Picking the 20 best places in the world feels like trying to choose between infinite flavors of ice cream – they’re all amazing for their own special reasons. Our planet is packed with incredible spots, from ancient cities where history whispers through narrow streets to remote islands where time seems to stand still. You’ll find snow-capped peaks that touch the clouds, beaches that stretch for miles, and cities that never sleep.
In putting this list together, we looked beyond just pretty pictures. We considered what makes each place truly special – the food that fills the air with mouth-watering aromas, the locals who share stories over coffee, and those magical moments that stick with you long after you’ve returned home. We’ve included spots from every continent (except Antarctica, sorry penguins) to give you a real taste of what our world has to offer.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to dream about your next big adventure, this collection of earth’s finest destinations might just inspire your next journey. No rankings here – just 20 incredible places that deserve a spot on your travel wishlist.
Santorini, Greece
Many travelers flock to Santorini for its iconic white buildings with blue domes, but this Greek island offers much more than just its postcard-perfect architecture. The cliffside villages overlooking the caldera – formed by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history – provide a natural gallery of sunset views that draw visitors from around the globe. While beaches might not be the first thing that comes to mind, the island’s unique red and black sand shores, shaped by its volcanic past, offer a different take on Mediterranean coastlines. In summer, the narrow streets come alive with outdoor cafes and local wine tastings, but you’ll find the island’s rich history and archaeological sites fascinating to explore any time of the year.
Machu Picchu, Peru
High in the Andes Mountains of Peru sits Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city that seems to float among the clouds. Unlike other archaeological sites that were discovered and documented by the Spanish conquistadors, this mysterious settlement remained hidden from the outside world until 1911. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, its massive stone walls and terraces blend seamlessly into the mountainside. As you walk through the remains of temples and homes, you’ll notice how the Incas used incredibly precise stonework – fitting massive blocks together so tightly that not even a knife blade can slip between them. Because of its location at 7,970 feet above sea level, clouds often roll through the ruins throughout the day, creating an ever-changing scene that makes you feel like you’re walking through history itself.
Kyoto, Japan
A two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo brings you to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital for over 1,000 years. While modern Japanese cities buzz with neon lights and technology, Kyoto feels like it’s preserved in a different era entirely. Walk down narrow stone streets lined with wooden houses, and you might spot a geisha hurrying to her evening appointment or hear the gentle chime of temple bells in the distance. Because of its significance as the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto escaped much of the WWII bombing that changed other cities, and you’ll find over 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and dozens of perfectly maintained traditional gardens scattered throughout the city. The locals still practice ancient arts like tea ceremony and calligraphy, making Kyoto feel less like a tourist destination and more like a living museum of Japanese culture.
Venice, Italy
I first visited Venice on a summer trip in 2015, wandering through its maze of narrow canals and ancient bridges. This floating city in northern Italy sits across 118 small islands connected by waterways and more than 400 bridges. Gondolas and water taxis glide through the Grand Canal, past centuries-old palaces and churches that seem to rise directly from the water. St. Mark’s Square stands as the heart of Venice, where locals and tourists gather among the pigeons, with the golden domes of St. Mark’s Basilica watching over the scene. The city’s many hidden courtyards and quiet back canals offer a peaceful escape from the busy main thoroughfares, revealing the authentic daily life of Venetians who still call this unique water world home.
Banff National Park, Canada
Step into a real-life winter wonderland at Banff National Park, where the Canadian Rockies create a picture-perfect backdrop year-round. The bright turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake reflect the snow-capped peaks like natural mirrors, while the Banff Gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain for views that stretch for miles. After a day of hiking or skiing, unwind in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while watching the sunset paint the mountains in soft pinks and oranges. For a memorable stay, book a room at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a castle-like structure that looks like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale.
Maldives
Have you ever watched crystal-clear waves lap against pure white sand from your private overwater villa? That’s daily life in the Maldives, a string of coral islands scattered like pearls across the Indian Ocean. These low-lying atolls, just a short flight from major Asian cities, offer some of the world’s best snorkeling right from your doorstep. You can spot sea turtles gliding through turquoise lagoons, dolphins playing at sunset, and thousands of tropical fish darting through coral gardens. The islands are also home to some of the planet’s most luxurious resorts, where you can sleep above the ocean and dine in underwater restaurants surrounded by marine life.
