20 Must-See Places in the World for Your Travel List

Our first five picks are 1. Grand Canyon, United States , for its vast overlooks and rim trails; 2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia , for marine life best experienced through responsible snorkeling or diving; 3. Serengeti, Tanzania , for wildlife viewing; 4. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile , for mountain scenery and hiking; and 5. Norwegian fjords, Norway , for dramatic landscapes you can explore by boat or on foot. If you’re choosing among them, consider your preferred activity first: a scenic drive calls for a different itinerary than a trek, safari, or reef excursion.

We would put 6. Rome, Italy , 7. Kyoto, Japan , 8. Petra, Jordan , 9. Angkor, Cambodia , and 10. Machu Picchu, Peru , on a world-spanning list for their distinctive architecture, history, and settings. Give yourself time beyond the most famous landmark in each place: neighborhood walks, local guides, and quieter hours can make the visit more rewarding than a rushed photo stop.

Our next five are 11. Paris, France , for museums and streetscapes; 12. Istanbul, Türkiye , for its layers of history; 13. New York City, United States , for art, food, and neighborhoods; 14. Marrakech, Morocco , for markets and architecture; and 15. Mexico City, Mexico , for museums and a rich food scene. You can build an excellent trip around just one or two neighborhoods a day, leaving room to explore rather than spending most of your time in transit.

Completing our list are 16. Iceland’s South Coast, for waterfalls and volcanic scenery; 17. Banff National Park, Canada, for alpine lakes and trails; 18. the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, for wildlife; 19. the Amazon rainforest, for an immersive nature trip; and 20. the Taj Mahal, India, for its architecture and gardens. If U.S. parks are where you want to start, our Top 10 Must-See U.S. National Parks + Fast Facts digital travel guide offers a more focused starting point; for any destination, plan around the season, your mobility needs, and the time you can comfortably spend there.