We're not kidding you — these travel destinations actually exist and aren't a figment of your imagination. The world is a wild and wonderful place, full of stunning natural wonders and ancient ruins that exceed our wildest dreams. We've pulled together the most breathtaking bucket list destinations from around the globe that will have you awestruck at their beauty and rubbing your eyes in amazement. From sparkling caves to cloud castles, rainbow hills to pink waters, a stairway to heaven to a door to hell, these incredible marvels are a testament to Earth's beauty. Be prepared to have your mind blown as you browse through these amazing photos. Who's ready for an adventure?
— Additional reporting by Hilary White and Emily Co
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This stunning sight is caused by bioluminescent phytoplankton that emit light when stressed, giving the appearance of a starry night in the sea.
The world's largest salt flats. When it rains, the water makes it look like a giant mirror.
The black, dead trees against the orange sand dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park make the Deadvlei landscape look like a scene out of a painting.
The wisteria flower tunnels in Kawachi Fuji Gardens are beautiful structures to take a stroll through.
Take a stroll in one of the many awe-inspiring glacier ice caves in Iceland.
Laguna Salada de Torrevieja is a natural phenomenon, where the water looks pink due to a type of special algae.
If Germany's Black Forest looks like something out of a fairy tale, that's no coincidence. The Brothers Grimm set many of their stories — including "Little Red Riding Hood" — in the dark depths of the evergreen region.
On the Socotra island of Yemen, you'll find some odd and unreal-looking dragon blood trees. The name of the tree hails from its alarmingly red sap.
Watch the glowworms light up caves in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Fun fact: the Blue Lagoon is actually not a natural wonder. The water averages 98 to 102 degrees and is said to have curative benefits.
Accessible only by boat, the Marble Caves or Cuevas de Mármol are situated on a solid marble peninsula and change colors depending on the time of year and water levels.
The multicolored earth in Chamarel was formed when volcanic rock cooled at different temperatures.
On the Socotra island of Yemen, you'll see some of the most unreal-looking sand dunes — so white, they look like talcum powder from a distance.
This Scottish sea cave is made up of hexagonally jointed basalt columns created by intense volcanic activity. It's Gaelic name means "the melodious cave" due to its haunting cathedral-like atmosphere. Creepy.
This bright green bamboo grove will transport you to a magical world. It's located in Kyoto, Japan.
This winding road in Norway is one of the most spectacular manmade views in the country.
Pamukkale is aptly named, as it means cotton castle in Turkish.
The Great Blue Hole is a huge submarine sinkhole off the coast of Belize that Jacques Cousteau named one of the top scuba diving sites in the world.
The Huacachina Oasis is an actual oasis and not a figment of your imagination.
Kjeragbolten, a boulder in the Kjerag mountain located in Norway, is wide enough for you to stand on. The rock measures five cubic meters, and the drop to the bottom is 3,228 feet.
This ancient city is famous for its buildings that are carved from stone.
The Danxia landform in Zhangye, China, gets its color from red sandstone and mineral deposits.
This fountain geyser located east of Reykjavík, Iceland, is one of the country's most famous geysers.
Scientists had the bright idea of burning up this gas field to prevent noxious gas from escaping. They figured it'd burn out in a few days, but it's been more than 40 years (and counting) since it was first lit.
The rolling hills of the Czech Republic look like fabric.
The tall rocks give the illusion of petrified trees, which is where the name shilin — or stone forest — comes from.
The swings hanging from La Casa Del Arbol in Baños, Ecuador, will make you feel like you're on top of the world — literally.
Though there are many festivals of light celebrated throughout Thailand, the Yi Peng celebration is perhaps the most unique because lanterns are released into the sky rather than over water.
The Dead Sea is the deepest landlocked salt lake in the world, and its extreme levels of saline means it cannot sustain animal life — hence the name. Because of the high density of the water, swimming in the lake is more like floating on the top of the water.
Santorini is an island remaining after a volcanic eruption with a unique landscape of steep cliffs surrounding the beautiful blue waters of a lagoon that connects to the sea.
This famous stone monument is in Salisbury, England, and is believed to have been built as long as 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.
These famous falls are located in southern Africa at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls are considered the largest (not tallest or widest) in the world because when measured by width and height, they form the largest sheet of falling water.
This American landmark is well-known but has plenty of quiet spots that travelers can escape to and spend time with one of nature's most incredible wonders.
The Aurora Borealis is a concentration of charged particles entering the atmosphere and creating incredible lights in the sky when they ionize.
Located in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and is known for its vivid gradient of colors.
This plush national forest is known for its unique geography and rock pillars that have formed as a result of physical erosion.
This terraced land is built into hillsides and used to farm and cultivate semiaquatic rice.
