Lonely Planet has long hailed Scotland as a must-visit destination, and as avid explorers of this blog know, we share that enthusiasm. While some regions are remote and demand careful planning, Scotland—particularly the Highlands—offers some of Europes, if not the worlds, most spectacular natural scenery. From its historic capital to idyllic lochs, discover 21 of Scotlands most beautiful places. Experience our videographer Gary Nunns stunning 3-day road trip across Scotland, featuring breathtaki

Having lived in Italy for three years while teaching English in Rome, I understand why many Italians rarely vacation abroad. Their response was simple: Why leave? We have world-class culture, Europes best beaches, and premier skiing mountains. Italys beauty spans quiet cobbled streets and cozy trattorias to dramatic coastlines and countryside. Drawing from my firsthand experience, here is a curated list of 20 must-visit destinations in Italy—no particular order. 1. Cinque Terre – Colorful centur

Bulgaria remains a hidden gem for Western tourists, boasting diverse landscapes from ski slopes in Bansko and Pamporovo to stunning Black Sea beaches—all at affordable prices. While Sofia, the capital, may not be the most picturesque city, the countryside, coastline, and historic sites reveal the countrys unique charm. Discover our curated list of the 20 most beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria. 1. Black Sea Beaches – Bulgarias Iconic Coastline Bulgarias Black Sea coast features long sandy be

Hampshire, a gem of South East England, boasts elegant historic towns, idyllic villages, grand stately homes, lush rolling landscapes, and a stunning coastline. With such abundant beauty across this UK county, choosing where to start can be challenging. From ancient royal hunting grounds to protected rolling hills, discover our curated guide to the 15 most beautiful places to visit in Hampshire. South Downs – Tranquil Countryside and Rolling Hills The South Downs National Park ranks amon

While Western Europe often draws massive crowds, Eastern Europes gems remain beautifully underrated. This fascinating region boasts incredible landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures. From Bulgarias sandy beaches to Dubrovniks baroque splendor, discover 20 of the most breathtaking countries in Eastern Europe. 1. Montenegro – An Underrated Gem of Natural Beauty Tiny yet packed with diverse natural wonders, Montenegro is dubbed the “hidden pearl of the Mediterranean.” Divided into coastal

Often overshadowed by England and Scotland, Wales delivers exceptional natural beauty across its compact landscape. Expect majestic mountain ranges, lush valleys, dramatic coastlines, well-preserved castles, and idyllic market towns. This curated guide highlights 22 of the most stunning places to visit in Wales, showcasing why it deserves greater acclaim. 1. Snowdonia National Park – Wales Premier Destination for Stunning Landscapes Home to Wales highest peak and some of the nations most brea

The romance of Tuscany has kindled many an imagination from writers to painters to philosophers and film crews over the centuries. From all our collective trips to this famously spectacular area here are 20 of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Tuscany… Elba Island – a laid back Tuscan island turned trendy under-the-radar destination The largest Island of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago Elba is rich in history dating all the way back to the Ilvati tribe and l

Dorset, one of the UKs most picturesque counties, boasts stunning landscapes from dramatic Jurassic Coast cliffs and fossil-rich beaches to charming historic resorts, grand stately homes, and fairy-tale castles. Heres our curated guide to the 15 most beautiful places to visit in Dorset. Jurassic Coast – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Dorsets Geological Gem Standing before the Jurassic Coasts towering cliffs offers a window into Earths ancient history. As the UKs only natural UNESCO World Her

County Durham, a compact gem in North East England between sprawling Yorkshire and Northumberland, is often overlooked by travellers. Yet, it delivers an exceptional mix of historic landmarks and breathtaking scenery, from charming villages and grand cathedrals to preserved castles and perfect afternoon tea spots. Explore unique valleys and sea glass beaches among the top 15 must-visit spots in County Durham. North Pennines – Englands Most Special Landscape and County Durhams Crown Jewel

East Sussex, one of Englands most cherished destinations, boasts inspiring landscapes and a rich history in the South East. This region witnessed William the Conquerors victory over the Saxons in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings. Wander its cobbled streets in picturesque villages to step back into medieval times. Protected rolling hills, reminiscent of classic landscape paintings, meet shingle and sandy shores lined with charming towns and dramatic chalk cliffs. Here are the 17 most stunning place

