It's hard to make time to travel when there's work and family to consider. (Imagine that!) Let's be honest: When there are children involved, it's not easy to plan a date night with a partner, let alone a whole travel excursion. (How do the Kardashians do it??)
But life is short. And there are so many places in the world that we'll never get to see in our lifetime. So it's super important to make the time to stop "normal" life and travel. Even if it's in the same state. Even if it's for a long weekend. Not only is it a wonderful way to spend time with a significant other or the whole family, but traveling together — and seeing the world together — definitely bonds people.
Having these great experiences only make for imprints into the memories of everyone going. That's really something special. Think about it: No one will have the same experience that the people you're traveling with are having. That's pretty special!
So where to go? People hit up TripAdvisor, put in a few filters, and voila! — a destination is set. But what if the traveling destination was going to be chosen solely based on a photo? What if the decision to go absolutely anywhere was made as a result of seeing a really cool view somewhere in the Galapagos Islands? Or Italy? Or in a treetop somewhere? Sure, food, things to do, and where to stay are valid motivators — but what about the view?
Here's a list of 24 places to travel this year just because the memory of that gorgeous view will last a lifetime.
Cueva Ventana
Located just an hour from the metro, Cueva Ventana in Puerto Rico makes for a perfect hike. The photo opps are incredible, and native tours provide lessons in botany and the history of the Taino people.
The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman lies directly along legendary Seven Mile Beach. Set within two contemporary towers, the AAA Five Diamond property is ranked the #1 resort in the Caribbean, and its signature restaurant, Blue by Eric Ripert, carries the same top rankings. The property is known for its locally authentic Real Cayman program, which delivers a delightful taste of the islands via special dining, art, adventure, and culinary activities available to overnight guests.
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort offers travelers surf, sunshine, and waves at one of the best locations on Waikiki. Guests can sink their toes in the warm sand, enjoy a number of complimentary immersive cultural activities, or even be mesmerized by the stunning views as the sun sets with Diamond Head as the backdrop.
Parrot Key Hotel and Villas
Located in Key West, Florida, Parrot Key Hotel & Villas is outfitted with glimmering pools, hammocks, and cocktails. Step away from the home kitchen and into island life.
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina
Named after its location, a serene 230-acre private-island haven situated at the east end of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina is an oasis beyond imagination. The resort is tucked into a rugged cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and neighboring islands. Talk about a bucket list item!
Caja de Muertos
Caja de Muertos is a gorgeous natural reserve off the southern coast of Puerto Rico. The paradise is protected because of sea turtle traffic. Not only is the view above water incredible, but the scuba diving — below the surface — is magical.
Mount Cinnamon Resort
Tucked away in the hillside overlooking Grenada's Grand Anse Beach is Mount Cinnamon Resort. The family-owned resort has an enclave of 21 luxury villas and suites, each with its own veranda with sweeping views of natural, unspoiled beauty. The views stretch across the cerulean blue bay to the capital of St. George's.
Pine Beach Pakostane
Pine Beach Pakoštane in Croatia offers magical views of sunsets over the Adriatic Sea’s crystal clear waters. Guests have their choice of viewpoints at varying heights on the coastline — either from the resort’s thatched-roof waterfront bungalows or from the resort’s private kilometer-long stretch of private sandy beach.
Glen Iris Inn Letchworth State Park
Nestled along the Genesee River in New York, the Glen Iris Inn’s guests can easily step out and start hiking some of the 14,350 acres of nature trails, see one of the three major waterfalls, and take in the 600-foot cliffs. Bonus: Guests of the Glenn Iris Inn only need to show their reservation confirmation to enjoy Letchworth’s scenery for free.
Banyan Tree Lang Co.
Banyan Tree Lang Co. in Vietnam sits amidst the azure-blue waters of the East Sea and the emerald green forests of the Truong Son mountain range. This is the perfect destination for travelers who seek a luxury hideaway or a base from which to explore this beautiful area, which includes three UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites: Hoi An Ancient Town, the Imperial Citadel of Hue and My Son Sanctuary.
Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences
With pristine beaches, a rich history, and welcoming culture, Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences encapsulates the island of Barbados' appeal with thoughtful Caribbean design and unparalleled ocean views. Offering expansive accommodations ranging from one- to five-bedroom beachfront villas, travelers can immerse themselves in Caribbean luxury living and enjoy all that the island has to offer with concierge services and world class dining experiences.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
One of the most renowned vacation destinations in the South Pacific is the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Recognized for providing the best dive sites in Fiji, April marks the beginning of peak diving season, where the ocean warms up and reaches its maximum water temperature, spawning life and making it ideal for divers to experience up-close views of sea critters such as nudibranchs, flatworms, shrimps, ghost pipefish and more. Though the real views to be discovered are underwater, abundant sunshine, luscious palm trees, and sandy beaches can be seen from every corner of the resort.
