Renowned travel authority Lonely Planet, whose guides have inspired adventurers for decades, shares its 20 must-see destinations from the new book on the world's 500 most stunning sites (released in early August).
Number 1: Angkor and its 1,000 temples in Cambodia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site hailed as a must-see before you die for its awe-inspiring panoramas and Buddhas. It draws 4.5 million international visitors yearly, with numbers rising steadily.
Second: Australia's Great Barrier Reef, spanning 3,000 km of crystal-clear waters alive with extraordinary fauna and flora. The planet's largest living structure, formed by billions of tiny coral organisms.
Fourth on the podium: China's Great Wall, built in the 3rd century BC to fend off northern invaders. Another UNESCO gem. Here's the full list—pick your next adventure!
1 – The temples of Angkor (Cambodia)
2 – The Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
3 – Machu Picchu (Peru)
4 – The Great Wall (China)
5 – The Taj Mahal (India)
6 – Grand Canyon National Park (USA)
7 – The Colosseum (Italy)
8 – Iguazú Falls (Brazil-Argentina)
9 – The Alhambra (Spain)
10 – Hagia Sophia (Turkey)
11 – The medina of Fez (Morocco)
12 – The Twelve Apostles (Australia)
13 – Petra (Jordan)
14 – Tikal (Guatemala)
15 – The British Museum (United Kingdom)
16 – The Sagrada Familia (Spain)
17 – Fiordland National Park (New Zealand)
18 – Santorini (Greece)
19 – The Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
20 – The Museum of Old and New Art (Australia)
