At work and feeling travel-deprived? Well, here are some itchy-feet-inspiring images of jaw-dropping destinations to help you mentally check out and escape the office for a few minutes.
While desk-chair travel will never beat the real thing, it might provide a pleasant break from the monotony of work. And, who knows, maybe it’ll inspire you to take a well-earned vacation to see these places in real life! Ready? Let’s dive in.
1. Santorini, Greece
Imagine exploring winding streets between iconic whitewashed homes in Santorini, Greece. You’ll never grow tired of those gorgeous views over sun-kissed cerulean seas. And even if you do fancy a change of scenery, you can always hop on a boat to the next Greek island along…
2. Alesund, Norway
Welcome to Norway, a land of Vikings, trolls, and monumental landscapes. Alesund is just one picturesque place among countless others in this glorious country. But with its scenic streets, waterways, and mountain views, you might not want to leave.
3. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is one of Austria’s most iconic towns. Imagine strolling through age-old cobblestone streets to a lakeside cafe, where you sit in silent reverie, gazing out across the mountains while sipping an ice-cold beer.
4. Tuvalu
Tuvalu is an island nation and the epitome of paradise in the Pacific Ocean. Sink your toes into sugar-soft sand, relax under palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze, and finish your fresh coconut before donning a snorkel to see the tropical fishes.
5. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Bolivia’s salt flats are a bucket list destination for many people. This otherworldly white landscape stretches as far as the eye can see. It’s a perfect place to play with perspective and snap some fun travel photos of your own or drive your 4×4 at breakneck speeds for a thrill.
6. Aruba
Imagine sunning yourself on a Carribean beach. You’ve just returned from your second swim of the day, and a sea breeze is providing a refreshing break from the heat. The hammock you’re laying in sways softly from side to side, lulling you into a sun-kissed stupor…Does life get any better?
7. Cinque Terre, Italy
No matter how many days you spend in Italy, this Bel Paese charms your socks off and carves an indelible mark on your soul. Cinque Terre is one of its finest places. These five age-old towns, full of life and color, provide a steady stream of intrigue and activities.
8. Japan
Culture vultures with a penchant for the great outdoors may find themselves daydreaming about Japan. With temples, mountains, beaches, green spaces, and mighty metropoles to explore, the Land of the Rising Sun has something for everyone.
9. Iceland
Imagine yourself in Iceland. The air is cold but invigorating and the scenery is so spectacular it makes you want to weep. You’ve spent the day strolling across black sand beaches, witnessing breathtaking waterfalls, and soaking in natural hot pools. Then, as dusk becomes night, you see the shimmering emerald lights of the Aurora Borealis emerge magically overhead.
10. Banff, Canada
Love the outdoors? Stuck at your desk? Here’s a picture of Canada’s Banff National Park to whet your appetite for adventure. Picture yourself on a hike through dense pine forests or mountain passes, navigating yet another canyon, or canoeing on the lake.
11. Venice
You’re in Venice. The gondola you’re in bobs sedately along the Grand Canal, past the Rialto Bridge and medieval Gothic buildings worthy of a fairytale. You watch tourists sip their Aperol Spritzes from bars lining the water’s edge, then hop out to find one of your own – navigating the maze of canals and winding streets as you go.
12. Mount Cook, New Zealand
Imagine yourself in New Zealand. You’re midway down South Island on the way to Mount Cook. You’re watching its snowcapped peak get steadily closer as the road winds next to a lake with a shimmering turquoise hue. It’s literally breathtaking – another epic location in a country full of them.
13. Oahu, Hawaii
It’s time to take a mental trip to Hawaii. Stroll along its golden sands, take your surfboard out to catch some waves, hike through verdant volcanic landscapes, and then finish the day off right with a cocktail or two overlooking the ocean.
14. The Whitsundays, Australia
The Whitsundays are a paradisical group of islands off the northeastern coast of Australia. A swirl of white sand and crystal-clear seas, spend your days here snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, and exploring.
15. Paris, France
Picture yourself in the City of Love, standing atop the Eiffel Tower overlooking a metropolis renowned for romance. You can see the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Grand Palais, and, of course, the beautiful Seine River winding through the city’s heart.
16. Lapland, Finland
Lapland is a true winter wonderland – a vast, remote, and snow-covered part of Finland home to reindeer, huskies, the indigenous Sami people…and Santa Claus. Imagine being pulled by huskies through a magical whitewashed wilderness, going for a walk with your snowshoes on, then gazing up to see the Northern Lights.
17. Lago di Braies, Italy
This outdoor extravaganza feels a long way from places like Rome and Venice. Yet the awe-inspiring landscape around Lago di Braies is typical of the Dolomites in northeast Italy. The lake is a tourist favorite, where you can paddle wooden boats to the center of a glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks.
18. Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Thailand is the ultimate paradise. From the verdant, temple-strewn hills up north to the crystal clear turquoise waters around its coast, this Southeast Asian gem is a delight. Whether you’re dreaming of partying into the early hours, exploring ancient temples, or sunbathing on golden sands, it’s the perfect place to escape.
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