The world's most beautiful holiday destinations in photos

Fantastic travel destinations in photos
Tunisia
Ice Caves (Ontario, Canada)
Tahiti
Hampi (India)
Munich (Germany)
Panama
Setouchi Islands (Japan)
Salvador de Bahia (Brazil)
Paparoa (New Zealand)
Da Nang (Vietnam)
Vestlandet (Norway)
Santa Barbara (California, USA)
Azores Islands (Portugal)
Costalegre (Mexico)
Puerto Rico
Zadar Archipelago (Croatia)
Tatra Mountains (Slovakia)
Las Vegas (Nevada, USA)
Northern Rivers (Australia)
Puglia (Italy)
Aalborg (Denmark)
Calgary (Alberta, Canada)
Perth (Australia)
Golfo Paradiso (Italy)
Frisian Islands (Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany)
Chongli (China)
Aberdeen (Scotland)
Wyoming (USA)
Gambia (Africa)
New York City (USA)
Orcas Island (Washington, USA)
Dessau (Germany)
Dakar (Senegal)
Lyon (France)
Los Angeles (California, USA)
Marseille (France)
Uzbekistan
Doha (Qatar)
Huntsville (Alabama)
Batumi (Georgia)
Malvinas Islands (Great Britain - claimed by Argentina)
Hong Kong
Cadiz (Spain)
Elqui Valley (Chile)
Plodiv (Bulgaria)
Houston (Texas, USA)
Vevey (Switzerland)
Columbus (Ohio, USA)
Iran
Olkhon Island (Russia)
Fantastic travel destinations in photos

Need inspiration for future travels? Or just feel like dreaming away on a dreary day? Click further to see the world's most spectacular travel destinations. The list has been derived from a selection by the New York Times, in randomized order.

Tunisia

In this North African country, tourists can visit the ruins of the old city of Carthage, the old quarter of Tunis, the old Medina, and numerous historical mosques. The food has French influences and the wines, made with local grapes, are highly valued.

Picture: Noelle Guirola / Unsplash

Ice Caves (Ontario, Canada)

The future of this landscape is uncertain due to global warming. On the Ontario coast, there are snow and ice caves of different sizes and colors. February is the best month to visit them. To reach the caves you have to cross some amazingly picturesque sectors of the Canadian road: Alona Bay and Coppermine Point (two of the most popular destinations in the region).

Image: Nick Gosset /Unsplash

Tahiti

Around Tahiti, there are 118 islands with over a thousand species of marine life. Touristic activities center on getting to know the wildlife, and it is necessary to respect the rules of conservation and ecotourism of the islands.

Picture: Kazuo ota /Unsplash

Hampi (India)

During the 16th century, it was one of the richest cities in the world. In 1986, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hampi is a place with numerous temples, palaces, gardens, and markets. Tourists can take archeological walks around the Tungabhadra River or climb rocks, among other adventures.

Picture: Nandhu Kumar /Unsplash

Munich (Germany)

Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria, ranks third (after Berlin and Hamburg) in terms of population. It's a European favourite for its emblematic theatres, museums, and above all the Bavarian State Opera. It is also a modern and cosmopolitan city.

Panama

Panama City, with almost 1 million inhabitants, may seem like Miami for its skyscrapers, diversity, chaos and dynamism. The city offers the tourist casinos and good gastronomy, with ceviche as the typical dish. For outdoors tourism, there are perfect beaches for whale watching, kayaking or snorkeling. And then, there is also the Darién jungle, the largest in the country and one of the places with the greatest biodiversity on the planet.

Setouchi Islands (Japan)

Art and nature go together in this place. Beaches, museums, temples, gardens, historical and religious places are near each other. If you are interested in Japanese cuisine, you can get to know sawachi, the 'big dish' where seafood is central, or udon, one of many types of Japanese noodles.

