Given the vastness of the world and all the things you can do in your lifetime, there is simply not enough time for a person to be able to do everything they ever wanted to do. Sorry to break it to you, but it's just the truth. You better get started now.
You can waste a lot of time doing lame stuff in your life. For that reason, you need to examine carefully curated lists of the world's top travel and adventure destinations, so that you can have a better idea of what is out there, and what would seem the most interesting to you.
No one here is telling you how to live your life, but maybe refer to this list instead of sitting on the couch watching reality TV for the 200th day in a row. What follows is our complete list of 50 things you have to do before you die - only BRAVE individuals could do the last item on this list!
No travel list is complete without mentioning the Great Wall of China. While China is a vast place, and there is no doubt many other things to do there, all tourists should make it a goal for themselves to visit the Great Wall of China. Built many centuries ago to protect China from marauding tribes, the wall stands today as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Chinese people.
The Great Wall itself is an unforgettable sight. The wall is 7 meters high, and 7 meters thick, making it virtually impossible to destroy in the age when it was built. It takes at least a day to walk between all of its battlements, which is why many people that see the place haven't explored the entirety of the wall. Most see just a small part of the overall structure.
Everyone knows that Europe has a lot of places that have awesome nightlife, but in the UK, it is not London that takes the first place when it comes to having a fun time out. Many people have rated Liverpool as the place to be when it comes to clubbing, drinking and meeting people. The reason for this ranges from Liverpool's welcoming residents to the city's geographical location.
The scene in Liverpool is not how people usually imagine nightlife looks like - there are no fake tans or cheesy music. Everything in Liverpool is creative, friendly and bursting with life. There are countless bars (nicknamed "drinking holes" by the locals) that surround the city, offering everyone the chance to drink (check out the local craft beer) and have fun on the cheap.
Most people that have seen the Grand Canyon have reported that the experience has left them speechless. It is not just the scale that astonishes people - but the overall vastness of the place. Just check out the above photo - you can see how deep the Grand Canyon is, and this photo doesn't even capture 1/5th of the place. Other facts and statistics about the place are equally mind-blowing, like for example how long the Grand Canyon is.
According to recent measures, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, and up to 1 mile deep. Some people have explained the experience as basically seeing a mountain that is placed upside-down. Another interesting and unique aspect is the abruptness of the Grand Canyon's drop - it doesn't look like a normal steep hill or mountain. Once you come to the edge of it, the drop angle is literally 90 degrees.
The Whitsundays are a chain of continental islands located off the coast of Northern Australia (Queensland to be more precise). The islands are about 560 miles north of the city of Brisbane, and the sights they offer are incredible. While you can travel on the islands, many recommend that you take a boat tour to sail between the numerous islands.
The island group itself is centered around Whitsunday Island (the island that gave the group its name), although that is not the commercial center. The collection's commercial center is Hamilton Island, which is another recommended site to see. The traditional owners of the land over there are the Ngaro and Gia people. The island collection has also named as one of Australia's most popular natural attractions, and judging by the photos, we have to agree.
The site of Petra is a well-known fable in Middle Eastern culture. While there are many fables that surround the place, you can skip on them and do one of the more interesting things there, which is to take a walk that takes you all the way to the end of the line at the Siq. The Siq is the main entrance to the ancient Nabatean city, called Petra, located in southern Jordan.
The Siq means "the Shaft," and it also goes by the name of Siqit. The main entrance seen from the inside is a natural gorge, that is no more than 10 feet wide in some places. The entire place is approximately 0.75 miles long, meaning it can be easily walked through in around 20 minutes, leaving you enough time to see and wonder the rest of the place.
You can't go to Scotland without visiting its vast nature (the Scottish Highlands) and trying out the national drink - whiskey. Whiskey has been made in Scotland for many centuries. This was partially influenced by Scotland's bare hills, green glens, and silvery lochs which from the perfect conditions for making and enjoying the highly alcoholic and potent drink.
The Highlands themselves are a historic region of Scotland, home to many stories and epic battles. The area is sparsely populated, with no major cities in the vicinity, only smaller town and villages, which can be interesting to see. The area had higher population numbers, but with the industrial revolution, many people moved to the bigger cities in search of a better life. You definitely have to knock this off your bucket list.
