You should not call yourself a travel junkie if you have not visited these top countries.
The world has so many exotic places, yet we have so limited time. Each of them has their own uniqueness which can never be found somewhere else. These top countries have it as well.
It should not be about the pride of “I was there” selfie. But it is about embracing the unforgettable moment on the other part of the world.
Here, we have 15 top countries you should visit while you are still up and running. There may be better places to go to for the same reasons. But it will be a traveler’s sin not to step on these remarkable places.
So, get ready to make some major changes on your bucket list. Let’s take the amazing trip around the world!
15. Indonesia
If you have a limited amount of time but you want to have different types of experience, Indonesia is your answer. From beautiful deep blue oceans, smooth-sailing tidal waves to surf, exotic historical culture, to challenging mountain hike, this country has it all.
Alongside the Amazon rain forest, Indonesia is the lung of the world. The range variety of its natural beauty is mesmerizing.
Each island in this country offers its own scenery, culinary, and culture. Forget speaking English or even Indonesian language. Indonesia has hundreds of regional languages. There are 748 to be exact. And they sound nothing like the native language itself.
Each region has its own tradition. The majority of Indonesians like to share their cultural tradition with foreigners. So, you are welcome to get involved!
14. Switzerland
Switzerland is heaven for chocolate and cheese lovers! This country is well-known for its finest milk chocolate. The secret is its world-class quality of milk and cream. Mix them up with chocolate, they melt in your mouth like glacier.
Speaking of icy thing, Switzerland is also known for its luxurious ski resorts. More than half of this country is the Alpine mountain range. There is a place for you to ski anywhere in this country.
Even if you are not a fan of the sport, you will enjoy spending time at the ski resort. Just imagine yourself sitting at the porch and gazing towards the snowy mountain. In your hand, you hold a cup of the finest hot chocolate. Every sip is heaven!
Don’t get me started about the cheese. There are more than four hundreds of cheese varieties in Switzerland. And you don’t need any effort to look for them. They are everywhere!
13. Peru
To describe Peru in one sentence will be: ancient history wrapped in a natural beauty.
That majestic scenery seen on the picture is the famous Machu Picchu at the Sacred Valley. Those are the ruins of Inca which date back to the 16th century.
That is not the only place to feel the strong presence of history in Peru. Wherever you go, you will feel that surrounding you. Not to mention the cultural influences you can witness from the buildings and the people.
Even though the history dates back to the 16th century, many Peruvians still have a direct link with their Inca ancestors. They are proudly conserving the Quechua culture that is so important to the country’s history.
12. Canada
Seeing the legendary Niagara Falls up close should be on your traveling bucket list. This 50 meters waterfall is definitely the world’s wonder.
During the day, this site pampers the nature lovers. Watch it from afar or get as close as you can and feel its splashing water on your skin.
During the night, this site is transformed into a glamorous sight. Lights are projected on the falls’ vertical drop. Enjoy this amazing sight from a revolving restaurant 775 feet above the ground.
These are not all Canada has to offer. In fact, we have a list of 20 Luxurious Things to Do in Canada from sleeping at a baseball stadium to flying above swimming whales!
11. France
If we were asked to choose one word to describe France, it will be impossible. France is a lot of things. France is fashion, food, romance, history, and art.
All the good things you have heard about the French cuisine are true. There is no end to what you can sample and where to enjoy it. France sets the bar for fine dining all over the world.
From ancient classic to sophisticated modern, this country is the home to many kinds of world-class art. Museums of painting and sculpture can be found in many corners of France.
Closely related to France, Monaco is right next to it. It is the home of the rich and famous. It is where you can experience luxury without any frenzy.
10. Dubai
Zachary Quinto and Conan O’Brien once shared the fact that Dubai has the largest indoor everything. They said there is a mall in Dubai where you can go scuba diving.
Regardless how funny Conan is, that was not a joke. At the Dubai Mall, you can dive with sharks in a massive aquarium tank while your girlfriend shops for luxurious shoes. And at Souk Madinat, you can go from one store to another through an indoor waterway.
Dubai is rich, rich, rich. The country is so rich that the people built an island. Not just one tiny island, but a trademark palm-tree-shaped luxurious island.
As seen on the picture, Tom Cruise is sitting at the top of the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. No, it has nothing to do with Wiz Khalifa. This Dubai’s skyscraper is 829.8-meter-tall.
9. Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand is one of the cities where you can party non-stop until you drop. This exotic country has been the set of many big movies, like The Beach and Hangover Part II, because of its beauty and uniqueness.
It is also a popular destination for backpackers because of its cheap rate of accommodation and food. And it is known as The Land of Smiles because of its local hospitality.
Besides, this country is a great place for those who love adventures. There is variety of wildlife to explore, from the rain forest to the deep blue ocean.
