Yahoo Lifestyle 52 Beautiful Places to Satisfy Your Wanderlust From Afar
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52 Beautiful Places to Satisfy Your Wanderlust From Afar
The power of wanderlust is real. Catch a glimpse of the most gorgeous destinations across the globe, and you'll feel a surge of inspiration and awe wash over you. Even when you can't pack your bags to experience the delights of travel in person, sometimes experiencing dreamy destinations from afar can satisfy your wanderlust and get you excited to see new places in the future. So we put together a virtual tour of some of the most beautiful destinations in the world—so beautiful, in fact, they're almost otherworldly. From bustling medieval cities to remote landscapes and foreign national parks that look like they were plucked right out of a museum-worthy landscape painting, you'll want to add these breathtaking places to your travel bucket list. So without further ado, click through the most beautiful places in the world.
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Chamarel, Mauritius
Though this East African island attracts visitors primarily with its gorgeous, pristine beaches, if you venture inland you'll see this brilliant geological formation that translates to "Seven Colored Earths."
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Hallstatt, Austria
Get your cameras ready—this lakeside town is known as the "most photographed place in Europe." Spend your vacation wandering the 16th century alpine houses, exploring an ancient salt mine, or even visiting a glacier garden.
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Las Coloradas, Mexico
These pastel lagoons in Yucatán, Mexico, are what color palette dreams are made of. It's one hundred percent worth the road trip if you're staying in Tulum or Cancún.
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Palm Springs, California
The Southern California desert is a favorite destination among design lovers and sun-chasers. Surrounded by mountains and studded by Palm Trees, bougainvillea, and citrus trees, the natural landscape lends itself to unforgettable sunrise hikes and sunset cocktails by the pool. There's also plenty of great shopping, dining, and other activities, like golfing and rock climbing.
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Jaipur, India
Jaipur, Rajasthan, is full of visual inspiration everywhere you look. From this incredible structure known as Hawa Mahal to the Chad Baori (an ancient stepwell), there is so much to see and do.
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Saturnia, Italy
These aquamarine hot springs are a sight to see. And you'll also get to enjoy sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside while soaking.
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Provence, France
French Country addicts, listen up: Not only can you marvel at all the stone-clad wood-beamed buildings and blue-and-white decor your heart could desire, but you can also admire lavender fields and sip rosé at sunset (with a fresh baguette and cheese, bien sur).
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Pailón del Diablo, Ecuador
Known as "Devil's Cauldron" in English, this remote hiking destination in the Ecuadorian rainforest is like something out of a fairytale.
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Namib Desert, Namibia
Namibia's Namib Desert was the inspiration behind some of Salvador Dalí's most celebrated works. It's also one of the world's most unique coastal deserts, as well as the oldest (it's at least 55 million years old).
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Valletta, Malta
The capital city of Malta, Valletta is right at the edge of the country's largest island. Awash in a sea of white, the walled city dates back to the 1500s. Now you won't have to choose between unwinding on island time and touring Baroque landmarks. History buffs and sun worshippers, Valletta is what travel dreams are made of.
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White Sands, New Mexico
If you're thinking there's no way this gorgeous place could possibly exist on earth, we're right there with you. Deep in New Mexico, the White Sands National Monument is easily one of the country's most breathtaking national parks.
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Seychelles
This string of islands dots the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Kenya and boasts some of the clearest water in the world.
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Hamnøy, Norway
Why lounge on the beach when you can see the Northern Lights? The remote Lofoten Islands of Norway are full of one-of-a-kind experiences, especially when it comes to striking views, charming fishing towns, and tall peaks for hiking. Hamnøy is seriously picturesque, and it's connected to the mainland by bridge, so you'll be able to access it by car.
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Tu Le Valley, Vietnam
The rainbow of golden and green rice paddies in Tu Le Valley create an enchanting pattern.
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Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Look familiar? Cinderella's Castle at Disney World was inspired by this Bavarian mountaintop marvel. We'll never trash talk you again, winter.