Cape Town, South Africa
My first visit to Cape Town was back in 2015, when I explored this coastal gem nestled between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. South Africa’s oldest city sits at the southwestern tip of the continent, where two oceans meet in a display of natural wonder. The laid-back atmosphere of Camps Bay beach draws both locals and travelers, while the nearby Winelands offer world-class vintages against a backdrop of rolling hills. The city’s rich history comes alive at Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years, and in the colorful houses of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood. From the cable car ride up Table Mountain to watching penguins waddle along Boulders Beach, Cape Town manages to pack African wildlife, urban culture, and coastal charm into one unforgettable package.
Petra, Jordan
Of all the ancient cities I’ve explored, none leaves me as awestruck as Petra in Jordan. This rock-carved wonder, hidden away in a maze of desert canyons, reveals itself through a narrow passage that opens into a vast archaeological playground. The famous Treasury facade, carved into pink sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago, is just the beginning of what you’ll discover here. Walking through Petra’s winding paths, you’ll find hundreds of tombs, a massive amphitheater, and entire buildings chiseled into the rock face. It’s not just a quick photo stop — you need at least two full days to properly explore — but those who take the time are treated to one of the most remarkable ancient cities still standing today.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Have you ever watched the sun glint off snow-capped peaks while listening to cowbells echo through green valleys? That’s daily life in the Swiss Alps, where traditional mountain villages dot the landscape between soaring peaks and crystal-clear lakes. A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, these mountains offer world-class skiing in winter and miles of hiking trails in summer. You can ride panoramic trains through mountain passes, stay in cozy chalets in towns like Zermatt and Grindelwald, or try your hand at making cheese in an authentic Alpine dairy. The iconic Matterhorn stands guard over it all, its distinctive pyramid shape serving as nature’s compass point for adventurers.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Ever wondered what it’s like to float above a living rainbow? That’s exactly what you’ll experience at the Great Barrier Reef, stretching along Australia’s northeastern coast. This natural wonder spans over 1,500 miles – so large it can be seen from space – and houses thousands of fish species darting through coral gardens. Here, you can snorkel alongside gentle sea turtles, watch clownfish play hide-and-seek in sea anemones, and spot humpback whales breaching the surface between July and September. The nearby town of Cairns serves as your jumping-off point, where boats depart daily to take visitors to the best spots for diving and exploring this underwater paradise.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast holds a special place among Italy’s countless beautiful regions. This 34-mile stretch of coastline winds along the Mediterranean, where pastel-colored towns cling to steep cliffs and lemon groves dot the hillsides. Getting around means navigating narrow roads that hug the rocky coast – definitely not for the faint of heart – but the payoff is worth every hairpin turn. You’ll find yourself stopping constantly to take in views of blue waters below, diving into hidden coves for a swim, or wandering through towns like Positano and Ravello where every little street seems to tell its own story.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Picture a place that feels like it was plucked straight from your dreams – that’s Bora Bora for you. This small island in French Polynesia is surrounded by a crystal-clear lagoon that shifts between shades of blue you didn’t even know existed. Everywhere you look, you’ll spot those famous overwater bungalows perched above the gentle waves, letting visitors wake up to fish swimming right beneath their feet. The island isn’t just about lounging in fancy huts though – the dormant volcano Mount Otemanu rises from the center, creating a perfect backdrop for afternoons spent snorkeling with friendly reef sharks or paddling through the calm waters in a kayak. It’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down, and even the most stressed-out travelers find themselves falling into the peaceful rhythm of island life.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Experience one of nature’s greatest shows at Serengeti National Park, home to the largest animal migration on Earth. Watch as over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their annual journey across the endless African plains in search of greener pastures. You can join a guided safari to spot the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo – or take a hot air balloon ride at dawn to see the savanna come alive beneath you. For the complete safari experience, stay at one of the luxury lodges or tented camps, where you can fall asleep to the distant roar of lions and wake up to giraffes grazing outside your window.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
I always tell first-time visitors to Dubrovnik to walk the ancient city walls. Rising high above the Adriatic Sea, these limestone fortifications encircle the Old Town, offering views that stretch from the red-tiled roofs to the crystal-clear waters below. As you stroll the 2-kilometer loop, you’ll pass towers and fortresses that once protected this medieval trading port, and you might even recognize spots where Game of Thrones was filmed.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
I first visited Ha Long Bay on a small wooden junk boat in 2018. Located in northern Vietnam’s Gulf of Tonkin, this UNESCO World Heritage site features over 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising from emerald waters. Local fishermen still live traditionally in floating villages scattered throughout the bay, their wooden houses bobbing gently between towering rock formations. Hidden caves and secret lagoons dot the islands, while morning mist often shrouds the peaks in an ethereal haze. The best views come at sunset from Bai Tho Mountain, where the fading light paints the limestone pillars in soft orange hues and the fishing boats below become tiny specks on the glassy surface.
