10 places to visit before you die

Enter Sagarmatha National Park and you will be drawn into a lush Himalayan region dominated by snow-capped mountains and valleys. Trekking across the mystical park, you will cross paths with native Sherpas, snow leopards, and red pandas thriving in one of the most beautiful places in the world. It takes 14 days of hiking to arrive at the base of Mount Everest, where you have the option to spend a night sleeping in the magnificent shadows of the Himalayas at Everest Base Camp or take a selfie and return back home.

You should, at least once in your life, immerse yourself in the magnificent stars of the universe. To do this, you will need a clear sky. Namibia, one of the world’s most sparsely-populated countries, is home to NamibRand Nature Reserve. Located deep inside the Namib Desert many miles from any town or settlement, the reserve possesses one of the clearest dark skies on the planet. Spend a night in the few lodges where observational areas are available, or spend a few days desert-trekking and literally getting lost in the stars.

Halong Bay is an absolute vision to behold, making it one of the best places to see before you die. Much like the most beautiful postcard you have ever seen coming to life before your eyes, this world heritage site sparkles with emerald-green water lapping under towering limestone pillars. Small cruise ships are available to take you and a handful of other people deep into the idyllic bay where you will spend a night under the stars and wake up to a stunning sunrise over the forest-topped hills. Kayak in the water and explore the hidden caves with your friends during the day.

There is no other place like it in the world. Running 445 kilometres long and dropping an astonishing 1.6 kilometres deep, the Grand Canyon never fails to appear on almost everyone’s bucket list travel destinations. For the brave, standing near the edge will give you an immense panoramic view of the landscape that spans further than your eyes can take you. Visiting the canyon is quite easy and the numerous hospitality spots keep travellers comfortable. There is no denying that you will leave a little bit changed after observing one of earth’s most remarkable creations.

If you have ever experienced being inside a floating hot air balloon, you will know it is hard to put into words the feeling you get while gliding in the sky. Imagine a buttery-smooth flight across the clouds with panoramic views of the earth hanging below as you are engulfed in a magical silence. Take this experience a step further by bringing your hot air balloon above one of the most majestic cities in the world: Bagan, Myanmar. Floating beautifully over 3,000 ancient, glimmering temples sprinkled across the countryside should be on your list of things to do before you die.

Considered the best country to go on a safari in Africa, Tanzania is home to Serengeti National Park. Here you will witness millions of wildebeest and zebras overtaking the pastures in their annual migration, crocodiles lurking through the Grumeti River, black eagles soaring over Lobo Hills, hippos lounging in the Retima Pool, and black rhinos camping in the granite Moru Kopjes.

In the 17th century, an emperor built the Taj Mahal to house the tomb of his beloved wife. As a result, one of history’s most beautiful man-made masterpieces was constructed. Ranked among the new seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is often regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the world. The ivory-marbled, garden-filled mausoleum, spanning across 17 hectares, embodies a timeless love story that is included in nearly every travel bucket list.

Vietnam, with its incredible mountains, majestic waterfalls, dazzling caves, and rich culture, offers an incredibly diverse landscape that cannot be missed. What better way to venture across the country than by motorcycle? Traverse across the stunning Mai Pi Leng mountain pass and the lush Sapa landscapes in the north, explore the hidden caves of Phong Nha, cruise the warm coast towards beach city Nha Trang, peek into hidden street food alleys in Ho Chi Minh City, and witness the unique floating markets in the Mekong Delta.

This 6-night, 7,621-kilometre Trans-Siberian train ride between Moscow and Beijing is slow travel at its finest. As you take in the cinematic landscape of birch trees, shimmering lakes, camel herds, grassy plains, and the Gobi Desert from your cozy cabin, you will realize that this is one of the best bucket list holidays you could ever take. Inside the train, you could be sitting next to Buddhist monks or Russian businessmen as you delight in the onboard vodka and treats.

New Zealand is known for offering some of the most beautiful places in the world, and perhaps at the top of the list for must-see places in this mesmerizing country is Milford Track. As you walk the 53-kilometre track, you will journey through valleys carved by glaciers, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and let your senses come alive in ancient rainforests. The walk lasts roughly 4 days, ending at the legendary Milford Sound, a stunning landscape that will have you leaving as a different person.