Our world is filled with indescribable beauty, both man-made and natural, and it’s hard to say if one life will truly be enough to truly experience it all. Most of us will probably never see all that the world has to offer, but it’s worth a try! Some see travel as a luxury or even an unnecessary burden, while others see it as a vital part of a fulfilling life. Still others haven’t had a chance to think about it yet. But if you are on the move and have a spirit of adventure, you know that seeing the most beautiful places on the planet can be a deeply moving and precious experience. No matter how advanced our cities and technology are, we eventually tire of all the noise, stress and crowds. What we really want is tranquility, which we find especially in nature.
Humans have profoundly changed the Earth and its heritage, but luckily all is not yet lost. Beautiful mountains, remains of ancient civilizations, blue water lakes, magnificent oceans with fabulous paradise islands, our planet has many breathtaking places and awe-inspiring landscapes that are just waiting to be discovered.
From Bulgaria to Morocco, from Jordan to Montenegro, passing through Croatia, Israel and Mauritius. Countries that have special events planned for 2018, new openings of record-breaking hotels or state-of-the-art museums; destinations that have invested heavily in the promotion of their artistic and cultural beauties in the last two years, or that have gained better air connections with other countries.
The 50 Best Countries To Visit In The World
NAMIBIA
Namibia is one of the most traveler-friendly African countries. One can see an exceptional wild fauna there, in particular a quarter of the cheetahs of the world and the last black rhinos in freedom. The network of reserves and natural parks is very developed there. The landscapes of its coast and its deserts, among the most photographed in the world, are really worth a visit. The traditional culture remained strong there, in spite of the colonization by Germany then by South Africa.
NEW ZEALAND
Secluded and wild, New Zealand is at the top of many travelers’ list. Its incredible landscapes served as the backdrop for the Lord of the Rings. The two main islands each have their own character. The North Island is warmer, with rolling hills, beautiful beaches and numerous volcanoes. The South Island is wilder, with high peaks and fjords carved by glaciers. (Read Here)
IRAN
Iran, which everyone thought was dangerous and populated by nuclear bomb lovers, is one of the countries with the largest increase in visitor numbers in the world. From extremely hospitable people with incredible architecture to arid deserts and verdant mountains, travelers realize that this is an extraordinary country. However, it has only recently opened up to tourism and therefore has some peculiarities, such as the strict application of Islamic rules or the impossibility of withdrawing money from ATMs.
VANUATU
Vanuatu is an adventurer’s paradise. It is a country where you can climb two active volcanoes, swim in the bluest lagoons in the world, dive among incredible coral reefs and board a freighter bound for a lost island. You can also relax in natural hot springs or enjoy a secluded beach just for yourself. The culture of Vanuatu is very rich, with over 100 languages and seven main religions (many people practice more than one). The country has 83 islands spread over more than 900 kilometers.
JAPAN
From the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to the zen of Kyoto to the laid-backness of Okinawa and the harshness of winter in Hokkaido, Japan is a mixture of high-tech, politeness and a great respect for the past. The food is delicious, the temples majestic, the zen gardens, the national parks luxuriant and the history rich. Even though the country has a reputation for being expensive, it is quite possible to travel there inexpensively.
NEPAL
Mountains, jungle, medieval towns, spiritual sites and ultra-welcoming people, everyone has their reason for loving Nepal. The incredible landscapes are a reason in themselves to visit this country. The Himalayas offer many of the most beautiful treks in the world, and the tropical plains on the border with India are one of the best places in Asia to see wildlife. But what makes this country special is the indescribable sense of spirituality one gets there, from the peaks of the Himalayas to the historic sites of the Kathmandu Valley.
ICELAND
Floating alone between the North Atlantic and the Arctic, Iceland offers breathtaking natural wonders. From the capital Reykjavík, it is easy to visit the famous Golden Circle route with its geysers and bubbling waterfalls, the south coast with its glaciers, black beaches and volcanic landscapes or the famous thermal baths of the Blue Lagoon. By staying at least two weeks, it is possible to go around the entire island. The magic of Iceland does not only come from its splendid landscapes, but also from the strong connection of its inhabitants to nature. It seems that every stone has had its own name and legend for millennia.
