Are you looking for the very finest spots to visit that you can cross off your travel bucket list? We are really fortunate that our marvelous planet contains an infinite number of fascinating sites to visit; as a result, we will never be at a loss for fresh places to explore.
Therefore, if you are looking for some ideas to inspire your next trip, you have arrived at the correct place! The following is a list of the most breathtaking locations in the globe, all of which you should make it a point to see at least once in your lifetime. The locations on this list range from lush tropical islands and majestic mountain ranges to breathtaking metropolises, fantasy little villages, and incredible natural wonders.
Because I have been to each of these dream locations on my own, I can say without a doubt, based on my own personal experience, that no matter which location you select from the options provided here, you will be rendered speechless by the experience. Let’s just jump right in, shall we?
1. Petra, Jordan
Petra, an ancient city in Jordan, is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous places you could ever want to visit in your life, and it deserves to be at the very top of your list. The rose-colored city of Petra is recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and no trip to Jordan is considered to be comprehensive unless it includes a stop at this enchanted location.
The Treasury is the most well-known location in all of Petra, and it was featured prominently in the film adaptation of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. However, because there are so many other intriguing sites in Petra, including as the Royal Tombs, the Theatre, and the Monastery, it is recommended that you spend at least one full day in Petra.
If you’re seeking for the most breathtaking panorama in all of Petra, be sure to check out the Treasury from the viewpoint located above it!
Petra tickets are sold on a per-person basis and cost 50 Jordanian Dinars, which is equivalent to $70.50 USD. However, if you intend to stay in Petra for more than one day, you can get tickets for many days. It is in your best interest to investigate the Jordan Pass prior to purchasing your tickets because, in addition to the obligatory visa for Jordan, it already contains the entrance ticket to Petra.
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.2. Dolomites, Italy
The Italian Dolomites are widely considered to be among the most beautiful mountain ranges in all of the globe. These mountains span more than 140,000 hectares and contain 18 peaks that are higher than 3,000 meters. In the Dolomites, you’ll find everything from jagged peaks and beautiful vistas to emerald alpine lakes and fairytale towns, as well as amazing walks and delectable meals.
Make sure that the Dolomites are on your schedule for your journey across Northern Italy if you want to find out why they are considered to be one of the most beautiful regions in all of Italy. Due to the absence of a dedicated airport in the region, traveling to the Dolomites can be a bit of a challenge. However, larger airports can be reached within a few hours’ drive, including those in Venice, Bergamo, and Milan, among others.
Although you might spend weeks exploring the region, if you only have 5 days to spend in the Dolomites, you will have plenty of time to explore the most important attractions, such as Alpe di Siusi, the church of St. Maddalena in Val di Funes, and the Seceda ridgeline.
One of the best things to do in the Dolomites is to go hiking at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and if you want to locate one of the best perspectives in the area, you should also go hiking at Cadini di Misurina. Even if you’re not much of a hiker, you won’t be disappointed in the Dolomites because there are so many other incredible things to see and do there!
Discover charming little towns like Ortisei or Cortina d’Ampezzo (which is one of the best places to stay in the Dolomites), or simply enjoy the delectable Italian cuisine while gazing out at the breathtaking scenery at one of the restaurants. Some of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites, such as Lago di Carezza and the Instagram-famous Lago di Braies, are located in the Dolomites.
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.3. New York City, USA
There is no doubt that New York City is one of the most popular fantasy destinations, and a trip through the United States would not be considered complete without a stop in the Big Apple.
The summer is the most popular time for tourists to take their first trip to New York City; nevertheless, considering that the city is one of the top Christmas destinations in the United States, going there during the winter holidays is also a fantastic option.
Make sure you read my article about the finest places to take Christmas photos in New York City and the ideal itinerary for spending Christmas in New York if you are thinking about traveling to the Big Apple in the month of December.
New York City is home to so many incredible attractions that it would take a lifetime to see everything the city has to offer; nevertheless, it is possible to explore the majority of the city’s top attractions in just a single day. Spending four days in New York City on your first trip there is the ideal amount of time to allow you to gain a greater sense of the city and explore more interesting attractions, including those that are located outside of Manhattan.
The One World Observatory, the Empire State Building, and the Top of the Rock are three of the most well-known vantage points in New York City, all of which are located in Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan, which are also two of the very best neighborhoods in which to stay in the city. You won’t be able to find the words to describe the breathtaking scenery no matter which option you pick.
A trip to New York would not be complete without soaking in the vibrant neon lights of Times Square, enjoying a leisurely stroll in Central Park, and paying a visit to the Statue of Liberty. If you have a passion for the theater, you should not miss the opportunity to see a show on Broadway. It will be an experience you will never forget.
