Lonely Planet
The 8 destinations pro travelers say ruin all others
Sometimes 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.
Condé Nast TravelerJul 14
The Best Islands to Visit for Turquoise Coves, Cliffside Villages, and World-Class Snorkeling
Welcome to paradise.
20 things in this story
- KissamosNeighborhoodChania, GreeceConsider staying here for laidback Cretan lifestyle.
- Balos LagoonSightChania, GreeceTake a ferry to wade in its shallow waters.
- FalassarnaSightChania, GreeceKnown for its pink-flecked sands.
- Tella TheraHotelCrete, GreeceFor a homey, hillside suite.
- Minos Beach Art HotelHotelCrete, GreeceFor an artsy bungalow off the beaten path.
- Kapsaliana VillageHotelCrete, GreeceFor an inland stay.
- Cabot TrailTrailCape Breton, CanadaAn 185-mile loop through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
- Cape Breton Highlands National ParkPlaceCape Breton, CanadaA third of the world-famous Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, renowned for stunning ocean…
- Skyline TrailTrailCape Breton, CanadaFour-mile trail ending with cliffside views.
- Cabot Cape BretonParkCape Breton, CanadaFor golfing with ocean views.
- Finch Bay Galapagos HotelHotelGalápagos Islands, EcuadorFor a breezy eco-lodge.
- Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by HiltonHotelGalápagos Islands, EcuadorFor a tucked-away jungle retreat.
- Sea Pines Nature PreservePlaceHilton Head Island, United States600-acre preserve with wetland boardwalks.
- Pinckney Island National Wildlife RefugePlaceHilton Head Island, United StatesFor biking and bird-watching.
- Coligny Beach ParkParkHilton Head Island, United StatesBustling beach park on the island's coastline.
- Alder Lane BeachTrailHilton Head Island, United StatesQuieter beach, ideal for lounging.
- The Inn & Club at Harbour TownHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor a country club classic with golfing.
- Disney's Hilton Head Island ResortHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor an amusement park without the crowds.
- Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront ResortHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor a sweeping beachside resort.
- IsabelaPlaceGalápagos Islands, Ecuador
Condé Nast TravelerDec 3, 2025
50 Most Beautiful Places in the World
From the Serengeti to the Grand Canyon—plus 55 more destinations you need to see to believe.
10 sights in this story
- Valle de la LunaSightAtacama Desert, ChileLandscape startlingly similar to the moon.
- Grand Canyon National ParkSightGrand Canyon, United StatesHike scenic loops for views of rocky badlands.
- Avenue of the BaobabsSightMadagascarCenturies-old trees reach heights of nearly 100 feet.
- Banff National ParkSightBanff, CanadaOverwhelms with views of the Canadian Rockies.
- Bathsheba BeachSightBathsheba, BarbadosKnown for huge boulders and best waves for surfers.
- Whitehaven BeachSightWhitsundays, AustraliaConsidered one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
- Danxia Landform Geological ParkSightDanxia, ChinaStriped, multicolored mountains formed over 20 million years.
- Lake LouiseSightBanff, Canada
- Moraine LakeSightBanff, Canada
- Lake MinnewankaSightBanff, Canada