COLOMBIA
Colombia is South America’s best kept secret. For decades, the country has been torn apart by nacrotraficants and guerrillas. Today, the majority of the country is safe. The trip to Colombia includes colonial cities, the big dynamic cities of Bogota and Medellin, tropical beaches and verdant plateaus. Nature lovers appreciate the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest and the shade of the coffee plantations, while travelers who just want to relax can lounge on the beaches. History lovers can visit the ruins of pre-Columbian civilizations, thrill seekers go surfing, diving or rock climbing and for music lovers Colombia is the land of salsa.
MYANMAR (BURMA)
Myanmar has a long history and a rich Buddhist culture, famous for the abundant use of gold on statues, temples and palaces. Although the country has been isolated from the world for decades, the interest of travelers in its pristine beaches, snow-capped mountains and wild jungles is only growing. There is still time to discover the less touristy country of Southeast Asia before it is too late.
TURKEY
Turkey is a country full of contrasts: towering mountain ranges and fertile plains, coasts overrun with tourists and deserted beaches, a rapidly growing city and sleepy villages. The country is rich in history and traces of sieges and defeats can be seen everywhere. Many sites are listed by UNESCO: from the cities of Pergamon and Ephesus near the Aegean Sea to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia in Anatolia, from stone churches to Roman aqueducts, from Byzantine churches to mosques and Ottomans.
SOUTH AFRICA
The South Africa will surprise you in many ways. Its culture, its history, its cities, but above all its nature and animal reserves are sure to delight the eyes and souls of young and old alike. The ideal destination to discover the joy of going on a safari, whether organized or on your own, on foot or by vehicle, day or night… You can give free rein to your dreams and desires!
ITALY
The Bel Paese par excellence has everything you are looking for during a holiday: beaches, mountains, history, art and good food. Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples cannot be avoided, but those who want something new can add Genoa (do not miss the narrow caruggi streets of the historic center and the cathedral of San Lorenzo), modern Milan with the Novecento museums and that of Triennale di Design as well as Lecce and its baroque palaces in the south or Cagliari with the splendid archaeological site Tuvixeddu. This country, also has for you the best museums for you to visit.
SLOVENIA
The nations of the former Yugoslavia have received a strong tourist boost in recent years and travelers can only be happy with it. In fact, now you can visit European countries such as Slovenia where nature dominates. The capital Ljubljana is elegant and tidy, but it is the green areas that focus the attention: Lake Bled and the Krokar forest are just two of the strengths of this territory in close contact with the environment.
ALBANIA
Pristine beaches, lush mountains and low prices: Albania is becoming an all-round tourist destination and tour operators if they realize. The beaches of Durres and Saranda will attract swimmers, the Valbona valley and the area of Lake Koman will amaze lovers of the heights. The Land of Eagles is the ideal place for lovers of natural landscapes.
GEORGIA
To the east here is Georgia, in practice it was more to the east of the continent until you consider the extent of Russia to the Bering Strait. Tbilisi is a renewed capital full of young people where the fortress of Narikala stands out on the surrounding hills; in Gori a medieval citadel stands in the middle of the woods and the province of Batumi, with a mild climate and many beaches, is the perfect place to get acquainted with the Black Sea.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague is a famous destination and, moreover, with such a refined, compact and rich in monuments historical center(from the Charles Bridge to the astronomical clock) it could not be otherwise. Add Divoká Šárka to your tour of the capital. Bohemian Paradise National Park has earned this name thanks to lush forests and enchanting viewpoints; the Moravian region is another place on the launch pad where the famous Czech beer can be paired with tasty local wines.
FRANCE
How can you give up on Paris? Rhetorical question and then on a trip to the French metropolis you also associate the Latin Quarter, Montmartre and the Île de la Cité with the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. In France, the southern area deserves a special place: the Côte d’Azur is always chic, but it is the lavender fields of Provence and the Verdon gorges that stand out thanks to their unique shades, and one of the best restaurants in the world.
SPAIN
Madrid and Barcelona are essential, but Spain has so much more to offer. Valencia is today a cultural center represented by the museum complex of the City of Arts and Sciences, the protagonist of the photo below. Seville and Cadiz are two gems of Andalusia in which to study the region’s Islamic past; in the north, Cantabria is the place to choose for a different Spanish holiday: Atlantic climate, mountain ranges and villages like Santander where you can relax.
