Although times are tough, there’s no reason to not plan for the future! So here are the TOP 40 places you must visit that you may not know:

North America

Stargazing at Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA

Admission: $30 per vehicle (parking)

Website: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

Many people have dreamed of stargazing and looking into the beautiful night sky. With the vast desert areas in California, Joshua Tree National Park is famous for residents and visitors to stay overnight camping to watch the stars as they fall asleep.

Trek to Yosemite, California, USA

Admission: $35 per vehicle (parking)

Website: https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

Yosemite National Park is famous for breathtaking waterfalls to the beautiful wilderness. If you ever dreamed of climbing a waterfall, Yosemite is definitely the place to go. With long hiking trails that will make you fall in love with the beauty of nature.

Drive through Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Admission: $35 per vehicle (parking)

Website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm

Northern America has many beauties to offer its state residents. Such as the Glacier National Park, displaying their snowy mountains along with green, luscious valleys that seem to go on forever. Offering many activities to engage on, upon arriving, like cycling and camping.

Raft the Grand Canyon Arizona, USA

Admission: $35 per vehicle (Rafting prices may vary)

Website: https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

The Grand Canyon is one of USA’s most famous landmarks and surely deserves its crown. With it’s daunting colored geographical rock-based mountains following the Colorado River. If you want a even more mesmerizing experience, I’d recommended rafting across the Colorado River to truly see the huge scale of these mountains.

Swim in Havasu Falls, Arizona, USA

Admission: $35 per person (through reservations)

Website: https://www.havasupaireservations.com/

There are many sightseeing locations on the west coast, as it’s landmarks are still untouched and preserved. Havasu Falls, presents one of the most beautiful waterfalls in USA, with waters so clear and blue. Perfect for swimming and diving in.

Visit Arches National Park, Utah, USA

Admission: $10 per vehicle (parking)

Website: https://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/news/news081415.htm

Utah is famous for having peculiarly shaped landmarks, and Arches National Park is the best place to see them. Relatively close to the Grand Canyon, its massive structures are the remainings of what could have been an even bigger landmark, connecting Arizona to Utah altogether.

Watch the Northern Lights, Alaska

Admission: FREE (except for plane/cruise ticket)

So many people have dreamed of watching the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. Although you could also watch them in Iceland or Canada, many sources have agreed that Fairbanks, Alaska is the best location to watch them. Offering much more to visitors, as you could also go on an Alaskan Cruise to witness the humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario, Canada

Admission: FREE

Website: https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/

Niagara Falls is the biggest waterfall in all of North American and is also one of the largest ones. Right above New York, this breathtaking landmark is a must-visit for wanderlust adventurers.

Tour Havana in a Classic Car, Cuba

Admission: $28 (prices may vary)

Ever want to take a drive in a vibrant and cultured city. Well, then rent a car in Havana, Cuba, and go for the best rides you will ever experience. This old gem of a city, although not that modernized compared to other big cities, Havana is reminiscence of what Latin America is.

South America

Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru

Admission: $24 bus ticket from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu/$45 entrance fee

Website: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/?lang=en

Machu Picchu, with a very adorable name, is actually one of the most dangerous places to visit, on this list. With an altitude of 7’972 feet above sea level, it may be difficult for some to breathe, so make you are well prepared for this trip. However, it is a trip worth it. For you are visiting ancient rituals that the Incas have built from the ground up, without the excessive technology that we have.

Explore the Amazon Rainforest 

Admission: FREE (to enter)

The Amazon Rainforest, one of the biggest reasons we have oxygen right now, must be preserved and protected. However many people still visit this beautiful landmark, as the Brazilian jungle is one of the most authentic experiences you’ll ever have of what the world used to be like, meaning super dangerous and wild. 

Visit Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

Admission: FREE

Website: https://www.salardeuyuni.com/

Uyuni Salt Flats is the definition of CLEAR lake, with a mirror-like embodiment of water. Just walking across the prehistoric river will perfectly reflect yourself. Being super photogenic, many even host their wedding pictures here.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Admission: $32 (for foreigners) 

Website: https://torresdelpaine.com/en/

Although located in South America, its climate is the complete opposite of what many assume. If you that Torres del Paine its a cold, snowy glacier mountain and icebergs, then you’re on the right track. In fact, it’s actually relatively close to Antarctica, so if you ever wondered what that looked like, you’ll get an idea.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Admission: $40.00 U$ for Argentina (AR Peso)/$57.00 U$ on the Brazil side (Realis)

Website: https://iguazufalls.com/national-park/

Only the second-largest waterfall in the world, Iguazu Falls, located in between Argentina and Brazil, across the Devil’s Throat. Full of life and vivacity, this embodiment of water creates one of the greatest places to visit in South America.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

Admission: $800 ARS ($13 USD)

Website: https://www.losglaciares.com/en/parque/

Just south of Argentina, the Perito Moreno Glacier is a beautiful cold environment for those winter enthusiasts. Similar to the Ice Age, you must visit before the ice completely melts away, so there is actually something to see.

