Have the Power to Move the World , the sustainable transport guidebook for mayors produced by C40 , a network of cities committed to addressing climate change.

“Copenhagen’s green transformation goes hand in hand with job creation, economic growth, and a better quality of life,” he says.

Denmark ’s capital has long targeted sustainability. The city has a very efficient public transportation network, and all its buses are transitioning from diesel-fueled to electric.

CopenHill , a waste-to-energy power plant burning 70 tons of waste per hour, produces clean energy for 60,000 families, while heating 120,000 homes. In 2019, CopenHill opened its outdoor play areas to the public: a rooftop green space, including hiking trails and a year-round ski and snowboard slope, and a stacked-block facade climbing wall.

Planet-friendly urban planning—such as the web of cycling paths that more than 60 percent of residents use to pedal to work and school every day—has resulted in Copenhagen having five times more bicycles than cars. A tour on an electric bike easily takes in the city’s most well-known places, from Nyhavn , a former industrial port now lined with restaurants and bars, to Rundetaarn , a 17th-century astronomical observatory housing exhibitions. It’s no surprise that bike-centric Copenhagen was chosen to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in July 2022. —Marco Cattaneo, Nat Geo Traveler Italy

Ready to plan your trip? Nat Geo Expeditions offers a 10-day Scandinavian cruise that departs from Copenhagen.

The vibrant German university town of Freiburg holds a weekly farmers’ market in front of its historic cathedral and implements a number of best practices in sustainable living.

Freiburg, Germany

This german university town is schooling the world on the best green practices.

Germany ’s vibrant university city of Freiburg readily embraces sustainable living. Mainly known as the gateway to the Black Forest, Freiburg is remarkably green, both in appearance and in action. Woodland covers more than 40 percent of the urban area. Renewables, such as solar, biomass, wind, and hydroelectricity, power the city, which converts its trash into biomass energy. Walking, biking, e-buses, and trams are the main modes of transportation, boosting chances Freiburg will meet its goals of cutting CO2 emissions in half or more by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

( Related: In Germany, industrial sites are now artful enclaves .)

Best practices in green infrastructure—including cooperative housing with rooftop solar panels, urban gardens, and incentives for living car-free—were baked into Freiburg’s Vauban district, developed on a reclaimed brownfield site. Recognized as one of the world’s most sustainable city quarters, Vauban was shaped by a citizen-led vision of an ecological, self-organized, and socially just neighborhood. Completed in 2016, Quartier Vauban has grown into Freiburg’s most densely populated district, demonstrating that if cities build sustainably, people will come. —Werner Siefer, Nat Geo Traveler Germany

Related Topics

• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• WILDLIFE WATCHING
• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

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The 24 most underrated travel destinations in the world

From a Bali dupe to a place where penguins outnumber people, these overlooked travel spots are worth the trek

‘ Overtourism ’. It’s more than a buzzword – in the world’s most popular destinations, it’s a problem that affects almost every aspect of local life, from the environment to the cost of renting, transport and eating out. And when a place is overwhelmed by people, it’s not only locals’ quality of life that suffers; the quality of your holiday does, too. 

But, with baby steps, it looks like things could be changing. Destinations like Italy and Japan are coming up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. Among travellers, overtourism has given rise to the ‘destination dupes’ trend, where overrun holiday destinations are swapped out for less crowded, less expensive, but just-as-good alternatives. 

On our newly updated list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations, you won’t find your Bangkoks or your Balis, your Amalfis or your Amsterdams. What you will find is a Yosemite dupe, Morocco ’s overlooked neighbour, a place where penguins outnumber people, and plenty more travel inspo where that came from. Chosen by our network of expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, these overlooked spots offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics. And in many cases, they’re places that actually really want visitors. In other words, travelling to any of these 24 criminally overlooked destinations is a win-win situation. See you out there?

RECOMMENDED:

🏰 The most underrated travel destinations in Europe 🚞   12 ways to be a better tourist right now

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The world’s most underrated travel destinations

1.  filandia, colombia.

Why do travellers overlook this charming small town with multicoloured balconies and rolling green hills? Because they’ve long been told to visit nearby Salento instead, due its proximity to Cocora Valley, home of the world’s tallest palm trees. Most are unaware that the less touristy Filandia offers the same colourful architecture, better countryside views (a visit to the 27-metre Colina Iluminada lookout is a must), and one of the region’s more innovative restaurants in Helena Adentro . There’s a reason Filandia was recently named one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages by the UN’s World Tourism Organization.

2.  Southern Tunisia

Morocco is usually the first place that springs to mind for a North African holiday, but I strongly urge you to consider Tunisia. And I’m not talking about the sunbed-laden Mediterranean coast in the north, but the surreal desert realm of the south. The town of Douz is known locally as the ‘gateway to the Sahara’, and from here there are dunes, and only dunes, for as far as the eye can see. Explore them via camel or quad bike with the help of a local guide (who seem to know the continuously identical landscape like it’s full of really obvious landmarks) and it will feel like you’re on another planet. Ksar Ghilane, a tranquil settlement built around a crystal-clear oasis, is well worth the bumpy ride through the sand.

3.  São Sebastião, Brazil

A three-hour drive from hectic São Paulo, this tranquil corner of southeast Brazil is an ideal escape for beach lovers, kite surfers and scuba divers. It’s home to a string of ridiculously perfect sandy beaches stretching along 62 miles of warm Atlantic waters – but despite its charming coastline, the region rarely appears on lists of Brazil’s best beaches. All the better for getting some real peace. Hop between the beaches of Maresias, Juquehy, Barra Do Sahy and Boicucanga; wander São Sebastião’s colonial old town; and catch the ferry to Ilhabela to explore some of the island’s 400 waterfalls. Hungry? Try sustainably caught seafood at Taioba , sip on craft gin at Single Fin distillery, and dine surrounded by nature at Manacá . After being severely impacted by the 2023 Brazil landslides, São Sebastião needs support from tourism more than ever.

4.  Côn Đảo, Vietnam

Vietnam has a well-trodden tourist route, but just 45 minutes by plane from Ho Chi Minh City is an archipelago that feels comparatively untouched. Côn Đảo is one large national park, which means there’s pristine nature wherever you look. Those who love sand and sea can snorkel over vibrant reefs or explore its many beaches – my favourite are the deserted sandy stretches on Hon Bay Canh islet, a sanctuary for nesting turtles and their newborn babies. Jungle-clad mountains offer lushly forested trails: walk under ancient trees in Ong Dung Primeval Forest or take a picturesque hike to the peak of Mount Thanh Gia. And for a dash of history, follow in the footsteps of Vietnamese pilgrims to Côn Đảo Museum and old prison sites, which give a glimpse into the island’s sobering history as a former penal colony.

