1. Swim in the Champagne Pool, New Zealand
While not an actual pool of sparkling vine, this beautiful 900 year old hot spring is full of carbon dioxide and has healing properties, making for an incredibly relaxing experience. It will help rejuvenate the body and mind, making you feel young and energetic.
2. Climb to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, Peru
A long hike up the breathtaking Peruvian mountains towards the clouds brings you to an ancient Inca city, leaving you pondering about civilizations that have been lost to the sands of time as you gaze upon the green valleys beneath your feet. Machu Picchu leaves you with an almost religious bliss and newfound respect for our ancestors.
3. Scuba dive in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The famous islands that Darvin famously explored on the HMS Beagle, rife with diverse flora and fauna, it is the perfect place to get in touch with nature and do some scuba diving. The deep ocean has many secrets to reveal, giving you an opportunity to silently reflect as you explore the lovely marine life.
4. Bask in the glory of the Shwedagon Pagoda, Burma
The huge gold plated Shwedagon Pagoda is full of old relics, and simply brimming with strong spiritual energy. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the site will definitely fill your heart with feelings of great respect and awe, and make you think about the power that faith can have in our civilization.
5. Go wild at the Northern Lights Festival, Norway
Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights are fascinating natural phenomenon, and one that will make you feel inspired and humbled. The Norwegians have a ton of great activities in store for you to enhance the experience, such as incredible concerts and performances by talented artists. It will fire up your soul and make you feel truly alive.
6. Spark up some romance at the Dark Sky Community at Borrego Springs, California, USA
Amidst all the light pollution of the modern world, a spot of clear starlight sky is a true commodity. A visit to the Dark Sky Community in California allows you to look at the skies similar to those that our adventurous ancestors looked at for inspiration, guidance and solace. The experience is quite romantic and leaves you with a lovely feeling of warmth, and a light tingle across the skin.
7. Dive into the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon, Island
Another great place of healing, this geothermal spa features hot healing waters, and the mere fact that you are splashing around in your swimwear during winter in a country that is known as the Land of Ice and Fire, leaves you feeling fulfilled and incredibly satisfied.
8. Leave glowing footsteps on the bioluminescent beach in Vadhoo, Maldives
Widely known as one of the most romantic places on Earth, the sandy Vadhoo beach is caressed by foamy waves carrying bioluminescent bacteria that make the waters glow at night, giving everything a bluish tint straight out of a sci-fi novel. Romance, child-like joy and serenity are some of the things that you can look forward to.
9. Take a hike to the Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Lebanon
Green grass, white rocks and a waterfall dropping down into a cavernous opening, make this an incredibly rewarding hike. It makes you feel secluded from the rest of the world, as if you went to a magical place from a vaguely remembered fairy tale.
10. Walk across the wondrous Zhangye Danxia Landform, China
Looking like something a particularly talented child would paint in art class, this colorful landform makes you think of an alien planet or a beautiful dream that you don’t wish to end. It’s easy to get lost in the magnificence of it all and spend hours walking around with a goofy smile on your face.
11. Frolic in the colorful fields of tulips, Netherlands
Flowers can have a very positive effect on the human psyche, and there are a few sites as vibrantly colorful and relaxing as fields of tulips in all the different colors that you can find in Netherlands. Frolic among the pretty flowers and treat your eyes to an explosion of color.
12. Explore the breathtaking Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska
Tucked away in the frozen lands of Alaska, the Mendenhall Glaciers has some breathtaking ice caves to offer, and since I promised myself that I will refrain from “Frozen” references, let’s just say that these locations will awaken your inner child and pump up your euphoria.
13. Ride a balloon across Cappadocia, Turkey
Ah, the ancient smooth Anatolian rock formations are truly something to behold, and since the Turks have always had a flair for the dramatic, you can take in the gorgeous scenery from a hot air balloon. A balloon ride over Cappadocia will elevate your spirit and make you feel like you can do anything that you want, like you are royalty.
14. Dip your toes in the fine white sand of Whitehaven Beach, Australia
In most of our fantasies about a tropical paradise, there is clear blue water and fine white sand, and Whitehaven Beach has both of these things in spades. The best thing about it is that the sand actually stays fairly cool even during the hottest months, so walking on the beach gives you a sense of freshness and serenity, and the beautiful waters will help wash away your anxiety.
15. Camp out in the magnificent Yosemite Valley, USA
Within the Sierra Nevada mountains, you will find a drop dead gorgeous glacial valley that features tons of unique flora and fauna, and some of the greatest scenery that you will find anywhere in the world. Exploring the valley will bring you closer to nature, fill you up with exhilaration and a sense of adventure.
These are some of the best travel experiences that will make a person feel a broad range of emotions, and have a lasting positive affect on your psyche. Everyone should visit some of these places at least once in their lifetime – it is an adventure that you definitely won’t regret.
