20 Breathtaking Travel Destinations Around The World You Must See

Our planet is filled with countless wonders just waiting to be explored. From majestic natural sites to captivating man-made marvels, some destinations seem straight out of a fairytale. As an avid traveler, I’m on a lifelong quest to discover the most astonishing places on Earth.

In this article, I’ll highlight 20 awe-inspiring spots that should be on everyone’s bucket list. These are destinations that enthralled me with their beauty, history, culture, cuisine, and adventures. If you seek to create unforgettable travel memories, then you absolutely must visit these gems.

1. Varanasi, India

On the sacred banks of the holy River Ganges lies the eternal city of Varanasi. At dawn, emerge from narrow galis to witness the moving sight of thousands gathering for prayer as bells ring out through wisps of incense. Feel humility watching the cremation fire rituals that perpetually set the ghats aglow. Join chanting priests for evening aarti ceremonies when tiny flickering diyas are set adrift on the dark waters amidst ringing bells, singing, and smiling locals. Lose yourself wandering through colorful bazaars filled with sizzling street food and the finest Banarsi silks. Stay awhile to experience Varanasi’s mystical energy that permeates every moment.

2. Santorini, Greece

As you sail towards Santorini aboard the ferry, the sight that greets you is sublime beyond words. Whitewashed buildings with blue-domed roofs cling dramatically to towering volcanic cliffs over a sea-filled caldera. The island’s sublime sunsets, black and red sand beaches, and spectacular views make it undeniably romantic. Savor Greek delights while admiring Fira’s pastel-hued houses, explore ancient sites, or relax in Oia’s chic shops and cafes.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

With its gorgeous harbor flanked by the soaring Table Mountain, Cape Town offers visitors awesome panoramas. Take the rotating cable car ride up the mountain to admire views of Robben Island and Devil’s Peak. Take a boat to Robben Island for an emotional experience at Nelson Mandela’s prison cell. The vibrant Victoria and Albert Waterfront district tempts with boutique stores, craft markets, street musicians, and food from across the world. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales and penguins along the rugged Cape Peninsula coastline.

4. Kyoto, Japan

With over 2,000 religious shrines and temples nestled harmoniously within Japanese gardens, bamboo groves, and traditional teahouses, Kyoto takes you straight into Zen. Get lost amidst torii gates that mark the entrance into the tranquil Fushimi Inari Shrine, with thousands of flaming red gates winding through the hillside. Attend an authentic tea ceremony in the Gion district’s exquisite wooden teahouses. Stroll under cherry blossoms around medieval castles and across gracefully arching scarlet footbridges. Witness master craftsmen create ornate geisha dresses, elegant crockery, and glittering katana swords. When the glowing sunset fades into a night glittering with a million red lanterns, Kyoto casts an irresistible spell through its grace and beauty.

5. Paris, France

Paris, The City of Light, is an enthralling travel destination that should top any list. From world-renowned museums like the Louvre and iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe, to quaint cafés, dazzling markets, and charming tree-lined avenues, it’s no wonder Paris welcomes over 30 million visitors a year. Each neighborhood like trendy Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter, and vibrant Montmartre has its own flair. With towers and spires and winding cobblestone streets Paris will take your breath away. A perfect destination for art, culture, fine dining, fashion, and making unforgettable memories.

6. Petra, Jordan

The ancient Nabatean city of Petra lies hidden amidst rugged canyons in the Jordanian desert. As you enter along a narrow gorge known as the Siq, you can barely glimpse the magnificent Khazneh temple facade carved into pink sandstone cliffs. But when the walls suddenly open up, it’s an explosion of awe! Petra’s monumental rock-cut tombs, dwellings, and an amphitheater carved over 2,000 years ago will simply blow you away. As the glowing structures turn fiery red and orange bathed by the light of 1,000 candles during Petra at Night, the atmosphere becomes even more magical.

7. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Rising splendidly through Cambodian jungle canopies, Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure on Earth. As you pass through this 12th century Khmer temple complex sprawled over 400 sq km, you’ll witness architecture and stone carvings so elaborate, that it’ll simply blow your mind! The most recognizable is the breathtaking central Angkor Wat complex housing hundreds of dancing stone apsaras. Equally fascinating are the mysterious giant faces of the Bayon temple and the tree-strangled Ta Prohm remains. Wandering through these ancient sites as the red-gold sun sets slowly over lotus ponds and silhouetted temples is an experience I’ll forever hold close to my heart.

8. Venice, Italy

This enchanting city of islands truly lives up to its nickname – La Serenissima. Instead of roads, more than 150 water-filled canals thread through the vibrant historic buildings and museums. Cruise down these liquid avenues on a gondola for a quintessential Venetian experience. Lose yourself in the mazes of cobblestone alleys that open into lively plazas. As the city’s glittering lights reflect on the Grand Canal at dusk, you’ll see why Venice captures the imagination like nowhere else.

