How does Rest Less make money
We make money through advertising and commission from affiliate links, which enable us to offer Rest Less as a free service to our users. The content on this page may use affiliate links, which track traffic from our website to a third party provider and enable us to receive a commission or payment from any traffic we refer.
* Affiliate links on this page have an * next to them. We place enormous importance on our editorial independence and the integrity of our content which means that we will never change how we write about something as a result of an affiliate link.
Most of us have special destinations on our travel wish list – and even if we don’t have the means to visit them right now, that shouldn’t stop us from dreaming.
The world is a big, beautiful place, and travelling to its most distant corners or visiting countries that are poles apart from our own can be a rewarding and magical life experience.
Whether you’re dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime tropical escape, a lazy beach break, an intrepid adventure, or a holiday centred around nature, there are so many idyllic destinations around the world just waiting to be discovered.
To inspire you, here are 13 spectacular countries to add to your travel wish list. And, if you’re ready to plan your next trip, check out our holiday itinerary helper or find thousands of holiday deals using the button below.
Note: It’s always worth checking the latest FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK before planning your trip.
1. Peru
If you’re looking to experience a real adventure – whether that’s exploring ancient ruins, trekking up towering mountains, navigating through lush rainforests, or scrambling over vast sand dunes – you might like to visit Peru. This incredible country has something for everyone, and it’s one of the cheapest countries to visit in South America.
The country’s Incan reign spanned 5,000 years, and there are countless ancient temples, rugged fortresses, and curious geoglyphs to intrigue history buffs. The most famous site is Machu Picchu, the lost Incan city, sprawled magnificently over a mountainous forest. If you like hiking, you can follow the ancient trail that weaves over peaks and valleys to reach the iconic Machu Picchu Sun Gate.
Modern Peru is just as captivating; the capital, Lima, is bursting with trendy bars and world-class restaurants. It’s known for producing some of South America’s most delicious and diverse food, from seafood dishes like ceviche to over 4,000 varieties of potatoes. The crashing Pacific Coast also offers exceptional surfing, and the dense jungles are perfect for trekking and zip-lining.
2. Japan
Japan is another utterly unique country. Beautiful, clean, elegant, and timeless, this is a place where the past seamlessly merges with the present for a diverse and dynamic cultural experience. Here, historic temples sit beside soaring skyscrapers, and bullet trains hurtle through tranquil, verdant countryside.
Thanks to its isolation, Japan’s culture is truly distinct, and many of the old traditions still flourish. You can sip tea in elaborate ceremonies, enjoy some peace in zen gardens, and embrace the spectacle and excitement of sumo wrestling.
There’s also the fabulous cuisine, which ranges from fresh sushi to comforting ramen. Each region has local dishes, so foodies are in for a real treat. And there’s plenty of history here, too, from the grand castles of Japan’s feudal past to 1,000-year-old temples that reflect the country’s deeply spiritual side.
The landscapes are also bewitching; you can admire the iconic, snow-capped cone of Mount Fuji, bubbling hot springs, and countless wild forests home to bears, monkeys, and flying squirrels. And, because Japan is an archipelago, there are dreamy beaches tucked away on the idyllic southern islands.
For more information about visiting Japan, you might find our articles, 10 places to visit and things to do in Japan and 10 of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan, helpful.
3. Vietnam
Home to emerald green rice fields, fascinating floating villages, shimmering rivers, and hazy mountains, Vietnam is a country of astonishing natural beauty. Its landscape is as diverse as it is dazzling, and its culture and history are just as rich. And that’s without mentioning the mouthwatering cuisine, laid-back ambience, and welcoming people.
Halong Bay has got to be a contender for the most beautiful place in the country. This World Heritage Site is home to almost 2,000 islands, and cruising on the startling green waters will take you past secluded beaches and towering, tree-topped limestone pillars.