Thailand offers you its peaceful beaches and its vibrant nightlife. Whichever you choose, it will be a memory you will never forget.
8. United Kingdom
United Kingdom (UK) is not just about the royal family or the exotic accents. All of the countries of the UK are worth to visit. But if you have to choose one among them (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), England is recommended.
The hooligans may be infamous, but their land is not. In fact, partying with them at the local pubs is so much fun, especially during match day. Unless their team is losing.
England has a great historical background which still influences its people’s life. Just to be there and feel its presence is amazing. Find out what is so special about the afternoon tea or the summer strawberry and cream.
Besides the royal history, England also has one of the greatest ancient history: the Stonehenge.
7. Israel
This country has been one of the world’s most visited because of Jerusalem. But you don’t have to be a pilgrim to experience this religious country. The overriding spiritual energy of Jerusalem is something unique for everyone to experience.
Israel holds an important role in the world’s history even before biblical times. This can be seen from its archaeological sites, such as the ancient Western wall.
Check out the underwater Roman ruins in Caesarea. This is extremely rare. And to experience this is extremely precious.
Your underwater tour can even turn into a treasure hunt. Just a few days ago, Roman shipwreck full of treasure was found by divers in Israel.
6. United States of America
You have seen it in movies. You have heard it in songs. But the real America is not in any of those. You have to be there and see it for yourself, what this country has to offer.
From the glamorous Las Vegas, the sleepless New York, the luxurious Los Angeles, the exotic Hawaii, to the historical Washington D.C and many more, the United States has it all.
You have not traveled around the world if you have not been here. There are too many interesting things to do here for you to miss.
It may take weeks or even months to explore this huge country. So, choose several destinations based on your preferences. What is the best American way to get from one to another? Road trip!
5. Greece
Forget the fact that Greece is one of the countries with highest public debt. If you love traveling because you love exploring the world’s story, it will be a sin not to visit Greece. Because this country holds the world’s most ancient history.
The artifacts, edifices, and ruins in Greece have witnessed the greatest wars of both mythology and legendary entities. They survived centuries of turmoil. To see them up close is a must for history enthusiasts.
The Greeks have amazing culture and life. Spend more time around them and you will be amazed. The village, the language, the food, they will make you fall in love with Greece.
Besides the ancient ruins, Greece also has many stunning forms of nature to see, such as the green lagoon of Giola and the white rocks of Sarakiniko.
4. Spain
There are many reasons to visit the land of matador. This country is a highly recommended destination this summer.
Throughout the entire year, Spain is filled with festivals. One of them can be seen on the picture above. That is the Battle of Wine festival. Yes, the Spaniard does not just produce the top quality wine, they also throw it all away on yearly basis.
Are you looking for the ultimate experience of adrenaline rush? How about running down the street being chased by a dozen of bulls on the loose? That is the San Fermin festival.
Spain also has Ibiza, the luxurious getaway party island. It is popularly known as the place of famous DJs’ gigs. Plus, it is the home to the most expensive restaurant in the world.
3. South Africa
No matter how many shows on National Geographic and Discovery Channel you have watched, they are nothing compared to the real experience of Africa’s wildlife.
Both day and night safari tour offers you the chance to get as close as possible to nature and its wildlife. There are no zoo in the world can match the excitement you will have here.
299 species of mammals and 858 species of birds are ready to welcome you in South Africa.
Besides that, this country also has other things to offer you. Not far from the wildlife, there is a modern town called, Cape Town. And like most countries, South Africa has an interesting history which you can learn about at its museums.
2. Italy
Millions of people visit Italy every year for many reasons. Some of them come to get one step closer to the birthplace of MotoGP legend: Valentino Rossi.
Italy has all the reasons you need to convince yourself in visiting this country. It has the most popular cuisine in the world: pizza, pasta, lasagna, mama mia!
It also has great evidence of ancient history. The Colosseum, as seen on the picture, is the witness of Roman Empire’s cruel characteristic. Another popular Roman ruins is the Roman Forum.
For its ancient ruins, beautiful beach, breathtaking village, to mouthwatering food, there is no place like Italy in any other part of the world.
1. Egypt
In the Marvel cinematic universe, Egypt is where the mysterious first mutant lied for centuries underneath the pyramid. That is just a fictional story. But the mystery part is somewhat true.
How on earth did the ancient people build 455-feet-tall Pyramid of Giza without any modern day’s tools? If that makes you wonder, wait until you see it for yourself.
And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Egypt has many other astonishing masterpieces you need to witness through your own eyes.
Don’t get it wrong, Egypt is not all about ancient history in the middle of the desert. It also has beautiful beaches, cosmopolitan cities, and coral reef sites among other famous tourist destinations.
