Travel Inspiration

Want to experience the most mesmerizingly historic and beautiful places on Earth? UNESCO does a pretty good job of identifying them, and this roundup of incredible World Heritage sites picks out the cream of the crop. From the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Machu Picchu, suspended high in the Peruvian Andes, to the intricate majesty of India’s Taj Mahal, a testament to an emperor’s undying love, to the Banks of the Seine, snaking through Paris lined with some of the most recognizable and storied monuments known to man — to visit them is to witness civilization’s seminal achievements and nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. All 16 of these UNESCO-recognized manmade and natural wonders around the world are more than worth the trip.

Across the globe, the names may vary — Karneval, Carnival, Mardi Gras — but the boundless spirit of revelry is the same. A time-honored blend of wild celebration and cultural tradition, these festivals are an explosion of life and color. For many, it's a final, frenetic indulgence before the solemnity of Lent, while others dive into the experience for sheer joy and escapism. Ready to join the global parade? Check out this line-up of the top 5 destinations where Carnival is not just a party, but an all-out extravaganza of the senses, from the samba beats of Rio to the storied masquerades of Venice.

Marvel's saga began in 1939 with the birth of Timely Comics, evolving into a powerhouse of iconic tales and visuals that leaped from the page to the silver screen. Today, Marvel stands titan-like as a pop culture behemoth, rivaling DC in the pantheon of comic legends. For the die-hards who live and breathe the Marvel universe, real-world pilgrimages to the stomping grounds of these storied heroes and villains are a must. Unlock a world where comic books and real life converge at these eight destinations, from the superhero-studded streets of NYC to Professor X's school grounds to real-life Wakanda.

On May 9, Taylor Swift’s now-legendary Eras Tour begins its European run. The show — a three-hour musical rollercoaster through the megastar’s back catalog — plays 52 dates in 18 cities, beginning in Paris and ending in London, each supported by American rock band Paramore. If you were lucky or determined enough to get tickets, you’ve either been watching The Eras Tour film and memorizing the setlist to the millisecond or, like me, made the agonizing decision to ban yourself from Disney+ to keep it all a surprise. And if you’re traveling to see Eras, you’re probably planning to spend some time exploring the city you visit. If so, grab your passport and my hand — here are the best things to do in every European city on The Eras Tour.

As January 29 ushers in the Year of the Snake, cities around the world prepare for one of their most cherished cultural celebrations: Lunar New Year. The most famous of these celebrations, Chinese New Year, sees ancient traditions play out for more than two weeks in Beijing, dazzling displays in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, and incredible parades and other activities in San Francisco. Each destination’s unique way of celebrating is as brilliant as the next. Here are the Lunar New Year celebrations around the world you should try to join.

New Year's resolutions are said to have a failure rate of 80 percent, with most abandoned as soon as February. And with the usual suspects like "exercise more" and "save more" getting top billing when it's dark and cold out and many are repaying their December overspending, is it any wonder why?

As the new year rolls in, it's time to transform your New Year's resolutions into exciting vacation plans that make boring, common goals easy to keep, and something to look forward to. Imagine scaling the heights of Machu Picchu or mastering the art of Italian cooking in Florence and still calling it a resolution. This list of seven ways to incorporate more travel into your 2025 agenda is more about reward than discipline, but it's definitely about both.

This year, let's make your resolutions a roadmap to adventure by adding a little travel twist and see how much better you do. From adrenaline-pumping activities to serene self-care retreats, here are some of the best experiences for 2025 to "challenge" you in the next 12 months.

Described as a “culinary bad boy,” the late Anthony Bourdain was much more than a chef, author, or TV show-maker — he lived and breathed food, fascinated by its connection to local culture. Born in NYC, his love of food was kindled by childhood visits to France. A career as a chef beckoned. Then, non-fiction accounts of his experiences, like bestseller “Kitchen Confidential.” Several food and travel series followed, including the Emmy-winning “Parts Unknown.” He covered everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to simple street food stands and ate everything from sheep testicles in Morocco to fermented shark in Iceland. When it comes to food, Bourdain walked the walk and talked the talk. Here are 12 of his favorite food destinations.

When it comes to exploring new destinations, doing it through food is top of many agendas. From the sun-kissed shores of Milos to the historic markets of Kyoto and the gastronomic paradise of Bologna, our GetYourGuide Creator Community has uncovered the best cities for food, including insider tips. We’re talking hidden gems in the most tourist-packed areas serving authentic Canary Islands cooking and a hole-in-the-wall in Bali that Anthony Bourdain would definitely want to write about. Armed with this collection of tips for eight exciting foodie spots, you’ll be planning your next delicious adventure in no time.

California is the ultimate dreamland, with every kind of scene you could imagine. Picture endless beach days that'll fill up your Instagram and famous bridges that'll take your breath away. The GetYourGuide gang has spilled the beans on all the top spots. So, whether you're into art, a bit of a wine lover, or live for the rush, get excited! We're about to zip through the greatest of NorCal and SoCal, from Malibu's cool waves to the stunning Golden Gate Bridge. Rev up your engine to discover the best things to do in California.

