While famous capitals and iconic landmarks often dominate travel bucket lists, our beautiful planet holds countless destinations that deserve your attention. From quiet mountain towns tucked away in the Alps to lesser-known islands in Southeast Asia, each place offers its own blend of culture, food, and experiences waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re dreaming of your next vacation or planning a year-long adventure, here are 21 of the world’s best destinations that combine well-known favorites with hidden gems you might not have considered yet.
Paris, France
I always tell first-time visitors to Paris to explore the charming streets of Montmartre. Perched on a hilltop in the city’s 18th arrondissement, this artistic neighborhood is home to the iconic white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica, cobblestone lanes filled with cafes, and the famous Place du Tertre where local artists still set up their easels to paint just like they did in the 1920s.
Santorini, Greece
I first visited Santorini during a summer escape in 2018, drawn to this iconic Greek island floating in the Aegean Sea. Part of the Cyclades island group, Santorini sits like a half-moon jewel, formed by one of history’s largest volcanic eruptions. White-washed buildings cascade down black volcanic cliffs, while blue-domed churches dot the landscape of Oia and Fira. The island’s west coast offers front-row seats to some of the Mediterranean’s most talked-about sunsets, where the orange sun seems to melt into the caldera’s deep blue waters. Local tavernas serve fresh catches and traditional Greek dishes, while the island’s volcanic soil produces exceptional wine, particularly the crisp Assyrtiko variety that pairs perfectly with an evening overlooking the sea.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Few places on Earth capture the imagination quite like Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city nestled high in Peru’s Andes Mountains. This 15th-century archaeological marvel sits 7,970 feet above sea level, where morning mist rolls through stone structures that have stood for over 500 years. The classic route follows the Inca Trail, a four-day trek that leads you through cloud forests and past lesser-known ruins before arriving at the iconic Sun Gate. While you can reach the site by train and bus these days, there’s something special about following the same paths the Incas used centuries ago. And once you’re there, watching the sunrise cast its first light on those precisely carved stones, you’ll understand why this place has become such a powerful symbol of human ingenuity.
Kyoto, Japan
When it comes to experiencing traditional Japanese culture, nowhere quite compares to Kyoto. This former imperial capital managed to preserve much of its historic character, with over 1,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines tucked between narrow stone streets and tranquil gardens. Walking through the Gion district, you might spot geishas hurrying between tea houses in their colorful kimonos, while the bamboo groves of Arashiyama transport you to what feels like another era entirely. It’s not a place that reveals itself quickly – you’ll want to take your time exploring the temples, participating in tea ceremonies, and wandering the peaceful neighborhoods. Those who slow down are treated to a deep dive into Japan’s rich cultural heritage and a chance to experience traditions that have endured for centuries.
Venice, Italy
Known as the “City of Canals,” Venice sits gracefully in a lagoon off Italy’s northeastern coast. Unlike any other place in the world, this city replaces roads with waterways and cars with gondolas gliding through narrow canals. Around every corner, you’ll find centuries-old palaces and churches telling stories of the city’s wealthy trading past. The main square, Piazza San Marco, fills with tourists and pigeons during the day, but walk a few streets away, and you’ll discover quiet neighborhoods where locals hang their laundry between buildings and chat from their windows. Because of Venice’s unique layout on the water, the city faces regular flooding and is slowly sinking, making it not just a place to visit, but a piece of history to experience before it changes forever.
Queenstown, New Zealand
I first visited Queenstown in 2015, drawn to this charming town nestled between Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown sits in a natural playground of peaks, valleys, and crystal-clear waters in the South Island. Small cafes and local shops line the downtown streets, while hiking trails and ski slopes beckon from the surrounding mountains. The Skyline Gondola carries visitors up Bob’s Peak, where the views spread out across the entire region, offering a perfect vantage point to watch paragliders float past against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline rushes from bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge or peaceful walks through the Queenstown Gardens, this lakeside gem delivers year-round appeal that keeps drawing travelers back.
Banff National Park, Canada
Discover the natural wonders of Banff National Park, where the Canadian Rocky Mountains create a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s turquoise lakes, like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, reflect the surrounding peaks like mirrors, making them perfect spots for canoeing or lakeside picnics. During winter, hit the slopes at one of three world-class ski resorts, or take a relaxing dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs while snow falls around you. For a unique perspective, ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you can enjoy a meal at Sky Bistro while taking in panoramic views of six mountain ranges.
