33 Dream Vacation Spots and Destinations to Travel

Are you sitting at home and thinking about the best dream vacation spots? I know we sure are. Every day, we wake up thinking about far-flung destinations in the South Pacific, heading back to Africa for a safari, or even just going on a road trip to Alaska.

If we could travel anywhere tomorrow, here are the fantastic places we would visit. Some we have visited before, and some are still travel destinations to check off the bucket list. Either way, I hope it inspires you to do some travel planning to these places to go on vacation!

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Destinations For A Dream Vacation

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Zanzibar

This East African island packs a lot of punch for things to do and experience. It’s safe to say that excitement and relaxation can be had on every corner of the island as there are so many wonderful places to visit in Zanzibar. At the same time, you can still easily relax on a beautiful beach and dive into the warm, clear water.

To me, Zanzibar is the ultimate destination in Africa. It has clear turquoise water, white sand beaches, and a unique culture. If you want a beach destination that isn’t just resorts and rich people, go to Zanzibar. It has a unique vibe I haven’t seen anywhere else in Africa or the world, for that matter. It’s a great value destination, and there is a price range here for every budget, from backpacker to luxury.

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Mozambique Coast

Mozambique is unlike any other destination on this list. It has a stunning coastline with pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Marine life here is a huge highlight, with excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. Add to the mix a culture that is a fusion of African and Portuguese, and the result is an explosion of colors, food, and even music.

Gritty beach towns like Tofo Beach offer an excellent base for surfers and those looking to get up close with marine megafauna such as whales, rays, and sharks. Mozambique is a destination for adventure travelers as the country still attempts to recover from a brutal civil war that lasted for decades. It remains one of the poorest countries in the world, and the infrastructure here is challenging at best.

However, those willing to work will find Mozambique a fascinating country. We still dream of its empty beaches, friendly locals, and delicious seafood. August is one of the best months to visit as it’s the dry season, and temperatures are cooler and comfortable. After a few weeks of traveling in Mozambique, it remains one of the top places we can’t wait to return to.

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The Maldives

The Maldives are a series of coral atolls spread across the Indian Ocean. It is an enticing getaway with white sand beaches, turquoise water, and tropical weather. The water here is home to abundant marine life so diverse that snorkelers can rejoice in close encounters with rays, sharks, whales, and a dizzying number of fishes. To make it only better, some of the world’s most luxurious resorts sit on top of these atolls with indulgent water villas and beach bungalows.

Undoubtedly, the Maldives are beloved and offer some of the most luxurious accommodation options in the world. However, our second trip to the country will likely be our last. The Maldives lack depth, and there is not much to see outside the manufactured resorts simultaneously destroying/exploiting the incredible atolls on which they are built. Even interactions with locals feel stilted, transactional, and manufactured as they employ foreign workers to construct the resorts in challenging conditions and serve guests in the resorts.

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The Amalfi Coast

Italy will always hold a special place in our hearts; we’ve been back numerous times, and it’s tough to fault the country as a tourist. There is good reason that it’s been a popular tourist destination for decades, thanks to the iconic countryside, fabulous cuisines, rich history, inspiring art, and strong culture. While Italians quickly lament their current government, they’re proud to share the country’s riches with visitors. We love them for their rules and hope they always have a rich cultural identity.

The Amalfi Coast is far from a secret destination in Italy, but its natural beauty is undeniable. Set atop hills, and along steep coastlines, every town from Sorrento to Amalfi has something unique to offer visitors. Set in the Campania region, which produces some of Italy’s best products, it ensures you’ll be well-fed between lounging in the sun. Sunbathing and swimming are taken seriously along the region with its famed lido decks that jut out from cliffsides and offer impeccable service. The downside to this is the exceptionally high prices and crowds if you follow the typical tourist routes.