Resort Squaw Creek
Resort at Squaw Creek in California offers luxurious Lake Tahoe accommodations with grand picture windows that reveal sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, ancient Ponderosa pine forests, and lush meadows. A year-round mecca of Lake Tahoe activities, the resort boasts a championship golf course, cross-country ski center, fly fishing center, ice-skating rink, heated swimming pools, water slide, and scenic hiking and biking trails. Whether guests are seeking an exciting family vacation or looking for a world-class corporate conference destination, Resort at Squaw Creek provides top quality service and amenities to ensure guests depart with cherished memories.
Pikaia Lodge - Galapagos
It's a remote location that runs on solar energy for electric and water. Situated on 31 private acres of land on Santa Cruz Island, the Pikaia Lodge gives the best views into the beauty of the Galapagos Islands. Pikaia hosts a vast private wild giant tortoise reserve where anyone can get the best look into the diverse eco-system of these remote islands. In addition, views of the Pacific Ocean take over from any and all public rooms and areas while extinct volcanoes, lush cloud forests, and savannahs melt into the skyline from all sides of the expansive resort.
The Cove, Eleuthera
The Cove is a secluded Bahamian resort offering guests unparalleled coastal views with private access to two pristine beaches and a hilltop bar and infinity pool overlooking both. The stunning and unspoiled tropical enclave provides a tranquil stay with local flair, immersing guests in an authentic Bahamian experience.
Bahwah Reserve - Indonesia
Enveloped by lush tropical greenery and azure blue ocean, Bawah Reserve rests in sheltered carefree seclusion 160 nautical miles northeast of Singapore in Indonesia’s remote Anambas Archipelago. Surrounded by clear turquoise waters, blue lagoons, and coral reefs, this pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area caters to outdoor adventurers with an appetite for indulgence as well as paradise seekers looking for relaxation.
Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa
Travelers looking to soak in the pleasure of Italy should head to the heart of Italy’s most beloved region, Tuscany, and stay at Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa. Tuscany epitomizes la vera Italia with its wine-soaked villages, art-rich cities, and breathtaking views. This former estate turned hotel alone is worthy of a trip, with its breathtaking views of lush vineyards, medievals towns, and olive groves in the Serchio Valley, one of the most unexplored areas of Italy.
Jade Mountain - St. Lucia
For truly over-the-top views, look no further than St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain Resort in the Caribbean. Travelers will stay cliffside in a three-walled, open-air "sanctuary" (no average guests rooms here!) named after the galaxies and featuring touches such as private infinity pools, 15-foot high ceilings, and tropical hardwood hand selected from the rainforest of Guyana. With uninterrupted views of the famed Pitons surrounded by striking blue waters of Soufriere Bay, the resort blends harmoniously with the Caribbean environment and acts as a natural extension of the destination.
Carmel Beach, California
At the foot of Ocean Avenue, Carmel Beach is rated one of the top beach towns in the United States. The iconic spot on California's central coast attracts visitors and locals to take in its majestic scenery and fun activities.
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park - Colorado
Enjoy the panoramas of the Royal Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in Colorado atop the country's highest suspension bridge, which hangs 956 feet above the Arkansas River below. Some of the best ways to enjoy the sites include an aerial gondola ride, walk across the bridge, or trip soaring over the gorge on the country’s highest zip line.
Kinzua Viaduct - Pennsylvania
Named “One of America’s most scenic drives” by *National Geographic,*Pennsylvania’s Route 6 is a magical journey through the state’s northern tier and home to the Kinzua Viaduct. Stroll 600 feet out on the pedestrian walkway high atop the trees to peer miles out into the Kinzua Gorge, and gaze down through the partial glass platform at the end of the walkway.
Manshausen Island - Norway
Come to Manshausen Island and look out over the Norwegian Sea. During the summer, travelers will be surrounded by the wonders of the midnight sun; in the winter, they'll have unobstructed views of the Northern Lights. What could be better?
Flamenco Beach
Located on Culebra, off Puerto Rico’s main island, this beach has been ranked as one of the best in the world by TripAdvisor and is known for its reef, which houses a variety of marine life.
Gather Greene - New York
Gather Greene is on sprawling 100 acres and boasts breathtaking views of both the Berkshire and Catskill Mountains. The 17-room nature retreat offers high end "glamping” accommodations that allow guests to immerse themselves in nature without being challenged by it. Each of the 17 tiny house cabins provides a treehouse-like experience with one wall made completely of glass to showcase sweeping views. Guests can also partake in activities and workshops unique to the community such as cheese making, macrame, scent blending with locally foraged products, yoga classes, and more.