Just like China, India is another vast place in which there are more than enough places to visit in one lifetime. That's why all travelers to India must have a priority list of things they want to see - otherwise, you are going to get lost in where to travel first. Many travelers make a habit of visiting the Taj Mahal, as the place is one of India's most famous hallmarks.
The Taj Mahal looks magnificent in person - there is no angle from which the temple is unflattering. Many have called the place the world's most beautiful building. The place was commission by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and it was meant to be a memorial to his beloved wife. The Taj Mahal also works during the night (but only if it's a full moon), which is the recommended time to visit it.
Mt. St-Michel is one of the most unique and recognizable structures in France, yet it pales in global popularity when its compared to the Eiffel tower. The truth is that a lot more people should visit Mt. St-Michel, as the area has a lot to offer interested adventurers. The "mountain" itself is fairly small, elevating just 80m above the ground, but it's the structure built on top that should get your attention.
The island commune is found in the famous Normandy region in northern France. Normandy is also famous as the spot where the allied forces first landed during WWII. The island is located about 0.6 miles (that is 1 km) from the northwestern coast of France. The structure you see in the above picture are strategic fortifications, some of which were first built during the 8th century AD.
In spring, Japan slowly sees the countryside gradually turn into a light pink shade, due to the famous cherry blossoms. These famous flowers gather crowds from around the whole world, with eager people waiting to become a part of the hanami (flower appreciation) experience. It isn't easy to plan your trip around this even though, as the date is different every year.
There are different natural factors that influence when the blooming season begins, such as the weather, temperature and amount of rainfall. That's why it is best to study different regions in Japan, and find out which region blooms during which period. Okinawa, for example, usually starts to see its first cherry blossoms turn pink during mid-January, while in Tokyo this happens between 29 March and 4 April.
Bolivia is another place that you must see, due to its natural beauty. Another plus is that Bolivia is still an unexplored place when it comes to most tourists, meaning you would be one of the first to check out the place. The Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, measured at about 4,086 square miles, which is about 10,582 square kilometers. That's biggest than some countries in Europe.
The salt flat is located in southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes. The place is 11,995 feet above sea level, which is taller than most mountains in the US. Due to the elevation of the Salar de Uyuni, some people have problems keeping their breath. The Salar was formed as a result of several different transformations that happened between several prehistoric lakes.
The Galapagos Islands are home to many endemic species of fauna, which is why it is a must see place in your life if you are a true lover of animals. The islands were first studies by none other than Charles Darwin, during the second voyage of the HMS Beagle. The findings on the islands greatly influenced his theory of evolution and natural selection - the core of Darwin's theory of evolution.
The islands themselves are an archipelago of volcanic islands and are distributed on either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean. Before Darwin's visit, the islands were discovered by chance in 1535, by Fray Tomas de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama. He was extremely surprised to have located the islands, as previous expeditions did not found any islands in this part of the ocean.
Bourbon is the native spirit of the United States - similarly to how whiskey is the native drink of Scotland. While bourbon today is produced in almost every country in the world, you need to visit the Bourbon trail if you really want to experience the world's best and finest. The spirit traces its origin back to Kentucky, which is the original birthplace of the famous drink.
The Bourbon Trail is sometimes called the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, as most of the distilleries and bars are located in this US state. The trail was founded by the Kentucky Distillers' Association, as a way to promote the bourbon industry. That's a pretty smart move, as most people want to experience new things, and connecting drinking with tourism makes sense to a lot of world travelers.
Igloos are not found only in the freezing cold of the Arctic - you can see igloos (and even sleep in them - with some found even on AirBnB) in Canada as well. Most of Canada's igloos are found in the vast stretches of the tundra in northern Quebec. These shelters were built by Inuit elders, who carved snow blocks by hand in order to be able to have a place to call home.
Igloos are also called snow houses and snow huts because they were permanent residences of the people that lived in those cold parts of the world. An igloo cannot be built at any point time - the snow must be used at the time when it can easily be compacted, otherwise, no person would be strong enough to build a complete igloo without using advanced machinery.
Just like Kentucky has the bourbon trail, so does Ireland has the oyster trail. People that are more interested in combing healthy living and travel will find this trail more interesting rather than the bourbon trail. The Galway International Oyster Festival is one of Ireland's longest running and greatest gourmet experiences. The event is meant as a celebration of the new oyster season.