Explore the Lost City, Colombia

Admission: $350 per person (prices may vary)

The name itself is very obvious of what this is, a lost city from the ancient Incas, hidden in Pre-Colombia. Reminding of scenes of Temple Run, it mostly got its inspiration from the Lost City of Colombia.

Europe

Descend into the Thrihnukagigur Volcano, Iceland

Admission: $365 (prices may vary)

Website: https://insidethevolcano.com/

Ever want to see what’s underneath a volcano, well now you can. Entering the Thrihnukagigur Volcano in Iceland, you get the full experience of what goes under these planetary-mass objects.

Ride a Gondola in Venice, Italy

Admission: $90 (prices may vary) 

Venice, a water-based city, where people commute by boats and gondolas. A fascinating city, in fact, and what better way to experience what life would have been like, by riding on a gondola yourself.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany

Admission: $13 for adults (children under 18 FREE)

Website: https://www.neuschwanstein.de/

Europe, famous for its medieval castles and fairytales, now get embark on a journey to witness a real European castle in Bavaria Germany. In fact, the Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous castles in the world, for its beautiful structure and scenic view at the top of a mountain.

Kylemore Castle, Ireland

Admission: 28EUR/ $31 (for a family of 4) 

Website: https://www.kylemoreabbey.com/

Another medieval castle to add to your bucket list, cause why not. The Kylemore Castle in Ireland has a fascinating story that motivates me to visit more than the travel advisors themselves. Where Benedictine nuns fled Belgium in World War I, they founded the Abbey Monastery, which is now the Kylemore Castle, where millions can visit. 

Explore the Plitvice Falls, Croatia

Admission: 55 kuna (8 USD) in winter; 110 kuna (16 USD) in Apr-June and Sep-Oct; and 180 kuna (26 USD) in July and August

Website: https://np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/

Full of greens and luscious, crystal, blue waters, entering the Plitvice Falls in Croatia seems almost like heaven. With water falling from every corner you can see, all flowing into each other, creating a wonderful dynamic to watch.

Ride a Boat in Melissani Lake, Greece

Admission: 7EUR/ $7.90 

Entering this mysterious cavern almost feels like entering the world of Jame Cameron’s Pandora from his 2009 film Avatar. Even better, you can take a boat ride into the Melissani Lake in Greece to better experience this event.

Asia 

Sleep at Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Admission: $1,400 to $1,700 USD per person

Website: https://himalayanexpeditions.com/wp/trips/everest-base-camp/

Mount Everest, the largest mountain in the world, is capable of having well-routined adventurers to camp in their base in Nepal. To get some rest while climbing this massive expedition, to tell your story for generations to come. However, this trek is awfully tiring and extreme, usually almost 12-15 days to fully hike. So make sure you are in your best health condition before deciding to embark on this journey. 

Ride the Trans-Siberian, Russia-China

Admission:  €450-€500EUR/ $400-500

Website: https://www.trans-siberian-travel.com/

Ever want to stay overnight on a train, well with famous historical Trans-Siberian train, you can. Sleeping in cramped conditions on a bumpy road from Russia to China. Now that is just an adventure waiting to happen.

Visit the Jog Falls, India

Admission: FREE

Website: http://www.jogfalls.in/

Located in South-Western India, Jog Falls is the highest plunging waterfall in Asia. Falling for about 254 meters down. However, this waterfall depends greatly on the rainfall India is experiencing, unique for this landmark.

Climb Mount Fuji, Japan

Admission: 33,500 yen/ $311

Website: http://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/

Just southwest of Tokyo, this active volcano, provides Japan with another sacred aspect to its culture. Actually most prominent and influential during Japan’s Edo Period, so you can find most references to Mt. Fuji in Japan’s history during this time. But beautifully depicted, with cherry blossoms in the corner, reminisces of Japan’s culture.

Visit the Dead Sea, Israel

Admission: FREE

Website: https://www.touristisrael.com/dead-sea/289/

Although nearly impossible to swim in, due to its high salt content, so it’s recommended you DON’T enter. However, it’s nonetheless a beautiful landmark to visit as an adventurer and holds many historical stories with it.

