“There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.” ―
We all know the best things in life are free. There’s natural beauty [and human-made beauty, too] all around us. Seek it out and soak it in. Not only is it therapeutic for the soul, but it’s also good for the wallet. I often reflect on some of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. You know, those jaw-dropping-I-can’t-believe-this-is-real-am-I-dreaming kind of places. So here’s a list of the 15 places that often come up in my daydreams. Have you experienced any of them? Leave your favorites in the comments below.
1. Cheesy rom-com moment. Sipping coffee, leaning against my now-husband at 6 a.m., watching the sunrise from the Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic. Note: No significant other needed. I do recommend the coffee, though. 🙂
2. The intense hike to Harderkulm’s summit made me better appreciate the view of Interlaken, