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The top best places in the world

Explore the best places our world has to offer. From world wonders, famous national parks, must-do hikes, impressive cities to the world's best-known festivals. Set your preferences to slim down the list.
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Greece - attraction - Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum [Greece]

Trace the evolution of ancient Athens through original artifacts, open architectural spaces, and direct sightlines to the Acropolis itself.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €10 to €20 [theacropolismuseum.gr]
Greece - unique site - Acropolis of Athens

Acropolis of Athens [Greece]

Ascend the rocky plateau to encounter iconic temples and sweeping vistas, where the city’s ancient and modern layers converge in one glance.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €30 to €60 [thisisathens.org]

AfrikaBurn [South Africa]

Build a temporary town on the stony Karoo plain, ride between lit sculptures after dark, and watch the Clan and Temple burn.
Organized yearly: in April - May
Daily cost: US$110 to 150 [southafrica.net]
Duration: 7 days
Kyrgyzstan - national park - Ala Archa National Park

Ala Archa National Park [Kyrgyzstan]

Hike a glacier-fed valley reachable from Bishkek in about an hour, with trails climbing past waterfalls to high camps below 4,800-meter peaks.
Best time to go: May - October
Daily cost: USD30 to 70
Spain - unique site - Alhambra

Alhambra [Spain]

Trace the legacy of Granada’s rulers by moving from ornate halls to tranquil gardens, each space revealing a different layer of history.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €35 to €60 [spain.info]
Italy - hike - Alta Via 1

Alta Via 1 [Italy]

Move from alpine lakes to rocky passes, staying in rifugi and witnessing the region’s shifting light and dramatic geology.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 10 to 12 days
Distance: 150 kilometers
Peru - national park - Amazon Rainforest

Amazon Rainforest [Peru]

Board slow boats from Iquitos to reach flooded lagoons, rope bridges at treetop height, and night walks lit by caiman eyeshine.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: US$78 [peru.travel]
Brazil - attraction - Amazon Theatre

Amazon Theatre [Brazil]

Tour a working opera house in Manaus, then return for an evening concert to hear the acoustics beneath the painted Eiffel Tower ceiling.
Best time to go: May - November
Daily cost: US$21 to 58 [machupicchu.org]

Ambergris Caye [Belize]

Board a short boat ride to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, then return to calm pier shallows and sunrise walks along an east-facing shore.
Best time to go: November - April
Netherlands - city - Amsterdam

Amsterdam [The Netherlands]

Book museum slots and beds early, then spend free hours in Vondelpark, the Albert Cuyp Market and on the free ferry to EYE.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: USD 100 to 160

Amsterdam Dance Event [The Netherlands]

Pick between industry talks by day and club, warehouse and boat events by night, with plenty of free or low-cost options across Amsterdam.
Organized yearly: in October
Daily cost: €120 to € 220
Venezuela - unique site - Angel Falls

Angel Falls [Venezuela]

Fly over the flat-topped tepuis into Canaima, then ride a motorized canoe upriver and climb to Mirador Laime for a face-on look at the 979-meter drop.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: US$140 to 255
Cambodia - unique site - Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat [Cambodia]

Witness intricate stone carvings and shifting light as you move through galleries and courtyards that reveal the scale of Khmer ambition.
Best time to go: November - March
Daily cost: USD40 to 70 [tourismcambodia.org]
Nepal - hike - Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit [Nepal]

Traverse deep gorges, arid plateaus, and high passes, encountering a mix of cultures and scenery that shifts with every stage of the journey.
Best time to go: February - May, September - November
Duration: 12 to 21 days
Distance: 160 to 230 kilometers
Netherlands - attraction - Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House [The Netherlands]

Climb the steep stairs behind the movable bookcase and stand in the cramped rooms where eight people lived in silence for two years.
Best time to go: March - May, September - December
Daily cost: USD 100 to 165 [annefrank.org]

Anse de Grande Saline [Saint Barthélemy]

Walk a wide, undeveloped bay beside former salt flats, then follow the short headland path over to the neighboring beach at Gouverneur.
Best time to go: October - May

Anse Dufour [Martinique]

Slip into calm water at first light to watch turtles graze seagrass beside painted wooden fishing boats pulled up on the sand.
Best time to go: November - April

Anse Lazio [Seychelles]

Arrive early to swim clear water and snorkel the northern boulders before lunch at open-air grills just behind the sand.
Best time to go: April - November

Anse Mamin [St. Lucia]

Swim in a small dark-sand cove, then ride shaded hillside tracks or follow the headland path over to the neighboring bay.
Best time to go: November - May

Anse Vata [New Caledonia]

Swim the calm lagoon, watch kites cross the trade winds, then stroll the paved shoreline to the aquarium or catch the sunset with locals.
Best time to go: March - November
New Zealand - national park - Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park [New Zealand]

Cross three swing bridges to a glacial lake with floating icebergs, then climb to viewpoints facing the Tasman Glacier and Aoraki.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$95 to 130 [doc.govt.nz]
United States - national park - Arches National Park

Arches National Park [the USA]

Walk short trails to freestanding spans and paired windows, then climb slickrock to an arch framing distant snowy peaks.
Best time to go: March - May, September - November
Daily cost: US$95 [nps.gov]
United States - attraction - Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago [the USA]

Move from Hopper's late-night diner to Monet's haystacks, then cross the Nichols Bridgeway toward the park once your eyes need a rest.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: US$92 to 156 [artic.edu]
Greece - city - Athens

Athens [Greece]

Navigate dense neighborhoods where ancient relics meet modern grit, discovering archaeological sites, lively markets, and a layered cityscape shaped by history and daily life.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: €40 to €60 [numbeo.com]

Ati-Atihan Festival [Philippines]

Move with the beat as Kalibo’s participants, painted in soot, dance through the streets in a rhythmic homage to indigenous roots.
Organized yearly: in January
Daily cost: €30 to €90
Duration: 9 days

Auckland Lantern Festival [New Zealand]

Follow glowing paths through a hilltop park after dark, passing giant zodiac figures, drum-led lion dances and food stalls run by Asian communities.
Organized yearly: in February
Daily cost: US$51 to 125
Duration: 4 days
Poland - attraction - Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum

Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum [Poland]

Reflect on the realities of twentieth-century history while walking through original camp structures and thoughtfully curated exhibitions.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: USD20 to 40 [auschwitz.org]

Bacuit Bay [Philippines]

Paddle or boat between dramatic rock formations and small islands, with clear water and endless options for exploration.
Best time to go: November - May
Myanmar - unique site - Bagan Temples

Bagan Temples [Myanmar]

Cycle dusty tracks at dawn to witness thousands of brick monuments scattered across the plains, each revealing centuries of Buddhist devotion and artistry.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: USD20 to 50 [myanmar.travel]

Baisakhi [India]

Join farmers in Punjab as they mark the harvest with communal meals, temple visits, and energetic folk dancing.
Organized yearly: in April
Daily cost: USD27 to 87 [incredibleindia.org]
Duration: 1 day
Montenegro - hike - Balkan Trail

Balkan Trail [Albania and Montenegro]

Traverse a multi-day path linking mountain communities, passing through high pastures and experiencing the region’s changing landscapes and cultures.
Best time to go: April - June, September - October
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 75 kilometers

Balos Lagoon [Greece]

Reach a remote lagoon where shallow waters shift in color, and the landscape feels untouched except for the occasional wandering goat.
Best time to go: April - October
Canada - national park - Banff National Park

Banff National Park [Canada]

Walk from glacier-fed lakes to limestone canyon catwalks, then ride the gondola on Sulphur Mountain for views over six mountain ranges.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: US$150 [parks.canada.ca]
Thailand - city - Bangkok

Bangkok [Thailand]

Navigate a city of contrasts, from bustling markets and hidden waterways to high-rise vantage points above the skyline.
Best time to go: October - March
Daily cost: USD15 to 30
Spain - city - Barcelona

Barcelona [Spain]

Experience a city where Gaudí’s designs, city beaches, and bustling food halls create a distinct rhythm between sea and street.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €50 to €80 [numbeo.com]

Bastille Day [France]

Join crowds gathering for parades and nighttime displays, as public spaces fill with music, celebration, and a sense of shared French identity.
Organized yearly: in July
Daily cost: €50 to €120 [france.fr]
Duration: 1 day
China - city - Beijing

Beijing [China]

Navigate a city where ancient dynastic sites meet modern government, with daily life unfolding in narrow lanes and sprawling urban districts.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: USD25 to 45 [english.visitbeijing.com.cn]

Belle Mare [Mauritius]

Walk the long public strip at dawn as the sun rises out of the sea, then picnic under the casuarinas on fried snacks.
Best time to go: May - December
Germany - city - Berlin

Berlin [Germany]

Move between neighborhoods marked by history, sample diverse food scenes, and explore a city where past and present constantly intersect.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €50 to €75 [numbeo.com]

Berlin Pride [Germany]

Celebrate diversity with colorful processions, parties, and advocacy events that transform Berlin’s streets into a space for visibility.
Organized yearly: in June
Daily cost: €70 to €140 [numbeo.com]
Duration: 10 days
Germany - attraction - Berlin Zoological Garden

Berlin Zoological Garden [Germany]

See one of Europe’s oldest zoos, where diverse animal habitats and conservation efforts unfold in the heart of Berlin.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €16 to €25 [berlin.de]
Türkiye - unique site - Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque [Türkiye]

Step inside a living place of worship where blue-hued ceramics and filtered light shape a contemplative, ever-active spiritual space.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €18 to €45 [goturkiye.com]
Russia - attraction - Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre [Russia]

Attend a performance in a venue where acoustics, ornate interiors, and a storied repertoire create a distinct cultural experience.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: €30 to €500 [bolshoi.ru]

Bondi Beach [Australia]

Swim between the flags, try a two-hour surf lesson, then follow the sandstone cliff path south past a string of small bays.
Best time to go: September - May
Italy - attraction - Borghese Gallery

Borghese Gallery [Italy]

Wander through intimate rooms filled with dynamic sculptures and paintings, then step outside to landscaped parkland ideal for a midday break.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: €16 to €20
Indonesia - unique site - Borobudur

Borobudur [Indonesia]

Climb the terraces of this ninth-century Buddhist monument, tracing relief panels and bell-shaped stupas while volcanic peaks emerge from the morning haze.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: USD30 to 60

Boryeong Mud Festival [South Korea]

Dive into mud-based activities along the coast, where travelers mix with locals in playful competitions and open-air concerts.
Organized yearly: in July
Daily cost: €55 to €95 [english.visitkorea.or.kr]
Duration: 10 days
United Kingdom - attraction - British Museum

British Museum [the UK]

Wander through galleries that reveal the complexity of human history, from Egyptian relics to world-spanning cultural treasures.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: €0 to €22
Indonesia - national park - Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park [Indonesia]

Cross the Tengger caldera sand floor before dawn to reach Bromo's smoking rim, or commit to the multi-day climb of Java's highest peak.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: USD25 to 50
United States - attraction - Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo [the USA]

Pick a few zones across 265 acres, from a rainforest gorilla habitat and swimming tigers to lemurs in dim, humid rooms.
Best time to go: March - June, September - December
Daily cost: US$92 to 147 [bronxzoo.com]
Belgium - city - Bruges

Bruges [Belgium]

Wander cobbled lanes, cross arched bridges, and discover quiet courtyards that reveal Bruges’ preserved cityscape beyond the main squares.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €50 to €85 [visitbruges.be]
United States - national park - Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park [the USA]

Drop below the rim through narrow slots and spires, where Douglas firs lean toward the light and the crowds thin fast.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: US$100 to 255 [nps.gov]
Hungary - city - Budapest

Budapest [Hungary]

Cross iconic bridges, soak in historic baths, and explore nightlife in a capital where grand architecture meets everyday local scenes.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €25 to €50 [numbeo.com]
Argentina - city - Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires [Argentina]

Walk from Plaza de Mayo to the mausoleum lanes of Recoleta, then browse San Telmo’s Sunday stalls and tour the grand Teatro Colón.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$37 to 66
Austria - attraction - Burgtheater

Burgtheater [Austria]

Attend a German-language performance or join a backstage tour to experience the traditions and architecture of Austria’s national theater.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €7.50 to €64 [burgtheater.at]

Burning Man [the USA]

Ride a bike across a dry lakebed to far-flung sculptures, hop on a mobile dance floor, and watch the wooden Man burn.
Organized yearly: in August - September
Daily cost: US$155 to 295 [burningman.org]
Duration: 9 days
Uganda - national park - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park [Uganda]

Climb wet, vine-tangled slopes to spend an hour with a gorilla family, then fill spare days with birds and forest monkeys.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: US$758
United Kingdom - national park - Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park [the UK]

Traverse pinewoods alive with wildlife, climb granite peaks above the clouds, and spot herds of reindeer grazing on high tundra.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: USD40 to 80 [visitscotland.com]
Egypt - city - Cairo

Cairo [Egypt]

Work through medieval lanes, mosque courtyards and a hilltop fortress, then finish among metalworkers and spice sellers in the old bazaar.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$43

Calgary Stampede [Canada]

Watch bull riding and chuckwagon racing in the grandstand, then visit the Treaty 7 tipi camp, ride the midway and queue for downtown pancakes.
Organized yearly: in July
Daily cost: US$113 to 228
Duration: 10 days
Spain - hike - Camino de Santiago

Camino de Santiago [Spain]

Follow centuries-old paths through varied countryside, passing through small towns and fields on a journey shaped by tradition and camaraderie.
Best time to go: April - July, September - October
Duration: 30 to 35 days
Distance: 780 kilometers

Camps Bay [South Africa]

Watch the sun drop into the Atlantic from wide, raked sand below the Twelve Apostles, then walk the palm-lined Victoria Road after dark.
Best time to go: September - April
Venezuela - national park - Canaima National Park

Canaima National Park [Venezuela]

Fly into a roadless corner of Bolívar, then travel upriver by boat to see water fall 979 meters from Auyán-tepui.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: US$190 to 450

Canggu Beach [Indonesia]

Rent a board for a first lesson on mellow rolling waves, then settle into a beachfront bar as the dark sand cools.
Best time to go: March - October

Cannes Film Festival [France]

Observe the film industry converge on the Riviera, where exclusive screenings and high-profile events draw global attention and limited public access.
Organized yearly: in May
Daily cost: €80 to €150 [numbeo.com]
Duration: 12 days
South Africa - city - Cape Town

Cape Town [South Africa]

Climb Platteklip Gorge or ride the cable car, then take the ferry to Mandela’s cell and finish among the penguins at Boulders.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$55 to 70
United Kingdom - hike - Cape Wrath Trail

Cape Wrath Trail [the UK]

Navigate untamed Scottish landscapes where navigation skills, solitude, and self-sufficiency are essential for crossing rugged, unmarked ground.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 10 to 14 days
Distance: 200 kilometers

Carnevale di Ivrea [Italy]

Witness a unique orange-throwing spectacle, where locals in historic dress reenact a centuries-old rebellion through a dramatic street battle.
Organized yearly: in February
Daily cost: €30 to €80 [italia.it]
Duration: 5 days

Carnevale di Viareggio [Italy]

Watch elaborate floats parade along the coast, with satirical designs and lively crowds transforming the waterfront into a moving gallery.
Organized yearly: in February
Daily cost: €50 to €120 [turismo.intoscana.it]
Duration: 10 days

Carnival of Barranquilla [Colombia]

Follow four days of parades on Vía 40, from flower-strewn floats and folk dance troupes to the Tuesday burial of Joselito.
Organized yearly: in February
Daily cost: US$60 to 177 [colombia.travel]
Duration: 4 days

Carnival of Rio de Janeiro [Brazil]

Follow the drums from Centro to Ipanema, mixing free street blocos with an all-night Sambadrome parade and rehearsals in the samba schools’ home communities.
Organized yearly: in February
Daily cost: US$125
Duration: 5 days
Colombia - city - Cartagena

Cartagena [Colombia]

Walk 17th-century walls at sunset, explore fortress tunnels, and eat street food on Getsemaní’s lively Plaza de la Trinidad.
Best time to go: November - May
Daily cost: US$55 to 65 [colombia.travel]
United States - attraction - Cedar Point

Cedar Point [the USA]

Ride the 300-foot Millennium Force and the hybrid Steel Vengeance early, then cool off on the lake sand or in the neighboring water park.
Best time to go: May - October
Daily cost: US$175 to 305
France - attraction - Centre Pompidou

Centre Pompidou [France]

Navigate a building where escalators cross the façade, galleries showcase contemporary works, and city panoramas reward those who reach the top.
Best time to go: January - June, September - November
Daily cost: €15 to €20 [centrepompidou.fr]
Brazil - national park - Chapada Diamantina National Park

Chapada Diamantina National Park [Brazil]

Trek the Vale do Pati over several days, swim in the light-filled Poço Azul cave, and reach the cliff edge above Cachoeira da Fumaça.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: US$65

Chaweng Beach [Thailand]

Swim in shallow turquoise water by day, then experience a dense cluster of bars, restaurants, and shops that stay active well into the night.
Best time to go: November - April
United Kingdom - attraction - Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo [the UK]

Observe animals in carefully designed environments while following winding paths that highlight global biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: USD30 to 40 [chesterzoo.org]
United States - city - Chicago

Chicago [the USA]

Float down the Chicago River for a lesson in skyscraper design, then walk to the Bean and the Art Institute’s Hopper and Seurat.
Best time to go: April - November
Daily cost: US$110 to 150
Mexico - unique site - Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá [Mexico]

Clap at the foot of the Kukulkan pyramid to hear the chirp, then walk to the ball court, the Caracol and the Sacred Cenote.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: US$64 to 125 [inah.gob.mx]

Chinese New Year [Malaysia]

Feel the city transform with fireworks, temple visits, and family gatherings that fill homes with festive energy and symbolic dishes.
Organized yearly: in January - February
Daily cost: USD35 to 70
Duration: 15 days
Nepal - national park - Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park [Nepal]

Ride through tall elephant grass and forest, encountering rhinos and crocodiles, then visit indigenous communities along the park’s edge.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: USD50 to 90 [tourism.gov.np]
Botswana - national park - Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park [Botswana]

Board a shared boat from Kasane to float beside drinking herds, then head inland to the sandy, quieter plains around Savuti.
Best time to go: May - October
Daily cost: US$125 to 150
Brazil - unique site - Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer [Brazil]

Ride the 1884 rack railway through Atlantic forest to a 30-meter statue and a platform overlooking Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf and the lagoon.
Best time to go: April - November
Daily cost: US$50 to 94

Christmas Markets [Germany]

Browse handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats in illuminated town squares, surrounded by the scents and sounds of winter festivities.
Organized yearly: in October - December
Daily cost: €70 to €120 [germany.travel]
Duration: 24 days

Chuseok [South Korea]

Experience Korea’s major holiday through traditional meals, ceremonial rituals, and a rare glimpse of local customs in homes and villages.
Organized yearly: in September
Daily cost: USD35 to 90 [english.visitkorea.or.kr]
Duration: 3 days

Clearwater Beach [the USA]

Wade the calm, shallow Gulf over fine white sand, then join the nightly sunset gathering at the 1,080-foot pier.
Best time to go: September - May
Ireland - unique site - Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher [Ireland]

Stand at the edge of Ireland’s western coast and watch seabirds wheel above dramatic rock faces carved by centuries of relentless ocean weather.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: €20 to €60 [cliffsofmoher.ie]

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival [the USA]

Dance under palm trees and mountain silhouettes, climb oversized sculptures, and ride the Ferris wheel at sunset across two spring weekends.
Organized yearly: in April
Daily cost: US$650 to 1,210
Duration: 3 days
Italy - unique site - Colosseum

Colosseum [Italy]

Stand beneath towering arches and imagine the roar of crowds, as the scale and design of ancient Rome’s arena come into sharp focus.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €40 to €70 [coopculture.it]
France - attraction - Comédie-Française

Comédie-Française [France]

Attend a performance in a historic venue where tradition, language, and stagecraft define the experience for theater enthusiasts.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: €10 to €40 [comedie-francaise.fr]
Denmark - city - Copenhagen

Copenhagen [Denmark]

Navigate a capital defined by its bike culture, innovative architecture, and neighborhoods that blend royal history with cutting-edge creativity.
Best time to go: March - October, December
Daily cost: €60 to €100
Mexico - national park - Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon [Mexico]

Ride the Chepe line across bridges and tunnels, then stop at the rim, the pine plateau around Creel or the warm canyon floor.
Best time to go: November - April
Daily cost: US$60 to 122 [gob.mx]
Peru - city - Cusco

Cusco [Peru]

Trace twelve-angled stones along Hatunrumiyoc, climb to Sacsayhuamán’s giant walls, and spend afternoons among San Blas’s whitewashed lanes and artisan studios.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: US$25 to 49 [peru.travel]
Ethiopia - unique site - Danakil Depression

Danakil Depression [Ethiopia]

Cross black lava fields to a crater rim with a glowing lava lake, then watch Afar workers cut salt slabs by hand.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: US$311 to 508
India - city - Delhi

Delhi [India]

Navigate layered neighborhoods, taste diverse cuisines, and explore relics from empires that shaped the capital.
Best time to go: September - March
Daily cost: USD15 to 30 [incredibleindia.org]
United States - national park - Denali National Park

Denali National Park [the USA]

Ride the lone park road deep into tundra, hop off where grizzlies and caribou appear, and wait for the high peak to clear.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: US$115 to 150 [nps.gov]
Iceland - unique site - Dettifoss

Dettifoss [Iceland]

Stand at the edge of a thunderous waterfall and feel the ground tremble as glacial waters plunge into a dramatic ravine.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: €30 to €70 [visiticeland.com]

Día de los Difuntos [Ecuador]

Share the warm purple drink and bread dolls of November 2, and watch families tend graves in Quito and Cuenca cemeteries.
Organized yearly: in November
Daily cost: US$25 to 58 [ecuador.travel]
Duration: 2 days

Día de los Muertos [Mexico]

Visit family altars and graveside night vigils, then follow costumed neighborhood parades through Oaxaca and the processions of Mexico City, tasting sweet bread and atole along the way.
Organized yearly: in October - November
Daily cost: US$75 to 110
Duration: 3 days

Día de los Reyes Magos [Spain]

Witness the arrival of the Three Kings with processions, gift-giving, and traditional pastries marking Spain’s main winter celebration for families.
Organized yearly: in January
Daily cost: €50 to €110 [spain.info]
Duration: 1 day

Diani Beach [Kenya]

Walk a long, flat sweep of sand, learn to kitesurf in waist-deep water, then take a boat from Shimoni to the coral gardens of Kisite-Mpunguti.
Best time to go: June - October, December - February
Ireland - hike - Dingle Way

Dingle Way [Ireland]

Circle the Dingle Peninsula on foot, experiencing shifting seascapes, traditional culture, and the rhythm of rural life along the Atlantic edge.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 7 to 9 days
Distance: 179 kilometers
United States - attraction - Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom [the USA]

Bounce across a recreated savanna at opening, ride a banshee over floating mountains, then slow down on shaded gorilla and tiger trails.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$229 to 399 [disneyworld.disney.go.com]
France - attraction - Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris [France]

Experience immersive lands, meet iconic figures, and navigate attractions designed for families and fans of animated worlds.
Best time to go: March, May - June, September - November
Daily cost: €60 to €120
United States - attraction - Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park [the USA]

Work through story-driven rides like Pirates and Haunted Mansion, then finish with a water-screen show and fireworks on the river.
Best time to go: January - May, September - November
Daily cost: US$199 to 361 [disneyland.disney.go.com]

Diwali [India]

Walk through neighborhoods lit by thousands of diyas, share sweets with locals, and watch fireworks light up the night.
Organized yearly: in October - November
Daily cost: USD20 to 50 [incredibleindia.org]
Duration: 5 days
Qatar - city - Doha

Doha [Qatar]

Navigate a city where modern architecture meets curated art spaces, with neighborhoods shifting from business districts to cultural enclaves in minutes.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: USD50 to 90 [visitqatar.qa]
Israel - unique site - Dome of the Rock

Dome of the Rock [Israel]

Stand at the heart of Jerusalem’s spiritual crossroads, where intricate mosaics and centuries-old rituals define a place of layered devotion.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: USD40 to 70 [israel.travel]
Palestine - unique site - Dome of the Rock (Qubbat aṣ-Ṣaḵra)

Dome of the Rock (Qubbat aṣ-Ṣaḵra) [Palestine]

Stand on the Temple Mount and take in intricate tilework, geometric patterns, and the spiritual gravity of a site central to three faiths.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: USD20 to 50
South Africa - hike - Drakensberg

Drakensberg [South Africa]

Climb two steel ladders onto the Amphitheatre plateau, then cross a shallow stream to the lip where Tugela Falls drops 948 meters.
Best time to go: March - May, October - November
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 13 kilometers
United Arab Emirates - city - Dubai

Dubai [UAE]

Navigate a metropolis defined by dramatic contrasts, from glass towers and luxury malls to old souks and vast stretches of sand.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: USD50 to 100 [visitdubai.com]
United Arab Emirates - attraction - Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo [UAE]

Walk beneath a massive suspended tank and encounter diverse marine life, including sharks and rays, in immersive underwater environments.
Best time to go: June - August, October - April
Daily cost: €50 to €100 [thedubaiaquarium.com]
Ireland - city - Dublin

Dublin [Ireland]

Trace the city’s literary legacy through bookshops and pubs, then relax in green spaces surrounded by Georgian architecture and busy streets.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: €50 to €80 [numbeo.com]

Eagle Beach [Aruba]

Lie on a broad, clean shore beneath wind-bent trees, with roped-off turtle nests and a bird sanctuary a short walk inland.
Best time to go: all year round

Easter Island [Chile]

Rent a car or scooter to reach carved statues on the slopes of Rano Raraku, restored platforms facing the sea and a crater-rim village.
Best time to go: all year round
United Kingdom - city - Edinburgh

Edinburgh [the UK]

Climb steep streets between medieval closes and Georgian avenues, then pause for sweeping views and a calendar packed with cultural events.
Best time to go: March - October, December
Daily cost: USD50 to 90 [visitbritain.com]
Netherlands - attraction - Efteling

Efteling [The Netherlands]

Spend a day moving between a storybook forest and big rides, from the Python loops to the drop of Baron 1898.
Best time to go: April - October, December
Daily cost: USD75 to 130 [efteling.com]
Egypt - attraction - Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum [Egypt]

Seek out the Narmer Palette, Rahotep and Nofret, and the elongated Amarna faces in a crowded, old-fashioned building where the side galleries stay quiet.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: US$28 to 43

Eid al-Fitr [Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Pakistan, Qatar and UAE]

Experience citywide celebrations as communities mark the end of Ramadan with shared meals, gifts, and a spirit of generosity.
Organized yearly: in March - May
Daily cost: USD70 to 150 [visitdubai.com]
Duration: 3 days
France - unique site - Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower [France]

Ascend a landmark structure for sweeping city views and a close look at 19th-century engineering.
Best time to go: March - June, September - December
Daily cost: €40 to €80 [toureiffel.paris]

El Cotillo Beaches [Spain]

Watch Atlantic waves break on rugged shores, then move between calm lagoons and open surf favored by experienced wind and kite surfers.
Best time to go: March - October

El Nido [Philippines]

Join boat trips to secret beaches and lagoons, surrounded by vertical limestone walls and clear, shallow water.
Best time to go: November - May

Elia Beach [Greece]

Find space to stretch out on a wide beach, with clear water and distant views, plus plenty of facilities for a comfortable day.
Best time to go: April - October
Namibia - national park - Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park [Namibia]

Roll between waterholes in your own vehicle, then sit at Okaukuejo after dark while rhinos, elephants and lions arrive in turn.
Best time to go: May - October
Daily cost: US$150 to 270
Germany - attraction - Europa-Park

Europa-Park [Germany]

Experience a variety of rides and immersive settings, with zones inspired by European countries and entertainment for all ages.
Best time to go: March, May - September
Daily cost: €64.50 to €160 [europapark.de]
Nepal - hike - Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek [Nepal]

Reach the foot of Everest by following a classic route through high-altitude villages, glacial valleys, and the heart of Sherpa country.
Best time to go: February - May, September - November
Duration: 12 to 14 days
Distance: 130 kilometers
United States - national park - Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park [the USA]

Follow boardwalks over sawgrass where gators lounge near the rail, then drive south to mangrove creeks and Florida Bay.
Best time to go: November - April
Daily cost: US$75 to 120 [nps.gov]
United Arab Emirates - attraction - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi [UAE]

Ride high-speed coasters and explore automotive exhibits in an indoor park dedicated to racing culture and Italian engineering.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: €85 to €95 [ferrariworldabudhabi.com]

Festa della Repubblica [Italy]

Join Italians in commemorating the republic’s founding, with public ceremonies and a major parade through the heart of the capital.
Organized yearly: in June
Daily cost: €40 to €90 [numbeo.com]
Duration: 1 day

Festa della Sensa [Italy]

Experience Venice’s centuries-old ritual as decorated boats glide across the lagoon, marking the city’s historic bond with the sea.
Organized yearly: in May
Daily cost: €50 to €120 [italia.it]
Duration: 2 days

Festa Junina [Brazil]

Share bonfires and corn with Northeastern families, learn the basic forró step, and sip warm quentão while square dancers in patchwork costumes perform.
Organized yearly: in June
Daily cost: US$31 to 83
Duration: 4 weeks

Festival de Barriletes Gigantes [Guatemala]

Walk the Sumpango field to see circular kites up to 20 meters across, each painted with a message for the dead, and talk with the builders.
Organized yearly: in November
Daily cost: US$30 to 90
Duration: 1 day

Fête de la Bière [France]

Sample regional beers alongside locals, with traditional music and hearty food creating a festive, convivial atmosphere unique to eastern France.
Organized yearly: in June
Daily cost: €51 to €121 [france.fr]
Duration: 3 days

Fête de la Chanson [France]

Listen to heartfelt performances in small spaces, where the focus is on poetic storytelling and the nuances of the French language.
Organized yearly: in June
Daily cost: €85 to €295 [france.fr]
Duration: 3 days

Fête nationale du Québec [Canada]

Join a free French-language concert on the battlefield lawn, sing around the communal fire and wander cobbled streets of flags, poutine and buskers.
Organized yearly: in June
Daily cost: US$78 to 180
Duration: 1 day

Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia [Argentina]

Line the night parade of grape-covered floats, attend the large hillside show beneath the Andes, and tour vineyards while the real harvest is underway.
Organized yearly: in February - March
Daily cost: USD 30 to 60
Duration: 14 days
New Zealand - national park - Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park [New Zealand]

Cruise sheer-walled fiords, walk the Milford or Kepler tracks, and expect rain to feed waterfalls down every cliff.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$135 [doc.govt.nz]
Namibia - hike - Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon [Namibia]

Descend from the Hobas rim into a 550-meter-deep gorge, then wade and walk the riverbed for days before soaking in hot springs.
Best time to go: May - September
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 85 kilometers

Flamenco Beach [Puerto Rico]

Claim a shaded spot early on this shallow bay, snorkel the rocky ends, then climb the graffiti-covered tanks before afternoon crowds arrive.
Best time to go: November - August
Italy - city - Florence

Florence [Italy]

Trace the legacy of artists and architects, cross the Arno on historic bridges, and watch craftspeople at work in hidden studios.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €50 to €90 [numbeo.com]
China - unique site - Forbidden City

Forbidden City [China]

Move through a labyrinth of palaces and gates, observing the spatial order and decorative detail that defined China’s dynastic power center.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €20 to €35
Ecuador - national park - Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands [Ecuador]

Base yourself in town, walk to Tortuga Bay, visit tortoise reserves, and snorkel Kicker Rock’s channel among sharks, rays and turtles.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: US$115
Italy - attraction - Gardaland

Gardaland [Italy]

Experience a range of rides and immersive environments designed for all ages, with Italian twists on classic amusement park experiences.
Best time to go: April - June, September - October
Daily cost: €44 to €59
Singapore - attraction - Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay [Singapore]

Stroll among towering vertical gardens and explore biodomes that showcase rare plant species from different global ecosystems.
Best time to go: January - November
Daily cost: €20 to €40 [gardensbythebay.com.sg]
United States - attraction - Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium [the USA]

Stand still under the manta rays and whale sharks in the big tunnel, then press up to the glass beside drifting belugas.
Best time to go: January - May, September - November
Daily cost: US$135 to 175 [georgiaaquarium.org]
United States - attraction - Getty Center

Getty Center [the USA]

Ride the tram up to pale stone courtyards, medieval manuscripts and a floating azalea maze, with Los Angeles stretched out below.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: US$54 to 135 [getty.edu]
Belgium - city - Ghent

Ghent [Belgium]

Join locals at canal-side terraces, climb medieval towers, and find vibrant street art tucked between centuries-old facades in Ghent.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: €50 to €75 [numbeo.com]
Japan - attraction - Ghibli Museum

Ghibli Museum [Japan]

Step into the creative world of Studio Ghibli with original sketches, playful installations, and screenings unavailable elsewhere.
Best time to go: January - June, September - November
Daily cost: €7 to €8 [ghibli-museum.jp]

Gion Matsuri [Japan]

Navigate Kyoto’s grid as enormous wheeled floats roll past, accompanied by traditional music and centuries-old customs throughout the month.
Organized yearly: in July
Daily cost: €40 to €70 [kyoto.travel]
Duration: 31 days
Mongolia - national park - Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park [Mongolia]

Traverse shifting dunes and hidden canyons, encountering wildlife adapted to the extremes of Mongolia’s southern desert.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: USD40 to 80
United States - unique site - Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge [the USA]

Cross the east sidewalk on foot, feel the deck hum under traffic, then compare angles from Battery Spencer, Fort Point and Crissy Field.
Best time to go: all year round
Daily cost: US$101 to 204 [goldengate.org]
India - unique site - Golden Temple

Golden Temple [India]

Join pilgrims circling a shimmering shrine, pausing for reflection and sharing a meal in the world’s largest free dining hall.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: USD15 to 35 [incredibleindia.org]
France - hike - GR10

GR10 [France]

Traverse the full length of the French Pyrenees, moving between isolated valleys, shifting climates, and distinct mountain cultures from Atlantic to Mediterranean.
Best time to go: May - September
Duration: 40 to 50 days
Distance: 1,000 kilometers
France - hike - GR20

GR20 [France]

Tackle rugged ascents and exposed ridgelines across Corsica, where demanding trails reveal wild landscapes and a fiercely independent island identity.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 15 to 16 days
Distance: 180 kilometers

Grace Bay Beach [Turks and Caicos Islands]

Walk the full length of the pale, calm shoreline, snorkel the reef near Coral Gardens, and finish with conch fritters at casual evening spots.
Best time to go: October - May
Spain - attraction - Gran Teatre del Liceu

Gran Teatre del Liceu [Spain]

Attend a performance or guided tour in a venue known for its acoustics, lavish décor, and central position on Barcelona’s main boulevard.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €10 to €300 [liceubarcelona.cat]
United States - unique site - Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon [the USA]

Walk the paved rim past two billion years of rock, then drop onto the trails or ride the shuttle between overlooks.
Best time to go: March - May, September - November
Daily cost: US$115 [nps.gov]
United States - national park - Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park [the USA]

Walk the rim past billion-year rock markers, or descend steep trails to a river canyon floor with cottonwood shade.
Best time to go: March - May, September - November
Daily cost: US$83 to 125 [nps.gov]
United States - hike - Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim [the USA]

Descend from one rim to the other through layered cliffs, a creek-fed oasis, and a punishing climb back out of the gorge.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 38 kilometers
Egypt - attraction - Grand Egyptian Museum

Grand Egyptian Museum [Egypt]

Spend hours with the complete contents of Tutankhamun’s tomb, climb the staircase of statues, and look out through glass walls toward the Giza pyramids.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: US$65
Australia - unique site - Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef [Australia]

Board a catamaran from Townsville to snorkel coral gardens, dive the upright Yongala wreck, or book a multi-day boat to remote Ribbon Reefs.
Best time to go: May - November
Daily cost: USD150 to 260
Nepal - hike - Great Himalaya Trail

Great Himalaya Trail [Nepal]

Undertake a demanding journey linking Nepal’s farthest corners, crossing isolated valleys and high passes through ever-changing terrain.
Best time to go: February - May, September - November
Duration: 150 to 160 days
Distance: 1,700 kilometers
Saudi Arabia - unique site - Great Mosque of Mecca

Great Mosque of Mecca [Saudi Arabia]

Join millions of pilgrims in a spiritual center defined by ritual, monumental architecture, and centuries of religious tradition.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: €60 to €90
Australia - hike - Great Ocean Walk

Great Ocean Walk [Australia]

Walk the Victorian coast from Apollo Bay to the limestone stacks, passing the 1848 lightstation, surf beaches and an Otways river camp.
Best time to go: September - May
Duration: 6 to 8 days
Distance: 104 kilometers
Egypt - unique site - Great Pyramid of Giza

Great Pyramid of Giza [Egypt]

Circle the base of Khufu’s pyramid, squeeze up to the King’s Chamber, and finish at the desert viewpoint where three pyramids line up.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: US$62
China - unique site - Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China [China]

Hike along rugged sections where the wall snakes across hills, offering changing perspectives on both landscape and military ingenuity.
Best time to go: March - May, September - November
Daily cost: USD20 to 50
Spain - attraction - Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao [Spain]

View bold modern art inside a landmark building, with outdoor sculptures and river views enhancing the museum’s dramatic presence.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: €15 to €18 [guggenheim-bilbao.eus]
Iceland - unique site - Gullfoss

Gullfoss [Iceland]

Watch glacial waters drop in two dramatic stages, sending mist into the air as they carve through a rugged river gorge.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €50 to €130 [visiticeland.com]
Malaysia - national park - Gunung Mulu National Park

Gunung Mulu National Park [Malaysia]

Journey into a UNESCO-listed landscape of towering karst spires and vast caverns, where nightly bat flights animate the dusk.
Best time to go: February - September
Daily cost: USD40 to 70 [mulupark.com]
Vietnam - hike - Ha Giang Loop

Ha Giang Loop [Vietnam]

Ride or hike winding roads that cut through remote highlands, passing cliffside hamlets and valleys carved by centuries of subsistence farming.
Best time to go: March - May, September - November
Duration: 3 to 5 days
Distance: 350 kilometers
United States - hike - Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven)

Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven) [the USA]

Climb a steep, stair-stepped route along a narrow ridge, often shrouded in mist, with sweeping views over Oahu’s windward coast.
Best time to go: March - November
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Distance: 3.5 kilometers
United States - national park - Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park [the USA]

Reserve a dawn slot above the clouds, hike rust-colored cinder fields, then visit a bamboo forest trail on the wet coast.
Best time to go: January - November
Daily cost: US$95 to 160 [nps.gov]
United States - hike - Half Dome

Half Dome [the USA]

Follow a waterfall staircase to Vernal and Nevada Falls, then haul up two cables on bare granite to a flat summit.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 12 hours
Distance: 26 kilometers

Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival [Japan]

Time your visit for peak bloom to join locals in parks, where shared meals and drinks celebrate the brief beauty of cherry blossoms.
Organized yearly: in March - April
Daily cost: €50 to €120 [japan.travel]
Duration: 1 to 2 weeks
Vietnam - city - Hanoi

Hanoi [Vietnam]

Wander narrow alleys, sip coffee by the water, and experience the layered history of Vietnam’s capital.
Best time to go: September - April
Daily cost: USD15 to 30 [vietnam.travel]

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival [China]

Explore a city transformed by monumental ice art, illuminated installations, and subzero activities unique to China’s far northeast.
Organized yearly: in January - February
Daily cost: USD40 to 90 [chinatravel.com]
Duration: 30 days
Switzerland - hike - Haute Route

Haute Route [Switzerland]

Cross high passes and ancient glaciers on a demanding trek linking Chamonix and Zermatt, relying on mountain refuges for overnight stays.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 12 to 14 days
Distance: 180 kilometers
Cuba - city - Havana

Havana [Cuba]

Cover crumbling colonial lanes, an 8-kilometer seawall and mosaic-tiled streets, then end the night in a converted factory of art and music.
Best time to go: November - April
Daily cost: US$55 to 60 [cubatravel.cu]
Austria - national park - Hohe Tauern

Hohe Tauern [Austria]

Traverse glacier-fed valleys and high passes, encountering diverse habitats from wildflower slopes to snow-capped summits.
Best time to go: June - September
Daily cost: €40 to €70 [hohetauern.at]

Holi [India, Mauritius and Nepal]

Navigate lively crowds as locals throw color and water, turning city squares and rural lanes into playful, chaotic celebrations.
Organized yearly: in February - March
Daily cost: USD25 to 60 [welcomenepal.com]
Duration: 2 days
China - city - Hong Kong

Hong Kong [China]

Ride double-decker trams, eat at bustling dai pai dong, and cross the harbor for panoramic city views and diverse neighborhoods.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: USD40 to 70 [numbeo.com]
New Zealand - hike - Hooker Valley Track

Hooker Valley Track [New Zealand]

Set off on foot from the village door along flat valley paths to glacier-fed lakes, with Aoraki filling the horizon ahead.
Best time to go: September - April
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 10 kilometers
Peru - national park - Huascarán National Park

Huascarán National Park [Peru]

Acclimatize around Huaraz, then climb to turquoise lakes below 6,000-meter peaks or cross the 4,750-meter pass on the Santa Cruz trek.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: US$57 [gob.pe]
Peru - hike - Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu [Peru]

Scramble up steep granite steps and through a low tunnel to a summit where Machu Picchu lies far below, ringed by the river.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 3 kilometers
Hungary - attraction - Hungarian State Opera House

Hungarian State Opera House [Hungary]

Attend a performance or tour lavish interiors featuring gilded balconies, ornate ceilings, and a renowned acoustic design.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: €6 to €100 [opera.hu]
Argentina - unique site - Iguazú Falls

Iguazú Falls [Argentina]

Cross a long catwalk to the thundering chasm, then compare upper and lower circuits, a boat ride under the spray and quiet forest paths.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: USD30 to 60 [argentina.gob.ar]

Iguazu Falls [Brazil]

Follow the rim trail for wide views of the falls, then step onto the Devil’s Throat platform where the roar and spray hit hard.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: US$48 to 123
Argentina - national park - Iguazú National Park

Iguazú National Park [Argentina]

Cross elevated walkways above dozens of cascades, descend to river level for the spray, and finish over the 82-meter drop at Devil’s Throat.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: USD 40 to 60 [argentina.gob.ar]
Peru - hike - Inca Trail

Inca Trail [Peru]

