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The 62 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Visit

Pack your bags, we're going!

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The most beautiful places in the world belong at the top of your bucket list. Sure, there are countless dreamy destinations to fill you with awe, wonder, and waves of inspiration, but these are the ones you absolutely have to see. Whether you're taking in the sunset from the top of a terraced mountain in Vietnam or from the window of the most luxurious hotel in the Seychelles, the beauty the world has to offer will make unforgettable memories. You have to see it firsthand!

As tempting as it is to pack up your bags and go globetrotting, your search for the most beautiful places in the world can begin right now, at home, before you even book a plane ticket. We've curated a virtual travel itinerary that's practically too good to be true—and you can tour every stop right now. These destinations will make you catch your breath and inspire your next vacation. You'll find lively cities with candy-colored homes lining the streets and national parks that look like the CGI special effects in a blockbuster movie. Prepare to get swept off your feet—and to spark your wanderlust to travel from desert to desert and island to island. The best part? Some of these destinations are underrated, so you might have the place all to yourself.

Below, click through the most beautiful places in the world that'll make to reshuffle your travelbucket list and dust off your luggage. Trust us, pictures don't do them justice!

1

Kuang Si Falls, Laos

kuang si waterfall
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Without a doubt, Laos (also known as the Land of a Million Elephants) is a treasure that deserves all of its flowers for its unmatched beauty and splendor. Set near the Mekong and Nam Kham rivers, the city of Luang Prabang is picture-perfect with its golden temples. Venture the 40-minute drive to Kuang Si Falls, and you'll be surrounded by a vibrant jungle. The falls consist of three tiers, each with pools for taking in the view and wading in peace.

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2

Lapland, Finland

northern lights, also known as aurora borealis in lapland, finland
Lingxiao Xie//Getty Images

If you're obsessed with stargazing, take your love to new heights by admiring the stars amid the Northern Lights in the northernmost region of Finland. In the cooler months, Lapland is blanketed with snow. Seeing the neon bands in the sky is a surreal experience you can enjoy while sledding or sitting in front of your cabin.

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3

The Pitons, St. Lucia

st lucia's twin pitons at sunset
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As the most famous landmarks in St. Lucia and a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Pitons' two dormant volcanic spires, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, are a wonder to behold. The majestic peaks tower above the sea and hold the history of the Caribbean island.

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4

Joshua Tree National Park, USA

sunrise at joshua tree national park
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Joshua Tree is an outdoor lover's delight, from nature trails to glorious sunsets overlooking the desert speckled with cacti. Even if you're more of a glamper, you can enjoy the painted landscape from the window of your luxury AirBnB rental or resort.

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5

Mù Cang Chải, Vietnam

city ​​in the valley beautiful with light coming through the city the city is located in the north of vietnam called mu cang chai it is a destination for tourists who want to explore nature, rice terraces and relax during sunset
FRAME STUDIO//Getty Images

After you pick your up jaw off the ground, take in the magnificent scene of terraced mountains lined with rice paddies and streams of water in this rural region of Vietnam. Mù Cang Chải takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city (it's about six hours from Hanoi) and into the wavelike pattern of the mountains.

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6

Lake Como, Italy

varenna, lombardy, italy july 2022 statue in villa monastero overlooking lake como
Feng Wei Photography//Getty Images

Whether you're curious to know why this dazzling lake is a summer go-to for celebrities or hoping to spot a few in person, the beauty of Lake Como speaks for itself. Surrounded by the foothills of the Italian Alps, this Y-shaped lake often receives guests on day trips from Milan. Head here to take in views of extravagant palaces, ornate villas, and all nature has to offer.

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7

Bagan, Myanmar

bagan, myanmar
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The ancient city of Bagan is a Unesco World Heritage sight, with plenty of sacred structures to take in and learn about. Hot air ballooning is one of the most famous and novel ways to see it, drawing in visitors from around the globe. Floating high above ancient Buddhist temples and pagodas might be the most convincing reason to forget about your fear of heights for a while.

