After my article on the most beautiful landscapes in the world and the most beautiful countries in the world, I will talk to you about the most beautiful places in the world according to my experience and travelers’ opinions.
📋 My top to remember: My most striking places after 2 trips around the world: Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia), Antelope Canyon (Arizona), Bora Bora, Halong Bay, the Cyclades, Patagonia, Tonga (whales), Petra (Jordan), Northern lights, Galapagos. The criterion that transforms a place into ‘unforgettable’: exclusivity of the scene + photo that cannot be taken anywhere else.
The most beautiful places in the world
Unlike the previous 2 articles where I mentioned countries to visit and travel zones, I will talk to you about specific places to visit at all costs on the planet. I will limit myself to 10 places and also give alternatives in other similar countries.
The 10 most famous and most beautiful places in the world
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The Great Wall of China:
Who said the Chinese were pioneers in this matter? The Great Wall of China began to be built before Christ. It is several thousand kilometers long like a long open-air tunnel.
When I went to Beijing in 2012 and 2013, I was completely stunned by this monument. From Beijing, it is possible to go to 3 different parts of the wall and whatever part you go to, you will be amazed! There are many agencies in the city that offer tours or you can go by yourself.
More about China:
If you want to go there, read my review on China.
Please check the climate before going. The first two photos are from 2013 and the last from 2012, the appearances differ due to the climate.
🌍 Did you know?
The Salar de Uyuni during the rainy season (January-March) becomes the largest natural mirror in the world over 10,582 km². This 5-10 cm layer of water transforms the salt flat into a perfect reflector of the sky: sky and earth blend at the horizon. It is the only place in the world where this phenomenon occurs on this scale.
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The Great Barrier Reef in Australia:
From Cairns, there are many boats to go see the Great Barrier Reef, there are also cruises to see it all along the east coast (cruises to the Whitsunday Islands for example and to see Whitehaven Beach).
The best cruises are the ones that go as far as possible because there are fewer boats going there. Cruises can actually cost anywhere from half to double depending on the service.
I paid more than 150 Australian dollars for a day and I do not regret it, there are cruises for 80 dollars.
More about Australia:
Read Florent’s testimony, a person I traveled with in Australia.
It is very touristy though but there are more fish than humans, don’t worry! The fish in the photo has a nickname “Elvis”, he actually likes having his head petted.
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The Grand Canyon in the USA:
I was completely mesmerized when I went to the Grand Canyon for the first time, you find yourself in postcard landscapes.
It is possible to visit several places on the north and south rims of the Canyon (North & South Rim). It is also possible to stay overnight at the bottom of the canyon but you have to climb back up, and it takes courage.
| Place | Country | Best season |
|---|---|---|
| Salar de Uyuni | Bolivia | Jan-Mar (mirror effect) |
| Antelope Canyon | USA (Arizona) | Mar-Oct |
| Bora Bora | Polynesia | May-Oct |
| Halong Bay | Vietnam | Oct-Apr |
| Patagonia (Torres del Paine) | Chile | Nov-Mar |
| Tonga (humpback whales) | South Pacific | Jul-Oct |
| Petra | Jordan | Mar-May, Sep-Nov |
| Northern Lights | Iceland, Norway | Sep-Mar |
There are several ways to get there: either rent your own car and take a road trip along the west coast or leave from Las Vegas on a very long day excursion.
More about the USA:
Travel to the USA for under 1500 euros.
View of the Grand Canyon National Park at South Rim
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The Iguaçu Falls Argentine side:
Having been to the 3 largest waterfalls in the world including Victoria and Niagara, I can tell you that the Iguaçu Falls were my favorite because they are more majestic and you can see them from several places at the same time.
You can see them from below, walk on part of the top of the falls, and see them face to face on elevated platforms.
They are easily accessible and you can take the bus to get there. The Brazilian side is much smaller but also worth it; it is better to visit the Brazilian side first and then go to the Argentine side afterwards.
