10 Jaw-Dropping Places to Visit Once in a Lifetime

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.