Whereas searching a number of common world lists, we realized one thing wild: we’ve been to each one of many New Seven Wonders, and many of the pure and historic ones too. As full-time vacationers, we’ve made it a mission to expertise locations with deep cultural significance and historic roots.
On this publish, we’ll take you thru private tales from the world’s most extraordinary locations, historic cities, engineering feats, and pure wonders that belong on each journey bucket listing.
Our Journey Via the World’s Wonders
We’ve spent the previous 20 years touring throughout continents and chasing not simply magnificence, however which means. A few of these wonders have moved us to tears, whereas others have sparked our curiosity to dig deeper into the civilizations that constructed them.
Whether or not it’s strolling by way of historic temples, standing atop windswept cliffs, or drifting down jungle rivers, these moments outline why we journey.
They’re not nearly seeing one thing spectacular—they’re about understanding humanity’s shared historical past, marveling at our place on Earth, and reminding ourselves that surprise is throughout us. So seize your bucket listing, open your map, and prepare so as to add a number of extra pins.
What Are the 7 Wonders of the World?
The time period “Wonders of the World” refers to lists of probably the most outstanding artifical and pure landmarks on Earth. Whereas the unique Seven Wonders of the Historical World had been chronicled by Greek historians, most of them not exist, apart from the Nice Pyramid of Giza.
To replace the idea for the fashionable world, the New7Wonders Basis in Switzerland, held a world vote in 2007, deciding on seven new wonders based mostly on cultural significance, architectural achievement, and common enchantment. These embody iconic locations like Petra, Machu Picchu, and the Nice Wall of China. Immediately, there are additionally acknowledged lists of Pure Wonders and Trendy Engineering Wonders—every celebrating humanity’s most vital accomplishments and nature’s most breathtaking creations.
New Seven Wonders of The World
Petra, Jordan
Petra’s Treasury is among the most cinematic sights we’ve ever seen, and sure, it made us really feel like Indiana Jones in The Final Campaign. Carved from rose-red cliffs over 2,000 years in the past, the traditional Nabatean capital was misplaced for hundreds of years till a Swiss explorer Hiram Bingham arrived in 1812.
This archaeological website tucked into the mountains of southern Jordan is like strolling into historical past. The traditional metropolis of Petra, with its carved facades like Al Khazneh, has earned its place on the New Seven Wonders listing. Once we stood earlier than the Treasury, we felt like we had been on a Hollywood set, besides it was actual.
Believed to have been based in historic occasions, Petra is assumed to have been a thriving commerce hub as early as 400 B.C. The complicated contains temples, tombs, and hidden pathways by way of semiprecious stone canyons.
Wish to discover Petra in depth? Begin right here:
Nice Wall of China
Spanning over 13,000 miles, the Nice Wall of China is an historic fortification that winds its means throughout northern China and thru historical past. We visited each the Badaling and Mutianyu sections and might confidently say: the aerial view from a drone or cable automotive is unforgettable. Initially constructed in the course of the seventh century and expanded within the Ming Dynasty, it’s an engineering feat price mountain climbing.
The Nice Wall of China is among the most unimaginable feats of human energy in human historical past. We explored each the Badaling and Mutianyu sections of the Nice Wall and took in breathtaking aerial views.
Development of the Nice Wall started within the seventh century BCE and continued by way of the Ming Dynasty, reinforcing the concept that world wonders can span centuries of effort. This UNESCO World Heritage Web site is a high vacation spot in China and deserves its place all journey bucket lists.
Get impressed to hike the Nice Wall:
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Rising above Rio de Janeiro, the Redeemer statue appears out over one of the vital gorgeous coastlines on Earth. Development started in 1926 and took 9 years to finish. The white soapstone statue isn’t solely an architectural achievement but additionally an emblem of hope and unity.
We noticed it from each the highest of the mountaintop and the sky overlooking Mount Corcovado. Over 2 million individuals go to Christ the Redeemer yearly. regardless of which one you select, you’ll be in awe of one of many world’s biggest vacationer points of interest.
Roman Colosseum, Italy
Few buildings from the traditional world draw crowds like this one. The Colosseum is probably the most visited monument in Italy. Over six million individuals go to annually! Constructed with bolstered concrete and travertine, it was a hub for gladiators, fight, public spectacles, and imperial leisure.
Standing inside this complicated, you’ll be able to nearly hear the roar of the group. It’s a reminder of Rome’s energy and its long-standing cultural legacy. It’s thought that half one million individuals and almost a million animals died inside its partitions in the course of the gladiator fights.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Excessive above the clouds within the Andes, Machu Picchu is an historic metropolis of the Incas shrouded in mist and thriller. Constructed by the Inca Empire it was used as a retreat within the fifteenth century It showcases agricultural terraces and completely lower stone partitions that defy trendy engineering logic. Machu Picchu really is among the most stunning locations on this planet.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1983, it’s also one of the vital iconic New Seven Wonders of the World. The sense of serenity and connection to the earth is unparalleled.
Begin planning your Peru journey:
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Set within the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá’s El Castillo stands as a mix of science, spirituality, and spectacle. This historic Mayan metropolis aligns with astronomical occasions and showcases good city planning.
It’s considered one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological websites and a New World Surprise steeped in historical past, astronomy, and artistry.
Uncover extra concerning the Yucatán and Chichén Itzá:
Taj Mahal, India
Agra’s crown jewel, the Taj Mahal, is famed for its white marble symmetry and romantic origin. Constructed as a royal retreat and tomb by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved spouse, who died giving childbirth within the 1600s, it’s each a spot of mourning and marvel.
Standing on the reflecting pool because the solar hits the marble, it turns into clear why the Taj Mahal is among the many most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
However be warned, the Taj Mahal is among the hottest locations to go to in India. Greater than 8 million individuals go to the Taj Mahal annually, so arrive early and ensure to be one of many first within the complicated at daybreak.
The Pure Wonders That Took Our Breath Away
The Seven Pure Wonders of the World are sometimes missed in favor of human-made icons, however their grandeur rivals something constructed by man.
Mount Everest, Nepal
At 8,848 meters above sea degree, Everest’s summit touches the sting of outer house. Our trek to Base Camp handed by way of villages steeped in Himalayan tradition. The cultural and non secular depth of this area, mixed with its altitude, makes it considered one of Earth’s most humbling experiences.
Put together in your trek in Nepal:
Nice Barrier Reef, Australia
Floating above coral gardens and swimming with vibrant marine life was surreal. The Nice Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and probably the most intensive coral reef system on the planet. Its life, coloration, and scale are unmatched.
From helicopter excursions to diving platforms, this marine ecosystem in Queensland stretches over 344,000 km². Composed of almost 3,000 particular person reefs, it’s teeming with coloration, life, and fragility.
Plan your reef journey:
Victoria Falls, Zambia
In comparison with Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls is sheer thunder. Often known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders) It’s the biggest waterfall by quantity on this planet. The mist, roar, and scale are unattainable to seize in images. Thousands and thousands of individuals go to annually for the entire sensory expertise.
Discover Extra of Victoria Falls
Rio De Janeiro’s Harbor
Framed by Sugarloaf and Corcovado, this coastal view blends city vibrance with pure drama. It’s uncommon to discover a place the place nature and metropolis collide so superbly.
Aurora Borealis
The Northern Lights in Canada, Iceland, and Greenland by no means fail to mesmerize. We’ve seen them dance in Alberta and Michigan, portray the sky in electrical waves. Greatest considered in darkish sky preserves removed from metropolis lights.
Watching the Aurora Borealis ripple throughout a transparent evening sky in Canada is unforgettable. In style perception might say Iceland is finest, however don’t skip Jasper, Alberta, particularly in the course of the Darkish Sky Competition.
Learn extra concerning the Aurora Borealis
Grand Canyon
The primary time we stood on the South Rim, we had been silent. The Grand Canyon stretches over 440 kilometers, with rock layers that document two billion years of Earth’s historical past. It’s one of the vital accessible pure wonders within the U.S., and a testomony to nature’s energy.
Standing on the fringe of this huge Arizona chasm seems like gazing into outer house. It’s 1.8 km deep and 446 km lengthy—carved by time and the Colorado River.
Plan your Grand Canyon go to:
Paricutin Volcano
Fashioned in 1943 and rising over 19 years, this volcano is among the solely ones whose start was witnessed and recorded by people. Situated in Michoacán, it’s a uncommon alternative to hike into geological historical past.
New Seven Pure Wonders
Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines – A surreal subterranean waterway surrounded by jungle.
Desk Mountain, South Africa – Towering over Cape City, it’s a flat-topped marvel seen from all angles, together with Robben Island.
Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina – A thunderous assortment of 275 waterfalls. We explored it at dawn and sundown with no crowds.
Ha Lengthy Bay, Vietnam – A seascape of limestone karsts and emerald water, finest seen on an in a single day junk boat.
Amazon Rainforest – The lungs of the Earth, teeming with life and very important to our planet’s well being.
Jeju Island, South Korea – A volcanic island with lava tubes and basalt cliffs, incomes it UNESCO World Heritage standing.
Komodo Island, Indonesia – Dwelling to the legendary Komodo dragon. We remorse lacking this whereas in Bali.
Want Assist Planning Journey to a Pure Surprise?
Seven Wonders of the Historical World
Nice Pyramid of Giza
Out of the three pyramids that make up the Pyramids of Giza, the Nice Pyramid is the one one of many Historical Wonders nonetheless standing. These Historical Wonders of the World had been chronicled within the Center Ages, and most now dwell on in historical past books.
We’ve visited the remaining surprise of the traditional world, twice, and each time it leaves us speechless. This huge tomb close to Cairo is a permanent thriller.
Discover extra from historic Egypt:
Different misplaced wonders embody:
Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Greece – A 12-meter sculpture of gold and ivory.
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey – As soon as the biggest temple of the traditional world.
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey – A royal retreat topped with chariots and horses.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq – Presumably legendary, usually debated.
Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt – Guided ships into considered one of historical past’s busiest harbors.
Colossus of Rhodes, Greece – Towered over the harbor entrance, like a guardian.
Seven Wonders of the Trendy World of Civil Engineering
Nevertheless, there may be one other listing of wonders of the world, much less well-known however equally outstanding: the Seven Wonders of the Trendy World of Civil Engineering, compiled by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). These signify groundbreaking initiatives that pushed the bounds of what people may construct within the twentieth century. Listed below are the engineering wonders:
Channel Tunnel (England/France) – A 50-kilometer rail tunnel beneath the English Channel that connects the UK to mainland Europe.
CN Tower (Canada) – As soon as the world’s tallest free-standing construction, this telecommunications tower dominates Toronto’s skyline.
Empire State Constructing (USA) – A defining image of New York Metropolis and one of many earliest skyscrapers to succeed in over 100 tales.
Golden Gate Bridge (USA) – A shocking suspension bridge in San Francisco identified for its Artwork Deco design and iconic coloration.
Itaipú Dam (Brazil/Paraguay) – One of many world’s largest hydroelectric dams, producing energy for tens of millions.
Delta Works (Netherlands) – An revolutionary system of dams and boundaries designed to forestall flooding from the North Sea.
Panama Canal (Panama) – A 77-kilometer waterway that revolutionized international delivery by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Whereas these engineering wonders aren’t historic or carved into cliff faces, their influence on the fashionable world is plain. Every one is a testomony to human innovation, engineering genius, and the need to beat nature’s challenges for the betterment of world society.
Essentially the most broadly accepted wonders of the fashionable world listing contains Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Chichén Itzá, the Roman Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, and the Nice Wall of China.
There are a number of lists, together with the New Seven Wonders, the Seven Wonders of Nature, and the Seven Wonders of the Historical World, making a minimum of 21 widely known websites.
Sure, the Nice Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is the one unique standing of the unique Seven Wonders of the Historical World. The unique listing of the wonders of the world was compiled within the Center Ages.
Websites are sometimes acknowledged for his or her historic, cultural, or pure significance. Many are UNESCO World Heritage Websites resulting from their excellent worth to humanity.
You may go to the entire New Seven Wonders, and plenty of wonders of nature just like the Grand Canyon.
Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Lighthouse of Alexandria, Colossus of Rhodes, Historical Pyramid of Giza
These are the world wonders that impressed us, and why they could encourage you too.