Salvador de Bahia (Brazil)

The historical center of the third most populated city in the country is a World Heritage Site since 1985. The Pelourinho is the main tourist point, full of colourful and cobbled streets. As for the beaches, the tourist can enjoy them at any time of the year. But more than anything, it is the music that will make you remember this place forever.

Paparoa (New Zealand)

The Great Walk (a hiking trail with stunning views) is one of the major attractions of this region. The Paparoa National Park, 55 km long, is part of the route and can be traveled on foot or by bike. This fantastic place is full of rivers, glaciers, and tropical jungles.

Picture: Marcus Woo / Unsplash

Da Nang (Vietnam)

Da Nang is the third largest city in Vietnam. Its main attractions are the beaches, the Han market, and the sacred temples. The city's most famous local dish is 'mi Quang, spaghetti with meat, seafood, and grated cauliflower, all accompanied by a turmeric broth.

Picture: James Cheung / Unsplash

Vestlandet (Norway)

This city is attractive for lovers of outdoor activities as well as fans of craft beers. Its beer is made with 'Kveik', a local yeast that gives a unique flavor to the drink. The tourist will also be able to taste the best salmon in Norway. And finally, the Leon Skylift takes travelers to the top of Mount Hoven.

Santa Barbara (California, USA)

Santa Barbara has always attracted millionaires and movie stars on vacation. Moreover, it is a reference to good food, with restaurants led by prestigious chefs and places to taste alternative wines to the traditional ones of Northern California.

Photo: Matthew LeJune / Unsplash

Azores Islands (Portugal)

The Azores Islands are included in the Unesco World Heritage Sites. The islands are strongly colored by the green of their flora, their volcanic craters transformed into lakes, and their natural thermal waters, among other beauties.

Photo: Ferdinand Stöhr / Unsplash

Costalegre (Mexico)

This Mexican paradise is formed by 43 beaches and bays. Its natural landscapes are depopulated spaces in contrast with the famous beaches of the north, such as Puerto Vallarta.

Photo: Cory Bjork / Unsplash

Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, tourists can enjoy a natural paradise, get involved in ecotourism, or explore the local culture.

Zadar Archipelago (Croatia)

Boat cruise through their incredible national parks, see impressive waterfalls, and parachute jump... It's all possible in this European hidden treasure. The Zadar Archipelago has many islands like Dugi, where you can arrive by train to almost empty beaches and bars where they serve seafood. Another example is Pasman, an island where you will know the true meaning of crystal clear waters.

Picture: Bas van den Eijkhof / Unsplash

Tatra Mountains (Slovakia)

This is a destination mainly for skiing and climbing. Tourists can also follow trails, climb rocks, and cycle in the mountains. Besides the mountains, another tourist point is the regional capital Kosice, a university town with baroque architecture that offers many cafes, restaurants, and nightlife.

Image: Eelco Böhtlingk / Unsplash

Las Vegas (Nevada, USA)

Las Vegas is a world-renowned destination for its fun nights. Clubs, casinos, and lots of entertainment is what the tourist will find in this city. It is also the city where famous people like Lady Gaga live.

Photo: Ameer Basheer / Unsplash

Northern Rivers (Australia)

This coastal region lies between New South Wales and Queensland. Tourists will find in Brunswick Heads a weekly agricultural fair as well as parks, shops, and restaurants. Another tourist attraction is Crystal Castle in Byron Bay, a "crystal garden" on top of a hill.

Picture: Elle Hughes /Unsplash

Puglia (Italy)

This is a region of culinary fame and good wines, where the tourist can stay in a 'Masseria'. These old farmhouses are becoming more and more popular as boutique hotels. Overall, Puglia is a charming region with beaches, castles, and nature reserves.

Picture: Massimo Virgilio /Unsplash

Aalborg (Denmark)

An increasingly artistic city with several innovative buildings such as the Utzon Center, the Musikkens Hus auditorium, the Aalborg street food fair, the Culture Bridge, and the Vestre Fjordpark park. The latter has an open-air swimming pool connected to the sea. Aalborg also has streets as traditional as in this image.

