A Traveler's Guide to the Best Destinations -

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As someone who has traveled to more than 50 countries and 6 continents, people ask- what are some of the most beautiful sights you have seen? Beauty remains relative, but there are some places that can be called universally beautiful and their memory stays with the traveler for a lifetime. Here is my personal list of the best places in the world to travel for natural wonders, cultures, and the tourist attraction, which even the most experienced travelers cannot resist.

Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice
Indeed, Iceland does not lie about its nickname – the island of fire and ice offers such attractions as active volcanic zones, hot springs, glaciers, cascades originating from black sand beaches, and picturesque coastal towns. Whether you choose to hike through the barren wilderness across its stunning geology or bathe in the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon situated amongst desolate lava fields, Iceland has that certain enchantment that makes it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia – A Feast of Colors Submerged
Stretching from Australia’s northeastern coast, the Great Barrier Reef presents the world’s most magnificent creation – a colossal complex teeming with more than 900 islands and a dazzling array of marine life – all garbed in a dazzling palette. Swimming with dolphins or diving through vibrant coral gardens filled with fish and turtles is something that erases all the stress in a moment. Get lost in this aquatic world and you will come out a believer in magic again!

Santorini, Greece – Spectacular Sea Views
Santorini, a Greek island where whitewash houses are built on cliffs soaring steeply from the crystal-blue waters of the Aegean Sea looks as if it was painted on canvas of a magical realism picture. It is beyond words how the scenery unfolds as you navigate through the black sand beaches, the pastel-tinted villages with blue-domed churches, and ancient historical places with layers of interesting history and mythology that unfolds under the golden sun. One of the most beautiful and famous scenes to watch is the sunset over the sea from the village of Oia, when the sun seems to melt in the sea and turns red: the beauty of this view does not fade, even if you have seen it several times.

The Great Wall of China – Architectural Greatness and the Splendid Scenery
The Great Wall of China was built two thousand years ago across more than thirteen thousand kilometers of northern China and remains one of the most magnificent human accomplishments in terms of architecture and landscape views of mountainous terrains. Other trails allow you to hike along the remains of its walls that rise up and down the green hills, sprinkled with watchtowers, while walking through the fog, which gives a feeling of a magical historical experience. Whether you walk through the most crowded area of the Great Wall in Badaling or go off the beaten path to Jinshanling, traveling to the Great Wall takes you back through dynamic eras of historical dynasties and sparks the creative impulse.

India’s Golden Triangle: The Charm of the Subcontinent
To really get a feel of the colourful, rich and vibrant Indian culture, history and fast-paced city life, it is compulsory to undertake a tour of the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ which is comprised of Delhi, Agra and the pink city of Jaipur. Taste the Dehi Mughlai cuisine in the interiors of havelis – the richly decorated medieval residences, marvel at the majesty of the Taj Mahal at dawn in Agra and lose yourself in the enchanting spiral of Jaipur’s bazaars, forts and palaces – all painted pink. In every corner, bright colors, loud noises, and pungent smells will wake you up as India enchants your senses. No matter which corner of the world you feel drawn to, positive experiences of life and enriching cross-cultural interactions can be found by wanderlust-filled travelers. These are powerful places that have inspired me through the years as a traveler who looks for life changing experiences in different parts of the world.