There’s also the Mekong Delta – one of the country’s least developed places – where you can admire views of endless paddy fields and dense mangrove forests as you drift along the serene waterways. If you’re looking to hike, head to Sapa, where lush, terraced rice fields cascade down hills, and soaring mountains lurk behind a mysterious fog.
Vietnam is also home to fabulous towns and cities. The port town of Hoi An boasts colourful colonial buildings, elaborate bridges, and lantern-lit cobbled streets, while the capital, Hanoi, is a must-visit for foodies, history buffs, and culture lovers alike.
To learn more, you might like to read our articles: 6 highlights from Vietnam and 12 things to know before travelling to Vietnam.
4. Norway
Another contender for one of the world’s most spectacularly beautiful countries is Norway. This is a land of deep-blue fjords, glistening ice fields, craggy coastal islands, glittering glaciers, and the wild, desolate beauty of the Arctic. While it’s known as a winter wonderland, Norway is a joy to visit any time of year and can offer the perfect mix of bracing adventure and cosy downtime.
If you’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights, the city of Tromsø is the best place in the world to catch this mesmerising phenomenon. Though it’s located high in the Norwegian Arctic, you can fly from London in just over three and a half hours. Seeing these magical emerald lights dance across the sky and glow in jewel-like colours on the horizon is an unforgettable experience.
Norway is also tailor-made for cruising – and sailing along narrow inlets of land surrounded by jagged, towering cliffs is truly spectacular. But the hiking here is exceptional, too; you can trek past countless waterfalls, over soaring green mountains, and soak up the local culture, history, and unique Nordic flavours in one of the country’s many charming, rural villages.
If you’re looking for an adventure here, you might find our article, Magical Norway – 10 hidden gems to discover, useful.
5. Ecuador
For such a small country, Ecuador is incredibly diverse. It’s home to the breathtaking Andes mountains and world-class hiking. Walkers who’d like to take it a little easier can trek through the flower-filled meadows of the Central Highlands, and those looking for relaxation can head to the pristine, sandy beaches. And, of course, there’s the Amazon Rainforest, where adventure and exploration await.
But one of the reasons Ecuador is such a special country is that it’s home to the Galápagos Islands. Located 600 miles off the coast, these 13 volcanic islands are like nowhere else, and many of the animals here are unique. Famous for being where Darwin developed his theory of natural selection, they’ve mostly avoided human inhabitation.
If you’re interested in nature and wildlife, few places are as intriguing. You can trek along lunar-like lava fields, hike up rocky calderas, and relax on red-sand beaches. And then there are the animals: giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, iguanas, sharks, and albatrosses…the wildlife biodiversity here is second to none.
To learn more about this legendary place, check out our article: 10 of the best things to see and do in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
6. Iceland
If you’re dreaming of visiting somewhere otherworldly that’ll stay with you long after you’ve visited, you might like to add Iceland to your travel wish list. Though the flight time from London is a little over three hours, a visit to Iceland can leave you feeling as though you’ve stepped onto another planet. Its transplendent beauty is famous worldwide – from its snow-capped volcanoes to its milky blue glaciers and mystical northern lights.
The lively capital, Reykjavík, is perfect for a city break, combining compelling Norse history with modern, quirky culture, a vibrant arts scene, and world-renowned cultural attractions. But there’s no denying that, for most visitors, Iceland’s true appeal lies outside the city.
If you’re looking to explore the ethereal wilderness and admire some stunning scenery, you’re in the right place. Adventure lovers can ride snowcats up frozen mountains, soak in geothermal geysers, and visit bubbling mud pools. Iceland also offers unrivalled opportunities for whale watching. Here, you can spot blue, sperm, minke, fin, humpback, and killer whales – as well as porpoises and dolphins.
7. Sri Lanka
If you’re looking for a country that offers a bit of everything, Sri Lanka might be the destination for you. Sitting off the southern tip of India, this unique island boasts dazzlingly white beaches, shimmering turquoise waters, ancient ruins, tropical rainforests, fascinating wildlife, welcoming locals, and delicious cuisine. What more could you possibly want from a holiday?