Picture: Rahbek Media / Unsplash

Calgary (Alberta, Canada)

One of Calgary's most visited tourist attractions is the Central Library. It is 22,000 square metres large and includes cafes, an auditorium, children's playrooms, and Christian Moeller's electromagnetic sculptures. The National Music Center and the East Village, located between the Bow and Elbow Rivers, are other places to visit in the city.

Photo: Kyler Nixon / Unsplash

Perth (Australia)

An isolated town on Australia's developing west coast, Perth has two main squares. Yagan Square is the commercial and cultural center of the city, while Raine Square has the Tim Ho Wan restaurant of the Hong Kong-based, Michelin-starred Dim Sum franchise. Another tourist attraction is the Optus Stadium which hosts concerts and sports events.

Photo: Fadzai Saungweme /Unsplash

Golfo Paradiso (Italy)

This destination brings together five little-known towns, including Comogli. It is famous among Italians for its gastronomy. Tourists can enjoy fresh anchovies and trophy style pasta, as well as focaccia. In Pieve Ligure, the gardens are the highlight, and in Sori, the beaches.

Frisian Islands (Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany)

Extensive dunes and virgin beaches are some of the characteristics of this extended setting. Another interesting point are the seal rescue centers, opened by the Lauwersmeer National Park, as well as the centers that collect oysters.

Chongli (China)

Chongli is four hours away from Beijing and has many resorts, winter sports centers, restaurants, and leisure areas. A high-speed train has just begun running between Beijing and Chongli.

Photo: Russ Lee /Unsplash

Aberdeen (Scotland)

This is the third largest city in Scotland and the main port in the north-east of the country. Aberdeen is known as the city of granite. According to legend, its cathedral, St Marchar's, was built on top of a church in the year 580.

Wyoming (USA)

This American state was the first to approve women's suffrage in 1869, and in 2019 it celebrated 150 years of this achievement. But for tourists, the most important facts about Wyoming are Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton Park, the Jackson ski area, and the Black Hills.

Picture: Brady Stoeltzing /Unsplash

Gambia (Africa)

In this former Portuguese and later British colony, it is essential to visit the Gambia River National Park where hippos, crocodiles, and chimpanzees live together.

Photo: Wim van 't Einde /Unsplash

New York City (USA)

The most populated city in the United States, its economic and financial center, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Theater District are just some of the places to visit.

Orcas Island (Washington, USA)

The best place to see orcas lies between the islands of the San Juan Archipelago (Washington). In addition, the island's reputable gastronomy attracts public figures such as Oprah Winfrey. In Moran State Park, tourists can go horseback riding or hiking.

Image: Sydney Angove / Unsplash

Dessau (Germany)

In 2019, Dessau celebrated the centenary of the Bauhaus Proclamation, the world's most influential school of art, architecture and design, founded by German architect Walter Gropius. The city has inaugurated a Bauhaus museum and celebrated with live music and art festivals.

Dakar (Senegal)

This colorful and lively capital moves to the sound of mbalax, a typical rhythm of Senegal. In 2019, the city opened its Museum of Black Civilizations, dedicated to African culture. Tourists can visit the Medina district, where the Great Mosque and the Théodore Menod Museum are located. They bring together countless objects from the country's history.

Picture: Djibril Diallo /Unsplash

Lyon (France)

This city hosted the Women's World Cup and has also been one of the four French headquarters of the International City of Gastronomy project. Among its tourist attractions is the National Park of Ecrins.

Los Angeles (California, USA)

Los Angeles is so much more than Hollywood and the Walk of Fame. The city has neighborhoods of different cultures, from Chinese to Mexican, with charming streets, shops, and bars. Tourists can also surf the city's beaches, rent a bicycle, or simply stroll around Malibu or the Santa Monica Pier.