5.  Prince Edward Island, Canada

Sure, Canada has huge lakes and lofty mountains, but Prince Edward Island is proof that good things come in small packages – and Canada’s smallest province packs in a lot. Parabolic dunes and endless sandy shorelines. An island-wide walking trail that takes you through lush wetlands, idyllic farmland and along red sandstone cliffs. Fresh lobster, clams, mussels and oysters for days (don't leave without trying the chowder poutine from the Blue Mussel Café ). And the accommodation options are just as varied – spend the night under the stars inside a geodesic dome or in a steeply gabled summer home built in 1895.

6.  Sibiu, Romania

A former Saxon stronghold anchoring the southern fringes of Transylvania, the Romanian town of Sibiu ignores tired Dracula clichés. Instead, it stages impressive cultural festivals like ARTmania and international theatre festival Sibfest , and hosts a gallery of Grand Masters at the Brukenthal . Sibiu pours money into culture and cherishes its heritage of medieval façades and grand cobblestoned squares. Exploring its cat-blessed passageways is half the fun, particularly when the Christmas market is in full swing. And while the town is on the small side, it has room for tourists and locals to mingle in comfort. Fantastic restaurants, including gastro-brewery Kombinat , await with few queues.

7.  Tasmania, Australia

Australia’ s smallest state has it all. One of the world’s only carbon-negative places, much of the island is protected under the Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area, home to over 800 hiking trails. And despite Tassie’s white sand beaches, it’s not just a summer destination – the off-season brings cold-water swimming, the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) and winter festivals like Dark Mofo . In fact, there’s no shortage of culture: check out the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart or explore the UNESCO-listed village of Port Arthur . Farm-to-table restaurants Stillwater and Havilah , both in Launceston, are well worth booking, and you can easily spend an afternoon on the island’s cider, wine and whisky trails around Devonport, Hobart and the Huon Valley. Make sure you stop by Bruny Island to say hi to the local penguins.

8.  Cochamó Valley, Chile

There’s a number of reasons Chile’s Cochamó Valley gets compared to Yosemite. Granite mountains with snowy caps feed a wealth of waterfalls, numerous hikes and climbs keep even the most adventurous happy, and pristine forests throng with fascinating fauna. But, unlike Yosemite, visitor numbers are capped at just 90 people per day. Walk the same trails as those that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid once drove cattle along from nearby Argentina . Stay in Refugio Cochamó , the basic but cosy lodging at the valley’s core, a day’s hike from the nearest road.

9.  Newcastle, Australia

There aren't many places in Australia where a city sits right on the shore of a beautiful surf beach, but Newcastle isn’t ordinary. This low-rise New South Wales city is a two-hour drive (or 2.5-hour train trip) north of Sydney. It started out as a coal-mining and port town, and then became a surfers’ haven, but it’s evolved into so much more – it’s now packed with hip cafés, world-class restaurants, live music venues and glorious coastal walks. Spend summer days at Nobbys Beach or swimming in the open-air Merewether Ocean Baths. Take a walk up to Nobbys Lighthouse, and then around to harbour precinct Honeysuckle. At sunset, we’d recommend having a cocktail up at the QT Hotel ’s rooftop bar, before heading to one of the area’s best restaurants, Flotilla , which heroes beautiful local produce and wine. In Newcastle you get the best of a relaxed beach escape and buzzing city break in one.

10.  Bentonville, Arkansas, USA

Of all of the -villes I’ve visited (and there are many), Bentonville is by far my favourite. It’s surprising how much this charming little Arkansas city packs in. There are numerous biking, walking and hiking trails, including some that feed into Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. This designated mountain biking area features areas for shredding and relaxing – don’t miss Airship Coffee , a truly unique open-air café in the woods. But it’s the culture that drew me to Bentonville, specifically the awe-inspiring Crystal Bridges Museum of Art . The mostly free institution (there’s a fee for temporary exhibitions) houses an extensive collection of modern art, including works by Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell and, currently, singer-writer Jewel, whose immersive art experience ‘The Portal’ is a must-see.

11.  Brown Station, Antarctica

Many Antarctic cruises visit historic Port Lockroy. You’ll want to ensure, however, your itinerary includes Argentina’s Brown Station. Unlike Port Lockroy, Brown is located on the actual Antarctic continent. When stepping ashore you’ll be sharing 5.5 million square miles of land with just a few thousand other humans, plus millions of penguins (many of which will be there to meet you). From the station you may spot seals or orca, and you’ll definitely get frosty views of aptly named Paradise Bay, one of the White Continent’s most stupendous scenes.

12.  Mongolia

Known for its traditional gers (yurts), friendly nomadic people, and herds of wild horses stomping across untouched steppes, Mongolia has to be experienced to be believed. With a new international airport and affordable local-led tours, this seemingly far-flung country is more accessible than you’d expect. For a perfect introduction to the country, spend a couple of days in the capital, Ulaanbaatar – it’s surprisingly clustered and easy to explore – then take in the picture-perfect ranges and fresh mountain air of Gorkhi Terelj National Park. Stay the night under the stars in your own ger and don’t be surprised if nomadic herders stop by to welcome you.

13.  Cuenca, Ecuador

For a relatively small city (although Ecuador’s third largest), Cuenca packs a mighty punch when it comes to culture. It’s an architectural beauty whose historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It’s home to many artisans and artists, who showcase their work at the city’s annual arts festival, the Bienal de Cuenca. It’s a hub of traditional crafts – it’s here that the renowned Panama hat (actually called a Montecristi) is made, and travellers can visit workshops to see the intricate hat-making process in full swing. Often overlooked in favour of Ecuador’s more accessible cities like Quito or the bucket list-tickable Galápagos, Cuenca is a picturesque showstopper worth travelling up the Andes mountains for.

14.  Karpathos, Greece

While tourists flock to watch the sunset in overcrowded Santorini or  bronze back-to-back on Mykonos ’s packed beaches, Greeks in the know take the four-hour ferry ride from Rhodes to the tiny Dodecanese island of Karpathos. Do the same and you’ll find yourself chilling on a string of near-deserted beaches lapped by pristine waters and frequented by Mediterranean monk seals. Lap up local food in the tavernas of Olympos, a mountain village that feels frozen in time, where women still wear colourful traditional outfits and donkeys are the only traffic.

