26 Best Dream Destinations and Places To Go Now That Everything Is Open
/It’s hard not to romanticise about travel these days — most of us are already thinking of the best dream destinations and places to go once everything is open!
From driving the ring road in Iceland to exploring the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia or even going as far as Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef which offers a varied experience than your usual bucketlist places.
These dreamy destinations places priority on experiences and highlights the areas that we never thought we could possibly dream of going to.
It’s best to visit these places during ‘shoulder season’ if you’re planning your dream vacation, ideally before and after summer when everything is not peak busy and prices are not exorbitantly high.
Here we turn to travellers who have listed their best dream destinations. You can most certainly guarantee that these destinations are more than your hotel walls and the touristy joint across the street from a room.
26 Best Dream Destinations To Visit
1. Dry Tortugas, Florida, U.S.
If you are looking for one of the best dream destinations to visit, look no further than Florida. Florida, you may say, that is where Disney World and Miami are...? And while you would be right, there is so much more!
Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida is truly a dream destination, and it should be on your list of places to visit. It is one of the most remote National Parks in the USA and it is a 2+ hour boat ride or seaplane ride from Key West.
Dry Tortugas are essentially a protected island chain off the southern tip of Florida that just so happens to be a National Park.
They are home to a ruins of an old fort, pristine water for snorkeling and diving, places for camping and more. One of the best tips for visiting Dry Tortugas National Park is to ensure you budget enough time to see what you want.
The ferry takes quite some time, so if you really want to explore, you are going to want to consider camping on the island. Either way, pristine beaches, crystal clear water, old fort ruins, wildlife and more make the perfect dream destination!
by Victoria J. Yore from Florida Trippers
2. Val d'Orcia, Italy
The charming Val d'Orcia in Italy is an absolute dream destination and a visit is a real highlight of any trip. This picturesque region is located in Tuscany and Italy connoisseurs count this area among the most beautiful landscapes in the country!
Especially beautiful is the enchanting landscape where endless hilly landscapes, breathtaking viewpoints on the panoramic roads and the typical cypress avenues create a true postcard panorama.
Another highlight is the numerous small charming villages in Renaissance style, where you can stroll through medieval alleys and get to know Italy from one of its most beautiful sides.
The entire region of Val d'Orcia, with its many medieval towns and unique landscape, has been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2004.
You should definitely visit the small town of Pienza, which is considered the cradle of the Renaissance.
Walking through the old town, you will be amazed by the numerous historical sights, romantic squares and beautiful buildings, as well as picturesque viewpoints of the green spring landscape. What’s fantastic are the many good restaurants that invite you to take a break from sightseeing.
A real insider tip is a drive-through Val d'Orcia experienced at sunrise when the fog hangs over the fields and you experience the true postcard Tuscany. But also the sunsets in the evening, when the sky turns pink, are spectacular!
by Martina from PlacesofJuma
3. Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia
Dreaming of your next vacation, then go beachside and check out the magnificent Stradbroke Island. It’s only a short distance by ferry and off the coast of the Queensland capital, Brisbane, in Australia.
Choose between driving yourself and exploring more of the Island or taking convenient public transport. Either way, you're sure to enjoy this brilliant location.
North Stradbroke Island is otherwise known as Minjerribah and is a listed National Park area in Queensland.
There are plenty of sealed roads to get around by bike, scooter, and your smaller cars. Alternatively, there are heaps of sandy tracks for four-wheel driving or bigger, high clearance vehicles.
This is your chance to sit back and relax or enjoy the many different activities that the Island has to offer. You have several beaches to choose from on each side of the Island. These range from low-key waveless beaches, great for the kids, to the more popular surfing beaches.
You have 2000 people permanently living on North Stradbroke Island. This means there are enough cafes, restaurants, and a selection of shops and groceries. Accommodation ranges from camping, backpacker hostels to your 5-star Luxury. There's something to suit everybody's style and budget.
This is the perfect opportunity to indulge in your favourite seafood, relax the days away by the beach or watch a Sunrise over the horizon. Hurry up and book this perfect Dream Location!
by Chris from Aquarius Traveller
4. Ring Road, Iceland
Driving the ring road in Iceland is a dream come true. The landscape is out of this world and you’ll be mesmerized by it during the whole drive.
The Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik and the Golden Circle should be on your itinerary for the first 2 days in Iceland. The ring road is the main road that loops around the whole island.