MALTA
The small island of Malta attracts many tourists in the summer months and also has a lot to offer in the rest of the year. Mdina is a Unesco heritage village to go to after discovering Valletta and the beaches of Sliema. Moreover, the state is made up of two other islands, usually less frequented: Gozo has wonderful beaches like those of Ramla and Daħlet, while Comino is even more unspoiled as can be seen in its paradisiacal Blue Lagoon.
PORTUGAL
Still sea, even if we are talking about the ocean here. Portugal is inextricably linked to the Atlantic and to breathe its air head south of Porto (an ideal place to land and a city full of things to admire, from the ceramics of the cathedrals to the inspirational library of the Harry Potter saga), precisely to the dunes of Aveiro. However, the Portuguese beaches are all breathtaking and very different from the Mediterranean ones: Algarve, Peniche and Sintra will allow you to take a dip in the sand and massifs close to the water.
NORWAY
Above the map to the state of Oslo. The Norwegian capital’s fjord and its Viking museum are two must-sees, along with the complex of royal residences, some cleverly adapted to modern and contemporary art museums. Equally considerable is the Geirangerfjord because crossing it you will feel like you are inside a painting; Bergen’s funicular is a must-try location once you arrive in the lively southern town.
HOLLAND
You can only leave Amsterdam to visit the Netherlands. The city on the Amstel River, the waterway that divides into the characteristic canals in the center, is filled with captivating sites. These include the Van Gogh museum, the Anne Frank house and the Rijksmuseum. In the rest of the country, the beauty of Thorn , with its white houses, and the tulip fields of Keukenhof should be emphasized : the botanical garden of this village easily accessible from the capital is colored with many floral shades in spring.
CROATIA
The possibility of reaching Croatia by car from Italy allows you to enjoy its long coast in a simple way. In Pula and Rijeka the influence of Italian culture is still perceptible and the shores of the two provinces are magnificent everywhere: Verudela and Prostina are the beaches to try in the first, in the second city (which with the name of Rijeka is the capital of European culture 2020) they are Portalbona and Kostrena. And the islands of Cres are even purer. It is not enough? There is always sumptuous Zagreb inland.
ESTONIA
Among the three Baltic republics we opt for Estonia because Tallinn is a medieval jewel perched on a hill with the addition of an outlet to the sea that offers pleasant views in every season. The historic district of the capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Hill are also worth seeing. Convenient ferries allow you to reach Helsinki in Finland in just two hours.
SWITZERLAND
From the Mediterranean to the Alps, a passage between two natural heritages of European countries. In Switzerland, the possibility of eco – sustainable tourism goes well with the scenic beauty of the cantons. Stay in a typical chalet in the Zermatt valley or discover the lakes of Constance and Zurich. In the latter location, climb Mount Uetliberg for excellent views. The Jungfrau Railway and the Grand Train Tour are two carriage rides to experience with the family.
UNITED KINGDOM
London doesn’t fight, but put the trendy neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Clapham before the City. Among the essential museums the British Museum, and also the Tate gallery and the V&A museum should be visited. Among the archaeological sites in addition to Stonehenge are the Heart of the Neolithic Orkney in Scotland and the mining landscape of Cornwall and one the best cocktails in the world. As for the metropolis, after the English capital, go to the discovery of the “musical” Liverpool and Manchester.
EGYPT
With thousands of years of history and civilization, Egypt attracts millions of visitors every year to admire the Pyramids of Giza which are the only existing structures among the seven wonders of the ancient world. Egypt does not only mean the pyramids but it is much more. There are also Cairo, its most famous city, the Nile River, the desert adventures, its temples found in the two fairytale cities of Luxor and Aswan in addition to the mosques and the history rooted in the culture that exists throughout the Country.
KUWAIT
Kuwait is one of the best countries to visit in the Middle East, located at the top of the Persian Gulf adorned with the most scenic coasts and elegant tourist spots. The capital has the same name as the country and is famous for its modern architecture. Kuwait includes many modern skyscrapers and ancient and well-built mosques, so it is truly a mixture of modernity and ancient times. Tourist attractions in Kuwait are many including the Grand Mosque, the Kuwait Towers, the Seif Palace, the House of Mirrors and the Kuwait Zoo.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The UAE is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with shopping that offers luxury and beauty to its visitors. From its traditional souks to the palm-shaped artificial island of Palm Jumeirah, huge glittering shopping malls like Dubai Mall, luxury hotels like Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, and theme parks like Ferrari World, the country offers you a complete package to relax. The country is also home to the modern marvel of human engineering, the Burj Khalifa, which is twice as tall as the Eiffel Tower!
