The Most Beautiful Places on Earth

Every once in a while, we get a chance to see the world in a whole new light. You know what I'm talking about: that moment when you're at the top of a mountain and your jaw drops, or when you see an underwater scene that makes you gasp, or when an animal catches your eye and you can't help but stare. It's these moments—the ones when something makes you stop, take stock of yourself and your surroundings, and realize how lucky you are—that make travel worth it.

But there's so much more to travel than just those moments. There are amazing places to visit all over the planet, and I've rounded up my top 5 favorite spots for you to experience in each region of the globe. If you've never been to any of these places before, now is the perfect time to go!

1.) The Great Barrier Reef in Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic sights in the world, thanks to its size and beauty. It's also home to thousands of species of aquatic life, making it an incredible sight to see even if you don't want to dive into its waters (which many people do). If you want to get up close and personal with this beautiful underwater landscape, consider renting a boat or plane trip. You'll be able to see all sorts of different species while getting quite close to them!

2. The Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States, and for good reason: it's one of the most beautiful places on earth. A huge canyon carved by water erosion over millions of years, it's a natural wonder that defies description. The colors change depending on how far away you look; there are so many different shades you can see—and if you're lucky enough to be there during sunrise or sunset, the beauty truly astonishes.

3. Mount Everest in Nepal

The mountain was named after Sir George Everest, who led an expedition in 1856 that discovered its peak at 29,029 feet above sea level. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination. Mount Everest is a huge, imposing peak that towers over the Himalayas and is home to some of the most dangerous weather conditions in the world. But it's also one of the most beautiful places on Earth, with a summit that is constantly changing as snow falls on it and then melts into waterfalls. The view from the top of Mount Everest is truly breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks in every direction.

4. The Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador

If you're looking for a uniquely different experience, consider heading over to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. These islands are made up entirely of volcanic rock formations that were formed during eruptions from beneath the sea surface around 500 million years ago—and they're still forming today! Today's islands are home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth—including giant tortoises (which can weigh up 300 pounds), giant land crabs (which can reach lengths of 10 feet long), and finches that can fly.

5. Machu Picchu in Peru

Machu Picchu (mah'ku puh-CHU) is an Inca citadel built around 1450 CE by the Inca emperor Pachacuti. It was part of a larger estate called Qosqo (KOHS-koh), which also included agricultural fields and terraces used for growing crops. The estate was built on top of a mountain ridge that rose above surrounding valleys—making it one of the highest locations in Peru. Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been designated as a protected area due to its unique architecture and cultural significance. Its beauty has attracted travelers from all over the world.

In Conclusion

The world is full of wonders, and it's hard to choose just one place out of all those places. The most beautiful places on Earth are the ones that surprise you. You look at a picture and think, "Oh yeah, this is pretty." Then you go there and it's more than you ever expected. They are also the ones that make you stop and think—they're not just beautiful in a generic way. They're made of something special. They might be small and intimate, or they might be huge—but they all have something in common: they're full of things that make your heart sing.

Few places can compare to the natural beauty of the world's most beautiful places. These spots showcase the planet's amazing landscapes, culture and biodiversity, and they contain many of the most renowned attractions on the planet. From national parks to UNESCO sites to coastal islands, these are five of the many beautiful places on earth.

Lead image from Forbes