Travel inspiration is one of the things currently living rent-free in our heads (along with The Tinder Swindler and Robert Pattinson with bleach-blonde hair). Now that the world is opening up again, planning that dream holiday (or three) has become a very real and very exciting possibility.
But the world is a pretty big place. How on earth – literally – are we supposed to narrow it down? We spoke to Kristin Addis (AKA Be My Travel Muse), solo female travel expert and author of Conquering Mountains: How to Solo Travel the World Fearlessly, for her top 30 destinations every woman must visit before she turns 30. '90s babies, best get booking…
1. Berlin, Germany
Truly the city that never sleeps, Berlin is a gritty, artsy city that is like an onion; you can peel back layers forever and keep discovering new things.
2. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
It’s the crown jewel of Patagonia and if you hike the O circuit you’ll get 8 days of beauty.
3. Machu Picchu, Peru
This is one of those ancient wonders that really does live up to the hype. I recommend hiking in on the Inca trail.
4. Lombok, Indonesia
My favourite alternative to Bali, Lombok is the island right next door but with far fewer tourists.
5. Provence's Lavender Fields, France
It’s hard to think of a better place to experience golden hour than the pleasingly symmetrical lavender fields.
6. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
For those who love diving and Robinson Crusoe-like islands, this is some of the best of the world has to offer.
7. Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Known as the note for wrong Island, you won’t find nearly as many tourists in this gorgeous part of Thailand.
8. Sossusvlei, Namibia
This area is famous for the huge orange dunes and skeleton acacia trees. The sunrise here is like nothing on earth.
9. Victoria Falls, Zambia
One of the natural wonders of the world, this giant waterfall is a sight to behold.
10. Tokyo, Japan
One of the most unique cities on earth, you’ve got to see, and eat, your way through Tokyo!
11. Tübingen's chocolART Christmas Market, Germany
It’s a Christmas market dedicated entirely to chocolate, I need I say more?
12. Coron, Palawan, Philippines
Beautiful lagoons and dramatic cliffs are unparalleled. Take a boat tour to see it all.
13. Havasu Falls, Arizona
This isn’t Photoshop, these falls really are baby blue! You've got to earn this one with a long hike in and back out.
14. Grand Canyon, Arizona
If you’re stopping by Havasu Falls, you’ve got to see the Grand Canyon as well! It earns its name and is best seen around sunset and is one of my favourite places in the US to travel alone.
15. Amalfi Coast, Italy
For gorgeous views, delicious food, and a constant leg workout from all those stairs, look no further than the Amalfi Coast.
16. Poros, Greece
For a less touristy but equally enchanting part of Greece, head to Poros. Extra points for renting a boat with friends and sailing there.
17. Parc Omega, Quebec
Spend the night with wolves in their wild cabin.
18. Churchill, Manitoba
In the summer you can kayak with Beluga whales, in the autumn see polar bears, and in the winter enjoy the Aurora Borealis.
19. Jacobshorn, Davos, Switzerland
This ski hut at the top of the mountain is a ski-in party spot, inclusive of a hot tub!
20. Nile Cruise, Egypt
The temples hold an incredible energy. Marvel at the way they’ve stood the test of time.
21. Vilanculos, Mozambique
The way the aqua-coloured tides make the white sand bars come out will blow your mind.
22. Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
It’s the largest national park in the US, but hardly anyone goes there. Marvel at the glacier and maybe spot some bears.
23. Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Split between Argentina and Brazil, these falls are so large they take days to explore.
24. Lavertezzo, Switzerland
In the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, you’d be hard pressed to find clearer roadside swimming in the world.
25. Lapland, Finland
Imagine ice hotels, reindeer, sauna culture, and the northern lights. It’s all waiting for you in the wintery Finnish Lapland.
26. Wanaka, New Zealand
A hiker’s paradise, check out Isthmus Peak and Roy’s Peak for a glute-burner with a gorgeous view.
27. Ala-kol, Kyrgyzstan
This is one of the most unexpected and impressive hiking circuits in the world, with this lake as the crown jewel.
28. Aruba
This little island is so easy to explore, I’ve gone there solo twice now!
29. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Trekking to the gorillas of Uganda is one of the most incredible animal encounters this world has to offer. Volcanoes Safaris offer incredible guided excursions.
30. Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip, Ireland
Ireland is so green, full of friendly people, and worth visiting multiple times!
This article was originally published on Glamour UK.
