1. Jerusalem

I recently had a friend come back from a vacation to Israel and he said it was one of the most moving, inspiring places he’s visited. The city has a history that goes back to the 4th millennium BCE, making it one of the oldest cities in the World. It’s also been a spiritual center for people since 1000 BCE and contains significant religious history in Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

2. The Taj Mahal in India

When you see photos of the Taj Mahal, it almost doesn’t even look like it could be real, it’s more like a painting! In 3D form, it’s just as breathtaking. The Taj Mahal (also “the Taj”) is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. The gardens, details and decoration are intricate and carefully designed, down to the tiniest detail.

3. Machu Picchu, Peru

Situated in the Urubamba Valley of Peru, Machu Picchu is an icon of the Inca World and often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas.” The Incas started building the estate around AD 1400, pretty incredible to think that reminants of the empire are still standing, so long after! Hope you don’t mind a good hike….

4. The Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt

The Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years….and the way in which is was constructed has many theories. Can we just go with the theory that aliens did it? Who agrees?

5. The Sistine Chapel, Vatican City

Vatican City is incredible…the history, the traditions, the whole ceremony of Catholicism is beautiful and has certainly inspired some historically significant art, like the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo depicts the famous “Creation of Adam” painting. You’ll literally be willing to get a cramp in your neck from looking up for an hour…you simply cannot take it all in, in one short trip.

6. The Great Wall of China

Originally built to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups such as the Xiongnu, since the 5th century BC the “great wall” has consisted of several walls built during different eras, the most historically significant during the Ming Dynasty. The views are stunning, annnd bring your walking shoes!

7. Venice, Italy

So yes, the city itself is beautiful- the canals, the piazza’s, the people… I was particularly impressed with the stunning firemen, just sayin’. Since the city is indeed sinking, you better book your trip now…

8. The Great Barrier Reef

The World’s largest reef system in the world is located in the Coral Sea off of the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. The reef is home to a diverse number of endangered species and home to 2,9000 individual reefs. If you aren’t afraid to scuba dive (like I am, thanks sharks) then take that flight over to Australia…there’s not better place in the world to scuba dive.

9. The Grand Canyon

I always think of Clark Griswold when someone mentions the Grand Canyon, “uh huh, uh huh, uhu…” well that’s certainly not how I was when I went, I was overcome with absolute awe. The U.S. National Park in Arizona is a brilliant palate of colors and stunning sunsets. The expansiveness simply cannot be put into terms, it must be seen!

10. The Acropolis, Athens Greece

Greece is littered with historical sites but the most famous is probably the Acropolis. Study up on your Greek history and mythology for Athens is bustling with stories and is a history buff’s DREAM vacation.

11. Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Located on the border of the Brazilian state of Parana and the Argentine province of Misiones. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu. The falls are so spectacular, Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Poor Niagara!”

12. Bali, Indonesia

If you’re like the majority of the female population (if you’re a female) then you’ve become somewhat acquainted with Bali, thanks to the book “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Her words describe a serenity and culture that is undoubtedly a “must see” destination.

13. Mount Everest, Nepal

The highest mountain in the World brings flocks of mountaineers looking to complete a successful climb. It certainly isn’t an easy feat, by the end of 2009 Everest had taken 216 live. I think I’m fine looking at it from afar…

14. The Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest covers most of the Amazon Basin of South America. The west, tropical forest is the most species-rich biome with rich plant life, birds, insects and some of the largest predatory creatures….wait a second, maybe I don’t want to visit?!

15. The Amalfi Coast

I took a vacation off the Amalfi Coast and I have to say it was one of the most magical, charming, places I’ve been. The coast stretches from the coastline on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsulua of Italy, extending from Positano in the west to Vietru sul Mare. It’s like something out of a move, absolutely magical.

16. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park spans an area of 3,468 square miles, comprising of lakes, canyons, rivers and mountain ranges. Yellowstone also has one of the largest super volcanoes, the Yellowstone Caldera on the continent…. The caldera is still considered an active volcano. Hm, let’s hope it doesn’t erupt….

17. San Francisco Bay

The Golden Gate Bridge is something you’ve seen a million times in TV and film, but there’s nothing like visiting it! The climate, the foliage, and Fisherman’s Wharf and the sourdough bread, definitely a “must see.”

18. Bora Bora

If I were to look up “paradise” in the dictionary, I’m pretty sure Bora Bora would be next to it. The “dream vacation” for me would be French Polynesia and I believe that I would end up living in a little bungalow over the water for the rest of my life once I finally get there…

19. Rome

The Coliseum in Rome is quite possibly one of the most incredible pieces of historical architecture that’s still standing…that you can enjoy! Not to mention the city, the art, the food….everything about Rome is intoxicating.

20. Chichen Itza

I visited Chien Itza in Mexico several years ago, climbed the steps all the way to top. The Mayan culture and history is incredibly interesting and the architecture that still stands is a wonder to be seen!

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• No Time Like the Present (sarahmcow.com)
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• Blackpool and disused RAF base bid for World Heritage status (telegraph.co.uk)
• Train ride to the lost city of the Incas (theworld.org)