🗣️ My experience: My absolute top: swimming with humpback whales in Tonga. Imagine: 5 meters from a 14-ton mother and her calf looking you straight in the eyes. No barrier, just the ocean. Cost: 400 € per day (4-5 outings included) but unbeatable. Only 3 countries in the world allow it legally (Tonga, Dominican Republic, Niue). An experience I recommend to everyone once in their life.
I did not choose the best time to go there because the weather was not that nice, the waterfalls had a mist effect like a mister or a water fan, it was very humid.
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Machu Picchu in Peru:
There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu, personally I chose the multi-day trek via the mythical Inca trail with a guided tour, otherwise you can go there without a guide or by train depending on your budget.
It is worth booking in advance if you want to go to Wayna Picchu because the spots to go there are limited each day, otherwise you can go to Machu Picchu mountain which offers another type of view of the city.
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The city of Angkor Wat in Cambodia:
This country is special to me since my parents were born in Cambodia and I went there for the first time a few days before my 30th birthday.
You can either go to the city of Angkor Wat by Tuk tuk with a driver or go by bike. Personally, I chose the bike option and went there very early in the morning, the route is easy to find. The sunrise is magical but it is crowded with tourists. Make sure to have a good bike if you go like me and moisten your face, drink water as it is very hot.
Here is the photo of the main temple of the city of Angkor Wat.
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The Salar de Uyuni region and southern Lipez in Bolivia:
It is a region very popular with tourists, over 3 days, you will travel through a salt desert, cactus fields, see lagoons, lakes, plains, and mountains.
🍀 Iconic places
- Unmatched memories
- Exceptional photos
- Complete bucket list
- Raw emotion
🔻 Limits
- Often high cost
- Long access distance
- Crowds in high season
- Unpredictable weather (auroras, Patagonia)
You will be at over 4000 meters altitude. It is very cold but it is worth it, you can either do the tour of the region in 4 days or descend to Chile in 3 days or go back up to Bolivia if you start the Chile tour. You can also take a one-day excursion to the Salar from Uyuni just to see the largest salt desert in the world.
Driving in this area is not easy, it is better to be equipped with good summer tires to avoid a car accident, the wind also blows a lot.
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The city of Rio de Janeiro:
If I had to choose to live in a city in South America, I would choose without hesitation the city of Rio de Janeiro for several reasons: the city’s atmosphere, the very warm inhabitants, the tourist spots (Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, visiting different neighborhoods like Lapa or Santa Teresa for example), the outdoor parties and the beautiful beaches.
I have been there several times and it is a city that is evolving a lot, go discover it as soon as you can.
Each of these neighborhoods exudes a different atmosphere.
Learn more about Brazil:
⚠️ Classic trap
Trying to visit all these places in one trip. Many are on opposite continents. Better to do 1-2 iconic places per trip with immersion than a checked list in rush mode. Bonus: your budget will thank you (each iconic destination requires 1,500-3,000 € per person).
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The pyramids of Egypt and the Sphinx of Giza:
Here we come to the last 2 places I have not been to that are on my list to do soon, even though I have been twice on a world tour, there are still more places I want to go to and Egypt is one of them.
These pyramids date back several thousand years and are remnants of antiquity. Visiting a place from another time is something to do at least once in your life. Be careful with hydration in hot countries like Egypt.
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Visit the ruins of Petra in Jordan:
The second place I have not been to on this list but I had planned it during my 2-year world tour in 2014.
To explore these destinations in more detail, the most beautiful destinations in the world compares cities and countries. The most beautiful landscapes in the world focuses on nature. And to organize them via a world tour, world tour itinerary and budget provides the framework.
The reason why I did not go and stayed longer than planned in South Africa, I therefore did not go to Jordan to these beautiful sites but I will go to this place very soon because it is a place not to be missed and absolutely to do before you die on my bucket list.
It is possible to get a pass for several days or for one day, you need to explore the valley over several days to really enjoy the place. Don’t forget a water bottle or a manual fan to cool yourself during your visit.
I will write another article soon about the wonders of the world or destinations to visit during a world tour with other types of landscapes: glaciers (Perito Moreno in Patagonia), northern lights in Iceland, caves or deserts.
