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The beautiful Taj Mahal in India at sunset

The World’s Most Beautiful Holiday Destinations

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By Ed Bailey


From pristine beaches and turquoise waters to dramatic mountains, ancient cities and untouched wilderness, the world is filled with beautiful places that take your breath away. In this blog, I explore some of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world – the kind of places that stop you in your tracks, stay in your memory long after you return home, and inspire your next great adventure.

Read on for my guide to the world’s most beautiful holiday destinations.

1. Japan

Japan's main tourist cities are a study in captivating contrasts where dazzling neon streets and the latest technological innovation sit side by side with imposing castles, elaborate temples and traditional gardens. Away from the cities, a stunning landscape of mountains, lakes and valleys awaits from the dramatic volcanic peaks of Hokkaido in the north to the sugar white beaches and aquamarine seas of the Okinawa archipelago in the far south.


Treasured Japanese traditions like the graceful geisha, sumo rituals and the art of the tea ceremony still hold their place in Japanese life. With so much variation, it’s difficult to pick a highlight for the most beauntiful holiday destination – just go, and be sure to have your camera at the ready.


Take a look at our Japan holidays.


 

A temple in Japan surrounded by beautiful cherry blossom, with Mount Fuji in the background

2. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are a truly unforgettable experience. For those seeking a beautiful holiday destination, this is paradise. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and embark on a Galápagos cruise for a voyage of discovery in a place unlike anywhere else on earth.


Set 600 miles off the mainland, a visit to the Galápagos Islands offers the chance to view the unique species of animals which ultimately changed the way we view the planet. Giant tortoises roam many of the islands, whilst the iconic blue-footed boobies and swimming marine iguanas can be found across the archipelago. 


Easily combinable with a stay in mainland Ecuador, visit the Galápagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest for the ultimate wildlife viewing experience.


Take a look at our Galápagos Islands holidays.


 

A seal basks on the shore of the beautiful Galapagos Islands

3. Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh, Northern India

This is the India you’ve probably been dreaming about. A land of bewitching palaces and mystical temples, imposing fortresses and magnificent scenery.


Spiritual and seductive, and one of the oldest inhabited places on the planet, Varanasi provides one of India’s most enduring images. Enjoy a little downtime in lakeside Udaipur – India’s most romantic city or be enthralled by tales of Rajput valour in Rajasthan’s fortress cities.


The main attraction? You cannot beat the sun setting over the Taj Mahal - this is truly one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world!


Take a look at our North India holidays and our Rajasthan holidays.


The Taj Mahal in India at sunset

4. Alberta & British Columbia, Western Canada

Stretching from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, Western Canada is as breathtaking as it is diverse. With some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, this region doesn’t disappoint.


From the snow-capped mountain towns of Banff and Jasper, crystal clear Lake Louise and outdoor activity-packed Whistler, all the way to Vancouver Island’s golden beaches and vibrant cities, Western Canada is a beautiful region just waiting to be explored, and photographed.


Take your pick from our Western Canada holidays.


 

The beautiful Rocky Mountains reflected in a lake in Canada

5. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Covering a huge swathe of northern Botswana, Chobe National Park boasts the highest concentration of elephants in the world. Large herds of these majestic creatures can be seen marching through the savannah and crossing the Chobe River towards the river islands. Chobe National Park is also renowned for its vast variety of other fascinating wildlife such as lions, hippos and buffaloes.


The landscape of this remarkable region ranges from open grasslands to deep swamps and thick forest to wildlife dense waterways and water holes. Enjoy game drives and river safaris in the easily accessible Chobe Riverfront area or spot lions, leopards and wild dogs in Savuti. This is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Africa, so make sure you have your cameras ready for that perfect Instagram shot!


Take a look at our Chobe NP holidays.


 

An elephant in Chobe National Park, Botswana, at sunset

6. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia

Queensland holidays offer a whole host of natural wonders and beautiful beaches; stretching from upmarket Port Douglas, all the way down to stunning Noosa and the golden sands of the Gold Coast. 


For the best pictures for your Insta feed, head to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. Home to the paradise islands of the Whitsundays, including popular Hamilton Island, the beaches and scenery are truly some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and will stay with you long after you've returned home.


Take a look at our Queensland holidays.


 

An aerial view of the Whitsunday Islands in Australia

7. Iceland

Iceland is an unforgettable adventure - from thundering waterfalls to bubbling geysers and mesmeric glaciers; not to mention the chance to see, and photograph, the dancing colours of the Northern Lights.


The capital Reykjavik offers the perfect introduction to the country, a small vibrant city within easy reach of some of the most spectacular geothermal wonders. See geysers, hot springs and waterfalls along the Golden Circle, and relax in the rejuvenating minerals of the iconic Blue Lagoon Iceland. Staying longer? Embark on a journey to circumnavigate the island using Iceland’s ring road.