LEBANON
Lebanon is often called the Lebanese Republic. The country has borders with Syria, Israel and Cyprus. The capital of Lebanon, Beirut, attracts many people from all over the world with its clubs and bars. Formerly known as the Paris of the Middle East. You can also visit the most famous tourist attractions such as the Sursock Museum, the National Museum of Beirut, the Martyrs’ Square and the Mohammed Al Amin Mosque located in this square.
INDIA
According to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the top 20 of the best countries in the world of 2020 opens in 20th place with India, an ever-popular travel destination. A vast country with an infinite number of travel destinations to visit, here are wonderful places to see at least once in a lifetime, including the incredible and fascinating temples carved into the rock.
ISRAEL
Although it is currently closed to travel due to the lockdown imposed following the resurgence of the pandemic, Israel has been an increasingly popular holiday destination for some years now. The historic cities, starting with Jerusalem shared with the Palestinians, the beaches on the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba, the fascinating desert, the Dead Sea and the lively Tel Aviv and Haifa, increasingly popular destinations for nightlife and entertainment, culture and gastronomic offer offer a truly complete holiday. These destinations are connected with Europe by several low cost flights.
MALAYSIA
A fascinating country in Southeast Asia, Malaysia occupies the southern part of the Malacca peninsula, known as West Malaysia, and the northern area of the island of Borneo, East Malaysia. The small sultanate of Brunei is included in its insular part. Do not miss the capital Kuala Lumpur, a metropolis suspended between ancient and contemporary represented by the Petronas Twin Towers. Malayisa still has many islands with paradisiacal beaches, not yet touched by mass tourism.
PERU
The Peru is another very popular destination for international travelers. It offers a spectacular territory, between the high mountains of the Andes chain and archaeological sites such as the very famous Machu Picchu, whose access is now limited, to protect it from mass tourism. Not far from Machu Picchu stands another important archaeological site, the Inca city of Choquequirao , even more hidden and inaccessible. Finally, do not miss the walk along the spectacular Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain with rocks colored in layers with the seven colors of the rainbow.
MEXICO
The top ten opens with a very popular country, Mexico. It has an incredibly varied territory, rich in natural beauty, wonderful beaches, archaeological areas and historic cities, all to be discovered. Of its capital, Mexico City, you can admire the imposing palaces, monuments, basilicas, cathedral, museums and cultural centers. Famous are the beaches of Playa del Carmen, Cancun, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Hidden Beach, in the Marieta Islands, on the Pacific Ocean. Do not miss the Mayan archaeological sites, starting with the ancient city of Chichén Itzá, famous for its large step pyramid. A natural wonder to behold is also the petrified waterfall of Hierve el Agua, in the state of Oaxaca. We remind you when to go to Mexico, the best time.
THAILAND
Among the best countries in the world where to travel could not miss the fascinating and mysterious Thailand. Destination besieged by mass tourism, it still retains some unspoiled corners and areas where tourists go less. Undoubtedly to visit for its most famous beaches, of white sand, crystal clear sea and lush palm trees, Thailand has an incredible tourist offer, not only of sea, fun and well-being, but also cultural, spiritual and gastronomic. Discovering its countless and beautiful islands is already an adventure. Unmissable, then, the stop in the capital Bangkok.
SRI LANKA
Country full of charm, unfortunately marked by terrorism a year ago. The Sri Lanka with its lush and impressive nature and its breathtaking temples is definitely a country worth visiting. Do not miss the Buddhist ruins of the ancient city of Sigiriya, dating back to the 5th century, as well as the sacred city of Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where numerous well-preserved ruins dating back to more than 2000 years are kept.
CANADA
Winter is the season when Canada awakens, starting from the city of Beff, you can take the Icefield Parkway and get lost (not literally) among the Canadian landscapes. Along your road trip, you will discover glaciers, snow-capped mountains and, if you are lucky, you will also have the chance to spot bears and mountain wolves.
During the winter months, cities literally fill up with events. Like the Quebec Winter Carnival, for example, which has been held every year since 1894. Among the attractions: snow sculptures, sled and canoe races, and much more. Or the Winterlude, in Ottawa, held in the first three weeks of February.
