The world is a beautiful place, and you already knew that. But with so many places to visit, experiences to live and cultures to learn about, it’s often difficult to make a choice that fits within the time and budget available to us.
To help you decide where to start your travels, we thought of preparing a list of the most breathtaking places to see before you die, with the essential experiences to do in each of them. This is not a static ranking or even the only options available, but only a small subjective excerpt of the infinite things to discover on Earth.
However, remember that the best surprises are often hidden in the most hidden corners and in the simplest pleasures, so don’t always look for “spectacularity” and get off the more touristy paths as soon as you have the opportunity!
Countries in Africa
Morocco
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco has it all to offer, from quaint seaside towns to snow-capped mountains and enigmatic cities in between. Its mixed heritage makes it an especially fascinating country to explore – you can see evidence of European, Berber and Arab influence on the culture just about anywhere you go. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the amazing city of Marrakesh. Don’t forget to taste the famous Moroccan cuisine while you’re there!
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a country of ancient culture, with archaeological finds dating back over 3 million years, including the 12th-century churches at Lalibela and the ruins of the ancient city of Aksum. It is the place to visit if you are a history buff. They have a wide range of historical and archaeological attractions which are too beautiful, especially Gondar castle. If you are more into natural landscapes, be sure to visit Simien Mountains National Park and Nechisar National Park – both are simply stunning and well worth spending a few days visiting.
Seychelles
Seychelles has a reputation for being one of the world ‘s most idyllic places to visit and it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking to do more than lay back and relax on the beach, there’s plenty to explore. Many of its smaller islands have been protected as national parks, showcasing the heritage and beauty of this slice of paradise. Be sure to visit the incredibly beautiful Curieuse Island and snorkel in the beautiful Sainte Anne Marine National Park.
Botswana
Botswana is a true jewel of Africa in terms of wildlife and natural terrains. As a country, it is committed to the conservation of wildlife and the environment, making it the ideal country to visit if you are interested in African wildlife. The Okavango Delta, Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Chobe National Park are just some of the places where you can go on safari. To top it off, Botswana is also famous for its beautiful watercolor style sunsets and the friendly and welcoming attitude of the locals towards the tourists.
Namibia
As one of Botswana’s neighboring countries, Namibia is equally rich in wildlife and great for an adventure through some of Africa’s incredible landscape. Etosha National Park is a must-see place as it is home to 114 mammal families and 300 bird species.
Countries in Europe
France
How can one give up on Paris? Rhetorical question and so on a trip to the French metropolis also associate the Latin Quarter, Montmartre and the Île de la Cité with a tour of the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. In France, the southern area deserves a special place: the Côte d’Azur is always chic, but it is the lavender fields of Provence and the Verdon gorges that stand out thanks to their unique shades.
Spain
Madrid and Barcelona are essential, but Spain has so much more to offer. Valencia is today a cultural center represented by the museum complex of the City of Arts and Sciences, the protagonist of the photo below. Seville and Cadiz are two Andalusian gems in which to study the Islamic past of the region; in the north Cantabria is the place to choose for a different Spanish holiday: Atlantic climate, mountain ranges and villages like Santander where you can relax.
Portugal
Still sea, even if we are talking about the ocean here. Portugal is inextricably linked to the Atlantic and to breathe its air head south of Porto (ideal place to land and a city full of things to admire, from the ceramics of the cathedrals to the bookshop that inspired the Harry Potter saga), precisely to the dunes of Aveiro. However, the Portuguese beaches are all breathtaking and very different from the Mediterranean ones: Algarve, Peniche and Sintra will allow you to take a dip between sand and massifs close to the water.
The Netherlands
You can only leave from Amsterdam to visit the Netherlands. The city on the Amstel River, the waterway that splits into the quaint canals in the centre, is filled with captivating sites. Among these are the Van Gogh museum, the Anne Frank house and the Rijksmuseum. In the rest of the country, the beauty of Thorn should be underlined, with its white houses, and the tulip fields of Keukenhof : the botanical garden of this village, easily reachable from the capital, is colored with many floral nuances in spring.
