20 Life-Changing Travel Destinations

If you're feeling a serious sense of wanderlust, then 2018 is your year! Nothing satiates a travel-hungry spirit like a trip to somewhere new and amazing. Want to find a travel destination that will give you more than just good Instagram pics? Then check out our list of the most incredible locations around the world that are guaranteed to leave you completely transformed in the best way possible!

Not only is Amsterdam the cultural epicenter of the Netherlands, but it's also home to the one and only Anne Frank house, where the famous young diarist lived in hiding during the height of World War II. Along with an incredible history (including a UNESCO World Heritage site), Amsterdam boasts an incredible art scene. Also, just 45 minutes southwest is the majestic Keukenhof park, where thousands of brightly colored tulips blossom every April, enchanting visitors and locals alike.

Another historic European city that should be on your must-see list is Berlin in northeastern Germany. The country's dynamic capital features amazing relics of the past, including the remnants of the Berlin Wall that once divided the city and the Holocaust Memorial, which features 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights. Along with its deep history, Berlin is also a mecca for foodies and night-life enthusiasts, with endless clubs and restaurants to satisfy every visitor.

You're looking at a 169-foot-high golden statue called Buddha Dordenma located in Bhutan's capital city, Thimphu. This awe-inspiring monument isn't alone, either. Inside its chest are 125,000 additional smaller Buddha statues, making this a true wonder to behold. In this sacred Buddhist country that sits high against the Himalayan mountains near India and China, also lies the Taktsang Goemba or Tiger's Nest Monastery, which was built into an actual cliff in 1692 and is considered a holy place.

Do we even need to tell you why it's so important to go see the last remaining wonder of the ancient world? Probably not. But if you still need a gentle nudge, the pyramids of Giza, which are just around 10 miles from the bustling city of Cairo, are truly one of the most amazing architectural feats ever to exist before industrialization made big, fancy buildings the norm. Whether you believe 20,000 men spent 20 years building the pyramids or aliens from outer space had a hand, it's worth seeing them for yourself at least once.

A trip to Australia is life-changing in and of itself. There's so much history, art, culture, amazing food and natural beauty that a traveler can enjoy, but no trip would be complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. This complex coral system is the largest in the world and it's so big, it can be seen from outer space. Sadly, it's also in danger of going extinct due to climate change, meaning visitors should make the trip sooner rather than later to see it while it's still a lush, thriving marine ecosystem.

Included as one of the new seven wonders of the world is the Great Wall of China, which took an astounding 2,000 years to complete. It's the largest man-made structure ever built, and like the Great Barrier Reef, it can be seen from outer space. Covering an unbelievable 4,000 miles, the wall is a testament to Chinese engineering and history. A visit to the wall won't only be an incredible photo opportunity, it will also be a chance to honor the past and the enduring spirit of mankind.

Located between the borders of Brazil and Argentina lie some of the most majestic (and huge) waterfalls you'll ever witness. Although Iguazu Falls isn't technically the largest waterfall in the world (that title goes to Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls), it is more than double the size of Niagara Falls in New York. Dumping more than five full-size Olympic swimming pools of water per second, these cascading cliffs will most likely rival anything you've seen before.

Known as the Emerald Isle, a trip to Ireland will make everyone you know green with envy. Along with the sloping verdant hills and magnificent coastlines, Ireland boasts quaint villages, castles and historic ruins (like Brú na Bóinne, which is north of Dublin and older than the Pyramids of Giza), as well as an exciting night life. Plus, there's amazing local cuisine (like colcannon and champ) and their beloved Guinness beer, making Ireland a warm, cozy adventure abroad.

Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site located high on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains. It draws millions of visitors each year who want to marvel at the sheer beauty and architectural ingenuity of the ancient Incas, who built and then mysteriously abandoned the structure. Whether you take the arduous hike through the Inca Trail or ride the train from Cusco, you won't be disappointed by this enchanted historic destination that was hidden from the modern world until 1911.

Nestled close to the Sahara Desert, Morocco is small country in North Africa that also offers an incredible ocean view. Between the two extremes lies a world of fascination and wonder. Travelers can explore beautiful palaces, markets laden with spices, trinkets and treasures, and enjoy their world-famous cuisine, including piping hot mint tea and clay-pot cooked meals. Known for their incomparable hospitality, Morocco is a place that seduces the senses and enlivens the soul.

