17 Places You Must Visit Before You Die
Travelers Today By Naia Carlos
May 08, 2018 10:15 AM EDT
Fethi Belaid | AFP | Getty Images
1. Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
Giza’s great and stunning pyramids are the relics of a lost era, a peek into an ancient world that has long given way to the bustle of modern life. It's the only one out of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that has survived. Despite the surge of modernity, these tombs of long-dead pharaohs are built to endure several lifetimes.
These tombs of the pharaohs have been standing at the edge of the Nile River for about 4,500 years. However, how the ancient Egyptians were able to achieve the architectural feats is still a mystery, says National Geographic.
Seeing the towering heights of the tombs are jaw-dropping enough, but stepping inside the Great Pyramid of Giza — also known as the Pyramid of Khufu — and the other Giza pyramids is the height of the experience. Here, the buzz of the crowds falls away as travelers get fully immersed in the tomb art and inscriptions telling the life of the ancient Egyptians.
Fethi Belaid | AFP | Getty Images
1. Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
Giza’s great and stunning pyramids are the relics of a lost era, a peek into an ancient world that has long given way to the bustle of modern life. It's the only one out of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that has survived. Despite the surge of modernity, these tombs of long-dead pharaohs are built to endure several lifetimes.
These tombs of the pharaohs have been standing at the edge of the Nile River for about 4,500 years. However, how the ancient Egyptians were able to achieve the architectural feats is still a mystery, says National Geographic.
Seeing the towering heights of the tombs are jaw-dropping enough, but stepping inside the Great Pyramid of Giza — also known as the Pyramid of Khufu — and the other Giza pyramids is the height of the experience. Here, the buzz of the crowds falls away as travelers get fully immersed in the tomb art and inscriptions telling the life of the ancient Egyptians.
Photo credit | Fethi Belaid | AFP | Getty Images
Carl de Souza | AFP | Getty Images
2. Serengeti in Tanzania
See how the wild ones live. Travelers who time their trip right and are fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time can even see how the animals move in one of nature's greatest odysseys.
The region is famous for its great migration, when over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles trek from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of greener pastures. The migration isn’t a point to point trip, but an endless clockwise journey between the two countries as the animals follow the richest grazing lands available.
Apart from this majestic natural phenomenon, tourists can spot a range of massive predators in Serengeti’s lands including lions, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, gazelles, and more.
Photo credit | Carl de Souza | AFP | Getty Images
Rhona Wise | AFP | Getty Images
3. Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA
The Grand Canyon is a jaw-dropping geological marvel, one with thousands upon thousands of photographs that all somehow pale in comparison to the real thing. It’s roughly 2 billion years old, according to Lonely Planet, and the rock walls — painted in stunning shades of gold and red throughout the day — feel like a living, breathing testament to natural America.
National Park Service (NPS) puts the Grand Canyon’s tourist numbers at around 5.5 million people every year, a massive number that somehow doesn’t diminish the grandeur of the mile-deep, 277-river-mile long, and 18-mile wide canyon. The Colorado River continues to carve its way through the canyon until the present day.
Adventurous tourists can explore the depths of the canyon for a more intimate experience, but even just a glimpse from the top is worth the trip to Arizona. The South Rim, known for its dramatic vistas, is open all year round, while the North Rim is closed during the winter months.
Photo credit | Rhona Wise | AFP | Getty Images
Khalil Mazraawi | AFP | Getty Images
4. Petra in Jordan
An ancient city carved onto the face of Jordan’s golden desert cliffs, Petra is known as the “Lost City” for being forgotten largely by the Western world until it was re-discovered in the early 1800s by Swiss explorer Jean Louis Burckhardt. As Lonely Planet describes, he snuck into the hidden city that used to be the capital of the Nabataean empire.
Between 400 B.C. and A.D. 106, Petra was a bustling trading center for the tribe, according to National Geographic. Now, the ancient city is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the nomadic empire’s ruins are some of the most popular spots at the heart of Jordan.
Iconic sights include the winding gorge of the Siq and the imposing, intricately carved Treasury that treasure hunters used to believe hide the Nabataean's riches. The desert oasis takes on a magical atmosphere in the evening, especially on the nights that tourists are invited for a candelight stroll through the ancient city.
Photo credit | Khalil Mazraawi | AFP | Getty Images
STR | AFP | Getty Images
5. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China can’t actually be seen from space, but one could be forgiven for believing this myth. The fortress is one of the most impressive man-made achievements in the world, built by the Chinese over a period of 2,000 years and stretching over 5,500 miles long, according to Los Angeles Times.
