From the Eiffel Tower to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, these destinations have something for everyone. They’re also a great choice for families or anyone looking to relax!
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a place of rare beauty. Hike along the trails (the shortest takes 3 hours, the longest up to 8 hours). Be sure to take plenty of water and wear comfortable hiking shoes!
1. Palawan Island
The Philippines’ largest island province is a paradise for beach and nature lovers. The pristine beaches and islands of Palawan have a dazzling diversity of marine life and towering limestone cliffs. This island is also home to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a world-class natural wonder.
Take a dip at the secluded Nacpan Beach, work on your tan at the white sands of Calitang Beach, or chill at Port Barton in San Vicente. The most popular travel destinations in Palawan include Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron, and Port Barton.
The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry summer season from November to May, when the beaches and tour attractions are most accessible. It is best to book your activities in advance during the peak season to avoid crowded tours.
2. Barcelona
From soccer to art and food, Barcelona has an identity all its own. Locals are fiercely proud of their city’s unique culture, which shows in the Catalonian language, impressionist architecture and a vivacious sociability.
Music fans should make a point of attending one of the city’s music festivals, which run throughout spring and summer. They offer stellar line-ups as well as the chance to snoop around spaces that are normally closed to the public, like the interior of the stunning Sagrada Fam
3. London
Global travel and tourism is a huge business, bringing in trillions of dollars annually. But which destinations attract the most visitors? That depends on a few factors, including the number of yearly arrivals.
London, England
A trip to London is a must-do for any traveler. Whether it’s to explore the famous landmarks, visit palaces or go shopping, this city has something for everyone. Known for its royalty, pubs, theater and museums, it is one of the most visited cities in the world. St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic London attraction, built by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17-18th centuries. It’s also worth a trip to Primrose Hill for a young, trendy vibe and live music venues or the Princess of Wales Conservatory to see its Palm House and its treetop walkway. Other attractions include the London Eye, Hyde Park and Tower of London.
4. Paris
Paris is a traveler’s paradise that has tons of corners to explore and experiences to enjoy. You could spend three weeks in the city and still feel like you need more time to discover its wonders.
Start with the Eiffel Tower, which is an iconic symbol of the city and a must-visit for everyone. You can also check out the Eiffel Tower at night to see it lit up.
Next, visit the Notre Dame cathedral, which is 860 years old and is a gorgeous example of Gothic architecture down to its famous gargoyles. You’ll also want to visit the Louvre, which is home to masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
Other highlights of Paris include the Palais Garnier, which is a spectacular opera house and was the inspiration for the Phantom of the Opera novel and musical. You can also check out the Moulin Rouge for a fun cabaret show.
5. Maui
Maui combines the best of the Hawaiian islands into one impossibly gorgeous package. It’s got the volcanic desert landscape of the Big Island, the emerald greens of Kauai and the restaurants and luxury resorts of Oahu — all wrapped in a sunny tropical paradise.
Beach lovers flock to Kihei for its 6 miles of sandy shoreline. Nearby Makena Cove enchants with crashing waves that create an awe-inspiring show. And visitors can watch whales in the winter from Kaanapali Beach.
The capital city of Maui, Kahului, offers a bustling shopping and dining scene. Then, the stunning Haleakala National Park reveals the mystical landscape of legend, with photo stops at a massive banyan tree, eerie bamboo forest and tiered waterfalls. Travelers can also learn about island lore at Iao Valley State Park, or at the historic whaling village of Lahaina.
6. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is an amazing waterfall destination that’s home to a diverse flora and fauna. The karst topography of the area has created the beautiful lakes and waterfalls in the park. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many hiking trails in the park, but you can also experience a unique zip line called Adrenalin Park Plitvice that takes you through the trees and over the waterfalls.
You can bring food into Plitvice Lakes National Park, but there are snack stands inside the park. The best time to visit is in the early morning so you can beat the tour groups. Then you can enjoy the waterfalls in peace and without the crowds. You can also take advantage of the early light to get some great photo opportunities. The park closes at 5pm.
7. Croatia
Travellers who love to see the world, and fulfil their wishes of visiting beautiful places, would agree with this list. This Southeast Asian country spoils travelers with gorgeous destinations that are a dream to explore and traverse. From elephant sanctuaries and national parks to the awe-inspiring beaches, this region is a real-life fairytale.
Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, famous for its postcard views and lovely weather. It has something for everyone - a paradise for newlyweds, backpackers and leisure travellers alike.
Budapest is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts. It boasts a unique blend of Roman, neo-Gothic, and Ottoman architecture. The city is also known for its thermal baths and rich cultural heritage. The most popular activity is exploring the city's many stunning churches and temples. It is a paradise for foodies as well.
8. Miami Beach
The world is a beautiful place filled with exotic locales that beckon to be explored. These destinations vary in geography, price range, and culture but they all offer something special to travelers who choose them for their next adventure.
In 2022, the top travel destinations included white sandy beaches and iconic cities, but there was one distinct trend this year: More and more travelers want to spend their hard-earned vacations outdoors. From arid deserts to lush green forests, these outdoor adventures are sure to please any traveler! Sign up for Unlocking the World to get the latest updates, inspiration and destination news. You'll also receive a weekly email newsletter featuring the best in international travel and events. No spam, just great travel tips. Sign up today!.
9. Alberta
Fiji is one of the world’s most stunning archipelagoes with pristine white beaches, crystal clear blue waters, tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic peaks. Visitors can explore the islands on hiking trails and swim next to dramatic waterfalls.
Calgary is a funky Canadian city with a booming culinary scene and some of the country’s best museums. It is also a winter destination with endless adventures such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, and ice skating. The Calgary Stampede is a must-see attraction for Calgarians and tourists alike.
South Asia spoils travelers with gorgeous destinations that are easy on the wallet. From national parks to elephant sanctuaries, the incredible affordability of traveling around India is just a bonus. Visiting this country is an absolute must!
10. Iguazu Falls
Located along the Argentina/Brazil border, Iguazu Falls are truly unforgettable. Unlike most waterfalls that are just a sight to see, here you can actually feel the power of nature and experience it up close.
There are a lot of great vantage points to view the falls from, but Iguazu is also home to some incredible walking trails and unique views like La Garganta del Diablo (the Devil’s Throat). To really appreciate this natural wonder you should book your trip well in advance as it gets pretty crowded here.
For the more adventurous travellers, a helicopter flight over the falls offers some of the best aerial views in the world. However, be prepared to pay a hefty price tag for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Alternatively, you can take a tour with Parque das Aves and learn more about the local birds while visiting the falls.
