Already busy planning your next holiday? Before you book those flights, check out our list of the most amazing places in the world.
From the Galapagos Islands to trekking the Himalayas, here are 40 spectacular destinations every woman should visit at least once in a lifetime.
See you at the pyramids.
1. Visit the Taj Mahal
Number one on your must visit places around the world has got to be the Taj Mahal. One of the world’s most iconic landmarks, it was completed in 1648 AD and was commissioned by Shah Jahan, a Mughal emperor in memory of his wife.
With its symmetrical design, white marble and intricate detailing this is Mughal architecture at its most spectacular. Visit at sunrise or sunset for pure magic.
2. Northern Lights in Alaska
For an adventure of a lifetime, hop on a plane and go northern lights spotting in Alaska. Book a trip with experts who’ll know the best places to chase the lights and prepare for one of the most awe-inspiring sights.
Wrap up warm; you’re in with your best chance of spotting the lights in the darkest depths of winter. Hot spots include Fairbanks, Talkeetna and Anchorage.
3. Grand Canyon
With its status as one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Grand Canyon has some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is vast, covering over a million acres. Marvel at its sheer faced rocky walls, the canyon floor, the coursing Colorado River and the Havasupai Falls.
4. Star gaze in Tekapo, New Zealand
Tekapo is home to one of the south island of New Zealand’s many spectacular lakes and it also has the Earth and Sky observatory (or the 'window to the universe' as it’s otherwise known), as it’s located in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
You’ll get to head up Mount John and see the centre’s state of the art telescopes, learn all about the twinkling constellations, see the Milky Way and even get a peek into another galaxy. Mind–boggling.
5. Bolivian Salt Flats
The Bolivian salt flats (Salar de Uyuni) are like no other place on earth, with their harsh terrain and endless stretches of desert. Formed from Lake Minchin (a prehistoric salt lake) when it dried up, it’s now the world’s largest salt flat. Snap photos on the flats themselves, and then check out the beautiful coloured lakes that are home to plenty of flamingos and the hot geyser fields.
6. Road trip Route 66 or the Coastal Drive
An epic road trip across another continent is a must. So put America's Route 66 or Australia's coastal road on your list.
First up, Route 66, the all American dream, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. Along the iconic route you’ll roll through everywhere from Amarillo to Albuquerque. Don’t miss the Georgia O’Keefe Museum in Santa Fe and the Santa Monica Pier.
Alternatively, head south of the equator and hire a car to drive the coastal road, which runs from (one hour south of) Sydney to Melbourne and takes in views of mile upon mile of epic coastline.
7. Mekong Delta
Step back to what feels like ancient Vietnam in the Mekong Delta, this wonderful place is a photographer’s paradise. Travel its waters by boat and spot workers on the rice paddies, monks walking past in their robes and the smells of incense burning. Don’t miss the floating markets and watching noodles drying in the air.
8. Skydive Lake Taupo
If getting out your comfort zone is on your bucket list, do it in style with a 15,000 foot skydive. There are plenty of amazing places the world over for a first time diver, but Lake Taupo is up there at the top. Freefalling above the spectacular landscapes of New Zealand’s Central Plateau is the thrill of a lifetime.
9. Learn to Tango in Argentina
If you’ve been glued to Strictly Come Dancing and want to try out some moves of your own, why not up it a level and learn to tango in Argentina. The Argentinians have been tangoing since the 1900s, so they know a thing or two about fancy footwork. All this working out will certainly mean a well-earned Argentine steak and red wine post dancing.
10. Culinary schools in Mexico
Looking for some new dinner party dishes to whip up for your friends? Then, yes maybe this is a little indulgent, but if you’re looking to pair a holiday with some culinary learning, then Mexico is your place. Coming high on the recommendations is Oaxaca in Southern Mexico, with the Seasons of my Heart Cooking School run by Susana Trilling. The escape the winter blues tour seems particularly tempting…
11. Head to Paradise Beach in St Kitts and Nevis
A list of must-visit places across the globe is not complete without some laid back beach action and if you’re looking for a little slice of paradise, then Paradise Beach on the island of Nevis (of St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean) has got to be your place. Book a room at the newly opened seriously stylish villas at Paradise Beach then pitch up at their bar on the beach for a local rum punch or horse ride along the shore at sunset.
12. Walk the Great Wall of China
Stretching over 13, 000 miles the Great Wall of China is one of the greatest architectural developements on our planet. The start of its construction dates right the way back to the 7th century and the Ming Dynasty. For a visit, try Badaling, it’s the closest drive from Beijing and is developed enough to be an easy climb. To experience the wall in a completely different way, try the challenging Great Wall marathon.
