Travel is one of life’s greatest joys. You escape the norm, relax and unwind, explore fascinating places, and make lasting memories. What’s not to like?
However, the tricky part is deciding where to go. With limited vacation time and so many options, picking a destination can be tricky. To help, we’re taking a look at 15 incredible countries we recommend visiting this year. Let’s dive in…
1. Spain
Historic Spain is home to some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Combining 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a huge array of famous festivals, and gorgeous beaches and resort towns, it’s no wonder Spain is the second most visited country in the world.
2. Scotland
The highlands of Scotland are home to some of the most beautiful scenery found anywhere on Earth. An ancient country rich in history and tradition, Scotland blends bagpipe music and whiskey with some of the most vibrant cities in Europe. The Edinburgh Fringe Arts Festival every Summer is a real highlight.
3. Australia
A giant country with so much to offer, Australia is so much more than spiders and snakes. With the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef amongst the natural offerings and the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach for the less adventurous, this country provides weeks of intrigue for the keen traveler.
4. England
London is one of the most visited cities in the world for a reason. The theatres, historical landmarks, and rich diverse culture are second to none. But England is far more than just one city – venture further afield to the stunning Lake District or Peak District, join the druids for a Solstice at Stonehenge, or visit Bath to view some of the best-preserved Roman ruins worldwide.
5. Norway
Norway is uniquely beautiful. Everywhere in this country is picturesque. From the dramatic coastlines to the imposing mountains, Norway is some of nature’s best work. The Norwegian fjords must be seen to be believed. National Geographic calls them the top tourist attraction in the world.
6. Portugal
The Algarve in Portugal is one of the most popular coastal destinations in the world. Any sun-chaser could do a lot worse than a holiday here. Away from the beach, Portugal is famous for its cuisine, from port wine to custard tarts. Beautiful cities like Lisbon and Porto are must-sees for anyone more culturally minded.
7. Netherlands
Windmills, tulip fields, and bicycles: Visiting the Netherlands feels like stepping into a storybook. Away from the national park and the stunning scenery, the city of Amsterdam is one of the top destinations in Europe, famous for its museums, quirky architecture, canal system, and lively nightlife.
8. Austria
Austria is home to culinary delicacies such as schnitzel and strudel and is one of Europe’s top skiing destinations. Away from the slopes, Vienna is an architectural masterpiece of a city.
The country is famous for its contributions to classical music, giving the world Mozart and Beethoven. Solo travelers can rest easy here: Austria is regularly voted one of the safest cities in the world.
9. Canada
Canadians are world-famous for their friendliness and politeness, so any visitor should feel welcome here. With sights including the Rocky Mountains and Niagara Falls, Canada’s natural beauty is breathtaking to behold. Closer to civilization, cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are vibrant and exciting.
10. Switzerland
This alpine country is a popular destination for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The villages nestled in the Swiss Alps are otherworldly, and one can easily lose a few days to chocolate and cheese in storybook surroundings.
The capital city, Bern, has a stunning Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful example of 11th-century architecture.
11. Iceland
The most sparsely populated country in Europe, Iceland has just 380,000 residents. This leaves most of its natural beauty untouched. Waterfalls, volcanoes, and hot springs are just some of the natural highlights on offer. Due to its location and lack of light pollution, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to watch the Northern Lights.
12. Japan
One could spend six months in Japan and barely scratch the surface of what this country has to offer. Tokyo, the capital, is the world’s largest metropolitan area. The countryside is dotted with ancient castles and temples in and amongst the gorgeous scenery. Mixing cutting-edge technology with rich and well-preserved history, Japan offers a unique blend of past and present.
13. Greece
Steeped in history and blessed with natural beauty, Greece is a wonder to behold. Wonders like the Parthenon, left over from the Ancient Greeks, are enough to satisfy anyone’s cultural needs.
Greece also boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and has a dazzling archipelago of islands throughout the Ionian Sea. Every island has a unique character: Hiring a boat and hopping between them for a week is a treat.
14. New Zealand
New Zealand’s legendary scenery was made famous as the setting for the Lord of the Rings movies. The country is uniquely biodiverse, home to amazing creatures like the Kiwi Bird that cannot be found anywhere else.
The people are renowned for their friendly and laid-back attitude, so any visitor will feel welcome. The native Maori people have a rich heritage that is fascinating to learn about.
15. Italy
Italy is hard to beat. Rome alone is worth a week, with the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain among countless must-see sights.
There’s also Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and much more. Italian food is the world’s most popular cuisine, and every region has its specialties. Some of the most famous artists in the world were Italian, and the collections on display have to be seen to be believed.