Marseille (France)

This port city in the south of France has gone from a notoriously unsafe and dirty town to a pleasant holiday destination at the sea. Highlights are the Vieille Charite centre, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, and the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Major.

Uzbekistan

Thanks to China's $800 billion investment, the sea and land connections from Europe and Asia to this country have improved. The country offers tourists mosques, deserts, museums, and other sites to see.

Photo: AXP Photography / Unsplash

Doha (Qatar)

The capital of the Emirate of Qatar will be the location of the Football World Cup in 2022. It is currently erecting many buildings designed by the world's most famous architects. Doha has libraries, museums, and leisure areas. If you are looking for something traditional, you can't miss the Souq Waqif market.

Photo: Mike Swigunski / Unsplash

Huntsville (Alabama)

Huntsville, or rocket city, is where you can find the Marshall center of space flights. It's the place where the aircraft was developed to take astronauts to the moon. Besides visiting its well-known Museum of Rockets and Space Objects, tourists can stroll through the parks and gardens of the city.

Batumi (Georgia)

Batumi is a quiet town. It lies on the seashore and has stone beaches and mountains of glowing green. Wine culture is part of the town, and the tourist can visit the BQ Wine Bar or Karalashvili's Wine Cellar.

Picture: Max Slch /Unsplash

Malvinas Islands (Great Britain - claimed by Argentina)

Located approximately 400 kilometers off the Argentine coast, this place has about 2,500 inhabitants who share the island with penguins, whales, sea lions, and other animals. The Falklands Outdoors company offers activities to learn about animal and plant life, mountaineering, and kayak tours.

Photo: Vijay Chander /Unsplash

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has some wonderful tourist points, such as the Victoria Peak (for good mountain hikes), Disneyland, the Victoria Harbour, and the Tsim Sha Tsui entertainment area. The larger peripheral island, Lantau, serves as an alternative to the chaos of the city center.

Cadiz (Spain)

Located in southern Spain, this is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The white sandy beaches, the cathedral and the castle of Santa Catalina are its highlights. Fresh tuna is the region's speciality food, and you might want to make a reservation at the three-star Michelin restaurant Aponiente to eat it.

Elqui Valley (Chile)

In this place, travelers and locals saw a total solar eclipse in July 2019. It has been named the first International Shrine of Dark Skies in the world. One of Elqui Valley's great attractions is the Atacama Desert.

Photo: David Vives /Unsplash

Plodiv (Bulgaria)

The second largest city in Bulgaria is built on seven hills and has a historic center with well-preserved Roman ruins. In the Kapana area, tourists will find bars, shops, and a Roman amphitheater.

Houston (Texas, USA)

This is a fascinating Texas city with increasing numbers of restaurants, hotels, and leisure areas. Tourists can visit the museum district, the zoo, and the Houston space center.

Picture: Kevin Hernandez /Unsplash

Vevey (Switzerland)

This is the city where the famous Fete des Vignerons is held, a wine festival. Unesco declared it a Heritage Site. Besides the possibility of hiking around the city, the tourist can visit several museums, such as Chaplin's World. Charlie Chaplin spent the last years of his life in Vevey.

Picture: Alexander Kovacs /Unsplash

Columbus (Ohio, USA)

This American city has a modern district called Short North Arts, an important business center. The Italian and German districts are also places to visit, as well as the COSI science museum.

Image: Oz Seyrek / Unsplash

Iran

The ruins of ancient Persia, the century-old mosques of Isfahan and Shiraz, the Gulf Palace in Tehran, and the Great Bazaar - are some of the attractions of Iran, a jewel of the Middle East.

Picture: Faruk Kaymak / Unsplash

Olkhon Island (Russia)

Lake Baikal in Siberia is the deepest in the world. It contains more than 20% of the world's unfrozen fresh water and its surroundings are rich in wildlife, including foxes, bears, and endangered freshwater seals. Olkhon Island is a sacred destination for Buddhists.

Picture: Sergey Pesterev / Unsplash