Tourists often choose one slice of the Wall to visit and a popular one is Badaling, which is only an hour’s drive away from Beijing. Countless of other sections of the wall that are unrestored are also available for travelers who are looking for something less crowded and more isolated.
“He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man,” Mao Zedong once said.
Photo credit | STR | AFP | Getty Images
Lintao Zhang | Getty Images
6. Tianzi Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China
Nestled deep in the forests of China’s Hunan Province, the Tianzi Mountain structures are unlike other collection of mountains in the world, soaring above the trees like skyscrapers that go as high as 4,140 feet above sea level.
It is a surreal, almost alien sight, even inspiring the look of the planet Pandora in the 2009 film Avatar. World Atlas says that the region used to be submerged under the ocean 300 million years ago and these ancient rocks are artifacts of prehistoric times.
Tianzi’s imposing natural monoliths are actually dead mountains that have been eroded by the elements through centuries, according to Futurism. At the base of these unusual peaks is an incredible cave system with underground lakes and rivers.
Photo credit | Lintao Zhang | Getty Images
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | Wikimedia Commons
7. Great Blue Hole in Belize
Made famous by renowned explorer Jacques Cousteau, the stunning Great Blue Hole is an underwater sinkhole just 60 miles off the coast of Belize that Atlas Obscura says is the largest of its kind. Dazzling blue waters surround the perfectly round sinkhole that’s recognizable for its deep blue hue that’s 984 feet across and 410 feet deep.
The pretty sinkhole is a favorite of experienced divers for the unique geological formations found in its depths. It’s believed to be originated from a limestone cave in the previous glacial period until the cave collapsed and created the hole. Divers say that the stalactites and stalagmites become more complex deeper down — and the water becomes clearer as well.
Photo credit | U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | Wikimedia Commons
Phyo Hein Kyaw | AFP | Getty Images
8. Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan is known as The Land of the Pagodas — and deservedly so. Here, in a lost city that’s largely uninhibited, over 2,000 ancient Buddhist structures dot the land as far as the eye can see. Scattered across unspoiled plains and gently rolling hills, these religious monuments are remnants from the 11th century to the 13th century when Bagan’s kings called for the creation of endless of pagodas in an attempt to prove their reverence to Buddhism, according to Lonely Planet.
Don’t miss the magic hour at sunrise or sunset when the sun bathes the ancient monuments in a beautiful golden glow. Tourists may also hop on a hot air balloon to witness one of the most picturesque vistas in the world from the sky.
Photo credit | Phyo Hein Kyaw | AFP | Getty Images
Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt | AFP | Getty Images
9. Paris, France
The world shares a collective infatuation for Paris — and with good reason. From world-class food and fashion to prestigious art and history, the City of Love has everything to offer. There’s an incredible array of iconic monuments found in these stylish streets including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame cathedral, among others.
Paris is where the romance of the past is preserved and avant-garde culture emerges. It also never gets old. Despite the city hosting a horde of tourists all-year-round, each trip uncovers a secret corner of the city, whether it’s a cutting-edge art installation or a treasure trove of novels by the riverbank.
Photo credit | Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt | AFP | Getty Images
Jonathan Nackstrand | AFP | Getty Images
10. Northern Lights
Few spectacles in the world are more ethereal than the dancing Northern Lights that transform the night skies over the Arctic. The spectacular light show is on many travelers’ hit list, but it’s always a risk chasing a natural phenomenon that is ultimately unpredictable.
According to CNN Travel, travelers hoping for a glimpse of the breathtaking but elusive northern lights will get the best chance at a latitude of 66 to 69 degrees north. Some of the places where the northern lights are frequently spotted include Jokulsarlon, Iceland; Fairbanks, Alaska in the United States; Paatsjoki and Muonio, Finnish Lapland; Unstad, Lofoten in Norway; Cairngorms National Park, Scotland; Kangerlussuaq, Greenland; Tromsø, Norway; Abisko, Sweden; and Yellowknife, Canada.
Photo credit | Jonathan Nackstrand | AFP | Getty Images
Ludovic Marin | AFP | Getty Images
11. Taj Mahal in India
Built in the 1600s by emperor Shah Jahan to honor his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is an enduring testament to love. The marble monument is also hailed as an architectural wonder and one of the most beautiful buildings in history, according to National Geographic, seamlessly weaving Asian and European influences in one majestic structure.
Step inside for an even more dazzling look into this monument, which is so often just characterized with its domed exterior. Beyond the arched entry is a massive complex with mausoleums, flourishing gardens, and even a mosque. Intricate details — semiprecious stones, beautiful carvings, and calligraphy of Koran verses — add to the lavish setting, which the region’s finest artisans flocked to Agra to create.