Usually, in order to celebrate the new oyster season, participants are required to get a pint with a couple of oyster in every pub alongside the oyster trail. Luckily, this can be done within 72 hours, so you can strategically drink your pints during three days so that you don't drunk within the first few hours of visiting Ireland - not that there is anything bad in doing that.
There is a tradition in the village of Haro, where the residents spend an entire day fighting and soaking each other in red wine. It has been called by many as one of the best events in the Spanish summer, so if you are in the area during the celebration, you have to visit. The only recommendation is to try and not to wear any expensive clothes during your stay.
The village of Haro is located in the region of La Rioja, found in northern Spain. That is the reason why so many haven't heard of the place, as most tourists in Spain usually go to the southern part, where Barcelona, Valencia and most of the beaches are located. The celebration takes place on June 29 every day. The date is also known as the date of patron saint San Pedro.
The Faroe Islands are a chain of islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Scotland. Just like the Galapagos island formation, many people choose to visit the Faroe Islands due to their unspoiled and raw nature. The islands are found about 300km north of Scotland, which is another good thing, as that means you can easily visit both Scotland and the Faroe Islands in one go.
Apart from the geological beauty of the islands, you should also visit them for their wildlife, the most famous of which is the Faroese puffin, a type of seabird that is native to the region. During the summer months, which is after the bird's mating season, the Faroe Islands are home to over five million seabirds. This number included two million breeding pairs, which together have a biomass of 3,000 tons.
Pompeii was an ancient village found in Rome. It was well-known during historic times until it was "buried" by Vesuvius (a Vulcan) in 79 AD. Due to the burial of the city, today, after the city has been uncovered by geologists, it stands as the best-preserved Roman city in existence. Anyone what is fascinating in Roman culture should visit Pompeii, where you can learn a lot about Rome's culture and architecture.
Pompeii is close to modern Naples, in the Campania region of Italy (just south of Rome). After the volcanic explosion, the city was buried under 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft.) of volcanic ash and pumice. Studies have shown that the city was initially founded around 7th or 6th century BC, by the Osci tribe. The city was eventually conquered by Rome in the 4th century BC, just a few hundred years after its inception.
Africa is home to a lot of endemic species, but one of the most interesting and dangerous to see are the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda. They can be found in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, which is home to dozens of different exotic animals. Located the apes can be a part of the experience as well, due to the vastness of the park, and the limited number of mountain gorillas.
The mountain gorilla is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla. The species is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, which means that their survival is in jeopardy, and the world's governments need to do more to ensure the safety of its members. The other type of eastern gorilla is found in Uganda's Bwindi Natural Park, which is another place you should visit if you want to spend time with exotic animals.
All nature lovers know that visiting one of Africa's savannahs is the most important thing you can do in your life. A savannah is a mixed woodland and grassland ecosystem, in which the trees are sufficiently close so that the forests' canopy doesn't close, yet there is enough light to support different flora and fauna to live on the ground.
Just like many other countries in Africa, Kenya is also home to its own savannah. Due to the sheer size of the savannah, it is recommended to take a vehicle to tour the place. Some opt to ride a pickup truck, while others invest their time and money into booking a hot air balloon, which is the recommended way to visit Kenya's savannah. Unless you have a fear of heights, you have no excuse not to visit this place.
South East Asia has a lot to offer travelers, due to the vastness and diversity of the region. One of the countries found there is Malaysia, which is a chain of different islands, each with its own unique beauty. The sun bears, endemic to the Borneo region of Malaysia, are known as the world's smallest bears, which is a fact in itself that should make you want to see the cute cuddly bears.
In previous centuries, the sun bear inhabited a larger part of Asia, but today they are limited to Borneo, which is the last stronghold (they are an endangered species). You can easily and safely see them at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok. This is the first type of conservation center in the world, making for a fun and unique experience for all travelers.
Blackpool is a city in England that has a lot of beauty to offer visiting travelers. The town is a seaside resort on the coast of North West England. The resort is located on the Irish sea and has a population of 142,065. Despite its small size, the city has a lot to offer, including the world famous Blackpool Illuminations, which first started back in the distant 1879.
The event is classified as a "lights festival," since it was designed to celebrate the first artificial sunshine (as lighting as we know it didn't exist until the 19th century). Once the lights are switched on, they continuously run for 66 days, meaning tourists have ample time to visit the city and enjoy the surroundings, leaving time to spare to visit other parts of England and the UK.