With roughly 828 miles (1332 kilometers), you can drive it in a few days, but you won’t have time for the scenic stops and spots along the way. A better option is to take 10 to 14 days.
While circling the country you’ll come across the most popular tourist attractions. In the South stop at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey cliffs, Svartifoss and Jokulsarlon.
The Myrdalssandur and Eldhraun areas will give you these otherworldly moonscapes vibes.
The East is all about fjords, which seem to go on endlessly and with numerous waterfalls along the way. You can drive through long stretches of roads without seeing a single person.
In the North Hverir, Myvatn, Dettifoss, Húsavik, Godafoss and Akureyri will blow your mind away. Go on a whale safari in Húsavik.
by Cosette from KarsTravels
5. Tortuguero, Costa Rica
The small village of Tortuguero is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica near the Nicaragua border. This place offers a unique travel experience before even arriving.
Tortuguero is only accessible by a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland along wildlife-filled rivers. It feels a lot like entering Jurassic Park (but with friendly birds instead of dinosaurs).
Downtown Tortuguero is small enough that it is possible to walk from one end of the town to the other in about 15 minutes. Despite being small and remote, the village survives on tourism. There are several hotels and great restaurants to choose from.
There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, from taking an early wildlife canoe ride to relaxing on the white sand beaches.
However, by far the best activity is to take an evening Green Sea turtle tour.
Every year between July and September (which also happens to be the dry season here) thousands of Green Sea turtles make their way to Tortuguero to lay their eggs. The beaches of Tortuguero are protected and it is only possible to view this experience with a certified turtle guide.
The guide leads each group to the beach to watch large mom turtles (they weigh 300 pounds on average) make their way up the sand, dig a hole, lay their eggs, cover the hole back up, and make their way back into the water.
It is truly an experience that is only possible in this one singular place on earth.
by Sarah from Costa Rica Vibes
6. Garden Route, South Africa
The Garden Route of South Africa is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the world, covering multiple unique biospheres from the fynbos region of Mossel Bay to the succulents and cacti of semi-desert Oudtshoorn.
Driving this route is truly unlike anything you’ll experience anywhere outside this patch of Southern Africa. It’s ideal for anyone interested in nature, with hiking trails and beaches you’ll marvel at as well as charming little towns and villages dotting the route.
If you have the time, I’d recommend going on safari and visiting the impressive cave networks in Oudtshoorn.
Then spending a few days surrounded by the intense greenery of Wilderness, kayaking in the lagoon and swimming along the shore. You can explore the coffee shops, markets and galleries of Sedgefield and Calitzdorp.
And for a little more adventure and activity, go ziplining or paragliding in and above Tsitsikamma forest!
The best way to reach the Garden Route is by starting in Cape Town and following the R62. Particularly because this road is called the wine route, and for good reason.
So you can spend a languid, magnificent holiday wine tasting, adventuring, and taking in exquisite scenery. And all in a country with a fantastic exchange rate for Americans and Europeans!
by Katja Mamacos from WanderCapeTown
7. Sardinia, Italy
Few places in the world will give you the impression of being a lost paradise, and Sardinia is definitely one of them - and the best part of it is that this Italian island at the heart of the Mediterranean (the second largest!) is actually extremely easy to reach!
Sardinia is blessed with gorgeous beaches. Head to the Gulf of Orosei to find pristine coves encapsulated between high cliff formations and with incredibly clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling.
Further north, also on the east coast, Cala Brandinchi is a favorite of locals and tourists who appreciate the completely natural setting and the shallow waters that make it perfect for a family day at the beach.
But if you think that a trip to Sardinia is all about the beaches, you are wrong.
Scattered around the island you will find a multitude of gorgeous cities, small towns and villages. The capital Cagliari is packed to the brim with historical wonders and archeological sites, and you will find many natural wonders - such as Molentargius Nature Reserve, home to a large colony of pink flamingos; or Sella del Diavolo promontory - right within the city limits. Alghero, on the northwestern coast, is another gem.
The small Catalan enclave has a unique history, and not far from it you will find some of the most scenic sights on the island - Neptune's Caves and the cliffs of Capo Caccia.
Are you into hiking? Sardinia will wow you with its multitude of coastal and mountain trails, with something for all difficulty levels. And did you know that this is where the deepest canyon in Europe - the Gorropu Gorge - is located?
