The world is filled with incredible places that inspire awe, wonder, and a deeper connection to our planet. In this list, we’ll explore a few of the most inspiring places in the world and what makes them so special.
But these destinations are about more than just stunning scenery; they’re about sparking something within you that can change the way you see the world.
From natural wonders to ancient ruins, there are plenty of unique places to discover and explore. So read on and find a place that will inspire you!
1. Aurora Borealis – Iceland
The Aurora Borealis – also known as the Northern Lights – is one of nature’s most stunning phenomena, and one of the best places to witness this magical light display is Iceland.
The lights, which appear in different hues of green, purple, pink, and blue in the night sky, are actually caused by particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s magnetic field. The result? A shimmering blanket of breathtaking colors that has inspired people from across the globe for centuries.
In Iceland, the clear, dark winter skies are the ideal backdrop for this natural show. The experience can be deeply moving, and the lucky few who have seen this have described a sense of awe and wonder while watching the sky come alive.
Besides the Aurora, Iceland itself is filled with incredible landscapes that include glaciers and geysers. So, if you’re a nature lover and you’re looking for your next adventure, this is the perfect spot.
2. Waitomo Glowworm Caves – New Zealand
If you find yourself in New Zealand, you won’t want to miss out on the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
These caves are truly enchanting, named for their otherworldly glow that is created by thousands of tiny glowworms. The worms emit a bioluminescent light that brightens up the cave walls and ceilings in an amazing blue-green color.
When visiting, you can explore the cave by boat and drift quietly through the dark space while taking in the natural beauty.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience will inspire you to discover even more hidden gems around the world. After all, this is one of the lesser-known destinations in New Zealand, often overshadowed by other major tourist attractions.
3. Marble Cathedral – Chile
Don’t be fooled by the name – Marble Cathedral isn’t associated with the church. Instead, it’s a cave system that looks like it’s straight out of a dream. But in reality, it’s located in General Carrera Lake in Chile.
These marble caves have been naturally carved by water over millions of years, making them an even more incredible sight. The turquoise and blue colors of the water also bounce off of the walls, creating an underground world that is unlike any other.
Much like the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you can only get here by boat, making the experience even more special and serene.
What’s amazing is that it’s filled with natural beauty and a vibe of tranquility and inspiration. Plus, the caves are surrounded by the Patagonian Lake, with rugged peaks and far-reaching waters, making it even more unforgettable!
4. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – China
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China is a stunning natural site known for its unique rock formations. In fact, the formations were actually used as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
The park has over 3,000 sandstone pillars, with some rising as high as 656 feet. Additionally, it has plenty of hiking and walking trails, including a glass bridge that gives a panoramic view of the forest around you – making for a great photo opportunity!
With its dense forests and deep ravines, Zhangjiajie is a place of unmatched natural beauty. We consider it one of the world’s most inspirational places because of its unusual surroundings and the feeling of visiting a different world altogether.
5. Coves del Drach – Mallorca
The Dragon Caves (or Coves del Drach) in Mallorca are a stunning underground network of limestone caves.
They are well-known for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites – but that’s not all you’ll get to experience here. Instead, you’ll get a two-in-one experience since the caves are also home to one of the biggest underground lakes in the world, Lake Martel.
If you get the opportunity to visit this gorgeous lake, you can take advantage of a guided tour and serene boat ride. Often, they will also play classical music inside of the caves, which makes it feel even more ethereal.
What makes this experience truly unique is that the caves are a far cry from the sunny beaches of Mallorca. While most visitors are interested in catching a tan and swimming in the clear waters, you can enjoy an unexpected activity that most tourists don’t even know exists!
6. Lake Hillier – Australia
Just off the southern coast of Western Australia on Middle Island is an incredible lake that must be seen to be believed.
Lake Hillier in Australia is one of the most unusual lakes in the world, thanks to its bright pink color. Although it may seem as if the water itself is a gorgeous pink hue, the color comes from microorganisms in the water. It is all natural and stays pink all year round, which looks incredible against the surrounding blue ocean and green forests.
While you aren’t allowed to swim in Lake Hillier, you can get a great view by taking a boat around the area. It’s the perfect photo op and the perfect excuse to explore the great outdoors. Plus, it’s sure to take your breath away – especially in the evenings as the sun begins to set.
7. Caño Cristales – Colombia
Often referred to as the ‘River of Five Colors’, Caño Cristales in Columbia is one of the world’s most vibrant rivers – and it should definitely be on your bucket list of places to visit! This incredible destination is well-hidden, but you can find it in the remote Serranía de la Macarena mountain range.
The river itself is famous for its red, yellow, green, blue, and black colors, created by an aquatic plant known as Macarenia clavigera. Since it only blooms in the water from May to November, you may want to plan your trip during this time. Otherwise, you may be a little disappointed.
Since the water is so clear, the colors are more than striking. In fact, the Caño Cristales is like a natural work of art that is sure to spark some inspiration (and potentially creative energy) within you.
8. Table Mountain – South Africa
Potentially one of the world’s most inspirational places to visit is in South Africa’s Western Cape region. Table Mountain is an iconic natural landmark that overlooks the city of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and nearby peaks like Lion’s Head.
What makes this mountain so incredibly special is that the top is naturally flat – like a table (hence the name). And the best part is that you can actually travel to the top of the mountain to take in the gorgeous views!
Hike one of the trails up the mountain or head to the top in a rotating cable car for panoramic views all the way up.
The mountain is also home to unique plant life, like the rare fynbos vegetation, which makes this a must-see for nature lovers. And, once you’ve reached the summit, it feels like you’re on top of the world. What more could you want out of an inspirational destination?