Greece
Are a thousand islands (but if you also count rocks and islets you get to six thousand) enough? In Greece it seems impossible to get bored. Choose Athens or Thessaloniki for the history, even if names like Corinth and Thebes similarly evoke events concerning the past of humanity and today they are cities with notable accommodation facilities. Among the islands, try to put aside the well-known Santorini and Mykonos to discover the volcanic shores of Milos, the white houses of Anafi and the cobalt sea of Lisso.
Countries in Asia
China
China is a very large country, known for its food and its ancient traditions. If you choose it as a destination, you cannot fail to visit its most famous places. For example Tien An Men square in the heart of Beijing, a true symbol for all of China. Another symbolic place is certainly the Forbidden City, built in the 1400s by order of the Yongle emperor and remained the beating heart of China for 500 years. Obviously, it is impossible not to mention the Great Wall. One of the most visited works in the world, with its 6700 km. Evocative outside the city of Xi’an the army of terracotta soldiers, placed to defend the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who unified China in 221 BC The soldiers number in the hundreds and are life size. Meanwhile, don’t forget to enjoy and learn about Chinese civilization. Shop in one of the many city markets, relax to the sound of streams in a traditional garden, go to a nature reserve to see a panda and enter one of the many temples. As for the cuisine, the Yellow River region is famous for its dumplings, noodles and flatbreads.
Indonesia
Known for its beaches, volcanoes and many animals that inhabit the jungle, Indonesia is a pristine place to discover. A place rich in different cultures, just think that it is inhabited by hundreds of ethnic groups, each with its own language and traditions. Among the most suggestive places to visit the city of Yogyakarta, on the island of Java. A place not to be missed to immerse yourself with the local population, taste the typical street food and visit the markets. If you want to spot the famous Komodo dragon, then you have to go to the Komodo National Park where you can also enjoy beautiful beaches. Pristine nature also in Bali which, among the countless attractions, also offers the possibility of spending time with hundreds of monkeys in the Monkey Forest. If you prefer, you can go trekking on Gungung Leuser Island, the UNESCO-listed nature reserve. Its national park preserves so many species of plants and animals that it is practically considered a complete ecosystem. Inside there are tigers, rhinos, elephants, orangutans and many other species at risk of the planet. Indonesia is most famous for its beaches and crystal clear waters which give it the appearance of a real paradise. If you love the sea and want to escape too many tourists, the island of Lanbok is located a few km from Bali. The island is inhabited by the Sasak people, a place rich in Hindu traditions and temples to visit, where you can get in touch with the local inhabitants and get to know the real Indonesia.
India
If you think of India, the unique scents of spices, tea, Buddhist monks and henna immediately come to mind. A magical and evocative place, an essential stop on any Asian tour. The first thing to see is the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a symbol of eternal love. In the state of Sikh, on the other hand, there is the Golden Temple to be visited preferably in the evening to be enchanted by the thousands of lights that illuminate and highlight it. To experience the mysticism of India, you absolutely must go to the banks of the Ganges River, where you will meet thousands of faithful who go to purify themselves every day. In addition to the capital New Delhi, famous for its traffic and chaos, the most beautiful cities to see are Udaipur, Varanasi, Jaisalem, Goa, Jaipur, Mumbai and Calcutta. For tea enthusiasts, a must visit is the Darjeeling plantation where they produce the best variety of tea in the world.
