1. TREK TO MACHU PICCHU.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Nestled on a mountain ridge overlooking the Urubamba Valley in Peru, this ancient city, which was rediscovered in 1911 by historian Hiram Bingham, serves as a testament to the ingenuity of 15th-century Incan architecture. One of the key constructions that is found here is the Intihuatana stone, which is believed to have been used by the Incans as an astronomic clock and calendar. It may take a while get to the ruins, but the chance to explore the numerous dry-stone buildings that make up the temples and residences of this abandoned city is definitely worth the four-day trek from Cusco.
2. EXPLORE THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: The pyramids highlight any trip to Egypt. Imhotep’s Step Pyramid and the Pyramids of Giza once served as tombs, housing the earthly remains of the pharaohs, but now are lasting monuments to the architectural mastery of ancient Egyptians.
3. VIEW THE CITY OF LIGHTS FROM THE EIFFEL TOWER.
WHY YOU NEED TO DO IT: Paris, France, is one of the most stunning and romantic cities in the world, and what better way to admire it than by catching the spectacular view from the Eiffel Tower? Whether by yourself or with a significant other, book a table at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, enjoy the sumptuous cuisine, and be enchanted by the panorama of lights that make the entire city sparkle and glow.
4. STROLL THROUGH THE PARTHENON.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: The Parthenon, which are the ruins of the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena in the city that bears her name, Athens, is considered the most significant surviving building of Classical Greece. With its impeccable decorative structures, this site will have special meaning to those who have a love for both ancient architecture and Greek history.
5. SUN YOURSELF IN SANTORINI.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: While Boracay is locally renowned for its white sand, gorgeous seascape, and fantastic nightlife, the island of Santorini shares a similar reputation in Greece. The difference lies in the fact that the beaches of Santorini—particularly those which fringe the towns of Perissa and Kamari—have dark or “black” sand. This volcanic island is so picturesque that it has served as the backdrop for some memorable movies, including The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 and For the First Time!
6. PARTY AT CARNAVAL.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: There is no better time to experience the culture of Brazil than during Carnaval. Held just before the start of Lent, this festival is highlighted by a parade of giant decorated floats and dancing from some of the biggest samba schools in the country. Whether in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador da Bahia, or Pernambuco, people gather in the streets in festive costumes to dance, play music, watch the float parades, and basically make merry before the period of abstinence known as Lent.
7. KISS THE BLARNEY STONE.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Legend has it that the Blarney Stone (located on one side of the Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland) possesses magical powers, bequeathing the gift of eloquent speech to those who kiss it. Kissing the stone is already a great feat in itself, considering that it will require you to lean all the way over the edge of the castle’s parapet until your head is level with the stone.
8. CATCH THE SUNSET OVER THE COLOSSEUM.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: In spite of its bloody history, the Colosseum in Rome is one of the most magnificent structures of ancient times. This old amphitheater, where famed battles of gladiators were held to entertain cheering crowds, is unquestionably the place to visit for those who have a deep interest in the culture of ancient Rome. It is particularly beautiful and romantic at sunset, when the light of the setting sun spills over the Colosseum grounds and ancient stone walls.
9. TOUR THE VINEYARDS OF FRANCE AND ITALY.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply want to enjoy breathtaking scenery, a tour around the beautiful vineyards of France and Italy will be sure to satisfy your romantic wanderlust. Plus, you also get the chance to broaden your gastronomic horizons by sampling various wines while going through some of the most beautiful countrysides in the world.
10. WATCH THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: This tradition has become a popular tourist attraction for people who visit this royal landmark. During the ceremony, the soldiers of the New Guard relieve those of the Old Guard at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. The Old Guard passes on the keys to the Palace to their relievers before they depart from their post. The ceremony lasts for 45 minutes and takes place at 11:30 in the morning every day during the summer and every other day during the winter.
11. GO ON SAFARI IN KENYA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Kenya is known for its vast array of wildlife, particularly its population of birds, wildebeest, and other game. If you want to observe Mother Nature at her best, schedule a safari during the migration season, usually from July to October, and get the chance to see thousands of wildebeest and zebras traveling between the open plains of Serengeti and the Masai Mara. You can also go bird-watching and take pictures of eagles, vultures, ostriches, and flamingos.
12. CLIMB THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: The Great Wall of China is the architectural jewel of Beijing, and is set on top of lush green mountains like a long-winding ribbon of stone. This structure, which was used as a means of defense against invaders, took several dynasties to complete and fortify, and still remains an indication of China’s rich history. Besides getting to savor the beautiful scenery from the top of the Great Wall, the climb will also give you an effective cardio workout, so make sure to bring lots of water and wear the right shoes for walking.
13. GO TURTLE-WATCHING IN THE GALAPAGOS.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: This is the perfect treat for animal lovers. Galapagos Green Turtles, which spend most of their life in the ocean, have been known to raise their heads above the water (to the delight of boat-riding tourists) to gulp air before taking another long dive. Female Galapagos turtles seeking a reprieve from all the male attention underwater may also occasionally be sighted on the shoreline.
14. TAKE A BUSHWALK IN THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Given Australia’s lush terrain and wildlife, bushwalking (or, simply, hiking or trekking) should also be included on any tourist's to-do list when in Australia. Despite the harsh environment of the outback, you may spot animals that are unique to this country, such as kangaroos, wombats, koalas, dingos, and bandicoots.