No beer enthusiast is complete without visiting Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world. The facts and statistics regarding the event are spectacular. Not only is Oktoberfest the largest beer festival in the world, but it is also the largest public festival - for any kind of category. You won't find more people celebrating a common interest anywhere else in the world.
The festival always begins on the last Saturday of September and keeps on going for 2 weeks afterward. Given that the festival lasts 14 days, that leaves travelers a lot of time to visit Munich (the original place of the festival), as well as other areas of Germany. Given the rise in popularity, many other cities in Germany and Europe have tried hosting beer festivals, but only the one in Munich is the original one.
There is a region in Turkey called Cappadocia, which is littered with what people call "fairy chimneys." In reality, these are simple rock formations, but the view they give is spectacular, which is why people have assigned different kinds of magical meanings to the place. The place also has a remarkable history - for example, the rocks themselves were created in a volcanic eruption, but they got their final shape due to wind and rain erosion.
The region was also used during the medieval era, as a refuge for Byzantine Christians. The views offered here are amazing - even beginners photographers would be hard-pressed to find a bad angle to take a photo. Since the Byzantine refugees spent a lot of time in the area, they also built monastic settlements and cave churches, which you can visit and explore today.
The Pyramids in Egypt are one of the 7 world wonders, with the one at Giza being the most famous one. Every fact about the pyramid is incredible - for example, they were built at the very beginning of recorded human history, which is incredible to think about. Just as humans were first gaining their ground on the Earth, they gained the capability to create a structure that stands the test of time.
Today, the pyramids have existed for nearly 5 millennia, and no amount of standing in the desert sun has damaged them. Many visitors are not only inspired by the sheer size of them but also due to their elemental form, which is simple yet compelling. The one at Giza is not only the most famous one but also the largest and the oldest pyramid ever built.
South Africa is an important place to visit if you are touring Africa, due to the vast differences it has with other neighboring African countries. Most tourists decide to start their adventure in Cape Town, but if you are seeking something more thrilling, you should drop Cape Town and go straight to Table Mountain. The place is an ecological marvel, on a few different levels.
The place is a powerful icon for the entire continent of Africa. The views from the top of the mountain are unspeakably beautiful. You can view the entirety of Cape Town from that the Table Mountain, due to how close these two places are. If you are energetic and in form, you can hike up the mountain, or if you want to save time you can use a cableway to reach the top.
Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, a small country in Western Europe, but it also functions as the capital of the European Union, since that is where most of the union's administrative buildings are placed. However, you can't just walk into a pub and ask for a beer in Belgium - the folk there take pride in having hundreds of different types of beers to choose from.
No other country in the world produces as wide of a variety of beers as Belgium, which means that you should take your time to talk with people or study on the internet the types of beers you would like to try out during your visit. Another word of advice is to keep in mind that most of the Belgium-native beers are stronger and higher in their alcoholic content than their counterparts in other countries.
Everyone has heard of the famous Texas barbecue - but not many have tried it. If you are touring the US, the Texas Hill Country is a place you need to visit. Whether it is a pulled-pork sandwich or a platter of ribs, the place has everything to offer. The Texas Hill Country also hosts the city of Austin, and other large cities, which makes it one of the fastest growing economies in the United States.
You can try many great places in the city of Austin, but if you want to save money and experience some of the local cuisine, you should venture off from Austin and check the nearby towns. One such popular destination for fellow travelers is the Southside BBQ, a place co-owned by Alva Zulauf, which smokes up excellent cuts of pork (including steaks and ribs), among other great stuff.
Every year, pilgrims from the whole world travel to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, a well-known Buddhist template and pilgrimage site. The place is also known as the Golden Rock, due to the golden-colored boulder upon which the small pagoda is built on. According to ancient legends, the Golden Rock is perched on a strand of the Buddha's hair - meaning the Buddha is actually the whole world.
The those looking from the sides of the rock, it appears that the rock is defying gravity, as it looks like it is on the verge of rolling down the hill, yet that has never happened. At the moment, since the temple is for male-only pilgrims, women are not allowed the visit the inner sanctuary. Women can visit the sanctuary, but only the area that hosts the outer balcony and the lower courtyard.
The Pennine Way is Britain's oldest and longest footpath, measuring around 270 miles (around 500 km) and lets travelers see some of England's most beautiful rural areas. While you are walking the path, you can stop at the many villages through which the path goes, meaning you can book hotels to rest and sleep, and buy food in restaurants and supermarkets.
Due to the length of the path, if you intend to walk all of it, it could take you a lot of time if you don't use any kind of motorized transportation. Most estimates say that travelers need around 3 weeks to pass the path on foot, so you should keep this figure in mind while planning your travel and budget. Expenses can easily rack in the thousands of pounds if you intend to sleep in hotels and eat in restaurants.
Gelato is a type of ice cream that has its origin in Italy, where it is the most popular type of ice cream. However, a revolution has taken place in Rome, where many chefs and restaurants are trying to up their game and improve their gelato recipes, making them more attractive and tastier than ever before. If you are in any major Italian city, you should definitely give this a try.
The ingredients found in gelato ice cream can range from anything - this is not just about choosing chocolate or vanilla ice cream. There is gelato that is based on lemons, on pistachios and other outlandish flavors. You can also make your own combinations, for example, by ordering wasabi and vanilla to create the ultimate weird gelato combination.
Saunas are an important part of life in Finland. There are saunas in all the countries in Scandinavia, but Finland takes the lead here, as many houses and families have their own sauna. A sauna over there is almost like having a shower in any type of Western country - everyone has it, and uses it on a daily basis. That's why Finland today has over 2 million saunas.
The amount of saunas in Finland (2 million) places the average at around four saunas for every ten Finns - an incredible amount by any measure. Finns believe that staying and sweating in a sauna can cleanse the body of all ills, and makes a person much healthier. If you are in Finland, you must try out one of the local saunas, and cleanse your body once and for all.
While there are many reasons to visit the islands of Thailand, the annual Loy Krathong Festival of Light might one of the best reasons. Even before the festival, in the leading days to it, you are going to see pretty baskets fashioned with banana leaves and orchids appear in market stalls and windows across all cities in Thailand. On the night of the festival, these baskets are going to be lit and set afloat.
Once the baskets are set afloat, people are going to send their prayers and thanks to the water goddess, who is the reason why the festival is held in the first place. The festival is Siamese in origin and is celebrated through the whole Kingdom of Thailand, and many times in neighboring countries as well (in countries with significant Tai culture, such as Laos, Shan, Mon, and Kedah).
Iguazu Falls are several waterfalls that are found on the Iguazu river, on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Together, these waterfalls form the largest such system in the world. The waterfalls divide the Iguazu river into the upper and lower Iguazu, depending on whether the river is measured before the waterfalls, or after them.
Every year, tens of thousands of tourists visit the Iguazu Falls. In total, there are 275 different cascades, with the tallest one being 80m. Although not as well-known as the Niagara Falls, the Iguazu has said to be the best spectacular sight of its kind, so if you're in the neighborhood (touring South America) you should definitely try to check out this spot located on the border between Brazil and Argentina.
If you have ever wanted to try painting the town red, then La Tomatina, an annual festival in Spain, is the place to be. The festival is held in the Valencian city of Bunol, which is located in the east part of Spain, about 30 km (19 miles) from the Mediterranean coast. In the festival, participants hit each other with tomatoes, and get involved in tomato fights solely for entertainment reasons.
The festival sees over 130,000 kilos worth of over-ripe tomatoes thrown every year, which some people can view as a waste, given how many people are starving around the world. However, tradition is tradition, which is why the people of Spain are proud to hold their traditions for centuries. The festival lasts about an hour, so be quick if you are planning on visiting it.
Milford Sound is a fiord found in the south-west part of New Zealand's South Island. The fiord is part of the Fiordland National Park, Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. That should be enough to let you know the importance and cultural relevance of the place. Most people have heard of fiords in Norway, but the ones found in different parts of the world are equally majestic.
Milford Sound has been judged by many experts as one of the world's top travel destinations (according to a 2008 Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards from TripAdvisor). It has also been claimed to be New Zealand's most famous tourist destination, even more so than Auckland, the capital city. If you are ever nearby, this is a place you should definitely visit, and even try to kayak.
Rio De Janeiro is not Brazil's capital city, yet it is much more visited by tourists from around the world. One of the reasons why Rio is more popular than capital Brasilia is that it is brimming with nightlife. Anyone has the freedom to be the person they want to be in Rio, making it a very fulfilling experience for those travelers that choose to spend at least a few nights in the city.
