A Travel Geeks Guide to Must-Visits Across the Continents
Asia
Borobudur
A first time trip to Indonesia would be incomplete without paying the Borobudur Temple Compounds a visit. Built in the 8th and 9th centuries, this temple is one of the world’s biggest and still existing Buddhist monuments, considered as on of the seven wonders of the world.You’ll find stone carvings etched to represent images from Buddha’s life Fun fact: All 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues were built without cement or mortar to keep them together, relying merely on the interlocked bricks to hold in place.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
If you’ve got friends and family who recently visited Japan, chances are thigh that they didn’t leave without a photo at the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, located in Kyoto. This Shinto Shrine, where the kami (Shinto “gods) dwell, opens with the hoden )main hall) where visitors pay repsects and make offerings. Behind the mian grounds lies the infamous Senbon Torri (thousands of torii gates) a row of reddish-orange gates leading to an even longer hike that visitors are free to trek as long as they please.
Taroko National Park
This gorgeous expanse and vast expanse of greenery and waterfalls is one of Taiwan’s nine national parks and contains plenty of destinations within that tourists may opt to visit. Walk alongside Swallow Grotto’s deep ravines and rock formations, pass through the amazing man-made Baiyang Trail’s pedestrian tunnel carved out of rock, and wear a poncho as you walk through the beautiful Water Curtain caves.
Huwon Secret Garden
Gorgeous, gorgeous greenery, a serene and tranquil atmosphere, and beautifully designed royal pavilions await you at Huwon Secret Garden. Make sure to spot the two-story Juhamnu Pavilion, used as a library by the king, perched atop a square lily pond and surrounded by some of the most breathtaking, multi-colored trees. This wonderful destination is a testament to the seamless and natural garden landscaping of the Joseon Dynasty wit much of the topography left untouched and some of the trees being over 300 years old.
Gardens by the Bay
Perhaps one of the greatest feats of 21st century garden artistry, Singapore’s Gardens by the Pay is a showpiece straight out of an imagined utopia. Spanning over 101 hectares of land at Marina Bay, it’s home to more than 200 species and varieties of plants and one of the more unforgettable icons of the attraction, the 19 Supertrees standing as tall as 50 m, covered with a ton of tropical flowers, orchids, and more.
Africa
Victoria Falls
Even a mere photo of the vast expanse of the Victoria Falls will have you releasing a breathless “wow”. And in person? The view is pretty incomparable. Spanning a length of more than a kilometer and a height of more than a hundred meters, this natural wonder is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world. Fun fact: Due to its size, the sound of water rushing from the Zambezi River can be heard from 40 km away.
Jemaa el Fna Square
Snake charmers? Check. Fortune tellers? Yep. Shops upon shops upon shops? Absolutely! Jemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakesh has served as a communal gathering spot in the heart of the city for over a thousand years, lending itself to a lively, electric atmosphere deemed of significant cultural importance by UNESCO themselves. There are rows upon rows of stores offering poems, stories, henna tattoos, art, medicine, spices, and yes, even snails! It's an amazing mix of social groups, ethnicities, tourists, locals, and generations of Morrocans.
Table Mountain
The iconic Table Mountain is one of South Africa’s well know landmarks featuring a national park, numerous hiking trails, and amazing views of Cape Town viewable through a trek of the aerial cable way that’ll take you straight to the top. While you’re there, check out the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens near the eastern foot of the mountain boasting a variety of plant species from all around the world. Wildlife is also no stranger to this landscape with caracals and chacma baboons making the mountains their home.
Makgadikgadi Pans
If we were to describe Makgadikgadi Pans in two words, it would have to be “salty safari”. This unique biome spans 9,942 square miles composed of white sand, salt, vegetation, and wild life. A must try when visiting the pans is the Safari game drive wherein travelers go face to face with herds of hyenas, bat-eared foxes, wide-eyed meerkats, and the elusive black-maned Kalahari lion all while on an open 4x4 drive. Witness the sand, salt water, or the flamingos depending on when you visit. Truly an experience for the adventurous and daring.
