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Most Travelers Dream About These 13 Trips — Few Ever Make Them Happen
Some places leave an imprint on us, their landscapes and stories becoming a permanent part of our own. These are the destinations that shift our perspective, revealing the world in a new light, whether through ancient traditions, staggering natural beauty, or the simple rhythm of a different way of life.
They are more than just points on a map; they are experiences that resonate long after we return home, shaping our memories and inspiring future adventures. Standing in the shadow of a volcanic peak, wandering through a city that has witnessed a thousand years of history, or watching wildlife in its purest form connects us to something larger than ourselves.
It is a reminder of the planet’s immense diversity and the powerful human impulse to explore it. From serene temples to rugged coastlines, the world is filled with these transformative locations. Here are some of the most unforgettable trips you simply cannot (and should not) miss.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are a living laboratory of evolution, a place where nature’s experiments unfold in plain sight. This volcanic archipelago, located over 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, remains one of the world’s foremost destinations for wildlife viewing.
What makes it so unique is the fearlessness of its animals. Having evolved with few natural predators, the sea lions, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises are remarkably unfazed by human visitors. So it’s not uncommon for a curious sea lion pup to swim right up to you or for a blue-footed booby to perform its comical mating dance just a few feet away.
The islands famously inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, and you can see why. Each island boasts its own distinct ecosystem and species, like the flightless cormorants of Fernandina Island and the waved albatrosses of Espanola Island, the latter being the only place on Earth where they breed.
A trip here is more than a vacation; it’s a profound lesson in biology and conservation. You can explore the islands by live-aboard cruise or land-based tours, snorkeling with penguins and turtles in the clear waters, or hiking across stark lava fields.
Just know that the experience is heavily regulated to protect the fragile environment, ensuring that this incredible wildlife spectacle continues for generations to come.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan, a city that gracefully carries its legacy as the former imperial capital for over a thousand years. While Tokyo races toward the future, Kyoto moves at a more contemplative pace, its streets lined with traditional wooden machiya houses, serene temples, and meticulously raked Zen gardens.
Here, you can wander through the iconic vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, a seemingly endless pathway that snakes up a mountainside. You can also stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks create a rustling, otherworldly canopy.
The city is home to an astonishing 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf that appears to float on a tranquil pond. In the Gion district, you might even spot a geisha or maiko gliding through the narrow laneways on her way to an appointment.
Beyond the famous landmarks, Kyoto’s charm lies in its details: the delicate art of a kaiseki meal, a multi-course dinner that is as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate; the quiet ritual of a tea ceremony; or the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and fiery maple leaves in autumn.
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands are a realm of untamed beauty, where dramatic landscapes are steeped in myth and history. This sparsely populated region of northern Scotland is a tapestry of misty lochs, rugged mountains, and windswept glens that seem to echo with tales of clan warfare and ancient legends.
It’s a place to get lost, whether you’re driving the scenic North Coast 500 route, often called Scotland’s answer to Route 66, or hiking through Cairngorms National Park, the largest in the UK. The infamous Loch Ness draws visitors hoping for a glimpse of its mythical monster, but the real magic is in the moody, atmospheric scenery that surrounds it.
You can explore the dramatic valley of Glencoe, the site of a tragic 17th-century massacre, or take a ferry to the Isle of Skye, known for its strange rock formations like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. The region is also the heartland of Scotch whisky, with dozens of distilleries offering tours and tastings that warm you from the inside out.
Don’t forget to visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks, a picturesque fortress perched on an island where three lochs meet.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is an intoxicating assault on the senses, a city where vibrant colors, exotic scents, and a constant buzz of activity create an unforgettable experience. At the heart of it all is Djemaa el-Fna, the main square and open-air theater of the medina, or old city.
By day, it’s filled with snake charmers, storytellers, and henna artists. By night, it transforms into a massive outdoor food market, with dozens of stalls serving up everything from grilled meats to tagine, the air thick with the smoke of cooking fires.
Beyond the square, the medina is a labyrinthine maze of souks, or markets, where you can haggle for handcrafted leather goods, colorful babouches, intricate lanterns, and aromatic spices. Getting lost in these narrow alleyways is part of the fun.
For a moment of tranquility, you can retreat into a riad, a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard, many of which have been converted into beautiful guesthouses. Or, visit the Jardin Majorelle, a stunning botanical garden restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, its vibrant blue accents providing a cool contrast to the city’s earthy tones.