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8

Barcelona, Spain

barcelona at sunrise viewed from park guell, barcelona, catalonia, spain
Pol Albarrán//Getty Images

With incredible food, sprawling beaches, world-renowned architecture, and tons of museums, Barcelona is a feast for the senses. Architecture lovers can tour the works of Antoni Gaudí, including La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. From the historic Gothic Quarter to the Picasso museum, it's a mecca for creative inspiration.

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9

Hallstatt, Austria

Fairytale Town of Hallstatt, Austria
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Get your cameras ready—this lakeside town is known as the "most photographed place in Europe." Spend your vacation wandering the 16th century alpine houses, exploring an ancient salt mine, or even visiting a glacier garden.

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10

Chamarel, Mauritius

the geological formation "Seven Coloured Earths"
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Though this East African island attracts visitors primarily with its gorgeous, pristine beaches, if you venture inland you'll see this brilliant geological formation that translates to "Seven Colored Earths."

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11

Banff National Park, Canada

most beautiful places in the world
Nick Fitzhardinge

The best time to see the Marvel Lake's vibrant turquoise hue—created by sunlight reflecting off the rock floor—is July and August. But Banff is also home to three world-class ski resorts and is lovely during the winter.

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12

Las Coloradas, Mexico

mexiko, yucatan, las coloradas, pink lake salt lake
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These pastel lagoons in Yucatán, Mexico, are what color palette dreams are made of. It's one hundred percent worth the road trip if you're staying in Tulum or Cancún.

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13

Amalfi Coast, Italy

view of the town of positano with flowers
Cosmin Voinea / 500px//Getty Images

Imagine gazing out over these sweeping views with a limoncello in your hand. Now that's amore. But beautiful sights aside, you'll also get to partake in plenty of outdoor activities and cultural experiences (Pompei! Vila Jovis!), whether you go island hopping to Ischia and Capri or stay on the coastline in Positano, Sorrento, and Naples.

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14

Tu Le Valley, Vietnam

Golden rice terraces in North Vietnam
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The rainbow of golden and green terraced rice paddies in Tu Le Valley creates an enchanting pattern. It's surrounded by mountain ranges and a sight to see year-round, though the best time of year to visit is September when the rice is ripening.

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15

Petra, Jordan

jordan, petra, part of al khazneh
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Want to know why it's called the Rose City? Wait until you see it practically glowing at sunset. Unesco describes it as "half-built, half-carved into the rock, and surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges." As one of the world's seven wonders, it's definitely worth a top spot on your bucket list.

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16

Saturnia, Italy

Aerial view of Saturnia's spring
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These aquamarine hot springs are a sight to see. And you'll also get to enjoy sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside while soaking.

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17

Palm Springs, California

outdoor shot of palm spring california
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The Southern California desert is a favorite destination among design lovers and sun-chasers. Surrounded by mountains and studded by Palm Trees, bougainvillea, and citrus trees, the natural landscape lends itself to unforgettable sunrise hikes and sunset cocktails by the pool. There's also plenty of great shopping, dining, and other activities, like golfing and rock climbing.

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18

Pailón del Diablo, Ecuador

El Pailón del Diablo – Baños, Ecuador
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Known as "Devil's Cauldron" in English, this remote hiking destination in the Ecuadorian rainforest is like something out of a fairytale.

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19

Jaipur, India

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, India
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Jaipur, Rajasthan, is full of visual inspiration everywhere you look. From this incredible structure known as Hawa Mahal to the Chad Baori (an ancient stepwell), there is so much to see and do.

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20

Provence, France

Early morning in a Provence's lavender field with a lone house
Tu xa Ha Noi//Getty Images

French Country addicts, listen up: Not only can you marvel at all the stone-clad wood-beamed buildings and blue-and-white decor your heart could desire, but you can also admire lavender fields and sip rosé at sunset (with a fresh baguette and cheese, bien sur).

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