If you were to close your eyes and picture your dream travel destination, where would it be? We put together a selection of inspiring destinations for you to scroll through, so let your imagination soar!
1. Rajasthan, India
Photo credit: Daniel Duvivier
Rajasthan is perfect for exploring the long history and diverse culture of India. Situated in the northwest of the country, this colourful state is home to many palaces, temples, forts and ruins of ancient kingdoms.
2. Matera, Italy
Photo credit: marcodelucia
Matera is a unique destination with a spectacular cityscape of houses carved out of volcanic rock. People understood it was a good place to live even in Palaeolithic times, leaving it with beautiful historic architecture and an incredible old town called Sassi, which unsurprisingly translates to “Rocks”.
3. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Photo credit: Tobias Leupold
Situated just off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, the islands of Zanzibar attract many travellers searching for a heavenly oasis. Relax and admire the nature, get to know the local culture, smell the local spices and taste some excellent dishes made with fresh local produce. It’s a place to indulge the senses.
4. Svalbard, Norway
Photo credit: Noel_Bauza
The Svalbard islands are located in the Arctic Circle, with polar nights in winter and endless days in summer. It’s a place like no other, offering largely untouched nature that’s especially beautiful in the springtime. Despite being isolated, the locals are used to tourists and offer their visitors an unforgettable experience.
5. The Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Photo credit: marywenstrom
If you’re looking for a real escape, it’s hard to find somewhere as “out of this world” as the plains of Mongolia. While the capital, Ulaanbaatar, is a busy urban centre with examples of ultra-modern architecture, most of Mongolia is empty, leaving space for ethnic cultures, nomads and wild animals.
6. Valparaíso, Chile
Photo credit: Mariamichelle
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the city of Valparaíso has long impressed travellers with its unique architecture and friendly local community. It has something for everyone and is equally loved by culture diggers, bohemians and adventurers. Just be aware that you’ll probably want to come back later.
7. Tokyo, Japan
Photo credit: Moyan Brenn
Tokyo is a bustling metropolis that offers travellers the possibility to experience ultra-modern city life as well as ancient culture and traditions. It will surprise you with many unusual places that can’t be found anywhere else – you just have to keep exploring.
8. Valletta, Malta
Photo credit: mariamichelle
Experience life on a small island, dive into the blue sea, take a walk along the beautiful coast and get to know the local culture. Valletta isn’t big so finding what you’re looking for won’t take long, but there are plenty of local gems to be found if you take the time to look.
9. Stockholm, Sweden
Photo credit: Tommie Hansen
Stockholm is rich in culture and beautiful architecture, but there are plenty of areas to discover off the typical tourist path. After a long stroll around, take a seat in a local café and enjoy fika (the Swedish word for coffee break) with a delicious pastry and a hot cup of coffee.
10. Pokhara, Nepal
Photo credit: Tobias Leopold
The city of Pokhara is located right in the middle of the Annapurna mountain range. It’s a popular destination for those who come to admire the Himalayas and hike on local trails. Experience the majesty of the landscape and learn about local traditions and beliefs. Pokhara lets you see the world in a new way.
11. Annecy, France
Photo credit: Shana Dagny
Dreaming of a nice French town in the Alps? Annecy is a true pearl not just for its natural surroundings, but also thanks to its rich cultural heritage. The charming streets and small cafés of its old town set the scene for a perfect holiday in Southern France.
12. San Francisco, United States
Photo credit: enniosan
Who wouldn’t want to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge at least once in their lifetime? San Francisco is a vibrant city that’s worth exploring way beyond the bridge. It has a diverse local culture, hidden streets with great cafés, impressive street art, lovely parks and pathways to stroll along on sunny days.
13. Chefchaouen, Morocco
Photo credit: Tobias Leupold
Chefchaouen attracts visitors with its charming blue houses. The welcoming locals and special architecture make travellers return year after year. Have a local couscous dish, visit the old fortress and take some amazing pictures of the city and its beautiful sky-blue buildings.
14. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Photo credit: marokin
Dubrovnik is a true pearl on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. This city has an amazing UNESCO-listed old town and is surrounded by light-blue sea dazzling in the sun. It’s the perfect place to forget your everyday problems and feel as if you’re in paradise.
15. Hong Kong
Photo credit: Roberto Trombetta
Hong Kong offers endless possibilities for your vacation, be it sightseeing, going out, tasting the local cuisine or simply admiring its famous cityscape. There’s little that can’t be found in Hong Kong if you explore its different districts. You’ll see how the environment changes and reveals exciting contrasts and surprises.
16. Cusco, Peru
Photo credit: kool_skatkat
Breathtaking landscapes, elaborately dressed locals herding llamas and, of course, the ancient Inca culture make the Andes a dream travel destination for many. The city of Cusco is located right in the middle of the Andes at an altitude of 3400 metres. It’s a perfect destination to discover the local culture and the history of the Incas, plus it’s a good place to stop on your way to the incredible Machu Picchu.
17. Chiapas, Mexico
Photo credit: Jubilo haku
Besides good food, Mexico has breathtaking nature, charming locals, many fiestas and a rich history. The southernmost state of Chiapas is home to different indigenous populations, exotic nature and Maya civilisation ruins. It offers a range of exciting experiences to add to your travel journal.
18. Quepos, Costa Rica
Photo credit: Kansasphoto
Many wonder which is more beautiful: the nature of Costa Rica or its people. To find out for yourself, set your compass in the direction of Quepos. It’s a small city right on the doorstep of one of the most famous national parks in the country. Explore the excellent hiking trails, admire the spectacular landscape or go surfing in the light blue waves – whatever your heart desires.
19. Cape Town, South Africa
Photo credit: Greg Montani
Cape Town is a diverse city where the traditional is combined with the new and modern. Be sure to discover all the diverse parts of the city and see more than just the main sights. Hire a bike and cruise along the coast to see beyond the scope of the average tourist.
20. Queenstown, New Zealand
Photo credit: mariamichelle
It’s hard to get bored in this lakeside town. Beautiful vistas and endless outdoor activities keep visitors busy. If outdoor activities aren’t really your thing, there are also plenty of opportunities to relax and take some time out.
21. Sibiu, Romania
Photo credit: Andrew Colin
Transylvania is often associated with Dracula, vampires and horror stories, but did you know that one of Romania’s most important culture centres is located right in the heart of the region? Sibiu is a city with a gorgeous old town, charming cobblestone streets and a vibrant local culture.
22. Zaanse Schans, the Netherlands
Photo credit: Moyan Brenn
The Netherlands is proof that you don’t need mountains to be an inspiring travel destination. Although Amsterdam is the main focal point for travellers, the rest of the country features many hidden gems. Zaanse Schans is famous for its picturesque landscapes, windmills and traditional wooden architecture.
23. Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates
Photo credit: tobiasbrockow
Abu Dhabi offers an interesting mix of modern, large-scale developments and remnants of the past. The contrast between new developments and traditional culture will amaze you. Whether you aim for luxury or simple local cafés, it’s a place to discover.
24. Hue, Vietnam
Photo credit: PublicDomainPictures
Vietnam’s Hue region features everything from modern cities and ancient temples to national parks and beautiful lagoons. Experience the deep cultural roots of Vietnam, taste some excellent local dishes and do your best to get used to the often-chaotic local life.
25. Nauru
Photo credit: Hadi Zaher
Imagine a real island paradise in the Pacific where warm winds smooth your skin, the sound of waves guides you around and the locals greet you with curiosity and friendly smiles. The tiny island of Nauru is one of the smallest countries in the world and is still relatively undiscovered.