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Travel

The 25 most gorgeous destinations on Earth

Updated 4:41 AM EST, Wed March 8, 2023
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<strong>Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda:</strong> This lush forest is one of the last homes of the mountain gorilla, and several hundred call this national park home.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda: This lush forest is one of the last homes of the mountain gorilla, and several hundred call this national park home.
Roger de la Harpe/UIG/Getty Images
<strong>Samburu, Kenya</strong>: A haven for some of Africa's most amazing wildlife, this national reserve is home to perfect sunrises, the endangered reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra.
Samburu, Kenya: A haven for some of Africa's most amazing wildlife, this national reserve is home to perfect sunrises, the endangered reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra.
Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket/Getty Images
<strong>Mount Toubkal, Morocco: </strong>The path to the "roof" of North Africa, the summit of Mount Toubkai gives climbers unrivaled views across the Atlas Mountains.
Mount Toubkal, Morocco: The path to the "roof" of North Africa, the summit of Mount Toubkai gives climbers unrivaled views across the Atlas Mountains.
Geography Photos/Universal Images Group EditorialGetty Images
<strong>Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China:</strong> Known for its towering sandstone pillars, this forest is best explored on foot. Visitors can experience spectacular views on the 100-meter-long and 1.6-meter-wide glass skywalk clinging to the cliff of Tianmen Mountain.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China: Known for its towering sandstone pillars, this forest is best explored on foot. Visitors can experience spectacular views on the 100-meter-long and 1.6-meter-wide glass skywalk clinging to the cliff of Tianmen Mountain.
VCG/Getty Images
<strong>Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: </strong>One of the most popular natural attractions in Southeast Asia, Ha Long Bay is home to 1,969 islets of hulking limestone and deep, green waters that are home to myriad floating villages.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: One of the most popular natural attractions in Southeast Asia, Ha Long Bay is home to 1,969 islets of hulking limestone and deep, green waters that are home to myriad floating villages.
Hoang Dinh Nam/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>El Nido, Philippines:</strong> El Nido offers access to the limestone peaks of the Bacuit Archipelago, as well as some of the world's most beautiful beaches and captivating dive sites.
El Nido, Philippines: El Nido offers access to the limestone peaks of the Bacuit Archipelago, as well as some of the world's most beautiful beaches and captivating dive sites.
Romina Amato/Red Bull/Getty Images
<strong>Rotorua, New Zealand: </strong>Located on New Zealand's North Island, Rotorua is home to geothermal waters, Maori culture, forests to explore and the Tarawera Ultra Marathon (Ryan Sandes is seen here training for it in February).
Rotorua, New Zealand: Located on New Zealand's North Island, Rotorua is home to geothermal waters, Maori culture, forests to explore and the Tarawera Ultra Marathon (Ryan Sandes is seen here training for it in February).
Graeme Murray//Red Bull/AP
<strong>Kata Tjuta, Australia:</strong> The Anangu people, who have lived here for over 22,000 years, manage this land -- one of the most sacred in Aboriginal culture -- with Australian park authorities.
Kata Tjuta, Australia: The Anangu people, who have lived here for over 22,000 years, manage this land -- one of the most sacred in Aboriginal culture -- with Australian park authorities.
Education Images/UIG/Getty Images
<strong>The Maldives:</strong> There's plenty of beach to enjoy with over 100 private resorts and guesthouses around the Male and Ari atolls. The beach on Ihuru Island on North Male Atoll is shown here.
The Maldives: There's plenty of beach to enjoy with over 100 private resorts and guesthouses around the Male and Ari atolls. The beach on Ihuru Island on North Male Atoll is shown here.
M. Borchi/De Agostini Editorial/Getty Images
<strong>Petra, Jordan: </strong>Explore the perfectly preserved ancient Nabatean city of Petra on camel back or strap on your walking boots and hike around its walkways. This is a sunset view of Ad Deir (The Monastery).
Petra, Jordan: Explore the perfectly preserved ancient Nabatean city of Petra on camel back or strap on your walking boots and hike around its walkways. This is a sunset view of Ad Deir (The Monastery).
Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Getty Images
<strong>Atacama Desert, Chile: </strong>With the clearest skies on Earth, a tent in Chile's Atacama Desert is the perfect way to stargaze.
Atacama Desert, Chile: With the clearest skies on Earth, a tent in Chile's Atacama Desert is the perfect way to stargaze.
Marc Habran/Art in All of Us/Corbis/Getty Images
<strong>Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica: </strong>This muggy, damp environment is home to lovely winding trails and an array of birds, big cats and insects.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica: This muggy, damp environment is home to lovely winding trails and an array of birds, big cats and insects.