Follow original Inca stonework over two high passes through ruins and cloud forest, ending with a first look at Machu Picchu from above.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 43 kilometers
Myanmar - national park - Inle Lake

Inle Lake [Myanmar]

Glide by boat past villages on stilts and floating gardens, observing daily life and rare waterbirds in a highland basin.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: USD30 to 50 [myanmar.travel]

Inti Raymi [Peru]

Follow the Sapa Inca from the Qorikancha at dawn through the Plaza de Armas to the ceremony beneath the walls of Sacsayhuamán.
Organized yearly: in June
Daily cost: US$85 to 150 [peru.travel]
Duration: 1 day

Ipanema [Brazil]

Claim a rock ledge at Arpoador before sunset, then watch footvolley at Posto 9 and browse the Sunday crafts market.
Best time to go: April - November
Israel - attraction - Israel Museum

Israel Museum [Israel]

Examine ancient manuscripts, archaeological finds, and modern artworks in a campus that balances historical depth with creative expression.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: USD15 to USD20 [imj.org.il]
Türkiye - city - Istanbul

Istanbul [Türkiye]

Cross continents by ferry, navigate crowded markets, and trace centuries of shifting empires in a city layered with daily contrasts.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €30 to €50 [goturkiye.com]
Canada - national park - Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park [Canada]

Cruise to Spirit Island, drive past glaciers and waterfalls on the Parkway, and finish with a soak at Miette Hot Springs.
Best time to go: May - October
Daily cost: US$105 [parks.canada.ca]
Palestine - city - Jerusalem

Jerusalem [Israel and Palestine]

Walk through ancient gates into neighborhoods where centuries-old traditions, diverse communities, and religious rituals intersect at every turn.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: USD30 to 60
Bhutan - national park - Jigme Dorji National Park

Jigme Dorji National Park [Bhutan]

Trek beneath towering Himalayan summits, soak in natural hot springs, and encounter nomadic life in Bhutan’s largest protected area.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: USD70 to 150 [bhutan.travel]
United States - hike - John Muir Trail

John Muir Trail [the USA]

Walk about 211 miles of granite basins and glacial lakes from Yosemite Valley south to the highest summit in the lower 48.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 3 weeks
Distance: 340 kilometers
Iceland - national park - Jökulsárgljúfur

Jökulsárgljúfur [Iceland]

Hike through a dramatic gorge where thundering waterfalls, lava formations, and stark cliffs create a landscape shaped by powerful geological forces.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: €30 to €70 [visiticeland.com]
Jordan - hike - Jordan Trail

Jordan Trail [Jordan]

Traverse the length of the country on foot, linking remote valleys, mountain ridges, and small communities over weeks of continuous hiking.
Best time to go: March - May, September - November
Duration: 40 days
Distance: 650 kilometers
Switzerland - region - Jungfrau Region

Jungfrau Region [Switzerland]

Experience a network of trails weaving through deep valleys and high meadows, with frequent train access and views of the Bernese Alps.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 5 to 7 days
Distance: 500 kilometers
Australia - national park - Kakadu

Kakadu [Australia]

Study ancestral paintings at Ubirr, cruise croc-filled wetlands at dawn, and reach escarpment waterfalls and plunge pools by rough track and rocky trail.
Best time to go: May - October
Daily cost: US$98 to 154 [parksaustralia.gov.au]
United States - hike - Kalalau Trail

Kalalau Trail [the USA]

Tackle 11 miles of ledges and slick boulders along Kauai’s north shore, passing waterfalls before the trail ends at a cliff-backed beach.
Best time to go: March - November
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 35 kilometers

Kalapathar Beach [India]

Stroll beneath overhanging trees and volcanic stones, where gentle waves and solitude define this remote Andaman shoreline.
Best time to go: October - April
New Zealand - hike - Kepler Track

Kepler Track [New Zealand]

Climb above the bushline to a hut-side ridge with lake and mountain views, then descend through beech forest to a calm shoreline.
Best time to go: September - May
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 60 kilometers
Tanzania - unique site - Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro [Tanzania]

Ascend through shifting climate zones, from rainforest to arctic tundra, and experience the stark beauty of Africa’s highest peak.
Best time to go: June - October, December - March
Daily cost: USD250 to 400

King’s Day [The Netherlands]

Dress in orange, sell or hunt for secondhand finds at the vrijmarkt, and catch live music from Koningsnacht onward.
Organized yearly: in April
Daily cost: €60 to €120 [holland.com]
Australia - hike - Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Kings Canyon Rim Walk [Australia]

Climb the steps at first light, then follow the unfenced rim of the 100-meter red wall to a waterhole oasis and weathered sandstone domes.
Best time to go: March - November
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 6 kilometers
Indonesia - national park - Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park [Indonesia]

Hike with a ranger past wild dragons on Rinca and Komodo, then climb Padar's ridge for the three-bay view and dive the current-swept reefs.
Best time to go: April - December
Daily cost: USD50 to 100
Poland - city - Kraków

Kraków [Poland]

Absorb centuries of layered history, from medieval halls to vibrant nightlife, in a city where every district tells a different story.
Best time to go: March - October, December
Daily cost: €30 to €50 [krakow.pl]
Russia - unique site - Kremlin and Red Square

Kremlin and Red Square [Russia]

Cross a vast open square framed by monumental architecture, encountering the heart of Moscow’s political and cultural life in one sweep.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: €25 to €70 [russiatourism.ru]
South Africa - national park - Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park [South Africa]

Self-drive from southern river roads to the remote north, with guided walks and night drives adding a different angle on the bush.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: US$25 to 30
Malaysia - city - Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia]

Navigate a city where modern towers rise above bustling markets, and neighborhoods reveal Malaysia’s diverse urban identity.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: USD20 to 35
Japan - hike - Kumano Kodo

Kumano Kodo [Japan]

Walk historic routes through dense woods and remote hamlets, encountering shrines and traditional inns along the way.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Duration: 5 to 10 days
Distance: 170 kilometers

Kumbh Mela [India]

Navigate vast tent cities and witness millions gather for ritual bathing at India’s sacred river junctions.
Organized yearly: in October - April
Daily cost: €20 to €60 [incredibleindia.org]
Duration: 48 days
Sweden - hike - Kungsleden

Kungsleden [Sweden]

Experience remote wilderness as you cross open fells and birch woods, passing through Sweden’s most dramatic mountain scenery north of the Arctic Circle.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 25 to 30 days
Distance: 440 kilometers
Austria - attraction - Kunsthistorisches Museum

Kunsthistorisches Museum [Austria]

Browse collections spanning ancient to Renaissance art in a palatial setting designed for the imperial collections of the Habsburgs.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: €16 to €20 [khm.at]
Japan - city - Kyoto

Kyoto [Japan]

Discover centuries-old rituals, stroll through atmospheric lanes, and experience a city where tradition shapes the everyday.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: USD50 to 90 [kyoto.travel]

La Feria de Abril [Spain]

Experience Seville’s week-long fair with traditional music, horse-drawn carriages, and locals gathering in private tents for food and dance.
Organized yearly: in April
Daily cost: €40 to €90 [spain.info]
Duration: 6 days

La Mercè [Spain]

See Barcelona’s streets fill with castellers, fireworks, and open-air performances blending local tradition with contemporary urban culture.
Organized yearly: in September
Daily cost: €50 to €100 [spain.info]
Duration: 5 days
Bolivia - city - La Paz

La Paz [Bolivia]

Ride the cable lines above a canyon of stacked brick houses, then browse the amulet stalls and watch Sunday wrestling in El Alto.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: US$32 to 45 [boliviatravelsite.com]

La Tomatina [Spain]

Prepare for a massive tomato battle in Buñol, where thousands gather to hurl fruit and navigate slippery streets during this one-hour event.
Organized yearly: in August
Daily cost: €85 to €180 [spain.info]
Duration: 1 day

Laguna de los Tres [Argentina]

Grind up a scree-covered last kilometer to a lake directly under Fitz Roy, with dawn camping as the way to beat wind and crowds.
Best time to go: October - March
Duration: 1 day
Distance: 20 kilometers
United Kingdom - national park - Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park [the UK]

Walk beside deep waters framed by steep hills, climb rocky summits, and visit villages that inspired poets and painters.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: USD40 to 80

Lantern Festival [Sierra Leone, Singapore and Taiwan]

Experience illuminated streets and intricate lanterns as communities mark the lunar new year’s end with parades, crafts, and lively gatherings.
Organized yearly: in February
Daily cost: USD40 to 90 [eng.taiwan.net.tw]
Duration: 1 day
Australia - hike - Larapinta Trail

Larapinta Trail [Australia]

Walk west from Alice Springs along red quartzite ridges and gorges with permanent waterholes, finishing with a sunrise climb of Mount Sonder.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 12 to 20 days
Distance: 223 kilometers
Peru - attraction - Larco Museum

Larco Museum [Peru]

Look through glass-fronted shelves holding thousands of ceramic pieces, then pause among the garden terraces of an old mansion built on a pyramid base.
Best time to go: all year round
Daily cost: US$40 to 55
Peru - hike - Lares Trek

Lares Trek [Peru]

Link herding communities across passes above 4,500 meters, buy textiles from the weavers who make them, and finish near Ollantaytambo.
Best time to go: May - September
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 33 kilometers
United States - city - Las Vegas

Las Vegas [the USA]

Walk the Strip after dark, watch the Bellagio fountains, then cross to Downtown for the Neon Museum and the Mob Museum.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$120
Iceland - hike - Laugavegur Trail

Laugavegur Trail [Iceland]

Experience Iceland’s varied interior on a route linking wild landscapes, where each day brings new terrain and the challenge of self-sufficiency.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 4 to 6 days
Distance: 55 kilometers
Myanmar - unique site - Laykyun Sekkya Buddha

Laykyun Sekkya Buddha [Myanmar]

Stand beneath one of the world’s tallest Buddha images, then explore the surrounding grounds dotted with intricate sculptures and panoramic views.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: USD20 to 50
Denmark - attraction - Legoland Billund

Legoland Billund [Denmark]

Navigate a world constructed from millions of LEGO bricks, ride coasters, and discover playful zones designed for all ages.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: €47 to €70 [legoland.dk]
Brazil - national park - Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park [Brazil]

Time your trip after the rains to swim in blue lagoons between dunes, then walk the empty crossing from Atins toward Santo Amaro.
Best time to go: January - October
Daily cost: US$39 to 83
Peru - city - Lima

Lima [Peru]

Cross the capital from catacombs and Pizarro’s tomb to Barranco’s galleries, with paragliders above the Miraflores cliffs and market lunches along the way.
Best time to go: September - April
Daily cost: US$47 to 99 [peru.travel]
Portugal - city - Lisbon

Lisbon [Portugal]

Ride steep streets between neighborhoods, pause at scenic overlooks, and notice how daily life unfolds beneath pastel buildings and patterned sidewalks.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: €40 to €65 [numbeo.com]
United Kingdom - city - London

London [the UK]

Navigate a vast metropolis where every district offers distinct flavors, green spaces, and a mix of old and new at every turn.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: USD50 to 100

Long Beach [Canada]

Walk the open low-tide stretch past kelp and sandpipers, book a beginner surf lesson, or return in winter to watch big Pacific swells.
Best time to go: March - October
Canada - hike - Long Range Traverse

Long Range Traverse [Canada]

Navigate by cairns and ponds across open tundra, wading streams and camping beside cliffs before looking down into Western Brook Pond’s dark fjord.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 3 to 4 days
Distance: 35 kilometers
Spain - attraction - Loro Parque

Loro Parque [Spain]

Observe diverse wildlife in carefully designed enclosures, including rare birds and marine species, set within lush landscaped grounds.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: €44 to €132 [loroparque.com]
United States - city - Los Angeles

Los Angeles [the USA]

Ride the Metro downtown for tacos at Grand Central Market, then catch sunset from the Griffith Observatory above the basin.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$154 to 235
Argentina - national park - Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares National Park [Argentina]

Hike from El Chaltén to granite spires and glacial lagoons, or stand at the boardwalks of Perito Moreno as ice calves into Lago Argentino.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: US$125 [argentina.gob.ar]
Colombia - hike - Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)

Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) [Colombia]

Wade the Buritaca, sleep in riverside camps and finish on 1,200 mossy steps to circular stone terraces in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Best time to go: December - March
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 44 kilometers
South Korea - attraction - Lotte World

Lotte World [South Korea]

Navigate interconnected rides, entertainment zones, and shopping arcades, with attractions operating year-round regardless of weather.
Best time to go: March - June, September - December
Daily cost: €40 to €50 [adventure.lotteworld.com]
United Arab Emirates - attraction - Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi [UAE]

View art and artifacts spanning civilizations beneath a latticed dome, with galleries arranged to highlight global connections and shared histories.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: €17 to €17
France - attraction - Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum [France]

Move through vast halls housing works from ancient civilizations to 19th-century Europe, with highlights that draw global crowds.
Best time to go: January - June, September - November
Daily cost: €17 to €30 [louvre.fr]

Loy Krathong [Thailand]

Release decorated baskets onto waterways as Thais honor water spirits and let go of misfortune under the year’s brightest moon.
Organized yearly: in November
Daily cost: €25 to €70
Duration: 1 night
Luxembourg - city - Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City [Luxembourg]

Navigate steep lanes between ancient stone defenses and modern districts, discovering a city where languages, cuisines, and architecture intersect at every turn.
Best time to go: March - December
Daily cost: €40 to €70 [numbeo.com]
Türkiye - hike - Lycian Way

Lycian Way [Türkiye]

Trace rugged headlands and mountain slopes, discovering remote beaches and archaeological sites scattered along turquoise shores.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Duration: 10 to 15 days
Distance: 540 kilometers
Peru - unique site - Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu [Peru]

Climb to the guardhouse for the full layout of terraces, then follow stone paths to temples, a ritual pillar and the Sun Gate.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: US$157 to 294
Spain - city - Madrid

Madrid [Spain]

Navigate a capital city where world-class galleries, historic landmarks, and sprawling parks shape the urban experience.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: €50 to €80 [numbeo.com]

Madrid Orgullo (MADO) [Spain]

Celebrate diversity in Madrid with street parties, concerts, and a vibrant parade centered in the city’s LGBTQ+ district each summer.
Organized yearly: in June
Daily cost: €40 to €100 [esmadrid.com]
Duration: 10 days
United States - attraction - Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park [the USA]

