There are so many amazing places around the globe to see, we couldn’t possibly include them all in just one list. But, these breathtaking destinations are definitely worth bumping to the top of your travel bucket list–whether you’re looking to relax on a beach, get off the grid or explore a new international city—these are the most breathtaking locations to consider.
Venice, Italy
If traversing the canals with a be-striped gondolier sounds unbearably touristy, stick to the sidewalks and spectacular arched bridges to get your fill of this truly unique, wildly romantic floating city.
Oia, Santorini, Greece
All of the Greek islands are undeniably beautiful, but head to the hillside town of Oia for some of the best views of the bright blue Aegean Sea.
Japan in Cherry Blossom Season
While Japan is beautiful year-round, the few weeks each spring when cherry trees across the country explode with blossoms is a particularly pretty time to visit.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
There are so many beautiful places in Italy it’s hard to pick just one—but the Amalfi Coast’s idyllic hillside towns, like Positano, bump it to the top of our must-see list.
Carlina Teteris//Getty Images
Krabi, Thailand
Located on southern Thailand’s west coast, this province’s coastline is dotted with limestone cliffs and hundreds of islands just offshore in the Andaman Sea, making it one of the world’s most popular beach vacation destinations.
Bagan, Myanmar
This ancient city in central Myanmar is made up of thousands (yes, thousands) of Buddhist temples and pagodas. One of the prettiest views is from above—we recommend going for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
Havasu Falls, Arizona
Before you can swim in these beautiful blue-green waters located near Grand Canyon National Park, you have to hike ten miles to get there. Trust us, it’s totally worth the trek.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
With 82 domes and enough room to accommodate 40,000 worshippers, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only one of the largest mosques in the world but also one of the most beautiful with a marble courtyard featuring mosaics of flowers native to the Middle East.
Lisbon, Portugal
Situated on a series of hills over the Tagus River, Portugal’s scenic capital is brimming with magnificent views, pastel-colored buildings and charming yellow streetcars.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
This remote volcanic archipelago (located about 200 miles off Brazil’s coast) is famous for pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters filled with sea turtles and dolphins.
Getty Images
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Located southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon gets its trademark color from the silica-rich waters that feed it. And it isn’t just pretty—the geothermal water is great for your skin too.
Paris, France
It’s hard not to fall in love with a city like Paris. Every arrondissement is full of postcard-worthy architecture, idyllic city parks seem to outnumber the people…and the food! Even that’s beautiful—macarons, anyone?
Isla Holbox, Mexico
Known as the perfect winter escape, Isla Holbox is situated on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. If you want an uncluttered beach and clear waters, head over and experience what many people refer to as their secret vacation spot.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the largest city in Catalonia and has over a dozen Antoni Gaudí installations scattered throughout. The most famous being Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, this city is perfect for any fan of Catalan modernism.