The Caipirinha is Brazil's famous cocktail, and it is a kind of national trademark. Originally, the drink was made from a blend of lime, sugar, cachaça, and ice, but these days different places can make the drink with changes to the original recipe. You should be warned that he drinks are exceptionally strong, so you should try to keep the drinking in moderation unless inhibition is the thing you want.
Everyone has heard of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania - it is one of the most famous dormant volcanos in the world. The volcano has not but three different volcanic cones called Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. There are other interesting statistics regarding the place, such as the fact that it is the highest mountain range in all of Africa, making it an important achievement for mountain climbers that are visiting Africa.
The peak of Kilimanjaro measures 4,900 meters (which is about 16,100 ft.) from its base, or if you count it from the sea level, that makes its peak stand 5,895 meters tall (19,341 ft.). The first explorers to reach the peak of the summit are Hans Meyer, Yohana Kinyala Lauwo and Ludwig Purtscheller in 1889. Today, the mountain is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and is a major climbing destination for travelers from the whole world.
Norway's fjords were the places from where numerous Viking expeditions first took place. The geographical formation made it an excellent and safe place for shipbuilding to take place. The Geirangerfjord fjord is located in the Sunnmore region of More of Romsdal country, Norway. It is 15 km (9.3 miles) long, and it even has a small village called Geiranger located at the end of the fjord.
Today, the fjord is one of Norway's most visited sites, with even cruise ships landing in the fjord village. Since 2005, the fjord is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although this status may be canceled, as Norway wants to construct power lines across the fjord. If that really happens, the view and glamour of the place may be ruined for the future generations who have yet to see the place.
When most people think of Denmark, they think of people that are enjoying riding bicycles, reading books and trying to live a safe, calm type of life. However, Denmark's capital city, Copenhagen is host to Tivoli Gardens, rated as one of the best and most exciting amusement parks in the world. Few people would think of Denmark as the place to have a place like this, but that is the truth.
The park first opened back on 15 August 1843, making it the oldest operating amusement park in the world. The oldest amusement park is also located in Denmark but is found near Klampenborg. The park had 4.6 million visitors in 2016, which makes it the second most visited seasonal amusement park in the world after the more popular Europa-Park, from Germany.
King's day (also called Koningsdag in Dutch) is one of the most important national holidays in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The holiday is celebrated on 27 April (this changes to 26 April if the 27th is a Sunday), since the date marks the birth of King Williem-Alexander. Until 2013, the holiday was known as the Queen's Day, since Queen Beatrix was still on the throne and was not succeeded by her son.
The holiday was initially observed on 31 August 1885, and back then it was called Princess's Day since the holiday celebrated the first birthday of Princess Wilhelmina. The festival is known for its nationwide free market, which means that the Dutch people sell their used items. If you are looking for cheap deals on used Dutch items, the King's day is the date to visit the Netherlands. Be sure to wear an orange shirt, though.
The full name of this temple is quite a mouthful - The Basílica I Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família. This temple is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world and is located in Spain's most popular tourist city, Barcelona, in Catalonia. The church was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, who lived from 1852 to 1926. He never saw his piece of art finished.
Gaudi's work is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and back in November 2010, it was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI as a minor basilica, making it almost as important as a cathedral. Unfortunately, the minor basilica couldn't be made a cathedral, since it is not the seat of a bishop. Construction started in 1882, and funding relied solely on private donations, which is one of the reasons why construction was never completed.
Yosemite is a name that has been gaining in popularity in recent years, but for a different reason. Yosemite is how Apple named one of its Mac OS versions, but the name comes from the Yosemite National Park in California. The Half Dome is a granite dome found in the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. It is one of the most well-known rock formations in California, and it's named for its distinct shape and form.
The Half Dome is an exception hiking destination for anyone interested. The top, which is 4,737 ft. (that's about 1,444 m) high offers dramatic views of the entire Yosemite National Park. The view will render you speechless. As late as the 1870s, the Half Dome as described by explorers as perfectly inaccessible, due to its location and shape. The summit was conquered by George G. Anderson in October 1875.
Calgary is a city in the Western part of Canada, that has a lot to offer visitors. Apart from the city's booming mining and oil industry, it is also home to the Calgary Stampede, an event that offers visitors a flashback to the days of the Wild West. The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo, exhibition and festival held every July. The event lasts for 10 days, leaving plenty of room for visitors to check it out.