Marrakesh is also a gateway to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, offering a perfect blend of urban energy and natural adventure.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Located on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is rightfully known as the adventure capital of the world. This is the place where commercial bungee jumping was born, and the adrenaline rush is still very much alive.
You can leap from the historic Kawarau Bridge, swing through a canyon on a giant swing, or go jet boating on the Shotover River, skimming over shallow waters at breathtaking speeds. But Queenstown is not just for daredevils.
The stunning natural scenery offers plenty of activities for those who prefer their adventures a little more grounded. You can take a scenic gondola ride up Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of the town and lake, hike or bike one of the countless trails, or simply relax with a glass of local Pinot Noir at a winery in the nearby Gibbston Valley. The town itself is a vibrant hub of restaurants, bars, and shops, with a lively atmosphere year-round.
In winter, it transforms into a premier ski destination, with four world-class ski fields within easy reach. Queenstown also serves as a gateway to Fiordland National Park, home to the magnificent Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, where you can take a cruise through majestic fjords carved by glaciers, with waterfalls cascading down sheer rock faces.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in Southern Italy, where picturesque villages cling precariously to cliffs that plunge into the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a place of breathtaking beauty, where winding roads offer heart-stopping views at every turn.
Each town has its own unique character. Positano is the postcard-perfect star, with its pastel-colored houses tumbling down the hillside to a chic pebble beach. Amalfi, the coast’s namesake town, boasts a magnificent cathedral and a history as a powerful maritime republic. High above, the town of Ravello offers serene gardens and unparalleled panoramic views, having long been a haven for artists and writers.
Life here moves at a slower, more deliberate pace. Days are spent lounging on sun-drenched beaches, taking boat trips to hidden coves and the glamorous island of Capri, and exploring the narrow, flower-lined streets.
The cuisine is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients, from seafood caught that morning to lemons the size of your fist, which are used in everything from pasta dishes to the famous limoncello liqueur.
A classic way to experience the coast is to hike the Sentiero degli Dei, or “Path of the Gods,” a trail that lives up to its name with heavenly views.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is not just the capital of Iceland; it’s the gateway to a land of fire and ice, a country of otherworldly landscapes that feel like they belong on another planet.
As the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik is a city of contrasts, where colorful, quirky buildings and a vibrant arts scene are set against a backdrop of stark, volcanic beauty. You can start your exploration at Hallgrimskirkja, a striking modernist church whose design was inspired by the basalt lava columns found throughout Iceland. Its tower offers panoramic views of the city’s brightly colored rooftops and the surrounding mountains and sea.
The city is compact and walkable, with a lively downtown area filled with cool design shops, cozy cafes, and world-class restaurants serving up innovative Nordic cuisine. But the real adventure begins just outside the city limits.
Reykjavik is the perfect base for exploring the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route that includes the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, the spouting hot springs of the Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World-designated site where you can literally walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
In winter, Reykjavik becomes a prime spot for hunting the Northern Lights, a celestial dance of green, pink, and purple lights across the night sky. And no trip to Iceland is complete without a soak in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, a surreal spa experience set in a black lava field.
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. Located in Alberta, this vast expanse of wilderness is a postcard come to life, with jagged, snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife.
The park’s most iconic sights are its stunning lakes, including Lake Louise, with its ethereal blue waters set against the backdrop of the Victoria Glacier, and the equally beautiful Moraine Lake, situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. You can paddle a canoe on their calm surfaces or hike the trails that surround them for breathtaking views.
The town of Banff itself is a charming, bustling mountain resort town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. A ride up the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain provides a stunning 360-degree panorama of six mountain ranges. And wildlife viewing is a popular activity, with chances to spot grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles.
In winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding at its three major resorts: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay. For a more serene experience, you can go ice skating on a frozen lake or snowshoeing through silent, snow-laden forests.
Cusco And Machu Picchu, Peru
A journey to Cusco and Machu Picchu is a journey back in time to the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. Cusco, perched high in the Andes Mountains at an elevation of over 11,000 feet, was the historic capital of the Inca civilization.
Today, it’s a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish colonial influences, with cobblestone streets, colonial-era churches built on the foundations of Inca temples, and a lively central square, the Plaza de Armas. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s the necessary starting point for any trip to Machu Picchu, allowing you to acclimatize to the high altitude.
