Our great planet is home to such a tremendous diversity of regions, climates, geography, peoples, and so much more. That’s why so many get bitten by the wanderlust bug, as they want to take every opportunity possible to get out of their home lives and experience what the world truly has to offer. No doubt, you could likely throw a dart at a map of the world and find yourself somewhere breathtaking and exotic…
But, there are definitely some places in the world that rise head and shoulders above the rest. These are places that seem to be the perfect combination of everything listed above and so much more, places that one really should have the opportunity in his or her life to explore.
On the list below, we’re going to share our picks for 20 of the world’s most beautiful places to visit. Spanning the entire globe, this list includes famous culture landmarks, beautiful national parks, incredible cities, and even a few surprises. So, if you’ve been wondering where you should go on your next vacation, take a look. Any one of these 20 places is sure to capture your imagination and inspire your spirit!
1. Machu Picchu (Peru)
While Peru may be attempting to limit tourism here, that only means you should work harder to see this UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Fiordland National Park (New Zealand)
If you visit this national park between November and December, you’ll gain a real appreciation for the natural beauty of New Zealand.
3. Tamil Nadu (India)
The incredible Hindu temples for which this southern state of India are known are breathtaking in their vibrant colors.
4. Fernando de Noronha (Brazil)
Above 200 miles off the coast of Brazil is where you’ll find this breathtaking volcanic archipelago complete with incredible wildlife and gorgeous beaches.
5. Banff National Park (Canada)
The deep-blue glacial lakes that span this national park are unlike any other lakes you’ve seen in your life.
6. Cape Town (South Africa)
What does it feel like to be at the edge of the world? Your experience in Cape Town will be the closest you can possibly come.
7. Marrakesh (Morocco)
The culture, architecture and art of Marrakesh have long captured the imaginations of travelers and artists alike.
8. The Forbidden City (China)
Nowhere else in the word can you get up close and personal with ancient Chinese architecture and culture than you can in The Forbidden City.
9. Krabi (Thailand)
Here you’ll find some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, all set beneath soaring limestone cliffs.
10. Zhangye Danxia Geopark (China)
Also known as the Rainbow Mountains, millions of years of geological evolution have created this incredible wonder.
11. Lisbon (Portugal)
Home to great weather and even better architecture, culture and colors, Portugal’s capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
12. Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)
If you’re the outdoorsy sort, then you’ll never have another experience that compares to Patagonia.
13. Santorini (Greece)
Overlooking the Mediterranean from the bright white buildings of Santorini is one of the most sublime experiences a traveler can have.
14. St. Basil’s Cathedral (Russia)
One of the most famous landmarks in all of Russia, this 16th century cathedral located in Moscow is even more impressive in person.
15. Venice (Italy)
You may think that Paris is high on romance, but once you’ve gotten a flavor for Venice’s gorgeous architectures and canals… Well, you’ll know where the real romance is.
16. Amalfi Coast (Italy)
It’s one of the most gorgeous regions in the world, and also one of the most popular with honeymooners!
17. The Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Stretching from San Diego all the way up to the Bay Area and beyond, you can really gain an appreciation for the grandeur of California’s coastline on this road trip.
18. Great Ocean Road (Australia)
Australia’s answer to California’s Pacific Coast Highway, a trip down this road is full of stunning views, including ones of the famed Apostle Rocks.
19. Havasu Falls (Arizona)
It may take a 10 mile hike through the Grand Canyon to reach this waterfall and swimming hole, but trust us when we tell you that it’s worth it.
20. Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
A vacation in Bora Bora inside an overwater bungalow is a vacation that you and yours won’t soon forget.
