The world offers so many beautiful and exotic places that it’s impossible to visit them all — some man-made, some created by Mother Nature. Every traveler perpetually scratching that wanderlust itch strives to see it all, but eventually succumbs to the daunting vastness. With too many destinations possessing unique, breathtaking qualities, creating a top list wouldn’t be fair the multitude left off. So, here’s a stab at some that standout to us.

1. Marietas Islands
Located just off the coast of Mexico, these islands are truly otherworldly. In the early 1900’s the Mexican government began testing bombs on the uninhabited islands. Years later it was discovered that the bombings helped create beautiful caves, which lead to the islands becoming Mexican national landmarks. The crystal clear waters crash against silky, white-sand beaches, with these beautiful caves lining the backdrop.

Photo courtesy | Ralmonline Alm

2. Rome, Italy
This beautiful city really doesn’t need a write-up. Jam-packed with more recorded history than virtually everywhere else on earth, the magnificent buildings and astounding arts are just the beginning of reasons to visit here. Any traveler believing to be a foodie will be in sheer bliss with the authentic Italian cuisine.

Photo courtesy | Giorgio Galeotti

3. Quito, Equador
The cities amazing architecture is only outshined by the remarkable mountains overlooking the city. Home to over 2-million people, the base of the Pichincha Volcano was the setting to one of the most pivotal battles in Equador‘s independence. Being one of the least-altered historic centers in Latin America, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the late 1970’s.

Photo courtesy | Christopher Dorobek

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Home to many movies, music videos and exotic beaches, this vivacious city is most notably home to the Christ the Redeemer statue. The cities grandiose beauty is lined with up-beat streets, so any traveler searching for a bustling nightlife will find everything they’re looking for.

Photo courtesy | Mauricio Lima

5. Mt. Everest, Nepal
The tallest, and one of the most beautiful by default, mountain in the world had to find a place on this list. Set on the Nepal-Tibet border, the mountain is a part of the Himalaya mountain range, home to nine of the world’s 10 tallest mountains. The 29,029-foot mountain was first conquered in 1953, and has since attracted thousands of climbers from across the globe.

Photo courtesy | Sam Hawley

Many people find themselves in a never-ending cycle of work and sleep. A rut that can be easily escaped with a small mixture of inspiration, imagination and motivation. Hopefully a starting point to explore this wonderful planet has been found on this list. If so, go have an adventure — uncover something new. This thing called life can only be lived one time around.