There is a wide variety of museums to pick from, like the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which are perfect for people who are interested in art and history.
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.4. Provence, France
A true “bucket list” experience would be to travel to Provence and see the lavender fields there. If you want to visit the fields for yourself, you need to pay attention to the timing of your journey because it can determine whether or not you are successful.
It is important to time your visit to Provence so that it coincides with the peak of the lavender harvest, which typically occurs from the middle of June until the middle of July. The greatest time to visit is either the last week of June or the first week of July, as this is when the lavenders are at their most beautiful and fragrant.
It is recommended that you stay in the area of Valensole in order to be close to the most magnificent lavender fields, even though you can find fields of lavender pretty much anywhere throughout Provence.
The towns that are nearest to you are Valensole and Riez, but due to their size, it is recommended that you stay in one of the larger towns such as Manosque. There, you will have a greater selection of hotels and restaurants to pick from.
The closest airport to the lavender fields is in Marseille. As there is no public transportation in the area, having a car is necessary so the best option is to rent a car at the airport.
This way you can explore the area at your own pace and you can also include visiting some of the most beautiful towns in France like Roussillon, Gordes or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. If you’re an outdoor lover, you can also visit Gorges du Verdon where you can rent a boat or a kayak, or just simply chill at the beach.
Apart from lavender fields, you can also find many other fields like sunflower, sage, or hay. Provence is really one of the most beautiful dream destinations in the world so it’s worth spending at least 3-4 days there to be able to explore all the beauty Provence has to offer.
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5. Bali, Indonesia
Out of the more than 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia, the island of Bali, which is covered in verdant tropical vegetation, is without a doubt the most well-known. Many people’s ideal vacation spot is Bali, and it’s not hard to understand why.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for gorgeous temples or beaches with white sand, wooded volcanic mountains, incredible waterfalls, or rice terraces with an unbelievable amount of greenery; Bali really does have it all.
Because there are so many amazing places to see and so many different things to do while in Bali, it is highly advised that visitors spend a total of two weeks on the island if they truly want to take in all of the island’s natural splendor.
You can get around the island by renting a scooter, but if this is your first trip to Bali, it is highly recommended that you hire a private driver who can orient you to the area and show you the highlights.
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.The southern coast of Bali is the most popular tourist destination on the island. This portion of the island is home to some of Bali’s most stunning beaches, as well as some of the island’s finest dining and nightlife venues. Canggu is one of the most popular places in the world for digital nomads to congregate, and as a direct result, the area is home to an incredible variety of restaurants and cafes.
In addition to being the most visually appealing part of the island, the central region of Bali is also the center of the island’s cultural life. Ubud is one of the best locations to stay in Bali if you are a first-time visitor, and from there you can easily reach some of the best attractions on the island, including the Tegallalang rice terraces, the Campuhan ridge walk, and some of the top waterfalls in Bali, such as Tegenungan or Kanto Lampo. Ubud is also one of the best places to stay in Bali if you are looking for a romantic getaway.
Visit the adjacent Nusa Islands if you want to get a sense of what Bali was like before it became such a popular destination for tourists. These islands are around 20 years older than Bali. Kelingking beach on Nusa Penida is what makes it the most well-known of the three islands, although both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are well worth a trip as well. Nusa Penida is the largest of the three and is home to the T-Rex-shaped beach.
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6. Budapest, Hungary
Put Budapest at the top of your travel bucket list right immediately if you’re seeking for a city that boasts stunning architecture, castles straight out of a fairytale, world-famous hot springs, hip ruin bars, and delectable cuisine. The capital of Hungary has a long and illustrious history, and it is home to a wide variety of attractions and activities that are really one of a kind.
In addition, Budapest is a destination that is incredibly economical, making it one of the finest destinations to go for college students or other people who are traveling on a budget.
Put Budapest at the top of your travel bucket list right immediately if you’re seeking for a city that boasts stunning architecture, castles straight out of a fairytale, world-famous hot springs, hip ruin bars, and delectable cuisine. The capital of Hungary has a long and illustrious history, and it is home to a wide variety of attractions and activities that are really one of a kind.
In addition, Budapest is a destination that is incredibly economical, making it one of the finest destinations to go for college students or other people who are traveling on a budget.
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7. Santorini, Greece
The whitewashed cliff-side towns, deep blue roofs, pink bougainvillea flowers, and the endless view of the shimmering Aegean Sea unquestionably make Santorini one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Additionally, Santorini is one of the best dream destinations that everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime.
