Travel has been shown in studies to make people wiser and healthier. Ladies and gentlemen, please take a sheet of paper and a pencil. (Or, to put it another way, make a new Evernote note.) It’s finally time to make that bucket list you’ve been meaning to make:
Create a bucket list as the first item on your to-do list. Item #2: Take a trip around the world.
Concerning the second point…
To lead your expedition, you’ll need a few objective destinations. We’ve got you covered, don’t worry. If you’re planning a trip across the world, make sure to include each of these 25 incredible sites to see before you die on your schedule.
1. The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
With a length of over 1,400 miles, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest collection of coral reefs. It’s so big that it can be seen from space, and it’s one of the Natural World’s Seven Wonders.
It’s the best site to go scuba diving, with a one-of-a-kind exhibit of marine life.
2. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza, as the only one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World that is still fully intact, are well worth a visit.
The Great Pyramid of Giza, which dates back to roughly 2,560 BC, was the world’s tallest man-made monument for almost 3,800 years.
3. Stonehenge, Amesbury, England
Stonehenge is shrouded in mystery, and despite the claims of those who think it’s merely a pile of 25-ton rocks, it’s actually a stunning sight. Visit the center on a guided tour, and at sunset, marvel at the beautiful glow of the setting sun between Stonehenge’s pillars.
4. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
This huge salt flat, the world’s largest, covers 4,086 square miles. This salt flat, which was formed by multiple ancient lakes, becomes so reflective during the wet season that it is used to calibrate satellites. It’s the world’s largest mirror, and it’s a sight to behold.
5. The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Carved over thousands of years by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is a sight to behold that one simply can’t fathom without being there. The massive rock walls span over 200 miles.
6. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA
The Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a stunning sequence of cracks that you won’t believe isn’t a trick of the light until you see it for yourself.
Water carved out the fissures millions of years ago, and the way the light hits each wall causes the rocks to seem different colors, producing a stunning display.
7. Easter Island, Rapa Nui, Chile
No one knows what happened to the 887 Easter Island “moai” statues, just as no one knows what happened to Stonehenge.
Nonetheless, they provide a thrilling experience for visitors. Travelers can also partake in other Easter Island activities such as trekking and scuba diving.
8. Reed Flute Caves, China
Multicolored lights now illuminate the Reed Flute Caves, transforming the 240-meter-long cave system into a breathtaking experience.
It’s worth the trip to see these spectacular stalactite, stalagmite, and pillar formations, which have been one of China’s most popular attractions for over 1,200 years.
9. The Great Wall of China, China
His colossal, man-made barrier stretches for thousands of kilometers. Not only does the magnificent structure leave many visitors unable to believe it was built by human hands, but it also sits on a mountain ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
10. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
This area is among one of the most beautiful in the world, with crystal clear waters, lush green scenery, and stunning waterfalls.
11. Zhangye Danxia Landform, Gansu, China
This incredible collection of rock formations is one of the most amazing worldwide. The rainbow rock features were created by sandstone and mineral deposits laid down over 24 million years ago.
12. The Great Blue Hole, Belize
Off the coast of Belize, divers find a submarine sinkhole called The Great Blue Hole, where the water is 407 feet deep. It’s over 980 feet wide and can easily be seen from above.
13. Redwood National Park, California, USA
Redwood National and State Parks cover a total of 133,000 acres along California’s north coast. These parks are home to the world’s tallest tree, the redwood tree, which may reach heights of over 300 feet.
14. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone National Park stretches over three states and is home to a number of must-see attractions. You will be awestruck by this assemblage of hot springs and geysers.
The Old Faithful geyser and the Mammoth Hot Springs area are two of the park’s most popular attractions.
15. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
The famous tropical resort of Bora Bora is the poster child. This island, located in the South Pacific, is 143 miles northwest of Papeete and boasts the spectacular blue waters, white-sand beaches, and lush flora you’d expect to find in the tropics–only it’s even better.
16. Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
The Taj Mahal is a truly beautiful architectural feat. It’s a massive, white, marble-domed mausoleum constructed in the 1600s that attracts over three million visitors each year.
17. Tianzi Mountains, China
These formations, which served as inspiration for the floating mountains in the film Avatar, are more spectacular than you would imagine. The area is 16,550 acres in size, with the highest peak rising 4,140 feet above sea level.
18. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat was previously a Hindu and Buddhist temple built in the 12th century. Today, it’s an architectural wonder worth visiting.
19. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is an old Inca site that rises atop a mountain above the Sacred Valley and dates back to the 15th century. The rebuilt location provides a fascinating peek into Inca history as well as a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding surroundings.
20. Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Glacier National Park offers some of the most stunning scenes in the US. It’s full of beautiful mountains, green alpine forests, and clear lakes. There are over 700 miles of trails, making it a hiker’s paradise.
21. Pamukkale, Turkey
This area is home to natural hot springs that leave travelers in awe. Don’t end your journey without bathing in one of the remarkable natural tubs.
22. Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Zambia
Are you prepared to be wowed? When you go to Victoria Falls, you will be. This waterfall is a mile long and 354 feet tall, with a width of one mile.
This, combined with the fact that over 260,000 gallons of water go over the edge per second, makes it the world’s largest single waterfall.
23. Venice, Italy
Venice is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a unique city experience. The canals that run through the city act as roadways, providing a unique transportation option while delivering a beautiful scene.
24. Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
This area features a collection of clean, white sand dunes intertwined with crystal clear blue waters, creating the kind of picturesque beauty you’d hope for–but rarely see–on a beach.
25. Highlands, Iceland
A spectacular display of the Northern Lights should be on everyone’s bucket list, and one of the greatest spots to watch them is in Iceland’s highlands.
After viewing these magnificent locations, consider settling in one of these international locations.