With my birthday coming up, I’ve been reflecting on all the things I’ve been lucky enough to see and explore. Hence, I thought it would be fun to make a list of my current top destinations that I’ve been to. So here they are, my 25 places to see by 25!
The places are in no particular order, since that would DEFINITELY be waaaaay too hard!
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
For the longest time this was at the top of my travel bucket list! I love reading about ancient civilizations, which is why Machu Picchu has always fascinated me. I can truly say that visiting this wonder of the world has lived up to all of my expectations, it’s truly a magical place to be.
2. Easter Island, Chile
This was another destination up there on my travel bucket list! The feeling of being so secluded from the rest of the world in itself is already amazing. Put on top of that all the truly unique Moais (that’s what the famous stone statues are called) and the stunning beaches, you really have a once in a lifetime experience.
3. Maldives
I know there are mixed opinions out there about vacationing in the Maldives, but man, they truly have some of the nicest beaches and clearest waters I have ever seen!!! To this day I think back to our time there and instantly feel at peace and a little more relaxed. If you love diving, this will also be heaven for you!!
4. Florida Keys, USA
I loved the vibe on the Florida Keys! It’s so laid back and it makes you completely forget about time. Hop from beach to beach, to beach bar to beach bar and just enjoy yourself. 10/10 would recommend!
5. Paris, France
I feel like this is such a classic, that you have to see at least once in your lifetime. Besides visiting the super touristy spots (like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre), also make sure to just leave some time for strolling around the city and taking in everything around you. One of my personal favourite areas is Montmartre, but there are beautiful buildings all around!
6. London, England
Another classic which I feel like is a must see, especially while you’re young. London has such a cool vibe, with endless options for going out. Whether you like bars, clubs or just a nice restaurant – there’s something for everyone! And of course, there is plenty of history in the city as well! I personally really enjoyed visiting the Buckingham Palace, the inside is open for visitors during the summer months and it is gorgeous!
7. New York, USA
Yes, the big apple! The concrete jungle! Once again, this is such a classic in every way. Whether you love history, entertainment, food, art or sports – there is something for everybody to enjoy in this city.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Out of the Nordic cities, Copenhagen is definitely my favourite. The colourful waterfront houses, and the overall friendly and happy vibe in the summer months make this city worth a visit!
9. the Northern Lights (e.g. in Tromsø, Norway)
As a city, Tromsø is cute, but the real reason for visiting is definitely the chance of seeing the Northern Lights. This was another bucket list destination of mine. Even though we only saw a very weak occurrence of the Northern Lights, it was still beyond fascinating to see how the lights slowly appear out of nowhere! Check out my Tromsø itinerary here!
10. Malaga, Spain
I was debating for a long time which Spanish city to put on my list. And to be frank, you probably won’t regret your choice no matter what city you visit. Personally, I really love the south of Spain. The sunrise in Malaga is tattooed onto my brain, truly the most golden sunrise I have ever seen. Hence, why somehow this has turned into my top must visit city.
11. Porto, Portugal
I really really really love Port Wine. If you do too, then Porto is a non-negotiable must visit destination 😉
12. Aletschgletscher, Switzerland
Since I am from Switzerland, I can’t NOT include my favourite spots in my home country. The Aletschgletscher hike has some of the most insane glacier views I have ever seen on a hike. It’s breathtaking.
13. Oeschinensee, Switzerland
While we’re in Switzerland, another one of my must visit destinations in the Oeschinensee! This mountain lake has the bluest water you’ll ever see, nestled in between large rocks and beautiful alpine meadows.
14. Kyoto, Japan
If I would have to state a country where I’ve had the most culture shock while visiting, I’d probably have to say Japan. And I don’t mean that in a negative way, everything is just so different. Which is exactly what makes it so fascinating! The fashion, the food, the accommodations, the temples, the culture – it all really makes me appreciate how different we all are 🙂
15. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
I have to be honest here again, I had a classic all inclusive resort style holiday here. But hey, once in a while that’s exactly what you need! The people I was in contact with were so friendly and happy, and the beaches are insanely white and beautiful. A tropical paradise, truly!
16. Ubud in Bali, Indonesia
I know Bali is being super hyped right now, with all the digital nomads flocking there. However, I really have to say that I. understand the hype. Not only is the whole island super affordable, but I have never visited another place like Ubud before! There might be rice terraces like that in other countries in SE Asia as well, but for me it was my first time seeing them and I was amazed!
17. Queensland, Australia
I know this is really vague but I just cannot narrow it down any further, you really need to see all of Queensland!!! From tropical Cairns with the Great Barrier Reef, to Magnetic Island, to the Whitsundays, Fraser Island, Noosa, etc… I could go on for hours and hours about the stunning nature in Queensland. Check out my itinerary for 2 weeks in Queensland here!
18. Mallorca, Spain
If you’ve picked up a pattern here, my list consists of either classic cities that I feel like you must have seen in a lifetime, or stunning nature. Mallorca makes the list for the stunning nature. Here I’ve seen some of the cutest little beaches with turquoise blue waters, which will make you think you are somewhere way more tropical.
19. Rio de janeiro, Brasil
Rio has it both, a super cool city AND stunning nature! Oh, and great music and yummy cocktails…
20. Torres del Paine, Chile
The trek to the Base de las Torres is one of the hardest hikes I have ever done in my life! But also one of the most rewarding. The hike will take you along several glacier lakes, along small streams, through forests, and then up above the tree line until you are only surrounded by huge, gray rubble style rocks. And amongst all those things, the three imposing Torres del Paine. Worth every second of pain along the way haha!
21. Uluru, Australia
You’d think Uluru is just a huge red rock, but when you are there you really feel mesmerized by it. It’s just so big and surrounded by nothing, which makes you want to stare at it for hours! The same goes btw for Kata Tjuta, the equally beautiful but much less known rock formations just next to Uluru.
22. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Plitvice is a national park in Croatia. The park features multiple stunningly blue lakes, and dozens of pretty waterfalls. For me it’s a must visit in Croatia!
23. Petra, Jordan
Another one of the new wonders of the world! Even though I love beachy surroundings, there is something so captivating about being in this reddish canyon with these intricate carvings in the stone here and there.
24. Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale is a place you will not find again anywhere else! Literally translated, Pamukkale means cotton castle. And that’s exactly what it looks like: a hill covered in white minerals, where water has gathered in between to form small pools you can dip in!
25. Ohrid, Macedonia
Last but not least, just as I had to include Switzerland on this list, I also have to include my other home country on this list! Ohrid has so much to offer, from the beautiful lake, to the surrounding mountains, to the historical sites. You won’t regret a visit here 🙂
That’s it, these are my 25 places to see by 25! While compiling this list once again I thought to myself, how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful world.
Please let me know what your favourite places are, I’d love to chat <3