17. South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States
"Ooh Ah Point" awaits the adventurous.
Most visitors view the canyon from South Rim viewing stations. Considering that it has taken the Colorado River the past 17 million years to carve this wonder out of rock, it seems only fair to take a closer look. Built by the National Park Service in 1924, the South Kaibab Trail takes you to the wonderfully named “Ooh Ah Point” and, for the adventurous, further into the canyon's depths. Plan carefully, heat stroke is no fun.
Fee: US$25 per vehicle or US$12 per person.
In the northwest corner of Arizona, visitors usually head to South Rim Village (120 kilometers northwest of Flagstaff on route 180) or the North Rim Village. Free shuttle buses service the South Rim in summer months. Ranger-led day hikes and walks take place throughout the year. www.nps.gov
18. Mount Roraima, Guyana/Brazil/Venezuela
1. Climb. 2. Catch breath. 3. Stand in awe.
South America's answer to Uluru, this impressive sandstone plateau is surrounded on all sides by 400-meter cliffs, creating an isolated and unique ecosystem. If you want to follow in David Attenborough's footsteps (he's filmed several times here), organize a trek from the Venezuelan side.
Hiking up Mount Roraima is best done from Venezuela. The Paratepui Route is the easiest for non-technical climbers and trips can be arranged from San Francisco de Yurani. www.summitpost.org
19. Verdon Gorge, Provence, France
Up a creek without a paddle? Not so bad.
The gorgeous turquoise waters of the Verdon River flow through one of Europe's most beautiful gorges for 25 kilometers. Swim in the translucent waters of Lac de St. Croix and stare in awe at the 700-meter walls of the Verdon Gorge. If you've got a head for heights, it's a popular destination for rock-climbing.
The Verdon Gorge is on the border of the départements of Var and the Alpes de Hautes Provence. www.provenceweb.fr; www.parcduverdon.fr
Also on CNNGo: World's best cycling routes
20. Jiuzhaigou National Park, Sichuan Province, China
All the colors of nature in one park.
The three valleys that form this biosphere reserve contain a network of connected lakes, waterfalls and rivers -- the most spectacular of which are the Pearl Waterfalls. Spot the ancient tree trunks under the clear waters of Five Flower Lake. Wooden paths and shuttle buses help visitors get around.
In the north of Sichuan, the nearest town to Jiuzhaigou National Park is Songpan. www.china-cts.net
21. Lake Nakuru, Kenya
And you thought your city was crowded.
A streak of blue (and pink) in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is home to thousands of pink flamingoes that flock here to feed on the lake's algae. A UNESCO Heritage Site, Lake Nakuru National Park is also home to hippos, white and black rhino, giraffe and buffalo.
Fee: US$75 per non-resident adult in high season, US$60 in low season. Fees for Kenyan residents and citizens are about US$5-10.
Take a matatu 156 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, or a plane to the Naishi airstrip. www.kws.org; Guide: www.katokenya.org
22. Uluru/Ayers Rock, Australia
Better from afar.
Australia's favorite giant sandstone mass is 350 meters high and more than nine kilometers in circumference. It's a sacred and spiritual site for its custodians, the aboriginal Anangu, so climbing the rock is considered disrespectful to them. It can also be dangerous.
More on CNNGo: Should you climb Uluru?
Fee: A three-day park pass costs AU$25 for those over 16. Free for those under 16.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is about 440 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs. Flights are available from most major cities to Ayers Rock airport. www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru. Free ranger-guided walks run daily from the base of Uluru. For tours by local Aboriginal guides, ask at the Anangu Tours Desk in the Resort Tourist Information Centre. +61 8 8956 2123; ananguwaai.com.au; reservations@ananguwaai.com.au
23. Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Yes, you can swim in the Sahara.
This isolated oasis has natural springs and fertile land, providing access to spectacular stretches of Sahara desert. It's a great spot for star gazing from your tent in the sand, but bring your bathing suit for a dip in its hot and cold natural pools. A 10-hour drive west of Cairo. Public buses take much longer. Desert safaris can be arranged in Siwa. www.siwa.com
24. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
A waterfall you can stand beneath without getting wet.
Waterfall connoisseurs agree it's not size that counts. The biggest and the highest may be impressive, but when it comes to cascading water, Iceland's Seljalandsfoss has style. The sight of the Seljalandsá River dropping 62 meters down the sheer cliff face has made it a must-see Iceland attraction. There's a path that goes behind the cascade, so bring your waterproof camera.
On Road 1, 125 kilometers southeast of Reykjavik. www.eyjafjoll.com. Hiking tours can be arranged through www.travel2iceland.is. Also see www.worldislandinfo.com
Also on CNNGo: World's worst tourist traps
25. Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina
We got ice, who brought the drinks?
This 30-kilometer glacier in Patagonia's Los Glaciares National Park (not to be confused with the Perito Moreno National Park) grows and contracts, often forming a natural ice dam on the "elbow" of Lago Argentino. The force of the trapped water causes a spectacular rupture every four to five years. Even when the ice isn't exploding, the sight of the glacier's blue peaks is a lifetime attraction.
Fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate in Patagonia. The alternative is a very long bus journey. www.patagonia-argentina.com
26. Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
