1. The Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia, China
As colorful as they are massive, the Rainbow Mountains get their color from the natural process of erosion. The weathering is caused by strong winds over a long time, and reveal the mix of the sandstone’s colors. You can stroll among the reds, yellows, and greens and feel like you’re in a wonderland.
2. Ko Thao, Thailand
Called “Turtle Island” because of its shape, this gorgeous, super laid-back destination offers clear blue waters and a variety of activities. You can relax on a few different beaches. One of the main draws for this island is the diving, and many visitors go scuba diving and get certified here. Before you arrive on this pristine beach, see if you can find some local scuba classes just for practice.
3. Neuschwanstein, Germany
This is truly a fairytale destination. This German castle was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. It has a few peaks and is surrounded by a storybook setting of tall trees and even taller mountains. It stands as a symbol of peace and is visited primarily in the summer (though when it’s covered with snow in winter is when it really has that classic look).
4. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
This is the world’s largest salt flat, and offers a truly surreal experience. When covered in water, the entire surface becomes a giant reflective mirror. The sky and ground meet in an almost magical way.
5. Havasu Falls, Arizona
Practically hidden, these remote falls can be found in a canyon in Arizona. There is also an isolated community of Native Americans that make this popular tourist choice their home. The waterfalls are gorgeous and flow into gorgeous blues and greens. To find it, there’s a mild hike (close to ten miles) but it’s definitely worth it for a dip in the water.
6. Maldives, Lakshadweep, Indian Ocean
The Maldives have gained popularity as a destination choice. The waters are clear blue and calm, so it’s great for diving. There are quite a few exotic creatures that reside here, like manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles. This is also home to the largest atoll (a ring-shaped reef). Diving sessions are offered here throughout the entire year.
7. Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming
You’ll find this natural wonder in Yellowstone National Park. It’s the biggest hot spring in the United States. The spring is shaped like a ring and shows off a variety of colors, all bright and stunning.
8. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands is a great choice because of the variety of wildlife that live there. There are some animals that don’t live anywhere else on the planet so you’ll be able to see the rarest of creatures. This is also a great selection for snorkeling, as there are a few nearly perfect places to get into the water.
9. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
As you could probably guess from the name, Whitehaven Beach is popular and recognized for its white sandy beaches. The white sand reflects beautifully with the tropical mix of blue and green waters. The only way to get to this destination is by taking a boat from a mainland port, like Hamilton Island or Shute Harbor. You’ll find that it’s one of the cleanest and most well-kept beaches, and there’s a reason behind that. There are no dogs or smoking allowed in this paradise.
10. Keukenhof Park, Holland, The Netherlands
Another great and colorful option is Keukenhof Park. This park is famous for its many rows of tulips. The best time to view the flowers in bloom is mid-April. The rows are neatly planted and the colors change with each row. It’s a truly beautiful location. Featured photo credit: LIOglobal via pixabay.com