13. Eat your way around Brooklyn
Ok, fine, so Brooklyn is so hipster it’s spawned a Brooklyn trend across the world, but it’s also home to some damn fine places to eat. Step up to the plate Roberta’s, a local favourite pizza joint that’s located in a bunker, with its own pizza oven. Then there’s Smorgasburg, which is an epic food market in an old tobacco warehouse that has over 75 vendors to pick from.
14. Scuba Dive the Barrier Reef
It’s not hard to see why the Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World; it is quite literally breath taking. Dive to depths of 10 to 25 meters and get the chance to spot stingray, clownfish, dolphins and seahorses. Don’t forget an underwater camera or a Go Pro for the ultimate selfie.
15. Safari in Zambia
Going on safari is quite literally one of the most mind-blowing experiences you could have on the planet. Being out on the African plains with so many majestic animals in view, is quite literally awe-inspiring. Stay in style at the South Luangwa Safari Lodge and get out on sunrise or sunset drives spotting everything from lions to zebra to leopards.
16. Explore the Mount Aspiring National park in New Zealand
New Zealand has some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on earth and the beautiful Mount Aspiring National Park in the South Island is a fine example of that. It’s known for its excellent hiking routes, its jet boat rides and the spectacular Lake Wanaka, which you can see by boat, air or standing atop one of the mountains.
17. Take a vineyard tour in California
Sunshine and wine, could there be a better combination? No, thought not. For one of the best regions in the world for wine growing, try California and its year round sunny climes. Love a Cabernet Sauvignon? Then try Napa Valley on the north coast. Pinot Noir more your tipple of choice? Try Sonoma, it’s got some of the best in California.
18. Head to the Galapagos Islands
For explorers looking for their next adventure, the Galapagos Islands could be it. Why go? Where to start… 600 miles from land, it’s home to some incredible wildlife, there’s Galapagos tortoises, marine iguana, Galapagos fur seals, frigate birds and the gorgeous Galapagos penguins, which are amongst the smallest in the world. Are you convinced yet?
19. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The months and months of training that go into doing something like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro make it all the more rewarding once you’ve done it. Do your homework before you go, many of the company’s offer varying lengths of trip from Marangu, one of easier routes to Rongai, which is more remote. To climb Africa’s highest mountain (it’s known as the roof of Africa) really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
20. Get templed out in Burma
Since it relaxed its borders in recent years, Burma has been on the hot list for travel. Take a short flight here from Bangkok and immerse yourself in its wonderful rich culture. Don’t miss Bagan, it’s home to over 10,000 temples and monuments that King Anawratha commissioned beginning in the mid 9th century and they’re quite a spectacle, particularly when seen by soaring over then on a sunrise hot air balloon.
21. Take the Trans Siberian Railway
There’s not really anything more romantic than an epic cross country train journey (although it’s a given that in winter, this isn’t the warmest of rides), and the Trans Siberian Express is a journey like no other. Start in Moscow and travel through Russia, stopping in Lake Baikal (the deepest lake in the world), before reaching Mongolia and ending up in Beijing.
22. Eat sushi in Tokyo
Tokyo is an explosion on the senses, with its neon lights, its fast paced culture, and honking traffic. It’s also a treat on the tastebuds (Tokyo is home to 12 three-star Michelin restaurants). For a slice of history grab a seat at the world famous Sukiyabahsi Jiro, it’s run by the legendary 90 year old Jiro Ono. Don’t miss out on watching the film Jiro Dreams of Sushi before you go.
23. See the Niagara Falls
If you’re hot footing it to Toronto in the near future, then take the two-hour drive to the Niagara Falls. These spectacular falls run 36 miles from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, with sections of the pools plunging over 52 meters deep. Made up of three waterfalls, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls, you can see them from the American or the Canadian side and if you’re lucky catch a rainbow over them.
24. Check out the blues in Nashville
For grassroots blues and jazz fans, Nashville should be your mecca. Its musical history is immense. Make a beeline for the RCA Studio B recording studios, which have seen greats like Elvis, Dolly Parton and Chet Atkins to name but a few. There’s also more live music venues than you can shake a stick at, as well as tonnes of alfresco music performances. Blues and Jazz fans will be in their element.
25. See the terracotta army in Xi’an
In 1974 a group of farmers made the most spectacular discovery, a life-size army of terracotta soldiers and their battle horses (there are over 1,800 life size statues here). It’s an incredible insight into ancient China that is said to date back to the Qin Dynasty (which is over 2,000 years old). It’s also home to one of the largest tomb complexes in the world. Some find.
