aerial photo of foggy mountains

10 Breathtaking Places to Add to Your Travel Wishlist Right Now

Whether it’s the way the light dances on the water or how the silence feels sacred in the middle of nowhere, these are the kinds of destinations that stay with you. Here are 10 jaw-droppingly beautiful escapes to add to your travel wishlist—because the world is full of magic, and it’s waiting for you to arrive.

4/11/20255 min read

landscape of mountain and body of water
landscape of mountain and body of water
1. Faroe Islands, Denmark

Remote, rugged, and refreshingly untouched, the Faroe Islands feel like the edge of the world. Jagged cliffs rise from the sea, draped in emerald green, with tiny turf-roofed cottages nestled in the hills. It’s a place where you can hear the wind whistle through the valleys and stand alone at the edge of dramatic coastal landscapes. With only a handful of tourists compared to other European destinations, it offers the kind of peace that feels like a secret.

Don't miss:

  • The postcard-perfect Múlafossur waterfall in Gásadalur

  • Scenic hiking on Kalsoy Island

  • The charming village of Saksun, framed by mountains and sea

green trees near lake and mountains during daytime
green trees near lake and mountains during daytime
2. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is straight out of a fairy tale, surrounded by mountains and crowned with a tiny island topped by a centuries-old church. The stillness of the lake reflects the surrounding peaks, creating a peaceful, almost enchanted atmosphere. Whether blanketed in snow or glowing in summer light, it offers year-round romance and serenity. And with a medieval castle overlooking it all, you’ll feel like you've stepped into another time.

Don't miss:

  • A traditional pletna boat ride to Bled Island

  • The breathtaking Ojstrica viewpoint at sunrise

  • A slice of the famous Bled cream cake at a lakeside café

aerial photography of hot air ballons
aerial photography of hot air ballons
3. Cappadocia, Turkey

Otherworldly landscapes stretch in every direction in Cappadocia, where volcanic rock has been carved by wind, water, and time into whimsical "fairy chimneys." Beneath the surface, ancient underground cities and cave churches tell stories that span centuries. Above ground, the valleys are streaked with soft pinks, creams, and golds—especially at sunrise, when hot air balloons float like lanterns overhead. The region balances awe-inspiring scenery with rich cultural heritage and spiritual stillness.

Don't miss:

  • Sunrise from a hot air balloon

  • Exploring the Göreme Open-Air Museum

  • Staying in a luxe cave hotel carved into stone

aerial view of city buildings near body of water during daytime
aerial view of city buildings near body of water during daytime
4. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is the embodiment of Mediterranean elegance—where pastel villages cling to cliffs, citrus groves scent the air, and sparkling waters stretch into the horizon. Every curve of the coast reveals a new breathtaking view, from vibrant Positano to peaceful Ravello. The rhythm here is slow and indulgent: long lunches, sea breezes, golden hour strolls. It's a place where glamour meets nature, and both are equally intoxicating.

Don't miss:

  • Sunset aperitivi in Ravello’s gardens

  • Strolling the cliffside paths of Positano

  • A private boat ride to the Blue Grotto off Capri

brown wooden house on body of water near mountain during daytime
brown wooden house on body of water near mountain during daytime
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Set within the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands offer a stark, spellbinding beauty. Towering mountains plunge straight into the sea, tiny red cabins dot the shoreline, and the light—whether it’s the midnight sun or Northern Lights—feels almost otherworldly. The islands are uncrowded and deeply peaceful, ideal for anyone craving a connection to nature. It's where silence becomes scenic, and every view looks like it belongs on a canvas.

Don't miss:

  • Photographing the peaks from Hamnøy Bridge

  • Stargazing from a cozy rorbu cabin

  • Experiencing Reine at golden hour

man in blue shirt riding camel near brown rock formation during daytime
man in blue shirt riding camel near brown rock formation during daytime
6. Petra, Jordan

An ancient city carved into rose-colored cliffs, Petra is one of the most breathtaking manmade wonders in the world. Walking through the narrow canyon of the Siq and seeing the Treasury reveal itself is cinematic and surreal. But Petra is more than a single moment—it’s vast, spiritual, and soaked in history, from royal tombs to amphitheaters to desert trails. It’s a place where silence speaks and sandstone glows.

Don't miss:

  • The stunning entrance through the Siq canyon

  • Candlelit magic at Petra by Night

  • A hike to the Monastery (Ad Deir) for epic views

aerial photo of body lake
aerial photo of body lake
7. The Azores, Portugal

Often called Europe’s best-kept secret, the Azores are a lush archipelago of volcanic islands that feel both exotic and accessible. Crater lakes shimmer in every shade of blue and green, thermal springs bubble beneath mossy forests, and waterfalls tumble into hidden valleys. The islands are wild yet gentle, perfect for slow exploration and spontaneous awe. It’s nature’s luxury—untouched, unscripted, and unforgettable.

Don't miss:

  • The crater lakes at Sete Cidades on São Miguel

  • Hot springs and steam-cooked cozido in Furnas

  • Whale watching off the coast of Pico Island

mountains
mountains
8. Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia

Torres del Paine is a place where nature reigns—glaciers crack, winds howl, and jagged peaks pierce the sky. The rawness of the landscape is humbling, but it also offers rare tranquility for those who seek it. Whether you're trekking the W Trail or sipping wine at a luxury eco-lodge, you’ll be immersed in beauty that feels ancient and untamed. This is the edge of the world, and it’s absolutely worth the journey.

Don't miss:

  • Iconic photo ops of the Cuernos del Paine

  • Ice cruising on Lake Grey

  • Wildlife spotting: guanacos, condors, and maybe even pumas

giraffe on window during daytime
giraffe on window during daytime
9. Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Tucked just outside Nairobi, Giraffe Manor is a 1930s-style boutique hotel where endangered Rothschild giraffes roam freely. The experience is whimsical and luxurious—imagine waking up to a giraffe peeking into your window or sharing your breakfast croissant with one. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime stay that balances elegance with conservation. The surrounding area also offers lush gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and the gateway to safari adventures.

Don't miss:

  • Breakfast with giraffes—literally

  • Visiting baby elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

  • A custom safari to Maasai Mara post-stay

photography of buildings near mountain during daytime
photography of buildings near mountain during daytime
10. Hallstatt, Austria

Nestled between a serene lake and towering alpine mountains, Hallstatt is often called the most beautiful village in the world—and for good reason. Cobblestone streets wind between flower-draped houses, and every reflection on Hallstätter See feels like a watercolor painting. There's a dreamlike calm here, as if time has slowed just for you. Whether you're exploring salt mines or sipping coffee by the water, Hallstatt is picture-perfect peace.

Don't miss:

  • Riding the funicular up to the salt mines and skywalk

  • A lake cruise with storybook views

  • Photographing the iconic viewpoint overlooking the town

Every one of these destinations offers more than just a view—it offers a feeling. A sense of awe, calm, wonder, or connection. Wherever you choose to wander next, may it leave you breathless in the best way.

Wander far. Fall in love. Voilà.