Finally, reflecting its unique history, Sardinia is home to the nuraghe - archeological sites that are only found on the island.
Yes, Sardinia really is a dream destination!
by Claudia Tavani from Strictly Sardinia
8. Meteora Monasteries, Greece
One of the most famous landmarks of Greece – the hanging monasteries of Meteroa, is a solid European dream destination!
Meteroa encompasses a network of six monasteries, every single one perched on an imposing cliff with heights up to 600 meters! The cliffs are the natural barrier and offer seclusion from the external world.
The monasteries date back to the Byzantine times when this area of Greece was known for flourishing monasticism.
Today the six remaining masteries are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage. All six cloisters are still activated, with monks living in them on a permanent basis. They are also open to visitors and offer a great insight into the monks’ lives.
The best way to visit the monasteries is to go on a day hike. There are different routes varying in length and difficulty. Some trails are 2 hours long, and others take all day.
The routes are very scenic, and you will get a lot of opportunities to take some great photos. You can either join a hiking tour or hike the trails in your own time.
Meteora is situated in central Greece, 350 kilometres north of Athens. You can either hire a car or take a daily bus from Athens. The nearby town of Kalabaka is the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the monasteries.
by Mal from Raw Mal Roams
10. Istrian Peninsula, Croatia
Do you like picturesque destinations, local villages with old-time charm, rugged beaches, wineries and a great culinary scene?
If you do, you should definitely add the Istrian Peninsula to your bucket list of top places to visit once the world opens up again.
The Istrian peninsula is located in the west part of Croatia, and it is one of its charming regions. Its scenery and atmosphere are not similar to any of the other regions we’ve been to and until recently, not many tourists have even heard about this beautiful area.
There are a few major cities in Istria but mostly you’ll find here small fishing villages along the coast and stunning medieval towns inland, surrounded by wineries and agricultural fields.
Other than beautiful landscapes, what makes Istria so special, is the local culture. This region has changed many hands over the years and to this day some of the local residents speak both Italian and Croatian, and even a unique dialect that is a mixture of both.
Some of the must-see places in Istria include Rovinj, whose old town used to be an island. Think about cobbled alleys with colourful crumbling walls, dotted by unique stores and beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea. Motovun is another place you have to visit.
This Medieval town is located on a hill and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Perfect views and delicious truffle dishes. Istria is known for its culinary scenery.
You can go wine and olive oil tasting and even truffle hunting in the season. There are many other stunning places in Istria such as Poreč, Lim Fjord, Oprtalj and more. If you want help planning a 3-7 day road trip around Istria, this Istria itinerary has everything you’ll need.
by Maya & Sari from Chasing Lenscapes
11. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
When it comes to tropical fish and corals, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef gets most of the attention. But, along the Northwest coast of Western Australia, the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef offers adventurous travellers one of the best reef experiences in the world.
Ningaloo Reef runs for 260 kilometres between Coral Bay and Exmouth. It is a fringing reef which means it is very close to shore. Straight off the beach you can swim with everything from colourful fish to sea turtles and rays. You don’t have to snorkel much further out to see (harmless) reef sharks and dugongs.
The holiday town of Coral Bay and the larger Exmouth are the best bases for exploring the reef. At 1200 kilometres from Western Australia’s capital Perth, a road trip to Exmouth is the best way to see the region. Allow a week to see everything Ningaloo has to offer.
A highlight of a Ningaloo visit is a chance to swim Whale Sharks. They migrate to the reef between May and October. Swimming alongside these 7-10 metre gentle giants on the outer reef is one of the greatest wildlife experiences. There are also tours where you can get in the water with manta rays and humpback whales.
Peak season for the region is between April and October and you will need to book tours and accommodation in advance of travelling there. While not the easiest place to get to, seeing Ningaloo will be a travel experience you’ll never forget.
by Natalie and Steve from Curious Campers
12. Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado, USA)
Did you know the tallest dunes in North America aren’t found along the coast but in Colorado? Sand Dunes NP is a magnificent though highly underrated National Park, a dream destination that should be on anyone’s USA road trip itinerary.
At Sand Dunes NP, you’ll find not only the tallest dunes, but also a very diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. There are plenty of things to do such as hiking, fishing, spotting wildlife, and much more.
One of my personal highlights was hiking to the top of Star Dune, standing 755 feet tall. Note that during summer you’ll have to get up early to do so because during the day the sand is too hot.
