Top Tourist Spots Around the World

Posted on February 9, 2017

by Angela B

Vouchercloud has reviewed every country’s top tourist destination from TripAdvisor, a user-generated website that rates all things travel related. There are 197 countries with 76 natural attractions, 54 historic attractions, 38 generic tourist attractions, and 29 religious attractions. You may want to review this list to know where to visit or avoid, depending on the type of traveler you are.

Below, you’ll find a listing of some of the most beautiful and unusual attractions that you may not know about. Happy travelling!

South America

Daniel Campos Province, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni

Bolivia holds the world’s largest salt flats.

Salt flats in Bolivia

Photo by Luca Galuzzi

Paraná State, Brazil

Iguazu Falls

These falls are one of the largest waterfall systems in the world.

Paraná State, Brazil - Iguazu Falls

Photo by P.D. Tillman

Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region, Chile

Torres Del Paine National Park

This park has rare animals, glaciers, and mountains made of granite.

Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region, Chile - Torres Del Paine National Park

Photo by Winkyintheuk

Bolívar, Columbia

Walled City of Cartagena

The historic city was founded in 1533, but was settled by indigenous people in 4000 B.C.

Bolívar, Columbia - Walled City of Cartagena

Photo by Alex Rocha

North America

Coffee Gully, Barbados

Hunte’s Gardens

This lush garden is full of tropical flowers, trees, foliage, statues, antiques, and more.

Coffee Gully, Barbados - Hunte’s Gardens

Photo by P. Dean

Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica

Boiling Lake

This is one lake you won’t want to swim in. The second largest hot spring in the world is over 197 degrees Fahrenheit.

Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica - Boiling Lake

Photo by Göran Höglund

Ilulissat, Greenland

Ilulissat Icefjord

Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the most actively growing glaciers in the world.

Ilulissat, Greenland - Ilulissat Icefjord

Photo by Greenland Travel

Roatán, Honduras

Little French Key

If you’re looking for the true definition of an island paradise, look no further than Honduras. There are many activities, excellent restaurants, and lots of places to sit back and relax.

Roatán, Honduras - Little French Key

Photo by Little French Key Association

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Island Gully Falls

One of the best swimming holes in the world.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica - Island Gully Falls

Photo by Nick Sherman

Masaya, Nicaragua

Masaya Volcano National Park

Tourists usually have a 2 hour wait to get a 15 minute glimpse of this volcano. However, everyone says it’s worth the wait.

Masaya, Nicaragua - Masaya Volcano National Park

Photo by Jorge Mejia Peralta

Africa

Belas, Angola

Miradouro da Lua

Tourists feel like they’re visiting the moon when seeing these cliffs.

Belas, Angola - Miradouro da Lua (Africa)

Photo by Paulo César Santos

Lalibela, Ethiopia

Rock Hewn Churches

There are 11 medieval churches carved out of the colossal rocks.

Lalibela, Ethiopia - Rock Hewn Churches

Photo by Rod Waddington

Cape Town, South Africa

Table Mountain

Travelers can hike or take a cable car up to the top of this prominent mountain that overlooks Cape Town.

Cape Town, South Africa - Table Mountain

Photo by Miquitos

El Jem, Tunisia

El Jem Amphitheatre

This 3rd-century Roman amphitheater held up to 35,000 spectators.

El Jem, Tunisia - El Jem Amphitheatre

Photo by Dennis Jarvis

Australia/Oceantic

Central and Northern Provinces, Papua New Guinea

Kokoda Track

This historic trail was one of the battlegrounds during the Pacific War (World War II).

Central and Northern Provinces, Papua New Guinea - Kokoda Track

Photo by Nomad Tales

Coron, Philippines

Kayangan Lake

After a ten minute climb, one can find crystal clear waters concealed in the mountain walls.

Coron, Philippines - Kayangan Lake

Photo by Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ

Lotofaga, Samoa

To-Sua Ocean Trench

Tourists love to swim in this grotto located on a volcanic island.

Lotofaga, Samoa -- To-Sua Ocean Trench

Photo by Tishamp

Tongatapu Island, Tonga

Mapu’a’ Vaea Blowholes

Waves crash into the volcanic rock that forces water up and out, creating natural spouts.

Tongatapu Island, Tonga -- Mapu'a' Vaea Blowholes

Photo by Holger Behr

Luganville, Vanuatu

Millenium Cave

This experience will take you under waterfalls, swimming down rivers, rock climbing, and more.

Luganville, Vanuatu -- Millenium Cave

Photo by sydneydawg2006

Asia

Thimphu, Bhutan

Taktsang Palphug

The Himalayan Buddhist temple, named Tiger’s Nest, was built in the 1600s in honor of the legend of Guru Rinpoche who reportedly flew on the back of a tigress to this spot, about 10,000 feet above sea level.

