15 Places You Must Visit Before You Die

1. Amalfi Coast, Italy Italy's Amalfi Coast beckons to both adventure travelers and relaxation seekers. The 13 cliffside towns that comprise this region offer picturesque hiking trails and several beaches to explore. You'll also find exquisite luxury hotels sharing real estate with colorful residences framed by greenery and imposing cliffs cascading down to the cobalt Mediterranean Sea. In fact, one of the best ways to see the Amalfi Coast is on a boat tour. What's more, you'll discover delectable Italian fare and fresh seafood wherever you go.

2. The Maldives The epitome of luxury, the Maldives enjoy an incredibly scenic location in the Indian Ocean. The contrast of bright turquoise water against stark white sand is stunning, and this destination is a favorite spot for those looking to stay in an overwater bungalow (many of which come with a private plunge pool). This collection of islands appeals to travelers eager to rest, relax and indulge. A vacation here won't come cheap, but it will offer unique opportunities, such as dining in an underwater restaurant or enjoying a treatment at an underwater spa. (GETTY IMAGES)

3. Prague Once one of Europe's hidden gems, Prague now attracts millions of travelers annually – and for good reason. This beautiful city is home to impressive architectural landmarks, charming neighborhoods, friendly locals and a variety of lodging options. Spend time admiring the Old Town Square, the Prague Castle and the bizarrely designed Dancing House before sitting down for a meal and a locally brewed Pilsner. Even better, Prague is one of Europe's more affordable destinations to visit thanks to its many free attractions and budget-friendly accommodations.

4. Great Barrier Reef Though the Great Barrier Reef's coral population is diminishing, it's still one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world. The region is home to more than 3,000 individual reefs and coral cays, and colorful fish like angelfish, clownfish, parrotfish and butterfly fish, in addition to various species of sharks. When you're not exploring underwater, you can spend time relaxing on Whitehaven Beach or sailing on the turquoise Coral Sea .

5. Bali, Indonesia This Indonesian island provides the perfect mix of opportunities for cultural exploration and relaxation. Travelers should spend time visiting and learning about the island's many ancient temples before heading to one of its beautiful beaches. As far as accommodations go, Bali features dozens of villas, hotels and resorts (at varying price points). To up the luxury factor, stay at a five-star resort like the Four Seasons or St. Regis and indulge in a spa treatment

6. Santorini, Greece See a sunset in Santorini and you'll know why this Greek destination is one of the world's best places to visit. In addition to offering an exquisite evening atmosphere, Santorini boasts colorful black and red sand beaches, ancient ruins and several wineries. But the picture-perfect scenery is what draws most travelers: You'll see cliffside whitewashed buildings that line the brilliantly blue caldera. What's more, the luxury hotels here are some of the world's best.

7. Barcelona, Spain Impressive architecture and a decadent food scene are just two reasons why travelers should check out this Spanish city. Barcelona is famous for the uniquely designed La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Casa Batlló, all by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, and Las Ramblas, the wide thoroughfare populated with buskers, bars and restaurants. Speaking of restaurants, you'll want to get your fill of tasty tapas and seafood in Barcelona. Other popular things to do here include hanging on the beach and cheering on the FC Barcelona fútbol team at Camp Nou Stadium

8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai is home to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, one of the world's largest shopping centers, the Dubai Mall, and one of the only indoor ski resorts in the world, Ski Dubai. In addition to being a city of superlatives, Dubai embraces its Middle Eastern traditions. The best way to immerse yourself is to tour the Jumeirah Mosque and stroll through the gold and spice souks

9. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The Grand Canyon is indeed grand, with its colorful rock formations stretching across 277 river miles. One of America's most popular national parks (it attracts around 6 million visitors annually), the Grand Canyon offers ample opportunities for outdoor fun. Visitors can hike the rugged North Rim trails, traverse the Bright Angel Trail by mule and raft down the Colorado River, among other activities.

10. London Home to a wealth of cultural and historical institutions, family-friendly attractions and festivals, plus a lively nightlife scene, London appeals to travelers young and old. Must-see attractions include the British Museum and Buckingham Palace, as well as iconic sights like the London Eye, the Tower Bridge and Big Ben. The city also features efficient and affordable public transit options, such as buses and the Tube, and there are a plethora of accommodations to choose from, ranging from vacation rentals to high-end hotels. As for dining, don't leave London without enjoying a curry or fish and chips with a pint at a pub.

11. Rome Delicious food (pizza, pasta, gelato, you name it), rich coffee and excellent wine are a few reasons why travelers love Rome. However, food and drink aren't the only things this city has to offer. You'll find major highlights of art and history, from the Galleria Borghese to the Colosseum. Meanwhile, nearby city-state Vatican City is home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Rome is also easy to reach from other destinations within Europe, and there are direct flights here from many other parts of the world (including the U.S.).

12. Paris Paris is the pinnacle of art, history, culture and tourism. The City of Light is home to the expansive Louvre art museum, the magical Eiffel Tower and the charming Champs-Élysées lined with high-end stores and boutiques. Quaint cafes and patisseries rub elbows with both casual eateries and Michelin-starred restaurants in a city where the food scene is second to none. What's more, Paris plays host to dozens of fun festivals throughout the year.

13. San Francisco

Home to some of America's most recognizable landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz Island, San Francisco has the ability to satisfy outdoorsy types, foodies and curious wanderers of all ages. If you don't have time to hit all the top spots, a scenic ride on one of the city's historic cable cars is a must.

14. Tokyo

No dilly-dallying here – Tokyo is as fast-paced as cities come (it's on of the largest cities in the world, after all). With millions upon millions of residents to its name, novice Tokyo visitors may have a hard time keeping up with the city's flashing lights and insanely crowded streets. But travelers should accept the challenge and enjoy Tokyo's exhilarating energy and unrivaled shopping scene, not to mention the world's best sushi. 

15. Seoul

South Korea's capital does an incredible job of blending the ancient with the modern. Between all the busy streets and towering skyscrapers lie ancient temples, shrines and villages waiting to be explored. Be sure to take in both sides of Seoul during your trip all while saving time for its incredible green spaces as well as the fascinating Demilitarized Zone at the North Korea-South Korea border.

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