Most Breathtaking Places to Visit in the World Before You Turn 50
Last updated November 4, 2025
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If a loved one or you is almost about to reach 50, what is a better method to initiate this next chapter than with a memorable journey that checks off significant bucket-list destinations?
In case you're aiming to witness the best marvels of the world and try out different cultures and cuisines, here are the most breathtaking places to visit in the world before turning 50!
1. Patagonia
Location: Chile/Argentina
Situated at South America's southern tip, the UNESCO Patagonia Biosphere Reserve encompasses an extensive area covering over 260000 square miles spanning Argentina and Chile.
The striking Patagonia geography is characterized by plentiful ice fields, striking mountain summits, bodies of water, streams, and distinctive fauna.
It's a vast space to navigate and it may be somewhat challenging to pinpoint precisely where to head here.
2. Blue Lagoon
Location: Iceland
Situated between 2 continents where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates converge, Iceland is essentially a geothermal and volcanic paradise.
From gushing geysers to eroding ice sheets, Iceland has everything.
The astonishing Blue Lagoon, its most renowned feature, is a blend of mineral-laden freshwater and ocean water sourced from deep inside the earth that’s naturally warmed to a range of 98 to 102 degrees.
Its azure-hued waters cascade across extensive dark lava plains, imparting an extraterrestrial feel to the entire area.
The stunning Blue Lagoon is accessible throughout the entire year.
3. Plitvice Lakes Park
Location: Croatia
I can effortlessly list every of Croatia in this guide.
There is a lot to see here, from Dubrovnik's history and the coastal allure of Rovinj to the impressive Pula Arena and the charm of all the glittering islands on the Croatian coastline (such as the fortified historic center of Korcula).
Within Plitvice Lakes, a national park, linked 16 lakes amaze guests with shimmering green shades and striking cascades.
The boardwalks allow you to stroll through the water-based spectacle, enveloped by dense woodlands.
You can stay somewhere close to the national park and arrive there early enough to avoid the influx of tour groups that come in around 10 am every single day.
Alternatively, visit late noon once the tour buses have departed. Just ensure to steer clear of the crowded crowds by avoiding mid-day visits.
4. Lhasa
Location: Tibet
Traveling to Tibet isn't really easy and it cannot be done independently without a good guide who will assist in safeguarding your vital Tibetan travel authorization.
Also, you'll need to arrange a tour in Lhasa City. Even with your guide, numerous limitations exist.
However, the beautiful Potala Palace, Lhasa's most famous landmark, is truly deserving of the whole effort.
Constructed in the seventh century, the palace is over 1300 years and remains the biggest preserved collection of historic structures in Tibet.
Another essential attraction here is the iconic Jokhang Monastery.
5. Victoria Falls
Location: Zambia/Zimbabwe
Situated on the historic Zambezi River right at the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, Victoria Falls, one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, stands as the largest waterfall curtain of cascading water globally.
Over twice as tall as Niagara, the only waterfall that rivals it is South America's Iguazu Falls.
David Livingstone, an explorer, is thought to be the initial European to see Victoria Waterfalls in the year 1855.
Livingstone designated his finding in honor of Queen Victoria, known by the native name Mosioa-Tunya, literally meaning “the thunderous smoke”.
Throughout the period of high water (February - May), over 19 million ft. of water cascades over the brink, making the falls reach their most intense.
In the dry period spanning from June - January, Victoria Falls frequently decrease to a stream.
The period between peak and off-peak seasons is a perfect moment for visiting.
The falls’ Zimbabwe side offers superior views.
However, if you remain on the Zambian side, Zimbabwe provides a handy one-day visa just for $30 that permits you to access their area of the waterfalls without going through a complex visa procedure.
You should try to reserve one of the guided tours irrespective of your location, in order to easily navigate and cross the border.
6. Cappadocia
Location: Turkey
Turkey boasts an impressive total number of 11 World UNESCO Heritage Sites, and Cappadocia’s geological formations are certainly its most renowned.
Cappadocia's distinctive geological scenery resembles an alien world.
The area's enchanting pink-toned stone formations and "fairy chimneys" showcase the creativity of nature.