15.  Lake Bacalar, Mexico

The tourist towns of Tulum and Cancún tend to dominate dialogue about Mexico ’s Yucatan Peninsula, while Lake Bacalar – also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours thanks to its forget-me-not, peacock and cyan waters – is often overlooked. It makes for a welcome change of pace, where you can take in all the beauty this corner of Mexico has to offer away from the influencers and spring breakers. Kayak to white-sand beaches, relax on the docks while spotting migratory birds, swim in cenotes and bed down in a spate of new eco-hotels, including dreamy Boca de Agua, located in its own nature reserve.

16.  Srebrenik, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Arguably Europe’s most underrated destination, Bosnia and Herzegovina is packed with  charming towns, and Srebrenik (87 miles north of Sarajevo) is as charming as it gets. The  ‘ King’s Town’ is home to Bosnia’s best-preserved medieval fortress, a fascinating twelfth-century structure overlooking the valley, packed with myths and legends. The peak of Majevica offers incredible views, while the relatively-recently-discovered Lake Ingram oozes  romance. Add delicious food, vibrant cafés and graceful mosques, and you’ve got a darling  waiting to be discovered.

17.  São Tomé and Príncipe

Cast adrift in the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa, the volcanic islands of São Tomé and  Príncipe together make up the second-smallest country in Africa, and remain one of the  unsung beauties of African travel. A declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, here lush  rainforests tumble into clear tropical waters, offering a wealth of nature-based adventures.  There’s a rich cultural landscape to discover too, from the island’s history as the world’s  largest cacao producer to charming overnight stays in traditional plantation rocas. In 2024,  look out for the long-awaited reopening of Bom Bom Resort on the northern tip of  Príncipe, a tropical haven that straddles forest and coast.

18.  Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

A colourful beach town on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico, Cabo Rojo is home to all the white sands and turquoise seas you expect from a Caribbean getaway. It’s three hours by car from San Juan with a laidback vibe that feels light years away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, like Combate Beach, with a natural reserve separating the beach from the town, Buyé, an off-the-beaten-path beach you may share with local horses, and Boquerón, a lively beach village with restaurants and bars. Void of big resorts, you can find small family-owned inns and vacation rentals such as the family-friendly Combate Beach Resort or the luxury Cuatro Casitas . End your day sipping a passion fruit mojito with a view of the sunset the west coast of Puerto Rico is known for.

19.  Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe

While most travellers to Zimbabwe will make a beeline for the majestic Victoria Falls or the renowned Hwange National Park, the country’s eastern border is home to a place of equally astonishing beauty that has remained relatively unknown. Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands comprise the three hilly ranges of Bvumba, Nyanga, and Chimanimani. It’s home to Mutarazi Falls, Zimbabwe’s highest waterfall, where you can zipline and attempt the dizzying skywalk; Mount Nyangani, the region’s highest peak and holy grail for hikers; and further to the south, the quiet, mist-laden Bvumba Mountains. With its steep hills, cool winds and scenic drives, this is Zimbabwe’s answer to the moors of Scotland .

20.  Gippsland, Australia

Located in Victoria’s eastern corner (around a 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne ), Gippsland is a bountiful wonderland encompassing alpine roads, snaking waterways, fertile farmland and deserted stretches of white-sand beaches. Devastated by the bushfires of summer 2019-20 (which saw towns isolated for weeks, the local wildlife population decimated and more than 400,000 hectares of land burned) and then further impacted by the global pandemic, Gippsland’s recovery has been slow and steady. But with natural attractions aplenty, one-of-a-kind villages and a fast-growing food and drink scene that’s all about championing local produce (think seafood, cheeses, free-range meats, cool-climate wines and organic fruit), there’s truly never been a better time to visit this Victorian gem.

21.  Plymouth, England

If the Devon city of Plymouth were any smaller, it’d be considered a jewel of a day-trip destination. If it were any bigger, it simply couldn’t be overlooked. Perhaps because of its middling size, it’s slipped under the radar, and that’s pretty unfair, if you ask us. Like art? The Box is a brilliant, recently opened gallery that celebrates local artists. Like architecture? You’ll be dazzled by the newly done-up Market Hall , which also has its own ‘immersive art dome’. Like swimming? Few pools are more spectacular than the Tinside Lido . Like gin? England’s oldest distillery is smack bang in the historic city centre. Book a room at the Bistrot Pierre B&B , in the revamped Royal William Yard, and you’ve lined up pretty much the perfect weekend away.

22.  Turku, Finland

There’s a longstanding rivalry between the Finnish cities of Turku and Helsinki – and rightly so. Turku, the country’s second city and historic capital (a title it gave up in 1812) is every bit as spectacular as Helsinki. Nicknamed the ‘Paris of Finland’ thanks to its waterside charms on the Aura River and thriving café and canteen culture, Turku is also Finland ’s oldest city (teeming with medieval attractions like its castle and cathedral) and a hub for green innovation. Our tip: go on a local produce-tasting tour on an electric boat and soar down the Aura in style.

23.  Lombok, Indonesia

Considering how crowded the beaches can get in neighbouring Bali , it’s astonishing that more people don’t make the short trip over to the island of Lombok. The south’s white-sand beaches see more slow-moving buffalo than traffic, while Instagrammers are a rare breed in the east’s terraced rice fields. Up north, the majestic Mount Rinjani ( Indonesia ’s second tallest active volcano) offers tough climbs and epic views. For the non-hikers, lush rainforests and thundering waterfalls beckon. And with the island recovering from the double blow of a large earthquake and the pandemic, there’s never been a time when your visit will be more appreciated.

24.  Bray, Ireland

It was the arrival of the railway in 1854 that made Bray, just twelve miles south of Dublin , so popular it became known as the Brighton of Ireland. After years of decline, its mile-long Victorian seafront now buzzes with cafés and restaurants. Stroll from the harbour along the esplanade to the 800-foot high Bray Head, worth the hour’s climb for panoramic views from its rocky summit. Refuel at Butler & Ba​​rry on the beach, before a Guinness at ace local institution the Harbour Bar .

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11 Solo Trip Locations Around The World Where Women Feel Really Safe

Senior Lifestyle Reporter, HuffPost

When it comes to wanderlust, women seem more keen to grab their passports and follow it.

Women travel more often than their male peers, making up 56% of leisure travelers, according to travel media brand AFAR . And increasingly, those trips are solo trips , with nary a spouse, friend or family member in sight.

But traveling alone, especially as a woman, can be intimidating. Seventy percent of women worry about their personal safety while traveling alone, according to a recent poll from the popular travel site Solo Female Travelers .

Those concerns are heightened for women who are minorities. If you’re a queer woman, for instance, you might wonder how likely you are to get weird stares or harassed, especially if you’re with your partner.

