From glacial canyons and emerald lakes to cliffside villages and coral lagoons, these 20 amazing places around the world deserve a spot on every traveler’s bucket list. Use this guide to plan your next unforgettable trip.


1) Preikestolen (Preacher’s Rock), Norway

Preikestolen cliff above Lysefjord in Norway at sunrise
A 604 m cliff over Lysefjord with legendary views after a rewarding hike.

Why go: One of Norway’s most iconic hikes with jaw-dropping fjord panoramas. Tip: Start early in summer to avoid crowds and catch soft light.

2) Blue Caves, Zakynthos, Greece

Boat entering the Blue Caves of Zakynthos Island Greece
Sunlit sea caverns where the water glows electric blue.

Why go: Unreal swimming and snorkeling in luminous waters. Tip: Visit early morning for the bluest reflections.

3) Skaftafell, Iceland

Skaftafell Iceland glacier tongues and black sand plains
Glaciers, black sands, and basalt waterfalls in Vatnajökull National Park.

Why go: A compact slice of Iceland’s greatest hits. Tip: Hike to Svartifoss for the famous basalt columns.

4) Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes terraced waterfalls and emerald pools in Croatia
UNESCO-listed cascades linked by wooden boardwalks.

Why go: A fairytale network of turquoise lakes and falls. Tip: Off-season visits mean quieter trails and moody mist.

5) Jiuzhaigou National Park, China

Jiuzhaigou China crystal clear multi colored lake with forest backdrop
Mirror-clear, multicolored lakes framed by alpine forests.

Why go: Colors so vivid they look unreal. Tip: Autumn foliage amplifies the palette.

6) Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Overwater villas and coral lagoon in Bora Bora
Overwater bungalows floating above a luminous lagoon.

Why go: The world standard for romantic island escapes. Tip: Book a bungalow with direct reef access.

7) Paterswoldse Meer, Netherlands (Winter Skating)

Ice skating on frozen Paterswoldse Meer lake near Groningen Netherlands
When it freezes, locals glide across this glassy lake.

Why go: Storybook Dutch winter vibes. Tip: Check local ice safety advisories before skating.

8) Paterswoldse Meer, Netherlands (Sunset on Ice)

Silhouette of people skating at sunset on Paterswoldse Meer Netherlands
Sunset colors reflecting across a frozen mirror.

Why go: The same lake, a completely different mood. Tip: Bring a thermos—sunsets are chilly but magical.

9) The Gardens at Marqueyssac, Dordogne, France

Manicured topiary and clifftop paths at Marqueyssac Gardens France
Labyrinthine boxwood topiary above the Dordogne Valley.

Why go: Dreamlike hedges and sweeping valley views. Tip: Evening candlelit openings (été) are unforgettable.

10) Ice Canyon, Greenland

Meltwater stream carving a blue ice canyon in Greenland
Otherworldly canyons carved by meltwater in ancient ice.

Why go: Rare, surreal glacial geography. Tip: Visit with expert guides for safety and access.

11) Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver, Canada

Capilano Suspension Bridge over rainforest in Vancouver BC
Step into a temperate rainforest, 70 m above the river.

Why go: A thrilling stroll through towering evergreens. Tip: Combine with the Cliffwalk for extra adrenaline.

12) Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA

Multnomah Falls two tier waterfall with Benson Bridge Oregon
Two-tier falls framed by the classic Benson Bridge.

Why go: Pacific Northwest scenery at its finest. Tip: Arrive early for parking and misty morning light.

13) Petra, Jordan

Petra Treasury carved into rose red sandstone Jordan
An ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs.

Why go: One of the world’s great archaeological sites. Tip: Don’t miss the Monastery hike for sweeping vistas.

14) Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon), Provence, France

Verdon Gorge turquoise river cutting through limestone cliffs in Provence
Turquoise river meandering through sheer limestone walls.

Why go: Kayaking, hiking, and cliff-top drives with unreal color. Tip: The Route des Crêtes has jaw-dropping lookouts.

15) Wineglass Bay, Freycinet NP, Tasmania, Australia

Aerial of Wineglass Bay crescent beach Tasmania
Pristine crescent of white sand and clear Southern Ocean water.

Why go: One of the world’s most photogenic beaches. Tip: Hike to the lookout for the classic aerial view.

16) Ålesund, Norway

Birds eye view of Ålesund Norway art nouveau town on islands
Islands, fjords, and Art Nouveau architecture seen from Aksla.

Why go: A coastal gem rebuilt in elegant Jugendstil. Tip: Sunset from the Aksla viewpoint is spectacular.

17) Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India

Chittorgarh Fort complex on a hilltop plateau in Rajasthan India
India’s largest hill fort, alive with palaces, towers, and legends.

Why go: An epic stronghold of Rajput history. Tip: Time your visit for golden hour over the ramparts.

18) Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy

Riomaggiore Cinque Terre colorful houses stacked on cliffs Italy
Pastel houses tumbling to a tiny Ligurian harbor.

Why go: Coastal hikes with Mediterranean drama. Tip: Shoulder seasons mean quieter lanes and kinder heat.

19) Seychelles, Indian Ocean

Seychelles beach with granite boulders and turquoise water
Granite boulders, powdery beaches, and bath-warm seas.

Why go: A fantasy of island-hopping and reef life. Tip: Photograph Anse Source d’Argent in late afternoon light.

20) Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

Lucca Tuscany Italy medieval walls tree lined ramparts and towers
Cycle the tree-lined Renaissance walls and wander quiet piazzas.

Why go: Tuscan ambience without the crowds of Florence. Tip: Rent bikes to lap the city walls at golden hour.


Final Thoughts

Whether you chase Nordic cliffs, Mediterranean villages, or South Pacific lagoons, these 20 breathtaking places prove there’s always a new horizon to explore. Save this list—your next adventure starts here.