Machu Picchu, Peru
It's all about the view from the top with Machu Picchu, which in itself is a historic landmark in Peru and a World Heritage site. It is renowned as the most familiar remnant of the Inca civilization but isn't the "Lost City of the Incas," as some may believe. It is high up, though, sitting in a mountainside at 7,970-feet above sea level.
The downside is that the altitude can take its toll physically. The upside is breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It's also optional to drive away to one of the other mountains and take in the view of Machu Picchu from the top.
Pamukkale, Turkey
Turkey is a country full of surprises, commonly thought of as stoic and steeped in its own history. It has stepped out of its shell with some fantastic modern architecture, showing its vibrant and colorful self. But still, its history precedes it with Pamukkale.
Known for its hot springs, the Pamukkale is a natural landmark that is 8,860-feet long, 1,970-feet long, and 525-feet high. It's visible from the cliffs on the opposite side and puts any human-made infinity pool to shame with its natural beauty. Besides the pool, there is a museum and the remnants of the Ancient Greek city of Hierapolis to explore.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Right under the shadow of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is a hub of activity with its stalls, vendors, and vibrant energy. But it is also steeped in history and hasn't evolved much since the middle ages. As such, it is also a well-loved tourist destination, with several landmarks and cultural hubs to explore.
These include Jemaa el-Fnaa, one of the best-known market squares in Africa. There are also various other Souks, as well as palaces, mosques, and the famous 12-mile-long Walls of Marrakesh. There are also various museums to visit as well as arts, crafts and local music to explore.
Oia, Greece
If you're looking for a great view, of the Aegean, along with an old-world Greek fishing town experience, then Oia is the place you want to visit. The island is steeped in history and architecture, influenced mainly by the white-painted houses typical in the Cyclades group of islands.
The cityscape is a mixture of mansions built by wealthy ship captains and the cave houses used by ship crew. There is also an iconic windmill common in postcards from the island. Meanwhile, at the epicenter is the ruin of an old castle. There are even kiosks selling various local goods, and of course, there's that view of the Aegean.
Forbidden City, China
There's something about the word forbidden that makes people want to go to a place even more. Call it curiosity, or maybe just thrill-seeking, but it's human nature to go where they're not supposed to. With that being said, the Forbidden City in Beijing hasn't been forbidden for a while, and truth be told, it probably never was.
It served as the winter home for Chinese emperors from the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century to the Qing dynasty in the 20th century. It's a prominent tourist attraction that brings an average of 14 million annually and has an estimated market value of $70 billion.
How many times have you scrolled through pictures on the internet, swearing that they can't be true? Perfect sunsets, as if taken from a movie, mountains in all the colors of the rainbow, as if they sprung out of an impressionist wildest dream... They say that art imitates life, but when you take a look at these - very, very real - places below, you might think it's the other way around.
But don't take our word for it; take a look. Or better yet, book a plane ticket and experience the thrill of plunging down Havasu Falls or swimming in Iceland's hot Blue Lagoon (surrounded by snow!) Still not impressed? How about cage diving with great white sharks in South Africa, or listening to the wind whispering through the ruins of the ancient city of Machu Picchu? Prepare to be amazed...
Zhangye National Geopark, China
Renowned for its Danxia, red cliff, and rock formations that are found in various parts of China, Zhangye National Geopark is regarded as one of the most beautiful landforms in the country. The 124-square-mile park gives patrons endless vistas of multicolored rock formations that are a sight to behold.
The rocks and cliffs are mostly sandstone and conglomerates. Thanks to mineral sediment deposits gathered over millions of years, the rocks have red, yellow, and orange tinges that cover the rocks like waves. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 and became a national park in 2012.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
It's just a theory, but when Bora Bora was created, it may have been based on a blueprint used to construct heaven. How else would you explain the existence of a group of islands surrounded by crystal clear turquoise oceans and coral reefs? All the people really needed to do was build some overwater bungalows.
That human touch adds to the impressive experience of being in this French Polynesian island cluster. There is also an extinct volcano that is at the center of the islands. Islands can also be explored via Jeep safaris, and the barrier reef and the rest of the surrounding ocean can be explored by scuba diving.
Banff National Park, Canada
The Banff National Park is best known for its lakes as one of the bluest waters you'd ever have seen. This is probably one reason why it's one of the most visited national parks in North America. It's also Canada's oldest national park, having opened in 1885 and is also large, covering 2,564-square-miles.
Other than the lakes, there are also the snow-tipped mountains. They are common thanks to the subarctic climate that results in longer than usual winters. There are bears and wolverines, river otters, and coyotes in the forested areas, and there are accommodation options both in Banff and Canmore for extended, more luxurious stays.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
First of all, "The Blue Lagoon" is just the name of an '80s film. Secondly, there are plenty of things to do in Iceland. Visiting the actual Blue Lagoon Spa is just one of those things, although it is a pretty impressive one. The water gets its blueness from the silica-rich waters that feed the lagoon.
But the beautiful hue of the water isn't the only reason to go there either. It's been proven that the water, geothermal by nature, is also good for the skin. The spa also offers psoriasis treatment using the lagoon. It's perfect for cold winters in Iceland since the water remains at a constant 102°F.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
What is there in an ice glacier? Well, don't slam it until you've seen a massive city-building size piece of it break off and drop into the ocean. It's mesmerizing and worth experiencing. The Perito Moreno Glacier, named after an explorer named Francisco Moreno, is one of the most notable attractions in the region of Argentinian Patagonia.