Explore Phuket, Thailand

Admission: Prices May Vary (for flight tickets)

Phuket, an island embodies solely by nature, with valleys, mountains, and rainforests, its the perfect sightseeing destination for those who want the authenticity of planet Earth. Not corrupted by technology, nor urbanization. It’s just beauty and nature of itself and an absolutely beautiful sight to see.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Admission: $37 (per pass) 

Website: https://www.siemreap.net/

In the ruins of Angkor, this ancient Khmer kingdom from the early 9-15th century preserves its culture for the world to see. With beautiful monuments and religious temples that have lasted this long with its structure intact.

Kingdom of Bhutan, Bhutan

Admission: (US MUST FILL OUT VISA) https://www.fas.usda.gov/sites/default/files/bhutan.pdf

Website: https://www.kingdomofbhutan.com/

Personally, I find this landmark fascinating since it appears to be an ancient castle built on the side of a mountain. Dangerous at it may seem, it’s actually quite safe. However, if you are taking a flight to get there, the airport is the complete opposite, so be careful.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Admission: Prices May Vary (for flight tickets)

This city seems like it is fused with nature itself. Every corner of the city, you will find something worth seeing, whether it’s waterfalls or ancient temples. Luang is enriched with culture that managed to live in harmony with nature.

Africa

Sleep Under the Stars, Namibia

Admission: $250 (prices may vary)

Website: http://www.namibrand.com/

Stargazing is one thing, but being able to sleep under the stars in the comfort of your hotel is way better. Well with NamibRand, a private reserve in Namibia Africa, they provide the best services for their guests to do so.

Climb Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Admission: $100 (Plus VISA required)

Website: https://www.climbkilimanjaroguide.com/

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, that being able to climb it is insane, with over 16-18 hours to reach your destination at the top. However, it isn’t impossible but it is recommended that hikers be in their best health condition before climbing. But once you decide to climb, the experience will be one of the best of your life with all the beauties that Tanzania could ever offer.

Visit St Helena, South Atlantic

Admission: Prices May Vary (for flight tickets)

St. Helena Island is a place where all travelers should go to at least once. It will truly open your eyes to see how people live in other countries. As the city in St. Helena is literally in between two massive mountains side by side, almost isolated from the rest of society. Truly a sight to see.

Go on an African Safari, Kenya

Admission: $125 (princes may vary)

Website: https://www.bwindiforestnationalpark.com/kenya-safari-cost.html

Everyone, who doesn’t reside in Africa has at least dreamed of going on an African safari adventure once in their life. To be able to see the wild animals in their natural habitats in the savannah. But if you haven’t, you’re missing out, cause its one of the best adventures you can have as an adventurer. 

Raft the Zambezi River, Zambia

Admission: $152 (prices may vary)

Website: https://www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/rivers/zambezi/

If you love extreme sports and traveling, then rafting the Zambezi River is perfect for you. With a perfect balance of extreme water currents and being able to see the wonders and beauties of Zambia. However, caution yourself again, it isn’t for everyone.

Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Admission: $30 (entrance fee)

Website: https://www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/waterfalls/victoria-falls/

Victoria Falls is the biggest waterfall in the whole world! Being able to witness such a landmark is truly extraordinary. With waters that seems to fall forever, residing at such a high altitude. Located in between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this historical cascade is truly a sight to see.

Australia/Oceania

Hike the Milford Track, New Zealand

Admission: $15 per person (children under 18 FREE)

Website: https://newzealandtrails.com/news/hiking-milford-track/

Within the Fiordland National Park in New Zealand, there is the Milford Track, a trail that all hikers must trek at least once in their lifetime. Walking across various mountains and humid rainforests, this trail is the perfect nature sightseeing trail there is in Oceania. 

Swim with Turtles in Ningaloo Coast, Western Australia

Admission: Prices May Vary

Website: https://www.australiascoralcoast.com/see-do/meeting-sea-turtle

Ningaloo Coast is the world’s best eco-friendly environment for guests to swim with turtles in the great Australian sea. In fact, it’s actually one of the safest places to swim out in the open. So if you’re ever wanting to check off swimming with turtles on your bucket list, Ningaloo Coast would be the place for you.

Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Admission: 240AU/ $170 per adult (kids are discounted) 

Website: https://greatbarrierreef.com.au/

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the entire world. With so much sea life to explore, you’d get the full experience by going snorkeling. Plus, the Great Barrier Reef is a well-rounded company and provides the best safety for their guests, so don’t let your fears of the deep ocean to stop you.

Thank you so much for reading! Hope everyone is safe! Comment down below any places I may have missed.