Upon your arrival, it will seem as though you have entered a Pixar film, it appears almost unreal.
A hot sunrise air balloon journey (including a post-ride breakfast with champagne) is among those unique experiences that usually happen only once in one's lifetime which you can't miss out on.
It's the ideal method to thoroughly enjoy the region's extraordinary grace.
The enchanting village of Göreme also serves as the ideal residence base for scouring the area.
7. Great Barrier Reef
Location: Australia
Extending over 1600 miles along Queensland's coastline in Australia, this is the biggest coral reef globally.
Made up of over 2,600 distinct reefs and over 900 islands, this reef remains the sole natural wonder visible from the cosmos.
The 2 most popular locations for exploring this reef are the lovely Whitsunday Islands and Cairns.
The Whitsundays are my top choice, particularly the stunning spiral of sand called Whitehaven Beach.
You're free to visit the Great Barrier Reef itself through a day journey to any of the multiple fully-equipped pontoons situated near the reef.
Viewing the reef from the sky is undoubtedly the best method to fully enjoy its majesty.
You can even seize the opportunity to grab a flight over the Whitsundays and the majestic Heart Reef.
It's somewhat expensive but valuable for the cost.
8. Tiger's Nest
Location: Bhutan
Although this distinctive mountainside monastery does not garner much global attention, it ought to be on wonder lists.
Situated atop a steep cliff at an astonishing elevation of 9,678 feet, the eighth-century Taktsang, known as “Tiger’s Nest”, stands as a highly esteemed Buddhist monastery.
It is Bhutan's symbol and probably the sole picture you’ve ever encountered of this small Himalayan nation that quantifies its national welfare.
The elevated hike to Tiger's Nest is among my favorite experiences and cherished journey recollections.
9. Pamukkale
Location: Turkey
Let’s travel to another of Turkey's remarkable UNESCO World Heritage locations, the stunning travertine Pamukkale's terraces.
Despite resembling salt, Pamukkale's scalloped terraces are primarily composed of travertine, which is a type of sedimentary rock formed by 17 thermal springs’ warm waters.
The water temperature here fluctuates between 95 and 212 degrees and certain of these pools even provide guests a soothing bath which is an enjoyable experience.
While images of Pamukkale typically only display the famous travertine terraces, this whole area also features the remains of Hierapolis, an old Byzantine and Greco-Roman city, which was constructed atop the historic “cotton castle”.
10. Borobudur Temple
Location: Java
Alongside Cambodia's Angkor Wat and Myanmar's Bagan, Java’s Borobudur Temple is regarded as one of Asia's "Big 3" temple attractions.
Constructed by the Sailendra dynasty's leaders at some point around 750 to 850 AD, Borobudur was left unused for an extended period before the people of the Dutch started addressing restoration around the 20th century.
A large-scale restoration initiative supported by UNESCO commenced in 1973, and in the year 1991, Borobudur Temple was officially recognized as one of the World Heritage Sites.
It's advisable to arrange a tour here or rent a vehicle along with a chauffeur.
Then, after the sun rises, make your way to another of Yogyakarta's breathtaking views, the historic Prambanan Temple.
11. Algarve
Location: Portugal
Known as Portugal's "sunshine region", the laid-back, Mediterranean retreat of the Algarve is famous for its year-round sandy, sunshine beaches, blue waters, and breathtaking golden cliffs.
Among those picturesque cliffs, grand cavern landforms, and arches merge to create a stunning vista from the ocean.
Sprinkled with charming coastal vacation spots, the southernmost region of continental Portugal is the ideal combination of scenic splendor and delightful villages.
The numerous sea arches and caves of the Algarve remain a must-visit, readily accessible through boat trips.
These boat trips rely greatly on ocean conditions, so try to allow yourself some extra days to enjoy your visit.
You’ll certainly want to enjoy the water during your stay.
12. Stonehenge
Location: England
Archaeologists think that the upright stones that make up Stonehenge were built between 2000 and 3000 BC.
Cremated remains found at the location suggest that probably Stonehenge was a cemetery from its initial origins.
However, Stonehenge is attributed to a society that did not produce any written documentation, thus numerous enigmas persist.