Another very special experience was joining one of the free night programs led by the park rangers. We did some stargazing and made a night walk around the dunes. Stargazing as well as exploring the dunes during a full moon is a truly unique experience and something you’ll never forget.
Due to the remoteness and altitude of the park, Sand Dunes NP is an amazing spot to see the Milky Way. There is little to no light pollution and 360 nightly views.
I highly recommend spending the night at Piñon Flats Campground to make the most of your visit. Plan ahead if possible as this is a popular campground that’s often fully booked, especially during the summer season.
by Lotte from Eschbach Consulting
13. Formentera, Spain
Located just a short distance from Ibiza, Formentera couldn't be more different from its bigger Balearic Island sibling.
With a sublime setting in the Mediterranean Sea, a coastline blessed with beautiful beaches (pack your snorkel!), and scenic villages to explore, there's a lot to love about Formentera.
Relatively untouched by development, the island doesn't have an airport (access is via ferry from Ibiza or mainland Spain), which means it benefits from a more relaxed and easy-going atmosphere.
Spend your days cycling around salt marshes, shopping at markets, taking a day trip to the deserted Espalmador Island, and watching the sunset perched on the cliffs near the Cabo Barbaría lighthouse.
Unless you're only visiting as a day trip, you'll want to hire a car or bike to make the most of your time on Formentera and to explore further than the ferry port.
Electric cars are a popular option, and due to the small size of the island, you shouldn't need to recharge if you're only staying a few days. Be sure to visit the picturesque Calo des Mort beach, the outdoor markets at El Pilar de la Mola, and take a walk along the sandy peninsula of Ses Illetes.
by Nadine from Lelongweekend
14. Isle of Skye, Scotland
The beautiful Isle of Skye in Scotland is hands down one of the dreamiest destinations on earth.
This island in northwest Scotland is known for its dramatic landscapes, gorgeous hiking trails, picturesque villages, and enchanting medieval castles. It's truly an unmissable stop in the United Kingdom.
One can easily spend two weeks exploring all the corners of Skye. Start your trip in Portree, one of the best places to stay on the Isle of Skye. This colourful village is incredibly photogenic and features a row of rainbow houses by the coast. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants on the island, such as The View Restaurant.
With Portree as your base, you can easily explore many of Skye’s attractions by car.
Hikers and adventurers would love all the scenic trails the island has to offer. Some of the best ones are the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and Brother’s Point. Many parts of these hikes will take you to really remote parts of the island, so be sure to download offline maps as there won’t be any signal.
No trip to the Isle of Skye would be complete without exploring the many castles on the island.
Dunvegan Castle is home to several gorgeous gardens and magnificent lochside views. Finally, don’t miss the famous Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed landmarks in Scotland. Be sure to take a walk on the bridge next to it to see the castle reflecting in the water!
By Jiayi from The Diary of a Nomad
15. Mirissa, Sri Lanka
On the southern coast of Sri Lanka lies one of its most beautiful beach towns, Mirissa.
A few days here and you’ll see why Sri Lanka is nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean.' And rest assured this dream destination is not your average beach town. Here you’ll find deep blue waters that are brimming with marine life.
From gigantic blue whales to tiny sea turtles, it’s almost impossible not to spot something. The waves are, of course, what attracts adventure seekers. With surf shops that line the coast, the walls of water at high tide make surfing in Mirissa unbeatable.
But, if you’re looking to escape the crowds, Mirissa has a few secluded spots. The most elusive of which is the Secret Beach. This remote island paradise is hidden from the main beach and its entrance can be difficult to find. But if you’re ready to search, you won’t be disappointed.
Whether you’ve spent the day relaxing on the beach or surfing the waves, nothing beats Mirissa’s nightlife.
At dusk, the sky fills with beautiful hues of orange and pink while local fishermen come to sell their catch of the day. You can buy fresh fish, lobster, or even octopus and have it prepared at one of the beachside restaurants! This is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.
by Jen from Dabbling in Jet Lag
16. Hunza Valley, Pakistan
A dream destination that should definitely be on your bucket list is Hunza Valley, a remote and stunning region in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan territory.
From random viewpoints featuring more than a dozen peaks, the stunning work of art that is the Karakoram Highway, remote hamlets like Shimshal Valley, some of the world’s best treks, and so much more, Hunza Valley truly has it all.
