Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como has been one of Italy's most popular vacation spots since the time of the Roman emperors. This unabashedly high-rolling resort area still attracts a posh crowd with its lush gardens, Bond-worthy palaces and villas, and sun-soaked alpine shores. Take the funicular to the tiny village of Brunate for an amazing panorama.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Like so many of Earth's most stunning sights, Crater Lake is the result of earth-altering volcanic force. Its 1,943-foot depth makes it the deepest lake in the U.S., filled with mesmerizingly deep blue waters fed by rain and snow. View its perfection from hiking trails, boat tours, and the 33-mile Rim Drive around the caldera.
Big Sur, California
Even considering California's 840 miles of monumental coastline, it is hard to rival the beauty of Big Sur. Thick redwood forest, foggy canyons, and rocky cliffs tumbling 1,200 feet down to the Pacific epitomize this area (the name refers to both the town and the coastal region), made all the more famous for its freewheeling NorCal vibes and Old Hollywood history.
Great Smoky Mountains
With half a million acres split by Tennessee and North Carolina, this famous park's wondrous mountain scenery encompasses hardwood forests, steep-sided ravines cut through by rivers and streams, and brilliant wildflowers in bloom from spring to fall. Hikers have 150 trails to choose from, from the family-friendly Porters Creek near Gatlinburg to the more challenging Rainbow Falls route.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
The scenery alone — waterfalls, calderas, misty bamboo forest — makes Volcanoes National Park a worthy contender of any travel list. The mystical setting is all the more special for hosting buffaloes, birds, endangered golden monkeys, and the elusive mountain gorilla.