Thimphu, Bhutan -- Taktsang Palphug

Photo by Richard Hopkins

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Petronas Tower

These beautiful towers were the tallest in the world from 1998 until 2004 and are currently the 8th tallest.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- Petronas Tower

Photo by Juan Pablo Arancibia Medina

Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan Temples

Bagan has the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples in the world.

Bagan, Myanmar -- Bagan Temples

Photo by Nicholas Kenrick

Muscat, Oman

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

This modern mosque can hold up to 20,000 people and has the world’s second largest hand-woven carpet and chandelier.

Muscat, Oman -- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Photo by Prasad Pillai

Lahore, Pakistan

Badshahi Mosque

Completed in 1673, this was the world’s largest mosque for 313 years. Currently, this is the 7th largest in the world, but remains one of the most beautiful.

Lahore, Pakistan -- Badshahi Mosque

Photo by Muhammad Ashar

Darvaza, Turkmenistan

Door to Hell

An underground natural gas cavern’s ceiling collapsed in 1971, releasing methane gas. Geologists set the crater, the size of a football field, on fire to prevent the toxic gas from spreading and the fire has been going ever since.

Darvaza, Turkmenistan -- Door to Hell

Photo by Tormod Sandtorv

Hội An, Vietnam

Ancient Town

Established in the 15th century, the antiquated buildings made of traditionally carved wood have been preserved incredibly well, which is the main reason for its popularity.

Hội An, Vietnam -- Ancient Town

Photo by Rapidacid

Europe

Brussels, Belgium

Grand Place

The flower carpets were first created in 1971 in the town square, and the tradition continues every August on even years only.

Brussels, Belgium -- Grand Place

Photo by Wouter Hagens

Blaskogabyggd, Iceland

Gullfoss Falls

The 75 foot waterfall is truly the gem of Iceland.

Blaskogabyggd, Iceland -- Gullfoss Falls

Photo by O. Palsson

Sintra, Portugal

Quinta da Regaleira

This romantic palace has a chapel, aquarium, grottoes, fountains, underground walkways, and wells that were not used for water, but for Tarot initiation rites. The palace is now an important national monument, and is open to the public.

Sintra, Portugal -- Quinta da Regaleira

Photo by Stijndon

Sinaia, Romania

Peleș Castle

Constructed from 1873-1914 for King Carol I, the style of this castle combines Gothic Revival and Neo-Renaissance architecture. Now a museum, one can witness the opulent craftsmanship and various works of art.

Sinaia, Romania -- Peleș CastlePhoto by Tiberiu Sahlean

Città di San Marino, San Marino

Guaita

The fortress was built in the 11th century to protect citizens during sieges and house their military forces. Later, it was used as a prison and currently it serves as a museum.

Città di San Marino, San Marino -- Guaita

Photo by Ricardo André Frantz

Saint Petersburg, Russia

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

This Russian Orthodox Church took 24 years to complete because of its intricate mosaics and grandiose size. The church was also used as a temporary morgue in WWII, a warehouse, and is currently a museum.

Saint Petersburg, Russia -- Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Photo by NoPlayerUfa

World Travel Books

Where the Locals Go: More Than 300 Places Around the World to Eat, Play, Shop, Celebrate, and Relax compiled by the National Geographic Traveler TeamWhere the Locals Go: More Than 300 Places Around the World to Eat, Play, Shop, Celebrate, and Relax compiled by the National Geographic Traveler Team

Formats: Print | eBook

For many, the joy of travel is often an authentic, immersive experience of the local culture. Here, National Geographic’s insider tips offer a unique look at the places and activities around the world that captivate the residents–from regional festivals, undiscovered local restaurants, and lesser-known art galleries, to quiet places to sit and watch another world stroll by. A bonus chapter features in-depth experiences in the top 15 greatest cities. This book goes beyond Internet basics to ensure rewarding and memorable travel for those who crave a deeper understanding of a country and its people. When in Rome, they say, do as the Romans do. Discover the soul of a place through a chance encounter, a kind word, or an unparalleled tip from a local. In Where the Locals Go, you’ll find hundreds of authentic, beautifully photographed travel experiences, complemented with nuggets of entertaining and insightful text informed by locals. Now, you, too, can join the locals in Venice on their evening passeggiata; mingle with the crowds at sunset on Juhu Beach in Mumbai; sample some of France’s best cheeses in the Alpine town of Annecy; and walk the ancient peak-to-peak pilgrimage on Japan’s Kunisaki Peninsula. This book will inspire you to make your next trip a truly authentic travel experience.

