From Canada’s sky-blue lakes to Seychelles’ golden sandstone shores, the Earth is bursting with beauty in every corner. We’ve rounded up the planet’s most stunning spots—think national parks, towering mountains, dreamy beaches, vast deserts, and other jaw-dropping wonders—to fuel your next travel dreams.
Best tourist destination: Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil
Underrated hidden gem: Fairy Meadows National Park, Pakistan
Best for families: Grand Canyon, Arizona
Best for couples: Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Best for solo travelers: Railay West Beach, Thailand
Come along as we explore some of the world’s most breathtaking places, from the Grand Canyon’s fiery red rocks to the Great Barrier Reef’s explosion of colors.
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Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil
Straddling the Argentina-Brazil border, 275 cascades come together to create a jaw-dropping, panoramic waterfall. The sheer power of Iguazú Falls—with water thundering at up to 450,000 cubic feet per second in the rainy season—is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Fairy Meadows National Park, Pakistan
Snow-covered mountain with trees in foreground reflected in a lake
At the base of the world’s ninth-tallest peak, Nanga Parbat, Pakistan’s Fairy Meadows delivers stunning mountain views and wildlife like brown bears, markhor, and Himalayan ibex. Getting there? You’ll need a Jeep—but fair warning, the road isn’t for the timid.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon lives up to its “breathtaking” reputation with some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. This massive geological wonder—a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide—reveals endless layers of vibrant rock and mesmerizing vistas.
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Picking the prettiest beach in Seychelles is tough, but Anse Source d’Argent stands out with its powdery white sand, dramatic granite boulders, and sparkling turquoise waters. Tucked away on La Digue Island, it’s a peaceful escape from the usual resort crowds.
Railay West Beach, Thailand
On Railay’s western shore, Krabi’s famous limestone cliffs meet a dazzling jade-green lagoon. The only way in? By boat—thanks to those sheer cliffs cutting off mainland access, making it all the more magical.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
For the ultimate Patagonian adventure, Torres del Paine National Park is unbeatable. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve boasts its iconic granite towers (the park’s name blends Spanish for “towers” and the Tehuelche word for “blue”), along with glittering lagoons and surreal glaciers.
Bagan, Myanmar
Myanmar’s Bagan Archaeological Zone is a mind-blowing sea of thousands of temples, pagodas, and stupas. Roam by bike or—for the full wow factor—take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride to see them dotting the lush landscape below.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Costa Rica
This misty, pristine cloud forest in Costa Rica’s northwest is a gold standard for eco-tourism. Along with Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde is a near-untouched haven teeming with plants, animals, and birds (like the dazzling quetzal), best seen from jungle trails and dizzying canopy bridges.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
Straddling Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is one of the planet’s largest waterfalls. Known as “The Smoke That Thunders” in Bantu, it’s a hotspot for white-water rafting, helicopter tours, safaris, and other adrenaline-pumping adventures.
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Whitehaven Beach, Australia
From above, Whitehaven Beach is a hypnotic swirl of white sand and blue waters nestled among Queensland’s islands. Part of the Whitsunday Coast, its claim to fame? Pristine silica sands meeting dazzling turquoise waves.
Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
Near Morondava, a dusty road leads to a row of towering, ancient baobabs—unique to Madagascar and all that’s left of a once-lush forest. These centuries-old giants glow ethereally at sunrise and sunset.
Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
Bolivia’s Altiplano holds the world’s largest salt flat, spanning 4,000 square miles. In dry months, it’s an endless white expanse of salt tiles under clear skies. Come rainy season (December–April), it transforms into a surreal mirror blending lake and sky. Either way, it’s spellbinding.
Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam
Hạ Long Bay’s emerald waters and hundreds of jungle-clad limestone cliffs make it a photographer’s paradise. Cruise or kayak through this UNESCO site to explore its dreamy islands and caves.
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Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Nestled in the Sierra Madres, Lake Atitlán blends Indigenous culture with serene lakeside charm. Unsurprisingly, it’s a yoga retreat favorite. Hop on a boat to visit lakeside villages, browse Mayan crafts at local markets, or even sleep in a treehouse.