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The Yukon

Unlike few other destinations worldwide, the Yukon offers untamed beauty, staggering landscapes, and isolation. It is home to vast swaths of wilderness teeming with wildlife like bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Those animals undeniably outnumber the state’s residents. It’s a wild place full of epic adventures and attracts those who aren’t afraid to go alone.

We tackled one of Canada’s most northern territories in a 4×4 truck with a rooftop and can’t want to return. Most notable for us are the incredible fall colors of the Tombstone Territorial Park, which make the park’s rugged peaks golden, orange, and red. When you’re not exploring the territory’s landscapes, you can take in the quirky and historic gold rush towns like Dawson City.

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African Safari

A safari in Africa is an experience quite unlike anything else. The continent’s woodlands and grasslands are home to some of the planet’s largest and most dense animal populations. Africa is often an overshadowed continent, but it is undoubtedly a place to have an unforgettable experience.

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Greek Islands

You could invite me back to Greece repeatedly, anywhere, and I will happily accept. Greece has well over a hundred inhabited islands to explore. There is an island in Greece for everybody and every budget; they are all destinations for someone. The historic Greek islands have epic beaches, charming seaside towns, delicious food, and rich culture. Speaking of that culture, finding a more hospitable or proud bunch is tougher than the Greeks. Romance is alive and well all around this beautiful country.

Aside from Mykonos and Santorini, Greece is also an affordable vacation for travelers. We loved our time on Corfu, Ithaka, Milos, Paros, Kefalonia, and Naxos! What other destination can you find seaside accommodation for under $60 a night and eat all the olives and tzatziki you want for cheap?

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Peru

One of the most fantastic places to travel to is Peru. This crazy, biodiverse country has it all: the hot and humid rainforest of the Amazon, the soaring peaks and enigmatic history of the Andes, bustling cities, and a surfer-friendly coastline. There’s also Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and learning about ancient civilizations. I don’t think there are many other destinations as popular as Peru right now, and that’s for a good reason—they have a lot to offer travelers.

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Faroe Islands

Traveling to the Faroe Islands may not be on your typical list of places to travel. However, if you were to ask us what the most beautiful islands in Europe are, you wouldn’t get the answer you would expect. Well, maybe you have an idea from the heading above, but we would say the Faroe Islands! Yes, the group of 18 windswept islands between Norway and Iceland certainly won a spot on our favorite destinations list.

In many ways, they remind me of why we love the African bush – they are raw. The cliff faces and the bleak landscape are inhospitable, but they will humble you with beauty. I can’t think of when I had a more enormous grin on my face than when I stood on top of a mountain in near hurricane-force winds. It felt dangerous, it felt right, and I felt tiny. The best thing to do is rent a car here and explore this out-of-the-world travel destination yourself.

40 BEST Things To Do In The Faroe Islands 

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Bhutan

Bhutan is one of those

destinations in the world that were high on our list for the longest time, especially after seeing images of Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and this past year, we finally made it happen! Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked South Asian country in the middle of the Himalayas. It’s a country known for its drop-dead gorgeous landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Bhutan is the last remaining Buddhist Kingdom in the world and is unique in that it measures its citizens’ “Gross National Happiness” instead of GDP.

Bhutan has also done a great job maintaining its unique culture and heritage by being a relatively closed-off country. It’s costly to visit as every visitor must pay an “SDF fee” per day for essentially a Bhutanese visa, but I suppose that makes Bhutan one of those top travel destinations.

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The Philippines

The Philippines is a dream beach destination in Asia. There’s a vibrant culture to discover on its hundreds of islands like Siargao, with huge cities and beaches comprising the places you should be exploring in this Southeast Asian nation.

We heard amazing things from people who had traveled to the Philippines, so we knew we finally had to see the country ourselves. After two weeks of soaking up the sunshine on white-sand beaches and scuba diving in Moalboal while spending a fraction of what we had spent in places like the Maldives, we can’t recommend visiting enough.

