11. Petra, Jordan
More than 2,000 years ago, the Nabataeans built the town of Petra into the mountains, now the most-visited tourist attraction of Jordan. Petra is also known as the Rose City due to the color of the stone from which it was carved. This significant example of ancient civilization shows just how astonishing the world can be.
12. Zhangye Danxia Landform, China
What looks like a canvas of extraordinary color is a range of mountains in China. The rainbow formation is the result of red sandstone and mineral deposits being laid down for over 24 million years.
13. Mont Saint-Michel, France
An island commune in Normandy, France, Mont Saint-Michel is known as the “Wonder of the West” and attracts 3 million visitors per year. The Kingdom of Corona from Disney’s Tangled was modeled after Mont Saint-Michel and is just as magical as the real thing.
14. Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale, or “Cotton Castle,” is a natural site in southwestern Turkey that is home to hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. People can relax in the small turquoise pools of bliss, but the terraces themselves are restricted to preserve the site.
15. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
This 21-arch single-track viaduct is a railway in Scotland that was built in 1898. Harry Potter fans may recognize the structure, as it was used in three HP films when the Hogwarts Express carried wizards and witches to Hogwarts.
16. Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam
Also known as “Descending Dragon Bay,” Hạ Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist destination in Quảng Ninh, Vietnam. This natural wonder features turquoise waters, limestone karts, and isles of all shapes and sizes.
17. Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia
Built between 1916 and 1949, this wondrous basilica church stands on a canyon in southern Colombia. This gorgeous structure surrounded by a pool of green is both striking and mystical.
18. Sea of Stars on Vaadhoo Island, Maldives
What appears as a mirror image of the stars above, the bioluminescence in the water is actually due to marine microbes called phytoplankton. The effect it has on the shore is absolutely breathtaking and it encapsulates everything you’d imagine to be in a fairy tale. You can also experience this magical effect in Vieques, Puerto Rico.
19. Sintra, Portugal
The charming town of Sintra is often recognized for its 19th-century Romantic architecture and the royal estates and castles. The Pena National Palace (pictured on the right) sits on top of a hill above the city and can be seen from Lisbon on a clear day.
20. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
This alley of towering baobab trees lines the dirt road in the Menabe region of Madagascar and has become one of the most popular spots for tourists in the area.
21. Peleș Castle, Romania
This Neo-Renaissance castle is located in the Carpathian Mountains, built between 1873 and 1914. The Peleş Castle was built at the initiative of King Charles I, with the purpose of serving as a summer home. The outside of the castle has a charming feel to it, but the inside is very royal-esque.
22. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
In ancient times, this forest was deemed remote and inaccessible, but it has since become a must-see destination in Hunan, China. The unique mountains are often compared to the floating mountains of Pandora from the movie Avatar.
23. Taj Mahal, India
This white marble mausoleum of Agra, India, is considered the jewel of Muslim art and was also the inspiration for the Sultan’s Palace in Disney’s Aladdin. The Taj Mahal was built between 1632–1653 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, and has since become a universally admired masterpiece of the world’s heritage.
24. Dark Hedges, Ireland
A fantasy-like avenue of beech trees, the Dark Hedges was planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family to impress visitors upon the entrance of their home. The road is known to be haunted by the Grey Lady, who appears at dusk. The HBO show Game of Thrones has also made a special appearance here.
25. Palace of Versailles, France
This royal château in France has a whopping 2,300 rooms, 67 staircases, and 5,210 pieces of furniture. The palace is famous for its hall of mirrors and the gardens, the latter of which took 40 years to complete.
26. Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, United States
Located in Washington state, the fields are visited by hundreds of thousands who come here between April 1–30 to see these gorgeous flowers in bloom. The festival is designed as a driving tour since there is no one designated “site.”