Iceland's scenery feels almost otherworldly, and it's easy to see why Iceland is one of the most captivating and beautiful destinations in the world.


Take a look at our Iceland holidays.


 

The northern lights over a waterfall in Iceland

8. Petra, Jordan

Carved into the rose-coloured sandstone cliff face over 2,000 years ago, the prehistoric city of Petra is, without a doubt, Jordan's most valuable treasure.


Once a thriving trading centre and the capital of the Nabataean empire, Petra lay forgotten for centuries until it was re-discovered by a Swiss explorer in 1812. A visit to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage 'Rose Red City' is a truly unforgettable experience and a must-see for any trip to Jordan.


Whether visited by day or night, Petra is sure to create lasting memories. With its warm hospitality, dramatic scenery and thousands of years of heritage, Jordan is truly one of the world's most fascinating and beautiful places to visit.


View all of our holidays in Jordan.


 

Petra in Jordan lit up by candlelight

9. Amboseli NP, Kenya

A wildlife photographer’s dream, Amboseli National Park offers the chance to see large herds of elephants and graceful giraffe against the iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.


Wide open plains are interspersed with swamps and wetlands, attracting a range of animals including hippos, wildebeest, zebras and warthogs. With its dramatic scenery and exceptional game viewing, Amboseli offers a truly classic and breathtaking safari experience, and is one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa.


Take your pick from our Amboseli NP holidays.


 

Wildebeest in Amboseli National Park in Kenya

10. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Bolivia offers an incredible blend of fascinating culture, dramatic scenery and well-preserved colonial cities. For now, it is still regarded as one of South America’s best kept secrets.


A land of contrasting and spectacular landscapes, the stunning Salar de Uyuni (salt flats) are well known for being one of the most evocative sights in South America. You can spend hours here perfecting the right photo, make sure to remember your props! This truly is one of the most surreal and beautiful landscapes on earth; the dreamlike setting feels almost infinite. 


Take your pick from our Bolivia holidays.


 

An aerial view of the salt flats in Bolivia

11. La Digue, Seychelles

Each of the Seychelles islands boast its own character and unique setting. It’s no exaggeration to say each island merits a stay in its own right and the Seychelles is perfect for an island-hopping itinerary.


However, La Digue stands out. This picturesque coral island is a haven for beach lovers, dotted with huge granite boulders which flank pristine sand, making for unforgettable photos. This truly is the epitome of a tropical paradise, and one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.


View our Seychelles holidays.


 

A stunning beach on the Seychelles

12. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is one of Greece’s undisputedly most magnificent islands. A sparking jewel in the Aegean Sea, its traditionally white buildings are nestled along striking cliffs, boasting spectacular views of the clear sapphire waters.


Discover the superb coastline, fringed with breathtaking views and exquisite eateries where beautiful Mediterranean flavours accompany heavenly local wines. For the most beautiful vistas, wait for the most romantic sunsets in Greece and indulge at one of the island’s elegant boutique hotels where glistening, luxurious infinity pools disappear into the boundless sea. 


Take a look at all our Santorini holidays.


 

A beautiful sunset over Santorini in Greece

13. Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA

Colorado and the states of Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, North Dakota and South Dakota offer magnificent scenery, outdoor activities galore and are packed with authentic Native American and Wild West history.


If you can only choose one of these states, make it Wyoming. Not only does it introduce you to real cowboy country via its saloon bars and friendly mountain towns, it’s also home to perhaps the most spectacular National Parks in the US - Yellowstone and Grant Teton. The colours of the Grand Prismatic Pool will take your breath away, while the mountainous backdrop makes for a perfect picture frame.


Take a look at our Yellowstone & the Rockies holidays.


 

Thermal pool at Yellowstone National Park, USA

14. Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

Thailand promises stunning scenery and beautiful beaches on idyllic tropical islands.


Beach lovers are well catered for, and Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi is perhaps the most beautiful landscape the country has to offer. Sit back and relax on long stretches of golden sandy beaches while you admire the karst mountain scenery. Perhaps one of the most beautiful views in the world.


Away from the beaches you’ll discover Thailand’s intoxicating blend of royal palaces, temples and spiritual retreats along with fun-filled nightlife, fabulous shopping and delicious cuisine.


Choose from our selection of Thailand holidays.


 

Surrounding Islands of Koh Yao Noi, Phuket, Thailand
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Written by Ed Bailey

Ed is our Product Director, based in our Kensington head office. Ed has worked at Trailfinders since 2013 and has travelled to 57 countries. His favourite destinations include Japan, Norway and the Philippines.

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