When you visit a location that makes you feel safe, you want to share it, not gatekeep it. With that in mind, we asked travel writers to share the international travel destinations that made them feel extra safe as women solo travelers. See what they had to say below. (And, of course, still make sure you do your own research about the safety of places you want to travel to — whether they’re mentioned here or not.)

“As an older woman, one country I loved traveling on my own to is Ecuador. I stayed in small towns in both of these places for several months and found the people welcoming, and after a while, I just became a part of the community. I don’t think it’s the place that makes you feel secure — I think it’s the way you approach and view the world. When you trust yourself and have faith in others, safety becomes less destination-specific and more about being aware of where you are and the potential risks. When you treat others as you would want to be treated, the world is a welcoming place.” ― Carolyn Ray, CEO and editor at JourneyWoman

“I have spent a lot of time in Latin America, and while some of the countries left me feeling on edge, Ecuador ― specifically Quito, Ecuador ― was the complete opposite. This is one of the warmest countries I have been to, and it’s so easy to make friends and build a community. For me, after a long time traveling through the Amazon , I was finally able to feel secure again in Quito.” ― Amy Aed, a travel writer from Swansea, Wales, who runs the blog Wandering Everywhere

“This is a country where I’ve made many incredibly dumb choices ― like passing out solo at a rasta bar on Railay Beach. But when I woke up, the bartender had covered me with a towel and locked up my purse behind the bar. Thailand has a tourism-driven economy, and they know how to take care of their guests. They even have a dedicated tourist police division. In a place where hospitality is practically a national sport, it’s easy to feel safe, even when your judgment might be a bit ... compromised.” — Alexa West, a travel writer who lives in Seattle

“I loved Guatemala and rave about it as a solo travel destination that is really safe and easy to travel for anyone. As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe there, which was a vast contrast to the comments I had received before traveling to Central America solo. I was told by someone very well-traveled that I would get shot, and yet I felt safer walking alone at night than I have done in the UK. Guatemala is a beautiful country with friendly, warm and welcoming local people and incredible experiences such as volcano hikes and hiking through jungles to hidden temples. It’s also really easy to meet other travelers, which adds a layer of security and comfort for solo travelers.” ― Lucy Ruthnum, creator of the solo travel blog Absolutely Lucy

“I got into solo travel in 2015 when I wanted to take a trip but my friends weren’t available. At first, I was worried I might get lonely, but I learned there were usually friends to be made. Once I got used to my own company, I never looked back. As for favorites, Slovenia is one place I felt totally safe in. The peaceful nature and small lakeside towns felt idyllic. Knowing the country has such little crime was a reassuring statistic.” ― Rose Munday, travel writer at Where Goes Rose?

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

“Knowing the U.S.’s history with Vietnam, I wasn’t sure how I’d be received. It was a bucket list destination, and I had read about mixed experiences. I found that the people are incredible, and they went out of their way making me feel welcomed in their city. It began my first night and ended my last afternoon. I usually keep my head on a swivel and am skeptical of people’s intentions, but I accept there needs to be some trust when engaging with others I don’t know.

I had read about the ‘Saigon shuffle,’ the act of safely crossing the street in a city with millions of motorbikes that don’t stop. In an act of trust, the way to cross the street is just step out into motorbike traffic and walk steadily across, and the motorbikes will maneuver around you, as if you’re a log floating across a river and the water moves around you. (Sidebar: This does NOT work with cars/trucks, you need to wait for them to stop at lights, etc.) I had also read that if a local notices a Westerner looking nervous about crossing the street, they’ll jump in between the Westerner and oncoming traffic to escort them across.

During my first night, this is exactly what happened. After settling in my Vietnamese hotel, I walked to find dinner and was nervous crossing the main thoroughfare, it was a stream of endless motorbikes. I took a breath, stepped into traffic and prayed I wouldn’t get hit. My panic must have been evident because as I stepped off the curb, a local, young woman jumped to my side, guarding me from oncoming traffic, and when we reached the double yellow line in the road, she jumped to my other side, shielding me from traffic coming in the other direction. When we safely crossed, I said, ‘cảm ơn’ (‘thank you’ in Vietnamese), and we parted ways.

As I explored by foot, locals approached wanting to practice English. At first, this was intimidating, but I embraced the opportunities and viewed them as mini cultural exchanges.” ― Jennifer Huber, a travel writer from North Port, Florida, who runs the travel site SoloTravelGirl.com

The Greek Islands

“I love the Greek islands, specifically the island of Milos. I felt incredibly safe visiting this Cycladic island alone. What I loved most about Milos was how relaxed, friendly and genuinely welcoming everyone was to me as a solo female traveler. Milos is a quieter island without the intense nightlife you’d find on other islands like Mykonos, which I appreciated. It’s a destination where I could truly relax, free from worry or judgment for being on my own. Navigating the island was easy! Renting a car wasn’t scary because the island is very mellow. And when I didn’t feel like driving, I could rely on the public bus, which was clean and safe.” ― Melissa Byron, a travel writer from Boston currently living in Lisbon, Portugal, who runs the blog A Solo Woman Traveling

Bosnia And Herzegovina

“A recent trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina put this lesser-known country high on my radar for solo travelers. It’s such an underrated gem in the heart of Europe, with such a sad history but such a beautiful and vibrant culture that you simply need to experience. My lack of knowledge about this country made me feel unsure of what to expect, but I felt really safe and comfortable walking around solo, even with a distinct language barrier. The hospitality of the local people makes you feel instantly at home, and if you love getting outdoors and active, there are amazing hikes with breathtaking scenery of mountain vistas, waterfalls and gorges. I even had the opportunity to visit the most isolated and remote mountain village in the entire country and ended up dancing with the locals while dining on the local delicacies.” ― Ruthnum

“Taiwan is one of the safest and most welcoming places I’ve visited. The cities of Taichung and Taipei in particular. I was told you could leave your bag on a table and leave and no one would touch it. Everyone is super friendly and helpful. When I visited, I was waiting for the bus, and a local was helping me make sure I was on the right bus and even pointed me to the stop I needed to get off of. I loved the cafe culture here. There were so many cute cafes, and it was the perfect place to hang out as a solo traveler. There are many fantastic places to discover in Taiwan, and it’s super underrated.” ― Jackie Rezk, a travel writer from London who runs the site JouJouTravels.com

“I have traveled solo to Ireland four times. I love it! It’s honestly an amazing destination for solo female travelers: small, safe, English-speaking and full of friendly locals. In addition to being safe for solo female travelers, it’s also just a fantastic destination to visit with wonderful nature, music, pubs and scenery. I particularly recommend traveling to Dingle and the west coast of Ireland.” ― Ashley Fleckenstein , a travel blogger and freelance writer

“Petty theft is something to consider when visiting Panama solo, but after two weeks there I never had any issues. The people were friendly, and I was able to figure everything out even with really bad Spanish skills. I sailed on a boat with strangers in the middle of nowhere. I took the local buses. I was even there during a protest that stayed peaceful. The worst thing that happened was a catcall in Panama City, but that never made me feel scared. I just kept walking along, and it stopped right away.