As traveling becomes more accessible, everyone is keen on discovering the next trending destinations, looking for authentic, untouched places where they can explore without hoards of visitors (yet). Everyone has their personal preferences, whether it’s hiking through gorgeous trails in Madeira, Portugal, or discovering hidden corners of popular places like Bali, or finding the best tropical beach, perhaps in French Polynesia, to relax on. So we asked our GetYourGuide Creator Community for a roundup of the top travel destinations, and here’s the curated list.

Skip the guesswork on your Japanese jaunt and dive straight into the heart of it with top tips from GetYourGuide’s Travel Community. Tokyo’s temples, Kyoto’s cherry blossoms, and Ishigaki Island’s turquoise waves—our well-traveled crew spills the tea on Japan's must-sees and hidden jewels. With this guide, you’ll get a jumpstart to unlocking its soul. Ready to samurai-slice through the clichés and uncover the best things to do in Japan? From age-old traditions to the kindness of its people, there’s no doubt that you’ll be wowed by the country’s wonders. Pack your bags and your curiosity—Japan's endless adventure awaits, and it's more than just sushi and sumo. Let's get this journey rolling!

Summer's hit the Northern Hemisphere, but not everyone's jazzed about sizzling on a sun-lounger. If you're looking to swap the scorch for some chill, you're in luck. Read on for the inside scoop on destinations where cool isn't just a vibe — it's the weather, too. From the misty fjords of Norway to the crisp air of the Swiss Alps, these spots are where summer's heatwave gets the cold shoulder. Buckle up, chill-seekers, we're diving into the ultimate list of spots where summer means cool breezes, not sweat beads.

There’s nothing quite like tucking into jerk chicken while drinking a rum punch and watching the setting sun paint the Caribbean that special shade of gold. With pristine beaches, lush palm trees, and crystal-blue water, no destination says dream vacation quite like the Caribbean Ocean. However, the Caribbean is far from identikit. Dive deeper, and you’ll find that each island has its own distinct character and vibe. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best Caribbean islands to visit for every type of traveler. Which one are you?

South America is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. This is where nature’s raw power reveals itself on an epic scale. Picture Punta Gallinas with beaches stretching endlessly or Cape Horn, where the ocean roars with untamed strength. Experience Iguazu Falls, a colossal cascade that divides rivers and nations, or the Amazon, a winding lifeline teeming with life and mystery. A journey here isn’t just about checking off destinations—it’s about embracing the soul of the continent. South America’s natural wonders are stories of earth’s creation, waiting for you to explore. Are you ready?

Soccer is life for countries and communities around the world. Think pulsating stadiums in Istanbul and Buenos Aires, where the air crackles with rivalry and the ground shakes with the roar of die-hard fans. Picture yourself in the midst of London or Madrid, where football isn't just a game, but a way of life woven into the very fabric of the city. There, every street corner, pub, and park echoes with the tales of legendary matches and iconic players. Football fans, this one's for you. Here is our guide to the best soccer cities around the world.

When you crave urban energy or just want to explore a metropolis you don’t call home, city breaks are a great way to dive into the heart of a country’s culture and best bits. Whether it’s the iconic skyline of NYC, the romantic allure of European city breaks to Verona and Paris, or the historic enchantment of Edinburgh, there’s a destination to delight even the pickiest traveler, if only for a weekend. We’ve tapped into the wisdom of seasoned travelers to list their insider tips for uncovering highlights and hidden gems in 10 vibrant destinations perfect for your next city break.

While cobblestone streets and serene beaches draw many travelers, the thrill-seekers among us crave the scariest places in the world. If you’re searching for the scariest things on Earth, from haunted castles in Transylvania to spooky forests in Mexico City, you’re in for a spine-chilling adventure. Get ready to discover 10 of the most terrifying experiences that challenge your bravery and dive into the creepiest adventures promising unforgettable thrills.

Europe is so much more than its big and beautiful cities. The frenetic energy of Paris and London is delectable for sure, but sometimes, escaping the city on a day trip is just what the vacation doctor ordered. Luckily, these metropolises are just the starting point, with a whole other world waiting on the outskirts.

Ready for something different? Step out of the city and dive into adventures you won't find in any city guide. We're talking about hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems a short trip away from Europe's capitals, like the Palace of Versailles near Paris and Salzburg near Vienna. It’s time to unearth the unseen and experience the extraordinary — these 11 European city day trips are the perfect antidote to the urban grind.

When it comes to family travel, there’s a lot more to consider than the one simple question of “where do I want to go?” Practicalities and cost now play a bigger part in my decisions, from flights to drives, and access to laundrettes and high chairs. But that doesn’t mean adventures need to be sacrificed: whether it’s seeing elephants in Thailand, whale-watching in Iceland, or road-tripping through the US, these are the family-friendly destinations I love, and the best times to go.

No one understands you as well as your closest friends, whether they’re childhood besties or newfound pals. When planning trips for best friends, the world is filled with incredible places to visit with your best friend. From adventurous getaways to an island vacation, there are countless fun trips for friends that create memories. Whether you’re searching for friendcation ideas or just fun trips to take with friends, these destinations offer the perfect backdrop for laughter and bonding. Here are some top vacation ideas worldwide that will make any friends trip a remarkable experience.