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The Seychelles

The Seychelles—we can think of worse places to visit. This archipelago of over a hundred islands is a paradise. It’s a must-visit destination with uncountable beaches to discover, a cocktail of different cultures to experience, and some extraordinary marine life to see. This paradise comprises sparkling granite, crystal waters, and lush green jungles, unlike anything we have ever seen.

The islands lie off the coast of East Africa in the warm Indian Ocean, north of both Madagascar and Mauritius and just about parallel with parts of Kenya. There are 115 islands, but the three main ones frequented by tourists are Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.

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Namibia

There is no country more stirring than Namibia for desert landscapes. Its name comes from the world’s oldest desert covering much of the country. No nation on earth can compete for the natural beauty that awaits travelers in Namibia. You can find towering red dunes, dead tree valleys preserved in time, and utterly unique wildlife. There are too many things to do in Namibia for one trip.

Elsewhere, massive canyons and rock formations can be found at Fish River Canyon, Damaraland, and Spitzkoppe, as the Naukluft Mountains rise out of the desert dunes. Namibia does not end there; the East stretches into the endless plains of the Kalahari, and the Caprivi Strip turns into an oasis of floodplains and rivers teaming with wildlife.

We drove into Southern Namibia from South Africa and were greeted by looming rock formations and empty roads—the path before wound through an arid canyon and reached a plateau. As we ascended out of the canyon, the sun began to set. The change in weather created gusts of fiery red sand that lit on fire from the descending sun. This all happened within our first hour in the country. Although we had yet to visit a single sight on our journey, we had already concluded that Namibia was a dream destination.

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Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is a Caribbean island famous for its beaches, carnivals, and vibrant culture. There’s plenty of nature to explore here, many great dive sites, and some extraordinary resorts to spend your days lazing around. We’ve never seen anything as beautiful as The Pitons, though. The Pitons are two mountainous volcanic plugs and spires. Gros Piton and Petit Piton are 798 m high and 743 m high, respectively. You could easily stare at them all day while visiting Saint Lucia.

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French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a dream place I have not traveled to yet, but it is high on the list. This collection of over 100 islands in the South Pacific has a lot of things going for them. It’s where you can enjoy crystal clear water, lush forests, and epic sunsets. It’s a popular honeymoon spot, and it’s no wonder why. It’s one of those dream places to go people fantasize about.

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Hawaii

Every Hawaiian Island offers something very special to visitors. Our personal favorite is Kauai, and our second favorite is Maui. Kauai has become more popular in recent years, enough that it was the main island we wanted to visit on our trip to Hawaii.

It’s known for being one of the prettiest islands and has the most laid-back vibe of the four main islands. The main points of interest are Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, and the Na Pali Coast.  We also found it to be the cheapest of the islands. Kauai is your dream destination if you’re searching for hiking and jagged Jurassic Park landscapes.

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Oaxaca, Mexico

Sadly, we haven’t traveled much of Mexico, but I’ve heard many great things about the state of Oaxaca. Oaxaca has a ton of diversity; this area accounts for over 70% of Mexico’s bird species! There is also epic hiking in the mountain regions and plenty of cultural sites. Places like Puerto Escondido claim to have some of the best surfing in the world. Here, you find epic waves and golden sand beaches. If that sounds like your idea of heaven, there’s no other place you should be.

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Antarctica

Not many people get to say they’ve been to the other end of the world and back. Seeing one of the driest, windiest, and most beautiful places on earth is incredible. However, it seems more possible every year with tour operators running there. After honeymooning in Antarctica, we can confidently say Antarctica is one of the most beautiful places in the world. As long as you can stomach a potentially rough Drake Passage crossing and coughing up $10,000 per person for the trip, you won’t regret traveling to Antarctica.

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South Africa

Traveling to South Africa is an excellent decision as it’s one of the best places to visit in Africa. It’s one of the easiest countries to travel on the African continent, yet still offers creature comforts Westerners might be used to. Even though South Africa is the most modern country in Africa, it still provides visitors with that “Africa” experience and has an exciting culture. After visiting the country three times, I still consider it a dream destination in the world. You get beaches, wine, safari, and mountains.

