There are so many incredible places to explore, but some truly take your breath away. You’ll find yourself overwhelmed with emotion, captivated by their natural beauty, and leaving with a sense that your life has been transformed. Discover these 12 must-visit destinations and start building your bucket list!
Uluru (aka Ayers Rock), Australia
Uluru is an oval-shaped, sandstone monolith located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Australia. It rises 1,142 ft. above the Australian desert plain with a height of 2,831 ft. above sea level. Highly revered by the Aboriginal tribes, it has caves that are decorated with tribal paintings and carvings. The best times to see Uluru are at sunrise and sunset when the rock is brilliant with color. Embark on an adventure to Australia
Yellowstone National Park, United States of America
Yellowstone National Park, a true marvel of nature, captivates with its stunning landscapes and geothermal wonders. Towering mountains frame vibrant meadows teeming with wildlife, while the iconic geysers, like Old Faithful, erupt in spectacular displays of steam and water. The park's rich palette of colors—from the deep blues of hot springs to the lush greens of pine forests—creates a breathtaking tapestry that changes with the seasons. Whether it's the roar of a waterfall, the sight of bison grazing, or the serenity of a star-filled sky, Yellowstone offers an enchanting experience that reminds us of nature's incredible beauty and resilience.
Explore Yellowstone National Park with Zephyr Adventures
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, also on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is China’s largest architectural military marvel. It stretches west to east over 13,000 miles on the northern border. Currently, about 30% of the Great Wall is gone due to natural erosion and human damage. Fun fact: It would take approximately 18 months to walk the Ming section of the Great Wall which is around 5,500 miles and is the most preserved section. Generally, travelers book tours that last 1-3 days and only walk smaller sections. Learn more about The Great Wall of China
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," is a breathtaking expanse of biodiversity and natural wonder. Spanning across nine countries, its dense canopy teems with vibrant life—from iridescent butterflies to majestic jaguars, each species playing a vital role in this intricate ecosystem. Rivers weave through the emerald landscape, nourishing the plants and creatures that call this lush paradise home. The sheer scale and richness of the Amazon evoke a profound sense of awe, reminding us of the planet's extraordinary beauty and the importance of preserving its delicate balance.
Experience the Amazon Rainforest with Zephyr Adventures
The Great Barrier Reef
Want to see an enormous ecosystem with thousands of diverse species up close? The Great Barrier Reef can provide just that. It is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Stretching 1,429 miles, it is the largest living structure in the world and some parts can take up to 2 hours to reach from land. Snorkeling and diving can give you a closer look into this vibrant world alive with marine wildlife. The best time to visit is in winter (June – October) as temps are milder, and with rainfall being lower this time of year, there is better visibility in the water to avoid deadly jellyfish. Plan a trip to The Great Barrier Reef
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa
A trip to Mount Kilimanjaro is a breathtaking journey that unfolds in layers, each more captivating than the last. As you approach the mountain, the sight of its snow-capped summit piercing the sky is both awe-inspiring and humbling. The diverse landscapes of Kilimanjaro provide a stunning backdrop, starting from the lush rainforests at its base, where vibrant flora and the sounds of wildlife create an enchanting atmosphere.
As you ascend, the scenery transforms dramatically. The heath and moorland zone reveals surreal vegetation like giant lobelias and senecios, set against a backdrop of sweeping views. The vistas become increasingly spectacular as you reach the alpine desert, where the stark beauty of the barren landscape contrasts with the vibrant colors of the sky at sunrise and sunset. Standing at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, is a moment of triumph, rewarded with panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro with Zephyr Adventures
Antarctica Antarctica may seem to the undiscerning eye to be a barren wasteland, but it is teeming with marine life such as seals, whales, and of course, penguins. It is home to one of the driest places on Earth known as the aptly named Dry Valleys. Covered in ice, it also has the world’s largest mountain range, the Gamburtsev Mountains. One of the best reasons to go to Antarctica is that with the absence of light pollution, the ability to study the night sky is otherworldly! Chill out in Antarctica
Machu Picchu
This awe-inspiring Incan Empire creation stands more than 7,000 ft. above sea level in the Andes Mountains of Peru and is surrounded on three sides by cliffs. It was built by ancient Incans using a unique way of laying stones tightly together and in doing so, no mortar was needed. There are two mountain hikes requiring a permit – Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain – and there are a couple of hikes within Machu Picchu that do not. Along with the archaeological structures, there are many varieties of flora and fauna native to Machu Picchu as it is on the border of the rainforest. Journey to Machu Picchu with Zephyr Adventures
Venice, Italy
Venice is a city filled with old-world romance and charm. Located in northeastern Italy, it is known for gorgeous bridges, canals lined with architectural beauty, and charming districts. The historic St. Mark’s Square, Burano (not to be confused with Murano) the “most colorful village in the world,” and the Venetian Lagoon are all areas of interest to tourists. The history of Venice is strongly portrayed by culture and traditions making it a fascinating place to visit.
Let yourself be enchanted by Venice
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Located off the coast of Ecuador, these lava-formed islands have some of the most exclusive wildlife in the world, and the area was designated a World Heritage site in 1978. Consisting of 13 major islands, Isabela being the largest at approximately 82 miles long, it was the site for many scientific studies done by Charles Darwin whose book, On the Origin of Species, is based on his observations during his brief visit. Venture to the Galapagos with Zephyr Adventures
Iceland & the Northern Lights
Due to its location at the southern edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland, the land of “Fire and Ice,” has spectacular views of the Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights. Although there is a scientific reason for the Northern Lights (solar winds reacting to Earth’s magnetic field), many have described viewing them in their full glory in Iceland as “spiritual and breathtaking.” September through March is the peak season for viewing as it is when the nights are longest. Besides the Northern Lights, Iceland is home to many hot springs and volcanoes, both of which bring essences of beauty to the landscape.
Learn more about Iceland
Bora Bora Picturesque tropical landscape, warm breezes, and crystal-clear water are enough reasons to have us packing for Bora Bora. Situated northwest of Tahiti, Bora Bora boasts a beautifully clear lagoon surrounded by a coral reef making it a great scuba diving destination. Traveler tip: Pack water shoes to protect your feet from sharp coral, sea urchins and stinging fish. And if you happen to be a single lady ready to mingle, put a flower behind your right ear (on the left if you are taken 😉). Fall in love with Bora Bora
We hope these 12 trips of a lifetime have you catching the travel bug and if we missed your favorite once-in-a-lifetime trip, please reach out to us at winniwanderer@winni.com. Hearing from you will make our day!