July 4, 2021, 4:25 am | Read time: 6 minutes

Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s still not possible to travel everywhere in the world. Especially long-haul destinations still have entry restrictions for most Germans—even if you are already vaccinated. Nevertheless, you can already start thinking about where your first long-haul trip after COVID-19 should go. How about Thailand, Chile, or Madagascar? TRAVELBOOK presents 16 truly spectacular places worldwide for inspiration.

Also interesting: 7 Tips for Your First Trip to Madagascar

1. Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

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Far from the Thai mainland, the Phi Phi Islands lie in the middle of the Andaman Sea. In addition to turquoise waters and the fine white sandy beaches of the various islands, the jungle-covered rocks rising from the water give the island group a magical character.

2. Cinque Terre, Italy

On the northern Italian coast between Genoa and Pisa lies the village of Riomaggiore, home to one of the country’s most popular photo spots: perched on a rock in the sea, the colorful houses appear stacked like building blocks.

3. Iguazú Falls, Argentina/Brazil

The waterfalls in the border region between Argentina and Brazil are among the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. To witness the full force of the water, visit the Iguazú Falls, which are nearly three times as wide as Niagara Falls, during the South American summer.

Also interesting: The 9 Most Spectacular Waterfalls on Earth

4. Mount Kelimutu, Indonesia

From above, the three crater lakes on the Kelimutu volcano look like a colorful paint box. Due to dissolving minerals, the three lakes have different colors. A visit to Kelimutu on the Indonesian island of Flores is also worthwhile for the view, which is especially beautiful at sunset.

5. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

It is the largest salt flat in the world, and after a rain, it becomes a gigantic mirror, which many travelers use for stunning photos.

Also interesting: Bolivia’s Spectacular Train Cemetery

6. Kawachi Fuji Garden, Japan

If you’re planning a trip to southern Japan at the end of April or early May, you should definitely visit the Kawachi Fuji Garden near the city of Kitakyushu. During this time, the wisteria plant is in full bloom, allowing you to walk through colorful, shimmering tunnels.

7. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel Falls tops the list of the world’s highest waterfalls. Located in the Canaima National Park, the water shoots over this cliff from more than 800 meters high. A sight that makes the long and sometimes arduous journey worthwhile.

8. Trolltunga, Norway

It’s likely the goal of every globetrotter to gaze from the edge of Trolltunga at the Sørfjord. This spectacular rock formation is located about 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. One thing you definitely shouldn’t have here: a fear of heights.

Also interesting: How Social Media Makes Hiking Dangerous

9. Easter Island, Chile

The island is mainly known for its large stone figures, the Moai. A user on Tripadvisor offers the following tip for a visit: “We rented a car to see the figures at sunrise. It was incredible.”

10. Strokkur Geyser, Iceland

Just a few meters from the dormant Great Geyser lies the Strokkur Geyser, which still erupts every 6 to 10 minutes, shooting a white column of boiling water up to 30 meters high.

11. Petra, Jordan

The famous World Heritage Site in Jordan is completely carved into the red rocks and is at the top of many globetrotters’ to-do lists.

Also interesting: 9 Secrets About Jordan’s World-Famous Rock City Petra

12. Golden Rock, Myanmar

The Golden Rock looks as if it could tumble down the slope at any moment. However, legend has it that two Buddha hairs prevent it from falling. The gold shines so brightly because every man can buy gold leaf to stick on the sacred rock. Unfortunately, this practice is forbidden for women.

Also interesting: 7 Unknown Wonders of the World

13. Antelope Canyon in Arizona, USA

To see the true beauty of this spectacular place, you must climb down a steep staircase. When the sun is high in the sky at Antelope Canyon and shines directly through the rock crevices, it almost looks as if you could beam yourself into distant galaxies in the light beam falling on the ground. Additionally, the incoming light creates a unique play of colors on the rock walls.

Also interesting: The Wave – Arizona’s Natural Wonder That Only 48 People Are Allowed to Visit Daily

14. Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, Argentina

There is hardly a visitor who is not fascinated by the sight of the Perito Moreno. A traveler explains on Tripadvisor: “If you only have a few hours, you should take the shuttle to the viewpoint. You get an even better view of the ice wall during a boat tour, but the best way to see the glacier is on a hike.”

More on the topic

**Overview** USA – The Most Beautiful Destinations and Best Tips

UNESCO World Heritage Site 11 Secrets of the World-Famous Rock City Petra in Jordan

15. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Baobab trees, also known as African baobabs, look quite peculiar. The trees, which can reach up to 30 meters high, have huge, carrot-shaped trunks and relatively small canopies. In Madagascar, there is the Avenue of the Baobabs, lined with over 20 magnificent specimens.

16. Zhangjiajie National Park, China

With the extraordinary landscape of this spectacular place, it’s hard to know where to start: the cable car that runs between the pointed mountains? The morning mist that transforms the mountains into a mystical landscape? Or the viewpoints reached via steep paths and rickety bridges?