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.

Can you imagine visiting a real-life fairytale castle? In truth, most famous fairytales, folk stories, and Disney films take inspiration from the real world. Have you ever wondered about the resemblance between the Sultan's Palace in Aladdin and the majestic Taj Mahal in India?

Explore a fairytale castle surrounded by cherry blossom trees in Japan. See a spectacular cliffside spooky castle in Transylvania. Gaze in wonder at a French abbey that looks like it defies gravity. This guide to 10 fairytale castles around the world breaks down real locations that will deliver a sense of storybook wonder and magic.

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.

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?

Ah, the great outdoors. When the strain of city life gets too much, it’s time to strap on those hiking boots. Europe’s national parks offer something for everyone, whether you’re exploring vibrant landscapes in summer or enjoying serene, snow-dusted trails in winter. For the adventurous, there are the sky-scraping Dolomite mountains and the cascading waterfalls of Croatia, while tranquility seekers can find peace among the Netherlands’ sand dunes. No matter the season, these are some of the best national parks in Europe to immerse yourself in nature.

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.

All eyes are on Germany in 2024 as it plays host to the Euros; aptly, soccer is the most popular sport in the country, with 26,000 clubs and 178,000 teams. The opening match of Euro 2024, Germany vs Scotland, will be held at Munich’s Allianz Arena on June 14, but nine more cities will also play host, and the final will be held at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on July 14. The country will still be an excellent place for sports fans to visit after Euro 2024 is over, thanks to its long-standing football heritage and top-flight Bundesliga. Here are the best German cities for watching football whenever you visit.

While most of the world’s attention will fall on Paris for the Olympics this summer, many sporting events will occur outside the French capital. The port city of Marseille will host the sailing events, while rowing takes place on the Marne River at Vaires-sur-Marne. Bordeaux and Lyon are already known as rugby cities, with their own clubs, and Olympic rugby matches will be held there. Closer to Paris, Versailles has had a long-standing association with horses since the Palace of Versailles was established in the 17th century; therefore, it is apt that equestrian events be held in the magnificent estate. Want all the details? Here’s how to enjoy Olympic events across France and beyond.

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.

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.