Our world has so much to offer when it comes to travel.
It would be almost impossible to see everything you desire in a lifetime.
There are so many places filled with beauty, history, natural and human-made sites, art and architecture that the list is almost endless.
Those who love to travel and explore will have a tough time limiting their bucket lists to just a few places.
However, there are some special destinations that stand out and are a great place to start when it comes to visiting some of the top places in the world.
Which Places are the Best to Visit in the World?
- The Andaman Islands – These islands are one of the hidden gems of the world.They are a line of more than 300 islands that run from India to Thailand.They have perfect beaches, clear water and are a tropical paradise.Many of the islands are not places you can travel to as they are protecting the tribes that live there but Havelock island is accessible and beautiful.
The swimming and diving are outstanding along with the ability to hike, boat and explore.
These islands are not highly developed so you will find less touristy areas and more of nature.
- Christchurch, New Zealand – A colorful, exciting place to visit with a plethora of outdoor art and music.Its history includes both pre and post-earthquake venues that have been rebuilt or redone over time to honor the locals but be mindful of the environment.They have the Canterbury Earthquake National memorial which allows the memories to be kept while moving forward with a new life.They have Kakano, a Maori owned and run cooking school whose intent is to heal individuals through food.
This is a must-see along with the Christchurch Art Gallery.
- Fukuoka, Japan – This is the perfect spot if you want to go to Japan but avoid the tourist hot spots.It has the ruins of the 17th century Fukuoka Castle, the Kyushu National Museum, and the Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine just to name a few places of beauty.The blooms of the plum trees are almost overwhelming in the Spring.There are lovely canals nearby and gardens that are beyond description.
Topping off the wonderful places to visit is the area’s exquisite food.
The Nagahama Fishmarket opens to the public one time every month to buy fresh fish but has restaurants open 7 days per week.
Hakata Raman is a specialty of the area.
- G Canyon, USA – While this particular spot seems like a typical tourist jaunt, it actually has some spectacular reasons to have it one your travel bucket list.While it is one of natures natural wonders of the world, its artifacts go back almost 12000 years to the Paleo-Indian period.It is a 1.2 million acre park that offers so many things to do.Not only can you view the canyon from many vantage points but with a little planning, you can go below the rim in many spots whether it’s the north or south rim or Bright Angel trail.
You can hike to the bottom, go white river rafting, horseback or mule ride, backpack and camp.
You can choose to visit for a few hours or a few weeks.
There are lots of areas that are less tourist-driven where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the canyon without being swarmed by tourists.
- Hebridean Islands, Scotland – These should be on your must-see list, the Isle of Skye plus Lewis and Harris should all be visited.While Stonehenge is the main mystery of Scotland, these islands have a similar one called Callanish Standing Stone.This is a place you can go right up to the stones that have been in place for over 5000 years.These islands all have a small-town community feel with beautiful beaches and scenery.
There are places to see such as Loch Finlaggan which is where the Lords of the Isles met in medieval times along with other historical sites.
If you travel between islands you can go by ferry or plane for some.
If you go to the Isle of Barra, go by plane if you can as you will experience one of the most beautiful scenes as you land on a sandy beach.
- Normandy, France – This place on France’s northern coast is a history lovers dream.It has a history dating back to William the conqueror over 1000 years ago.It holds deep meaning when reflecting on WWII where the course of the war was changed by the Allies on D-Day.Normandy is steeped in history and honor with more than 20 cemeteries that honor those killed in WWII.
There are museums where you are able to learn more about the war’s history in the area along with many places that go farther back to the Norman invasion of 1066.
Normandy has lovely spots where you can enjoy the sites such as Honfleur, where Claude Monet came up with ideas for his artwork.
These top places to visit in the world are only a few of the many destinations that offer not only beautiful scenery but a rich history and stories.
There is so much more that can be seen given time and budget.
Whether you want to hike, relax, experience or learn, there is something for everyone’s bucket list and something that meets everyone’s budget.
These few places only begin to explore the exciting locales that exist for us to visit and enjoy.