And even though it’s accessible with a normal Pakistan e-Visa, Hunza Valley’s culture and even its language is distinct from other parts of Pakistan.
Hunza is also known to be one of the most educated regions in Pakistan and has the highest literacy rate in the entire country despite harsh weather conditions at over 2000 m.
Like all the places I’ve visited in Pakistan, the people of Hunza are very friendly and welcoming. People in the region have been involved in tourism for decades and is also the safest place in Pakistan for solo female travelers overall. Hunza is as easy to travel in as it is beautiful!
It’s a true dream destination because there’s simply nowhere else on earth where such shocking mountains are so easily accessible and visible. Combined with a unique culture and unlimited treks, it’s a real traveler’s paradise.
Some of the best things to do in Hunza include trekking on the Passu Glacier, visiting the Baba Ghundi shrine in Chapursan, and visiting the 700+ year old Baltit Fort in the picturesque village of Karimabad.
by Samantha from IntentionalDetours
17. Studlagil, Iceland
Studlagil Canyon is located in a remote area of eastern Iceland. While it’s a bit farther from many of the popular destinations on the south coast of Iceland, it’s an absolutely stunning location and worth the drive out to visit.
This canyon was recently “discovered,” as the river that exposed the canyon walls used to be much higher, until a dam was installed in 2009. As the dam lowered the water levels of the river, the walls became visible, revealing incredible, towering basalt columns.
The columns stand in sharp contrast to the river and the flat land above, and are absolutely jaw-dropping. The way they frame the rushing river water was truly impressive.
Some of the basalt columns stand straight up and down, while other sections are more twisted and curvy. Both sections are otherworldly and awe-inspiring!
While you can see down into Studlagil from a vantage point just steps from a parking lot, I highly recommend you do the hour-long hike to get down into the canyon.
It’s not hard at all (almost completely on flat ground) and that feeling of wonder while standing in the canyon, against the columns, watching the water rushing past, is one you just have to experience.
By Stephanie from The Unknown Enthusiast
18. Kangaroo Island, Australia
Wildlife lovers will want to make sure a visit Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia is on their bucket list. The third-largest island in Australia, it is a brilliant spot to get up close to the native animals including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and echidna.
There is also an abundance of marine life, particularly sea lions at Seal Bay and Seals at Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park on the western tip of the island.
Along with all the wildlife are some simply stunning beaches, some "Remarkable Rocks" and a couple of impressive lighthouses.
When you need a break from adventure, there is a vibrant culinary scene. From award-winning gin to craft brews and 12 wineries there are plenty of ways to quench your thirst after a day of exploring. Honey is also a big deal here; the island home to the only pure Ligurian bees left in the world.
Adrenaline junkies are well catered for too with some awesome dunes at Vivonne Bay called Little Sahara where you can try sandboarding, quad biking, or take to the water in a kayak rental or tour. You can also dive and snorkel with dolphins and seals off Kingscote and Penneshaw.
We recommend you spend at least three days on Kangaroo Island if you can, one day to explore the south coast, and one day in the National Park on the Western tip of the island, and one day to taste all the amazing food on offer.
The Western KI Caravan Park is a great base for 2 nights with your third spent closer to the ferry terminal and foodie hotspots near American River or Penneshaw.
by Paula from Australia Your Way
19. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is definitely one of the most dreamy destinations you can visit in the world!
This city is the capital of the Canadian province Quebec and contrary to the rest of the country, French-speaking. Quebec City is probably the most European-like place you’ll find in Northern America, and truly magical to visit!
During your time here you cannot miss a walk through the old town, especially Rue du Petit Champlain where you should start your visit!
Then make your way up to the Haute Ville and enjoy the view you get over the St Lawrence River. Make sure to also not miss Quebec City’s majestic basilica as well as the Museum of Civilization where you can learn more about its history.
The most magical activity is, without doubt, the German Christmas market which you can find here each year in the month of December together with lovely winter decorations all over the city.
However, if you’re visiting during winter, make sure to bring proper clothing because it can get incredibly cold there (but also incredibly cosy)!
If you’re visiting from abroad, the easiest way to get there might be flying into Montreal and taking the train to Quebec City. Always useful in Canada is a car, especially if you want to visit some places in the neighbourhood as well, such as the Montmorency Falls or any National Parks.
by Emma from Emma’s Roadmap
20. Katmai National Park, Alaska
Katmai National Park in the south of Alaska is unique, but it's also a hard place to reach. It is one of the best places in the world to see brown bears in their natural habitat.
