10 Places You Absolutely Must Visit Before You Die

As the saying goes, You only live once! That’s why you need to experience everything life has to offer before it passes you by forever—and the best way to do that is by visiting places around the world that are truly out of this world. Every destination on this list will provide you with an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life, no matter what type of traveller you are. So pack your bags and get ready for your new favourite adventure!

1) Iceland

Iceland is a place like no other on earth. It’s stunningly beautiful and has as many waterfalls as you can count, but it’s also filled with adventure. Go snorkelling with puffins, camp out in a grass hut near a giant glacier, or explore its erupting geysers. Whatever you choose to do, Iceland will change your perspective of what it means to be alive!

2) Bora Bora

It’s no secret that Bora Bora is one of—if not the most—beautiful places on Earth. Paradise is a word often thrown around, but in Bora Bora, it’s warranted. For starters, its location on an atoll surrounded by water makes for an endless view of turquoise and blue. But beyond that, it boasts some of the most exquisite hotels in French Polynesia and luxury resorts with panoramic views of its islands and ocean waters.

3) New Zealand

Kiwis (the New Zealanders themselves) love their country so much they’ve nicknamed it Godzone. Perhaps that’s because it has a bounty of natural wonders, from its iconic fjords and glaciers to lakes and volcanoes. It’s also home to sheep—over 50 million of them—making New Zealand one of the biggest producers of wool in the world.

4) Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a megalopolis with a population of about 13 million people—and it’s an experience unlike any other. It’s a city unlike any other. As one of Japan’s two largest metropolitan centres (along with Osaka), Tokyo is packed to capacity with incredible food, friendly locals, and rich history. As far as tourist destinations go, there are few better options than Tokyo.

5) South Africa

South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of Africa. The name ‘South Africa’ is derived from two parts, South for its location concerning Europe and western Asia and African for its belonging to that continent. It has 11 official languages. South Africa has numerous beaches with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. Kruger National Park is also a must-visit place which can be enjoyed day or night.

6) The Great Wall of China

China’s Great Wall is one of mankind’s great architectural and engineering achievements. Built along an east-to-west mountain range in northern China, it runs for about 6,350 miles (10,200 km), making it one of the world’s greatest walls. It was begun in A.D. 300 but never finished and today is a patchwork of different walls built by various dynasties over time.

7) The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of America’s greatest natural wonders and a must-see for anyone visiting Arizona. There are several vantage points throughout Tusayan (near Flagstaff), but my favourite is Desert View. It provides you with expansive views of the canyon from 4,000 feet in elevation (about as high as you can go) with much less tourist traffic than at other viewpoints along South Rim Drive.

8) Paris, France

Probably not much of a surprise here. Paris is an amazing city, and it’s certainly one that most people associate with romance. From its history to its architecture to its food, there’s something in Paris for every traveller—especially those looking to make some romantic memories. If you can visit only one place before you die, make sure it’s Paris.

9) San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a dazzling city filled with vibrant neighbourhoods, interesting architecture, and famous landmarks. As you walk down cobblestone streets and beneath iconic bridges, it’s easy to see why so many artists and writers flock here. The city is also home to some of America’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars—basically everything that draws travellers from around the world. If you can only visit one U.S.

10) Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel set high on a mountain ridge. The incredible views from atop Machu Picchu overlook cloud forests, rolling grasslands, and distant snow-capped peaks, including Huayna Picchu, another famous Incan site. Explore Machu Picchu via hiking trails that wind through tunnels and past glistening waterfalls to hidden temples and breathtaking viewpoints where you can snap Instagram-worthy photos of llamas grazing on hillsides.