We're aware of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but there's another lesser-known sight — the Havasu Falls — that you shouldn't miss out on. The red rocks and vibrant blue waters make a really stunning contrast.
This region of the Eastern European country is known for its history and interesting geography such as the rock formations called "fairy chimneys."
The Buddha statue's toe is as tall as you are!
Trolltunga translates as troll's tongue and perfectly describes the piece of jutting rock.
These incredible canyon walls are another marvel to check out in Arizona.
One look at this waterfall and you'll see why traveling to it is a must. The stream falls from a cliff onto the moss, which makes the water fall in the interesting patterns you see.
This unique lake in Alberta, Canada, has cool-looking bubbles frozen near the surface. But be careful: the bubbles are full of methane gas, so don't light a match near them, or there will be an explosion.
The cherry laurel maze at the Glendurgan Garden makes the place one of a kind.
The oldest park in Southeast Europe and the largest national park in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its cascading lakes. The lakes dazzle with their vast array of beautiful colors, which range from green to blue.
Haiku Stairs are also called the Stairway to Heaven, and many say it is worth the 3,922 steps it takes to get to the top. The view is said to be quite heavenly.
You can't miss the giant shards of ice of lovely turquoise on Lake Baikal in Russia — they just may be the best-looking ice cubes ever.
So many unique varieties of flowers and plants abound in the Hitachi Seaside Park.
Visit Los Glaciares National Park and admire the large glaciers at this awe-inspiring World Heritage site.
The Danakil Depression is the hottest place on earth year-round. You'll be better off going in the Winter than in the Summer, but keep in mind that it's still really hot during the colder months, although it's more bearable.
This majestic cave holds a Buddhist temple inside its depths.
A cenote is a natural sinkhole that fills up with water — many people in past civilizations would use it as a natural well for water. Ik Kil is one of the more famous cenotes in Mexico and is well worth a visit.
Large spots appear on the British Columbian lake during the Summer when the water evaporates.
One of the most beautiful natural attractions to see in Arizona, known for its horseshoe-shaped river and the glass-like surface of the water.
Take in the wonderful scent of the flowers as you frolic through the lavender fields in Provence.
These sprawling fields of yellow flowers will brighten any trip you take.
An archipelago off the south of South America, Tierra del Fuego has plenty of natural wonders for tourists to gawk at, including glaciers, forests, and mountains. Some of the island's trees grow horizontally because of the strong gusts of wind from the Antarctic, and they are a sight to see.
Mount Roraima is a mountain range that borders Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. What's unique about this mountain is its flat, tabletop surface, which in the midst of clouds looks like something really magical.
Monasteries precariously perched on top of sandstone rock pillars make Meteora a must-see sight.
This geothermal pool is a hot spring that gets its boozy name from the bubbly nature of its waters.
Ait Benhaddou is an impressive fortified city (or ksar) made up of many kasbahs, earthen buildings made from mud and straw.
One of the largest forts in India, Chittorgarh has amazing views, incredible ruins, and tons of history.
The largest of hundreds of ancient cisterns that lie under Istanbul.
Angkor Wat, first a Hindu and then Buddhist temple in Cambodia, is the largest religious monument in the world.
Preikestolen, or the Pulpit Rock, is a huge destination point for hikers, adventurous travelers, and anyone else willing to brave the heights for some amazing views.
Mara River is definitely worth a visit during the time of the wildebeest migration. Watch the large herd cross the Mara River while battling hungry crocodiles.
Take a trip back in history to the time of the Incas in 1450 when you visit the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. The structures were thought to serve as a royal retreat, ceremonial site, or military stronghold, according to National Geographic. Today, the ancient ruins provide a breathtaking contrast against the backdrop of the Peruvian Andes.
These sprawling tulip fields near Amsterdam are the definition of picturesque.
With 3,500 narrow steps, it's one of the biggest stepwells in the world.
This pool is the largest pool in the world. The pool covers 20 acres and cost about $2 billion to construct.
This amazing river is also called the River of Five Colors because of its vast array of hues.
Some of the world's largest natural crystals can be found in this cave.
This Greek hotel pool boasts crystal-clear water and views of the sea from the confines of a white concrete cave.
Stroll to the rushing waters of Scotland's famous fairy pools.
You can take a jet boat through the winding scenic Shotover River in New Zealand.
This cool formation came as a result of volcanic activity.
A picturesque castle that looks like it came straight from a storybook.
This tunnel is actually still used today — trains chug through it three times a day to deliver wood to a factory. It's believed that if couples who are truly in love hold hands and cross the tunnel, their wishes will come true.
This beautiful salt lake with reddish crusted salt on the surface is positively otherworldly.
Adventure into the Eben Ice Caves in Michigan.
The lakes on the volcanic peaks are constantly changing color.
Venice is truly a one-of-a-kind city.
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