Looking for an escape? Or just an opportunity to daydream? Here's a list of 25 amazing places to put on your bucket list. Whether you crave white-sand beaches, masterpieces of art, mountains of glaciers or historic ruins, there will be a location here that will make you swoon. All that's left for you to do is book the ticket.

Salvador, Brazil

The third-largest city in Brazil, Salvador, is also called the "capital of happiness." Known for its citywide outdoor parties, which culminate in the Carnivale in the spring, the city is a cultural jewel. Divide your daylight hours between tours of the historic colonial city and trips to the turquoise blue waters surrounding Salvador's 50 miles of beaches. At night, enjoy the renowned local cuisine while watching a performance of Capoeira, a mix of dance and martial arts.

Barra Lighthouse in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil

Ushuaia, Argentina

The last port for ships headed to Antarctica, Ushuaia is the gateway to the end of the world. Known for having the longest ski season in South America, it's perfect for snow bunnies as well as adventure-seekers looking to hike on the Glacier El Martial, which creeps up to the base of the city. In the summer, the vistas over the deep blue waters of the Beagle Channel, a shipping route, are simply breathtaking.

Amazing view of Ushuaia city at night

Cartagena, Colombia

First settled in 4000 B.C. and later conquered by the Spanish in 1533, this Colombian city is a wonder of ancient archaeological sites and colonial architecture. Not-to-be missed sites include the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a 16th century fortress; the Gold Museum, which features pre-Columbian gold relics; and the sunsets over Caratgena Harbor, which looks out over the Caribbean Sea.

Sunset over Cartagena

Panama Canal, Panama

Not only is the Panama Canal one of the most important waterways on Earth, it's also a site of incredible natural wonders. Take a day trip to the Embera Indian Village for local handicrafts or to the Gatun Lake, a manmade body of water that feeds into the canal. It is surrounded by a nearly untouched rainforest that boasts some of the rarest species of flora and fauna in South America.

Shore of the Panama canal.

Huatulco, Mexico

Situated near nine bays that protect 36 miles of white-sand beaches, Huatulco is the place to go in Mexico if you want to avoid spring break mayhem. Consisting not only of coastline but also huge swaths of jungles ideal for bird watching, the town is a tropical oasis. When you go, try the local Oaxacan cuisine, which is best known for mole, a sauce consisting of chilies and chocolate.

Cacaluta beach in Huatulko, Oaxaca, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

A haven to Hollywood stars, Cabo San Lucas boasts not only gorgeous people but also many natural wonders including El Arco rock arch. Spend your time there relaxing with fresh margaritas, kayaking, playing golf or scuba diving with whale sharks in the majestic Pacific Ocean.

Private Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Hilo, Hawai'i

Nestled between two of Hawaii's famous volcanoes -- don't worry, they're currently dormant -- the city is located on the calm waters of the Hilo Bay. During the day, snorkel in freshwater pools on Leleiwi Beach, or take a stroll down Banyan Drive, a street lined with trees planted by historic figures including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Amelia Earhardt. At night, stargaze at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i, which boasts a 120-seat planetarium.

Hawaii, Rainbow Falls in Hilo.

Venice, Italy

Known as one of the most romantic places in the world, Venice is a floating city linked by ancient bridges and canals. Consisting of impossibly gorgeous Renaissance palaces and museums as well as the Plaza San Marco, where you are obligated to dine al fresco, traveling by gondola is the preferred method of getting around. Rumored to be sinking, Venice is a must-see destination for anyone planning a trip to Europe.

Gondola on Canal Grande with Rialto Bridge at sunset, Venice

Crete, Greece

The largest of Greece's 6,000 islands, Crete has been on the map since mythological times when it was rumored to have been the home of the Minotaur, a creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man. Today, it has remnants from many civilizations. In a single day, you can visit Ancient Greek archaeological sites like Knossos, remnants of architectural wonders left behind by the Venetian and Turkish invaders or even the house of Baroness Von Schwartz, a 19th century Austrian noblewoman.

Crete, village of Loutro

Dubrovnik, Croatia

In recent years, Croatia has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe; Dubrovnik, a medieval city, is its heart. Spend your days looking over the vistas of the bay from the famous walls of the old city, or take a boat trip to Lokrum, a wooded island that includes a monastery, fortress, botanical garden and naturist beach.

City of Dubrovnik

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain

Located off the western coast of Africa, this territory of Spain is a melting pot for all sorts of cultures. During the day, catch sun on the beach or hike up to one of the city's many volcano craters. At night, enjoy the wild nightlife, which includes a drag queen galas and outdoor dance parties. There's no place like it.

Plaza de Santa Ana

Istanbul, Turkey

When compared to the rest of Europe, Istanbul feels like a different world. It's chock full of Ottoman treasures like the Topkapi palace, early Christian sites like the Hagia Sophia and ancient shopping meccas like the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Spend your time finding bargains on scarves or jewelry, or take a boat trip down the Bosphorus, the river that separates the Asian and European sides of the city. That's right. Istanbul is located in two different continents.

