20 dream-worthy vacation destinations

Located in Alberta, Canada, Banff National Park is one of the best places to explore the majesty of the Canadian Rockies. Expect massive peaks, gorgeous glacial lakes, and plenty of wildlife. 

This beautiful Indonesian island is the definition of a tropical paradise. Turquoise blue, calm ocean waters await, along with stunning beaches, gorgeous rainforest greenery, and a slew of interesting cultural sites. 

Paris holds a place in many people's imaginations as a city of sophistication, stellar food, and stunning sights. Visitors here can spend hours exploring multiple world-class art museums, gorgeous architectural work, and, of course, tons of great shopping, among other attractions to the City of Lights. 

Classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the breathtaking Amalfi Coast has become one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations in recent years, and for good reason. It's home to breathtaking views, incredible food, and sweeping cliffs that make the whole place look like a painting. 

Traveling to Hawaii should be on any beach-lover's bucket list. Oahu is home to some of the world's most stunning beaches. Head to the North Shore to watch some of the world's best surfers take on the waves, or visit Haleiwa to snorkel among the sea turtles. 

The largest island in Thailand, Phuket, is also one of its most beautiful. The beaches here are covered in gorgeous white sand, the waters are calm, and the snorkeling is top-notch. There are also many interesting cultural sites, including a bounty of gorgeous and ornate temples. 

Just a short flight away from most United States airports awaits the beauty of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. From Cancun to Tulum, this region is packed with gorgeous resorts, incredible beaches, and tons of attractions. Don't miss the cenotes or crystal-clear underground lakes, either. 

Home to those iconic white-and-blue homes on the cliffside, Santorini remains one of Greece's most popular tourist destinations thanks to its luxe resorts, beautiful waters, and tons of historical ruins to explore. 

Whether you're looking to explore the majesty of the surrounding coral reefs or simply lay on a gorgeous beach with a book, the Maldives offers all that and more. It's a paradise for folks who love to be on the water, with everything from deep-sea fishing to scuba diving on offer. 

There is no place on earth like Tokyo. Japan's capital city is home to nearly 14 million people, and it feels like there are nearly that many options for things to do in this incredible city. There are temples to explore, cultural districts to wander, and of course, so much great food. 

Thanks to its incredible wealth of historic sites and convivial culture, Dublin is a must-visit city. You will, of course, want to sip a pint of Guinness in a pub or two, along with a stop to see the legendary Long Room at Trinity College's library. 

The over-water bungalows that this island in French Polynesia are known for make Bora Bora a top destination for anyone who loves the beauty of turquoise waters. It's definitely a splurge, but this island is on the bucket list of pretty much anyone who loves to travel. 

For anyone who can handle the 13+ hour nonstop flight to New Zealand from the United States, stunning scenery and fascinating cultural exploration await on both the North and South islands. 

Considered by many to be one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Prague is an architecture lover's dream. It's positively packed with stunning Gothic cathedrals, historic museums, and of course, the oft-visited Prague Castle. 

Art fanatics simply must make Barcelona a priority on their travel bucket list. Museums dedicated to Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro await, along with so many stunning architectural sites. 

Both a gorgeous city in its own right and a great place to set your home base for exploring Croatia's vast natural beauty, Dubrovnik is a popular destination for "Game of Thrones" fans searching out sites where the show was filmed. 

Thanks in part to its lagoon spas and the opportunity to see the northern lights, among many other attractions, Iceland has become a wildly popular tourist destination in recent years. 

Culturally diverse and convivial, London has a vibe all its own. It's an especially great destination for history buffs, who will appreciate exploring Westminster Abbey and the artifact-packed British Museum. 

This South Pacific destination is made up of 300 tiny islands, and choosing which island to visit really depends on what kind of vacation you want to have. Nadi is the island's busiest tourist destination, but Denarau and the Mamanuca Islands may be more your speed. 

Originally the capital city for the Incan empire, Cuzco is a city that boasts culture and natural beauty in abundance. Nearby Macchu Picchu is a bucket-list destination for many travelers, and there's plenty of art, architecture, and good food to keep you entertained after you make the climb.