This salmon-rich area around the active volcano attracts bears. So, in Katmai, hundreds of bears catch salmon in the river and the famous Brooks Falls. Katmai National Park is home to one of the largest protected populations of brown bears globally. Over 2000 bears live here.
The only way to access the park is to hire a floatplane or water taxi from King Salmon, as there are no roads to the park. The season for bear viewing in the park is short, running from June to September, so it pays to book a stay or trip well in advance.
After arriving at the site, the most important thing is to meet the park rangers. They will give detailed instructions on what to do in the event of an encounter with a bear.
Due to the small area of the park, the probability of encountering a bear on the trail is relatively high. It is a fantastic natural spectacle to watch the bears hunting for salmon or fighting for a better place to fish.
There are safe viewing platforms along the river and above Brooks Falls for tourist and wildlife photographers. Thanks to this, the rhythm of nature is not disturbed. A visit to Katmai National Park is an adventure of a lifetime.
by Agnes from The Van Escape
21. Barbuda, Caribbean Islands
After months of being unable to travel, many people have been dreaming of lying on a pristine sandy beach under clear blue skies with the sun beating down. This slice of heaven can be found on the tranquil island of Barbuda.
A 90-minute boat ride from its sister island of Antigua, Barbuda has the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The turquoise waters lap the long beaches which are white with a tinge of pink from tiny crushed up shells and blissfully quiet.
If lying on the beach is not for you, you can take to the waters and kayak, diving, surfing, kitesurfing or fishing. Explore the limestone caves at Two Foot Bay or descend into the sink hole at Darby Caves or Dark Caves.
You can take a boat out to see the magnificent colony of Frigate Birds with their red throats which they puff up. They cannot swim or walk as they have short legs and small feet, but they make up for it in their aerial displays, swooping and wheeling around.
There is a selection of small hotels in the only town, Codrington. For luxury head out to Barbuda Belle, try glamping in Frangipani Glamping or try the colourful stilted cabins at Barbuda Cottages.
As an island, the seafood and fish dishes are amazing! Try lobster, prawns and a selection of fish caught locally.
by Larch from The Silver Nomad
22. Namibia, South Africa
Namibia was a destination I had been more than dreaming about before I went there – I’d been obsessing about it!
It is one of the least populated countries in the world, as so much of its landscape is desert, dramatic mountains and vast canyons, so the best way to explore Namibia is on a road trip.
Driving in Namibia can be a challenge as the distances are long and many of the roads are gravel or sand, but the spectacular scenery is worth every bump in the road!
There are so many things to do in the Namib desert, and at the top of most visitors’ lists is Deadvlei, an area of dry white clay pans, populated with sun-blackened 900-year old trees, surrounded by huge red sand dunes. It feels like an alien planet!
There’s also Sandwich Harbour, where the towering dunes of the desert face into the ferocious Atlantic Ocean - when the tide is low, you can drive between the two, which is just exhilarating. And of course, the world-renowned Skeleton Coast is an area of brutal barren beauty, dotted with shipwrecks and seal colonies.
While the landscape may be the most obvious and well-known draw to Namibia, it is also a wonderful place to see wildlife.
Driving around, you will see warning signs to look out for all sorts of animals. But if you want to guarantee seeing them, spend some time in Etosha National Park, which is a huge reserve home to elephants, rhinos, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras and so many more wonderful animals.
by Martha from May Cause Wanderlust
23. Sierra Nevada, Spain
Sierra Nevada National and Natural Parks in southern Spain is one of those places that leave you breathless. Not only can you hike some of the highest 300-meter peaks in the country, but you can also gaze at endless rocky terrain and mountain goats.
At a little lower altitude, you can hear the ringing bells of cows roaming freely on the green meadows between glittering rivers and mesmerizing waterfalls.
Dotted with pine tree forests that stay green all year round and the other forests that give you the gift of the changing seasons. Especially in autumn, some of these areas are absolutely magical.
One of the most famous and beloved places is the entire 21 km long Vereda de la Estrella hike that gives you incredible views of some of the highest peaks in the national park like Mulhacen (3479m) and Alcazaba (3371m).
But Sierra Nevada is also famous for its many charming white villages. Worth mentioning is Bayárcal in the province of Almeria, also surrounded by many beautiful walks and not far from Sierra Nevada’s cross country skiing station in winter.