Istanbul the capital of Turkey

Edinburgh, Scotland

Fancy yourself a Scottish warrior -- or warrior-ess? Then you'll love the rugged feel of Edinburgh, a city that rises on seven ancient hills. If shopping is your thing, you'll find great deals on soft cashmere sweaters and thick tartan kilts. If you'd rather sightsee, you'll find the Edinburgh Castle, a Georgian sprawl, to be just divine. Whatever your day looks like, end it with a dram of the region's famous single malt.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, from Princes Street Gardens, with Ross Fountain

Newport, Rhode Island

The cliffs of Newport are presided over by gigantic marble mansions from the Gilded Age, a time best memorialized by Edith Wharton's novel, "The Age of Innocence." Today, the "cottages," which were built by families such as the Vanderbilts and the Astors, are mostly museums open to the public. The seaside town also boasts structures that date back to the Revolutionary War as well as restaurants serving great seafood.

Lighthouse

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Located on the Pacific Coast, Victoria is beloved for its mild weather, beautiful gardens and laid-back vibe. Sometimes called "a bit of old England," guests can enjoy afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel or stroll through the lushly manicured public gardens. Whatever you do, don't forget to take in Victoria's fantastic Pacific Northwest backdrop.

Victoria at Dusk, British Columbia

Halifax, Nova Scotia

One of North America's most important Atlantic ports, Halifax has the charm of a small fishing town mixed with the bustling energy of a modern city. The city is rich with the stories of almost 1 million immigrants who passed through the region in the 1900s on their way to other cities down the coast, including a number of survivors from the Titanic.

Peggys Cove

Fiji, Pacific Islands

A Pacific Island "Port of Call," Fiji is one of many stops to be made on cruises beginning in Sydney, Australia. Arguably, however, it is the most beautiful. Featuring white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and outdoor barbecues, it's the ultimate tropical getaway. If you're feeling brave, you can even take a day trip to a village to meet a Fijian warrior.

Tropical paradise

Wellington, New Zealand

The capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a walkable city nestled between a mountain range and an ocean. The city itself boasts many attractions, including a famous zoo. But many tourists choose to take day trips outside of the city to see the magnificent landscapes where "The Lord of the Rings" was filmed.

Oriental Bay, Wellington

Glacier Bay, Alaska

Talk about ice fields! Glacier Bay has plenty -- 50, to be exact -- most of which are eons old. A must-see stop on any adventurous traveler's itinerary, a trip from Anchorage to Glacier Bay on Carnival Alaska will include sightings of numerous seabirds, otters, bears and even humpback whales. It will also feature forays out into the 3.2-million-acre national park where you'll have a chance to trek across a receding glacier.

Whale Breach in Front of Breathtaking Mountains at Glacier Bay

Sydney, Australia

The site of the first British colony in Australia, Sydney has evolved into a cosmopolitan melting pot. Attractions include the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as well as Bondi Beach, a mecca for serious surfers. Cultural lovers will find plenty to do here, whether they want to museum hop or catch a performance at one of the city's many theaters.

View of Sydney Harbour, Australia

Bermuda

Located in the midst of the balmy water of the Gulf Stream, this archipelago of 138 inlets has three qualities that make for a perfect tropical vacation: turquoise waters, white sand and coconut groves. Add on glass-bottomed boat tours, swimming with dolphins, treks into the luscious green hills and a happening nightlife scene and you have the perfect vacation.

King's Wharf, Bermuda

Antigua

Named by Christopher Columbus after he stumbled upon the island while exploring the New World, Antigua was ruled by the British until 1981, when it became an independent nation. Still, it maintains many English traditions, including the pub room at the Admiral's Inn. Along with coves buffeted by coral reefs, the island boasts pastel houses with wide verandas, bays with calm waters for children and the Saturday Morning Market, where visitors can buy all manner of tropical fruits.

Shirley Heights Antigua

St. Petersburg, Russia

Once the seat of Peter the Great, St. Petersburg contains many relics of more decadent times. From czarist cathedrals to the Winter Palace to the Hermitage, one of the most important museums in the world, there's plenty to do in the city for a cultured traveler. Catch a famous Russian ballet at the Mariinsky Theater, or stroll down the Nevsky Prospekt to feel like a 19th century aristocrat. In the winter, the city becomes a crystalline ice dreamscape -- but bundle up; it can be cold.

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Bergen, Norway

The gateway to Norway's many fjords, which are water channels through cliffs carved by glaciers, Bergen is a classic Nordic fishing village. Whether you're walking down streets full of colorful houses, holding your nose at the fish market, or trekking out into the gorgeous mountains that surround the city, you're sure to become just as bewitched by the place as the Vikings were when they first encountered it 2,000 years ago.

Bergen, Norway

Messina, Italy

Founded by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C., the city has since been inhabited by many cultures including the Romans and the Arabs, making for a rich cultural fabric. Chock full of Renaissance cathedrals, museums featuring works by masters like Caravaggio and ancient ruins, Messina is also the gateway to Mount Etna. It is an active volcano -- watch out! -- where many brave souls visit the top to get a glimpse of the churning, red hot lava and the panoramic views of the Sicilian islands below.

Temple Christ the King.  Sicily. Italy

About the Author

Brienne Walsh is a writer, photographer and art critic. She contributes to publications such as "Art in America," "The New York Times," "ArtReview," "Modern Painters," "Interview," "Departures," NYmag.com, Forbes.com and The Huffington Post. Walsh received a B.A. in art history from Brown University, as well as an M.A. in critical theory from Columbia University.

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