9. Machu Picchu, Peru

No trip to South America is complete without visiting the magnificent Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. After an exhilarating early morning train journey trailed by the raging Urubamba River and lush cloud forests, you arrive at the mysterious site shrouded among Andean peaks. As wisps of clouds roll through the 15th century granite architecture and llamas graze peacefully nearby, it’s easy to imagine how 600 inhabitants once lived here. Hike high up the tiers of agriculture terraces and temples set against sweeping backdrops to soak in the sublime views. Prepare to be transported into Incan history through the energy that resonates so profoundly here.

10. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Stretching vividly for over 2,300km along Australia’s northeastern coastline, the Great Barrier Reef lives up to its superlative name in grandeur. Comprising 3,000 coral reef systems and 900 island cays brimming with exotic fish and wildlife, it holds the world record for the largest living organism on Earth. Snorkeling and diving here are experiences that will redefine magical for you. Float spellbound in rainbow-bright coral gardens alongside clownfish, turtles, manta rays, sharks, starfish, giant clams, and more curiosities than you can count! Farther out at sea, sail or kayak to witness migrating humpback whales breaching majestically into the air.

11. Santorini, Greece

As you sail towards Santorini aboard the ferry, the sight that greets you is sublime beyond words. Whitewashed buildings with blue-domed roofs cling dramatically to towering volcanic cliffs over a sea-filled caldera. The island’s sublime sunsets, black and red sand beaches, and spectacular views make it undeniably romantic. Savor Greek delights while admiring Fira’s pastel-hued houses, explore ancient sites, or relax in Oia’s chic shops and cafes.

12. Havana, Cuba

In the Cuban capital Havana, it often feels like time froze six decades back into one of nostalgia, vintage cars, irresistible salsa beats, and romantic crumbling architecture. Walk along the pastel-hued Spanish colonial buildings that line the cobbled streets of enchanting Old Havana now restored to their 16th century glory. Drive along the Malecon oceanside promenade in a candy-colored 1950s convertible. Sip endless mojitos and move to live Cuban music pulsating through timeworn nightclubs. Through joyous locals and infectious rhythms, the ccodesplendor of Cuba shines through brightly despite hardships.

13. Venice, Italy

This enchanting city of islands truly lives up to its nickname – La Serenissima. Instead of roads, more than 150 water-filled canals thread through the vibrant historic buildings and museums. Cruise down these liquid avenues on a gondola for a quintessential Venetian experience. Lose yourself in the mazes of cobblestone alleys that open into lively plazas. As the city’s glittering lights reflect on the Grand Canal at dusk, you’ll see why Venice captures the imagination like nowhere else.

14. Marrakesh, Morocco

In the heart of Morocco’s desert, the medieval city of Marrakesh explodes with color and charm unlike anywhere I’ve seen. Wander past vendors selling vibrant slippers, gleaming pottery, and fragrant spices in crowded bazaars. As you listen to soul-stirring Islamic chants echo through the city, wind through narrow passageways to peaceful riad gardens filled with flowers, fountains, and orange trees. Watch storytellers and musicians regale bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square under starlit skies. Get lost in the pastel blue and pink alleyways of the old Medina quarter. Then watch rich red Marrakesh sunsets fade over distant desert dunes as you ride a camel into the Sahara on an adventure you’ll never forget.

15. Beijing, China

As China’s historical and cultural epicenter for over 800 years, Beijing delivers astonishing world heritage sites blended with futuristic cityscapes. Nothing stirs your senses like Beijing’s 7 million residents zipping along wide hutongs on three million bicycles every day! Lose yourself in the immense Forbidden City complex with its mind-boggling 9,999 rooms. Gaze in awe upon the Great Wall snaking across misty mountains. Take a relaxing boat ride across Kunming Lake to admire ancient pavilions and bridges in the sprawling Summer Palace gardens. When your feet tire, recharge by savoring authentic Peking duck and dumplings.

16. Yellowstone National Park, USA

For outdoor lovers, Yellowstone National Park is nothing short of a real-life Wonderland. From shimmering waterfalls to prismatic hot springs and erupting geysers that thrill at every turn, you’ll swear this park holds some enchanting magic. Watch powerful Old Faithful erupt on cue every 90 minutes, then spot wandering bison, and elusive grey wolves roaming freely as eagles soar high overhead. And as the sun’s golden rays glint over the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring radiating rainbow colors outwards like an intricate jewel, it will take your breath away entirely.