26. Cruise from Patagonia to Antarctica
Planning a holiday bucket list for 2016? How about trying out a new continent? Antarctica? Leaving from South America’s Patagonia, Aurora Expeditions run a fantastic Patagonia Adventure Trek and Antarctica Cruise Package. You’ll get to sail Drake’s Passage and the Gerlache Strait to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula. Look out for penguins, leopard seals, orca whales and petrels soaring overhead.
27. Cloud Forest
The Cloud Forest, even its name sounds magical. There are a few dotted about the globe, for something really special go and explore the Mindo Cloud Forest in Ecuador. A cloud forest itself is a rare tropical forest that has a layer of low-level cloud hanging right over it. Wildlife is rich, varied and colourful, with over 1,500 species of birds, the spectacled bear and cloud forest frogs.
28. Visit Tasmania
Tasmania has been topping all the hotlists for must-visit places in 2016 and for good reason. Direct flights run from Sydney to Hobart in Tasmania and takes just under two hours. So, why go? First up, its nature, glacial carved landscapes have given way to an abundance of plant life (from rainforests to rolling coastline) and wildlife like the platypus. There’s vineyards and wine tasting (plus a great wine festival in February) and plenty on the culture front, notably in the form of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
29. Do some yoga in Bali
Get your Eat, Pray, Love on (yes, Bali has seen a massive uprise in tourism since the film came out) and head on down to Ubud. It’s home to the brilliant Yoga Barn, where you can take a retreat and have brilliant day yoga and meditation sessions amongst the most lush surroundings.
30. Christ the Redeemer
Inspired by the 2016 Olympics in Brazil this year, we've added the world famous beaches of Rio De Janiero to our must-visit list. Don’t miss Christ the Redeemer, it stands in the Tijuca Forest National Park, is made from concrete and soapstone and looks majestically over the whole city.
31. Trek the Himalayas
Trekking the Himalayas could be the ultimate adventure. From the Everest Base Camp trek to the Annapurna Circle trek, most will take you through the beautiful Kathmandu, which is home to everything from the UNESCO Buddhist temple Swayambhunath Temple to the bustling Durbar Square.
32. Swim with dolphins in Mauritius
For an experience of a lifetime on the sleepy, lush and quite honestly blissed out island of Mauritius, book a stay at Lux Le Morne, here you can kick back on the sands, check out the fresh coconut stalls and most importantly take a speedboat out into the Indian Ocean with an experienced guide to swim with pods of dolphins in their natural environment.
33. See the rice terraces
Known as the National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines are the incredible Banaue rice terraces. The stepped terraces have been carved into the mountainside and can be visited year round. Look out for the natural watering holes and waterfalls.
34. Cherry Blossom in Japan
The sakura in Japan (or the cherry blossoms as they are more commonly known) are a photographer’s dream. They flower in spring between late March to late April and literally sweep down the country. If you’re in Tokyo Ueno Park is one of the most popular places to go. Over 1,000 trees will flower, making the walkways and the Shinobazu Pond look magnificent. Come evening, the trees will be lit up for a romantic evening stroll.
35. Machu Picchu
A worldwide bucket list is not complete without including Machu Picchu, sitting between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazonian Basin; its dramatic landscapes are something people travel for thousands of miles to see. Basically it’s a 15th century city that was constructed by the Incas. Don’t miss the Temple of the Sun and its ancient grassy terraces and its incredible stargazing.
36. Moraine Lake, Canada
Moraine Lake the most incredible turquoise colouring and it’s often slated as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Surrounded by the grand snow capped Rocky Mountains in the backdrop, the best way to see the lake is to get on it. Take a canoeing trip, and paddle its calm waters, it’s one of the most peaceful places on earth.
37. Monasteries in Bhutan
If you love travel and are looking for somewhere a little different to visit, put Bhutan on your list, this beautiful peaceful country has spectacular landscapes and some of the most beautiful monasteries in the world. Perhaps the most famous is the Taktsang Monastery (also known as the Tiger’s Nest), it’s perched 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley, and needless to say, the views take some beating.
38. Dubai Mall
For some serious shopping, few countries measure up to Dubai. Take the Dubai Mall, covering 440, 000 square feet, it's got every fashion brand under the sun from Alexander McQueen to Chanel.
39. Pyramids in Egypt
Weighing in as one of the wonders of the ancient world, the pyramids are architectural feat from the ancient Egyptians and there are about 80 in total. The Great Pyramids date back to around 2560 BC and some reach over 400 feet in height. Take a private tour to learn about the rich history of one of the world’s most iconic travel hotspots.
40. Fireworks in Sydney on New Year’s Eve
There’s something quite magical about watching the fireworks in some far flung country and it doesn’t get much better than the world famous fireworks that dot the Sydney skyline lighting up the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge on New Year’s Eve. Be warned it gets busy, but if you want to ring the New Year in, in style, then this is your place.