Frommer's places for passion : [the 75 most romantic destinations in the world -- and why every couple needs to get away] / Pepper Schwartz, PhD, Janet Lever, PhDFrommer’s Places For Passion: The 75 Most Romantic Destinations in the World — and Why Every Couple Needs to Get Away by Pepper Schwartz, PhD, Janet Lever, PhD

Formats: Print

Today Show contributor, AARP Sex and Relationship Ambassador, and best-selling author Pepper Schwartz has teamed up with Janet Lever (former coauthor of Glamour’s Sex and Health column) to create a guidebook to the world’s sexiest destinations. Along with the detail-rich text on their top 75 picks, the authors make a solid case for why traveling together is an important factor in improving and sustaining the romance in our lives. This witty, helpful book also dishes the dirt on how to pick the right destinations, why travel can rekindle sparks, tricks and tips for passion, and ways to constructively negotiate with your significant other about vacation plans.

Epic bike rides of the world : explore the planet's most thrilling cycling routesEpic Bike Rides of the World: Explore the Planet’s Most Thrilling Cycling Routes by the Lonely Planet

Formats: Print

Discover 200 of the best places to ride a bike in this beautifully illustrated hardback. From family-friendly, sightseeing urban rides to epic adventures off the beaten track. Destinations range from France and Italy, for the world’s great bike races, to the wilds of Mongolia and Patagonia. These journeys will inspire – whether you are an experienced cyclist or just getting started. Each ride is illustrated with stunning photography and a map. A toolkit of practical details – where to start and finish, how to get there, where to stay and more – helps riders plan their own trips. There are also suggestions for three more similar rides around the world for each story. Each piece shows how cycling is a fantastic way to get to know a place, a people and their culture.

Lonely Planet - Travel with Children: Family-Friendly Travel Without the Fuss - contributors, Sophie Caupeil, Jean-Bernard Carillet, Sandrine Gallotta, Jonathan Tartour, Marie ThureauTravel With Children: Family-Friendly Travel Without the Fuss by the Lonely Planet – contributors, Sophie Caupeil, Jean-Bernard Carillet, Sandrine Gallotta, Jonathan Tartour, Marie Thureau

Formats: Print

Provides tips and advice for traveling with children to over eighty countries around the world, identifying the top family-friendly attractions and experiences in each country while sharing practical travel tips.

Lonely Planet's The Best Things in Life are Free: The Ultimate Money-Saving Travel Guide - Isabel Albiston [and 39 others] ; foreword written by Tom HallLonely Planet’s The Best Things in Life are Free: The Ultimate Money-Saving Travel Guide by Isabel Albiston [and 39 others] ; foreword written by Tom Hall

Formats: Print

Lonely Planet’s The Best Things in Life are Free is packed full of money-saving tips, tricks and recommendations for the best-value sights and experiences around the world. From parks, museums and exercise classes that are free, to insider ideas on food and experiences offered at great value, this book features over 60 major cities around the world and promises to help any traveler on a budget to make the most of their trip.

Make the most of your time on Earth : [the rough guide to the world]Make the Most of Your Time on Earth: The Rough Guide to the World

Formats: Print

This book contains a thousand unique experiences, taking in all seven continents and almost two hundred countries. Rough Guide writers and photographers have been traveling the globe for three decades, and this fully updated second edition – with over two hundred new pieces – is the result.

Lonely Planet's The World: A Traveller's Guide to the Planet / contributing author, Will Gourlay ; coordinating product editor, Penny CordnerThe World: A Traveller’s Guide to the Planet by the Lonely Planet – contributing author, Will Gourlay; coordinating product editor, Penny Cordner

Formats: Print

We’ve distilled 40 years of travel know-how into the first guidebook to our entire planet. In this ultimate A to Z, every country has a detailed map, essential facts, inspirational images and its must see highlights. Discover the highlights of 221 countries in glorious colour, explore your interests, plan itineraries and find out how to get around, Our authors share travel secrets and local insights, Includes 228 maps, 700 images and 1595 highlights (approx. 2-5 pages per country).

The world's most romantic destinations : 50 dreamy getaways, private retreats, and enchanting places to celebrate love / Abbie KozolchykThe World’s Most Romantic Destinations: 50 Dreamy Getaways, Private Retreats, and Enchanting Places to Celebrate Love by Abbie Kozolchyk

Formats: Print

National Geographic reveals 50 gloriously romantic vacations in this inspirational planner for weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and other amorous special occasions. Filled with more than 200 color photographs of dreamy places, from secluded beaches to exotic jungles to luxurious spas, this book offers the perfect passionate escape to those who have just found love or are celebrating a lifetime of it.


Featured Image Credit: Travel Map – courtesy of Vouchercloud.


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