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Malawi

Malawi is one of the smallest countries in Africa and is directly on our overland route through Africa, but I knew little about it. I’ve met people who had traveled to Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, and all the other “popular” African nations, but I had never met anyone who had been to Malawi. I knew that I had to visit Malawi while venturing around Africa. We crossed over the Chitipa Border Post from Zambia with minimal expectations, and what we found shouldn’t be missed by anyone traveling around Southern and Eastern Africa.

Malawi is dubbed the “warm heart of Africa.” Once you arrive, you will see why. The people here are known for being the friendliest in Africa. No one is pushy, most areas are safe, and locals walk around with a smile. There’s also a big lake called Lake Malawi, where you’ll want to take a drip or go for a kayak.

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Oman

Oman is a country that has staggering natural beauty and a secular government and has managed to hold on to its historical and cultural roots as its neighbors blast forward into the modern world. With marine life off the southern coast in Dhofar Province and a rich history to discover in Muscat, mountains, and deserts, it’s perfect for the intrepid traveler.

From the deserts to the mountains, it’s easy to find yourself away from the crowds in Oman. There are fantastic hiking opportunities, luxury resorts to lounge at, and scuba operations that will take you to see some of the richest marine life.

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Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye probably has the best scenery in Scotland! It is easily added to a North Coast 500 trip and only a few hours’ drive from Glasgow airport, so it should be added to everyone’s bucket list! The Isle of Skye is connected to Scotland’s mainland bridge. It’s known for its staggering beauty, rugged landscape, endless green views, and medieval castles. Although it’s not a huge island, it is the largest in the Inner Hebrides archipelago at 50 miles long. Highlights on the Isle of Skye include Portree, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and Fairy Glen.

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Swiss Alps

Few places in the world are as loved by us as the Swiss Alps. The Swiss Alps comprise all the highest mountains in the Alps and the highest peaks in Western Europe. They are a popular hiking destination in the summer and world-renowned ski destinations like Zermatt and St. Moritz. Towns like Lauterbrunnen stun visitors with beautiful Swiss waterfalls, while The Matterhorn is always a world wonder in Zermatt.

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Bali

Bali is a beautiful enigma, from its beaches, beach parties, and surf credentials to its emerald rice paddies, yoga classes, and unique culture. Its Hindu shrines, dances, traditions, and calendar are like nothing else in Indonesia, rooted in something entirely different and, it seems, ancient. 

Bali is a paradise, especially for backpackers on a budget. It’s easy to get by very well on less than $50 daily. Some of the best things to do include waterfall hopping in Ubud, or enjoy the “T-Rex Beach” on Nusa Penida. Divers will fall in love with the crystal clear water and sightings of large marine life like manta rays, and those after some hidden gems will enjoy the quintessential village life in Sidemen.

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Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most well-known tourist attractions, but not many have heard of it outside the country. Hạ Long Bay is located in northeast Vietnam and is known for jaw-dropping limestone islands surrounded by beautiful emerald water. Heading here feels like stepping onto a movie set, which is probably why many movies have been filmed here.

One of the most popular things to do is take a Ha Long Bay cruise to get up and close to the mammoth jungle-like islands. It’s also popular for scuba diving, kayaking, and rock climbing. If you are into caving, there are plenty of caves to explore.

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Cappadocia

Located in central Turkey’s Anatolia region, Cappadocia consists of a towering plateau studded with dramatic volcanic peaks, the tallest of which is Mount Erciyes, at nearly 13,000 feet. Thanks to its inland location and elevation, the region receives little rain and is considered semi-arid. It also experiences sweltering summers and cold winters.

With its magnificent natural rock formations, fascinating history, and unmistakably unique architecture, Cappadocia is a memorable and exciting place to visit in Turkey. Enjoy staying in a one-of-a-kind cave hotel here or waking up well before sunrise to set out on a hot air balloon ride. Cappadocia is a fabulous place to get active, go hiking in the Rose Valley, or sit back and do nothing with a cup of Turkish tea.

