If you want to be a healthy person, we advise you to travel. While this may not seem like the most conventional advice or the one you’d expect to hear from your GP, studies conducted in 2015 by the University of California, Berkeley, revealed that being or staying in constant awe can be highly beneficial to your well-being.
Seeing wonders like the Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong or the sunrise over volcanic Mount Batur can boost the body’s defense system by reducing inflammation.
The psychologist at the University of California, Dacher Keltner, expresses that “the things we do to experience these emotions (a walk in the fresh air, getting lost and enjoying the music we like best, or admiring art) have a direct influence on the health and life expectancy.
One of the best ways to experience wonder is traveling, so here we leave you 10 of the most impressive places that you cannot miss .
10 inspiring places you must visit
1. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Norway
They say that nothing truly good comes easy. This is why you will have to do a steep 90-minute hike to reach the top of Preikestolen , also known as “Pulpit Rock”, in Norway to witness the wonderful view.
The summit is 600 meters above the majestic Nordic fjords. Pack a snack and celebrate your efforts to the top with a celebration sandwich. Leave your fears behind and walk to the edge of Pulpit Rock for a view worth thousands.
2. Mount Cook, New Zealand
New Zealand as a whole is one of the most inspiring destinations on the planet , but there is one place that offers such a breathtaking view that it provokes an emotional response from its sheer beauty.
Located on the South Island, Mount Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain , standing at 3,724 metres. A walk along its path will lead you to the glaciers.
Get ready to breathe the fresh mountain air and enjoy this wonder of Mother Nature.
3. Cinque Terre (Five Lands), Italy
There are few places in the world that evoke a childhood wonder and the colorful Cinque Terre , located in Italy, is one of them.
Explored either by boat or on foot, the “Five Lands”, as its name suggests, is a collection of 5 cities located on the rugged northwest coast of Liguria, Italy. Like something out of a painting, these colorful cities decorate the Italian coast with flashes of red, yellow, pink and orange on their extremely steep hills.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site used to be a cluster of fishing villages that over time became wine villages. Now he earns most of his income through tourism.
4. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
When you enter the Hagia Sophia (worldwide known as the Hagia Sophia ) you are walking through history. Few structures in the world evoke raw emotion , but the splendor and past of the Hagia Sophia manage to do so effortlessly.
This building was once a church, later converted to a mosque and now serves as a museum for all to enjoy, presenting the history of both the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.
5. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Ireland’s lush, green landscape contrasts sharply with the sheer Cliffs of Moher on the southwest coast. Located more than 200 meters above the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, these cliffs have existed for more than 300 million years.
Walking along its path reminds us of the small place we occupy on this big and beautiful planet. It is difficult not to feel a sense of tranquility that invades you when you see how the waves of the sea crash on these majestic cliffs.
6. Santorini, Greece
Santorini, located in the Cyclades Islands, is a reminder that from chaos comes splendor. Created from a devastating volcanic eruption, this Greek island is now a favorite destination for honeymooners from all over the world .
The views from the caldera are unlike any other in the world. It is still an active volcano and lies below beautiful blue waters.
From the top of the caldera, you have a panoramic view of the imposing Aegean Sea with its mesmerizing navy blue and its surrounding islands. There is absolutely no place like it in the world.
7. Bariloche, Argentina
A two-hour flight from Buenos Aires will take you to the Patagonian city of Bariloche, one of the most beautiful lake districts in the world . With the Andes Mountains as a backdrop and located in the Nahuel Huapi Lake National Park, it makes this town a picturesque destination during each season.
For the snow bunnies, Bariloche becomes a winter wonderland, where the sport par excellence is skiing in the Andes. Instead, for those who prefer warmer climates, this beautiful spot is perfect in the summer months for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.
360-degree views of lakes and mountains completely immerse you in the tranquility of Patagonia .
8. Mount Batur, Bali, Indonesia
Set your alarm bright and early (like 1:45 am) and prepare to be amazed when you start hiking on Bali’s Mount Batur volcano . As you approach the top, dawn begins to break over the Indonesian archipelago.
Locals boil eggs in the nearby hot springs (believe it or not), and the sun begins to peer over the distant volcanoes on the island of Lombok. Reds, oranges and pinks adorn the Balinese sky to make way for the most amazing sunrise in the world .
9. Rosario Islands, Colombia
A 45-minute boat ride from colonial Cartagena will take you to the Caribbean blue waters of Colombia’s Rosario Islands .
With wonderful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, sensational sunshine and thatched huts built above the warm waters, the Rosario Islands promise to be the perfect place to impress anyone .
Enjoy a day relaxing in its calm waters and feast on freshly caught shrimp and mangoes chosen to your liking under a Tiki hut. Here, you are in a world far from civilization. Remember to bring your snorkel gear and enjoy the abundance of underwater life, including a wide variety of colorful fish and coral.
10. The Great Blue Hole, Belize
You don’t really know the color blue until you visit the blue hole. Once you step into the beautiful waters of Belize , you’ll see more shades of blue than ever before.
This giant limestone sinkhole is the second largest barrier reef in the world and is home to stalactites and stalagmites. The deeper you dive into the magnificent Great Blue Hole, the more you will be rewarded with more aesthetic inspiration.
Although you can stay submerged at a depth of 40 meters for only a few minutes, believe us when we tell you that those minutes will be one of the most awe-inspiring and unforgettable sights of your life.
conclusion
As we have already shown you, these are just some of the many places in the world that, although they seem like something out of a dream, exist to show us how beautiful our planet is. In addition, the atmosphere and peace that surrounds these destinations are your best option when it comes to improving your well-being. The important thing is that you take some time for yourself out of the routine and give yourself the opportunity to get to know the beautiful place where we live.
Do not waste time! Take your backpack, your sneakers and your passport, the world is waiting for you.
Reference
- Stohler, C. The 20 Most Awe-Inspiring Places in the World. For Livestrong. [Revised September 2017]
