Free yourself from the chokehold that destinations like Cancun and Tulum have on American tourists. While these areas are undeniably beautiful beach escapes, they only represent a small fraction of Mexico’s most beloved natural gems. This includes, but isn’t limited to 67 federally protected national parks, over 5,000 miles of coastline, and less populated regions such as El Vizcaino for whale-watching and Copper Canyon—a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Chihuahua—for hiking. It is four times larger (but equally as stunning) as the Grand Canyon.

Vive la France and its bevy of beautiful locales. Whether it’s the Gothic architecture of Paris (such as the newly reconstructed Notre Dame Cathedral) or the lavender fields of Provence, there is no shortage of sights that will leave even the most jaded of travelers speechless. A venture to the country’s Mediterranean coast is also a summertime must, as beaches along the French Riviera attract mega-yachts as beautiful as the ocean they sail on.

Every day is a g’day if you find yourself Down Under. Australia boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world with a whopping 40 identifiable and distinct eco-regions that range from rainforests and outback deserts to mangroves and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. A stay at the latter may require a boat or helicopter, but even that trip is nothing short of spectacular with over 900 islands to see either from above or among its lapis water-lined cays.

The smallest country in Africa may be its most remarkable with an archipelago of 115 islands, one just as beautiful as the next. But Anse Source d’Argent beach has become the destination’s certified star with chalk-white sand, effortlessly clear water, and granite boulders that practically beg to be photographed. It also makes a fantastic honeymoon spot for any couple who chooses to start or end their trip with a safari.

Lions and elephants and rhinos, oh my! Those searching for safari animals (or any wildlife, for that matter) will remain mouth agape by South Africa’s abundance of living things. A trip to Kruger National Park to witness the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and African buffalo) is an itinerary requirement while observing the penguin communities at Boulders Beach proves that every nook and cranny of the country teems with some type of fascinating creature. Cape Town’s Table Mountain and Lion’s Head are equally impressive landmarks, of course, and have become synonymous with the region and the incredible scenery to expect during a visit.

Whether it’s the culture-defining metropolises of Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla on the mainland, the beach towns of Valencia and Malaga, or the ritzy islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, Spain has practically everything you could ever want in a country. It’s also surprisingly mountainous with rolling vineyards, cliffside neighborhoods, and trails at Montserrat—arguably the best day trip you can take from Barcelona with its tiny, monk-inhabited village, impressive art museum, and bouldered, rose-hued peaks.

Southeast Asia’s island paradise is so much more than its most famous province of Bali. Tourists can find rest and relaxation among the wilderness of Sumatra, the ancient ruins of Java, SCUBA diving haunts of Raja Ampat, and the sprawling jungle of Kalimantan. Best of all, the U.S. dollar goes quite far when compared to the local Rupiah, which means you can splurge on private tours and even a personal driver without breaking the bank.

Pockets of human-free grandeur can still be found in the world’s most populated country, India. After all, it anchors the Himalayas and vast valleys like Nubra and Yumthang (otherwise known as the appropriately titled “Bowl of Flowers”) that have essentially remained untampered with by people. But a trek to Kerala is a must—the state is famous for its magnificent Arabian Sea shoreline, tea and coffee plantations, and sanctuaries for tigers, elephants, and monkeys.

Brazil isn’t just known for producing the world’s most beautiful people; it is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders. Visitors can take in the splendor of their surroundings with kayaks through the Amazon, a dip in Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach, Copacabana, and a trip to Iguazu Falls. These 275 drops—some of the biggest in the world—straddle the borders of Brazil and Argentina, but are nestled by plush greenery that somehow manages to flourish among the water’s violent currents.

Beyond the sprawling parks and gardens of bustling Buenos Aires, Argentina is a wonderland of majestic beauty. Patagonia’s Las Glacieres National Park (and its entry point of El Calafate) impresses with oversized glaciers and robin’s egg-blue lakes while its wine region of Mendoza plays host to mountainside vineyards that can be explored by foot or on horseback. But don’t forget the aforementioned Iguazu Falls, which the country shares with neighboring Brazil. The natural phenomenon is worth a flight to South America alone.

Unlike any locale in Central and Southeast Europe, Croatia experienced a meteoric rise in popularity after it played a backdrop to scenes in HBO’s Game of Thrones. And rightfully so—the Balkan nation stuns with caves, forests, waterfalls, the Adriatic Sea, and the oldest park recognized by UNESCO: Plitvice Lakes National Park. Punta Rata, which caps the northern end of the Makarska Riviera, consistently ranks as one of the region’s most beautiful beaches with its rocky shoreline and pine tree canopy.

Lisbon is lovely, but meandering outward to the coast of Comporta, the winding vineyards of Duoro Valley, the sunflower fields of Alentejo, and even the islets of the Azores is necessary for the wanderluster who may tire from too much city life. These marvels allow visitors to appreciate the diversity of terrain that can be found in a single country—and you only need a vehicle (or boat) to easily get from place to place.

It can be difficult to pinpoint which of the Philippines’ 7,000 islands is most worthy of the spotlight. Though, visitors can’t go wrong with locales like Palawan, with its instantly recognizable karst cliffs and deep lagoons. But it’s spectacles such as Chocolate Hills—a geological formation of over 1,000 round mountains (not a Willy Wonka-style chocolate factory, unfortunately)—that has been recognized as one of the more modern Wonders of the World.

Stepping into Sweden feels like a downright fairy tale. The country strikes a perfect balance between city and nature, providing access to practically any outdoor activity within mere minutes. Though beauty can be found practically anywhere, highlights include Stockholm’s Royal Palace with rows of cobblestone streets, The High Coast for dazzling shoreline hikes, as well as the mountain town of Are for world-class skiing and a robust number of luxury wellness resorts.

The seemingly endless Sahara Desert, the blue-tinged city of Chefchaouen, and the laid-back fishing village of Essaouira are just a few of Morocco’s most celebrated areas, but it’s the often overlooked Ouzoud Falls—located only two hours outside of Marrakech—that amazes with its cascading waterfalls that release into swimmable pools below. Carve out time for a half-day trek to avoid the sensory overload of the country’s more active metropolises.

We’re technically cheating by including a destination with four countries (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), but the scenic quad spellbinds with its vast mountain ranges, glimmering lakes, and oceanside cliffs. There is also an abundance of small, historic towns and villages such as England’s Bibury, Castle Combe, and the Cotswolds that are worth quick stops for afternoon tea among blooming gardens and timber-framed architecture. You’ll feel as if you were plopped right into a Disney storybook.