Take Photos, Leave Footprints

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

The World’s Most Beautiful Travel Destinations

Every now and then I’ll come across articles online that proclaim to identify the “World’s top tourist attractions”, “place to see before you die”, or “the ultimate bucket list destinations”. They always catch my eye, and I inevitably spend the next 30 minutes combing through the submissions to see which I’ve already visited, and where I should add to my own personal, ever-growing, bucket list.

In the interests of travel journalism or, more accurately, having succumb to classic click-bait, I’ve decided to take a deeper dive into 10 of the destinations one recent report identifies in an effort to analyze just how accurate I think their list is.

And so, with no further ado, here are 10 of the World’s most beautiful travel destinations, together with my thoughts on their inclusion on the list….

VENICE, ITALY: Undeniable Romance and Crowded Canals

Ah, Venice…Probably one of my favourite city destinations anywhere in the world, and undeniably one of the World’s most beautiful travel destinations. You simply can’t fail to be taken in by the romance of it; from the luxurious settings that house its museums and cultural attractions, to the watery transport arteries that move its population and tourists from place to place. Everything has been designed to exude opulence, romance, and indulgence (don’t even get me started on Italian cuisine). If you can get past the crowds with some careful planning (the shoulder seasons in April and October provide some respite from the crowds whilst still having a good chance of reasonable weather) then Venice is truly one of the most remarkable cities on earth.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: The Over-priced Concrete Jungle

I’m not sure I’d personally classify this urban jungle one of the World’s most beautiful travel destinations! Lumbering skyscrapers, overpriced meals, preening socialites, and Instagram influencers are what come more immediately to mind than beauty. However, if you have the chance to escape the humidity of downtown and visit the desert then, arguably, Dubai’s stunning arid landscapes hold appeal. The concrete and steel of the city stand in direct contrast to the beauty of the desert. As such, perhaps the best way to summarise Dubai is by labelling it as a ‘marmite destination’ – you either love it or your hate it; Just make sure to read the Take Photos Leave Footprints guides to visiting the United Arab Emirates, and how to navigate Dubai on a shoestring budget before you go!

DUBROVNIK, CROATIA: Stunning Sights and Medieval Masses

The first time I visited Dubrovnik I remember being charmed by the quaint, narrow, cobbled streets and imposing fortresses overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean. It was a relaxed and, Victoria Falls, Zambia

dare I say, quiet old town that you could explore in relative solitude. On that basis I still think of it as one of the World’s most beautiful travel destinations! But that was some 15 years ago, and a lot has changed. The old town, which features several Game of Thrones filming locations, has witnessed a rapid rise in tourism. Largely gone are the quiet cobbled street scenes; replaced by feverish masses of GoT enthusiasts and cruise-goers following umbrella-