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Cappadocia, Turkey
Even without all the candy-colored hot air balloons dotting the skyline, Cappadocia is a beautiful sight to see. Those ancient rock formations used to be dwellings, which makes it a particularly great place for history buffs to explore.
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Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
At first glance, it's hard to tell what you're looking at... These sweeping white sand dunes punctuated by vivid blue rainwater lagoons stretch out forever, and up close, the sharp contrast between the vibrant blue water and pristine white sand is a whole other experience.
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Mostar, Bosnia
It only takes a quick glance to see that Mostar, Bosnia is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. But beauty aside, it also has a rich—albeit painful—history. And while it looks like it dates back to the medieval ages, it was actually only erected in 2004 as a reconstruction of the original, which was 400 years old when it was destroyed in the 1990s during the Croat-Bosniak War.
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Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
On the Argentine side, you'll find steppes, grasslands, and deserts, while the Chilean side holds glacial fjords and a rainforest. Whether you ski, hike, or just want to behold the incredible beauty, boundless adventure awaits. It's home to several forms of rare wildlife, as well as iconic sites like Cuernos del Paine.
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Maui, Hawaii
Can't decide which Hawaiian island to visit? Maui's home to some of the state's most amazing outdoor adventures, such as kayaking past whales in Makena Bay, hiking or biking Haleakala National Park, and of course plenty of water sports like surfing and snorkeling. We'll be dreaming of pineapples and coconuts.
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Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
When a prehistoric lake dried up, it left behind these awe-inspiring salt flats. Bright white salt formations make you feel almost as if you're walking on clouds.
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Amalfi Coast, Italy
Imagine gazing out over these sweeping views with a limoncello in your hand. Now that's amore.
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Kyoto, Japan
The Daigo-Ji Temple in Kyoto attracts crowds during cherry-blossom season, but the fall foliage provide an equally-stunning backdrop for the complex's historic buildings. One pagoda dates all the way back to 951.
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Igazu Falls, Brazil
No wonder this was named one of the new natural seven wonders of the world—Igazu Falls is the world's largest waterfall system, so there's definitely no shortage of views here. With 275 different drops, it's awe-inspiring from every vantage point.
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Angkor Wat, Cambodia
If you love the beauty of abandoned places, you need to know about this ancient Buddhist monastery. Ta Prohm temple became part of the jungle once the Khmer Empire fell in the 15th century.
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Paris, France
It's rare that we'd consider an urban area as beautiful as anything found in nature, but if any city gets our vote, it's Paris. From the Seine to the pastel sunsets behind the Eiffel Tower to the Champs-Élysées all lit up at night—Paris, je t'aime.
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Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, but fall is particularly breathtaking thanks to its namesake, the Aspen trees. Their golden glow is truly magical. And fun fact: They're the largest living organisms on earth! It's also home to some of the best ski slopes (and luxury shopping) in the world!
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Hvar, Croatia
Hvar is situated on the Adriatic Sea and boasts both vacation vibes and city adventure. From crystal clear waters and secluded beaches to incredible local wine and an endlessly rich cultural history, there's so much to experience in Hvar.
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Bagan, Myanmar
Floating high above ancient Buddhist temples and pagodas might be the most convincing reason to forget about your fear of heights for a while.
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Isle of Skye, Scotland
If you want to truly feel like you're living in Outlander, head to Skye. You'll find some of the most dramatic, wild, and atmospheric scenery in the country—with plenty of standing stones to up the mystical feel. And then there's the charming town center to explore after a day of adventure.
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Bora Bora, French Polynesia
If an overwater bungalow isn't on your bucket list yet, it needs to be. At the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, you can even reserve one with its very own plunge pool.
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Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Painted almost entirely in blue and white, this Mediterranean village is a coastal decor dream. The entire town is located on a steep cliff, so you can take in the beauty (and breeze) of the Med while perusing local artisanal goods.
