It’s only when we head off on our travels across the world that we can truly appreciate the beauty of the planet we live on. From tropical rainforests and incredible waterfalls to impressive mountain ranges, lush green countryside, sandy white beaches and crystal-clear seas, the world is bursting with extraordinary scenic destinations, many of which are just a short plane ride away.
It would be near-impossible to visit every single beautiful destination around the world in your lifetime, but there’s no reason why you can’t give it a good go. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or you limit your travels to your yearly vacation in the sun, it’s certainly worth adding some of the world’s most scenic places to your travel bucket list. If you need an idea of where to begin, here are 5 of our personal favourites that nature has to offer:
Oia, Santorini, Greece
If you’re looking to experience traditional Greek village living with breath-taking views and delicious cuisine, you can’t go wrong with Oia, situated in the Greek island of Santorini. Oia is a hilltop village that cascades down a cliffside in a blend of whitewashed buildings and traditional blue domed churches, narrow cobbled streets and quaint little restaurants.
You’ve probably seen pictures of Oia’s infamous summer sunset view all over Instagram, when the whole village is bathed in a serene warm orange light. Oia is situated just a short walk away from Fira, the island’s main village with a port, which makes it a good destination to visit if you’re Greek island hopping or making a short trip over. It can get a bit busy in the peak summer periods, so plan your visit carefully.
Grand Canyon, USA
One of the most impressive views you can ever treat your eyes to in your lifetime is the Grand Canyon. Situated in the Arizonan desert, the immense canyon is characterised by its by layers upon layers of red rock, each of them recording billions of years of history, which were carved out by the Colorado river that still rages at the canyon’s base.
The Grand Canyon is a location far worthier of seeing in person than in photos. Only then can you get a true idea of its vastness – and even better if you’re prepared to splash out a little extra on a helicopter tour, flying you right over the natural wonder. The sunrise and sunset over the Grand Canyon are also both beautiful sights, so it’s worth choosing your visiting times to coincide with one or the other for the best experience.
Venice, Italy
With its tiny cobbled roads, spiderweb canal network, faded pastel townhouses and striking palaces, there’s no place quite equal to Venice in its original beauty. As one of the most romantic destinations, Venice offers historical splendour around every corner, and it’s easy to understand why the island has inspired so many artists over the years.
It’s thought that as a result of global warming, Venice is slowly sinking, and it’s unlikely that we’ll be able to experience the full beauty of the island for much longer. This only makes Venice even more of an essential vacation destination to add to your bucket list if you’re looking to visit the most beautiful places the world has to offer – before it’s too late.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
There’s something about the endless stretch of turquoise coast of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia that’s powerful enough to take your breath away. The huge ecosystem, which is thought to run some 2,300km long, can be found just off the coast of Queensland, and is apparently the only living thing on earth that can be seen clearly from space.
If you’re planning on visiting the Great Barrier Reef in person, it’s essential that you explore its seas below-water as well as from above. You can only experience the true beauty of the destination by getting up close and personal with some of the most fascinating sea life on the planet. If diving isn’t your thing, a glass bottom boat is the second-best alternative.
Niagara Falls, USA
One of the finest examples of nature’s incredible potential is the Niagara Falls. Situated on the border between Canada and the US, the Niagara Falls is a site of breath-taking natural beauty. The sheer size of the falls (Horseshoe Falls is thought to be the tallest waterfall at 188 feet) is spellbinding enough, but the reflection of the sun on the water’s surface combined with algae and other organisms on the rocks beneath are what give the falls their beautiful turquoise hue.
You can view the Niagara Falls in a number of different ways, and each will give you an entirely different perspective of the landscape. Boat trips run throughout the year, some of which will take you right behind the falls themselves. For the adrenaline junkies out there, arguably the best view of the falls can be found via helicopter tour, allowing you to see the falls from a bird’s eye perspective. There are also viewing platforms that give you astonishing views of the falls from right up close.