The greatest enigma is the way this ancient civilization shifted distances and positioned them even without the advantage of contemporary engineering.
It’s hard to conceive how such an unconventional location might have come into existence during that period.
13. The Azores
Location: Portugal
Similar to Iceland, there is a significant amount of geothermal activity occurring around the 9 Azores islands off the Portuguese coast.
The Azores represent one of Portugal’s 2 Autonomous Regions (Madeira being the other).
In the year 2009, UNESCO recognized multiple islands here (Flores, Corvo, and Graciosa) as Bio-sphere Reserves due to their exceptional conservation efforts.
From stunning emerald pastures and blue lakes to volcanic caves and steaming hot springs, the Azores islands create a strong argument for paradise on earth.
The islands are also among the finest locations globally for observing dolphins and whales.
Ensure you try their delightful meat stew prepared fresh each day by local eateries known as Cozido Furnas.
The stew recipe differs based on the restaurant, though they are all prepared beneath the earth using raw volcanic heat.
14. Angkor Wat
Location: Cambodia
The Angkor temples represent the heart of Cambodia's historical Khmer civilization.
Frequently referred to as the eighth wonder ofthe world, Angkor Wat's walled city is generally regarded as the biggest religious monument in the globe.
Many of Angkor's magnificent temples were left to the jungles for centuries till a large-scale restoration occurred around the 1960s.
However, it wasn't until the fierce Khmer Rouge regime came to an end in the 1980s that the city of Angkor Wat developed into a significant tourist attraction.
It was designated as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 1992. Also, it was taken off the endangered list of UNESCO in 2003.
The sunrise here is an unmissable experience, so try to enjoy it every morning inside Siem Reap.
Each sunrise is enchanting and you may discover the temple complex later in chillier morning temperatures.
15. Alaska
Location: United States
Alaska is among those untamed, pristine locations that truly lend themselves to sailing.
Sailing is an excellent method to experience the state’s wild natural splendor without covering vast distances on land.
That being said, it’s completely feasible to experience a great deal of Alaska even without engaging in a voyage.
Frequent flights are available to cities such as Juneau and Anchorage, and there are also numerous local hotel tours.
From whale watching to salmon fishing, Alaska is the dream of outdoor enthusiasts.
16. Petra
Location: Jordan
Originating as far back as the fifth century BC, the city of Petra located on Wadi Araba's boundary was literally sculpted into the pink-hued sandstone of an extensive gorge.
Established by Nabateans, Petra (meaning “stone”) managed commerce routes extending from Africa into China and India.
The Romans subsequently dominated the region and it became ultimately deserted and overlooked until an explorer from Switzerland found it again in 1812.
Highlighted in Last Crusade and Indiana Jones, Petra’s renowned treasury was carefully carved from rock and sand.
There is even the walk to the stunning Monastery of Petra which is another essential experience.
17. Easter Island
Location: Pacific Ocean
United Nations had once declared this island the world's most isolated island.
Situated an astonishing 2200 miles from the closest continent west and 1290 miles from the closest inhabited island east, this remote island is likewise among the greatest enigmas in the world.
A universally accepted archaeological jewel, Easter Island boasts over 20000 archaeological locations.
Here, there is no crowd, no travel, no tour coaches, and no charter planes filled with visitors.
Easter Island remains hard to reach but the effort is definitely worthwhile.
The moai scattered across the island still pose a mystery today.
18. Machu Picchu
Location: Peru
Perched high in Peru's Andes Mountains, The Incas enigmatic lost city was constructed in the fifteenth century and subsequently deserted.
Concealed from the outer world for years, it was uncovered again in 1911 by Bingham Hiram.
Bingham found a completely lost region that only existed through the centuries since it went unnoticed by everyone.
Inside this World UNESCO Heritage Site, there are multiple Inca ruins, roads, towns, cities, outposts, and forts to explore.
It offers a really intriguing glimpse into the old Inca culture.
19. Galápagos Islands
Location: Ecuador
Founded in the year 1535, the stunning Galapagos Archipelago primarily functioned as a secure refuge for a series of pirates, sealers, and whalers for close to 300 years.
Around 1835, Charles Darwin, the most renowned visitor to the islands, came and dedicated 5 weeks to collecting samples to support his theory.
