Our planet is a big and beautiful place. In fact, some of the places look so surreal that we might mistake them for a set from a fairytale movie. Filled with fauna and flora, our planet provides us with everything we need to survive. A recent study also found that traveling has a lot of health benefits and is good for your mental health. Traveling reduces stress, helps boosts happiness and satisfaction, and makes you mentally resilient. Whether you want to snap a few cool shots for your Instagram page, rediscover yourself or check off an item from your bucket list, these 12 places are a must visit at least once in your lifetime.
1. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
The Capilano Suspension Bridge in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is a place to experience adventure, history and culture. Originally built in 1889, for sawmill workers to get to work easily, the bridge is a popular tourist destination today. It’s highest point is 90 metres (300 feet) and is 213 metres (700 feet) in length.
The bridge hangs freely between the supports on either end, so it sways and bounces as you walk across it. Don’t worry, it won’t snap since it is designed to create the illusion that walking across it is a risky task. The most impressive feature of the bridge is the fact that it can support the weight of fifty 747’s or ten heavy-duty military fighter planes.
2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is known for its stunning sunsets and is considered to be one of the most romantic and beautiful of the Greek Isles. The turquoise blue waters set against an endless blue sky is sure to create some beautiful memories. The island is inhabited by only 15,000 people but a whooping 1.5 million tourists visit each year. There are over 100 varieties of grapes in Santorini, so this should definitely be on your bucket list.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the most famous international destinations around the world. Filled with spectacular mountains, beaches and sweet natured people, Bali is an exotic destination for those who want to relax. It is also filled with some interesting traditions and places that you have to see with your own eyes. The island country has only two seasons: The dry season (April to October) and the wet season (October to April). Overall, the temperature stays moderate and is an ideal place to be throughout the year.
4. Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
Brazil’s Lençóis Maranhenses is a one of a kind National Park that turns into clear blue lagoons during the rainy season. Lençóis Maranhenses, in Portuguese, means “bedsheets of Maranhão. It receives about 47 inches of rain each year, making it too rainy to be considered a desert. Visitors can explore the dunes and lagoons with the help of guides, since it’s easy to get lost in this vast and beautiful place.
5. Devils Tower, USA
Located in the northwest corner of the Black Hills on the Wyoming side of the border, Devils Tower is more than four football fields tall. It was the first National Monument in the United States – declared as such in 1906 by President Teddy Roosevelt. Native American tribes leave small colored bundles of clothes around the base as sacred offerings. Visitors can climb the tower without the help of guides, as there are around 15 safe rounds established.
6. Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale, a geological phenomenon, is a traveler’s dream place. Located in a town in Western Turkey, mineral-rich thermal waters flow down the bright white terraces of a steep valley side. Pamukkale is a tourist hotspot, as it has 17 natural hot water springs. Over 2 million people visit the Sacred Pool in Pamukkale, which is also known as Cleopatra’s Pool because the Egyptian Queen is said to have swum there.
7. Arashiyama, Japan
Arashiyama, a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, is a place of scenic beauty. One of the main tourist attractions in Arashiyama is the bamboo forest, which is a grove of carefully planted tall Bamboo plants. The forest provides visitors with a calm and serene atmosphere. Visitors can take tours by foot and experience the greenery in a different perspective.
8. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
The Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany’s most recognized tourist attraction. Also known as Germany’s fairy tale castle, construction began on it in 1869. Walt Disney himself was so inspired by its fairytale architecture that he incorporated its design into Cinderella’s castle in the 1950 cartoon film. The Cinderella Castle in Disneyworld Florida and the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris was also inspired by the Neuschwanstein Castle.
9. Tracy Arm Fjord, USA
Tracy Arm in Alaska is one of the most majestic fjords in the world. It is covered by mountains, towering cliffs, waterfalls descending into the sea and large icebergs. If you visit Alaska, visiting Tracy Arm fjord is a must. Apart from that, visitors can see the thriving sea life such as whales, sea lions, seals and others in the fjord.
10. Ta Prohm, Cambodia
Ta Prohm in Cambodia is a sacred temple, which was first named Rajavihara, instead of Ta Prohm, as it is now. Located in the east of Angkor Thom, it was built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII in 1189 but was only discovered in the 20th century. Surrounded by jungles, the temple itself became a part of it, making it a famous tourist hotspot. Ta Prohm temple was the place chosen in one of the scenes in the movie, “Tomb Raider” starring Angelina Jolie.
11. Ice Caves, Iceland
If you ever wished to walk inside a natural ice cave within a glacier, then you should definitely visit Iceland. Accessible between November and throughout March, ice caves form naturally and visitors can walk inside without the help of guides. They form in different colors and are constantly changing with the seasons.
12. Cenote Ik-Kil, Mexico
Ik-Kil is a naturally formed underground cave, located in the northern center of the Yucatán Peninsula. The cenote is open to the public for swimming and thousands of people visit the place to experience it. The cenote was sacred to the Mayans and they used this cenote for both relaxation and ritual services.