Given its small size, Sri Lanka has a startling number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From 2,000-year-old temples to colonial fortresses, history buffs will be in their element. Wildlife enthusiasts will be just as happy, as Sri Lanka is home to elephants, crocodiles, water buffaloes, leopards, primates, and many tropical birds. If you’re interested in a wildlife safari on a budget, this is the place to do it.
Because Sri Lanka is small but diverse, you can explore an incredible range of landscapes in a relatively short space of time. When the balmy heat of the beautiful beaches gets too much, you can head to the hills to relax in lush, cool surroundings. You can also explore tea plantations, trek up rainforest-swathed mountains, stroll around charming colonial towns, and feast upon the famously flavoursome food – from fresh seafood to fragrant curries.
For further inspiration, read our article: 9 reasons to visit Sri Lanka.
8. Tanzania
Another country that shows off nature’s best work is Tanzania. It’s home to some of Africa’s most fascinating wildlife and best beaches, as well as its tallest mountain and largest lake. Located on the eastern coast of Africa, just below Uganda and Kenya, Tanzania might be best known for its safaris, but it has much more to offer than its fabulous wildlife.
Mount Kilimanjaro looms across Tanzania’s northern plains, and while it’s the world’s highest free-standing volcano, it’s more manageable to climb than you might think. Reaching the top and gazing out at ice fields and sun-drenched plains is something you’ll remember forever.
Animal lovers will have an excellent chance of spotting lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, wildebeest, crocodiles, and monkeys. Few other countries offer such an impressive array of wildlife. But if you fancy a dreamy beach break, you can do that here, too. Zanzibar, just off the coast, offers powdery white sands, warm azure waters, pastel-coloured sunrises, and unrivalled diving.
9. Canada
It might be best known for its stunning natural scenery – including hulking mountains, alpine forests, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and rugged coastlines – but there’s more to this huge country than first meets the eye. Canada is also home to an enthralling culture, cosmopolitan cities, immersive arts, delicious food, and famously laid-back, friendly residents.
Enormous swathes of this land remain untouched, so if you’re looking to get back to nature and hike over dramatic peaks, through ancient forests, and past shimmering lakes, you’re in for a treat. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, things are just as exciting, as you have a good chance of spotting black bears, wolves, cougars, and moose.
But it’s not all about the outdoors. The cities here are packed with adventure, too, from French-inspired Quebec to multicultural Toronto and vibrant Vancouver. Whether you’re into soaring skyscrapers or local food, Canada’s cities are as spectacular as their surroundings, without mentioning the capital city, Ottawa, or bustling Montreal. If you’re into waterfalls, Canada is also home to the iconic, thundering Niagara Falls.
If you’re having trouble deciding where to go in this huge country, you might like our article: Canada’s Wild West or Cultural East – which should you visit?
10. Fiji
Fiji is a tropical archipelago in the South Pacific made up of over 300 islands. It boasts exquisite sea life; a laid-back, welcoming culture; wild, prehistoric forests; and beaches so absurdly beautiful they look like they’ve been filtered. Think powdery white sands, swaying palm trees, and sparkling turquoise waters.
But while Fiji is the perfect place for an exotic beach break, there’s much more to do here than just swimming and sunbathing. The surrounding ocean is one of the best places in the world to snorkel and scuba dive – and if you’ve never gone diving before, it’s an excellent place to learn. With endless stretches of colourful coral reefs, over 1,300 species of fish, and warm, crystal-clear waters, an underwater world is waiting to be discovered.
There’s plenty to do away from the coast, too. Its lush rainforests make it a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. However, if you’re looking for something more lively, you’re also in luck, as many towns – especially Suva, the capital – are surprisingly energetic, and the locals are friendly.
11. New Zealand
New Zealand may be small, but it’s bursting with wonders. Breathtaking, magnificent, striking…it’s no wonder it so often tops lists of the most spectacular countries. As for landscape and geography, New Zealand has a bit of everything – from sweeping beaches to bubbling springs, snow-capped mountains to mysterious forests, and gleaming glaciers to impossibly blue lakes.