Maldives
The Maldives first caught my eye back in 2015 when I visited the tiny island of Maafushi. This string of coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean is like a handful of pearls tossed onto blue silk. Each island is its own little world, ringed by white sand and crystal-clear waters that fade from turquoise to deep blue. The underwater scene here is just as lively as what’s above – schools of tropical fish dart between coral reefs while gentle manta rays glide past. Local fishermen still set out each morning in their wooden dhoni boats, though nowadays they’re just as likely to be taking tourists to secluded sandbars for picnics. From overwater bungalows to hidden beach villas, the resorts here have mastered the art of barefoot luxury, letting you step right from your room into that perfect ocean.
Petra, Jordan
No trip to Jordan is complete without exploring the ancient city of Petra. Hidden within towering sandstone cliffs, this archaeological wonder reveals intricate temples and tombs carved directly into rose-colored rock over 2,000 years ago. The Treasury, Petra’s most famous structure, greets visitors after they walk through a narrow canyon called the Siq, while hundreds of other monuments and buildings stretch across the vast desert site.
Cape Town, South Africa
Head down to Cape Town and you’ll quickly see why locals call it the Mother City. Nestled between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, this South African gem serves up a perfect mix of urban life and natural wonders. You can spend your morning hiking the iconic flat-topped mountain, check out the colorful houses in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood for lunch, and end your day watching the sunset at Camps Bay beach. Plus, just outside the city, you’ll find world-class wineries in Stellenbosch and the famous Cape Point where two oceans meet.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Many travelers come to Bora Bora for its crystal-clear lagoon and overwater bungalows, but this French Polynesian paradise offers much more than just beach lounging. The island’s iconic Mount Otemanu, rising 2,385 feet above the turquoise waters, provides excellent opportunities for hiking and photography. Below the surface, the lagoon teems with colorful fish, gentle rays, and reef sharks, making it a top spot for snorkeling and diving. While most visitors spend their days exploring the water by kayak or boat, the island’s smaller motus (islets) offer peaceful escapes where you can enjoy private picnics and watch the sunset over the South Pacific.
Interesting Fact:
While most people know Bora Bora for its crystal-clear lagoon and overwater bungalows, this South Pacific paradise was actually a US military base during World War II, with over 6,000 American troops stationed there to protect against Japanese attacks. Today, you can still spot remnants of the island’s military past, including an abandoned cannon on the island’s highest point and the remains of the original airstrip that now serves as the main road connecting Bora Bora’s villages.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Many travelers head to Reykjavik for its famous geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, but Iceland’s capital city offers much more than natural wonders. The compact downtown area puts art galleries, cozy cafes, and unique Nordic restaurants within easy walking distance of each other. Visitors can join whale watching tours from the Old Harbor, explore the eye-catching Hallgrímskirkja church, or use the city as a base for day trips along the Golden Circle route. While summer brings the midnight sun and outdoor festivals, winter offers the perfect excuse to warm up in local hot springs or catch the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Perched along the sparkly Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most photographed coastal city – and for good reason. The entire Old Town feels like you’ve stepped into a medieval storybook, with massive stone walls completely encircling beautifully preserved limestone buildings topped with orange tiles. While Game of Thrones fans flock here to see where their favorite scenes were filmed, the real magic lies in wandering the marble streets early in the morning or late in the evening, when the tour groups have departed. Thanks to its strategic location, Dubrovnik was once a wealthy maritime republic rivaling Venice, and that legacy lives on in the grand palaces, ornate churches, and charming squares scattered throughout the city. Take a cable car up Mount Srđ for sweeping views, or hop on a boat to nearby Lokrum Island to escape the crowds among gardens and peacocks.
Singapore
I first visited Singapore in 2015, stepping into what felt like the future of city living. This small island nation, nestled at the southern tip of Malaysia, packs an incredible amount of experiences into its compact size. Gardens by the Bay’s towering Supertrees dominate the skyline, while the colonial-style Raffles Hotel holds court in the bustling downtown core. The city’s hawker centers serve up some of Asia’s best street food, with locals and tourists alike queuing for plates of chili crab and chicken rice. Walking through neighborhoods like Tiong Bahru, you’ll find a perfect blend of old and new Singapore – traditional shophouses sit alongside modern cafes, while elderly residents play mahjong in the shade of newly planted rain trees.