The Calgary Stampede has been called by name as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," due to the fact that it attracts over one million visitors every year, making it the home to one of the largest rodeos ever. The event traces its roots to 1886 when the first event of its type was held. The first rodeo was added to the event's repertoire by American promoter Guy Weadick, in 1912.
Tikal is one of the best preserved and most well-known of all Guatemala Maya cities, which form the culture that inhabited the country before it was settled by European explorers. The city is home to the famous Maya temples, which although aren't as huge as Egypt's pyramids, are still an important part of early human civilization and culture.
In the past, the city is likely to have been called Yax Mutal. The city was discovered by Ambrosio Tut, a gum-sapper, who reported the location of the ruins to La Gaceta, a local Guatemalan newspaper. Tikal has been said to be the capital of an ancient Maya state, which controlled an empire of vassal states that stretched all the way from the southern highlands to the Caribbean islands.
Although Ethiopia is not known for its Christian tradition, the country is home to several monolithic rock-cut churches. The most famous such churches are in the town of Lalibela, found in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia. Today, Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities and a central site for pilgrims from around the whole world.
The population of the city of Lalibela is almost entirely Christian, which is in strike comparison to the rest of the country. Another interesting fact about Lalibela is that the layout and names of the major buildings and streets in the city have been widely accepted by the local clergy to be a symbolic representation of the city of Jerusalem in Israel. Lalibela is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encourages international peace.
Luang Prabang is a city in north central Laos, which consists of 58 adjacent villages. Out of those 58 villages, 33 are part of the UNESCO Town of Luang Prabang World Heritage Site. The villages were first listed in 1995 for their unique and remarkably well preserved architectural, religious and cultural heritage. Today, the villages consist of a unique rural and urban blend development.
The center of Luang Prabang consists of four main roads, which connect the different villages together, as well as offering a way to connect the city to the rest of Laos. In the past, the city was a capital of a kingdom that had the same name, although in some cases the empire has also been called Chiang Thong. The city was also home to the government of Laos until 1975.
The Gili Islands have also been collectively called "the Gilis," since the formation is made out of three islands, called Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. However, the smallest of these three islands is also the most picturesque - that's island Gili Meno. The largest of the islands, Gili Trawangan has a higher population count, making it a better destination for people seeking parties and socialization.
The islands started to become popular with Western tourists in the 1980s and 1990s - in previous years, the island was not known enough, and so they were sparsely visited. The first travelers were backpackers, who were looking for adventure and exploration. Today, the islands are much better connected to the rest of Indonesia, making it possible to reach them by more direct means of transportation.
A polar plunge is a type of event that is held in many different countries in the world, where participants enter a body of water despite the low temperature. The most famous (and exotic) of its kind is the polar plunge that takes place in Antarctica, one of the coldest and most unwelcoming places on the planet (the water is in sub-zero temperatures).
Polar plunging is a part of an even larger activity which is called winter swimming. This type of sport and outdoor adventure is especially popular in Russia and other northern countries. Another positive aspect of taking the polar plunge in Antarctica is that you will experience and see one of the most unexplored places in the world - Antarctica. The views are absolutely breathtaking.
The Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event that takes place in the capital city of the UK, London. The event was first held in 1966, making it one of the "newer" such events on this list. The festival takes place on the streets of Notting Hill, which is a part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It takes place each August, and lasts for two days, meaning you need to keep your timing tight in order to be in London in time for the festival.
The festival is a big and important part of the Black British culture, and in 2006, the festival was voted as one of the icons of England. In the beginning years of the festival, since it didn't have local authority permission, police involvement was aimed at preventing the festival from taking place at all, which caused all kinds of confrontation between the police and the members of the festival.
The Venice Biennale is an important event and exhibition that takes place in the city of Venice, Italy. Countries from around the whole world are invited to have their own national pavilion. The main focus of the event is contemporary arts, with artists from all participating countries showing their works of art in the city's halls. As the name implies, the Venice Biennale happens every other year.
The event is brimming with glamour, prestige and news value, which makes it the place to be for anyone that is interested in enjoying the best culture and glamour the world has to offer. The main site of the event is the Giardini Pubblici, which is where the pavilions from about 40 different countries are located. There are also other sites that host a different kind of fringe exhibitions, installations, and performances.