Singapore
The city-state of Singapore is among the most important economically in the world. A multi-ethnic city full of things to do, where you can discover Asian traditions and at the same time enjoy modern attractions. Singapore’s best-known spot is probably Marina Bay in the central Downtown Core district. Its symbol is the Merlion, the 9-metre statue depicting a creature that is half fish and half lion. Right in Marina Bay is the Singapore Flyer, the largest Ferris wheel in the world to see all of Singapore. 165 meters high, on the clearest days it even allows you to see as far as Batan and Bintan in Indonesia. Do not miss the Gardens by the Bay, 101 hectares of gardens stocked with various species of plants. The most famous, however, are the artificial trees with their height varying from 25 to 50 meters. To visit them all, you can take the OCBC Skywalk, which is a walkway that crosses all the gardens from above.
South American countries
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is consistently ranked as the safest country in all of Central America and the Caribbean – great news for anyone looking for a tropical paradise to escape to. Home to dozens of pristine beaches, tropical temperatures, trails to volcanoes, and waterfall-covered pools, Costa Rica is truly a slice of heaven on earth. The most common crime against tourists is theft, which can be said for almost every tourist destination in the world. So as long as you keep your member tucked away, you can rest and relax in heaven.
Panama
Fast coming on the list of safest countries in Central America, Panama has become an increasingly popular tourist destination for anyone seeking relaxation and adventure. The perfect combination of travel and vacation, Panama is filled with tropical beaches, mesmerizing nature, a boat filled with history, and the world-famous engineering marvel – the Panama Canal.
Chile
Spanning over 4,000 kilometers in length, Chile has much to offer travelers who come to its shores. Along with its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the neighboring countries of Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina are also dream destinations! The country is home to some of the driest places on earth, you can experience terrain that is literally out of this world, the Atacama Desert has been compared to the surface of Mars! But surprisingly, Chile is also tailor-made for experiencing nature, snowboarding, climbing volcanoes and posing in front of glaciers, all within the same border.
Argentina
Most people don’t realize that Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world and the second largest country in South America. Thanks to its enormous size and prime location, Argentina boasts an array of beautiful landscapes, from ice and snow to deserts and beaches. For any waterfall hunter, Iguazu Falls is a must-see, and the towns boast colorful markets and tango-filled nightclubs. It also happens to be one of the safest countries in South America and even in the top 100 safest countries in the world. So pack your swimsuits, hiking gear, and dancing shoes, and get ready for an Argentinian adventure.
Peru
If you are an adventurer who loves history, culture and archaeology, Peru must be on your travel bucket list. Peru is a veritable gold mine of ancient culture and ruins, including one of the most famous archaeological sites: Machu Picchu – the fortified Inca city hidden in the highest reaches of the Andes. And when you’re done with your ancient history lesson, head to Lima, a bustling city with a rocky coastline perfect for surfing and exploring. In Peru, crimes against foreigners are extremely rare and often involve only theft – something many travelers are aware of can happen anywhere.
Nordic countries
Denmark
Green, requiring no specific reason to enter the country. You can travel by carrying out a swab, which must be negative, at least 48 hours before departure, and on arrival at the airport you will have to take another one. Be careful because although a swab is not required before boarding, many airlines may require it. Currently all the countries of the European Union and of the Shenghen area, including Italy (with the exception of Sardinia) are in the green zone.
Finland
The Finnish Republic accepts the green pass for entry into the country, without particular reasons, starting from 26 July. The green pass obtained with the vaccine is accepted only if at least 14 days have passed since the second dose. Alternatively, the green pass obtained following a negative swab carried out in the 48 hours prior to departure is always accepted.
Norway
Norway has also cataloged the other countries in different colors, ranging from green (there is no quarantine obligation or specific reason) to dark red (quarantine in a hotel chosen by the authorities is mandatory). All colors are available in the link below). Those who come from non-green areas but have completed the vaccination cycle, and therefore obtained the green certification (the European one, or the Danish, Swedish and Norwegian national ones, are accepted) are exempt from quarantine.
Sweden
At the moment, a green pass is required to go to Sweden from an EU country, as in Italy (see above). Until 31 August 2021 access to countries outside Europe is prohibited. The only exceptions are Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland, which can freely enter Swedish territory. Also in this case, for more information, we refer you to the official website.
