20 Best Destinations to Visit Around the World

The best trip depends on whether you want city life, wildlife, history, beaches, or time outdoors, so our team chose destinations that offer different kinds of memorable experiences. Use this list as a starting point, then narrow it by season, travel time, budget, and the pace you enjoy.

1. Kyoto, Japan: Temples, gardens, and historic neighborhoods reward unhurried walks.
2. Rome, Italy: Ancient sites and lively streets make history part of everyday sightseeing.
3. Paris, France: Museums, architecture, and cafés suit an art-focused city break.
4. Cape Town, South Africa: Combine coastal scenery, mountain walks, and urban exploration.
5. New York City, USA: Choose from neighborhoods, performances, museums, and food from around the world.
6. Mexico City, Mexico: Explore art, markets, parks, and a rich food scene.
7. Lisbon, Portugal: Hilltop viewpoints and walkable neighborhoods invite a slower visit.
8. Istanbul, Türkiye: See landmark architecture and explore the city’s markets and waterfront.
9. Marrakech, Morocco: Go for bustling markets, gardens, and distinctive architecture.
10. Bangkok, Thailand: Pair temples and river trips with an energetic food scene.
11. Singapore: Enjoy gardens, varied neighborhoods, and an easy-to-navigate urban stay.
12. Sydney, Australia: Mix harbor sights with beaches and coastal walks.
13. Queenstown, New Zealand: Make mountain scenery and outdoor activities the focus.
14. Banff National Park, Canada: Plan for alpine scenery, lakes, and hiking.
15. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile: Choose it for dramatic landscapes and multi-day adventures.
16. Machu Picchu, Peru: Build a trip around the historic site and surrounding Andean scenery.
17. Petra, Jordan: Spend time walking through a remarkable archaeological landscape.
18. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Consider a wildlife-focused trip with experienced local guides.
19. Iceland: Explore waterfalls, geothermal landscapes, and road-trip routes.
20. Grand Canyon National Park, USA: Take in sweeping viewpoints or plan a more demanding hike.

If you have a week or less, one city and its nearby sights may feel more satisfying than several long transfers; for a longer trip, places such as Patagonia or New Zealand leave room for travel between landscapes. Compare typical weather for your dates and the physical demands of your plans, especially if hiking or remote-area travel is central to the trip.

Banff, Iceland, Patagonia, and the Grand Canyon are strong choices when the landscape is the main event, while Rome, Kyoto, and Mexico City are better fits when you want cultural sights throughout the day. If U.S. parks are on your shortlist, our Top 10 Must-See U.S. National Parks + Fast Facts digital travel guide offers another starting point for trip ideas.