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Mont St Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a highlight for any trip to France and all of Europe. The historical abbey-top island sits in a picturesque bay and feels more at home in a fairytale than in reality. The abbey was founded in 966 and claims that the archangel Michel had a role in its founding. This is a tidal island, and while it may not be the best beach in Europe for sunbathing, it’s one of the best beaches in Europe for soaking up the culture and views.

The island is about 1 km off the northwest coast of France and is connected via a bridge. It’s a fantastic day trip if you are already in Paris. Still, we highly recommend venturing out to Normandy instead and spending a few beautiful days in the French Countryside instead.

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Thailand

It is hard to hate Thailand, a country with the friendliest people, a gorgeous coast, and ancient temples. All these combined keep us returning to check off new destinations in the country. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok are wonderful places to temple hop, while it’s easy to go scuba diving and snorkel around Phuket and Koh Tao. Everyone loves Thailand for different reasons, from backpackers to foodies to luxury travelers. This is what likely makes this country one of the most visited in the entire world.

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Egypt

I’m sure you need no introduction to Egypt. Pyramids, Pharaohs, temples, and mummies? Yes, those all existed in ancient Egypt and can still be seen today (besides a pharaoh, of course). It’s easy to see why over 10 million visitors flock to Egypt yearly for a fantastic trip full of culture. Egypt has a gorgeous coast and is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, making for some fascinating history.

You could spend months here and still not scratch the surface of all the exciting sights here. No history buff will get bored from the Temple of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings and Queens. After finishing up on a Nile River Cruise, head to the mesmerizing coast for affordable diving in the Red Sea.

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American Southwest

The American Southwest generally refers to New Mexico and Arizona but includes adjacent portions of California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. The area has endless national parks, monuments, and other scenic landscapes. Some of the most beautiful hikes and natural wonders in the United States are located here. The slot canyons in Arizona will surely make your jaw drop, while towns such as Sedona are almost too beautiful to be real.

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The Dolomites

The Dolomites are a mountain range located in northeastern Italy. In 2009, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are well-known for their exceptional beauty and dramatic mountain peaks. The Dolomites span many regions in Northern Italy, including Veneto, Trentino, Sudtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Any visitor to the area will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do in the Dolomites, and adventure lovers will keep returning year after year (we sure do!). Here in the Dolomites are brilliant blue lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, thrilling via ferratas, mountain rifugios, and, of course, plenty of delicious Italian and Austrian food.

Head to towns like Cortina in the summer, enjoy a hike through Tre Cime National Park or base yourself in beautiful Madonna Di Campiglio to ski and drink endless cappuccinos.

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Jordan

Jordan has earth-shattering landscapes, ancient history, tempting food, exciting experiences, and hospitable locals. It is, by all means, a total package for tourists and deserves a place on every traveler’s bucket list. If you love to travel for adventure, history, beaches, or culture, Jordan has something for you! From exploring Wadi Mujib to floating in the Dead Sea, there is something for all tourists here.

Petra is one of the most iconic places in the world and is, of course, a must-visit in Jordan. It was once the capital of the ancient Nabataean Kingdom and sheltered nomadic Arabs for many centuries. Eventually, the city was conquered by various superpowers, including the Romans and Saracens. Over the years, Petra was forgotten and remained hidden until the Western world rediscovered it in the 19th century. Now, it is one of the great wonders of the world.

Of course, when you visit Jordan, you can’t stop there; next, you’ll have to head to Wadi Rum! Wadi Rum is a wild desert home to nomadic Bedouins who have lived there for centuries if not millennia. It is a place of extremes with scorching hot summers and biting winters. Unlike the previous deserts we visited in Namibia and Morocco, Wadi Rum contains towering monoliths, mountains, and canyons.

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A Recap

To Recap on These Vacation Spots

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