Currently, the Galapagos are 97% designated as a national park.
They serve as a location where you will truly sense the heartbeat of nature’s untamed splendor.
You can swim alongside sea turtles and watch the popular blue-footed Galapagos boobies and large tortoises.
In fact, the islands are a vibrant exhibition of natural history, and you aren’t even required to take a costly voyage to visit the Galapagos.
You can remain on a number of the Galapagos and use local speedboats to travel between them.
20. Taj Mahal
Location: India
Shah Jahan, Mughal dynasty ruler, had three spouses, and Mumtaz, his third, was his sole love marriage.
She passed away in 1631 following the birth of their fourteenth child (you heard correctly, fourteenth).
Overwhelmed with sorrow, Shah Jahan commanded the building of a splendid tomb situated by the river opposite his royal residence.
The building process took over 20 years. The final edifice is among the most remarkable Mughal architecture examples in the world.
The project is regarded as highly significant, earning the UNESCO designation in the year 1983 and currently standing as an Indian symbol.
It is also among the globe’s most renowned landmarks.
Note that Taj Mahal isn't open on Fridays, so avoid scheduling your trip for that day.
A fun sunrise tour is an excellent option to view the Taj during its most breathtaking time of the day.
21. Faroe Islands
Location: North Atlantic
The Faroe Islands are among the most distinct locations I’ve ever been to. I was amazed at first sight!
Spectacular cascading waterfalls, limitless green meadows, beautiful rural areas, grass-covered homes, adorable sheep, and various other remarkable features make the lovely Faroe Islands uniquely captivating.
Located roughly midway between Norway and Iceland, the Islands consist of an archipelago made up of 18 primary islands situated in the gigantic North Atlantic Ocean.
Only 200 miles of Scotland northwest, they are far simpler to access than some other remote places I've mentioned.
The beautiful Faroe Islands continue to be blissfully off tourists’ radar, which gives them the sensation of a distant, uncharted paradise.
The three underwater tunnels linking the Faroe are a genuine engineering feat featuring the planet's sole underwater circular junction.
Ensure you hire a vehicle so you will be able to explore them yourself!
22. Pyramids of Giza
Location: Egypt
A visit here is essential for any top bucket list.
Almost 5,000 years ago, the old Egyptians constructed the 3 pyramid complexes in order to function as burial sites for their deceased rulers.
The iconic Great Pyramid stands as the largest and oldest of the 3, having been constructed in the fourth dynasty under King Khufu.
Then, the remaining two pyramids are associated with Khafre (Khufu's child) and Menkaure, who followed Khafre.
Experience a fun camel ride across the desert. Here, you will be led to the ideal spot for breathtaking photos of all 3 pyramids.
It is a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity you won't want to miss.
You can even bypass the historic Great Pyramid, then choose the second or third pyramid instead.
Their admission costs are lower and the walk is quicker in a crouched uncomfortable position.
23. Palawan
Location: Philippines
Situated in the Philippines' southwestern region, the Palawan jungle island has frequently been referred to as the nation’s “final ecological frontier”.
Palawan’s northern region hosts the quaint El Nido fishing community.
Just offshore, you will find stunning islands, hidden lagoons, and rock formations of limestone that are 250 plus million years old.
Venturing from the community of El Nido remains easy; the savvy local tour providers have neatly categorized all the beautiful lagoons and islands into four trips referred to as Tour D, C, B, and A.
If you're pressed for time, make sure to do Tour C and Tour A.
Note that cash reigns supreme inside El Nido, therefore ensure you bring a lot during your visit. ATMs are scarce and rare, and limited locations take credit cards.
24. Ha Long Bay
Location: Vietnam
I used two attempts to successfully navigate HaLong Bay.
My initial trip included a train journey of 36 hours to Hanoi from Saigon, followed by a 2 and a half hour drive fromm Hanoi, and afterward a boat to HaLong Bay.
My next trip was a two-week cruise in Asia to Singapore from the region of Hong Kong.
After leaving Hong Kong that evening, I gazed through the window on the initial morning to find out that I was enveloped by Ha Long Bay's stunning limestone cliffs and vibrant green waters.
