The world is a natural wonder, in and of itself, isn’t it? With continents like Africa that host the pyramids and countries like Venezuela that showcase 3,000-foot waterfalls, it’s hard to know where to start your explorations.
Together, let’s take a tour around the world, from the Americas, to Europe, to Australia, and see which natural wonder you’d like to embrace first.
1. The Grand Canyon, Arizona
If you ever want to feel like you’re standing on top of the world, visit the Grand Canyon. It’s a natural red rock formation that’s 10 miles wide, 277 miles long, and 1 mile deep.
Part of America’s National Park Service, every mile of your hike will be picturesque and memorable, including the Colorado River’s white water rapids.
2. Yellowstone National Park
If you prefer cooler climates, you might want to head north to Wyoming. You can play this a few different ways because Yellowstone also stretches into Montana and Idaho.
What’s mystical and magical about Yellowstone is the fact that over 500 geysers and nearly 10,000 geothermal features are on display for anyone looking for a little bit of awe and wonder.
3. Victoria Falls, South Africa
South Africa is a sight to behold all on its own. If your family ever wants to go on a wild safari, South Africa should be your next destination.
That said, Victoria Falls – on the Zambezi River – will captivate you. Get ready for its rapturous sound and enchanting mists as it drops water down from 354 feet in the air.
4. The Sahara Desert
Some would say the entire continent of Africa is a natural wonder. With Victoria Falls, the pyramids, and the Sahara, it sure is a treasure.
When you choose to visit the Sahara, you’ll be treated to a visit to nearby Morocco. The best way to venture into this dangerously hot climate is to book a well-reviewed, reputable tour company to take you on the ride of your life.
5. Angel Falls, Venezuela
If your imagination is swept away by thoughts of Victoria Falls, there’s even more awaiting you. Angel Falls is the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall, clocking in at an astonishing 3,212 feet.
It glides over the cliffs of the Auyán-tepui mountain in Canaima National Park and stands as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
6. The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is so massive, it stretches across Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru. If any of those countries are on your bucket list, you’ll want to find a way to weave the Rainforest into your itinerary.
Thousands of rivers stream through its luscious land, and you’ll also be able to enjoy a visit with the locals in any of the river towns like Santa Cruz, Bolivia; Florencia, Colombia; and Puerto Maldonado, Peru.
7. Iguazu Falls, Argentina
There’s one more South American waterfall we need to discuss before we move on from this insatiable corner of the globe. If you visit the Rainforest via Brazil, head towards Argentina next, where you’ll find the world’s largest waterfall system.
Although there are 275 of them, the Devil’s Throat beckons visitors from all around the world due to its intriguing U-shaped chasm and thunderous falls of water.
8. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Lastly, if you can’t make Argentina, then consider Ecuador, home to the famous Galápagos Islands.
More accurately, it’s a chain of islands, or an archipelago, about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and home to some serious cuties like the blue-footed booby.
9. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
A little further east, you can saturate yourself in other hues of blue and green in the Great Barrier Reef.
This is the largest coral reef system in the world with nearly 3,000 individual reefs, making it a deep-sea diver’s delight.
10. Milford Sounds, New Zealand
If you’ve made it as far as Australia, you might consider visiting its neighbor to see Milford Sound. This special place has it all with mountains, rainforests, and waterfalls.
Animal lovers particularly enjoy meeting the fur seals who live here, as well as the dolphins and penguins. Meanwhile, scuba divers can’t quite get over the sight of the black coral reefs that live beneath the shorelines.
11. Komodo Island, Indonesia
Don’t leave this hemisphere until you head north to Indonesia. Komodo Island is home to the famous Komodo dragon, unique to this corner of the world.
When you’re not dragon spotting, you can walk along Pink Sand Beach with gorgeous hues that beautifully melt into the turquoise blue waters and verdant green hills.
12. Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam
If you find yourself falling in love with rainforests, Vietnam has a special surprise for you. Hạ Long Bay is known for its shockingly green waters and towering limestone islands.
Deep sea divers also consider this to be heaven, but so do kayakers, hikers, and rock climbers. Each of the islands here are worth a visit – and adorably named after their shape such as Teapot Islet.
13. The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Let’s head to Europe. The Cliffs of Moher are some of the most verdant cliffs in all the world. They span across five miles of Ireland’s 50 shades of green, showcasing 700-foot bluffs.
One of the cutest storybook towns in all the world, Doolin, leads visitors onto a coastal pathway to discover their dreams. You may even befriend a puffin or two along the way.
14. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Don’t leave Doolin without heading further up the coastline to Northern Ireland. Giant’s Causeway is a unique grouping of hexagonal basalt columns that are so intriguing, people struggle to believe it’s a natural wonder.
As the story goes, the Irish giant Finn McCool was challenged to a duel by the Scottish giant Benandonner. When Finn accepted the challenge, he built the causeway so the two could meet in the middle and put their dukes up.
15. The Matterhorn, Switzerland
Fancy a weekend in a Swiss chalet? Then, you’ll want to log into your Airbnb account and figure out which one on the Italian-Swiss border you’d like to call home for a few days.
Only serious hikers should aim for the summit. But, everyone else can enjoy the delights of the local town, Zermatt, and even ride the Matterhorn Gondola to get in on some of the action.
16. Mount Vesuvius, Italy
Don’t leave Italy without making another stopover at Mount Vesuvius near Naples. If you love ancient history, you’ll be enthralled by the sight where Pompeii once stood in all its glory.
To cap off your Swiss-Italian adventures, you might as well board a train to Rome and visit the Antiquarium, where most of the relics from Pompeii still live.
17. Masurian Lake District, Poland
Off to Poland we go! The Masurian Lake District is known for its extensive system of lakes – over 2,000 of them. It’s a popular vacation spot because of the lakes, connected by rivers and canals, and expansive forests.
When you’re not out in nature, there are plenty of historic towns like Ryn just waiting to greet you.
18. The Black Forest
Speaking of forests, if you’re in Poland, why not visit Germany, too? The Black Forest is aptly named because it’s so incredibly dense and dark.
You can see why some of our favorite fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty were born here. As soon as you emerge from the forest, romantic towns like Baden-Baden and Heidelberg would love to raise a stein in your honor.
19. The Dead Sea, Israel
The world will have to continue to pray for peace before you can safely visit this pristine body of water encased by Jordan and Israel.
Also known as the Salt Sea, the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world – so much so that you can easily float in it and no macroscopic organisms can survive in it.
The skin care products that come from the Dead Sea are healing enough to give Korean skincare a run for its money.
20. Jeju Island, Korea
Speaking of which, let’s close out in South Korea. Jeju Island is a volcanic island between South Korea and Japan. Its Lava Tubes will lead you all the way to Mount Hallasan, the highest peak in South Korea.
And you know what’s about to come next… If you’ve made it this far, you might as well carry on to Kyoto and other spectacular sights in Japan.
Soak Up All the Wonders of the World
Will you dip below the equator or take a trip into the Black Forest? Whether you’re seeking warm, tropical breezes or Hansel and Gretel’s homeland, there’s a great, big world out there for you to explore.
No matter where you’re headed next, we have a carefully curated itinerary for you. Explore our destination guides as you prepare to get out there and see which way the wind will blow.