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Newfoundland, Canada
With colorfully painted houses built into the rocky landscape, many of the tows and cities in Newfoundland, Canada's most easterly province, look like something out of a Storybook. It's also an outdoor enthusiast's dream vacation spot. Depending on where you explore, you can see the many breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls, and glacial fjords. For a super remote and design-friendly experience, visit the Fogo Island Inn.
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Don't underestimate a good, old-fashioned American road trip. Cruising along Skyline Drive is the easiest way take in gorgeous Shenandoah National Park.
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Blue Lagoon, Iceland
A geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The lagoon is one of the 25 wonders of the world and is a popular destination for swimmers looking to kick back and relax while bathing in nature.
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Oia, Greece
This coastal town on the tip of Santorini is packed with whitewashed houses on rugged clifftops that overlook the water. It also boasts Oia Castle, which has amazing sunset views.
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North Island, New Zealand
Head to the New Zealand's North Island to explore the Disney-like grottos all lit up by glow worms.
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Petra, Jordan
Want to know why it's called the Rose City? Wait until you see it practically glowing at sunset.
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Bruges, Belgium
Winding canals dapple the streets in Bruges, which is known as the Venice of the north. It's an enchanting destination with quiet, romantic streets, and is perfect for any travelers looking for a quieter, less crowded European city.
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Zhangjiajie National Forest, China
If you're afraid of heights, don't look down... This national park was used as a model for the movie Avatar, and it's just as otherworldly in real life. It's majestic, wild, and tranquil all at the same time thanks to its towering peaks, abundant flora, and running brooks.
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Hampshire, England
This bluebell forest in England is worth a trip across the Atlantic alone. (The country's scones with jam and cream are an added bonus.)
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Dead Sea, Jordan, Isreal, and the West Bank
This salt island in the Dead Sea is just one of many unique and beautiful sights the area has to offer. Not to mention, it's in the middle of one of the most historically (and currently) significant regions of the world.
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Antelope Canyon, Arizona
This Navajo canyon was completely shaped by wind and water. When shafts of light beam in, it's total magic.
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Zanzibar, Tanzania
Head to this Indian Ocean archipelago for virtually-deserted beaches and crystal clear waters. The capitol's historic center, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that mixes East African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European elements.
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Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands
Every spring, 7 million tulip bulbs, daffodils, and hyacinths boom almost simultaneously, making this the most beautiful spring garden in the world. The bloom only lasts from March until May, so plan your trip accordingly.
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Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
The country's largest national park is a cascading series of waterfalls, caves, and pools that are home to an enormous wildlife population. While summer's the most popular time to visit, the frozen cataracts are equally stunning come winter.
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Marrakech, Morocco
If you're looking for exotic adventure, add the Red City to your list. The bustling North African mecca includes over a dozen souks plus palaces, world-class gardens, and the Atlas mountain range.
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Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
If you don't recognize these magnificent cliffs from travel inspo accounts on your Instagram feed, you definitely will from Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets. The sea cliffs at the Western-most edge of Ireland tower 700 feet above sea level, and are one of the most dramatic views in the country.
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Grand Canyon, USA
The sheer size of this canyon alone is breathtaking, but the layers of red rock are simply stunning. Come for the sunrises and sunsets, or to simply hike around the canyon and take it all in.
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Niagara Falls State Park, New York
This state park, which contains three massive waterfalls, is on the Canadian border. It's home to several hiking trails where you can take in the glory of the falls.
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Cartagena, Columbia
This colorful Colombian city is getting a lot of buzz lately from travel enthusiasts, and for good reason. Well-preserved colonial gems line the streets of the Old Town, where bougainvillea drapes nearly every balcony. It's truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Cartagena is also on the Caribbean coast, so expect breathtaking sights and panoramas everywhere you go.
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Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The world's largest coral reef system has more than 2,900 reefs and 900 islands over a vast area of the ocean. It's home to several unique species of marine life, and is amazing to see from the sea and sky.
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