The world is full of places that will leave you standing still, wide-eyed, wondering how something so beautiful, so strange, so utterly surreal could possibly exist on the same planet where you do your grocery shopping. These aren’t your average landscapes or getaways; these are the rare spots that feel like a special message from nature, time, or something bigger.
From glowing caves to ancient cities carved into cliffs, from sapphire lakes that stretch into eternity, to islands that barely seem real, the world is full of wonders just waiting to be seen.
And, while we may never be able to see them all, we can seek out the ones that will stay with us long after we’ve returned home. These are the jaw-droppers, the stunners, the once-in-a-lifetime destinations.
Petra, Jordan
Carved into rose-red cliffs over 2,000 years ago, Petra was once the bustling capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. It was a major trading hub connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Then, for centuries, it was forgotten by the Western world until a Swiss explorer rediscovered it in 1812.
History aside, there’s something about turning that final corner of the Siq and seeing the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) in front of you. It’s like stepping into another universe. The scale, the detail, the sheer impossibility of it all will make you feel like Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade. Here, you’ll want to explore the Royal Tombs, hike up to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) for epic canyon views, and stay for Petra by Night, when the site glows amidst thousands of candles.
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
You can also step back in time at Aït Benhaddou, a striking fortified village (ksar) made entirely of earthen clay, sitting along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. It dates back to the 11th century and has been remarkably preserved, earning it a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might recognize it from films and series like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy. (Truth be told, it’s even more cinematic in person.)
What makes it jaw-dropping isn’t just the ancient architecture, but the way the whole town glows in shades of amber under the desert sun. You can wander through the narrow passageways, climb to the granary at the top for sweeping views of the desert and Atlas Mountains, and visit nearby Ouarzazate (Morocco’s film capital). If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’ve stepped into a different era, this is the place for you.
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff, nestled in the Canadian Rockies, was Canada’s first national park, founded back in 1885 when workers stumbled upon natural hot springs. Since then, it’s become a symbol of alpine perfection, with snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and dense forests that look like they inspired Grimm’s Fairy Tales.
What makes Banff jaw-dropping isn’t just Lake Louise or Moraine Lake (though both will steal your breath); it’s the feeling of standing there, surrounded by towering mountains and silence so vast it hums. Rent a canoe on Emerald Lake, hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers, soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs, and, if you’re lucky, catch the northern lights dancing across the winter sky.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
Hidden beneath the green hills of New Zealand’s North Island is a glowing underworld. The Waitomo Caves were formed over millions of years by limestone erosion, but what makes them truly magical is their tiny, twinkling residents: glowworms. They emit this mystical, magical blue-green light in the dark.
You’ll hop into a small boat, float silently along the river that winds through the caves, and then look up. It’s like drifting beneath a starlit sky, but underground. The glow is so otherworldly, it’s easy to forget you’re still on planet Earth. Combine your visit with the nearby Ruakuri Cave or add a bit of adventure with black-water rafting, and you’ll be able to enjoy New Zealand enchantment in a whole new way.
Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal was once a powerful city-state of the ancient Maya civilization, flourishing between 200 and 900 AD. Today, it’s hidden deep within the jungles of northern Guatemala, where pyramids still rise through thick forest and howler monkeys echo across the trees.
It’s not just a historical site; it’s a land of adventure. Be sure to climb Temple IV one morning for a sunrise view above the jungle canopy, where mist floats like a blanket over the ancient stone. Then, you can explore the Temple of the Jaguar, the Lost World Pyramid, and wander through plazas that feel like they haven’t changed in centuries (and, to some degree, haven’t).
Marble Caves, Chile
Let’s go further south, shall we? Hidden in the remote Patagonian region of Chile, the Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) are a natural wonder that feels almost imaginary. These swirling blue and white formations sit right on the edge of General Carrera Lake, carved over the course of 6,000 years by the water’s movement into intricate tunnels, arches, and cathedral-like chambers (made entirely of solid marble).
What makes them jaw-dropping is the way the light and water interact inside the caves. Depending on the season and time of day, the marble walls shift from icy turquoise to deep cerulean, like a living watercolor. You’ll need to take a small boat or kayak from the tiny town of Puerto Río Tranquilo, but that’s all part of the adventure. As you paddle gently through the caves and peer into the crystal-clear lake beneath you, you won’t even realize your jaw has dropped. It’s remote; it’s peaceful; and it’s something you’ll never forget.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions blanketed this region in ash, which hardened into soft rock. Over centuries, wind and rain sculpted it into bizarre “fairy chimneys,” before people started carving homes, churches, and even underground cities into them.
The most jaw-dropping moment will be sunrise from a hot air balloon. Dozens of balloons lift off at once, floating over valleys and stone formations bathed in soft, golden light. After that, you can explore the cave churches of Göreme Open Air Museum, hike the Ihlara Valley, and visit the underground city of Derinkuyu. What you’ll find is that Cappadocia is equal parts beauty and magic.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA
This slot canyon on Navajo land was shaped over thousands of years by flash flooding. It carved the sandstone into wave-like, flowing forms. As if that wasn’t magical enough, sunlight also filters through the narrow cracks above, turning the walls into glowing hues of red, orange, and purple.
Antelope Canyon is one of those rare places where the light is the attraction. As you walk through it, every turn reveals a different shape, color, and mood. Try to book a guided tour of both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, and bring your camera, of course. You’ll want to remember this surreal dreamscape forever. Pair it with nearby Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell, and you’ll have yourself a full northern Arizona experience.
The Faroe Islands, Denmark
Tucked between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands are a remote chain of volcanic islands known for their towering cliffs, windswept grasslands, and wild weather that changes every five minutes. Though they’re technically part of the Kingdom of Denmark, they have a distinct identity, language, and rhythm entirely of their own.
You’ll be entranced as you wonder over the sheer cliffs that plunge into the churning seas, the waterfalls that spill straight into the ocean, and the puffins that flap along the rugged coastlines. If you like to hike, you can take the trail to the remote village of Gásadalur. If you prefer to drive, you can cruise the sub-sea tunnels between the islands. Then, the cherry on top is the view from the peak of Slættaratindur, the highest point in the Faroes.
Santorini, Greece
Let’s end with a classic because, sometimes, the well-known places earn their fame for a reason. Santorini was formed by a volcanic eruption that collapsed the center of the island, creating a caldera filled with the Aegean Sea. The result was a crescent-shaped paradise where whitewashed houses spill down the cliffs, and every corner feels like a fantasy.
Sure, it’s romantic and photogenic, but it’s also jaw-dropping in the most magnificent way. Sunset from Oia will stop you in your tracks. Then, all you have to do is wander through alleyways lined with bougainvillea, sip wine at cliffside wineries, and make your way from Fira to Oia along a trail filled with ocean views. Even if it’s a somewhat “regular” destination, Santorini is anything but ordinary.
Start Planning the Trip You’ll Never Forget
Whether you’re climbing jungle-covered ruins, floating over ancient valleys in a balloon, or standing still as a canyon turns gold around you, these places will fill your heart with joy and wonder. And that, more than anything, is why they’re worth the trip.
Before you pack your GoPro or a couple of canvases and paint brushes, check out our library of destination guides. Perhaps we can help you hop over to Bergen from the Faroe Islands or Singapore from New Zealand. Either way, we hope you’ll walk away from any of these destinations with a heart so full, you’ll never be the same again.