The hostels there are amazing for solo travelers ― they’re some of the best I’ve stayed in. I’d recommend Bambuda Lodge in Bocas del Toro and The Lost and Found Hostel in the jungle.” ― Allison Kowalkowski, travel writer at The Daydreamer Next Door

“I’m obsessed with Argentina ― totally fell in love with it ... I have never met nicer, more welcoming, exceptionally friendly people. They want you to feel at home, and they love to create a good impression. They are an incredibly passionate country and do this always with passion and a smile on their face. Like any place with big cities, there are nice areas and some less nice areas. I traveled around for six years alone and always felt secure.” ― Kirsteen Cowan, a travel writer and creator of the program Solo Travel Masterclass

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10 offbeat travel destinations around the world

If you’re sick of battling against a trove of other tourists to see the world’s – perceived – best cities, take a look at their neighbours, writes Ewan McDonald.

Every country has that irresistible city, the one that draws visitors like a moth to the you-know-what. Guess what? For every Barcelona, for every Tokyo, there’s a less-known, less-visited neighbour where you just might enjoy a special experience . Try these for size – and style.

Manchester, England

David Beckham got it spot on: the teenager left London for the brighter northern lights and the planet’s greatest football club (there is another team in town, but… ). This powerhouse city has soccer and sounds: Blur and Oasis are done but you can rock out to gigs at the Albert Hall, Deaf Institute (seriously) or Gorilla (as in…). The Industrial Revolution’s roots echo in red-brick mills and Victorian warehouses modernised with glass atriums and facades. For art, the Lowry Centre; for dining, hip eateries like Australasia’s down-underground glass chamber.

Marseille, France

Three hours south by fast train, Marseille is everything Paris isn’t: sprawling, gritty, street-wise, sun-kissed, lots more fun. The country’s second-largest city is a 2600-year-old port where you’ll get the best of city and beach, feel you’re on both sides of the Mediterranean thanks to the large North African population butting up against the Provencal cliches of pastis, petanque, cobblestone streets and markets - and the stunning Old Port with its shops, cafes and superyachts.

Naples, Italy

Living under a volcano, Naples ’ locals carry on as if there’s no tomorrow. If the name conjures images of the Mafia, bullets in the streets, you’ve watched too many movies. This is one of Italy’s most fascinating cities, for the cuisine - pizza, invented here, grills, seafood and pasta. Think they’re good? Try the bakery. History: Pompeii is nearby, its sculptures, artefacts and frescoes in Naples’ archaeological museum. But Naples’ greatest artwork is la dolce vita: evening streets become outdoor living rooms where you’ll take part in favourite sports - dodging overloaded Vespas whizzing down narrow lanes or, almost as life-threatening, watching champion footballers at Maradona Stadium.

Galway, Ireland

A bohemian place with a live-and-let-live vibe, attracting writers, artists and musicians. “Like San Francisco with way more rain, Guinness and Aran jumpers,” it’s impossible to have a bad time in this little, stone-grey port. You’ll be jigging and reeling after a few tunes and a few pints in its famous pubs. The food’s not bad either: Galway boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants, 13 more recommendations. Galway loves a good festival; yearly festivals celebrate literature, arts, jazz, oysters and seafood, and the legendary horseraces.

Donostia, Spain

Usually tagged San Sebastian, locals call their gorgeous little city Donostia. Breathtaking views, mountains , beaches and some of the world’s best cuisine. If that’s too rich for your Visa card, hit the charming Old Town and its sensational pintxo bars. Pronounced “pin-choss”, these are miniature meals, often on a toothpick, washed down with glorious local wines or inventive cocktails. Take what you want and eat in the streets, pintxos-crawling from one bar to the next. Playa de la Concha is Spain’s Mission Bay, 1350m of sand backdropped by mountains and an elegant boulevard; Zurriola, just across the river, is surfer bliss.

Trail of two cities, USA West

A toss-up: Portland and Seattle share a devotion to coffee, cycling and outdoor lifestyles. Oh, and year-round rain. Let’s plump for Seattle, the metropolis, sire of Microsoft, Amazon and, er, Starbucks. Stunningly beautiful, sprawling across Puget Sound, Mt Rainier in the background, the “Emerald City” is renowned for delicious food (particularly seafood and Asian flavours), craft beer and distilling, lusty recreation (anyone for naked biking?) and, if you’re over 21, lush foliage procured from local “dispensaries”.

Tea party, USA East

Stumble on cobblestone streets, buildings and sites from the 1775-83 Revolutionary War on the Freedom Trail (14km), winding past 16 sites including the Tea Party Museum. Hiking into the present, a Red Sox game at Fenway Park is a one-of-a-kind experience; Back Bay has some of the best shopping, in traditional brownstone buildings; Charles St in Beacon Hill is another historic quarter. For natural beauty, head to the North Shore coastline or stroll the 5km Charles River Esplanade. Warning: Boston is one of the US’ more expensive cities for food and hotels.

Seoul, South Korea

South Korea’s bewitching capital delivers unique culture, traditional and pop; cityscape, ancient and futuristic; cuisine, traditional and fusion; and bedazzling nightlife (K-pop. Korean Oscar-winners). Encounter fabulous skytowers; amble Cheonggyecheon Stream, the urban park restored from an abandoned sewer; discover alleys and gawk at temples and mansions like the 1395 Gyeongbokgung Palace. Tried Korean food back home? The real thing will re-orientate your tastebuds.

Durban, South Africa

South Africa’s playground. Could be the bright, sunshiny days, could be the warm ocean; could be beaches like 6km Golden Mile, popular with surfers, fishers, joggers and swimmers. Influenced by African and Indian cultures, stroll Victoria Street Market and be tempted by curry powders, silk scarves and bunny chow, aka curry inside a white loaf (you have to be there). Drive to game parks or observe nature in the raw at Gateway, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest mall. Worst-kept secret: awesome sunrises best seen from oceanfront promenades.