Arrive before opening to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain, then watch the castle light up for the evening fireworks.
Best time to go: January - May, September - November
Daily cost: US$219 to 379 [disneyworld.disney.go.com]
Peru - national park - Manu National Park

Manu National Park [Peru]

Descend from Acjanaco Pass through cloud forest to river lowlands, with giant otters, dawn leks and long boat days with licensed operators.
Best time to go: May - October
Daily cost: US$110 to 195 [gob.pe]
Costa Rica - national park - Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park [Costa Rica]

Stroll compact rainforest loops to a sheltered beach, a rocky headland with tide pools and close views of capuchins and sloths.
Best time to go: November - May
Daily cost: US$75 to 95 [visitcostarica.com]

Maracas Bay [Trinidad and Tobago]

Order bake and shark with your toes in the sand, then climb to the lookout or hike inland to the island’s tallest waterfall.
Best time to go: January - May, November

Mardi Gras [the USA]

Catch beads from marching floats along St. Charles, watch feathered suits parade on Fat Tuesday, and skip Bourbon Street for neighborhood routes.
Organized yearly: in February - March
Daily cost: US$165 to 330 [neworleans.com]
Duration: 2 weeks
Russia - attraction - Mariinsky Theatre

Mariinsky Theatre [Russia]

Experience world-class productions in a historic venue renowned for its acoustics and connection to Russian performing arts.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: €7 to €200 [mariinsky.ru]
Morocco - city - Marrakech

Marrakech [Morocco]

Lose a day in the covered souks and palace courtyards, then join the square as food stalls fire up and Gnawa drums start.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$44
Kenya - national park - Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve [Kenya]

Track lions and cheetahs across open grassland, watch river crossings between July and October, or drift over the plains at first light.
Best time to go: June - October
Daily cost: US$215 to 260 [kws.go.ke]

Matira Beach [French Polynesia]

Walk the full length of a free public beach, snorkel off the shore, and finish at the point as the sky behind Otemanu turns orange.
Best time to go: May - October
Switzerland - unique site - Matterhorn

Matterhorn [Switzerland]

Stand beneath a sharply defined summit, surrounded by glaciers and ever-changing light, as climbers and hikers test their limits.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: €70 to €130 [myswitzerland.com]

Matterhorn Circuit [Italy]

Encircle the Matterhorn on a demanding route, crossing into Switzerland and Italy while navigating high passes and glacial valleys.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 5 to 6 days
Distance: 150 kilometers

Maya Bay [Thailand]

Visit a sheltered cove surrounded by vertical limestone walls, where visitor numbers are limited to protect the marine environment.
Best time to go: November - April
Australia - city - Melbourne

Melbourne [Australia]

Chase fresh street art down Hosier Lane, graze through a market open since 1878, and take tram 96 to a beachfront pier.
Best time to go: September - April
Daily cost: US$98
United States - attraction - Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art [the USA]

Pick a few wings of a huge building, from an Egyptian temple glowing beside Central Park to Dutch masters and a seasonal rooftop view.
Best time to go: January - June, September - November
Daily cost: US$115 to 160 [metmuseum.org]
United States - attraction - Metropolitan Opera House

Metropolitan Opera House [the USA]

Watch the starburst chandeliers rise before curtain, then take a cheap standing spot with a rail and a clear view of the stage.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: US$113 to 246
Mexico - city - Mexico City

Mexico City [Mexico]

Move from Aztec temple ruins and Rivera murals to Kahlo’s blue house, canal boats and tree-lined café streets across a huge basin.
Best time to go: October - June
Daily cost: US$50
New Zealand - hike - Milford Track

Milford Track [New Zealand]

Follow glaciated valleys to a high pass and a 580 meter waterfall, finishing at Milford Sound with Mitre Peak ahead.
Best time to go: October - April
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 53.5 kilometers
Chile - unique site - Moai of Easter Island

Moai of Easter Island [Chile]

Cover the island by rented car or bike, from the half-carved giants of Rano Raraku to sunrise at fifteen restored moai.
Best time to go: all year round
Daily cost: US$135 [chile.travel]
Ghana - national park - Mole National Park

Mole National Park [Ghana]

Join an armed ranger on foot at dawn, then watch elephants drink from the motel terrace overlooking a dry-season waterhole.
Best time to go: November - March
Daily cost: USD35 to 80
United States - attraction - Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium [the USA]

Watch leopard sharks weave through swaying kelp, then drift through dark halls of glowing jellies before stepping onto the deck above the bay.
Best time to go: all year round
Daily cost: US$126 to 178 [montereybayaquarium.org]
Canada - city - Montreal

Montreal [Canada]

Eat smoked-meat sandwiches on Saint-Laurent, hunt out street art on whole building sides, and climb Mount Royal for a view over the towers.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: US$95 [mtl.org]
Russia - city - Moscow

Moscow [Russia]

Navigate vast boulevards and ornate metro stations, where imperial history and modern ambition collide in Russia’s restless capital.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: USD30 to 50 [numbeo.com]
Nepal - unique site - Mount Everest

Mount Everest [Nepal]

Follow winding trails through remote valleys, pass prayer flags and stone stupas, and witness the world’s highest peak from rugged vantage points.
Best time to go: March - May, September - November
Daily cost: USD40 to 150 [welcomenepal.com]
Japan - unique site - Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji [Japan and Japan]

Ascend Japan and Japan’s highest mountain for sunrise views, or circle its base to experience lakes, forests, and the changing moods of the landscape.
Best time to go: June - September
Daily cost: €60 to €120 [japan.travel]
Tanzania - hike - Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro [Tanzania]

Trek from rainforest through moorland and alpine desert to a midnight scree push, reaching the crater rim as light hits the glaciers.
Best time to go: June - March
Duration: 7 days
Distance: 70 kilometers
Tanzania - national park - Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park [Tanzania]

Ascend through rainforest, moorland, and arctic summit zones, experiencing dramatic altitude shifts and panoramic views from Africa’s rooftop.
Best time to go: June - October, December - March
Daily cost: USD100 to 150 [tanzaniaparks.go.tz]
United States - unique site - Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial [the USA]

Approach the carved faces through pigtail bridges, then climb the Presidential Trail stairs for a close look at the rock.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: US$95 [nps.gov]
Morocco - hike - Mount Toubkal

Mount Toubkal [Morocco]

Climb from Imlil through terraced fields to a 3,200 meter refuge, then push up loose scree to a metal tripod at 4,167 meters.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 22 kilometers
United States - hike - Muliwai Trail

Muliwai Trail [the USA]

Climb out of Waipi’o Valley through dense rainforest, then cross wild plateaus before descending to a secluded bay on Hawaii Island.
Best time to go: March, May - November
Duration: 2 to 3 days
Distance: 18 kilometers
India - city - Mumbai

Mumbai [India]

Walk the city’s seaside curve, spot film shoots, and admire architecture from a century of rapid change.
Best time to go: October - March
Daily cost: USD15 to 30 [maharashtratourism.gov.in]
Germany - city - Munich

Munich [Germany]

Join locals in historic taverns, wander grand plazas, and use the city as a launch point for exploring southern Germany’s landscapes.
Best time to go: March - December
Daily cost: €50 to €90 [numbeo.com]

Muri Beach [Cook Islands]

Wade across the sand flats to the lagoon islets at low tide, then paddle, snorkel or join a glass-bottom boat trip with a motu barbecue.
Best time to go: April - October
France - attraction - Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay [France]

Survey 19th-century art in a former railway terminal, with natural light illuminating canvases and sculpture from a pivotal era.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: €16 to €20 [musee-orsay.fr]
Colombia - attraction - Museo del Oro

Museo del Oro [Colombia]

Follow pre-Hispanic goldwork from the small Muisca raft to a darkened room of thousands of offerings, ideally with a guide linking the cases.
Best time to go: June, August - September, December - March
Daily cost: US$18 to 45 [banrepcultural.org]
Chile - attraction - Museum of Memory and Human Rights

Museum of Memory and Human Rights [Chile]

Move through three floors of archival footage, letters and survivor voices tracing the 1973 coup to the 1988 plebiscite, with free entry and an audio guide.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$32 to 48 [mmdh.cl]
United States - attraction - Museum of Modern Art

Museum of Modern Art [the USA]

Start on the fifth floor with Van Gogh's swirling sky, then work downward through Cubism, pop art and design objects to a quiet courtyard.
Best time to go: January - June, September - November
Daily cost: US$113 to 191 [moma.org]
New Zealand - attraction - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa [New Zealand]

Begin on level four with the carved meeting house, then work down to the squid tank, the quake simulator and the Treaty of Waitangi exhibition.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$78 [tepapa.govt.nz]
Brazil - attraction - Museum of Tomorrow

Museum of Tomorrow [Brazil]

Follow a screen-led story from the origins of the universe to climate projections, inside a skeletal pier building facing Guanabara Bay.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: US$40 to 77

Myrtle Beach [the USA]

Walk the oceanfront promenade at sunrise, ride the 187-foot wheel at night, and find quieter dunes and maritime forest to the south.
Best time to go: March - November

Nacpan Beach [Philippines]

Walk between two parallel beaches lined with palms, where the sand stretches far and the crowds are thin.
Best time to go: November - May

Natadola Beach [Fiji]

Swim in calm shallow water, ride a horse into the shallows, and walk past the resort frontage to empty sand at the quieter ends.
Best time to go: May - October
United States - attraction - National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum [the USA]

Look up at the fragile 1903 Wright Flyer, touch a real lunar sample and compare the cramped cockpits that crossed oceans and reached the Moon.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: US$72 to 131 [airandspace.si.edu]
China - attraction - National Centre for the Performing Arts

National Centre for the Performing Arts [China]

Attend performances or explore the striking architecture of this cultural venue set amid tranquil water features in central Beijing.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €5 to €140 [en.chncpa.org]
United Kingdom - attraction - National Gallery

National Gallery [the UK]

View works by renowned artists in a setting that traces the evolution of Western painting from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: Free to Free [nationalgallery.org.uk]
Mexico - attraction - National Museum of Anthropology

National Museum of Anthropology [Mexico]

Spend a half day moving from Olmec basalt heads to the Mexica hall and Tenochtitlan models, then upstairs to living Indigenous cultures.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: US$33 to 71 [mnh.inah.gob.mx]
China - attraction - National Museum of China

National Museum of China [China]

Survey the breadth of Chinese history from prehistoric times to the present through curated artifacts and thematic exhibitions.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: USD 1 to 5 [en.chnmuseum.cn]
South Korea - attraction - National Museum of Korea

National Museum of Korea [South Korea]

Survey galleries spanning prehistoric relics to modern art, with detailed displays that trace the peninsula’s cultural evolution.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €0 to €10 [museum.go.kr]
United Kingdom - attraction - National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland [the UK]

Engage with Scotland’s story through hands-on galleries that blend local heritage, science, and innovation under one roof.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €0 to €0 [nms.ac.uk]
Taiwan - attraction - National Palace Museum

National Palace Museum [Taiwan]

View dynastic Chinese art and artifacts, including rare ceramics and calligraphy, in a collection spanning thousands of years.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: USD5 to 10 [npm.gov.tw]
South Korea - attraction - National Theatre of Korea

National Theatre of Korea [South Korea]

Attend performances ranging from traditional masked drama to experimental choreography in a venue dedicated to performing arts.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €15 to €50 [ntok.go.kr]

Navagio Beach [Greece]

Arrive by boat to a cove enclosed by cliffs, where a rusted wreck sits on white pebbles and the sea glows electric blue.
Best time to go: April - October
Germany - unique site - Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle [Germany]

Approach a hilltop palace framed by mountain scenery, then tour lavish halls inspired by myth, legend, and royal imagination.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €50 to €90 [neuschwanstein.de]
United States - city - New York City

New York City [the USA]

Cross the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise, take the free Staten Island ferry past Liberty, and dive into dumplings on the Lower East Side.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: US$155 to 262 [nyctourism.com]

New York City Pride [the USA]

Squeeze into the curbside crowd for the afternoon march, then visit the Stonewall Inn and dance on the East River waterfront.
Organized yearly: in June
Daily cost: US$215 to 330
Duration: 1 month
United States - unique site - Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls [Canada and the USA]

Stand at the railings as the river turns glassy and drops, then get soaked on the boat or the wooden decks below Bridal Veil.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: US$115

Notting Hill Carnival [the UK]

Follow vibrant processions, sample street food, and experience the rhythms of calypso and reggae in London’s largest annual street event.
Organized yearly: in August
Daily cost: €110 to €170 [visitbritain.com]
Duration: 2 days

Nungwi Beach [Tanzania]

Watch craftsmen shape wooden hulls by hand, swim with rescued green turtles, and join boats heading to Mnemba’s reefs.
Best time to go: June - February
Portugal - attraction - Oceanário de Lisboa

Oceanário de Lisboa [Portugal]

Observe sea life from multiple oceanic regions as you move through immersive exhibits designed to replicate diverse aquatic environments.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: €19 to €25 [oceanario.pt]
Japan - attraction - Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium [Japan]

Observe marine life from the Kuroshio Current, including giant rays and deep-sea creatures, in expansive underwater galleries.
Best time to go: October - June
Daily cost: €15 to €20 [churaumi.okinawa]

Oktoberfest [Germany]

Sit at communal tables, sample regional brews, and take in the spectacle of Munich’s massive folk festival with locals and visitors alike.
Organized yearly: in September - October
Daily cost: €90 to €180 [oktoberfest.de]
Duration: 16 days

Ölüdeniz Beach [Türkiye]

Swim in calm, sheltered water or launch a tandem paraglide from nearby cliffs for aerial views of the lagoon’s shifting blues.
Best time to go: April - October
Japan - attraction - Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan [Japan]

Descend through multi-level exhibits showcasing diverse aquatic environments, from Arctic seas to tropical reefs.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: €17 to €20
Norway - city - Oslo

Oslo [Norway]

Navigate a city where ferries link green islands, contemporary buildings line the waterfront, and public art shapes daily urban life.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: €70 to €120 [visitnorway.com]
Norway - attraction - Oslo Opera House

Oslo Opera House [Norway]

Climb the sloping exterior for panoramic city and fjord views, then explore the interior’s blend of performance spaces and public art.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: USD20 to 70 [operaen.no]
Australia - hike - Overland Track

Overland Track [Australia]

