The hardest part of being a travel addict is deciding where to go next. The canals of Venice call to you, but so do the coastal resorts of Mexico. And what about the grassy plains of Mongolia? Or Malta’s golden citadels?
Destinations with a bit of everything offer a solution. Famous for history, culture, natural beauty, and a host of iconic tourist attractions, there’s no chance of leaving disappointed! Here are 15 of the world’s finest travel destinations that have something for everyone.
1. Spain
Spain is home to some of the world’s most beautiful cities, including Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona. With 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it has a rich, multifaceted history and an abundance of cultural attractions.
Throw in a huge array of festivals, gorgeous beaches, and resort towns, and it’s no wonder Spain is the second most visited country in the world.
Top tours and activities in Spain:
2. Scotland
The highlands of Scotland are home to wild and rugged natural beauty. Vibrant cities like Edinburgh are packed with history, culture, fantastic architecture, and aesthetic appeal—not to mention the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which happens every Summer. The islands off the coast boast a special remote and rugged appeal.
All told, there are so many things to do in Scotland that it deserves a spot on anyone’s travel bucket list.
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3. Australia
Australia is so much more than spiders and snakes! This enormous country, home to the oldest civilization on earth, has masses to see, do, and experience.
For example, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru rank among the most famous attractions on the planet, but they barely scratch the surface of Australia’s natural wonders! There’s unique wildlife, iconic buildings (don’t miss the Sydney Opera House), and endless miles of coastline.
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4. England
London is one of the most visited cities in the world for a reason. Its history, cultural scene, and general buzz are second to none. But England is far more than just one city!
Venture further afield to the stunning Lake District or Peak District, explore the glorious Cornish coast, join the druids for a Solstice at Stonehenge, or visit Bath to view some of the best-preserved Roman ruins worldwide.
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5. Norway
Everywhere in Norway is breathtaking. From the dramatic coastlines and iconic mountains to the immense waterfalls that flood from clifftops around the country, its natural beauty is immense.
Of course, chief among Norway’s attractions are its fjords. Pictures never do them justice, so make sure you see them for yourself at some point! Throw in the Viking history, and Norway is hard to beat.
Top tours and activities in Norway:
6. Portugal
The Algarve in Portugal is one of the most popular coastal destinations on the planet. Any sun-chaser could do a lot worse than a holiday here! It’s also the westernmost coastline in Europe, which makes for spectacular sunsets.
Away from the beach, Portugal is famous for its cuisine, from port wine to divine custard tarts. Beautiful cities like Lisbon and Porto are must-sees for anyone more culturally minded.
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7. Netherlands
With its windmills, tulip fields, and endless cycling paths, visiting the Netherlands feels like stepping into a storybook.
Of course, away from the national parks and beautiful scenery, the city of Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top vacation destinations. It’s famous for its museums, canals, architecture, and nightlife.
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8. Austria
Austria is another European country home to spectacular landscapes. Its alpine scenery is awe-inspiring and makes it one of Europe’s top skiing destinations in winter.
Away from the slopes, Vienna is full of architectural wonders. Travelers can rest easy here, too. Austria is regularly voted one of the safest cities in the world.
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9. Canada
Canadians are world-famous for their friendliness, so any visitor should expect to feel welcome. Furthermore, with sights like the Rocky Mountains and Niagara Falls, its natural beauty is breathtaking.
Closer to civilization, places like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are vibrant, exciting, full of culture, and packed with big-city amenities.
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10. Switzerland
This tiny alpine country is another popular destination for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. The villages nestled in the Swiss Alps are otherworldly. Why not spend a few days sampling chocolate and cheese in storybook surroundings?
There’s history and culture to enjoy, as well. The Swiss capital, Bern, has an incredible Old City full of beautiful medieval architecture.
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11. Iceland
Iceland has the smallest population in Europe, with just 380,000 residents. The result? It feels wild, raw, and untouched.
Waterfalls, volcanoes, and hot springs are just some of the natural highlights on offer. Equally, due to its northerly location and lack of light pollution, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to watch the Northern Lights.
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12. Japan
You could spend months exploring Japan and barely scratch the surface of what this diverse and beautiful country has to offer.
Tokyo, the capital, is the world’s largest metropolitan area by population. The countryside is dotted with ancient castles and temples nestled amongst gorgeous scenery. History, food, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals make Japan another sought-after travel destination.
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13. Greece
Steeped in history and blessed with natural beauty, Greece is a wonder to behold. Ancient attractions like the Parthenon will satisfy anyone’s cultural needs, and the country’s beautiful beaches and islands are ideal for a coastal getaway.
From Mykonos to Santorini, every Greek island holds a unique charm. Why not ferry-hop between them to see which you like best?
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14. New Zealand
New Zealand’s legendary scenery was made famous as the setting for the Lord of the Rings movies. The country is uniquely biodiverse, with volcanoes, mountains, glaciers, golden coastlines, rainforests, and so much more to see.
Kiwis are renowned for their friendly and laid-back attitude, too, so any visitor will feel welcome. The native Maori culture is also fascinating to learn about.
Top tours and activities in New Zealand:
15. Italy
Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations on earth. And it’s easy to see why. Rome alone is worth a week, with the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain among countless must-see sights. There’s also Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and much more.
Italian food is the world’s most popular cuisine, and every region has its specialties. Some of the most famous artists in the world were Italian, and the collections on display have to be seen to be believed.
Top tours and activities in Italy:
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