Marrakech, Morocco
Travelers often ask me if Marrakech lives up to the hype, and I always tell them it absolutely does. The city’s ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, pulls you into a maze of bustling souks where the scent of spices fills the air and skilled artisans craft everything from intricate metalwork to handwoven carpets. At its heart lies Djemaa el-Fna square, where snake charmers, storytellers, and food vendors create an atmosphere that feels unchanged for centuries.
Bali, Indonesia
I first visited Bali in 2015, drawn to the Indonesian island’s reputation as a paradise in the South Pacific. Nestled between Java and Lombok, Bali combines lush rice terraces, white-sand beaches, and ancient temples into one compact destination. The cultural heart of the island beats strongest in Ubud, where traditional dance performances unfold nightly and local artisans craft intricate wood carvings in open-air workshops. Along the coast, surfers catch waves at spots like Uluwatu, while inland, hidden waterfalls and monkey-filled forests await exploration. The island’s beach clubs and yoga retreats have made it a favorite among digital nomads, but it’s the warm smiles of the Balinese people and their daily offerings of flower-filled baskets that give this place its true magic.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
A grand mountain range stretching across central Europe, the Swiss Alps offer a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cozy mountain culture. Rising high above charming villages like Zermatt and Grindelwald, these peaks have drawn visitors for centuries with their snow-covered slopes and green summer meadows. Here, you can hop on a scenic train ride through mountain passes, ski down world-class slopes, or simply relax in a wooden chalet with a pot of cheese fondue. The locals have mastered the art of mountain living – they built ingenious cable cars to reach the highest peaks and created a network of well-marked hiking trails that weave past grazing cows and crystal-clear alpine lakes. Thanks to excellent infrastructure and Swiss precision, even the most remote mountain huts are accessible, making it easy to experience both wilderness and comfort in a single day.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The ancient temples of Angkor Wat should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Rising majestically from the Cambodian jungle, this 12th-century religious complex spans over 400 acres and stands as the largest religious monument in the world. The main temple’s iconic spires and intricate stone carvings tell tales of Hindu mythology and the mighty Khmer Empire that built it.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, started as a Hindu temple in the 12th century before becoming a Buddhist sanctuary? The massive complex took around 30 years to build and used more stone than all the Egyptian pyramids combined – that’s roughly 5 million tons of sandstone that had to be carried from a quarry 25 miles away.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
My first encounter with the Great Barrier Reef was during a trip to Port Douglas in 2018. Stretching over 1,500 miles along Australia’s Queensland coast, the reef stands as the world’s largest living structure – visible even from space. Crystal-clear waters house more than 1,500 species of tropical fish, along with dolphins, turtles, and gentle dugongs gliding between forests of coral. The reef’s northern section, accessible from Cairns, offers the best diving spots where you can float past giant clams and watch clownfish dart through sea anemones. Local boat tours take you to spots like Flynn Reef, where even first-time snorkelers can get close to the marine life, and the experienced Quicksilver Cruises team helps make the vast ecosystem feel surprisingly approachable.
Interesting Fact:
Did you know that the Great Barrier Reef is so massive it can be seen from space and stretches over 1,500 miles along Australia’s northeastern coast? The reef is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, 4,000 varieties of mollusks, and even provides a habitat for endangered species like the dugong (sea cow) and several sea turtle species.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Perched along Italy’s southwestern coastline, the Amalfi Coast holds a special place in my travel memories. This 34-mile stretch of winding roads hugs dramatic cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea, connecting 13 colorful towns built right into the mountainside. It’s a place where local life unfolds on narrow streets lined with lemon groves, and where fishing boats bob in tiny harbors next to beaches dotted with striped umbrellas. The coastal drive isn’t for the faint of heart – those hairpin turns require serious focus – but each bend reveals another postcard-worthy view of pastel buildings cascading down to crystal-clear waters.
Torres del Paine, Chile
Torres del Paine stands out as one of South America’s most remarkable national parks, where granite peaks punch through clouds and glaciers carve their way through ancient valleys. This Chilean wilderness draws hikers from across the globe to tackle the famous “W” trek – a 5-day journey that winds past turquoise lakes, through golden grasslands, and beneath towering mountains that seem to scrape the sky. It’s not your typical walk in the park – you’ll need proper gear and some hiking experience – but the reward is worth every step. Those who make the journey find themselves in a landscape that feels almost prehistoric, where wild guanacos roam freely and condors soar overhead on thermal winds.
