31. Yellowstone National Park, United States
Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, is known for its geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife. Here, you can see majestic creatures like grizzly bears, bison, wolves, and elk. The park also features magnificent waterfalls, including the famous Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
32. Amazon Rainforest, South America
The Amazon Rainforest and the Amazon River are two areas you can explore within a region known as the Amazon. The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering 2.7 million square miles. The Amazon River is also the second-longest river in the world and is known for its incredible biodiversity.
33. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast, located in Italy, is known for its picturesque towns, including Positano and the island of Capri. It is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches and beautiful architecture. The towns here date back to the 9th century, making it a very historical region to explore along the Mediterranean Sea. If you have the chance, take a scooter or a very small car to drive along the winding and narrow roads.
34. Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula, known as the Riviera Maya, is located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. You will most likely arrive in Cancun or Cozumel by plane and then explore Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Popular Mayan ruins to visit include Chichen Itza and the archaeological site of Tulum. The beach is a must-visit destination as well. I recommend spending seven days in the Riviera Maya to fully experience all it has to offer.
35. Grand Canyon, United States
The Grand Canyon, the largest canyon in the world, was carved by the Colorado River. At the bottom of the Grand Canyon, you will find a majestic area known as Havasu Falls. Havasu Creek flows here, and you can hike down and back up in a day, or some people even do a rim-to-rim hike from the South Rim to the North Rim.
36. Maya Bay, Thailand
Maya Bay, located in the Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea, is considered by many as the most beautiful beach in the world. Currently under restoration, swimming here is restricted. However, you can still arrive by boat tour from Krabi or Phuket or stay on Phi Phi Island at Tonsai Beach to get here much faster.
37. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes, is a hidden gem located in Guatemala. The freshwater lake is surrounded by three dormant volcanoes and many different Mayan villages. The region offers a paradise retreat for yoga or simply relaxing and unwinding. You will find a strong presence of Mayan culture, which you should explore and appreciate. The lush green vegetation on the hills provides an excellent opportunity for hiking and kayaking.
38. Red Sea, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel
For those who love diving or simply immersing themselves in the water and seeing incredible underwater scenery, the Red Sea is the place to be. It touches the shores of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The Red Sea offers amazing dive sites, making it a scuba diver’s paradise. You can explore this underwater Disneyland both on the Egyptian side at Sharm El Sheikh and on the Jordanian side at Aqaba.
39. Thailand
Thailand is a country that offers a diverse range of experiences. In the north, you have Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai with the Golden Triangle and many Buddhist temples. As you head towards the central region, you have one of the world’s most popular tourist cities, Bangkok. As you go further south, you have Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, and many other places along the Malaysian Peninsula. You will find a rich cultural heritage, numerous temples, floating markets, and vibrant nightlife. However, I truly enjoy the culture and the people.
40. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai, one of the most futuristic cities in the world, is a place that deserves to be on this list. It has the Museum of the Future, the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, as well as impressive projects like the largest man-made islands. There is so much happening in Dubai, and I would say it is definitely worth a visit. You could easily spend several weeks exploring Dubai, but I would recommend 72 to 96 hours for a first-time visit to get a taste of the city. Try to avoid the summer months of June, July, and August as it gets extremely hot.