9. Tunnel of Love – Ukraine
The Tunnel of Love in the Ukraine is a naturally-formed railway track that is surrounded by plenty of greenery.
Located in Klevan, this magical spot marks where trees have begun to grow over the tracks. This has created a leafy archway that spans around around 2.5 miles.
This fairy-tale path looks like something out of a dream and has become a popular spot for couples. In fact, they believe that walking through it will bring good luck and strengthen their relationships.
Besides this, the Tunnel is considered inspiring because of its beauty and the way that nature has transformed something like an everyday railway station into a naturally mystical place.
10. Wisteria Walk at Kawachi Fuji Gardens – Japan
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking into a floral wonderland, then you have to pay a visit to Wisteria Walk at Kawachi Fuji Gardens.
The beautiful garden, located in Kitakyushu, is known for its stunning wisteria tunnels. But they really come alive during the spring when they bloom in shades of pink, white, and purple.
The flowers tend to hang down in clusters, creating picturesque tunnels. Take a walk, and the smell of the flowers and overall atmosphere make it feel like a passage to another world.
So, if you find yourself in Japan, be sure to experience their most beautiful flowers and reconnect with nature.
11. Kailasa Temple – India
Whether you take an interest in architecture or not, Kailasa Temple is one of the world’s most inspirational places. The Temple in the Ellora Caves is carved from a single piece of rock and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. But what makes it truly unique is that it’s one of the biggest monolithic structures in the world.
Still, it’s not just the Temple’s size that matters – it’s also the level of detail in the carvings, which all depict various scenes from Hindy mythology.
While you can draw inspiration from the sheer size and craftsmanship, it’s important to remember that the entire structure was built without the use of modern tools. If you keep this in mind, seeing this wonder in person becomes even more awe-inspiring.
Visiting Kailasa is an incredibly humbling experience. Plus, it offers you a glimpse into India’s cultural and spiritual history.
12. Los Glaciares National Park – Chile / Argentina
Los Glaciares National Park straddles both Chile and Argentina. But unlike traditional national parks, this expanse of wilderness has much more than meets the eye.
Of course, Los Glaciares has jaw-dropping landscapes that include lakes and towering peaks. However, it’s also home to Perito Moreno Glacier, which is one of the few glaciers in the world that was still advancing until as late as 2020.
When you’re here, you can hike along the glacier’s edge or take a boat trip where you may see some of the massive ice chunks break off into the water below. Still, it’s the untouched nature that makes it a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure-seekers alike.
13. Tikal – Guatemala
Are you looking for the archeological adventure of a lifetime that is sure to leave you feeling inspired? Then Tikal is the perfect spot for you.
This ancient Mayan city is in Guatemala, nestled deep within the rainforest. It’s not exactly hidden, though, since the towering temples and pyramids rise above the jungle canopy. In fact, they can sometimes reach up to 230 feet.
Although the site was once a powerful city, there are only ruins left behind. However, these ruins now offer you a glimpse into the grandeur of what the Mayan civilization used to be.
The history here is palpable, and walking through Tikal feels like stepping back in time. The combination of the size of the ruins, the history, and the nature that surrounds the old city are sure to leave you in awe.
14. Angel Falls – Venezuela
Angel Falls in Venezuela is the tallest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, with a drop of 3,211 feet, in the remote Canaima National Park. The cliffs on either side of the waterfall are incredibly striking and surrounded by a dense jungle.
The views here are only one of the things that make this a unique experience. But the real magic happens as the water crashes down into the valley below. This creates a mist that rises into the air and forms a wall of gorgeous water droplets.
This natural wonder is a must-see for any traveler – and especially exciting for anyone who wants to feel inspired by the incredible beauty of nature and what it can do.
15. The Great Barrier Reef – Australia
We couldn’t write a list of inspirational places without mentioning the Great Barrier Reef. Located in Australia, this is one of the most famous natural wonders on earth and stretches over 2,300 kilometers (1,429 miles) along the coast of Queensland.
Because of its size, it’s known as the largest coral reef system on Earth. Of course, it’s also home to thousands of species of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, coral, and fish.
And the best part? You can go diving or snorkeling here to experience this incredible natural phenomenon up close.
Between the colors of the reef and the crystal-clear waters, swimming here feels like an absolute dream. So, if you find yourself in Australia and in need of some inspiration, then be sure to add the Great Barrier Reef to your itinerary.
FAQs
What makes a place truly inspiring?
A place becomes inspiring when it has a unique quality that captures your imagination. Whether it’s a natural beauty, rich history, or a sense of peace that makes you pause and reflect, our list of inspiring places is also a list of must-see travel destinations.
We love that they make you feel like you’re surrounded by something that’s bigger than yourself. They can stir your emotions, spark your creativity, leave you in awe, and offer you a chance to connect with something special.
How do I choose the best time to visit these places?
The best time to visit these inspirational places will depend on where they are. You’ll need to consider the season (is it peak season or off-season?), weather, and your ability to visit them during certain times of the year.
Generally speaking, outdoor destinations are best visited during the summer or spring, when the weather is warm and inviting. However, if you’re visiting a city, then this may not be as important. Instead, you may want to think about accommodation and travel prices.
Related: See our list of history’s most inspiring events and stay inspired today!
Plan Your Visit!
The world is full of wonders that will inspire you and leave you in awe. But not every one of these destinations is easy to find. Rather, there are plenty of hidden gems that you may not have known about before now.
But with this list, you’ll hopefully find your next dream destination for your future travels. So, get ready to be inspired and experience places you’ve only ever dreamed of – until now.