Adelaide, Australia

Check: laneway cafe and bar culture in Leigh and Peel streets. Check: hipster hangouts in East End. Check: finer dining on Rundle St. Go green: tram or pedal a free bike to Glenelg, Henley, Brighton beaches. Like all Australian cities, you don’t have to go too far to find wildlife. Oh, you thought we’d overlooked it: food and wine. There are 200 cellar doors within an hour’s drive, including Penfolds, 8km from the CBD; Barossa and McLaren Vale, less than an hour away.

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Oldest bridges from around the world that are iconic and still functional

Precious Rongmei , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD Updated : Sep 13, 2024, 16:48 IST

Build bridges, they say. Because one day they may become iconic landmarks. Bridges have been a vital part of human civilisation as they serve as essential links between lands divided by geographical formations like rivers, valleys, or other natural barriers. Beyond their practical function of connecting places, over the years, some bridges have also become iconic symbols of architectural genius, engineering mastery, and cultural heritage to a great extent. The bridges mentioned below are some of the oldest in the world and have withstood the test of time.

Ponte Vecchio in Italy

Built in 1345, Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks. It spans the Arno River, and has shops built along the bridge, making it one of the most unique bridges in the region. Back in the day, butchers occupied these shops. Today, in place of those butcher shops, you will find jewellers and art dealers. The bridge has also survived World War II.

Charles Bridge in Czech Republic

This stone bridge, built in 1357,.connects Prague’s Old Town with the Prague Castle area. It’s an excellent tourist attraction as well. The bridge offers picturesque views of the Vltava River and the Prague skyline. Charles Bridge was constructed under the reign of King Charles IV, and despite floods and wars, the bridge has managed to stand strong.

Pont du Gard in France

The Pont du Gard, built in the 1st century AD, is a Roman aqueduct bridge that is a remarkable example of ancient Roman engineering. This three-tiered structure spanning the Gardon River was originally built to carry water to the Roman colony of Nemausus (modern-day Nîmes). The bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the best-preserved pieces of Roman architecture. The bridge is no longer used as an aqueduct.

Rialto Bridge in Italy

The Rialto Bridge, built in 1591, is the oldest of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal in Venice. This stone arch bridge is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. In place of this bridge, there used to be a wooden bridge. The wooden bridge collapsed and in its place, this present-day bridge was built, one that would be sturdy enough to handle Venice’s bustling markets and crowds.

London Bridge in UK

Built in 1973, the London Bridge has a long history, one that dates back to Roman times, around 50 AD. The London Bridge is associated with the nursery rhyme "London Bridge is Falling Down." Many visitors mistake London Bridge for the more ornate Tower Bridge. This bridge spans the River Thames and is a vital crossing between central London and Southwark.

Brooklyn Bridge in USA

Built in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is an unmissable New York City landmark. The bridge spans the East River, and connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. Fun fact: The Brooklyn Bridge was the first ever steel-wire suspension bridge in the world. It was designed by John A. Roebling, and was completed by his son, Washington Roebling.

Ponte Sant'Angelo in Italy

Located in Rome, this bridge was built in 134 AD, and is one of the oldest in the world. The Ponte Sant'Angelo was commissioned by Roman Emperor Hadrian to connect the city centre to his mausoleum, now known as Castel Sant’Angelo. The bridge spans the Tiber River. This ancient bridge remains functional to this date.

Iron Bridge in UK

Built in 1779 in Shropshire, England, the Iron Bridge was the world’s first major bridge made entirely of cast iron. The bridge symbolises the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Spanning the River Severn, this bridge quickly became a landmark in engineering history and remains a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the Iron Bridge is a pedestrian crossing.

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• Solo Travel

25 Best International Destinations for Solo Travel

When you’re looking to travel alone, these are the safest, most exciting, and all-around best destinations for flying solo.

Whether you want to ski in Japan on your own terms or your friends can’t fit that Scottish sojourn into their schedule, there are a variety of reasons to travel solo — and it can be one of life's most rewarding experiences.

The benefits range from the freedom to fully indulge your every whim to a sense of empowerment to opportunities for reflection, self-discovery, and new friendships.

We wouldn't want a lack of company to keep you from booking that ticket, so we've rounded up a list of countries ideal for both first-time and experienced solo travelers, including safe destinations where you can expect a warm welcome. We take you through longtime favorites like Mexico, as well as destinations that are becoming increasingly popular with solo travelers like Egypt and Albania.

• Best tourist destination: Thailand
• Underrated hidden gem: Albania
• Best for outdoor adventure: Costa Rica
• Best for public transportation: Germany
• Best for foodies: Vietnam

From castle crawls in Germany to gaping at the northern lights in Norway, here are the best countries for solo travel abroad.

Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Thailand has long been an affordable destination and, because of its safe, accessible destinations, it’s just as popular with solo travelers as it is with groups. Explore the delicious food, thrilling nightlife, and tranquil spas of Bangkok . The beautiful beaches of Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands are tropical paradises, ideal for lounging the day away by the Andaman Sea.  

Public transportation is easy and readily available, from trains, subways, buses, and taxis to long-tail boats and tuk-tuks. Head here in mid-April for the Songkran Water Splashing Festival to celebrate the Songkran (New Year's) with parades, street parties, and performances. 

Its extremely hospitable locals and gorgeous scenery make Albania an up-and-coming destination for solo travelers. Journey to the Blue Eye spring near Saranda and you'll encounter some of the bluest, clearest water in the world. Since you might find the water too cold to swim in, head to the Albanian coast for fun and sun on any of the country's beautiful beaches, or soak in Përmet's Benja Thermal Baths — they're said to have healing properties.

You may also want to consider taking a day trip from Tirana to Berat, about two hours by car. Marvel at the city's stunning architecture, which has earned it the nickname "town of a thousand windows." From the Ottoman-era buildings and medieval castles to the mosques and Holy Trinity Church, you'll quickly see why the city — along with Gjirokaster in the South — has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Arctic-Images/Getty Images

Costa Rica has long had a reputation as one of the happiest countries in the world, and it's easy to see why. In Costa Rica, you'll find plenty of outdoor activities to please your adventurous side, from whitewater rafting down the Reventazón River and zip lining through gorgeous rainforests to rappelling down waterfalls and hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park .

If you need a bit of respite amidst all the activity, Arenal has hot springs perfect for relaxing, or you can enjoy the white sands and wildlife at Playa Manuel Antonio, a tropical beach in Manuel Antonio National Park .

Germany has several major cities that are accessible to anyone traveling on their own. Hop on a bike in Berlin to explore the city's abundance of museums, historical sites, cafés, nightclubs, and parks. You can also visit Munich during Oktoberfest , but if you'd rather avoid the crowds, you can enjoy the city's beer gardens any time of year. And if you head to Frankfurt, you'll discover in this increasingly popular city an eclectic array of museums, cafés, boutiques, restaurants, and a lush botanical garden .

