Breathtaking Views in the World Worth Traveling For

What do you see when you imagine a breathtaking view? Wide-open spaces? An urban skyline? Sandy beaches or soaring mountains? Granted, it’s all in the eyes of the beholder, but I think we can all agree that if someone says the setting has one of the most breathtaking views they’ve seen, chances are it’s worth taking a look.

Breathtaking Views in the World Worth Traveling For

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The Great Bear Rainforest, Canada

The Great Bear Rainforest is a temperate coastal stunner that will leave you in awe. Thousands of miles of pristine Sitka spruce, red cedar, western hemlock, four-thousand-foot mountain ranges, salmon-packed rivers, and incredibly diverse wildlife make up this natural wonderland. A small boat cruise is one of the best ways to explore this area, where ship-side visits from Humpback whales or curious sea lions are not unheard of.

Early Morning Fog

I especially loved the early mornings when thick fog transformed the rugged nooks and crannies into a gothic panorama plucked from cinematic fantasies like The Hobbit. The fog adds an air of mystery to the already breathtaking scenery, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Wildlife Galore

Grizzly and black bears are numerous in the Great Bear Rainforest, and it’s the only place you’ll find the famous Kermode “Spirit Bear,” the very rare white, black bear. The area is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including wolves, mountain goats, and eagles.

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Antarctic Peninsula

I can think of few places as ethereally stunning as Antarctica. One of my favorite stops was Paradise Harbor at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula’s skinny land tentacle stretching toward Argentina. It’s a perfect example of what you’ll find at the bottom of the world.

A Serene Harbor

Encircled on three sides by jagged snow-covered peaks reflected in the glassy waters below, the harbor is serenity itself. Brown Station, an Argentine research station painted in blood red, almost glowed against the wintery landscape. The harbor is a haven for wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.

A Breathtaking View

I created this image as the sunlight grazed the snowy summits from my balcony on the Greg Mortimer, part of the Aurora Expeditions’ fleet. While most cruise lines visit Paradise Harbor, whether they will on your trip is a mystery. But I can promise, wherever you go in Antarctica, it’s just as breathtakingly surreal.

Breathtaking Views in the World Worth Traveling For

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South Georgia Island

It’s hard to describe the awe that consumed me during my first landing on South Georgia Island, where hundreds of thousands of King Penguins reside. It was our first stop after leaving the Antarctic Peninsula. Surprisingly, they don’t scatter when you set foot on their home’s black sand. In fact, they welcome you with their indifference.

A Penguin Paradise

There are many beaches on the island where colonies and their massive rookeries provide unending visual entertainment. Sharing their territory are hundreds of fur and elephant seals and a variety of sea birds, including the odd giant petrel. The island is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Machu Picchu, Peru

On its own, the 500-year-old Incan city of Machu Picchu, with its restored architecture and stonework, wandering llamas, and grass as green as a neon sign, is a heady scene. But if you want to take your visit to another level, be there for the sunrise. The mountain fog’s unveiling of the ruins is one of the world’s most breathtaking views.

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A Sunrise to Remember

Be aware that sunrise is a popular time for tourists and also the coolest part of the day. Do yourself a favor and buy your tickets well beforehand. The number of visitors is limited and ticketed by the hour. The early morning fog adds an air of mystery to the already breathtaking scenery, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Breathtaking Views in the World Worth Traveling For

Wayna Picchu, Peru

For an additional $50.00 a ticket, consider climbing Wayna Picchu, the mist-covered mountain in the photo above. Availability is extremely limited (even less than the main city) and takes 2-3 hours, depending on your pace. If you’re afraid of heights, you may want to pass, but you’ll miss a spectacular perspective of the Inca ruins below.

A Challenging Climb

The climb is challenging, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. You’ll have a stunning view of the Inca ruins and the surrounding mountains. The mist-covered mountain adds an air of mystery to the already breathtaking scenery, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Kearney, Nebraska

Kearney is one of the best places to see the Sandhill Crane Migration spectacle. Eighty percent of the world’s population (that’s over half a million birds) spend about six weeks in the area of Nebraska’s Platte River. During the day, the cranes fatten up on waste corn in the fields before continuing their migration north.

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

At night, they roost in the Platte River, protected from predators. The Rowe Sanctuary’s enormous hide provides an ideal location for watching the birds at sunrise and sunset. The sanctuary is a true paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Breathtaking Views in the World Worth Traveling For

Altai Mountains, Western Mongolia

Deep in the Altai Mountains of western Mongolia are many beautiful panoramas. Not to mention Kazakh nomads who remain traditional and move up to six times a year. They migrate on seasonal treks to various altitudes conducive to raising their goats, sheep, and horses.

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A Nomadic Lifestyle

You’ll be hard-pressed to find more hospitable people, nor Mongolians more eager to dance. I went to Mongolia on a photographic tour led by renowned photographer Tim Allen. If a photo trip isn’t your cup of tea, talk to Agii Makhsum, founder of Kobesh Travel. He’s a lovely man who originally started as a guide for National Geographic.

Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a wonderful destination if you crave a rural setting, dramatic shorelines, picturesque historical towns, and a rich history. Keweenaw Peninsula is in the upper northwest part of the state and is known for its natural beauty.

A Fall Color Paradise

The peninsula is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers, especially during the fall season. The fall colors are breathtaking, with the leaves turning brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, and eagles.

A Rich History

The peninsula has a rich history, with many historical towns and landmarks to explore. The area is also home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing. Whether you’re looking for nature, history, or adventure, the Keweenaw Peninsula has something for everyone.

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