Most Beautiful Places to Visit Around the World
Whether you are thinking of a quick trip here in the U.S. or somewhere international, I think you'll enjoy these incredible cities and towns, spectacular mountain ranges, sparkling emerald lakes, thundering waterfalls, and parks that attract people from all over the world. Here are the ones I recommend that I enjoyed four weeks at a time like a local, and I think you’ll love them too.
1. Soca River in Slovenia
I though that this town in Slovenia was one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world! Why? First off, Soca River in Slovenia absolutely took my breath away, with the emerald-green waters winding through limestone valleys like in my photo, its waters shifting from tranquil pools to wild, frothy rapids, all framed by the jagged peaks of the Julian Alps.
- Elevation: 1,476 feet (450 meters) above sea level.
- Location: Soca Valley, Slovenia
- Location Map
After arriving from Ljubljana on a 2-hour drive northwest via the A2 and local mountain roads, I spent five days exploring the Soca Valley, basing myself in an Airbnb in the charming mountain town of Bovec, where we went on a white water rafting tour down the icy-clear waters, hiked to Boka Waterfall, and crossed old suspension bridges (including one you can actually drive on which was unreal!).
Did we try to cool off in one of the more tranquil pools near the shore while hiking in August at my son's insistence? Yes, I did dip my toes for a few minutes, but the water was so freezing that my skin prickled afterwards. On the plus side, the water is incredibly clean!
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was hiking along the river and snapping lots of photos of the emerald colors.
2. Mauna Lani, Hawaii: Quiet Beaches and Pink Sunsets
Chris and I moved to live near this Kohala Coast Hawaiian paradise which instantly captured my heart with its powdery white sand beaches framed by black lava rock, tranquil turquoise lagoons perfect for snorkeling, swaying palm trees, and sunsets that turn the entire bay gold — it felt like the very definition of island serenity!
We drove about 40 minutes north from Kona International Airport (KOA) to reach it, and once there I swam among colorful reef fish in the crystal-clear coves, walked the historic Kalahuipua‘a Fishponds shaded by kiawe trees, lounged under palms at Pauoa Bay, and even spotted sea turtles basking in the sun near the shoreline! There two amazing hotels to stay in this area Mauna Lani and Fairmont Orchid ($659), and even some affordable vacation rentals if you shop around in the off season!
- Elevation: 85 feet (26 meters) above sea level.
- Location: Kohala Coast, Island of Hawaii, USA
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Snorkeling at Makaiwa Bay was always my favorite with its calm, clear waters teeming with marine life and coral gardens.
3. Nendaz, Switzerland
This sun-drenched alpine village perched high above the Rhône Valley completely enchanted us with its sweeping mountain views, wooden chalets, and peaceful Swiss mountain vibe. Nendaz was such a lovely family-friendly storybook escape in the heart of the Alps that I got to experience with my husband and son!
I arrived after a scenic drive up from Sion, winding through vineyards and pine forests until the peaks opened up around me and we reached 4-star Hôtel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa and once in Nendaz, the fresh mountain air and laid-back rhythm made me instantly slow down.
- Elevation: 1,476 feet (450 meters) above sea level.
- Location: Switzerland
- Location Map
We spent five amazing days hiking along the famous bisses (historic irrigation trails) with panoramic views of the snow-capped Alps, relaxing at cozy mountain cafés with cheese fondue and Valais wine, and riding the gondola up to Tracouet for breathtaking vistas of the Dent de Nendaz and the shimmering lake at the summit.
What I loved best:
Back at Hôtel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa, I got a relaxing 60-minute massage, followed by a relaxing time in the sauna and a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant. Our Mountain View Suite was so cozy, decorated in Swiss chalet style with warm wood, a fireplace, double sink bathroom, nice seating area, and high ceilings.
4. Bassano del Grappa, Italy
This charming town at the foothills of the Venetian Alps instantly won me over with its cobblestone streets, elegant piazzas, pastel-hued buildings, and the iconic Ponte Vecchio (Ponte degli Alpini) stretching gracefully over the Brenta River — it felt like stepping into a watercolor painting!
- Elevation: 420 feet (129 meters) above sea level.
- Location: Veneto region, northern Italy
- Location Map
I took an easy day trip by train from Venice (about 1 hour), and from the moment I arrived, the relaxed, small-town Bassano del Grappa atmosphere made me want to slow down and savor everything. I strolled across the historic wooden bridge designed by Palladio, watched locals enjoying aperitivo by the river, explored artisan shops selling ceramics and handmade leather goods, went on a tour (12 Euro) of the town’s famous grappa at a centuries-old Distilleria Nardini (founded in 1779, Italy's first distillery!).