The beautiful East Midland’s county is full of myth, legend, culture, and history, and although Nottinghamshire is mostly known for its heroic outlaw Robin Hood, it also served as a home to many other historic heroes include DH Lawrence (of Lady Chatterley’s Lover fame), and the most flamboyant and notorious of all English poet’s Lord Byron. Bustling Nottingham is the dynamic county capital, Sherwood Forest serves as the county’s green lung, and dotted all over the area a

Oxfordshire, a landlocked gem in South East England, captivates with its picture-perfect villages of honey-coloured stone cottages, emerald-green hills, chalk uplands, idyllic riverside towns, the world-renowned University of Oxford, and its ties to Harry Potter filming locations. Drawing from years of living nearby, Ive curated 20 of the most beautiful and must-visit places in Oxfordshire. Oxford – Englands Iconic University City Oxfords history stretches back to the Stone Age, but its c

Surrey, often viewed as an affluent commuter county, is home to some of Southeast Englands most breathtaking sights. After relocating from North London to a peaceful cottage in Surrey over a decade ago, Ive explored nearly every corner of this picturesque region. Look beyond the stereotypes to discover impeccably maintained public gardens, grand country houses, postcard-perfect villages, and landscapes that inspired literary icons like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Walter Scott, and Jane Austen. H

While Iowa may not boast the flashy attractions of some U.S. states, this Midwestern gem compensates with vast landscapes, charming rural towns, rolling hills, expansive blue skies, and the renowned hospitality of its residents. Every four years, it plays a pivotal role in presidential races, but its also home to breathtaking destinations. Discover the 16 most beautiful places to visit in Iowa. State Capitol Building – One of Iowas Most Iconic Architectural Marvels Nicknamed the Iowa Statehouse

Staycations have surged in popularity, and for good reason—the UK rivals Europes finest beach destinations. Drawing from extensive collective travels, weve curated the top 22 most stunning beach resorts in the UK, offering pristine sands, vibrant towns, and family-friendly activities. Tenby, South Wales – A Premier UK Beach Resort Nestled in Pembrokeshire, the picturesque harbor town of Tenby crowns a hilltop overlooking idyllic beaches. Encircled by medieval walls, its cobbled streets brim wi

Devon, the darling of Englands South West, captivates staycationers with its diverse landscapes: misty moors, idyllic harbour villages, expansive sandy beaches framed by towering fossil cliffs, upscale yachting havens, affluent seaside resorts, lush meadows threaded by winding lanes, and charming thatched cottages. Discover 25 of the most stunning places to visit in Devon. 1. Torquay – A Premier Seaside Resort on the English Riviera Mention a trip to Devon, and Torquay often comes up first. Th

Northamptonshire, known as The Rose of the Shires, is an overlooked treasure in Englands East Midlands. Its unspoiled countryside features storybook villages with thatched cottages, romantic parks, historic market towns, serene canals, and elegant Elizabethan manors. Perfect for rural getaways or scenic day trips, here are 16 of the most beautiful and rewarding places to visit in Northamptonshire. 1. Stoke Bruerne and the Grand Union Canal – A Premier Northamptonshire Beauty Spot Enthusiasts of

Suffolk, the idyllic inspiration for painter John Constable, enchants visitors with its rolling countryside, dramatic coastline, and vast sandy beaches that lure holidaymakers each season. Beyond natural splendor, this East Anglian county features elegant historic towns, idyllic villages, stately homes, and refined coastal resorts exuding timeless charm. Ideal for day trips or longer escapes, discover the 15 most beautiful places to visit in Suffolk... Southwold – A Charming Seaside Resort, One

Florida, Americas Sunshine State, captivates with its pristine white-sand beaches, lush mangroves, vast wetlands, bohemian enclaves, vibrant party cities, surf spots, tropical island chains, and world-class sunsets. Weve curated 15 of the states most stunning destinations for your next adventure. St. Augustine – Americas Oldest City, Renowned for Spanish Colonial Architecture Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited Europea

Nebraska, known as the Cornhusker State, captivates with its vast prairies and surreal landscapes. Rich in history—from pioneer trails and dinosaur fossils to ancient geologic formations—it hides breathtaking destinations amid endless fields and charming towns. Explore these 12 stunning spots for unforgettable adventures. Chimney Rock National Historic Site – Nebraskas Iconic Pioneer Landmark Chimney Rock towers approximately 325 feet above the North Platte River Valley in western Nebraska, a