Photo credit | Ludovic Marin | AFP | Getty Images
Mark Kolbe | Getty Images
12. Great Barrier Reef in Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is the planet’s largest, richest stretch of coral reserve, a true paradise for sea lovers and marine life enthusiasts. The stretch of more than 1,400 miles is teeming with a host of wildlife including 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and over 200 species of birds, according to Travel + Leisure.
Diving and snorkeling are the most popular activities, but tourists can also go sailing, swimming, and exploring all over the surrounding isles. One unique experience to try is gliding over the spectacular reef on a glass-bottomed boat, where tourists can simply watch the scurrying sea life below their feet.
Photo credit | Mark Kolbe | Getty Images
Pablo Cozzaglio | AFP | Getty Images
13. Galápagos Islands in Ecuador
In the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies an archipelago where alien creatures found nowhere else on Earth live.
It’s easy to see how these islands contributed to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. For millions of years, the Galápagos Islands sit untouched, unspoiled, and uninhibited by man — and the animals were able to evolve freely in bizarre ways such as the world’s only sea-faring lizards and the Galápagos giant tortoise, Fodor's Travel shares.
It is one of the few spots left in the world where man remains a visitor to wildlife who have roamed the islands throughout millennia. The creatures remain unafraid to human presence, sometimes even getting too friendly like sea lions are known to be.
Photo credit | Pablo Cozzaglio | AFP | Getty Images
Cris Bouroncle | AFP | Getty Images
14. Machu Picchu in Peru
Nestled high atop the Andes is Machu Picchu, an ancient citadel of massive stone temples, agricultural terraces, and other mysterious structures chiseled from rock.
According to Peru Tourism, the architectural complex was built at the height of Inca civilization in the 15th century. However, the Peru’s Spanish conquerers never found the Lost City of the Incas, which was only re-discovered in 1911. Now, Machu Picchu is one of South America’s most visited destinations, satisfying both history buffs and adventure seekers.
Machu Picchu is accessible by train, but more adventurous travelers choose to hike the classic Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek to the sacred site. Some hop to the neighboring mountain Wayna Picchu, which offers a particularly breathtaking panorama of the historical complex.
Photo credit | Cris Bouroncle | AFP | Getty Images
Martin Bernetti | AFP | Getty Images
15. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile
The Patagonian landscape is one of unworldly natural beauty. The 1,124-square-mile Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is jaw-droppingly gorgeous and worthy to be called one of the eight wonders of the world.
Each turn in the park presents a different backdrop, each one more picture-perfect than the last: snow-capped mountains, thousand-year-old glaciers, glassy lakes, and wide expanses of grasslands. Wild animals like guanacos, Andean deer, and pumas graze in the fields and mountains, but few people live in these lands. According to Fodor’s Travel, the extreme weather makes the park uninhabitable to humans.
For an adventure of a lifetime, take the three-day “W” hike that takes travelers in a comprehensive route across the park.
Photo credit | Martin Bernetti | AFP | Getty Images
Dean Treml | Red Bull via Getty Images
16. Cenotes of Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico
Dazzling crystalline turquoise waters tucked into a secret cave framed by lush flora and vines hanging from the towering trees — welcome to the ethereal world of Mexico’s cenotes.
Cenotes, natural underground swimming holes in caves, are a dime a dozen in the country, but the prettiest ones are in the tourist-friendly Yucatán Peninsula. There are over a thousand cenotes to choose from, but some of the tourist favorites include Cenote Ik Kil, Cenote Sagrado, and Cenote X'Quequén.
Ancient Mayans held cenotes sacred, Lonely Planet says, as a water source during long days of drought. These days, locals and tourists find refreshment in these wells as well, plunging in the crystal-clear waters on scorching hot days and marveling at the cenotes’ splendor that has not paled since ancient times.
Photo credit | Dean Treml | Red Bull via Getty Images
Eitan Abramovich | AFP | Getty Images
17. Antarctica
Travelers chasing true wilderness will do well to go on an expedition to the most remote place in the planet: Antarctica.
The frozen paradise is a rugged ice-clad world all-year-round, but the region has a vibrance all its own and it’s more alive than one can imagine. Light plays on the ice beautifully and the landscape that’s too extreme for man are teeming with wildlife — colonies of penguins waddling about, baby seals playing like puppies on the shores, albatrosses swooping in and out of sight, and whales and orcas making the occasional unforgettable appearance, Responsible Travel shares.
Getting to Antarctica is a long, arduous voyage that will require trips by air, sea, and land for most travelers, but the once in a lifetime experience is definitely a worthwhile addition in any bucket list.
Photo credit | Eitan Abramovich | AFP | Getty Images
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