UNITED STATES
It is difficult to choose the best place to visit in the winter in the United States. There is Alaska, for example, with its glaciers, moose and grizzly bears. Or Lake Thoe, between California and Nevada. If you choose to go to Alaska, don’t miss the Fur Rendevouz, the winter festival held in Anchorage between February and March since 1935; this festival brings together all the local winter traditions, from processions to husky sled rides. What if this was the right occasion to go to New York? The outdoor skating rink in Central Park is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Which, together with shopping on Fifth Avenue, or in the big stores, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Barney’s, make New York the most coveted and desired destination for the Christmas holidays.
AUSTRIA
Austria is a small jewel in Europe and the photo of Hallstaat below gives an idea of the suggestiveness of its cities. Vienna certainly deserves a visit of at least two days, especially during the Christmas period. We talk about it here. Do you like listening to carols, the typical popular Christmas carols? Silent Night, one of the most famous, was born right here, and precisely in the town of Oberndorf, near Salzburg. Where you will find a museum dedicated entirely to the song.
ROMANIA
Transylvania, known for its castles, mountains and of course Dracula, will amaze you. Don’t forget the nightlife of the capital Bucharest and the fact that Romanians make great beer!
MADAGASCAR
There is no doubt that it is a country with a strong French influence: the restaurants in Antananarivo are world famous, until the bill arrives: at that point you will think that they have forgotten almost everything you ordered for how cheap it is! Apart from food, the coast, the lemurs and the baobab trees will amaze you with their beauty.
NICARAGUA
This is a very different country from Costa Rica and Honduras. You will find legendary surfing spots, incredible diving opportunities and beautiful nature. The only advice is not to order a Cuba Libre: the bartender could prepare a Nica Libre.
MONGOLIA
For 10 years, the number of tourists visiting Mongolia has changed little. This destination remains rare and not very touristy. Tourism in Mongolia was severely limited by the Communist government, but expanded following the democratic revolution of 1990 and the collapse of the USSR. It is a relatively unexplored travel destination that offers picturesque natural elements, a wide variety of still untouched lunar and desert landscapes, endless remote steppes, a distinctive nomadic lifestyle and little-known culture.
SIBERIA
In Russia overall, tourism is not doing well. Siberia in particular remains an unknown land for French-speaking tourists. And yet, this adventurous destination is endowed with superb immaculate landscapes that never end … Siberia, this immense region made up of virgin spaces, winter caves and icy lakes has many riches to offer. From Yakutia to Buryatia, from the Urals to the Ussuri, traverse the transparent ice of Lake Baikal and the snow-capped taiga, cross the Asian steppes of Olkhon Island and more! Unusual? Certainly !
SCOTLAND
If you are a Harry Potter fan, there really is no reason not to love Edinburgh. The city where JK Rowling herself wrote part of the series, Edinburgh is the Mecca for HP fans and even if you are not a fan of the later books and films, you can understand why the author turned inspired as much by this city. Edinburgh seems as old as time itself – there is so much history and culture to explore here and the locals are only too happy to share it.
SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
A lot of people will be taking a van this summer, so as not to risk anything in hotels or vacation rentals . So with a van, we take a roadtrip! But to change Italy (which remains to be done despite everything), if you went to visit different countries that are still little known here?
Start in Belgrade to visit the capital which runs along the Danube, the Kalemegdan fortress and park, its bohemian district of Skadarlija and its old town of Zemun. Then take your van and get lost (figure of speech, please don’t get lost) in the center of the country through the village of Guca to Montenegro which has a sublime coast. Stop at Kotor and its bay (you will remember it all your life), at the citadel of Herceg Novi, in the resort town of Petrovac.
GERMANY
Germany is at the heart of Europe in every way and its nature is incredibly attractive, as is its architecture. The Black Forest in the south of the country offers breathtaking mountain scenery, while Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria will remind you of your childhood tales. The cities of Munich and Berlin are perfect for lovers of art and architecture, but also beer that can be enjoyed in historic breweries.
HUNGARY
The capital of Hungary, Budapest, offers impressive Austro-Hungarian architecture, including its Parliament located on the bank of the Danube. Among the other places to visit: the Hungarian State Opera, the thermal baths which are found in several places of the city, and its famous ruined bars, the most trendy pubs in the capital.
HAWAII
Volcanoes, beaches, good energy and, the number one summer travel destination in the United States. If you don’t know where to travel in the summer, Hawaii is also a highly recommended option.