Cross Tasmania's highlands from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, with a side climb up the island's highest peak and fern-gully waterfalls.
Best time to go: September - May
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 65 kilometers
United States - hike - Pacific Crest Trail

Pacific Crest Trail [the USA]

Trace forested ridgelines with long volcano views, then drop to a mossy waterfall and a cold, dark underground lava tunnel.
Best time to go: April - July, September - October
Duration: 10 days
Distance: 150 miles

Pahiyas Festival [Philippines]

Walk past homes adorned with colorful rice wafers and farm produce, celebrating Lucban’s gratitude for a successful harvest.
Organized yearly: in May
Daily cost: USD25 to 50
Duration: 1 day
France - attraction - Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier [France]

Tour lavish interiors where ballet and opera unfold beneath chandeliers and painted ceilings in a landmark of Parisian performance.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €10 to €35 [operadeparis.fr]
Mexico - unique site - Palenque

Palenque [Mexico]

Walk between carved temples and the tower of the Palace as howlers roar overhead, then continue to the waterfalls down the road.
Best time to go: November - April
Daily cost: US$45 to 76
Finland - national park - Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park [Finland]

Traverse treeless highlands and rolling tundra, breathing some of the world’s purest air and watching the landscape shift with the seasons.
Best time to go: May - September, November - March
Daily cost: €20 to €60 [luontoon.fi]
Panama - unique site - Panama Canal

Panama Canal [Panama]

Watch ships rise and drop through the locks from the rooftop deck, then compare quieter viewpoints, the lake and the cut dug through the Continental Divide.
Best time to go: November - April
Daily cost: US$62 [pancanal.com]

Pantai Cenang [Malaysia]

Unwind on soft sand, sample fresh seafood, and watch the sky change color before joining the evening crowd along the main strip.
Best time to go: November - March
Brazil - national park - Pantanal Matogrossense National Park

Pantanal Matogrossense National Park [Brazil]

Book a boat-based stay from Corumbá to watch otter families, caimans and capybaras along flooded channels and seasonal lagoons.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: US$125 to 255

Paradise Beach Tulum [Mexico]

Approach the clifftop Castillo from the shoreline, swim in the cove below it, and cycle the jungle road toward Sian Ka’an.
Best time to go: November - April
France - city - Paris

Paris [France]

Cross iconic bridges, explore diverse neighborhoods, and experience a city where art, food, and daily life converge at every corner.
Best time to go: March - June, September - December
Daily cost: €50 to €90
Greece - unique site - Parthenon

Parthenon [Greece]

Stand beneath monumental stonework and intricate carvings, observing the enduring craftsmanship that has defined Western architecture for centuries.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €25 to €60
Chile - national park - Patagonia National Park

Patagonia National Park [Argentina and Chile]

Drive or cycle the valley road past grazing guanacos, then walk up to high lagoons and ridges watched by condors.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: US$75

Peaks of the Balkans Trail [Kosovo]

Complete a challenging circuit through rugged terrain, crossing international boundaries and staying in isolated mountain villages.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 10 days
Distance: 192 kilometers
United Kingdom - hike - Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Pembrokeshire Coast Path [the UK]

Trace a rugged coastline with frequent ascents and descents, encountering wildlife and tidal inlets that demand careful planning.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 10 to 15 days
Distance: 299 kilometers
United Kingdom - hike - Pennine Way

Pennine Way [the UK]

Traverse exposed high ground and remote moors, where unpredictable weather and long distances between settlements test endurance.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 16 to 19 days
Distance: 429 kilometers
Germany - attraction - Pergamon Museum

Pergamon Museum [Germany]

Encounter iconic objects like the Ishtar Gate and explore galleries devoted to civilizations from Mesopotamia to the Islamic world.
Best time to go: February - November
Daily cost: €14 to €24 [smb.museum]
Jordan - unique site - Petra

Petra [Jordan]

Enter a labyrinth of sculpted sandstone where tombs, temples, and stairways reveal the ingenuity of a lost desert civilization.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: USD100 to 150 [visitjordan.com]
Vietnam - national park - Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park [Vietnam]

Venture into vast caverns, wade through subterranean streams, and hike forested slopes above a landscape riddled with sinkholes.
Best time to go: February - August
Daily cost: USD25 to 50
Spain - national park - Picos de Europa

Picos de Europa [Spain]

Traverse steep trails through misty valleys, passing grazing livestock and limestone spires that rise abruptly from the landscape.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: €40 to €90 [spain.info]

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival [Taiwan]

Release a glowing lantern into the night above Pingxi’s hills, joining crowds sending hopes skyward in a fleeting, communal ritual.
Organized yearly: in February
Daily cost: USD57 to 111 [eng.taiwan.net.tw]
Duration: 1 day

Pink Sands Beach [The Bahamas]

Kneel at the waterline to spot the pink shell flecks, then walk the full length to reach the emptier ends.
Best time to go: November - April

Playa Conchal [Costa Rica]

Cross the crackling shell shoreline on foot from Brasilito, then wade out through gentle shallows or snorkel the rocks at the north end.
Best time to go: November - May

Playa d’en Bossa [Spain]

Experience a lively atmosphere where music spills onto the sand, with easy options for jet skiing, paddleboarding, and late-night parties.
Best time to go: April - October

Playa de Ses Illetes [Spain]

Walk along a slender spit of sand surrounded by shallow water, with anchored boats and distant views of Ibiza on the horizon.
Best time to go: March - October

Playa del Carmen [Mexico]

Stroll the pedestrian avenue, swim where a cenote stream meets the sea, and eat al pastor a few blocks inland where residents do.
Best time to go: January - February, April, June, October - November
Daily cost: US$67

Playa Matapalo (Guanacaste) [Costa Rica]

Walk the dark sand at low tide, swim in the calm Papagayo water, then head inland to Sardinal for cheap soda meals.
Best time to go: November - May

Playa Uva [Colombia]

Float in calm water, share a plastic table over whole fried fish and patacones, and stroll the waterline past local fishing boats.
Best time to go: November - April

Playa Zipolite [Mexico]

Settle into a relaxed, clothing-optional strip, swim only in the sheltered eastern cove, and watch the surf glow on dark nights.
Best time to go: November - May
Croatia - national park - Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park [Croatia]

Traverse a network of footbridges and forested trails linking clear lakes and waterfalls in Croatia’s most iconic inland park.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €30 to €70 [np-plitvicka-jezera.hr]
Croatia - unique site - Plitvice Waterfalls

Plitvice Waterfalls [Croatia]

Follow marked trails past tiered waterfalls and vibrant pools, observing native wildlife and dramatic limestone formations.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €35 to €70 [np-plitvicka-jezera.hr]
Spain - attraction - PortAventura Park

PortAventura Park [Spain]

Ride high-speed attractions and explore themed areas inspired by global destinations, with entertainment options for all ages.
Best time to go: March - June, September - October, December
Daily cost: €50 to €80 [portaventuraworld.com]
Spain - attraction - Prado Museum

Prado Museum [Spain]

View masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco in an institution renowned for its extensive collection of European art.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: €15 to €24
Czechia - city - Prague

Prague [Czechia]

Navigate a capital defined by its hilltop castle, winding river, and distinct districts that reveal different sides of Czech history and daily life.
Best time to go: March - October, December
Daily cost: €30 to €50 [prague.eu]

Praia do Sancho [Brazil]

Squeeze down a cliff stairway and ladder to a crescent of pale sand, then snorkel the rocky edges among turtles and reef sharks.
Best time to go: March, August - December
Italy - hike - Puez-Odle Altopiano

Puez-Odle Altopiano [Italy]

Traverse a high limestone plateau, discovering rare flora and expansive vistas above the more traveled Dolomites valleys.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 4 to 6 days
Distance: 20 kilometers

Punta Uva [Costa Rica]

Cycle the coast road from Puerto Viejo through howler monkey territory, then snorkel the cove or settle into the sheltered reef pool.
Best time to go: July - August, November - May

Pushkar Camel Fair [India]

Roam among herders, browse animal markets, and catch acrobats and musicians performing in Rajasthan’s holy town.
Organized yearly: in October - November
Daily cost: €30 to €70 [incredibleindia.org]
Duration: 14 days
France - attraction - Puy du Fou

Puy du Fou [France]

Watch large-scale reenactments and walk through immersive settings that reconstruct eras from Roman Gaul to the 20th century.
Best time to go: April - June, September - October
Daily cost: €35 to €91 [puydufou.com]
Mexico - unique site - Pyramids of Teotihuacan

Pyramids of Teotihuacan [Mexico]

Walk the long avenue between enormous pyramids, see serpent carvings in the Ciudadela, and seek out faded murals in the quiet side compounds.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: US$48 [gob.mx]
Uganda - national park - Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park [Uganda]

Cruise a hippo-packed channel, then search Ishasha’s fig trees for lions and drive Kasenyi’s plains at first light.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: US$98 to 145
Ecuador - city - Quito

Quito [Ecuador]

Climb through stone lanes to ornate churches and rooftop towers, then ride the gondola up the Pichincha slope for the whole valley.
Best time to go: January - September
Daily cost: US$44

Radhanagar Beach [India]

Swim in clear shallows and rest under dense greenery, where the natural setting feels untouched and the pace remains unhurried.
Best time to go: November - March
India - national park - Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park [India]

Drive past ancient ruins and rocky hills, where tigers and leopards patrol open grasslands dotted with lakes and banyan trees.
Best time to go: October - June
Daily cost: USD60 to 120 [incredibleindia.org]

Rasfari Beach [Jamaica]

Sleep in simple huts, swing in hammocks, and enjoy a low-impact stay with minimal crowds and basic comforts.
Best time to go: November - May
Iceland - city - Reykjavík

Reykjavík [Iceland]

Wander through neighborhoods where murals meet modern architecture, pause in steamy pools, and watch daily life unfold along the waterfront.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: USD60 to 100 [visiticeland.com]
Netherlands - attraction - Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum [The Netherlands]

Walk the Gallery of Honour to Rembrandt's Night Watch, then find Vermeer's Milkmaid, naval paintings and an elaborate Golden Age dollhouse.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: USD 45 to 95 [rijksmuseum.nl]
Brazil - city - Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro [Brazil]

Pair granite-peak views with beach days, climb the tiled Selarón steps, and applaud the sunset from Arpoador Rock.
Best time to go: April - January
Daily cost: US$61 to 100 [numbeo.com]

Rio de Janeiro New Year’s Eve [Brazil]

Dress in white, jump seven waves for Iemanjá, and watch a barge-launched fireworks show from Copacabana sand or the calmer rocks at Arpoador.
Organized yearly: in December
Daily cost: US$128 to 247
Duration: 1 day
Ethiopia - unique site - Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela [Ethiopia]

Descend into trenches around churches carved downward from volcanic tuff, and pass through a pitch-dark tunnel to see worship still in daily use.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: US$93
Italy - city - Rome

Rome [Italy]

Move between eras as you cross busy squares, explore archaeological sites, and find quiet corners in a sprawling metropolis.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €50 to €90 [turismoroma.it]

Roskilde Festival [Denmark]

Camp with thousands and experience diverse music, communal living, and a non-profit ethos at Denmark’s largest open-air festival.
Organized yearly: in June - July
Daily cost: €40 to €70 [visitdenmark.com]
Duration: 8 days
New Zealand - hike - Routeburn Track

Routeburn Track [New Zealand]

Cross a high saddle between valleys, passing cascades and green alpine lakes, with a side climb to wetland views.
Best time to go: October - April
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 32 kilometers
Denmark - attraction - Royal Danish Theatre

Royal Danish Theatre [Denmark]

Attend a live performance in one of Denmark’s premier venues, known for its acoustics and diverse repertoire across multiple stages.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: USD30 to 120 [kglteater.dk]
Belgium - attraction - Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium [Belgium]

View diverse collections spanning centuries, from Flemish primitives to contemporary works, in a series of interconnected museums.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €10 to €15 [fine-arts-museum.be]
United Kingdom - attraction - Royal National Theatre

Royal National Theatre [the UK]

Attend performances in a contemporary complex known for diverse programming and a commitment to developing new theatrical voices.
Best time to go: February - November
Daily cost: USD15 to 75
Canada - attraction - Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum [Canada]

Move from mounted dinosaur skeletons to a Ming tomb and a bat cave replica, all inside a building of slanted glass walls.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: US$90 to 125 [rom.on.ca]
United Kingdom - attraction - Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House [the UK]

Experience world-class music and dance in a historic venue that blends tradition with innovative productions in central London.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: USD30 to 150 [roh.org.uk]
Nepal - national park - Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park [Nepal]

Follow ancient footpaths through high valleys, passing prayer flags and stone villages as you approach the world’s tallest summit.
Best time to go: March - May, September - November
Daily cost: USD40 to 70 [welcomenepal.com]
Spain - unique site - Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia [Spain]

Step inside a basilica where organic forms and colored light create a shifting atmosphere, reflecting decades of ongoing construction.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €40 to €70 [spain.info]
Bolivia - unique site - Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni [Bolivia]

Cross a white plain that reflects the sky in wet months, climb among giant cacti on Incahuasi and catch first or last light on the crust.
Best time to go: all year round
Daily cost: US$75 to 95
Peru - hike - Salkantay Trek

Salkantay Trek [Peru]

Cross a glacier-lined pass, then drop through cloud forest and waterfalls toward Machu Picchu, with a turquoise lake detour along the way.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 60 kilometers
Uzbekistan - city - Samarkand

Samarkand [Uzbekistan]

Cover gilded madrasas, a jade-marked royal tomb, Sogdian murals and a hand-run paper mill, with bread and apricots from the bazaar between stops.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: USD 27 to 62 [uzbekistan.travel]
United States - attraction - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo [the USA]

Walk steep, leafy paths past koalas and Ice Age-themed elephant yards, or float above them in the aerial tram.
Best time to go: all year round
Daily cost: US$115 [zoo.sandiegozoo.org]
United States - city - San Francisco

San Francisco [the USA]

Walk the Golden Gate Bridge before the fog lifts, then eat a burrito among the political murals of Mission District alleys.
Best time to go: all year round
Daily cost: US$156 [numbeo.com]
Brazil - city - São Paulo

São Paulo [Brazil]

Eat mortadella sandwiches at the municipal market, study art on a red concrete frame and follow the repainted walls of Vila Madalena.
Best time to go: March - September
Daily cost: US$58 [numbeo.com]