Iceland
My first encounter with Iceland was during the summer solstice of 2015, when the sun never fully set below the horizon. This island nation, floating just south of the Arctic Circle, is a place where nature puts on an endless show. Black sand beaches stretch along the southern coast, while massive glaciers and active volcanoes dot the rugged interior. In the winter months, the Northern Lights dance across the dark sky, and during summer, visitors can take a midnight dip in the Blue Lagoon’s warm geothermal waters. The Ring Road that circles the island takes you past thundering waterfalls, grazing sheep, and tiny villages where locals still tell tales of elves living in the mysterious lava fields.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Of all the ancient wonders I’ve explored in Southeast Asia, nothing comes close to the magic of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This sprawling temple complex, built in the 12th century, stands as the world’s largest religious monument and tells the story of the mighty Khmer Empire through its intricate stone carvings and towering spires. Watching the sunrise paint the sky in soft pinks and oranges behind the temple’s iconic silhouette has become a bucket-list moment for travelers, but there’s so much more to discover. As you wander through the maze of corridors and courtyards, you’ll find yourself transported back in time, where every wall and pillar has a tale to tell of ancient kings and forgotten rituals.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Adventure seekers flock to Queenstown, New Zealand’s outdoor playground, where mountains meet crystal-clear lakes in the heart of the South Island. The town sits along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the Southern Alps, making it a perfect base for year-round activities like skiing, bungee jumping, and hiking. While many come for the famous winter sports at The Remarkables ski area, Queenstown’s appeal extends well beyond snow season – visitors can explore nearby wineries, take jet boat rides through narrow canyons, or simply wander the cozy downtown streets lined with cafes and shops. Whether you’re racing down mountain bike trails or taking a peaceful cruise on the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship, Queenstown offers endless ways to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty.
Marrakech, Morocco
Many travelers come to Marrakech for its famous Medina, a maze-like old city that serves as the cultural heart of Morocco, but the destination can also be considered a gateway to the Sahara Desert. The winding alleyways of the souks overflow with local artisans selling colorful textiles, spices, and handmade goods, while the central Djemaa el-Fna square comes alive at sunset with food vendors, musicians, and storytellers. Beyond the ancient walls, you’ll find peaceful gardens like Jardin Majorelle and modern neighborhoods with luxury hotels, but the traditional hammams and historic riads remain the soul of this North African city. While the springtime brings perfect weather for exploring, Marrakech offers unique experiences throughout the year, from cooking classes to desert expeditions.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Step into a world of natural wonders at Yellowstone National Park, home to half of Earth’s geothermal features. Watch Old Faithful shoot steaming water 180 feet into the air, or take in the rainbow-colored hot springs at Grand Prismatic Spring. Wildlife spotting is easy here – you might see bison roaming freely, elk grazing in meadows, or even catch a glimpse of grizzly bears in their natural habitat. For the best views, drive through Lamar Valley, known as America’s Serengeti, or hike the trails around the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to see its powerful waterfalls up close.