You should also consider planning side trips to see some of Germany's famous castles — there are over 20,000 of them. From the Gothic-style Liechtenstein Castle to the dramatic Neuschwanstein Castle , visiting any of Germany's magical old sites will have you feeling like you stepped straight into a fairy tale.

Renting a car is expensive when you're not splitting the costs, something to take into account when considering where to travel alone in Europe. Germany's excellent and relatively inexpensive public transportation system makes it easy to get around by train and bus.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Endless adventure and dishes to tantalize your tastebuds await in Vietnam. Hop on a boat that departs from Hạ Long Bay and cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, home to some of the world's most striking blue water and natural landscapes. Take a guided tour of Hang Sơn Đoòng, the largest natural cave in the world. Visit Hội An during the full moon and you'll be welcomed by the awe-inspiring sight of hundreds of lanterns floating down the Thu Bồn River during the city's monthly full moon festival.

In Ho Chi Minh City, you can indulge in steaming bowls of phở and bánh xèo (a crispy, filled rice flour pancake) at Bến Thành Market, one of the city's earliest surviving structures, and brush up on Vietnam War history during a tour of the War Remnants Museum and the Củ Chi Tunnels. Travel to Hanoi to explore the capital's impressive historical and cultural sites, and take a leisurely stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

There's a reason why Iceland has consistently ranked among the hottest destinations in recent years: The country is a haven for travelers who love the outdoors, with caverns and caves to explore, volcanoes and glaciers to hike, and geothermal spas to soak in. Plus, it's the most peaceful country in the world, according to the 2024 Global Peace Index report, making it among the best countries for solo female travel.

From Reykjavík, consider taking a day trip to the ever-popular Blue Lagoon or go whale watching in Faxaflói Bay. For those wanting to get out of the city, Thingvellir National Park  offers camping, hiking trails, horseback riding, and the freshwater Silfra fissure , considered one of the best diving spots in the world. No matter what's on your itinerary, make sure to leave time to eat some of the country's delectable pastries .

New Zealand

New Zealand is a popular destination for backpackers, outdoor enthusiasts , and thrill-seekers striking out on their own — maybe because it's the fourth most peaceful country in the world, according to the 2024 Global Peace Index .

The country is a haven for outdoorsy types and one of the best places to meet fellow travelers. You can take a cruise through the fjords, rainforests, and waterfalls of Milford Sound; heli-hike your way through Franz Josef Glacier ; trek part (or all) of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing ; explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves ; or go whale-watching in the Bay of Plenty .

If you need some downtime from all your adventuring, take a day trip to Waiheke Island for wine tours or make your way to the Hobbiton Movie Set to wander the real-life version of the Shire.

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With a thriving backpacker culture and accommodating resorts, Mexico is an optimal place for any type of solo trip. And, if you're coming from the U.S. or Canada, there are loads of direct flights. Mexicans on the whole are warm, and the country is dotted with cultural sites and a beautiful natural landscape — never mind all the tacos, empanadas, and tortas!  

You'll find Mayan ruins near Cancun , whale watching in Los Cabos, Instagram opportunities in Tulum , tamales and mezcal in Oaxaca , and a thriving art scene in Mexico City .  

Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its stunning beauty, and there's no better way to see the country than by train. Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass , which gives you unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat, and journey past stunning waterfalls, forests, and lakes. Then, hop off the train to hike the Alps, visit medieval castles, and eat raclette and fondue.

In the country that invented milk chocolate, indulging in the decadent, creamy treat is a no-brainer. But instead of simply picking up a bar of Toblerone or Lindt at the nearest grocery store, take a chocolate-themed walking tour in Lucerne or Zürich, or visit one of the area's several world-famous chocolate factories.

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Chile's landscape is as beautiful as it is diverse. Whether you explore Torres del Paine National Park or the San Rafael Glacier in Patagonia, climb an active volcano in the Lake District , or camp in the Atacama Desert for incredible stargazing, you're sure to find an adventure that suits your fancy.

Adventure meets culture in capital city Santiago, which is easy to navigate by foot or bicycle. You can hike hills San Cristóbal or Santa Lucía for panoramic views of the capital, browse boutiques, take a break at cafés, and meet other travelers at cocktail bars in the Bellavista neighborhood, or explore the city's museums and art galleries.

Netherlands

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For any first-time solo traveler, the Netherlands is a great place to get your newly-independent feet wet. Begin in Amsterdam and do as the locals do: get around by bike . Start in Vondelpark , a popular urban park, then bike to world-famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum , passing the city's picturesque canals and bridges along the way.

Head to the Netherlands between mid-April and the first week of May and you'll be welcomed by a glorious array of the country's most beloved flower: the tulip. The Keukenhof , also known as the Garden of Europe, is located just outside Amsterdam and boasts over seven million bulbs and hundreds of varieties of tulips. Or, go to Noordoostpolder to see even more colorful blooms during the annual Tulip Festival .

Spain has a little bit of everything to please everyone: art museums, gorgeous architecture, delicious food, stunning beaches, exciting nightlife, and jaw-dropping hikes.

In Barcelona, wander Park Güell , a UNESCO World Heritage site full of modern architecture, sculptures, and mosaics designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Continue your Gaudí tour at Sagrada Família before moving on to the Picasso Museum . When you start to get hungry, make your way to Mercado de La Boqueria , the oldest market in the city.

You can also find some of the world's best beaches in Spain , such as Portinatx on Ibiza Barcelona and Lumebó Cove in Galicia. The brave and truly adventurous can join an organized hike through Caminito del Rey in Málaga or begin their journey along the famed Camino de Santiago.

Austria is a must-see for solo travelers with a taste for fine culture. See for yourself why Vienna is known as the City of Music and attend a concert at the State Opera House or the Musikverein . The city also boasts hundreds of museums, prime for exploring in between experiencing traditional Viennese coffeehouse culture.

In Salzburg, the backdrop to "The Sound of Music," fans of the musical can take themed tours of the city and round out their trip by visiting Mozart's Birthplace and climbing to the top of Hohensalzburg Fortress for unforgettable views of the city.

Denmark is another country that's easy for solo travelers. Start in Copenhagen and head to the Nyhavn district to see the city's iconic wooden ships and colorful townhouses lining the canal. Afterward, take a stroll through Tivoli Gardens . While beloved for its amusement park, the popular attraction also features flower gardens, bubble fountains, and an aquarium.

