Top Destinations
With a world full of fascinating travel destinations, choosing the perfect vacation spot can present a challenge. That’s why we have put together evaluated sights, cultures, scenic beauty, food options and more – to compile this list of the world’s best places to visit. Use these recommendations to craft your travel bucket list.
Dubai
Dubai is a destination that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment. Catch a show at the Dubai Opera, see downtown from atop the Burj Khalifa and spend an afternoon along Dubai Creek exploring the gold, textile and spice souks. If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah.
Bali
Bali is a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy. Soak up the sun on a stretch of fine white sand, or commune with the tropical creatures as you dive along coral ridges or the colorful wreck of a WWII war ship. On shore, the lush jungle shelters stone temples and mischievous monkeys. The “artistic capital” of Ubud is the perfect place to see a cultural dance performance, take a batik or silver-smithing workshop, or invigorate your mind and body in a yoga class.
Fiji
When you think about jetting off to a relaxing shore, chances are you’re thinking about Fiji. With its sun-drenched beaches, turquoise waters, and lush rainforests, it’s easy to disconnect and let nature take the lead. Stroll through the botanical gardens of Nadi, take a dip in the lagoons of Viti Levu, or just kick back in the shade under a Savusavu tree. Want to take things up a notch? Go surfing, snorkeling, or hike to waterfalls on Taveuni Island. Whether you want to spend your time hanging out in an overwater bungalow or exploring coral reefs and jungles, there’s no wrong way to do it. Check out more ideas below.
New Zealand
Forever remembered for its “The Lord of the Rings” legacy, New Zealand’s landscapes are deserving of their big screen fame—think lush rolling hills, volcano-sculpted moonscapes, UNESCO-listed glaciers, and white-sand beaches. Cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown follow suit, with photo-worthy scenery and a laid-back vibe.
Australia
Australia is as varied as it is enormous– it is home to thriving cities, vast wilderness, and earnest, friendly people. Sydney is for sophisticates, with its famous opera house and annual Sculpture By the Sea outdoor art exhibits. Port Douglas makes a great base for snorkeling or diving the Great Barrier Reef, and quaint lighthouses keep vigil along the beaches of Byron Bay. Melbourne is a hub of rousing cricket activity, and the limestone pillars of the Pinnacles Desert are a natural wonder.
Thailand
The lush jungles of Thailand promise adventure, while the serene beaches are the perfect place to splash in the sun. The Similan Islands feature some of the best dive sites in the world, where barracuda dart amid coral reefs and rock formations. Party in the nightclubs of Patong or linger over mango sticky rice at the famous Bangkok family restaurant Kao Neoo Korpanich. The city of Chiang Mai is an absolute must-visit; a mosaic of ancient temples, massage parlors, music venues, and markets.
Tokyo
The city is famously cutting-edge, yet its ancient Buddhist temples, vintage teahouses, and peaceful gardens offer a serene escape—and a reminder of its past. Spend the morning in Asakusa, Tokyo’s historical neighborhood, to see the Sensoji temple, then take a stroll along the Sumida River (in the spring, the cherry blossoms are in full force). Or, make your way to Tsukiji Outer Market for a sushi breakfast. Hit Akihabara for video games and anime. In the evening, take a detour down a yokocho—a little side street alleyway—to find laid-back izakayas and chill bars.That’s only scratching the surface—we’ve got more recommendations, below.
Philippines
With more than 7,000 islands consisting of rice paddies, volcanos, mega-metropolises, world-class surf spots, and endemic wildlife, the Philippines is one of the most dazzling and diverse countries in all of Asia. Not to mention, it’s home to some of the world’s best beaches, too.
Tahiti
The unique and ubiquitous island of Tahiti is world-renowned for its Polynesian charm, colorful culture and romantic ambiance. The grass-skirted hip shaking of Tahitian dance is sure to get your toes tapping and heart thumping—let the celebratory vibe of this magical locale rejuvenate and excite you to the core. Warm-water lagoons and crystalline ocean tides are host to a rainbow’s worth of colorful marine life, and the food, drink, spas and dramatic nightlife provide an experience to stimulate all the senses.
Amsterdam
From its picturesque canals and bridges to its historic homes, Amsterdam could be considered straight out of a fairytale (and the brightly-colored bicycles and tulip stands around town don’t hurt either). Must-see sights include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the world’s only floating flower market. Rent a bike and join thousands of locals peddling around. Other visitors might want to linger in the local coffee shops, which is just a normal part of the city’s landscape. Check out more recs below to make the most of your trip.
Cambodia
Set your own pace by cycling through Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat or pedaling the banks of the mighty Mekong. Trek off the beaten path on eco-adventures through the Cardamom Mountains, southern tropical islands or crater lakes of the remote northeast. Add urban adventure and hire a “motodop” taxi in Siem Reap.
Las Vegas
Whatever you can dream up, Las Vegas delivers: Michelin-starred restaurants, 24-hour wedding chapels, larger-than-life scenery, slot machines, all of it. But just when you think you have Vegas pinned down, it surprises you. Consider Meow Wolf, an immersive experience that’s equal parts theme park and art gallery. Or the ice rink at the Cosmopolitan (winter in the desert!). And then there’s the nature—head out past the Strip, and you’ll find state parks and views for days in spots like Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon. It’s gems like these that round out Vegas as a destination for families and non-partiers too.