The world is chock full of mind-blowing places that you should strive to get to before your days are up. In this post, we are touching on 15 of our top places we think you should get to before you hit the bucket.
This list is by no means exhaustive. There are literally thousands of spectacular places in the world that deserve to be mentioned here, but for the purpose of this post, we are sticking to our top 15.
1. Kyoto in Cherry Blossom Season
Japan is world-famous for its beautiful scenery during cherry blossom season. Kyoto is one of the most mind-blowing places to see cherry blossoms. The quaint Japanese architecture combined with bridges, meadows, river and boats and of course the cherry blossoms make this a once in a lifetime event to witness.
While it can be difficult to book and pricey, it is worth every effort and expense to witness the cherry blossoms in Kyoto before your time is up.
2. Machu Picchu
This list could not be complete without Machu Picchu! These ancient Inca ruins nestled between high mountains in the sky (7000 feet high to be exact) has to be seen to be believed. Machu Picchu dates back to 1450AD and is a symbol of the Inca Empire. It is made up of more than 150 buildings ranging from baths and houses to temples and sanctuaries
Going to Macchu Picchu will have you scratching your head about how this piece of architecture is even humanly possible.
The misty mountains, alpacas and spirit of the Incas will leave an imprint on you forever.
Don’t get to the end of your life without making the effort to see the wonder of the world. Even better go while you are still fit enough to do the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu.
3. Varanasi India
Varanasi in India makes it to our list of mind-blowing places to see as it is one of the most culturally fascinating yet shocking places to visit on the planet. Also known as Benaras, Varanasi is more than 3000 years old!
It is believed to be the oldest living city in the world and the spiritual capital of India with the holy river Ganga taking centre stage.
The city is pure uncomfortable chaos and heaving with temples, holy men, devotees and a vast array of street animals. The river is lined with a massive 84 ghats which many people frequent
The most shocking thing about Varanasi is that it is known as the great cremation ground of India. Many Hindus believe if you are cremated in Varanasi and taken by the Ganga you will receive salvation in this life. Dead bodies are brought here from all over the country to be cremated.
Varanasi will test you, make you uncomfortable, show you many extremes but teach you invaluable lessons about our world.
4. Petra Jordan
Petra in Jordan is our next mind-blowing place to see before you die! Also known as the Lost City, Petra is a spectacular archaeological site dating back to 300BC. Petra was rediscovered in 1812.
It is located in the pink Jordan desert and accessed via a narrow gorge called Al Siq. Petra contains beautiful tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs. It is most famous for the Al Khazneh which is a truly spectacular temple carved high into the side of a cliff.
This incredible ancient piece of architecture will surely be one of the most impressive sights you will ever see.
5. Egyptian Pyramids
This list wouldn’t be complete without the ancient pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Before the fall of Egypt, this empire ruled for thousands of years. The Pyramids of Giza were built 4,500 years ago!
These huge pyramids are still to this day shrouded in history as to how they got there and what their purpose was.
So why not get on a camel and go and see these marvels of human history for yourself!
6. Iguazu Falls, Brazil & Argentina
On the border of Argentina and Brazil lie some of the most dramatic waterfalls on the planet known as Iguazu Falls. It is made upon 275 waterfalls and span 3 countries.
Witnessing the beauty and power of these waterfalls from two different countries is something you should be adding to your bucket list.
You can enjoy these falls from all angles, including boats and boardwalks that get frighteningly close!
7. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is one of the most mind-blowing places in the world! There is so much to see and do in this ancient city, that can only be done there.
Go hot air ballooning for an unforgettable experience of the colourful valleys from the sky as the sun comes up.
Wander through ancient underground cities, sleep in a cave and hike through the magnificent valleys.
Do not leave Earth without seeing Cappadocia for yourself.
8. Perito Merino Glacier, Argentina
Puerto Merino glacier is a massive glacier in the dramatically beautiful region of Patagonia in Southern Argentina.
This glacier is a magnificent site with a gigantic sheet of ice moving slowly through a mountainous valley before falling off into a blue lake.
Perito Merino glacier is one of the only glaciers in the world that isn’t receding!
You can take day tours to the glacier and get up close and personal to this amazing landscape. It is possible to hike on the ice and take boat rides up to the edge.
9. Lupin flowers, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Thanks to Instagram influencers the Lupin fields near Lake Tekapo in New Zealand are not so secret. The beautiful beds of colour flowers set against the mountains and lake make for an unforgettable moment. Forget Instagram and head to New Zealand to see the Lupin fields for yourself!
Plus there is so much to see and do in this part of New Zealand, which deserves a bucket list post of its own.
The Lupins only flower between November & December, so plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss them.
10. Santorini, Greece
You may associate Santorini with over-tourism, but there is a reason why Santorini is so popular! Santorini is spectacular. The white and blue clifftop villages of Oia and Fira will simply take your breath away.
Santorini really does look the same, if not better, than the picture-perfect postcards. The sunsets on this island are definitely worth travelling from the other side of the world to see, even with the crowds!
On top of the beautiful views, cave hotels and infinity pools, there are also vineyards, dramatic volcanic beaches, amazing shops and fun nightlife to keep you entertained.
To avoid the crowds of summer be sure to travel to Santorini in the shoulder season in May or September.
11. The Dolomites, Italy
The breathtaking mountains in the Dolomites, Italy are definitely worth a trip to this lifetime. The Dolomites are home to arguably the most spectacular landscapes in Europe!
Picture still blue lakes with dramatic, snow-capped pointy mountains almost touching the sky.
This is the ultimate place to go on an adventure in Europe and immerse yourself in nature.
12. Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco
Aït Ben Haddouis is our next mind-blowing place to visit. It is nestled in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. This structure is known as a ksar which is a group of earthen clay buildings surrounded by high walls and green trees. The architecture is simply stunning! A handful of people still live inside.
This is one of the most famous sites in Morocco for filming locations. It is easy to see why once you go! Films such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy and so much more have been filmed here.
13. Jaisalmer, India
Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City, is a village on the edge of the That Desert in Rajasthan, India.
This breathtaking city has so much to offer! Expect intricately detailed sandstone forts and palaces, desert camping trips, unforgettable royal tombs and so much more.
This is by far one of the coolest places in India and one of the most memorable destinations in the world, so don’t miss it.
14. Whitehaven Beach at Whitsunday Island in Australia
Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island in Queensland Australia will blow you away. It is famous for its bright white sand, crystal clear blue waters and green rolling hills.
You will feel like you have been transported straight to heaven.
Be sure to book a sailing trip to this jewel in Australia before your time is up.
15. The salt flats in Bolivia
The salt flats in Bolivia in South America are another mind-boggling landscape that you should have on your bucket list.
The white salt flats form a honeycomb type pattern on white flat land stretching for miles. The salt flats also create a spectacular mirror effect where it looks like you are walking or driving on water.
The salt flats are just one of many epic adventures to be had in Bolivia so don’t miss it!
Comment below which of these mind-blowing places you have already been to.
Also, let us know of any mind-blowing places you think we should have included!
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