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1. Meteora, Greece
2. Electric Ladyland: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
3. Wieliczka Salt Mines: Wieliczka, Poland
If you desire to be truly astounded by human ingenuity, head 14km southeast from Krakow to the Wieliczka salt mines. Carved by hand from salt blocks over 700 years, the eerie labyrinth of tunnels runs over 300km and reaches a depth of 1,073 feet, connected by chambers, pits, and underground lakes.
Pro tip: Make sure to see the Chapel of St. Kinga, where every single element, be it statues or chandeliers, has been carved from salt. Mind = Blown.
4. The Carnaval de Dunkerque: Dunkerque, France
For something so blindingly fun and full of colour, the only reason we can muster for why this riotous carnival isn't better known is all those memories of Dunkirk school trips.
Described as pure "bedlam", it lasts a staggering three months and culminates in thousands of locals lining the streets to demand "the herring they deserve" from the local mayor. Priceless.
Pro tip: Time your visit for the Trois Joyeuses, the festival's final three days before Ash Wednesday, when the town really descends into fun-filled mayhem.
5. The Smoky Valley: Reykjadalur, Iceland
Just outside of the small town of Hveragerdi lies this epic valley, shrouded in a constant blanket of smoke conjured up by the geothermal waters underneath. Thankfully, Reykjadalur is easier to locate than it is to pronounce. Around 45km south of the capital, a popular hiking trail will lead you straight into the secluded valley where you'll find this amazing paradise. Just make sure you pay attention to the appropriate "Danger" signs!
Pro tip: There aren't any changing facilities at this all natural spa, so you'll need to be prepared to strip off out in the open if you want to sample its delights.
6. Pitigliano, Italy
If anything, Pitigliano, aka Little Jerusalem, is too far off the beaten track. But that's OK, it just makes this magnificent medieval Tuscan village even more special – utterly saturated in history, Jewish culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Pro tip: Get lost strolling through the ancient Jewish Quarter, be entranced by the picturesque surrounding olive groves and rolling hills, or visit the Palazzo Orsini, a 14th century fortress, now a museum, near the town's entrance.
7. Silencio: Paris, France
8. Ronda, Spain
9. The Town of Books: Hay-on-Wye, Wales
Hay-on-Wye is a small market town with a big heart. Known as the "town of books", it has evolved into a cultural mecca for literary writers and enthusiasts all over the world.
Whether it be the fire station, the cinema, the florist... You name it, you can find a good read there. In a digital age, it's a wonderful throwback and one we hope never changes.
Pro tip: Llanthony Priory is only short 30-minute drive away, a historic medieval abbey looking out over a beautiful Welsh valley.
10. Waterfall Trails: Yorkshire, England
There's a reason why Yorkshire is nicknamed "God's Own Country" and the beautiful Waterfalls Trail in Ingleton Carnforth is as good as any. Hidden away in the woodland, it's a veritable dream for both amateur and professional photographers alike.
Pro tip: Hungry travellers can end their journey with a good old-fashioned roast dinner at the Cow and Calf.
11. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
12. Worm's Head: Rhossili, Wales
Worm's Head is possibly the most dramatic and exhilarating pieces of landscape within these fair isles. Hidden away at the most westerly point of the Welsh Gower Peninsula, Worms Head is a tidal island located a mile out to sea, accessible only by the treacherous Devil's Bridge.
A journey there and back may only be an hour's excursion in total, but with few people around it feels like some kind of wonderful, Enid Blytonesque adventure.
Pro tip: The causeway leading to the island is only exposed for 2.5 hours either side of low tide, and can take a half day to return, so be careful to check your timings before you visit!
13. The Smallpox Hospital: Roosevelt Island, New York
14. G-Cans Project: Tokyo, Japan
15. Lastovo, Croatia
Up until the 1990s, Lastovo was closed to foreigners for nearly half a century as a designated Yugoslavian military base, and even today, it remains relatively untouched by both locals and tourists alike. Lastovo requires some island hopping in order to reach its little collection of 46 different islands and inlets, but its natural beauty and utter tranquility make it all worth it.
Pro Tip: Stick around for the nighttime, as Lastovo boasts the darkest night sky across the whole of Europe and, as a result, the brightest stars too.
16. Gaomei Wetlands: Taichung, Taiwan
