When it comes to getting travel fever, there’s often a specific type of location that we’re yearning to see. Oftentimes, this revolves around leisure.
We dream of laying on a sunny beach and swimming in the warm, tropical ocean. Or we might also imagine ourselves in a cozy chalet with our ski boots within reaching distance.
Some of us may instead focus on culture and specific experiences. For example, more than 1.4 million fans recently travelled to Qatar to sample local culture and watch the World Cup action unfold live. Other travellers might target a city like Guangzhou, Mexico City, or Paris for its culinary offerings.
However, some locations are simply larger than life. From their history to their current role to the simple sensation of standing in a certain atmosphere, we’ve collected some of the world’s most cinematic and unforgettable locations. Which have you pencilled into your bucket list?
Casino di Monte Carlo, Monaco
There’s no casino as famous as the Casino di Monte Carlo. Today, most casino gamers stick to remote platforms that let them play from home and learn the ropes. For example, new roulette players might not know how many roulette numbers are on the board and how to strategically place their bets. With an online platform, they can go over the rules at their own pace—and even play with friends.
However, there’s no substitute for the feeling of stepping onto the ornate and extravagant casino floor in Monaco. Not only does the city-state benefit from royal associations and an incredibly high GDP, but that luxury meets history and culture within the Casino di Monte Carlo. And you’ll be able to sense it from the moment you’re inside its walls.
Manu National Park, Peru
The Casino di Monte Carlo has benefitted from centuries of European cultural influence—but some places are instead made sacred by nature. Peru is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its Manu National Park. This is where the tropical Andes mountains meet the Amazon Rainforest.
Visitors can travel through the rainforest, cloud forests, and high-altitude grasslands that precede the Amazon Basin. But you can also cross paths with creatures like the king vulture, little tayras, and caracaras. Just be sure to bring bug spray and a camera.
Burj Khalifa, UAE
Officially the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa represents a manmade wonder on par with the Amazon rainforest. Not only is the Burj Khalifa hailed for its stunning architectural design, but its backdrop of the Arabian Desert. Just as beautiful as the view of the skyscraper is the view from inside it. If you make it to Dubai, be sure to schedule a visit.
Uluru, Australia
Like Manu National park, Australia’s Uluru Rock is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It belongs to the Aboriginal people, the Pitjantjatjara, who know the rock as Anangu. This domed rock formation consists of sandstone, and is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
So, what makes this remote destination worth a visit? Unlike Manu National Park, there isn’t an endless series of natural wonders surrounding it. Instead, there’s a vast stretch of desert. However, Uluru carries both cultural and ecological significance, as it’s been a destination for humans for thousands of years. And when you stand in its presence, you can sense this longstanding connection.
Potala Palace, Tibet
This fortress is located in Tibet’s capital Lhasa. Up until the mid-1900s, it was the official lodging of the Dalai Lamas. However, this architecturally stunning palace has a long history. Originally, it was believed to be the location of Avalokiteśvara, a mythic cultural leader. Construction began in the mid-600s by Songtsen Gampo, a Tibetan King.
Today, the Palace is open to visitors. However, most of the leaders who once called Lhasa home now reside elsewhere. For this reason, the palace isn’t just an iconic location, but a living representation of Tibetan culture and history. Like the other locations listed here, you can sense that as you observe the Palace—whether from the city or from a guided tour.
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