Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
Take your wanderlust to another level with our carefully curated selection of the most beautiful places to visit before you die. Covering all corners of the globe, these 15 destinations hold experiences that will leave you with memories of a lifetime. So strap in, let’s get exploring!
Jaipur, India
To kick off our list of places to visit before you die we have Jaipur, otherwise known as the “Pink City”. It is renowned for its signature red-sandstone buildings and regal heritage. Landmarks like the ornate Hawa Mahal and the celestial observatory, Jantar Mantar, make Jaipur a window into India’s colorful culture and history.
If you’re a fan of shopping, Jaipur is also a great destination. With its bustling bazaars offering a range of traditional handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. And don’t get us started on the food – you have never tasted Indian food like it. So whether you’re a history lover, a ‘shop till you dropper’, or a foodie, Jaipur is surely one of the best places to visit before you die!
New Zealand
You don’t need to be a Lord of the Rings fan to want to visit New Zealand. The “Land of the Long White Cloud” is home to some of the best landscapes Mother Nature has to offer. From towering mountains like the Remarkables to otherworldly bodies of water like Milford Sound, it’s a true paradise.
From adventure sports, think bungee jumping, to famous vineyards home to some other world’s finest Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand has something for every kind of traveler.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Hidden for centuries in the Andean mountains, Machu Picchu is a testament to the ingenuity and mysticism of the Inca civilization. The stunning terraces, intricate stonework, and panoramic views provide a truly awe-inspiring experience.
It’s not an easy route to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the classic Inca Trail Route is 26 miles but the effort is well worth the reward.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most important places to visit before you die. It’s a snorkeling and diving paradise with over 2,900 individual reefs and 1,500 species of fish.
Sadly it has been in constant threat from climate change and damage from human activity. By choosing the right tours, you’ll be supporting those who are working to protect and rebuild this Natural Wonder of the World.
Venice, Italy
Known as “The Floating City,” Venice brings in millions of visitors each year, with its winding canals, historic bridges, and Renaissance architecture. Whether you’re exploring St. Mark’s Square or enjoying a gondola ride, Venice is definitely one of the places to visit before you die.
Kyoto, Japan
The cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto is renowned for its historic temples, beautiful gardens, and traditional tea houses. Although it’s beautiful year-round, during the cherry blossoms in spring, the city takes on another level of charm.
Just a stone’s throw from Kyoto you’ll find Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a must-visit destination in its own right. It’s famed for its temples and gardens, and is very quiet (thanks to Japan’s government encouraging minimal noise). With both so nearby, this region of Japan should be high up on any list of places to visit before you die.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s no better place to visit before you die than Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Home to the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world, the Serengeti offers an amazing safari experience. Here, you can witness the epic spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration, where millions of these creatures, along with zebra and gazelles, walk the plains in search of new grasslands.
The Serengeti is also home to the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos. So make sure to pack your binoculars and a long lens for your camera!
Paris, France
No bucket list is complete without the “City of Love.” From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the art-filled halls of the Louvre and the charming cafés of Montmartre, Paris embodies sophistication, history, and romance.
Why not wander along the Seine at sunset, discover the literary history of the Latin Quarter, and the high-end boutiques on the Champs-Élysées, or get a taste for the mouthwatering pastries and fine coffees throughout the city?
Antarctica
Antarctica, the ultimate frontier, has adventure on every corner with its monumental icebergs, abundant wildlife, and untouched landscapes. You can observe penguins in their natural habitat, maneuver through ice-laden waters, or simply enjoy the solitude in this icy wilderness.
Santorini, Greece
For the sunsets alone, Santorini is well worth a visit. In Oia, you’ll see the sun dip below the Aegean Sea as the colorful white and blue buildings shimmer with a warm hue.
The island’s unique volcanic nature has also resulted in an interesting food culture, with local wines and produce being particularly delicious. Whether it’s dining on tasty food, wandering the quaint cobblestone streets, or exploring ancient ruins, Santorini is definitely one of the places to visit before you die!
Petra, Jordan
Petra, often called the “Rose City” for its pink-hued rock formations, is an impressive archaeological wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s signature monument, Al Khazneh, or “The Treasury,” is truly an awe-inspiring spectacle – one of the most elaborate rock-cut tombs in the world.
Petra’s historical significance extends beyond the Treasury, with an array of tombs, temples, and an ancient Roman theater carved directly into the rose-colored rocks. Thanks to its long history and incredible architecture, it should certainly be high up on the places to visit before you die!
Banff National Park, Canada
No matter the time of year you visit, Banff National Park in Canada is a slice of heaven for nature lovers. You can spend your time hiking through stunning trails, relaxing in one of the hot springs, or taking to the slopes during the winter. And the town itself is the perfect picturesque getaway, with its wooden shops and mountain backdrop.
Iceland
With a nickname like the “Land of Fire and Ice”, you already know Iceland has something special to offer. Its natural landmarks offer everything from volcanoes to glaciers to hot springs.
You’ll have the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, explore the ice caves of Vatnajökull glacier, and marvel at the cascading Gullfoss waterfall. Not to mention the famous Blue Lagoon where you can wash away your worries and reach a new level of relaxation!
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument and stands as a proud testament to Cambodia’s ancient history. Considered one of the key places to visit before you die by millions of yearly visitors, the temple was founded in the 12th century.
Beyond its history, Angkor Wat is a marvel of architectural and engineering prowess, with its aligning solar and lunar astronomical phenomena. There are also other local temples to explore including Ta Prohm and Bayon for an even deeper understanding of Cambodian history.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, world-renowned for its colorful Carnaval, beautiful beaches, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, is one of the other South American places to visit before you die.
You can explore nature in the Tijuca National Park, join the locals in a samba dance, or simply soak up the sun on the famous Copacabana beach. The food is also incredible, with traditional treats like feijoada and caipirinha well worth devouring!