If this is your first trip to Santorini, you should attempt to schedule at least three full days on the island so that you can get a good feel for everything it has to offer. Oia is one of the most popular spots to stay in Santorini, and if you want that picture-postcard view of the blue domes, you should absolutely include it in your schedule for Santorini. Oia is also one of the best places to eat on the island.
It is highly recommended that you spend at least one night in Oia because it is home to some of the most picturesque and Instagrammable locations on Santorini as well as some of the greatest places to watch the sunset on the island.
Another fantastic location for lodging is Fira, which offers a wider variety of options and, on average, lower prices than the other possibilities. In addition to Oia and Fira, be sure to check out the picturesque village of Imerovigli as well as the beach with the black sand in Perissa. Additionally, it is recommended that you take a boat cruise to watch the sunset.
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8. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, an ancient city in Cambodia that was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, is widely regarded as the greatest religious structure that can be found anywhere in the world. The term Angkor Wat literally translates to “Temple City,” and this moniker seems to be fairly appropriate given that the area covering 400 square kilometers is home to more than a thousand temples.
Siem Reap is the nearest city to Angkor Wat, therefore if you want to stay close to the temples, it is better to arrange accommodation in Siem Reap. Angkor Wat is the most visited attraction in Cambodia.
You need to buy an Angkor Pass in order to enter Angkor Wat, which is the most famous temple in the area. One-day passes cost $37 US, three-day passes cost $62 US, and seven-day passes cost $72 US. These passes can only be purchased at the official ticket center, which is the only place they can be obtained.
It is advised that first-time visitors to Angkor Wat obtain a 3-day pass in order to have sufficient time to explore the surrounding area and make the most of their experience. In addition to the world-famous Angkor Wat, there are a number of smaller temples that are also worth seeing. These include Ta Prohm, the Bayon Temple, and Pre Rup. Bear in mind that all of these locations are religious, and as such, you are required to dress appropriately (that is, you must cover your shoulders and knees).
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.9. Venice, Italy
There is no doubt that Venice, with its dozens upon dozens of canals, gondolas, and footbridges, is without a doubt one of the most ideal vacation spots in the entire world. If you want to see the most popular attractions, sample the delectable cuisine, and bask in the incredibly romantic atmosphere of the city, you should schedule at least two full days in Venice.
There are no roads in Venice because the city is built on more than one hundred individual islands, hence there are also no automobiles or motorcycles. Vaporetto boats are the only mode of public transportation in Venice; these boats travel down the Grand Canal and may also transport passengers to some of the smaller islands in the lagoon, such as Burano, Murano, and Lido.
One of the greatest ways to see the city is by taking a gondola ride, but you should be prepared to shell out a significant amount of money for the privilege. The going rate for a gondola ride that is 30 minutes long and costs roughly €100 (around $109 in American currency).
St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Scala Contarini del Bovolo are just few of the many places in Venice that are perfect for Instagramming. If you’re a fan of photography, you’re in for a real treat because Venice is home to an abundance of photogenic locations.
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10. Dubai, UAE
A place that absolutely needs to be on your vacation bucket list is the futuristic city of Dubai, with its magnificent buildings, stunning parks, gorgeous floral installations, never-ending motorways, and incredibly beautiful views.
Since it is nearly difficult to have a pleasant experience in Dubai during the summer due to the searing heat, the best time to go is either around the end of fall, throughout the winter, or at the beginning of spring. This will ensure that you have pleasant weather for touring the city.
In Dubai, you will undoubtedly be able to discover any type of vacation you are looking for, whether it be a relaxing trip to the beach or an action-packed holiday. Because there are so many fantastic things to do in the city, you should plan to stay in Dubai for at least four days if you want to make the most of your vacation and experience everything the city has to offer.
At its present height of 830 meters (2,723 ft), the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the tallest structure in the world. You can appreciate it from the ground, but it is definitely worth your time to climb to the summit, where you will have an incredible perspective of the city.
Do you want to take home even more amazing memories from your trip to Dubai? Then you should make a reservation at one of the top hotels in Dubai that has a view of the Burj Khalifa.
Other enjoyable activities in Dubai include travelling to the Dubai Miracle Garden, swimming at Jumeirah Beach, taking a tour of the Dubai desert, and checking out the Dubai Mall Aquarium. Because there are so many wonderful spots that are perfect for Instagram, Dubai is also considered to be a photographer’s paradise.
You may take some breathtaking pictures of the sunset at Dubai Creek Harbour, pose with the Burj Khalifa in front of the Wings of Mexico statue, or simply soak in the scenery of the lovely sand dunes in Dubai Desert.
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