For travelers who love to venture into the wild but might be terrified of creeping critters, New Zealand brings the best of both worlds: plenty of outdoor space to explore and (yay) no snakes! Along with the breathtaking scenery, New Zealand has major cities, warm and friendly people, a fascinating culture that includes the native Maori (who called the island home before colonization) and an incredibly low crime rate. This beautiful compilation of islands is a safe place even for women traveling alone.

Home of the potent alcoholic drink mezcal, the Mexican state of Oaxaca has a lot of reasons to make travelers feel excited about a visit. Featuring some of the most delicious food you'll ever eat (they're not called the land of seven moles for nothing) and ancient history that includes pyramid ruins from a once-flourishing Zapotec civilization, Oaxaca is a fascinating multicultural destination with more than 17 spoken languages and a festive, welcoming attitude that beckons travelers from near and far.

Paris is one of the most important destinations in Europe, and that's not just because of their swoon-worthy pastries. The capital city of France boasts some of the most important historical sites, including the Notre Dame cathedral, the fascinating Louvre museum (which features the famous "Mona Lisa" among other irreplaceable works of art), the Eiffel Tower and, just a short drive away, the famed Palace of Versailles, which once housed the French monarchy. Of course, Paris also has life-changing croissants.

Although Hurricane Maria ravaged the islands of Puerto Rico, we still believe it's a can't-miss destination for true world travelers. The historic forts from the days of Spanish colonization, romantic white sand beaches, gorgeous painted villages, incredible food (seriously, try their seafood mofongo and you'll never be the same again), lively nightclubs and dance halls, and famous Puerto Rican hospitality make this tropical paradise a vacation must.

In terms of island nations, Rapa Nui, off the coast of Chile, is still in its infancy at just over 750,000 years old (making it one of the youngest inhabited islands in the world). Home to the Polynesian people named for their land, the volcanic island is a beach getaway most popular for its 1,000 (plus) Moai head statues. Researchers have found the Maoi actually include bodies that are buried in the ground. The monoliths are estimated to be nearly 1,000 years old and are worth a visit.

Samoa is a Polynesian island located deep in the South Pacific. Comprised of 10 islands (including two main islands, Upolu and Savai'i), this tropical paradise is small in size but big on hospitality. The Samoan people are famous for friendliness and visitors will soon feel just like a local. Known for pristine white sand beaches and turquoise water, Samoa is a place of unsurpassed beauty. Visitors should also check out the famous To Sua ocean trench (seen here)—a 100-foot deep swimming hole formed by a volcano.

A trip to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park is considered by many to be the vacation of a lifetime. Every year, in search of life-giving water, massive herds of wild animals, including zebras and wildebeest, make what is known as the Great Migration across the Serengeti plains. In 1972, the park became the first World Heritage Site, to preserve the land's immense, wild beauty. Annually, the park hosts upwards of 90,000 tourists, but pro travelers know the best time to visit is between July and October.

Deep in Siem Reap's jungle lies Angkor Wat, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the first half of the 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu (and later converted into Buddhist temple). The historic ruins are the world's largest religious monuments still in existence and offer visitors a chance to travel back in time. Fun fact: "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" were both filmed at Angkor Wat.

It's perhaps one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the United States, but getting to Havasu Falls in Supai, on Arizona's Havasupai Reservation, is no easy feat. The trek includes an intense eight-mile hike, making it a rewarding challenge for those who have the endurance. For those who aren't in hiking shape, there are other means of travel, including horseback and helicopter. Once there, be respectful, as the Havasupai people, who've inhabited the area for more than 1,000 years, consider the water sacred.

Also known as Banaras (and The City of Temples), Varanasi is one of the oldest still-inhabited cities in all of India. Built along the banks of the holy Ganges River, Varanasi has a long history as an important religious site for Hindus as well as a place for cremation of the dead and spiritual bathing for devotees. With more than 84 ghats (stairways into the water), Varanasi is a place where visiting the Ganges and witnessing inhabitants perform daily rites is highly encouraged.