While it isn’t short of fun, vibrant cities, New Zealand is ideal to visit if you’d like to experience the magic of the Great Outdoors. Whether you’re in the mood for some gentle trekking or would rather throw yourself into adventure sports like hiking, kayaking, skydiving, or whitewater rafting, you won’t be short of things to do here.
Arguably, the most picturesque place in the country is Milford Sound on the South Island. Carved by glaciers millions of years ago, this lonely, mirror-like fjord is circled by dense valleys, roaring waterfalls, and jagged mountains. But there’s also the wildly scenic Lake Wanaka, phenomenal Huka Falls, and skyscraping Mount Cook.
In a country as diverse and dazzling as New Zealand, there are so many extraordinary sights to see that the trickiest thing is planning your itinerary! For help with this, check out our articles: 8 of the best places to visit in New Zealand and 9 reasons why New Zealand is the perfect holiday destination for nature lovers.
12. Dominica
The island of Dominica is nicknamed ‘Nature Island’, and once you set foot here, you’ll quickly see why. Unlike other Caribbean islands, which can be oversaturated with tourists, Dominica remains largely untouched.
Its unique scenery attracts a different type of tourist than those seeking a beach break. Rather than leisurely luxury, Dominica is about independent adventure. While there are plenty of gorgeous beaches here, most people come to explore the sulphurous hot springs, smoking volcanoes, boiling lakes, rainforest-shrouded mountains, and cascading waterfalls.
Dominica is small and easy to explore. In the lively capital, Roseau, you can admire brightly coloured wooden houses, pick up souvenirs and fresh fruit in the Old Market, and learn about the island’s history and culture in the Dominica Museum.
The surrounding seas are excellent for swimming, diving, and spotting dolphins and whales – so if you get the chance, head out for a cruise or catamaran trip. There’s also a genuine focus on eco-adventure and sustainable tourism here, and quieter than the other Lesser Antilles islands, it retains a greater sense of authenticity.
13. Hawaii
If you imagine tropical, snow-white beaches that look straight out of paradise, there’s a good chance the beaches of Hawaii will pop into your head. Located a thousand miles west of the USA, far into the Pacific, these idyllic islands are famous for their palm-fringed beaches, fiery volcanoes, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and stunning sunsets.
If you’re looking for a blissful beach holiday with a side of adventure, Hawaii is tough to beat. Its miles of sugary, sandy beaches, lapped by warm, cobalt blue waters, are its biggest draw, though if you’re into snorkelling or scuba diving, the colourful coral reefs will provide hours – or days – of fun. The crescent-shaped Hulopoe Beach on the island of Maui is often voted America’s best beach, but really, you’re spoilt for choice here.
Once you’ve got your fill of swimming and sunbathing, there’s a wealth of awe-inspiring scenery to explore. You can hike through Waimea Canyon: a deep, colourful gorge that offers astonishing panoramic views, or trek through verdant valleys, along soaring cliffs, and up dramatic volcanoes. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in whale-watching off the Maui coast, while coffee lovers can enjoy sampling delicious local brews.
Final thoughts…
Travel is one of life’s greatest and most fulfilling adventures. While there are awe-inspiring places and destinations across the globe (some on our very own shores!), some countries seem to have the X factor – that intoxicating blend of enthralling history, compelling culture, and magnificent natural surroundings.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list of spectacular countries, it’s a glimpse into the wonderful variety our world offers. While you may not be in a position to book your ideal holiday now, there’s no harm in adding more countries to your travel wish list.
For more inspiration, check our list of 13 of the most underrated countries to visit and our guide to the seven natural wonders of the world. Or browse the latest travel deals using the button below.
Have you visited any of these countries? Or do you have your own suggestions for the most spectacular destinations in the world? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Read our full commenting terms and guidelines