Do you remember your very first plane ride? Have you never been on one? Are you having trouble deciding where to go for your first overseas vacation, or not sure where to go next?
As exciting as traveling is, it requires careful planning to have the best experience possible. From first-time flyers to the most avid adventurers, there are some travel basics everyone should know. Beyond the common ground rules, though, the art of exploring the world is different for everyone.
Some people travel because they need an escape. Others board planes for business purposes or to meet their partner in a long-distance relationship. Still more do it just because or in order to discover more about a certain culture.
Whatever your reason for booking your next flight, consider heading to one of the following cities. Here are 21 of the most popular travel destinations all around the world.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the most-visited city on the planet, which is why it's earned the number one spot on our list. The rest will be grouped by geographic relevance.
As for this busy, bustling city, there's something for everyone. Thai food is amazing, the many temples and palaces are breathtaking, and the locals are incredibly welcoming. Not to mention, it's a pretty cheap city to visit in comparison to others on the list, and it also has high-end attractions if money isn't an issue.
2. London, England
Up next is London, England. This city has played a pivotal role in history for centuries and everywhere you look, some of its stories are available to you.
From the beautiful mix of cultures from all around the world and the unique traditions of the British empire to the world-renowned museums of all kinds and the incredible theater acts, London is a must-see place.
If you can go during the holidays or a royal event it's even better.
3. Paris, France
Just across the channel from London lies Paris, France. Most people think the only thing to see in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. Actually, the best view of the city is from Sacre Coeur.
Sacre Coeur is a well-known Catholic Basilica. Aside from its religious roots, this Parisian destination is known by all for its location high up from the city. You get a great view of the Eiffel Tower from here and truly get to see Paris in all its glory.
Other popular sites to see include Notre Dame, the Royal Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and of course, a day trip to Versailles.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Spain borders the south-west part of France, and in the south of Spain lies a coastal town everyone who goes there loves: Barcelona.
You've likely heard it mentioned in songs or seen it on TV. When you go there yourself, though, it's a dream come true. The city is filled with art all around, from Park Guel and Casa Mila to the churches throughout the area like the Sagrada Familia.
5 Madrid, Spain
When in Spain, you have to go to Madrid. It's kind of like the big sister of Barcelona, a much larger city with palaces and parks and museums rather than a beach front.
Oh, and the food is to die for. Madrid is in an interesting spot in Spain where the wine country is close by, the fish still tastes fresh (although Madrid is a landlocked city), and the nearby vegetation offers plenty of variety. It's a dream vacation destination for many foodies.
It's also a great central stop if you want to explore nearby rural towns or take a train to other well-known parts of Spain, like Sevilla or the Basque country.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Another city you can take a train to is Amsterdam. Located a few hours away from Madrid by plane, Amsterdam is a great place to be if you can get there.
The city is one of the most welcoming in the world. Almost everyone knows English, and if they don't, they'll help you find someone who does.
As you wander the streets you may stumble across the Picasso Museum, the Anne Frank House, or decide to take a boat ride through the canals. The city is also incredibly bike-friendly if that's how you prefer to get around, just be sure not to run into one when on foot!
7. Rome, Italy
Head south from Amsterdam (and a little to the east) and you'll hit Rome. Going to Rome is one of the best trips to take no matter what your interests are.
Are you a huge foodie? Visit Rome for the fresh pasta, to eat your body weight in gelato, and try some delicious pizza and traditional Tuscan dishes.
If history or art is more up your alley, then Rome is a no-brainer. This is one of the oldest cities in the world and ancient Roman ways of life are still influencing the world today. There's art around every corner and if you're religious in any way, the Vatican is pretty cool to see, too.
By the way, if you do end up at the Vatican it's technically a country of its own, so you'll get to see two countries in one trip! Not bad for an overseas vacation, huh?
8. Florence, Italy
If you have more time to spare in Italy, head further south to Florence. While Rome may give you a taste of Tuscany with its top-notch cuisine, Florence actually puts you in the heart of it.
The city was one of the most influential parts of the world during the Renaissance and continues to take people's breath away today. Florence is home to Michaelangelo's famous David sculpture, the Duomo - which has a pretty interesting story behind it - and the Pointe Vecchio.
Wherever you are in Florence, you're sure to have a great time.
9. Vienna, Austria
As amazing as the European destinations mentioned so far are, there are still a few more worth putting on your bucket list. Next stop is Vienna, Austria.
Austria was home to one of the most powerful royal families at a certain point in time and it has not one, but two large and lavish palaces to show for it. One of the members of the royal family was Archduke Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked an Austrian retaliation leading to World War I.
Vienna was also the home of Mozart and the real-life Maria von Trapp (talking to you, Sound of Music fans).