São Paulo LGBT+ Pride Parade [Brazil]

March down Paulista behind decorated sound trucks, mix dancing with political banners, and continue into the bars along Rua Augusta once the parade breaks up.
Organized yearly: in June
Daily cost: US$42 to 165
Duration: 1 day
United States - national park - Sawtooth Wilderness

Sawtooth Wilderness [the USA]

Carry a trailhead permit past gravel roads and meadows to swimmable lakes under a jagged granite wall.
Best time to go: June - October
Daily cost: US$40 to 75
Germany - national park - Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland [Germany]

Scramble up rocky spires, cross stone bridges, and gaze down at the Elbe winding through a labyrinth of cliffs.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €40 to €80 [saechsische-schweiz.de]
Iceland - unique site - Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss [Iceland]

Walk behind a tall waterfall and experience the landscape from a hidden vantage, surrounded by open fields and spray.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: €20 to €60 [visiticeland.com]
Italy - hike - Sentiero Azzurro

Sentiero Azzurro [Italy]

Follow a narrow route linking five coastal settlements, with steep ascents and sea views shaped by centuries of human cultivation.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 12 kilometers
South Korea - city - Seoul

Seoul [South Korea]

Navigate a metropolis where tradition and innovation intersect, from historic quarters to panoramic city hikes and late-night food stalls.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: USD30 to 60 [english.visitkorea.or.kr]
Tanzania - unique site - Serengeti Migration

Serengeti Migration [Kenya and Tanzania]

Follow wildebeest herds across open grassland by shared safari vehicle, then camp close enough to hear them grunting and lions calling after dark.
Best time to go: all year round
Daily cost: US$330 [tanzaniaparks.go.tz]
Tanzania - national park - Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park [Tanzania]

Chase the wildebeest loop across open plains, from calving grounds near Ndutu to Mara River crossings, with leopards resting in Seronera’s trees.
Best time to go: January - March, June - October
Daily cost: US$240 to 411 [tanzaniaparks.go.tz]

Seven Mile Beach [Cayman Islands and Jamaica]

Walk warm shallows along a curving shore, catch the sun dropping into the sea, and stay for live reggae after dark.
Best time to go: July, November - April
China - city - Shanghai

Shanghai [China]

Move between historic riverside promenades, neon-lit towers, and neighborhoods where international flavors and local trends collide.
Best time to go: March - June, September - December
Daily cost: USD35 to 65 [meet-in-shanghai.net]
China - attraction - Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland [China]

Explore reimagined Disney attractions and locally inspired experiences across expansive grounds tailored for Chinese visitors.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: €65 to €112 [shanghaidisneyresort.com]
China - attraction - Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum [China]

View curated collections of Chinese art and antiquities, emphasizing craftsmanship and artistic traditions across dynasties.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: €3 to €5 [shanghaimuseum.net]

Shark Bay [Australia]

Visit a unique marine environment where ancient life forms thrive and rare wildlife, including dugongs, can be seen in shallow waters.
Best time to go: March - November

Sharm El Sheikh [Egypt]

Snorkel a steep shore reef at the headland, then browse spice stalls and smoke-scented lanes in the old center after dark.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: US$43 to 93
United States - attraction - Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium [the USA]

Look up at sharks circling overhead in the reef gallery, then watch dolphins and otters beside windows opening onto the lake.
Best time to go: January - June, September, November
Daily cost: US$120 to 190
Ethiopia - national park - Simien Mountains National Park

Simien Mountains National Park [Ethiopia]

Trek basalt rims with a scout, sit near grooming geladas, and look down Jinbar’s drop and Imet Gogo’s cliff views.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: US$57 to 113
Singapore - city - Singapore

Singapore [Singapore]

Navigate a city where diverse neighborhoods, efficient transport, and green spaces intersect, offering distinct local flavors and city views at every turn.
Best time to go: February - October
Daily cost: USD40 to 70 [visitsingapore.com]
Singapore - attraction - Singapore Oceanarium

Singapore Oceanarium [Singapore]

Watch thousands of aquatic species glide past immersive tanks, highlighting the complexity and fragility of ocean ecosystems.
Best time to go: January - May, September - November
Daily cost: USD30 to 45 [rwsentosa.com]
Singapore - attraction - Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo [Singapore]

Observe wildlife in naturalistic habitats, with opportunities for close-up experiences and educational presentations throughout the day.
Best time to go: February - October
Daily cost: USD37 to 50 [wrs.com.sg]
United States - attraction - Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain [the USA]

Chain together record-scale coasters, from a 255-foot drop to a face-down flyer, and save shade breaks for the hot valley afternoons.
Best time to go: February - May, September - November
Daily cost: US$130 to 260 [sixflags.com]
United States - attraction - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History [the USA]

Cross the rotunda past the giant elephant to a blue diamond, dinosaur skeletons and a hanging whale model, all with free admission.
Best time to go: all year round
Daily cost: US$69 to 138
United Kingdom - national park - Snowdonia

Snowdonia [the UK]

Ascend dramatic mountains, explore abandoned industrial sites, and experience a landscape where local culture shapes daily life.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €40 to €80 [visitwales.com]
Bhutan - hike - Snowman Trek

Snowman Trek [Bhutan]

Endure long days over challenging terrain, entering seldom-visited valleys where small communities live amid some of the Himalaya’s most demanding landscapes.
Best time to go: March - May, September - November
Duration: 25 to 30 days
Distance: 356 kilometers
Norway - national park - Sognefjord

Sognefjord [Norway]

Travel by boat or road beneath towering cliffs, exploring small villages and orchards along the shores of Norway’s longest fjord.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: €40 to €90 [visitnorway.com]

Songkran Water Festival [Thailand]

Join crowds in a nationwide water celebration marking the Thai New Year, where splashing and playful chaos take over city streets.
Organized yearly: in April
Daily cost: €20 to €60
Duration: 3 days
Namibia - unique site - Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei [Namibia]

Climb razor-edged ridgelines at first light, then drop into a clay pan where blackened camelthorn trunks stand against rust-orange sand.
Best time to go: April - September
Daily cost: US$85

South Beach [the USA]

Photograph the colorful lifeguard huts, stroll Ocean Drive’s pastel hotels, and watch cruise ships slide out from the southern pier.
Best time to go: September - April
United Kingdom - hike - South West Coast Path

South West Coast Path [the UK]

Cover a vast and varied coastline, with frequent elevation changes and shifting terrain requiring stamina and attention to daily logistics.
Best time to go: March - November
Duration: 30 to 40 days
Distance: 1,014 kilometers

St. Patrick’s Day [Ireland]

Join crowds lining the streets for processions, music, and communal gatherings that mark Ireland’s national holiday in every town and city.
Organized yearly: in March
Daily cost: €40 to €120 [ireland.com]
Duration: 1 day
Vatican City State - unique site - St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica [Vatican City]

Climb to panoramic views or linger beneath soaring vaults, taking in the interplay of art, faith, and architectural ambition.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: €25 to €70 [vatican.va]
Russia - city - St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg [Russia]

Absorb the city’s grandeur as you cross bridges and explore museums, where art and history are woven into every street and square.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: €30 to €55 [visit-petersburg.ru]

Starfish Beach [Panama]

Wade through calm shallows on Isla Colón to look for starfish, then snorkel the seagrass or kayak the mangrove channels.
Best time to go: November - May
Russia - attraction - State Hermitage Museum

State Hermitage Museum [Russia]

Navigate vast galleries filled with masterpieces and decorative arts in a sprawling riverside complex.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: USD15 to 25
United States - unique site - Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty [the USA]

Ride the ferry from Battery Park to circle the 305-foot statue, then continue to Ellis Island and its immigration exhibits.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: US$113 to 207 [nps.gov]
Sweden - city - Stockholm

Stockholm [Sweden]

Navigate a capital built on islands, where ferries connect districts and centuries-old buildings stand beside contemporary galleries and shops.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: €50 to €80 [visitstockholm.com]
United Kingdom - unique site - Stonehenge

Stonehenge [the UK]

Contemplate ancient ritual and astronomical purpose as you circle enigmatic monoliths set in open grassland under shifting English skies.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: USD40 to 70 [english-heritage.org.uk]

Summerfest [the USA]

Pick your weekend among ten-plus lakeside stages, then eat brats and cream puffs while the sun sets over the water.
Organized yearly: in June - July
Daily cost: US$130 to 250 [summerfest.com]
Duration: 9 days

Sundance Film Festival [the USA]

Chase independent premieres across Boulder, from the wooden Chautauqua hall to downtown theaters, with filmmaker conversations in hallways and standby lines to plan around.
Organized yearly: in January
Daily cost: US$25 to 40
Duration: 11 days
India - national park - Sundarbans

Sundarbans [Bangladesh and India]

Navigate narrow waterways and shifting mudflats, where tigers, crocodiles, and fishing villages coexist in a vast tidal wilderness.
Best time to go: October - March
Daily cost: USD40 to 70 [incredibleindia.org]
Switzerland - national park - Swiss National Park

Swiss National Park [Switzerland]

Experience Switzerland’s only true wilderness, where marked trails lead through pristine landscapes and encounters with marmots or golden eagles are common.
Best time to go: May - October
Daily cost: €25 to €60 [myswitzerland.com]

SXSW [the USA]

Hop between Sixth Street showcases and East Austin patio shows, then catch a film premiere or a startup demo downtown.
Organized yearly: in March
Daily cost: US$210 to 440 [sxsw.com]
Duration: 7 days
Australia - city - Sydney

Sydney [Australia]

Walk up to the Opera House forecourt, hop a ferry across the harbor, and follow a clifftop trail past ocean pools.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: US$125 [transportnsw.info]
Australia - unique site - Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge [Australia]

Walk the eastern footpath from Cumberland Street for free, or climb the arch in a harness for views over the harbor and Opera House.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: US$133 to 165
Australia - unique site - Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House [Australia]

Circle the forecourt to see the chevron-tiled roofs up close, then take a tour or catch a performance beneath the Grand Organ.
Best time to go: all year round
Daily cost: US$108 to 190 [sydneyoperahouse.com]

Sziget Festival [Hungary]

Spend days and nights on an island in the Danube, moving between concerts, art zones, and pop-up parties from across the globe.
Organized yearly: in August
Daily cost: €55 to €110
Duration: 7 days
Taiwan - city - Taipei

Taipei [Taiwan]

Navigate a dense urban landscape where efficient transport, diverse neighborhoods, and endless food stalls make exploring effortless and rewarding.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: USD25 to 50 [eng.taiwan.net.tw]
India - unique site - Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal [India]

Arrive at dawn to see changing light on a mausoleum built for remembrance, where every detail is designed for visual harmony.
Best time to go: July - March
Daily cost: USD30 to 60 [incredibleindia.org]

Tamarindo Beach [Costa Rica]

Take a surf lesson on gentle breaks, paddle the mangrove estuary at dawn, and join the town on the sand at sunset.
Best time to go: November - August
Australia - attraction - Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo [Australia]

Ride a cable car over enclosures, watch giraffes browse in front of the Opera House, and catch birds swooping over a hillside amphitheater.
Best time to go: February - November
Daily cost: US$116 to 214 [taronga.org.au]
Colombia - national park - Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park [Colombia]

Hike muddy forest trails past howler monkeys to boulder-backed beaches, a hammock platform and Tairona terraces above the coast.
Best time to go: November - March
Daily cost: US$68 [parquesnacionales.gov.co]
New Zealand - hike - Te Araroa Trail

Te Araroa Trail [New Zealand]

Tackle remote beech-forest climbs and alpine tops in the northern South Island, where huts are spaced about a day apart.
Best time to go: October - May
Duration: 5 months
Distance: 3000 kilometers
Italy - attraction - Teatro alla Scala

Teatro alla Scala [Italy]

Attend a performance or tour the ornate interiors where generations of musicians and audiences have shaped Italy’s operatic legacy.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €15 to €250 [teatroallascala.org]
Argentina - attraction - Teatro Colón

Teatro Colón [Argentina]

Tour the seven-level hall, Salón Dorado and marble staircase, or book a performance with standing-room tickets that can run under US$20.
Best time to go: March - May, September - November
Daily cost: USD15 to USD40 [argentina.gob.ar]
Italy - attraction - Teatro di San Carlo

Teatro di San Carlo [Italy]

Sit beneath crystal chandeliers in one of Europe’s oldest opera houses, renowned for its acoustics and historic productions.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: €20 to €150
Spain - national park - Teide National Park

Teide National Park [Spain]

Walk across stark volcanic terrain beneath Spain’s highest peak, observing rare flora and dramatic color contrasts at altitude.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €15 to €40 [spain.info]
China - unique site - Terracotta Warriors

Terracotta Warriors [China]

Stand before ranks of excavated warriors, each distinct, revealing the scale and detail of ancient funerary customs.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €30 to €70

Tet [Vietnam]

Mark the Vietnamese New Year as homes fill with offerings, streets bloom with flowers, and cities pause for reunions and rituals.
Organized yearly: in January - February
Daily cost: USD40 to 90 [vietnam.travel]
Duration: 7 days
Denmark - attraction - The Blue Planet

The Blue Planet [Denmark]

Walk beneath swirling schools of fish and observe aquatic life from Nordic rivers to tropical reefs in Denmark’s largest aquarium.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: USD25 to 40 [denmark.dk]
Australia - hike - Three Capes Track

Three Capes Track [Australia]

Cross the Tasman Peninsula by boardwalk and hut, reaching dolerite columns at Cape Hauy and a knife-edge ridge above the open ocean.
Best time to go: October - April
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 48 kilometers
Austria - attraction - Tiergarten Schönbrunn

Tiergarten Schönbrunn [Austria]

Observe animals from around the world in the world’s oldest operating zoo, set within the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace.
Best time to go: February - June, September - November
Daily cost: €27 to €29 [zoovienna.at]
China - hike - Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge [China]

Navigate steep switchbacks above the Jinsha River, where sheer drops and distant peaks create a sense of scale that never fades.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Duration: 2 to 3 days
Distance: 28 kilometers
Guatemala - unique site - Tikal

Tikal [Guatemala]

Climb stone stairs above the rainforest, cross the great plaza between towering pyramids, and read royal history carved into weathered stelae.
Best time to go: November - May
Daily cost: US$62
Denmark - attraction - Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens [Denmark]

Ride vintage attractions, enjoy evening light displays, and experience concerts or festivals in a central Copenhagen park dating to 1843.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: €21 to €66 [tivoli.dk]