Avalon/UIG/Getty Images
<strong>Ciudad Perdida, Colombia:</strong> Known as "The Lost City," these ancient ruins are believed to pre-date Peru's Machu Picchu by as much as 650 years.
Ciudad Perdida, Colombia: Known as "The Lost City," these ancient ruins are believed to pre-date Peru's Machu Picchu by as much as 650 years.
Thierry Monasse/Corbis News/Getty Images
<strong>Dominica:</strong> Known as the nature island, this tiny Caribbean state is home to lovely coastlines, hot springs and rainforest treks.
Dominica: Known as the nature island, this tiny Caribbean state is home to lovely coastlines, hot springs and rainforest treks.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
<strong>Svalbard, Norway:</strong> Between the North Pole and mainland Norway, the Svalbard Islands are the perfect destination for polar exploration and spotting glaciers.
Svalbard, Norway: Between the North Pole and mainland Norway, the Svalbard Islands are the perfect destination for polar exploration and spotting glaciers.
Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Lake Bled, Slovenia: </strong>Amid the<strong> </strong>backdrop of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled has become an iconic European destination for hiking and swimming.
Lake Bled, Slovenia: Amid the backdrop of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled has become an iconic European destination for hiking and swimming.
Alexey Filippov/Sputnik/AP
<strong>Cappadocia, Turkey:</strong> Deep within the Anatolian plains, Cappadocia dates back to 3000 B.C. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's known for volcanic landscape, fairy chimneys and large network of underground dwellings.
Cappadocia, Turkey: Deep within the Anatolian plains, Cappadocia dates back to 3000 B.C. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's known for volcanic landscape, fairy chimneys and large network of underground dwellings.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
<strong>Positano, Italy: </strong>One of the most beautiful villages in Europe, Positano is known for its killer boutiques and waterside restaurants and the Byzantine Church of Maria Assunta.
Positano, Italy: One of the most beautiful villages in Europe, Positano is known for its killer boutiques and waterside restaurants and the Byzantine Church of Maria Assunta.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
<strong>Lake District, United Kingdom: </strong>The UNESCO-protected Lake District is an inspiration for artists, wanderers and those seeking calm.
Lake District, United Kingdom: The UNESCO-protected Lake District is an inspiration for artists, wanderers and those seeking calm.
Owen Humphreys/PA Images/Getty Images
<strong>Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: </strong>While Croatia is already known as the ultimate European outdoor escape, Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to one of its most arresting sites: 16 lakes connected via waterfalls.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: While Croatia is already known as the ultimate European outdoor escape, Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to one of its most arresting sites: 16 lakes connected via waterfalls.
Prisma Bildagentur/UIG/Getty Images
<strong>Vancouver Island, Canada: </strong>Visitors can spot grizzlies, elk and orcas on this island, which is also home to 2,000 miles of coastline, almost 10,000 lakes and acres of soaring mountains.
Vancouver Island, Canada: Visitors can spot grizzlies, elk and orcas on this island, which is also home to 2,000 miles of coastline, almost 10,000 lakes and acres of soaring mountains.
Larry Clouse/Cal Sport Media/AP
<strong>Denali National Park, Alaska: </strong>Home to North America's highest peak, Denali National Park protects six million acres of wild space, along with the moose and bears living there.
Denali National Park, Alaska: Home to North America's highest peak, Denali National Park protects six million acres of wild space, along with the moose and bears living there.
Lance King/Getty Images
<strong>Horseshoe Bend, Arizona: </strong>Close to the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend is within easy walking distance of the nearest road.
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona: Close to the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend is within easy walking distance of the nearest road.
Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Badlands, South Dakota: </strong>Named by the native Lakota tribe for its dry terrain, Badlands is known for its fossil beds.
Badlands, South Dakota: Named by the native Lakota tribe for its dry terrain, Badlands is known for its fossil beds.
Gianni Oliva/De Agostini Editorial/Getty Images
<strong>Monument Valley, Utah: </strong>The bright red mesas and buttes standing high above the desert, where director John Ford shot many movies, are the stuff of American movie legend.
Monument Valley, Utah: The bright red mesas and buttes standing high above the desert, where director John Ford shot many movies, are the stuff of American movie legend.
Eric Baradat/AFP/Getty Images

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