10. Prague, Czech Republic
While the Austrians found themselves in a dispute that lead to the first world war, Prague actually played a crucial, devastating role in the second. Not many people know this was the first place Hitler occupied during his expansion of German reign.
On a lighter note, Prague is a must-visit place for its palace, the St. Charles Bridge, and one of the world's oldest clocks. Mozart actually referred to this city as his home although born in Vienna, and there are many interesting, lesser-known facts about Prague worth discovering first-hand.
11. Copenhagen, Denmark
If you want to visit one of the happiest places in the world, you have to go to Copenhagen. The best time to go is during the summer months.
Copenhagen is bike-friendly, home to beautiful architecture, and one of the more interesting foodie spots on the list. The city is big on environmentally-friendly initiatives and making the most of the nearby natural resources. You'll see this reflected in the food you eat, the water you swim in, and much more.
12. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is on the easternmost point of Europe. In fact, this city is partly in Europe and in Asia. The two sides of Istanbul are split by a river.
On one side lies the Royal Palace, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia. This is where most tourists go, although there are incredible baths and other fun tourist attractions worth visiting on the Asian side.
13. Osaka, Japan
Have you ever been to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida? Did you know there's one in Osaka, Japan, too? But the second-largest city in Japan is home to much more than roller coasters and water attractions.
In Osaka, you can find amazing museums, a buzzing downtown, and lovely ancient temples. There's something new to discover around every corner, but you have to get there first to connect to it all.
14. Tokyo, Japan
Osaka comes second in size only to Tokyo, the largest city in Japan. This is a popular destination for all kinds of travelers from all around the world.
Tokyo is home to delicious food, which you can taste in world-renowned restaurants or from delicious street stands in city markets. It's also home to breathtaking natural museums and innovative art displays.
15. Singapore
Singapore is both a country and a city. It's located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in southeast Asia.
Many travelers go to Singapore for the food, the arts, and the age-old traditions found all around. Everywhere you go, there's something new to taste and a lovely sight to take a picture of. Even the airport is an impressive sight!
16. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Head north-west from Singapore and you'll find yourself in Kuala Lumpur. This is where you can find some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world - at a height of 88 floors - delicious food, and a lively, interesting culture.
The city is like nothing else on earth. So many visitors come here to get a taste of modern-day Asia and a glimpse into old traditions, not to mention, the locals are some of the most welcoming on the planet.
17. Cape Town, South Africa
After exploring Asia for a bit, consider heading to Africa. South Africa is worth checking out first, especially if you're trying to avoid too much political turmoil or poverty-ridden areas.
Cape Town is the place to go for surf, sun, and fun. It's a beach town unlike anything you've ever seen in the Caribbean or in your hometown's backyard. Here, the waves are large and the days are long.
Sit back and relax on the sand or see how well you can catch a wave. Just watch out for the sharks!
18. Marrakech, Morocco
On the opposite end of the African continent lies a small city with many adventures to offer. Marrakech is where you need to go if you're looking for something off the beaten path.
Here, you can learn all about traditional Morrocan cuisine and art. Schedule a camel ride into the desert one day or take an afternoon to get lost in the Blue City, a unique nearby town.
Wherever you visit in Morocco, though, the trip will be well worth it.
19. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
For those who enjoy extravagant vacations and high-end lifestyles, Dubai is a must. This is home to some of the best shopping in the entire world and amazing architecture to host it all.
Not to mention, the city is practically spotless, super safe, and very friendly. Be sure to try all the babaganoush and hummus you can before catching your flight home.
20. New York City, USA
As interesting as some of the most popular travel destinations around the world may seem, it might be better to start exploring your own backyard. Many Americans have never been to New York City before, and many more don't realize it's a dream destination for people from all corners of the world.
New York truly is the city that never sleeps. No matter how early you wake up, someone in the city has already started their day, and the nightlife always rolls into the early morning. Many people go to New York to chase money and fame, while others use the trip as a foodie vacation or a chance to check out the museums in town.
21. Miami, USA
Is it too cold to visit the Big Apple right now? Plan a last-minute trip to Miami instead.
Miami is the place to be if you want to have fun, relax, and do something different. It's known for the variety of Latin and Carribean influences, its European visitors, and sassy attitude.
You can find delicious $2 tacos in one part of Miami then pay upwards of $15 for a beer in another neighborhood. It's really all about where you go, but still, it's a city worth checking out for yourself.
Discover All the Most Popular Travel Destinations!
It's one thing to read about all the most popular travel destinations and another to get to know them up-close. Is London calling your name? Are you dying to go visit Marrakech?
Whichever cities are calling your name on this list - go there. Make it happen, and don't look back. If you're interested in making traveling your full-time lifestyle, click here to see how we can help.