What’s next on your travel list? With so many places worth traveling to, it can be difficult to narrow down the top spots to visit.
What draws us to a particular destination may be the famous tourist attractions, delicious food, and great hotels, or the bragging rights that come with checking off every continent, country, and state. there is. Whatever your motivation, we’ve rounded up 21 incredible trips with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and iconic sights you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
So what makes travel truly life-changing? The answer varies from traveler to traveler, but one thing is for certain: travel is truly life-changing. From African safaris to classic road trips, this list will inspire you to plan your next great adventure.
Italy
It seems impossible to choose the best place to visit between the historic cities of Rome, Venice, Naples and Florence, so all of Italy deserves to be on your list. Start in the Eternal City and head north through the rolling hills of Tuscany, visiting Florence and then Milan or Venice, or head south to the beautiful Amalfi Coast and the beaches of Sicily.
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new york new york
Visit the Statue of Liberty, stand on top of the Empire State Building, and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge: these are just some of the things you can only do in New York City. Whether you’re dreaming of visiting all the places you’ve seen on screen, seeing a Broadway show, or eating your way through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, New York is the place to be. It definitely deserves to be on your list.
Tokyo Japan
Japan’s bustling capital is a blend of old and new. Whatever your interests, Tokyo has something to suit your tastes: historic temples and shrines, bustling shopping streets, delicious food, and world-class theme parks and attractions.
Paris, France
From admiring the glow of the Eiffel Tower to admiring famous works of art at world-famous museums to eating delicious French pastries, there are countless reasons why Paris deserves a spot on our list. . Of course, other dreamy French destinations are also worth visiting, such as Mont Saint-Michel, Chamonix and the Riviera.
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Morocco
A unique combination of bustling medinas, intricate architecture, and cultural influences makes Morocco unlike any other place on earth. Whether you’re traveling to bustling Marrakech, a beautiful coastal city, or a remote desert town (or preferably all three), your trip to Morocco is sure to be memorable.
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Greece
From the whitewashed houses of Santorini to the party scene of Ios to the relaxed atmosphere of Milos, there’s a Greek island perfect for every type of traveler. Island hopping gives you the chance to experience even more of the country, but plan on spending a few days in Athens at the beginning or end of your trip.
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machu picchu
Seeing the historic ruins of the Inca Empire surrounded by the breathtaking Andes Mountains of Machu Picchu is an undeniably life-changing experience. Machu Picchu’s stunning citadel ruins are well worth the trip. And for some travelers, the journey, often a multi-day trek by train or on foot, is a big part of the experience. Editor’s note: Machu Picchu is currently closed due to civil unrest in Peru. For the latest news and reopening details, please visit our official website.
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african safari
Seeing majestic animals such as lions, elephants and rhinos in the wild is a dream best achieved on an African safari. South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya are the most popular safari destinations, and in these countries you can find great lodges and tour operators where you can see these creatures in their natural habitat.
Egypt
Egypt’s historical wonders, such as cruising the famous Nile River, touring the Pyramids of Giza, and visiting the ancient Valley of the Kings, make the destination completely unique (and worth putting on your travel list).
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maldives
Unlike many of the action-packed trips on this list, the Maldives is synonymous with relaxation, luxury, and romance. A stay in an overwater bungalow above the turquoise waters is the ultimate vacation that’s worth the long-haul flights and expensive accommodations.
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antarctica cruise
Want to visit all seven continents? Take a cruise across Antarctica. Several major cruise companies offer trips to Antarctica, offering stunning views of the ice and wildlife from the comfort and safety of their ships. Travelers typically fly in and out of Buenos Aires en route to Ushuaia (the departure point for most cruises). Before your road trip, we recommend spending a few days in a charming Argentine city.
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Australia
Dubbed one of the world’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see for many wildlife enthusiasts. Of course, Australia’s beautiful coastline, iconic Sydney Opera House, and furry creatures like kangaroos and koalas are also reasons to head to your destination. Fly to Sydney and spend a few days there before heading out to explore more of this vast country full of natural beauty.
galapagos islands
Home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna species, the Galapagos Islands are a must-see for nature-loving travelers. This beautiful archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is best explored on a cruise. Enjoy as many breathtaking landscapes and animals as possible during your trip.
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India
Like the other countries on this list, India has countless destinations worth exploring, but one of the most famous tourist attractions that travelers dream of seeing for themselves is the Taj Mahal . This 17th-century white marble mausoleum of his has fascinated visitors to Agra for years. Luxury travelers may consider train travel on the Maharaja Express (which also stops at the Taj Mahal) to be the ultimate experience. Travelers planning a visit to the Taj Mahal or a luxury train ride may want to fly into India’s capital, Delhi.
Petra, Jordan
The stunning ancient city of Petra is comprised of several impressive structures carved into the sandstone rock face, including the famous Al Khazneh. The city’s history dates back thousands of years, making this UNESCO World Heritage Site a must-see for history buffs.
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Himalayas
The Himalayas, which pass through India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, and Nepal, are home to some of the world’s highest peaks, which also means breathtaking mountain views. For adventurous and active travelers, climbing Mount Everest (or at least trekking to Everest Base Camp) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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American National Park Road Trip
The classic American road trip is at the center of many travelers’ lists, and for good reason. The country’s great national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, are best explored on a road trip, with stops in charming small towns and kitschy roadside attractions.
great wall of china
Spanning thousands of miles across China and dating back almost 2,000 years, the Great Wall is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can hike along parts of the city wall, and some areas are within driving distance of Beijing, making them ideal for day trips from the city.
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Easter island
Hundreds of monolithic Moai statues have attracted curious visitors to Easter Island for years. This secluded Polynesian island is worth the long journey for travelers who want to see these impressive figures while enjoying stunning coastal views.
aurora trip
Several destinations near the Arctic Circle offer a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights, including Alaska, Iceland, Canada, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. All of these locations have great viewpoints (some hotels even allow you to see the phenomenon from your bed), as well as stunning winter views. (The best time to see the lights is from late autumn to early spring.)
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Thailand and Vietnam
A trip to Southeast Asia is a must-do for any traveler, especially foodies who love street food. Although you can spend several weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be combined for an exciting trip filled with lush scenery, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Do you have some free time? Add Cambodia and a visit to the vast Angkor Wat.
