60 Most Beautiful Places in the World To Add to Your Travel Bucket List
Time to double-check your passport's expiration date!
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Our planet is covered in stunning destinations—with both manmade and natural features—but there are some locations that truly stand out from the rest. Whether you're more of an outdoorsy person or you prefer to stroll paved city streets when you go on vacation, there's so much beauty in the world that you need to see firsthand. We've narrowed down our picks for the most beautiful places in the world to visit, and we think at least some of them belong at the top of your travel bucket list.
When it comes to seeing worldly wonders, photos simply don't do these places justice. If you think Jaipur, India, or Cartagena, Colombia, look gorgeous in the photos below, then just imagine what they'll look like in person. However, we're not telling you to drop everything and buy plane tickets right this minute. As with any vacation, you'll need at least some sort of itinerary, which is why we've added helpful links to make the process that much easier for you.
Even if you're not sightseeing from an interior design point-of-view, these incredible destinations will serve as amazing sources of inspiration that you just can't get anywhere else. From Lake Como, Italy, to Joshua Tree National Park to Petra, Jordan, these beautiful places feature jaw-dropping architecture and natural wonders. So renew your passport, buy some quality luggage, and get to planning your summer vacation with our list below.
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra, Portugal, is an easy day trip from Lisbon if that's your main destination. It's a beautiful resort town filled with plenty of greenery and a few picturesque palaces you can visit, such as the Moorish-style Sintra National Palace and colorful Pena National Palace, seen here.
Oshino Hakkai, Oshino, Yamanashi, Japan
Near the base of Mount Fuji lies Oshino Hakkai, a series of eight springs fed by the snowmelt flowing down. The water is clean enough to drink straight from the source, and there are a number of restaurants, food vendors, shops, and even an open-air museum around the little lakes. While you enjoy those, you can take in the gorgeous views of Mount Fuji, whether you're there in time for fall foliage or cherry blossoms.
Kuang Si Falls, Laos
Set near the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the city of Luang Prabang is picture-perfect with its golden temples. Venture the 40-minute drive to Kuang Si Falls, and you'll find yourself in the midst of a vibrant jungle. The falls consist of three tiers, each with pools for taking in the view and wading in peace.
Lapland, Finland
Take your love of stargazing to new heights by admiring the stars amid the Northern Lights in the northernmost region of Finland. In the cooler months, Lapland is blanketed with snow, so make sure you bring the right clothes to watch the lights in comfort. Seeing the neon bands in the sky is a surreal experience you can enjoy while sledding or sitting in front of your cabin.
The Pitons, St. Lucia
As the most famous landmark in St. Lucia and a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Pitons' two dormant volcanic spires—Gros Piton and Petit Piton—are wonders to behold. The majestic peaks tower over the sea and hold the history of this Caribbean island. As a sightseeing bonus, the Pitons is also a great place to visit for unique flora and fauna.
Joshua Tree National Park, USA
Joshua Tree is an outdoor lover's delight, from nature trails to glorious sunsets overlooking the desert speckled with cacti. It's an easy trip from Palm Springs to this incredible landscape. Even if you're more of a glamper, you can enjoy the painted scenery from the window of your luxury AirBnB rental or resort.
Mù Cang Chải, Vietnam
After you pick your up jaw off the ground, take in the magnificent scene of terraced mountains lined with rice paddies and streams of water in this rural region of Vietnam. Mù Cang Chải takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi (it's about six hours from the capital) and into the wavelike pattern of the mountains. It's truly a sight like no other.
Lake Como, Italy
Whether you're curious to know why this dazzling lake is a summer go-to for celebrities or hoping to spot a few in person, the beauty of Lake Como speaks for itself. Surrounded by the foothills of the Italian Alps, this Y-shaped lake often receives guests on day trips from Milan. Head here to take in views of extravagant palaces, ornate villas, and all nature has to offer. We even have a designophile's guide to help you plan your trip, from where to stay to what to eat and do.
Hallstatt, Austria
Get your cameras ready—this lakeside town is known as the "most photographed place in Europe." Spend your vacation wandering the 16th century alpine houses, exploring an ancient salt mine, or even visiting a glacier garden. You can easily get to the town by train from Vienna—it'll be a memorable excursion you won't regret.
Las Coloradas, Mexico
These pastel lagoons in Yucatán, Mexico, are what color palette dreams are made of. It's completely worth the road trip if you're staying in Tulum or Cancún. Just think of the photos you could post on your Instagram feed.
Bagan, Myanmar
The ancient city of Bagan is a Unesco World Heritage Site with plenty of sacred structures to take in and learn about. Hot-air ballooning is one of the most famous and novel ways to see it, drawing in visitors from around the globe. Floating high above ancient Buddhist temples and pagodas might be the most convincing reason to forget about your fear of heights.
Barcelona, Spain
With incredible food, sprawling beaches, world-renowned architecture, and tons of museums, Barcelona is a feast for the senses. Architecture lovers can tour the works of Antoni Gaudí, including Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. From the historic Gothic Quarter to the Picasso museum, it's a mecca for creative inspiration.
Chamarel, Mauritius
Though this East African island attracts visitors primarily with its pristine beaches, if you venture inland you'll see this brilliant geological formation that translates as "Seven Colored Earths."
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Imagine gazing out over these sweeping views with a limoncello in your hand. Now that's amore. Beautiful sights aside, you'll also get to partake in plenty of outdoor activities and cultural experiences (Pompei! Vila Jovis!), whether you go island hopping to Ischia and Capri or stay on the Amalfi Coast in Positano, Sorrento, and Naples.
Tu Le Valley, Vietnam
The rainbow of golden and green terraced rice paddies in the Tu Le Valley creates an enchanting pattern. It's surrounded by mountain ranges and a sight to see year-round, though the best time to visit is during September when the rice is ripening.
Petra, Jordan
Want to know why it's called the Rose City? Wait until you see it glowing at sunset. Unesco describes Petra as "half-built, half-carved into the rock, and surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges." As one of the world's seven wonders, it definitely deserves a top spot on your bucket list.
Saturnia, Italy
These aquamarine hot springs are a sight to see. You'll also get to enjoy sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside while soaking.
Palm Springs, California
The Southern California desert is a favorite destination among design lovers and sun chasers. Surrounded by mountains and studded by palm trees, bougainvillea, and citrus trees, the natural landscape lends itself to unforgettable sunrise hikes and sunset cocktails by the pool. There's also plenty of great shopping, dining, and other activities, like golfing and rock climbing. To round out your itinerary, check out our Palm Springs travel guide.
Pailón del Diablo, Ecuador
Known as "Devil's Cauldron" in English, this remote hiking destination in the Ecuadorian rainforest is like something out of a fairy tale.
Jaipur, India
Jaipur, Rajasthan, is full of visual inspiration everywhere you look. From this incredible structure known as Hawa Mahal to the Chad Baori (an ancient stepwell), there's so much to see and do.
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