Oceania
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is the child of creativity and innovation with its iconic architecture and design making its sail-like roofs recognizable all around the globe with more than 10.9 million people visiting the Opera House every year. From the passionate performances of Prince, to the lectures of Stephen Hawking, and standup by the hilarious comedian Hannah Gadsby, the opera house has beared witness to some of the greatest acts of all time, making its grand halls just as iconic as its exterior.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
The sandstone monoliths of Uluru and the red domes of Kata located in the heart of the Central Australian desert are of immense cultural and natural value, holding an irreplicable beauty that has become one of Australia's prides. It’s geological formation are home to vegetation such as the pretty Pink Mulla Mulla and Spinifex Grasslands, serving as home to a thriving community of wildlife.
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew are a culmination of stunning vistas, serene lakes, some of the prettiest plants you’ve ever seen. Leisurely walking around will have you feeling like you’ve been transported into the gardens of Bridgerton. Or if you’re looking for something more structured and educational, they also offer the Aboriginal Heritage Walk where one can learn about the First Peoples of Australia, native plants, customs, and how this garden ties into the history of Australia.
Kangaroo Island
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with friends or kids as you visit South Australia, you have got to check out Kangaroo Island. There’s sightseeing and interacting with kangaroos and adorable koalas for the kids, a great wine tasting and cocktail making program for the adults, snorkeling, e-biking, and a lovely barbecue lunch for everyone. This is an all in immersive experience that combines adventure and luxury.
Waitomo Caves
New Zealand is home to plenty of amazing natural and manmade geographic wonders but the Waitomo Caves have got to be one of the most breathtaking. Underneath a vast expanse of green hills lie a hidden labyrinth of caves and underground rivers that you can explore on foot, by boat, or through the Black Water Rafting experience that involves crawling, floating, and swimming through the caves. Heck, you can even zipline. If you’re lucky enough, you may even catch sight of the glow worms, illuminating the caves with a dreamy glow.
North America
Chichen Itza, Mexico
From afar the 1,500-year-old Chichen Itza site is a wonder to behold however walking up close to the structures allows visitors to truly see the intricate carvings, brick patterns, and ancient sculptures imbued with history that make it one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Explore the Mayan Ruins and colonial city or even take a swim in the beautiful sunken cenote’s fresh waters for an afternoon full of fun, culture, and exploration.
Bourbon Street
The lively jazz music, the wild parties, the amazing Louisiana cuisine, and the culture! New Orlean’s is a melting pot of history and art, with life spilling from the wonderful open balconies. Take a walk down Bourbon Street and we promise that you won’t go a couple of minutes without hearing some sweet blues or jazz music crooning from the corners. Wait till the evenings and you’ll find yourself in a city-wide party, squeezing through crowds of locals and tourists alike, reveling in the electric atmosphere of this historic location.
Old Quebec, Canada
Historic Quebec, set along the St. Lawrence River, is reminiscent of those tiny towns encased in Christmas snow globes. Speaking of the snow, we highly recommend visiting around February, when the town’s quaint cobblestone walkways and beautiful brick houses are covered in snow, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. Not to mention the Carnaval d’hiver (Winter Carnival) where streets will be lined with activity surrounding sports, the arts, and of course, Quebecois cuisine.
Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Alright, you may be thinking, “An amusement park? Really?”, but honestly, the magical world of Disney Orlando is pretty unmatched. Whether you’re touring the east coast with your friends or family, it’s almost impossible to have a less than stellar time at Disney World. Don on some Mickey Mouse ears, snack on their infamous Mickey waffles, and have your world turned upside down (literally) on some of the park’s more daring rides. Stay rtill lunch to watch the parade and extend your stay into the evenings for the wonderful, magical fireworks display that will for sure bring the kid inside of you out again.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is the second largest waterfall in the world and interestingly, is actually made up of three waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Canadian Falls. Aside from sightseeing, there’s plenty to do in the area. Embark on the Maid of Mist boat tour donning a poncho and pass through the rolling waves and rock formations. Or get up close and personal with the Cave of Winds allowing you to stand under the Falls themselves. Or if you’re in the mood for something more daring, feel the rush of adrenaline with the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.
South America
Cristo Redentor and Corcovado
Ah, yes, the infamous Christ the Redeemer statue standing at 710 meters, visible from almost any part of the city, is truly a feat in the art deco world. Located on Mount Corcovado. Costing $250,000 (the modern-day equivalent of 3.4 million), the statue was funded by the Brazilian Catholic population and is the work of multiple artists such as Gheorghe Leonida and Paul Landowski. This attraction is visited by nearly 2 million people a year, with the record of 14,000 visitors in a single day.
