Ever travel to a popular destination that left you underwhelmed? Many of the world’s most beautiful spots can often feel like overrated tourist traps, so we’re here to guide you on which places are worth the time and expense of visiting. Here are 10 trips for your bucket list that live up to the hype…
1. Table Mountain, South Africa
Why it’s worth visiting: Dominating the skyline over Cape Town, no visit to the city is complete without a stop-off at Table Mountain. Offering everything from hiking trails to nature-watching, take a scenic cableway ride to the top for priceless views. If you’re the adventurous type, you can even sign up for an abseil experience that takes you 112 meters down a sheer cliff— definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Best time to go: January-March | November-December
Travel time from Dubai: 9h 45m duration
2. Machu Picchu, Peru
Why it’s worth visiting: For the adventurous traveler, Machu Picchu is a destination you should visit at least once in your lifetime. The great Inca ruins in the sky sit at 2,430 meters above sea level, surrounded by towering peaks that are breathtaking on a clear day. Make the hike on the famous Inca Trail through the Andes Mountains and you’ll be rewarded with eye-popping views at every turn.
Best time to go: April-May | September-October
Travel time from Dubai: 21 hours 30 minutes
3. Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA
Why it’s worth visiting: Carved by the Colorado River over the past 6 million years, the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world—and for good reason. With its sprawling expanse of awe-inspiring natural landscape, you’ll find plenty of outdoorsy activities to keep you busy including hiking, rafting and camping underneath a billion sparkling stars—wake up in time for sunrise for an otherworldly experience.
Best time to go: May-June | August-September
Travel time from Dubai: 21 hours 20 minutes
4. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Why it’s worth visiting: Every detail in the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat will leave you spellbound, from its inspiring stone spirals to the Hindu and Buddhist carvings that date back to the 12th century. The sacred site was once the capital of Khmer Empire and is home to hundreds of temples—making it the world’s largest religious monument. For the budget-conscious traveler, Cambodia is an easy choice.
Best time to go: November-March
Travel time from Dubai: 8 hours 30 minutes
5. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Why it’s worth visiting: Reaching Angel Falls in Venezuela is by no means an easy trek, but your reward is a front-row seat to the world’s highest waterfall. Located in Canaima National Park, the waterfall drops a staggering 979 meters, forming a mist before it ever touches the ground. Fun fact: Paradise Falls in the Disney movie Up was inspired by Angel Falls.
Best time to go: January-February | December
Travel time from Dubai: 19 hours
6. Petra, Jordan
Why it’s worth visiting: Nothing can really prepare you for the beauty of Petra and its stone-cut monuments that date back two thousand years. Surrounded by mountains and stunning passages, the ruins here are among the world’s most renowned archaeological sites — and pictures of the ‘Lost City’ simply don’t do it justice.
Best time to go: March-June | October-December
Flight time from Dubai: 3 hours 30 minutes to Amman, then a 3-hour drive to Petra.
7. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Why it’s worth visiting: For the well-traveled, a visit to Ha Long Bay should be at the top of your bucket list. The dynamic landscape features emerald green water and incredible limestone formations that are begging to be explored. Take a cruise around the calm waters to experience the sandy beaches, caves and islands on showcase—there’s no cell reception here making it the perfect spot to disconnect from the world.
Best time to go: January-March
Travel time from Dubai: 6 hours 45 minutes to Hanoi, then a 3-hour drive to the Ha Long area.
8. Jeita Grotto, Lebanon
Why it’s worth visiting: Located in the mountains north of Beirut, the famed Jeita Grotto limestone caves are one of the Middle East’s most prized natural gems. Spanning 9 kilometers, visitors can access the site through a series of walkways before hopping on a rowboat for an astonishing journey on the underground river. If you’re looking for an adventure that’ll take your breath away, Jeita Grotto is guaranteed to leave you in awe.
Best time to go: April-June | September-October
Travel time from Dubai: 3 hours 50 minutes
9. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Why it’s worth visiting: Sitting atop Corcovado mountain and overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, the Christ the Redeemer statue is as iconic as they come. Standing 38 meters tall, the imposing art deco monument offers majestic views of the city and landscape below. If you want to beat out the thousands of tourists that flock here daily, be sure to arrive in the early morning.
Best time to go: July-August
Travel time from Dubai: 14 hours 20 minutes
10. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
Why it’s worth visiting: The Avenue of the Baobabs is a group of baobab trees that are something of a natural monument in Madagascar. Hidden on the western coast of the island, the 30-meter high trees have been around for more than 800 years and almost look like alien plant life from another planet. Those who have visited agree: there’s nowhere in the world quite like it.
Best time to go: April-August
Travel time from Dubai: 6 hours and 23 minutes