1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
As a way to seek refuge and withdraw from public life, Ludwig II of Bavaria built this extravagant castle in 1868. Seven weeks after his death in 1886, the structure was opened to the paying public and has since become one of the most visited castles in Europe.Neuschwanstein is also the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland, so it’s clearly magical!
2. Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
This specific spot in the Waitomo Caves is known as the Glowworm Grotto, a place where glowworms ignite a starry scenery on the ceilings and walls. This species is exclusively found in New Zealand and is around the size of a mosquito.
3. Colmar, France
One of the most enchanting towns of France, Colmar is reminiscent of the provincial town of Beauty and the Beast, but better. In addition to being a quaint, charming place to visit, Colmar is also home to Musée Animé du Jouet et des Petits Trains, the Animated Museum of Toys and Modeled Trains.
4. Batu Caves, Malaysia
The Batu Caves are a series of chambers beneath limestone hills and date back to as many as 400 million years ago. At the base of the caves lies a giant 140-foot golden statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, victory, wisdom, and love. Visitors reach the caves by stairs, a total of 272 steps, and enter an area filled with Hindu shrines where worshippers pay their respects.
5. Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Russia
The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, located in Moscow, was formally a church but is now a museum. The spectacular range of bright colors and quirky architecture make it a whimsical must-see spot.
6. Wisteria Tunnel, Japan
This breathtaking scenery of gorgeous flowers can be found at the Kawachi Fuji Garden in Kitakyushu, Japan. The best time to walk through the tunnel is late April to mid-May. If a stroll through here doesn’t make you feel like you’re in a Disney movie, nothing will.
7. Paro Taktsang, Bhutan
Known as the Tiger’s Nest, Taktsang Palphug Monastery is a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site perched upon the cliffside of the Upper Paro Valley. Its unique location is alarming but captivating, making it worthy of a visit.
8. Cave of the Crystals, Mexico
Located 980 feet below the Chihuahua Desert, this giant cave of crystals is home to the largest crystals discovered on Earth, the biggest being 39 feet long and 55 tons in weight. The cave is relatively unexplored, since the conditions of the atmosphere are tolerable for only 10 minutes or so (without proper equipment and protection).
9. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, or “City of Temples,” is a significant religious center in Southeast Asia and is often thought of as a symbol of Cambodia. Beyond its architecture, the mossy residue and overgrown vines give it an ancient appeal, hiding centuries of historical memories.
10. Angel Falls, Venezuela
With a plunge 15 times the height of Niagara Falls, Angel Falls streams from the tabletop mountain called Auyantepui. The site was named after Jimmy Angel, a U.S. aviator who was the first known person to fly over the falls. His ashes were scattered there in 1960. In addition to its undeniable beauty, you may notice that the area is similar to Paradise Falls from Disney’s Up, a clear inspiration for the movie.
