In a world filled with so many different cultures and such breathtaking landscapes and fascinating histories, it’s impossible to single out a particular country worthy of a visit. However, certain countries stand out as must-visit destinations because of their scenic grandeur, magnificent architecture, and often, ancient history.
Take the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for example. It’s a country with many examples of breathtaking futuristic architecture, amazing infrastructure, and wide open vistas of desert; a country where opulence and success are celebrated, where you can rent a Ferrari in Dubai for just a few dollars any day of the week to explore the country in style. And yet, it’s a country that not only reaches out to the future but also celebrates its past.
Whether you’re looking for a vacation jam-packed with vibrant cities, historic ruins, amazing architecture, or breathtaking natural phenomena, here are some fascinating countries worth visiting. So let’s start with the country we have already mentioned above.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Foremost, the Emirates are known all over the world for their legendary city Dubai. It is undoubtedly a city of superlatives. A city with towering skyscrapers, luxury resorts, and unapologetically extravagant shopping malls. It’s a city that celebrates innovation, wealth, technology, and success. However, beyond the glitz and glamor, it’s also a country that honors its history with authentic bustling souks (markets) and museums celebrating its culture, not forgetting the ancient tradition of desert caravans. Well, perhaps not caravans in the true sense of the meaning, but certainly desert safaris. With an SUV rental, you can drive into the desert, ride camels over the dunes, watch spectacular golden Arabian sunsets, and sleep under the stars in a Bedouin tent.
Must-see attractions and sights in the UAE
If you contact any local SUV rental service in advance, you can get around the Emirates in comfort to see some of this fascinating country’s amazing attractions, such as its vibrant cities, groundbreaking architecture, high-end shopping malls, extravagant entertainment venues, lively souks, awe-inspiring mosques, and historic districts. For example:
- For most people, the first port of call is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It’s the world’s tallest building, an architectural masterpiece with breathtaking views over the city and sky-high fine-dining establishments.
- Drive through the Palm Jumeirah, an incredible artificial island reclaimed from the sea and constructed in the shape of palm fronds.
- The white-domed Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is also well worth a visit with its exquisite marble, intricate designs, and beautiful gardens.
- And if you have an interest in Islamic art, culture, or history, you should visit the Sharjah Museum located in Sharjah.
- Morocco
Morocco is considered the gateway to North Africa. It is an exotic country with ancient traditions blended with modern influences. Here, you can visit the bustling souks of Marrakech, wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets of Fes, or camp under the stars in the Sahara Desert.
Must-see attractions and sights in Morocco:
- Explore the vibrant heart of Marrakech with its bustling souks, the historic Bahia Palace, and the lively Djemaa el-Fna square.
- Or get lost in the maze-like streets of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with medieval architecture and traditional markets.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go on a camel trek in the Sahara Desert, which includes camping in the desert, with breathtaking sunsets over the dunes.
- See the “Blue City” of Chefchaouen with its blue-washed buildings, nestled in the Rif Mountains.
- Escape to the scenic Atlas Mountains with their panoramic views where you can hike and visit Berber villages.
- Or perhaps visit the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Ben Haddou along an ancient caravan route, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Iceland
Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice (reminiscent of Game of Thrones?). It’s almost an otherworldly country, a geothermal utopia filled with stark, dramatic landscapes and amazing natural phenomena. It’s a great idea to get a vehicle with a local guide or driver.
Must-see attractions and sights in Iceland:
- The Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik is a renowned geothermal spa known for its milky-blue waters, silica mud masks, and stunning natural surroundings.
- Explore the Golden Circle route, which includes:
- Pingvellir National Park where you can walk between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia.
- See the powerful Strokkur geyser shooting hot water jets high into the air every few minutes.
- Visit the Gullfoss Waterfall, a majestic two-tiered waterfall where the Hvítá River plunges into a narrow canyon.
- Visit the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon near Vatnajökull National Park where you can see icebergs floating in the lagoon in a unique glacial landscape.
- Or hire a car and drive around the rugged coastline of Snæfellsnes Peninsula with its lava fields and the famous Snæfellsjökull volcano.
- And of course, no visit would be complete without seeing the magical Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) during the winter months.
- Brazil
The largest country in South America, Brazil is well-known for its energetic and colorful festivals and vibrant society. Visit Rio de Janeiro during Carnival week, catch a suntan on the golden beaches of Ipanema or explore the historic streets of Salvador.
Must-see attractions and sights in Brazil:
- Take a guided tour from cities like Manaus or Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue at the top of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.
- See the breathtaking Iguaçu Falls with its cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest.
- Iquitos to explore the Amazon forest – the world’s largest tropical rainforest.
- Japan
Japan is a captivating blend of the past, the present, and the future. It’s a country that honors its history while celebrating modern technology – from the bustling streets of Tokyo with its neon-lit skyscrapers to the ancient temples of Kyoto surrounded by the delicately scented petals of cherry blossoms.
Must-see attractions and sights in Japan:
- Visit vibrant Tokyo with its modern skyscrapers, historic temples, and bustling intersections.
- Explore the historic city of Kyoto, home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites including:
- The stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), set amidst beautiful gardens.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine that leads up to Mount Inari.
- The picturesque wooden temple of Kiyomizu-dera with its panoramic views of Kyoto.
- Sample fresh seafood and other gastronomic treats at the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market.
- Revisit history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the remembrance of the atomic bombing during World War II.
- Visit Mount Fuji. Here, you can hike partway up the mountain or enjoy panoramic views from viewpoints like Lake Kawaguchi.
To conclude, all these countries are unique in their own special way. Whether you want to learn more about art and history, be blown away by natural phenomena, admire superb architecture, or just revel in bustling traditional markets or vibrant modern city life, these countries are definitely worth visiting. You can choose one, buy a flight ticket, rent a car, and embark on a journey through world cultures.