If you loved Bassano del Grappa, check out my European honeymoon vacation ideas.
5. Glenorchy, New Zealand
This tiny outpost is located in a remote and enchanting corner of New Zealand which absolutely floored me on my first trip there, framed by jagged peaks, shimmering glacial waters, and that wild, untouched energy that makes you feel like you’ve slipped into Middle-earth itself. In fact, many scenes from the The Lord of the Rings epic trilogy were filmed in Glenorchy so if you are a fan, you will find the scenery incredibly familiar!
We drove just 45 minutes north after landing in Queenstown, along the winding road that hugs Lake Wakatipu, every turn revealing new alpine drama, until I reached the little frontier town of Glenorchy where we stayed in an Aribnb for two weeks.
I walked the Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk for mirror-like reflections of snow-capped peaks, hiked part of the Routeburn Track into beech forests and high alpine valleys, and lingered at the head of the lake where braided rivers weave through meadows.
- Elevation: 1,004 feet (306 meters) above sea level.
- Location: Otago region, South Island, New Zealand
- Location Map
We also cruised along the scenic Glenorchy–Paradise road, where the scenery felt almost otherworldly and stopping often was a must. Everywhere I turned in Glenorchy, the combination of dramatic mountains, clear lakes, and raw solitude made it feel like stepping into an epic adventure.
Local tip: I loved landing at Queenstown Airport (ZQN) because it's incredibly well run with a friendly Avis car rental desk, and a convenient SIM card counter, but remember that they drive on the left in New Zealand! Also be prepared for a rough landing because of air currents between the mountains in Queenstown.
6. Krk Island, Croatia
This Croatian island is a sun-soaked Adriatic island that instantly won me over with its golden beaches, ancient stone villages, olive groves, and sparkling turquoise coves — it felt like the perfect blend of Mediterranean charm and laid-back island life! My first trip to Krk was over four decades ago on a camping trip with my family while Croatia was still part of Yugoslavia and crossing borders wasn't as easy as it is today.
But on my trip last month, I reached Krk Island easily via the bridge from the mainland near Rijeka in 45 minutes, and once on the island, every turn seemed to reveal something new — from the historic walled town of Krk with its narrow lanes and seaside cafés to the crystal-clear waters of Baška Beach and the peaceful pine-scented trails around Punat Bay. We checked into 4-star Hotel Miramare (from $87) for a blissful week, and I swam in hidden coves, wandered through centuries-old streets, tasted local olive oil and Žlahtina wine, and even took a short boat trip to nearby islets dotted with secluded beaches.
- Elevation: 1,270 feet (390 meters) above sea level.
- Location: Northern Adriatic Sea, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia
- Location Map
What I loved best was all the amazingly fresh (and affordable!) seafood right from the Adriatic Sea, especially grilled calamari at Konoba Mulic.
Local tip: Krk Island is about 4 hours by car from Bovec and Soca River (#1 on my list of most beautiful places to visit) so you can easily visit both if you land at Ljubljana Airport (LJU) or Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). I prefer landing in Ljubljana because it's a smaller airport, car rentals are more affordable, and the Avis car rental counter is staffed by very friendly people who speak fluent English.
7. Grand Teton National Park
I think that this is the best national park in the USA if you want wild American West magic, and a combination of mountains, scenic lakes, a selection of unique places to stay, and an easy drive to reach Yellowstone's geysers.
We based ourselves at the cozy Cowboy Village Resort ($143/night) in Teton Village where our log cabin for five amazing days surrounded by pine trees and fresh mountain air made the perfect home base after long days outdoors.
I hiked along the shores of Jenny Lake, took the scenic boat shuttle across the lake, and hiked to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point where the views were absolutely unforgettable as you can see in my photo. In the evening, we had great steaks at Mangy Moose Jackson Hole back in town.
- Elevation: 6,800 to 13,775 feet (2,070 to 4,199 meters) above sea level.
- Location: Northwestern Wyoming, United States
- Location Map
Next day we drove to Yellowstone and enjoyed checking out all the amazing geysers along the way, although having done this I actually recommend staying at Old Faithful Lodge and making it a two- or even three-day adventure. If you want more Wyoming adventures, check out my article here.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