The real prize, of course, is Machu Picchu itself. This “Lost City of the Incas” is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a breathtaking citadel of stone terraces, temples, and palaces perched on a mountain ridge. Its exact purpose remains a mystery, but its ingenious construction and stunning location are awe-inspiring.
You can reach Machu Picchu by taking a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley or, for the more adventurous, by trekking the classic Inca Trail, a multi-day hike that follows an ancient Inca pathway. Standing at the Sun Gate and watching the morning mist clear to reveal the city below is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is a perfectly preserved ancient town on Vietnam’s central coast, a place that feels like it has been frozen in time. Once a major Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to the 19th century, its Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a charming mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles.
The town is famous for its hundreds of tailor shops, where you can get custom-made clothing, from suits to dresses, crafted in just a day or two. By day, you can wander the car-free streets, admiring the yellow-hued shophouses, crossing the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and exploring historic family chapels and pagodas. A boat ride on the Thu Bon River provides a different perspective of the town and the surrounding countryside.
But Hoi An truly comes alive at night. The Ancient Town is illuminated by thousands of colorful silk lanterns, casting a magical glow over the streets and the river. It’s a romantic and enchanting atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants or a stroll along the waterfront.
Hoi An is also renowned for its cuisine, with cooking classes being a popular activity. You can learn to make local specialties like Cao Lau, a noodle dish found only in Hoi An, and white rose dumplings.
Just a short bike ride from the town are beautiful beaches and lush rice paddies, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling streets.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city unlike any other in the United States, a cultural gumbo where French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences have simmered together for centuries to create something entirely unique.
The city’s soul is its music, which spills out from every doorway in the French Quarter and the live music clubs of Frenchmen Street. This is the birthplace of jazz, and you can feel its rhythm in the air, from the impromptu street performances to the world-renowned Preservation Hall. The architecture of the French Quarter, with its wrought-iron balconies, hidden courtyards, and vibrant colors, is a constant delight.
Beyond the tourist hub, you can explore the elegant Garden District, with its stately mansions and moss-draped oak trees, or ride a historic streetcar down St. Charles Avenue. The food is another major draw, a rich and flavorful cuisine that includes everything from beignets and chicory coffee at Cafe Du Monde to spicy crawfish boils and hearty jambalaya.
Of course, New Orleans is most famous for Mardi Gras, a hedonistic city-wide party, but its festive spirit is present year-round. And a swamp tour through the nearby bayous offers a glimpse of another side of Louisiana, with alligators gliding through the murky waters.
Serengeti, Tanzania
A safari in the Serengeti is the quintessential African wildlife experience, a chance to witness one of the greatest spectacles on Earth. This vast ecosystem in northern Tanzania is home to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel in a clockwise circle in search of fresh grazing and water.
Seeing the massive herds thundering across the plains or making a perilous river crossing, dodging crocodiles and lions, is an unforgettable sight. But even outside of the migration, the Serengeti delivers incredible wildlife viewing year-round.
The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai word “siringet,” meaning “endless plains,” and the landscape lives up to its name, with wide-open grasslands dotted with acacia trees. This is “big five” territory, where you have a good chance of spotting lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.
The park is divided into several regions, each with its own distinct character. The Seronera Valley in the central Serengeti is known for its high concentration of big cats, particularly lions and leopards. And the Grumeti River in the west is famous for its huge crocodiles.
The park offers a range of accommodation, from luxury lodges with infinity pools overlooking watering holes to mobile tented camps that move with the migration. A hot air balloon safari at sunrise offers a unique perspective, as you float silently over the plains, watching the wildlife below start its day.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a city of stunning beauty, its ancient stone walls rising dramatically from the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. The city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, a labyrinth of limestone-paved streets, baroque churches, and elegant palaces, all enclosed within its magnificent defensive walls.
Walking these walls, which stretch for over a mile, is a must-do activity, offering breathtaking views of the terracotta-roofed city on one side and the sparkling sea on the other. In recent years, Dubrovnik has gained fame as a primary filming location for King’s Landing in the popular TV series Game of Thrones, but its real history is even more fascinating.
For centuries, it was the independent Republic of Ragusa, a prosperous maritime city-state that rivaled Venice. And you can feel this proud history as you stroll down the Stradun, the city’s main thoroughfare, or explore landmarks like the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace.
Just a short ferry ride away is the lush island of Lokrum, a nature reserve with botanical gardens, a medieval monastery, and peacocks roaming freely. The city’s beaches, like the popular Banje Beach, offer a refreshing break from sightseeing.
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