Top 12 Destinations That Every Seasoned Traveler Craves

You may have traveled far and wide, but these 12 destinations are the ones you'll regret missing out on. 

12 Dream Destinations for Avid Adventurers

Traveling is about experiencing stunning landscapes, landmarks, and meaningful places. It could be a snowy peak, an ancient temple, a historical site, or a renowned landmark. Below are 12 destinations that even the most well-traveled individuals find awe-inspiring.

Sydney Opera House

The first impression for any visitor is undoubtedly the dazzling white sails of the opera house designed to resemble shells. This elegant building was completed in 1973, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. It is one of the most recognizable buildings globally and also a top tourist destination in Australia, attracting over 8 million visitors annually.

Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro

Perched atop Corcovado Mountain in the city of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) stands a 30-meter-tall statue of Christ the Redeemer, placed on an 8-meter-high pedestal, with a wingspan of 28 meters, weighing a staggering 635 tons. In 2007, this Art Deco masterpiece was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

Spanning 2,727 meters, the Golden Gate Bridge serves as the gateway to San Francisco Bay, USA. Completed in 1937 by chief engineer Joseph Strauss, the bridge was initially criticized as 'ugly' by local press in 1922. However, this 'ugly' bridge now attracts over 10 million visitors annually.

The Forgotten City of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu sits at an altitude of 2,430 meters above sea level. American explorer Hiram Bingham unveiled the ancient Incan citadel to the world in 1911. Despite Peru and UNESCO imposing a daily visitor limit of 2,500, Machu Picchu consistently draws twice that number each day.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt, built over 4,500 years ago with numerous passageways and secret chambers, welcomes millions of tourists annually. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one still standing today.

The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal in India took 20 years to build and was completed in 1653. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum attracts approximately 7 million tourists every year.

The Statue of Liberty in New York

The Statue of Liberty, standing at 93 meters on Liberty Island, is recognized as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Gifted to the United States by France, it has stood in New York since 1886.

The Angkor Wat Temple

Located in Siem Reap (Cambodia), Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century and is now one of the largest religious monuments in the world. It is the top tourist attraction in Cambodia and even appears on the country's flag.

Petra – Capital of the Nabataean Kingdom

Petra impresses with its intricate rock-cut architecture and the use of red stone. It served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom from the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE. Discovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, this ancient city has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the biggest tourist draw in Jordan.

Easter Island

Located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and belonging to Chile, Easter Island, home to the famous Moai statues, is one of the most captivating destinations in the world. With approximately 900 statues scattered across the island, the tallest one reaches 10 meters in height and weighs 82 tons. Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, attracting numerous tourists every year.

The Eiffel Tower

Completed in 1889 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower stands 300 meters tall and was the tallest architectural structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930. Approximately 7 million tourists ascend the tower each year to admire the panoramic view of Paris.

Chichen Itza with 365 Steps Representing 365 Days

The name Chichen Itza in Mayan means 'at the mouth of the well of the Itza people.' Built in the 6th century, it features a 24-meter-high pyramid with 4 sides, each side consisting of 91 steps combined with the top platform to create a total of 365 steps, representing the days in a year. It has become one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico.

By Tien Quang/The Star

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour