World Dream Day, celebrated on 25 September, serves as a reminder to people young and old across the world not only to dream but also to try to make these dreams a reality. For many, travelling the world is a dream that overshadows others. From bright city skyscrapers to towering trees, some destinations in the world are truly what dreams are made of. And seeing them in real life has never been easier!
If you’re on the lookout to discover some of the world’s dreamiest destinations in honour of World Dream Day, you’ve come to the right place. Expat Explore has compiled this list of our top global dream destinations that look like something right out of a dreamscape.
Take a look at our top dream destinations around the world:
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
Do you ever dream that you can fly? Well, a trip to China might just make that a reality! A cable ride at the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China will have you feeling like you’re flying high above the world among the peaks of the Tianmen Mountain.
If you’re a fan of the otherworldly film Avatar, then this is the destination of your fantasy dreams! The Tianmen Mountain in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park very closely resembles the floating mountains from the iconic Avatar films. Each step you take on the tour will guide you deeper into this natural dreamland.
2. Meteora, Greece
Continuing with the fantasy dream theme, Greece is also home to one of the most popular dream destinations in the world. A visit to Meteora in Greece can easily feel like a trip to a magical kingdom conjured up by your subconscious. The Meteora is a spectacular rock formation with one of the world’s most striking Eastern Orthodox monastery complexes on top.
If you ever find yourself in Greece, be sure to give Meteora a visit! It’s even reason enough to merit a trip. You’ll understand the name (which translates to “suspended mid-air”) when you first set your sights on this impressive archaeological site.
Related: Check out these Greek travel tips and phrases before you visit!
3. Cappadocia, Turkey
Another flying dreamscape scene can be found in real life in no other place than magical Turkey! Welcome to Cappadocia, an out-of-this-world series of rock formations that’s frequently accompanied by a skyfull of hot-air balloons. It’s truly unlike anything you’ve ever seen in your waking hours!
One visit will clarify why Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s best-known natural wonders. With the impressive rock formations, a congress of hot-air balloons, and hundreds of churches built into the rocks, setting your sights upon this unearthly landscape can quite easily feel like a scene from your wildest dreams.
Related: Travel to Turkey in shoulder season for even more to explore!
4. Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Bordering Brazil and Argentina, the waterfalls of the Iguazu River are a natural phenomenon you won’t want to miss out on. The series of 275 separate cascades form the largest broken waterfall in the world, and a sight like something out of a vivid dream.
For the best view of as many of the cascades as possible, your best bet is to view it from Argentina, with the majority of the waterfalls on the Argentinian side of the border. So, pay it a visit and behold the unmatched wonder of this dreamlike landscape.
Related: Join our Brazil, Iguazu & Argentina Delights tour to experience this dream-like place in real life!
5. Antelope Canyon, USA
Have you ever dreamed that you’ve landed on a far-away planet-like rock in space? Well, stepping inside the Antelope Canyon in the USA might feel just like that. With its strangely twisted rock formations, meandering walkways and warm hue, you’d be forgiven for imagining that you’re no longer on earth.
This impressive natural site in the American Southwest, ranging between 200 and 400 metres, gets its name from the herds of antelope that used to roam the area now consisting of six separate slot canyons. Pay it a visit and discover why it’s Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park’s top attraction!
Related: Try these classic American dishes to get a taste of your trip!
6. Amalfi Coast, Italy
If you’ve ever been to Italy, you’ll understand why it would make the list of must-visit dream destinations in the world. The Amalfi Coast is one of the country’s most beloved locations. Picture the brightest blue waters, lushest green mountains, and most colourful seaside towns stretching along the side of it. And then picture it again, but dreamier!
Be sure to visit this 34-mile-long coastline in Campania, Italy for the vacation of your dreams. With the picturesque natural scenery and quaint seaside villages, you’ll be spoilt for choice with things to do, see, and dream about.
Related: Discover why spring is the best time to visit Italy!
7. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
Are your dreams filled with wide open spaces, greenery as far as the eye can see, and impressive mountain ranges with steep cliffs where you can take off flying? Then South Africa has just the dreamy destination for you! Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is an otherworldly vacation spot with all these elements and more.
Blyde River Canyon might be the third largest in the world but its vast subtropical foliage makes it the largest “green canyon” worldwide. And if that’s not enough reason to visit, it also has deeper precipitous cliffs than any other canyon on earth. Be sure to book a South African trip for a wildlife and nature celebration that most people only dream about!
Related: Explore more of South Africa’s top travel experiences!
8. Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
Some dreams have you high above the world, dancing atop the clouds and jumping from one to the next. And some dream destinations in the world make it feel like that’s exactly what you’re doing! Bolivia is home to such a place. Give the Uyuni Salt Flats a visit, and experience the breathtaking effect of the reflective salt flats almost mirroring the sky.
The legacy of a prehistoric lake drying up lives on as the world’s largest salt flat, with over 10,000 square kilometres of bright white salt and pink flamingos. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it.
And there you have it! The world’s top dreamy destinations for the vacation of your dreams.
With so many picturesque and awe-inspiring sites, you’re ready to go live your dream of seeing the world! Book a trip with Expat Explore, and get ready to pinch yourself.