The glacier is an impressive 820-square-feet in size and is known as the third-largest freshwater reserve in the world. As a tourist attraction, it's an integral part of the region's economy, with tour companies running daily trips. There are also trekking tours on the ice.
Lapland, Finland
The aurora borealis, aka the northern lights, are a sight to behold. It's on the bucket list of many people and has been captivating the world for generations. The phenomenon occurs due to solar winds disturbing the magnetosphere, causing charged particles to produce the lighting effect—at least, that's the short explanation.
One of the best places to see them from is the Lapland region in Finland. If you plan to see the lights, you can book an igloo hotel room at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Since it's made of glass, the lights can be viewed through it from the comfort of a warm bed.
Krabi, Thailand
Thailand is a popular tourist destination, but if you're looking for something a little off the beaten track with a small-town feel, then give Krabi a try. With a population of just over 32,000 people, there is very little to disturb you or take up space in the city.
But that doesn't take away from the experience. From the limestone cliffs that dot the coastline and hundreds of offshore islands to access, there are sights to see and adventures to have in this Thai gem. There are also several national parks to visit and, popular activities range from snorkeling to sailing and even kayaking.
Bagan, Myanmar
Do you know what's nice? A hot air balloon ride! But what would make it even better is if there was something to see below, say, a few thousand Buddhist temples and pagodas. All of this is on offer in Bagan, an ancient and essentially unchanged city in central Myanmar.
There are roughly 2,200 temples and pagodas to explore from above and on the ground. This is from over 10,000 believe have been built between the 11th and 13th centuries. There are also various cultural sites to visit, including the Ananda Temple and Manuha Temple. The Bagan Archaeological Museum is another major attraction for tourists.
Havasu Falls, U.S.A
Havasu Falls gained a lot of attention after appearing in the music video for "Spirit," a song by Beyoncé for the 2019 "Lion King" film. Not that it wasn't already a major tourist attraction, especially since it is situated inside the Grand Canyon National Park.
It's is one of the most famous falls shooting down Havasu Creek. It has one main chute that drops up to 100 feet into plunge pools, which is part of the fun of visiting this landmark. It's a ten-mile hike to get there, though, so be prepared to stay awhile to reward your effort.
Lisbon, Portugal
Capital cities are renowned for being bustling towns of cauldrons of activity, often not ideal for tourism. But there are exceptions, and Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is one of them. The city is the ninth most visited in Europe and is considered an alpha-level global city, along with the Portuguese counterpart Porto.
This status makes it a hub of culture and economy, notably in media, arts, entertainment, and tourism. The architecture is steeped in Gothic, Roman, and Baroque structures, and it also has a host of museums to visit. It's also just fun to take in the sights while riding a streetcar.
St. Basil's Cathedral, Russia
There is a legend that after the St. Basil's Cathedral was completed in the 16th century, Tsar Ivan IV had the architect blinded so that he could never build another beauty like it again. It's neither confirmed nor denied, but he was called Ivan the Terrible, and nothing similar has been built since.
At one point, it was the tallest building in Moscow, until 1600 when the construction of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower was completed. It's a colorful building constructed in the old Russ way and has eight chapels, built around a ninth main one.
Cape Town, South Africa
Where does one start with Cape Town? It's a tourism hub at the tip of Africa and has the iconic table mountain and its cable car ride, as well as miles and miles of beaches, literally from one end to the other. It's also just a few hours away from Gansbaai, the Great White Shark capital of the world.
It's also a hub of culture and activity with nightlife, and an array of Cape Malay food stops providing a host of local dishes. It also has an iconic scenic route, most notably Chapman's Peak Drive, which offers views of local landmarks like Hout Bay, and The Sentinel Peak.
Sossusvlei, Namibia
The big question here is, why would you want to visit the desert on your vacation? Well, the Namib Desert isn't just any old sandy place, and the Sossusvlei region is home to the world's tallest dunes. Now there is something worth seeing, and there are some more attractions.
The area is a salt and clay pan surrounded by several dunes. All of the dunes are named, with Big Daddy, the largest one, rising to a height of 1,066 feet. The dunes can also be taken in from a different angle, as hot air balloon rides are possible from Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
Masada, Israel
Perched atop an isolated rock plateau in the Judean Desert, Masada is a poignant symbol of resistance and endurance. This ancient fortress, built by King Herod the Great, was the last stronghold of Jewish zealots against the Roman Empire. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing thousands of visitors captivated by its dramatic history and breathtaking views of the Dead Sea.
Visitors can ascend by foot via the challenging Snake Path or take a cable car to witness the sunrise, an experience that's both mystical and unforgettable. In this desolate yet beautiful landscape, the echoes of a brave stand from over 2,000 years ago resonate powerfully. Nearby, the chance to float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea offers a perfect counterpoint to a day of historical exploration.
Venice, Italy
The stories about Venice are common. They speak of romantic getaways with a significant other, gondola rides taking you from one end to the other, and candlelit dinners in one of many famous restaurants. The city has a history as a port city and is also renowned for its architecture and musical history.
These roots are notable in the instrumental and opera scene. For the full Venice experience, it's best to come in autumn and winter, when the tides flood the streets and those famous gondola rides are necessary. It's an official UNESCO World Heritage Site and was called the most beautiful man-built city by the New York Times.
Taj Mahal, India
Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to serve as the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal has become a modern symbol of love and devotion. The emperor himself is also buried there, and today the mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is visited by between 7 and 8 million visitors a year and is lauded as one of India's greatest examples of Muslim architecture. Plus, while you're in the area, you can also unwind at Asia's largest spa called Kaya Kalp—The Royal Spa. You can also pick up a nice carpet and pietra dura marble inlay.