Easter Island
Easter Island is perhaps one of the world’s most interesting mysteries. Inhabited by a small group of Polynesians hundreds of years ago, these sculptures were chiseled out of volcanic stone to pay tribute to their ancestors. However, the island’s agriculture dwindled leading to the civilization's collapse. By the time the island was rediscovered, it was barren. Situated on a wide expanse of green fields, tourists can see the grand, partially-buried Moais up close. Ask locals what they think happened on the island, we guarantee you’ll be hearing varied but interesting stories.
Machu Picchu
For another great historical sanctuary, the mountain rides of Machu Picchu are definitely a worthy contender, being one of the greatest and most recognizable icons of the Inca civilization. Another testament to just how innovative and capable ancient engineering and architecture was, the beautiful walls of the city are made of stones cut to fit together all without a binding agent. Fun fact: Some structures in Machu Picchu are yet to be discovered with a set of terraces unveiled to the public quite recently in 2011.
The Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are another iconic tourist destination in South America and with is bast expanse of beautiful sea and sand, we can see why. Made out of thirteen major islands, these island groups are perhaps best known for their incredible plant and animal species. From the Galápagos tortoise, scaly marine iguanas, and yes, even penguins, there’s tons to discover on this beautiful landscape. Dive with whale sharks and hammerheads, go kayaking, horse riding, and biking, or treat yourself to a luxury Galapagos Vacation Cruise. Whatever your dream itinerary is, there’s bound to be something for everyone.
Los Glaciares National Park
Want to see some of the world’s most exceptional glacier formations? You can and you don’t have to go all the way to Antarctica to make it happen. Los Glaciares National Park is actually composed of mountains, lakes, and woods that were submerged under water and frozen into those icy, blue glaciers. Aside from sightseeings,tourists have the option to trek the frozen beauty, have lunch with a view at the multiple lodges, and just overall bask in the icy air of the Patagonia.
Europe
Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you look up pictures of Old Town Dubrovnik and think to yourself, “Huh, that looks familiar,” it’s probably because you’ve seen it before. That’s riht, this gorgeous, medieval looking city was featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones, acting as King’s Landing. However, aside from its pop culture significance, Dubrovnik is a beauty in and of itself surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, limestone mountains, and tons of bazaars, churches, palaces, museums, bars, and cafes littering its narrow streets.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Spain
In a word: Breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking. This unfinished Church is one of the more recognizable Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau structures in the world. Despite being under construction since 1882, the Basilica already holds so much to see with its breathtaking eight major towers, a tomb holding the original architect, Antoni Gaudi, and its beautiful interior illuminated by sunlight streaming through the stained glass.
Keukenhof, Netherlands
Home to more than 7 million flower bulbs and more than 800 different tulips, the seasonal Keukenhof Tulip Gardens boasts 32 hectares of flowers. Visitors are invited to trek the whole 10 miles of Keukenhof to truly see the flower garden in all its glory, crossing beautiful ponds, offering multiple opportunities and various pavilions, and even showcasing some unique art and flower shows for a truly whimsical experience.
Skopelos, Greece
Another pop culture icon, the beautiful blue seas and terracotta roofs is infamous for appearin in the Hollywood movie Mamma mia. Pay this place a visit and you too can have a Meryl Streep moment of cruising though the water on a boat, the sea breeze in your hair, and belting ABBA songs at the top of your lungs. There’s plenty to do on this beautiful island from visiting the sandy coasts and sparkling waters by the beach, drinking champagne at the surrounding eateries, or visiting the beautiful monasteries and chapels. What better way to romanticize your life by embarking on a Grecian holiday, right?
Château de Versailles
Is it just us or have we suddenly been transported into Netflix’s Bridgerton? Kidding aside, the opulent Palace of Versailles is bound to have anyone walking through its gates feel like proper royalty. With hallways lined with exquisite art, crystal chandeliers and paintings decorating the ceilings, and candlesticks casting a regal glow upon the walkways. Not to mention the gorgeous, gorgeous greenery ining the walkways. Spend a day at this gorgeous estate and get a taste of the level of luxury experienced by royals at Versailles.