Shakespeare aficionados should head to Kronborg Castle , a UNESCO World Heritage site that inspired Elsinore Castle in "Hamlet." While there, take the train to nearby Hillerød, where you'll find Frederiksborg Castle, home to the Danish Museum of National History .

First stop: Tokyo. Whether you shop in the pricey Ginza neighborhood, ride to the top of the world's tallest tower , tour Sensō-ji temple , slurp ramen at Ichiran Shibuya (a chain serving inexpensive steaming bowls at no-frills booths), or stroll through a traditional garden, you'll never run out of things to do in this glitzy city.

If you need some rest from the hustle and bustle, you can take a bullet train to Kyoto which, although extremely popular with tourists, is much smaller than Tokyo; you'll find here a plethora of shrines, gardens, and temples. Since the tea ceremony has its roots in Kyoto , you may wish to partake in the tradition while you're there. Be sure to visit during the springtime to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms in bloom.

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Visit Norway during the summer for warmer weather and lots of outdoor attractions and activities. In Oslo, you can explore the capital's many museums, restaurants, and parks by walking, cycling, or taking public transportation. Or, book a spot on a Hurtigruten coastal steamer — there's no single supplement on select voyages — and cruise through the country's famous fjords on a multi-day adventure, stopping at numerous ports of call along the stunning coastline to hike, kayak, and more. You'll even cross the Arctic Circle!

On the other hand, if seeing the northern lights tops your list, a trip to Norway between November and March will land you there during peak aurora borealis season. For optimum viewing of the natural phenomenon, head to the heart of the aurora zone: the city of Tromsø.

As with Iceland, Norway is extremely safe and this makes it among the best countries for solo travel as a woman .

If the idea of traveling by yourself to a country where you don't speak the language makes you nervous, then opt to visit Ireland. In Dublin , you can take a literary walking tour of the UNESCO City of Literature , browse Grafton Street's bustling shops, and chat with other travelers in the Guinness Storehouse with a pint of the world-famous stout.

With its stunning scenery and friendly inhabitants, Galway is not to be missed, either. While you're there, stroll along the lovely Salthill Promenade, or park yourself in a traditional pub in Eyre Square to listen to live Irish folk music. If you're looking to get out of the city, hop on a ferry to the nearby Aran Islands to explore medieval ruins and forts, or take a public bus to the iconic Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking views.

This South American country is perfect for those who just want to relax by the ocean and soak up the sun . Punta del Este may be best known for its gorgeous beaches, like Playa Mansa and Playa Brava. But, if you want to escape the crowds, consider visiting the more secluded beaches in Jose Ignacio and Rocha.

Montevideo isn't short on beaches, either, and for those who want to mix up sunbathing with cultural experiences, the capital also offers historical attractions, museums, and traditional Candombe music and dance performances.

Thanks to the camaraderie of the traditional sauna experience , it's easy to meet people in Finland as a solo traveler. The country is home to over three million saunas, from Helsinki to Tampere and Savonlinna.

But there's more to Finland than saunas . In Helsinki, you'll find magnificent architecture, museums, parks, markets, and more — all easily accessible by foot or public transportation. Travel to the coasts to see a lovely array of lighthouses, or head to Rauma or Loviisa to spend a day in a wooden town. While it may be best to go to "The Land of the Midnight Sun" in the summer, visit during the winter for peak viewing of the northern lights .

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With extensive folklore, outdoor adventure, and stunning beauty around every corner, Scotland is the perfect place to reconnect with yourself. It’s a safe, cozy sojourn for anyone who loves postcard-perfect views. Start off by exploring Edinburgh by bike, stopping at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and Holyrood Park . 

If golf is your thing, Scotland has more than 550 courses to choose from. Feeling brave? Head to the Scottish Highlands to seek out the legendary underwater monster at Loch Ness, and while you're there, visit Urquhart Castle , which dates back to the 13th century.  

Australia is an exceptionally safe place with a wide range of areas to explore and is a popular solo travel destination. You’ll probably want to fly between most places — this is a huge country, after all — but you can also rent a car and indulge in an Australian road trip. Or, go old-school and traverse the country by train on The Ghan , where you can experience the outback on a journey from Adelaide to Darwin.

Start in New South Wales' capital, Sydney, with its friendly vibe and thriving art, food, and sports scenes, where you can walk around Sydney Harbour or explore the white-sand shore at Bondi Beach. In Victoria, ride the tram around Melbourne for a coffee shop crawl. Commune with nature down in Tasmania, where the island's many hiking trails allow you to experience Australia's natural splendor by foot. Up north, the Great Barrier Reef awaits snorkelers off the coast of Far North Queensland. 

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From the slopes of British Columbia to the cosmopolitan wonders of Toronto, Canada has tons to keep you entertained, even when you’re alone. Our neighbor to the north is a quick flight (or a reasonable drive depending on where you’re coming from and going to) and accessible in terms of language, exchange rate, and transportation.   

If you opt for Canada's largest city, explore the arts and culture of Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre , eat your way through St. Lawrence Market , or get to know the city's eclectic range of neighborhoods. Over in Vancouver , you can bike your way through the waterfront city, or cross the vertigo-inducing Capilano Suspension Bridge , a 450-foot-long, 230-foot-high bridge cutting through lush woodland. Go straight to Alberta to explore Banff National Park ’s famous glacial lakes and Rocky Mountain vistas.   

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Book a solo trip to Croatia to swim at spectacular beaches , dive into rich history, and eat delectable cuisine. Become a beach bum on the unspoiled shores of the Dalmatian Islands, where you’ll have blue waters, white sands, and dramatic limestone cliffs to admire as you lounge. Then, eat your weight in white truffle pasta and fresh seafood before walking it off around Dubrovnik ’s medieval Old Town.  

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If you love ancient history, desert activities, and scuba diving, Egypt is the solo travel destination for you — and a cruise down the Nile can be one of the safest and most convenient ways to see everything. Eat delicious falafel and go shopping in Cairo , then gape at the Great Pyramids in Giza before returning to your five-star accommodations and sailing off to the next archaeological wonder; these include seven UNESCO World Heritage sites like the incredible temples of Luxor, Karnak, and Abu Simbel.

Take solitary strolls along stunning cliffs, in quaint villages, or down urban streets in England. London is a natural choice starting point; traipse around Trafalgar Square , see the Rembrandts and Cézannes at the National Gallery , or enjoy a proper afternoon tea service at The Lanesborough . 

Once you've had your fill, take the train to any number of charming English towns that'll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. One of the best parts of traveling to England is the long, rich history, and you’ll find plenty of that in its storybook castles and even in cities like Leeds in Yorkshire.

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