17. Seoul, South Korea

Dynamic Seoul fuses age-old traditions with cutting-edge trends into an exciting blend of flavors for all travelers. Dive into bustling markets and food stalls serving savory delights like kimchi and steamed buns. Experience 600 years of Korean history at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the ancient Bukchon Hanok village with beautiful tile-roofed homes. Hike up Namsan Mountain to admire sweeping city views. Then head out on Seoul’s vibrant nightlife to karaoke noraebangs, video game dens, glitzy Gangnam bars, and all-night cafés. Catch the latest Korean beauty trends, fashion, and K-Pop dance moves like the locals and you’ll soon be strutting in Seoul style!

18. Luang Prabang, Laos

Nestled amid thickly forested mountains at the sacred confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, Luang Prabang holds the essence of ancient Indochine allure. Thirty gilded wats glitter like gold under the tropical sun, where hundreds of monks in saffron robes walk barefoot with begging bowls. Quaint cafés, baguette stands, and handicraft boutiques fill old French colonial quarters alongside palm-shaded monasteries and traditional teak houses. Watch the sunset over the sleepy Mekong, then gather around countless street carts at the buzzing Night Market feasting on Laotian delicacies as another magical day draws gently to an end.

19. Cusco, Peru

Once the epicenter of the mighty Incan Empire, Cusco captivates travelers through lively indigenous culture blended with Spanish colonial heritage. Watch traditional weaving demonstrations and colorful parades showcasing everything from Andean folk dances to llamas decked out in flowers. Embark on an unforgettable trip along the Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley, past ancient ruins, soaring peaks, and steep cloud forests. Reaching the Sun Gate above the jewel that is Machu Picchu will be the crowning glory of your Peruvian adventures! Back in Cusco, stroll across intricately carved stone temples appreciating astounding architecture the Incas crafted over 600 years ago, still standing strong to tell their remarkable tales.

20. Istanbul, Turkey

Straddling two continents, Istanbul dazzles with mighty monuments and vibrant culture fusing Western and Eastern traditions. Lose yourself amidst 3000+ shops in the sprawling Grand Bazaar dating back to 1461. Follow the haunting call of the muezzin floating across from stately minarets of the blue-tiled 16th century Süleymaniye Mosque. Admire the opulent Topkapi Palace’s collection of bejeweled relics and ancient Islamic scriptures. Watch the colors shift like a kaleidoscope on your cruise along the majestic Bosphorus at dusk. As the melodious strains of the ney flute fill quaint Istanbul meyhanes, let Istanbul cast its spell over your senses.

Start Crafting Your Travel Memories Today!

Our planet brims with breathtaking destinations beyond our wildest imagination that I hope you get to experience. As a travel writer and photographer, I’m on a never-ending odyssey seeking out the most magical locations across all seven continents. I try capturing not just through my lens but also in words, sights and sounds, flavors and textures, locals’ stories – the entire essence of each wonderful place.

When planning your next vacation, consider some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations. These spots offer stunning scenery, exciting activities, and unique cultural experiences to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Captivating Natural Wonders

Nature has sculpted some breathtaking landscapes across the globe. Take in the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, complete with picturesque villages and crystal-clear lakes. New Zealand boasts distinctive geological features like glowworm caves, bubbling mud pools, and volcanic peaks. Costa Rica’s dense jungles teem with exotic wildlife while its beaches are perfect for surfing and snorkeling.

Vibrant Urban Adventures

Big cities pulse with energy and cultures from around the world. Discover Barcelona’s cosmopolitan flair coupled with quaint medieval streets and avant-garde architecture by Gaudi. Experience Tokyo’s neon-lit skyscrapers and peaceful Shinto shrines. Wander along San Francisco’s hilly lanes and admire the Golden Gate Bridge. Or lose yourself in New York City’s museums, shows, eateries, and nightlife.

Idyllic Island Getaways

Island destinations blend tranquility with tropical beauty. Bask under swaying palms in Hawaii’s sun-kissed beaches. Explore Vanuatu’s cascading waterfalls and tribal villages. Enjoy fresh seafood in Greek Islands harbourside cafes. Or try exciting water sports at Fiji’s luxury resorts.

Delights for the Senses

Immerse yourself in destinations with distinctive local flavors. India’s colorful bazaars, temples, and mouth-watering curries leave you enthralled. Italian towns serve up plates of pasta along with fine wine and opera. Mexico’s warm hospitality, tacos, tequila, and mariachi music create vibrant fiestas. From sightseeing to sounds, scents, and tastes – make your senses come alive!

Wherever you choose to visit, let your spirit of adventure guide you to create special memories. Do thorough research, make smart safety choices, respect local cultures, and tread lightly to ensure your trip leaves a positive impact. Most importantly, embrace each moment along the journey. With an open and curious mindset, you’re bound to have experiences that you will cherish forever.

I hope my photos and articles inspire you to start your travel adventures. Chart out an itinerary, apply for visas, get vaccinations, pack smartly, and set off to create lifelong memories. Where will your passport take you next? Maybe it’s time to book those flights and start crafting your very own collection of favorite spots scattered all across our marvelous planet!