Tofo Beach [Mozambique]

Book a dive or snorkel outing to meet mantas and whale sharks, then surf Tofinho or eat grilled fish on the sand.
Best time to go: January - March, May - October
Japan - city - Tokyo

Tokyo [Japan]

Navigate a metropolis of contrasts, from ancient temples to futuristic neighborhoods, where every district offers a distinct experience.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: USD50 to 85 [gotokyo.org]
Japan - attraction - Tokyo DisneySea

Tokyo DisneySea [Japan]

Navigate a park inspired by oceanic myths and legends, featuring unique attractions and elaborate set pieces.
Best time to go: March - June, September - December
Daily cost: USD75 to 150
Japan - attraction - Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum [Japan]

Browse extensive collections spanning prehistoric pottery, Buddhist sculpture, and seasonal displays from across Japan.
Best time to go: June, September - April
Daily cost: €7 to €10 [tnm.jp]

Tomorrowland [Belgium]

Dance with thousands at an electronic music spectacle known for its intricate stage design, themed areas, and international DJ lineups.
Organized yearly: in July
Daily cost: €85 to €150 [visitflanders.com]
Duration: 6 days
New Zealand - hike - Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing [New Zealand]

Cross active volcanic terrain on a 19 kilometer day, climbing steep steps to steaming vents and mineral-colored crater lakes.
Best time to go: October - May
Duration: 6 to 8 hours
Distance: 19.4 kilometers
Türkiye - attraction - Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace [Türkiye]

Move through layered courtyards and ornate chambers that once housed sultans, royal relics, and the machinery of empire.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €18 to €32 [topkapi-palace.org]
Canada - city - Toronto

Toronto [Canada]

Catch a ferry to car-free islands for the skyline view, graze through Kensington Market, and sample peameal bacon at St. Lawrence Market.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: US$114

Toronto Caribbean Carnival [Canada]

Stand at the curb as feathered bands and soca trucks pass, listen for steel pan and eat jerk chicken and roti from street stalls.
Organized yearly: in July
Daily cost: US$170
Duration: 3 days
Chile - hike - Torres del Paine Circuit

Torres del Paine Circuit [Chile]

Commit about a week to the complete loop, crossing a high pass with the Southern Patagonian Ice Field spread out below.
Best time to go: October - March
Duration: 8 days
Distance: 110 kilometers
Chile - national park - Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park [Chile]

Plan your days and reservations early, then hike to spires above a turquoise lagoon, a blue glacier face and the wind-swept John Gardner Pass.
Best time to go: October - April
Daily cost: US$120 [conaf.cl]
Morocco - hike - Toubkal Circuit

Toubkal Circuit [Morocco]

Loop through Berber villages and a high juniper pass over three to five days, with the Toubkal summit and a blue lake as options.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 60 kilometers
France - hike - Tour du Mont Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc [France]

Circle Western Europe’s highest massif, crossing borders and high cols while encountering varied alpine scenery and mountain refuges along the way.
Best time to go: May - September
Duration: 10 to 12 days
Distance: 170 kilometers
Switzerland - hike - Tour of the Matterhorn

Tour of the Matterhorn [Switzerland]

Complete a full circuit around the Matterhorn, crossing into Italy and Switzerland while navigating rugged terrain and isolated hamlets.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 5 to 7 days
Distance: 140 kilometers
United Kingdom - unique site - Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge [the UK]

Watch the river open beneath you or ascend to glass walkways, discovering the mechanics and views of London’s most recognizable bridge.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: USD30 to 60
United Kingdom - unique site - Tower of London

Tower of London [the UK]

Step inside thick stone walls to encounter royal intrigue, ceremonial regalia, and centuries of power struggles on the Thames’ edge.
Best time to go: March - June, September - October, December
Daily cost: USD60 to 90
Italy - unique site - Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Tre Cime di Lavaredo [Italy]

Hike beneath sheer rock faces and across high meadows, with changing light and weather revealing new perspectives at every turn.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: €25 to €60 [dolomiti.org]
Italy - hike - Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop [Italy]

Circle iconic rock formations on well-marked trails, encountering wildflower meadows and stark stone landscapes at every turn.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 10 kilometers
Norway - hike - Trolltunga

Trolltunga [Norway]

Undertake a long, exposed hike to a narrow rock tongue suspended above a vast valley, surrounded by stark wilderness.
Best time to go: May - September
Duration: 10 to 12 hours
Distance: 28 kilometers
Madagascar - national park - Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park [Madagascar]

Clip into cables to cross a field of limestone blades, then glide beneath river cliffs and visit riverside caves with a guide.
Best time to go: April - November
Daily cost: USD50 to 95
South Africa - attraction - Two Oceans Aquarium

Two Oceans Aquarium [South Africa]

Time your visit to the penguin feeding, then watch kelp sway in simulated surge and sharks circling a tank viewable from several levels.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$47 to 83
Italy - attraction - Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery [Italy]

Move through grand halls lined with masterpieces, tracing the development of European art from the Middle Ages to the Baroque.
Best time to go: September - June
Daily cost: €20 to €30 [uffizi.it]
Australia - national park - Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park [Australia]

Circle the rock on foot, hike the Valley of the Winds among the domes, and learn Anangu law at the cultural center.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: US$150 to 190 [parksaustralia.gov.au]
United States - attraction - Universal Islands of Adventure

Universal Islands of Adventure [the USA]

Ride a launched motorbike coaster through the Forbidden Forest, then cool off in Toon Lagoon's soaking water rides and a Hogsmeade butterbeer stop.
Best time to go: January - March, May, September - November
Daily cost: US$221 to 409 [universalorlando.com]
Japan - attraction - Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan [Japan]

Immerse yourself in cinematic worlds with high-energy attractions, interactive shows, and pop culture icons.
Best time to go: February - May, September - December
Daily cost: €60 to €140 [usj.co.jp]

Up Helly Aa [the UK]

Watch locals in elaborate costumes march through Lerwick, culminating in the burning of a replica longship to mark the end of winter.
Organized yearly: in January
Daily cost: USD70 to 130 [visitscotland.com]
Duration: 1 day
Colombia - unique site - Valle de Cocora

Valle de Cocora [Colombia]

Hike the full loop through palm pasture and cloud forest, crossing log bridges to a cabin where hummingbirds crowd the feeders.
Best time to go: November - April
Daily cost: US$23 to 45 [colombia.travel]
Netherlands - attraction - Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum [The Netherlands]

Follow Van Gogh from dark Potato Eaters to late wheatfields, with his letters and family story explaining each shift.
Best time to go: March - October
Daily cost: USD 90 to 150 [vangoghmuseum.com]
Canada - city - Vancouver

Vancouver [Canada]

Circle the 9-kilometer Stanley Park seawall, graze at Granville Island market, and see Haida and Coast Salish carvings at the university museum.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: US$115
Canada - attraction - Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver Aquarium [Canada]

Watch rescued otters groom and sea lions shoot past underwater windows, then step from cool coastal tanks into a humid gallery of sloths and caimans.
Best time to go: March - October, December
Daily cost: US$79 to 140

Varkala Beach [India]

Descend from dramatic cliffs to a narrow strip of sand, where wellness seekers and travelers gather for sunsets and sea breezes.
Best time to go: October - March
Sweden - attraction - Vasa Museum

Vasa Museum [Sweden]

Stand beneath a salvaged shipwreck, examining detailed woodwork and displays that reveal the story of Sweden’s ill-fated Vasa vessel.
Best time to go: January - November
Daily cost: €17 to €22 [vasamuseet.se]
Vatican City State - attraction - Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums [Vatican City]

Wander through interconnected halls showcasing centuries of artistic achievement, culminating in the ceiling frescoes that draw travelers from around the world.
Best time to go: February - June, September - November
Daily cost: €17 to €30 [museivaticani.va]
Iceland - national park - Vatnajökull

Vatnajökull [Iceland]

Experience vast icefields, shifting glacier tongues, and steaming geothermal vents in Europe’s largest national park, home to diverse microclimates.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: €30 to €60 [visiticeland.com]
Italy - city - Venice

Venice [Italy]

Travel by boat or on foot through a city built on water, where each neighborhood offers a distinct rhythm and atmosphere.
Best time to go: March - June, September - October
Daily cost: €60 to €100 [numbeo.com]

Venice Beach [the USA]

Drift along the boardwalk’s street acts, watch skaters in the sand-side bowls, then escape inland to the quiet footbridges of the canals.
Best time to go: September - June

Venice Carnival [Italy]

Immerse yourself in a world of elaborate costumes, masked gatherings, and ornate events that fill Venice’s streets and palaces each winter.
Organized yearly: in February
Daily cost: €50 to €100 [veneziaunica.it]
Duration: 10 to 12 days

Vesak [Sri Lanka]

Walk city streets lined with glowing lanterns and witness acts of generosity as Sri Lankans commemorate the Buddha’s life.
Organized yearly: in May
Daily cost: €15 to €50 [srilanka.travel]
Duration: 2 days
United Kingdom - attraction - Victoria and Albert Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum [the UK]

Explore objects of craftsmanship and innovation, from textiles to ceramics, in galleries that celebrate creativity across centuries.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: USD0 to 20 [vam.ac.uk]
Zimbabwe - unique site - Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls [Zambia and Zimbabwe]

Follow the rim trail through warm spray to cliff-edge viewpoints, then head downstream for Grade 5 rafting or upstream for a quiet river cruise.
Best time to go: February - October
Daily cost: US$108
Austria - city - Vienna

Vienna [Austria]

Absorb a city where daily life unfolds among monumental buildings, layered history, and a deep-rooted tradition of public spaces and the arts.
Best time to go: March - November
Daily cost: €50 to €90 [wien.info]
Austria - attraction - Vienna State Opera

Vienna State Opera [Austria]

Attend a performance or take a guided tour to experience the acoustics, stagecraft, and architectural details of this renowned opera house.
Best time to go: March - January
Daily cost: €13 to €500 [wiener-staatsoper.at]

Viñales Valley [Cuba]

Walk red-dirt paths between curing barns and karst towers, with a lookout climb, a painted rock mural and a river cave to cross by boat.
Best time to go: November - April
Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 12 kilometers

Vivid Sydney [Australia]

Follow a one-way light trail from Circular Quay through The Rocks to Barangaroo, with projections on the Opera House sails as the focus.
Organized yearly: in May - June
Daily cost: US$93 to 222
Duration: 23 days
Rwanda - national park - Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park [Rwanda]

Trek through farmland and bamboo to a gorilla family, then climb Bisoke to a green crater lake or visit Dian Fossey’s grave.
Best time to go: June - September, December - February
Daily cost: US$1 [visitrwanda.com]
Chile - hike - W Trek

W Trek [Chile]

Link three valleys along lake shores in about 80 kilometers, passing granite towers, hanging glaciers and blue icebergs, with refugio beds along the way.
Best time to go: October - April
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 80 kilometers
Jordan - national park - Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum [Jordan]

Cross vast desert expanses on foot or by jeep, camping under stars among sculpted rocks and learning from local Bedouin guides.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: USD40 to 90

Waikiki Beach [the USA]

Take a beginner surf lesson on forgiving waves, paddle out in an outrigger canoe, and walk east toward the crater at Kapiolani Park.
Best time to go: April - October
United States - city - Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. [the USA]

Walk the National Mall at dusk, spend hours in free museums from Apollo 11 to African American history, and end at the Lincoln steps.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: US$125
Canada - hike - West Coast Trail

West Coast Trail [Canada]

Haul a full pack up slick ladders and along sandstone shelves over seven days, with a crab-shack stop beyond the Narrows crossing.
Best time to go: May - September
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 75 kilometers
United Kingdom - hike - West Highland Way

West Highland Way [the UK]

Experience Scotland’s changing landscapes, from wooded valleys to open moor, with reliable waymarking and a mix of wild and serviced stretches.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 6 to 8 days
Distance: 154 kilometers

White Beach [Philippines]

Swim in clear, shallow water and stroll a lively beachfront lined with shops and restaurants, especially popular at sunset.
Best time to go: November - April

White Nights Festival [Russia]

Experience St. Petersburg’s endless twilight with world-class performances and riverside celebrations during the city’s brightest season.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: €40 to €90 [russiatourism.ru]
Duration: 3 months

White Sand Beach [Vietnam]

Relax on soft, pale sand with gentle shallows, ideal for those seeking a peaceful spot away from busier stretches.
Best time to go: November - April

Whitehaven Beach [Australia]

Time the Hill Inlet lookout for low tide, then walk well past the landing spot where cool, squeaky sand holds few footprints.
Best time to go: May - October
Israel - attraction - Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem [Israel]

Reflect on personal histories and collective memory through exhibits that document the Holocaust’s impact on individuals and communities.
⚠️ Currently not safe to visit
Daily cost: €0 to €20
United States - national park - Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park [the USA]

Time geyser eruptions and boardwalk springs, then head to Lamar Valley at dawn for bison herds and wolf packs.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: US$110 to 170 [nps.gov]
United States - national park - Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park [the USA]

Park once in the valley and ride the shuttle past sheer cliffs, thundering falls, high meadows and ancient sequoia groves.
Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: US$85 to 100 [nps.gov]
South Africa - attraction - Zeitz MOCAA

Zeitz MOCAA [South Africa]

Look up into concrete grain tubes sliced into a gallery space, then climb to rooftop sculptures facing Table Mountain and the harbor.
Best time to go: September - May
Daily cost: US$10 to 14
China - national park - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park [China]

Wander through a maze of vertical cliffs and lush valleys, where mist and foliage create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: €70 to €130 [chinahighlights.com]
United States - hike - Zion Narrows

Zion Narrows [the USA]

Wade the Virgin River between walls 300 meters high, where the canyon tightens to a corridor hung with ferns.
Best time to go: April - June, September - November
Duration: 8 hours
Distance: 15 kilometers
United States - national park - Zion National Park

Zion National Park [the USA]

Wade a river between pinched canyon walls, or climb chained ridges to views straight down a red-rock gorge.
Best time to go: March - June, September - November
Daily cost: US$60 to 151 [nps.gov]
Switzerland - city - Zurich

Zurich [Switzerland]

Balance urban efficiency with leisure as you move from business centers to lively neighborhoods and tranquil waterside escapes.
Best time to go: June - August
Daily cost: €70 to €110 [zuerich.com]

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