But also Lanjarón, which is where Spain’s bottled water by the same name comes from and the witch village of Sopotújar with its own witch trail are must-visits.
If you prefer basing yourself in a city, look no farther than Granada, where you can visit the famous Alhambra in one day, and take a hike the next – nut with the option of tapas and sangria with a view at night.
by Linn Haglund from Andalucia Hiking
24. Maldives
The Maldives, although a dream destination, may seem like a pipe dream, limited to those who can afford luxurious and expensive holidays.
Obviously, the Maldives do correspond to this description, but in recent years another completely different offer has emerged that has made the paradisiacal islands with white sands and crystal clear waters much more accessible.
In fact, for about 10 years, tourists have been allowed to visit and stay on the local islands and are no longer restricted to only the expensive resort islands.
The change in the law allows you to visit the Maldives on a budget like never before, however, there are hundreds of islands to choose from, how to do it? Well, it all depends on your desire for adventure and the availability of time.
Most people arrive at Male airport and immediately from the airport there are direct connections to Maafushi, one of the closest islands, also with one of the most varied offers.
Maafushi, so easy to reach by speedboat or even the cheaper public ferries, has favoured the development of various types of accommodation to meet different needs, as well as excellent offers for excursions at very competitive prices.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for more remote islands, you are spoiled for choice.
Dhangethi in the South Ari atoll, one of the farthest from the capital, is the perfect island for those who want to completely disconnect and get in tune with nature and the culture of the place. The coral reef is accessible from the beach, excursions to swim with whale sharks and simple accommodation is “all” you will get there.
by Clotilde from aprincesstravellingwith
25. Mount Cook, New Zealand
One of the biggest must-see destinations is without a doubt New Zealand’s South Island or, more specifically, Mount Cook.
Located in the centre of the South Island is the looming Mount Cook; New Zealand’s tallest mountain and the crowning jewel to the Southern Alps. This is a popular road trip destination for those travelling New Zealand and if you have time, it’s definitely worth spending a full day or two here.
Mount Cook’s small village is roughly 4 hours from the nearest city (Christchurch or Queenstown) and home to a couple of cafes, plenty of accommodation for all budgets and unbeatable views of the mountain ranges.
The information centre houses a great museum that focuses on local wildlife such as a rare alpine parrot; the Kea, the mountaineering history of the area and popular walking tracks past and present.
Snow capped all year round, the walking tracks around this beautiful National Park offer varying views of the peaks and their glacier lakes. The most iconic being the Hooker Valley track; a 3 hour return walk through alpine bushlands to a year-round glacier which, in Winter, will treat you to a display of floating icebergs and a snow-dusted track.
If you’re pressed for time, or don’t fancy spending a full day walking, you might want to try the Kea Point track instead, which looks over a smaller glacial lake and only requires 30 minutes.
Whether you want to see Mount Cook from the luxury of a helicopter or spend the day hiking the track, a visit to this iconic New Zealand mountain is a must!
By Leah from Officer Travels
26. Ala Archa National Park, Kyrgyzstan
Just a stone throw away from Bishkek lies one of the most dreamy places to visit in Kyrgyzstan, Ala Archa National Park. It is also a great introduction to the wilderness in Kyrgyzstan.
The park covers about 200 square kilometres, and its altitude ranges from about 1,500 meters at the entrance to a maximum of 4,895 meters at Peak Semenova Tian-Shanski, the highest peak in the Kyrgyz Ala-tau range of the Tian Shan. It is the best place to explore multiple routes from day trips to multi-day hikes.
Archa in Kyrgyz means “variegated juniper” in Kyrgyz, which is a coniferous plant that grows on the slopes of its steep mountains. The country’s national park stunning mountain scenery is often compared to that of the Alps, and it is also called the “the Alps of Central Asia.”
You could visit the Ak-Sai waterfall or even trek Mount Uchitel at 4,527m high after camping the night at Racek hut.
The views are gloriously stunning and the park has several tributaries such as the Ak-Sai, Top Karagai, Teke-Terre, Tuy-Suu Adygine and Jindi-Suu. The river flows through these areas surrounded by fir forests.
by Pashmina (me) from The Gone Goat
Also Read: Unusual Holiday Destinations To Inspire Your Next Adventure
What are some of your dreamy destinations that you’ve travelled to? And tell me why you loved them?
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