When traveling, tons of traveling places and vacations pique your interest. These fantastic trips can be anywhere from relaxing on the beach to partying in the city.
But some travel destinations will stoke your wanderlust more than others. So, if you’re looking for inspiration, check out this list of the best-traveling places and vacations you should get!
Cancun Mexico
If you’re looking for a travel destination that offers jaw-dropping natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts, Cancun, Mexico, is the place to be. Millions of tourists flock to this destination every year for its idyllic beaches, renowned nightlife, and endless opportunities for adventure.
Cancun is the perfect destination for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an unforgettable honeymoon. You’ll never want to leave this Caribbean paradise with miles of soft sand beaches, luxury resorts, and endless entertainment options.
With a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, sightseeing tours, and eco-parks, you will find something that tickles your fancy. You can also spend a day exploring the ruins of Chichen Itza or visit the Nichupte Lagoon to take in the dazzling turquoise waters and nesting birds that call it home.
While Cancun is generally considered a safe destination, it’s best to keep your wits about you and avoid areas known for crime and violence. If you get caught up in a troublesome situation, contact local authorities and ask them to help you resolve it.
Amalfi Coast Italy
Listed as one of the world’s most stunning landscapes, the Amalfi Coast is a haven for travelers who want to soak up the beauty of Italy. Its 34-mile strand of breathtaking coastline and 13 seaside towns have enticingly rocky beaches, pastel-colored villas, and dazzling ocean views.
The most popular Amalfi Coast town is Amalfi, with a bustling restaurant and bar scene, plenty of accommodation options, and easy transport links by bus and ferry to the rest of the region. However, you should also try to stay in a smaller town such as Vietri sul Mare for its pretty beaches and majolica-domed church or Minori, once home to the area’s pasta factories.
Another place you should check out is the cliffside town of Positano. Its pastel-colored villas, cliffside restaurants, and gorgeous views make it one of the most popular destinations on the Amalfi Coast.
Argentine Patagonia
From the peaks of Fitz Roy to the wave-lashed shorelines, Argentine Patagonia beckons adventurers with a bucket list of sights and experiences. This massive slice of South America, which spans a region as long as the west coast of the US, is crammed with sweeping natural wonders and colossal glacial formations.
It’s a land of contrasting extremes: high mountain tops that tower above the clouds, soaring views, and glacial ice walls so awe-inspiring that they look like sculpted sculptures. The rolling pampas are home to gauchos and huasos, herders who wear sheepskin capes, berets, and yerba mate herbal tea flasks.
For the outdoorsy crowd, El Chalten is the ‘National Capital of Trekking’ at the heart of Southern Patagonia, packed with trekking trails that suit any level of fitness. It’s also the jumping-off point for hiking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, which you can see from several viewpoints and climb to its ice caverns.
There are several great places to stay in Argentine Patagonia, including hostels, backpacker guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and luxurious lodges. It’s best to plan and make a reservation to avoid disappointment when booking accommodation in Patagonia.
Machu Picchu Peru
Peru is a dazzling destination with culture, cuisine, and breathtaking natural wonders. From the soaring peaks of the Andes to pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial mansions, it’s a country that beckons with boundless adventure.
Machu Picchu, Peru’s most awe-inspiring ruins, sits high in the Andes Mountains. Built around a central Sacred Plaza, the city stretches across the mountainside, forming a series of terraces and ramps that look cut in the rock.
The ruins are so impressive that they are a Unesco World Heritage Site. The city, which consists of more than 150 structures ranging from temples and sanctuaries to buildings, baths, and houses, is an extraordinary feat of ancient engineering.
There are many ways to get to Machu Picchu, but the most popular option is the train. Several daily morning and evening departures run between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. Travelers can choose from regular train carriages, Vistadome services with panoramic windows, or the luxury Hiram Bingham train that includes fine dining and entertainment.
The Grand Canyon Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most iconic sights, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of travelers converge on this national park yearly to see the red-hued slot canyon cut by the Colorado River over six million years.
The park has two principal regions: the South Rim, more developed and famous, and the North Rim, which offers fewer crowds and stunning views. Both offer hikes, vista points, and lodging options, but a four-hour drive separates them.
Book a helicopter or airplane tour of the canyon for the best views. They’re an affordable and safe way to get a bird’s-eye view of the park and its most famous attractions.
If you want to explore the park more relaxedly, consider stopping at the Sky View Restaurant for casual American fares such as fried chicken wings and cheeseburgers. Or, if you’re looking for something more exotic, try the Navajo cuisine at Cameron Trading Post.
The Grand Canyon is an excellent choice for a family vacation. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the world, which means there are plenty of opportunities for fun and learning.
Masai Mara Kenya
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s flagship conservation area and one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations. Its tawny, wildlife-stuffed savannahs host various resident species, including elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and hyena.
Depending on when you visit, the Masai Mara National Reserve and its surrounding conservancies also provide a great pit stop for one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the annual wildebeest migration. This epic event sees two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle making the death-defying two 900-kilometer (800-mile) journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the new grass plains of the Masai Mara each August to November.
This savannah-filled national reserve has numerous camps and lodges catering to varying budgets and preferences. Sand River Camp, in particular, is an idyllic choice for couples. Set along the banks of a picturesque river, each of its 16 luxury tents has its private sundeck – perfect for enjoying your partner’s company on a romantic getaway to the Masai Mara.
New Zealand
New Zealand has fantastic national parks, diverse cities, and pleasant weather. With sensational beaches, stunning glaciers, and unique wildlife, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone who enjoys nature!
Located on the North Island, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and has a lot to offer to travelers. With world-class food, plenty of activities, and great nightlife, Auckland is the perfect base to explore the rest of the country.
In addition to exploring the city’s many attractions, it’s worth checking out Hobbiton village, filmed in this area for the Lord of the Rings movie series. It’s a must-visit for travelers, especially those who have kids.
Abel Tasman National Park is another famous New Zealand destination that’s easy to get to from Nelson. It’s one of the country’s smallest parks but still offers plenty to see, including birdlife and marine life. It’s best to visit during summer and fall for a less crowded experience.
Angkor Wat Cambodia
Angkor Wat is one of the world’s most famous and visited travel destinations. But the Angkor complex is more than just a place to take pictures. It’s a spiritual site that should be experienced by a guide who can help you understand its importance and beauty.
If you’re planning a visit to Angkor Wat, consider arriving early in the morning to see this iconic temple without all the crowds. This is also a great time to experience the sunrise and photograph a stunning view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The best way to get a feel for the culture of Cambodia is to travel with a local guide who knows the history behind the Angkor temples. They’ll be able to tell you about their life during the Khmer Empire, the various religious practices there, and the different artifacts found throughout the complex.
The ruins of Angkor are a testament to this ancient kingdom’s power and influence over the region. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the country, and if you’re looking for an incredible Bucket List adventure, you should add Angkor to your itinerary!
