10 Places You Need to See Before You Die

Every traveler’s bucket list is different, but that’s no reason to pass up any of these breathtaking landmarks. With 10 natural and man-made beauties across five continents (sorry Australia and Antarctica), our list takes you into some of the lesser-known areas of travel. With slightly shorter lines, you’ll have just enough time to take some of those crafty forced perspective photos. Enjoy our list of 10 places you need to see before you die.

Devils Tower (United States)

Made famous by Steven Spielberg’s 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Devils Tower is a gargantuan sedimentary rock compilation located in northern Wyoming. The natural monument has found its way into Native American mythology of the Lakota tribe, representing the power of the Great Spirit.

Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe)

This waterfall is one of the largest in the world, doubling the height of Niagara Falls in North America. In addition to its size and beauty, the wide array of hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes found near Victoria Falls make it one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Taal Volcano (The Philippians)

Taal Volcano is every geologist’s dream. Located within Taal Lake, it encompasses its own lake, which in turn contains a small island known as Vulcan Point. While you try to put that together in your head, just keep in mind that all of this is contained inside a much bigger island, known as Luzon Island.

Svalbard (Norway)

Speaking of islands, Svalbard is one of the world’s northernmost chains of small landmasses. It has a population of less than 3,000 people, and serves as one of the greatest places to observe the Northern Lights.

Terracotta Army (China)

Located in the Lintong District of China, these ancient figures were discovered underground by farmers in 1974. They date back to the Qin Dynasty in the second century BCE, and it is believed that the sculptures served as guards to the emperor’s body in the afterlife.

Lake Como (Italy)

This natural paradise resides in the Lombardia region of northern Italy, and overlooks the Alps from a distance. Celebrities such as Madonna, George Clooney, and Sylvester Stallone have all owned property there.

Easter Island (Chile)

Although the island is technically 2000 miles off the mainland of Chile, it serves as one of the country’s most historic and mysterious landmarks. Easter Island is well-known for its head-shaped statues of mostly unknown origins, which can be easily be identified by archaeologists and Spongebob Squarepants fans alike.

Antelope Canyon (United States)

Next to Arizona’s professional sports teams, Antelope Canyon is one of the most unstable attractions in the state. Tourists admire the canyon for its wavy terrain and colorful geology, making it one of America’s most unique natural destinations.

Isalo National Park (Madagascar)

This place has everything. From lemurs to birds to reptiles, Isalo National Park is one of the most biologically diverse locations on the planet. In addition to its wildlife, the park’s canyons and grasslands are the perfect eye candy for any visitor.

Melissani Cave (Greece)

Arguably Greece’s greatest cave system, the Melissani Cave offers boat rides to visitors from within. The water’s unusual coloring sometimes creates the illusion that the boats are floating on air!

What do you think of our list of 10 places you need to see before you die?