15. LEARN ABOUT LOVE AS YOU TOUR THE TAJ MAHAL.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Aside from being one of the world’s most magnificent structures, the Taj Mahal is also known for the heartrending tale, which gave rise to its construction. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Until now, this domed marble structure—with its minarets, vaulted halls and fine exterior decorations—is both a shining example of Indo-Persian architecture and a symbol of eternal love.
16. DRIVE DOWN THE WORLD'S MOST CROOKED STREET IN SAN FRANCISCO.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: If you want a unique experience behind the wheel, try driving along Lombard Street, which is one of the most extraordinary roads in the United States. Apart from being known as the most crooked street in the world, Lombard Street is lined with beautiful homes, trees, and flowers providing you with a quaint and pretty landscape as you test your brakes and make your way down Lombard. Be sure, however, to observe the five-mile-per-hour speed limit as you go along.
17.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: While you often see them on television, movie screens, and magazine covers, catching the stars in the flesh would be a refreshing and exciting departure from the usual. Tour the boulevards and restaurants of Hollywood, and get the chance to bump into (or perhaps even get an autograph from) your favorite celebrities.
18. TOUR THE CASTLES IN GERMANY.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Neuschwanstein Castle, in particular, looks like something plucked right out of a fairytale storybook. In fact, this castle inspired Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyworld. Perched on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau, this picturesque castle elicits images of dashing princes, magic spells, and damsels in distress. Explore the castle to get reacquainted with your inner princess as well as your childhood attraction to fairytales.
19. TUCK A PRAYER INTO THE WAILING WALL IN JERUSALEM.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: The Wailing Wall, which has been a Jewish prayer and pilgrimage site for centuries, is also famous for the thousands of written prayers tucked into its crevices. It has become an established practice for tourists and citizens alike to write their prayers on slips of paper and leave them in the wall, in the hope that they will be answered.
20. WONDER AT THE PURPOSE OF STONEHENGE.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Found in the English county of Wiltshire, this curious structure has baffled historians and architects for centuries. Surrounded by lush greenery, this magnificent series of monoliths was produced by a culture or people that left no mark in history, and speculations as to how it was actually constructed have received little confirmation.
21. WATCH THE AURORA BOREALIS.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: The Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights) is composed of breathtaking curtains of light caused by magnetic disturbances from the sun. Considered one of the most beautiful and ethereal natural phenomena, the Aurora Borealis can best be viewed from Fairbanks, Alaska. People say that whistling makes the lights dance, so if you ever find yourself in Fairbanks, give it a try and see if it's true!
22. SEE THE SAGRADA FAMILIA IN BARCELONA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: This church is known as modernist architect Antonio Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece and is considered Barcelona’s most important landmark. Although the construction is far from finished, it is remarkable for its tall, spiraling towers and the stunning detail embedded in its walls. Moreover, the various facades of the church—including the Nativity Façade, the Passion Façade and the Glory Façade—are sculpted in such a way as to narrate different scenes of the story of Christ.
23. RIDE A GONDOLA DOWN THE GRAND CANAL IN VENICE.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: This Italian city of romance is best toured through its many canals. Taking a relaxing gondola ride will give you the opportunity to admire the many streets, bridges, and buildings that make up the Venetian landscape.
24. GO SWIMMING IN THE DEAD SEA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: “Swimming” may actually be considered a misnomer for this activity. Given the high salinity (or concentration of salt) in the water, you'll have a hard time trying to swim properly in the Dead Sea—you simply float once you’ve taken the plunge.
25. STRIKE A GOOFY POSE NEAR THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: The unique structure of the tower gives tourists the opportunity to strike funny poses near it, given the proper perspective and camera angle. The most common of such poses depicts tourists holding up the tower or preventing it from falling with their bare hands.
26. SEE THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN JAPAN.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Cherry blossom festivals that welcome the start of summer have been celebrated in Japan for centuries. Families and groups of friends are usually seen sharing a picnic under the shade of graceful cherry trees adorned with delicate pink blooms.
27.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Riding atop this majestic animal is one of the unique attractions of the Land of Smiles. While we are more used to seeing elephants in zoos, it is common to see them walking down the streets of Thailand, their guides close by. This certainly beats riding a taxi or a tuktuk any day!
28. WATCH A BULLFIGHT IN SPAIN.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: This controversial and unique part of Spanish culture may not be for everyone, but it's hard to deny the romanticism that surrounds the sport of bullfighting. From the flamboyant matador costumes, to every flick of their capes, to the swords used to pierce the bulls' backs, this is something that definitely has spectators jumping up and shouting "Ole!"
29. CATCH A MUSICAL ON BROADWAY.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: If you've ever locked yourself in your room and belted out your favorite show tune while pretending to perform to a sold-out crowd, this is one vacation experience you must do. There is no way to describe the goosebumps that come with the dimming of lights and the curtain rising before the start of a great show. And after you've seen a show on Broadway in New York City, you'll definitely know what we mean.
30. CATCH A VIEW FROM DUBAI’S BURJ
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: The Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel shaped like the sail of a ship.Standing 920 feet high, it is built on a man-made island and is the second tallest hotel in the world. Its unique location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, and its opulence is a testament to the immense wealth of this Middle Eastern country.
Source:
Female Network article - link