Wanderlust, /ˈwändərˌləst/ (n): a strong desire to travel. I think that wanderlust is a word that describes a feeling many of us have. The feeling that makes you want to see the world and discover everything that it has to offer. To meet people from every different country and to learn all that you can about their culture. I hope that these places inspire you to go out there and live your dream of traveling the world.
1. Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
What's better than hiking to a mountain waterfall? Seeing 62,010 cubic feet of pure, sparking water effortlessly cascade 269 feet down the mountainsides every second. The Igauzu falls may not be the tallest or the widest waterfall in the world, but they are definitely some of the most beautiful. Nestled in a South American jungle, the falls provide gorgeous views and incredible wildlife and should be on everyone's list.
2. Mont Saint Michel, France
Built in the 15th century, although construction on the island began in the 8th century, Mont Saint Michel is one of France's most beautiful castles. On an island about 600 meters from land, there are occasions when the high tide completely covers the path that provides access to the island, which also gave this community great advantages back in the medieval ages. The island, however, aided in building one of the most gorgeous towns in France and is what inspired Disney in their movie "Tangled."
3. Madagascar, Africa
Just by looking at the photographs above, you can see why Madagascar could appease even the most desperate wanderlust. As the fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar has everything from natural, cyan-colored pools to jagged, daunting rock formations that tempt all adventurers to come closer. The island also offers hundreds of types of flora and fauna that resides in its countless unspoiled beaches and thick rain forests.
4. Lapland, Finland
Lapland, Finland offers so much to see and do that it is quickly rising the ranks of places that you must see. The Northern Lights are seen often here, with their beautiful hues that light up the night sky; an ice hotel that is delicately cut and will leave you speechless; heaps of pure, fluffy snow that lines the rivers and mountains; and domesticated reindeer who have fluffy coats and smooth antlers. Lapland offers so much and should be a place on your list.
5. The Bernina Express, Switzerland-Italy
The Bernina Express is a train that connects Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy. The train ride travels through the Swiss Alps and gives you a unforgettable panorama of one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. From high bridges over tumbling rivers to reaching 7,400 feet above sea level in the snowy Alps, the Bernina Express proves to be one of the must stunning things that you can do to satisfy your wanderlust.
6. Machu Picchu, Peru
Nestled 8,000 feet above the windy Urubamba River Valley lies the ruined city of Machu Picchu. Built by the once great Incan Empire, the lost city not only offers stunning views but it has rich culture and an impeccable history of a civilization's past. Among the emerald and mahogany hues are the grey stones that were put together so delicately that they still remain intact to show the houses and temples that make up Maccu Picchu.
Pro Tip: Every day, a restricted number of people are allowed to climb another 1,000 feet up to the peak of Huayna Picchu. To get a ticket to the top, you have to get there at around 3:30 a.m. and once there, you have to fight through other hopeful tourists to reach the top gate. But once you get to the top (and get a ticket) you get the most breathtaking bird's-eye view of the beautiful city and the magnificent valley below. Trust me, the views are worth the climb, and the climb is worth the views.
7. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany is one of the most spectacular castles in the world. It was built in the 1800s and although it seems to have a medieval demeanor, it actually served no defensive purposes and was a get away for King Ludwig II. Dubbed "the castle of the fairy-tale king" you can see why it is named as such, with the dense, green forest paired with the gorgeous, cerulean lakes, and then add in the stunning castle and it truly a place of make-believe. As the castle that inspired Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle, Neuschwanstein should be on everyone's bucket list.
8. Lucerne, Switzerland
In between the fourth largest lake in the country and soaring, snow capped mountains is the quaint town of Lucerne, Switzerland. The town itself is not only incredibly gorgeous, with its flower decorated bridges and its rich culture and unique markets, but the cyan-colored lake offers fishing and ferry rides and the tall mountains propose many types of outdoor activities including mountain biking and hiking. You can also take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain and get a sensational perspective of the everything below.
Pro Tip: If you find yourself in Lucerne, make sure that you see the Lion of Lucerne monument. Inaugurated in 1821, the sandstone carving represents a dying lion that commemorates the Swiss mercenary soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the French Revolution.
9. Zhangjiagjie National Forest Park, China
Also known as the Floating Mountains, this National Park in China should be able to satisfy at least some of your wanderlust. These rock structures jut out of the ground, some over 2,600 feet tall, and are beautifully decorated with green foliage and their sandstone peaks taunt all who come to visit them. This mystic looking park, which covers around 50 square miles, was actually the inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountains in the movie "Avatar."
10. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
The beauty of Tangariro National Park in New Zealand is almost too hard to describe. In this remarkable park, you can see everything, including sparkling lakes, flowering meadows, active volcanoes, abundant wildlife, and snowy peaks. One of the three main volcanoes in the park, Mount Ruapehu, played Mordor and Mount Ngaurhoe was the basis for Mount Doom in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. With famous stars like that and the stunning views that make up this park, it should be on everyone's bucket list.
Wanderlust, desire to travel, fernweh, longing for adventure... whatever describes how you feel, I hope that these places provide some insight on where you can go to satisfy that intense urge you have to travel. I also hope that you get the chance to see the world, learn new things, and be the person that you want to be.
"Traveling--it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller."
