Lonely PlanetJul 15, 2026The 8 destinations pro travelers say ruin all othersSometimes a life-changing trip is just as damning as it is magnificent, ruining you for any trip you eventually take. These destinations are worth that sacrifice.15 things in this storyCambodiaSightAmazing people, food, and culture.Tonlé Sap LakeSightElsewhereGreeceSightAthens, GreeceDestination that ruins all others.Andes MountainsSightSantiago, ChileHigh mountains for skiing.Laguna del IncaSightSantiago, ChileCrystal blue lagoon below the high Andes.Maipo ValleyNeighborhoodSantiago, ChileBirthplace of Chilean wine.MontanaNeighborhoodHelena, United StatesSummer destination for outdoor adventures.YellowstoneSightGardiner, United StatesNational park in Montana.Yasuní National ParkSightCoca, EcuadorAmazonian Ecuador park that brings visitors to tears.Amazonian EcuadorNeighborhoodCoca, EcuadorEco-lodge with spider monkeys and paddle canoes.El Questro StationSightEl Questro, AustraliaWestern Australia station with reds, greens, waterfalls.Kimberley regionNeighborhoodBroome, AustraliaRegion in Western Australia with stark contrasts.Ngorongoro CraterSightArusha, TanzaniaWorld's largest unbroken volcanic caldera with abundant animals.SicilyNeighborhoodPalermo, ItalyBeautiful island with kind people and great views.Aegean SeaSightAthens, GreeceRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →
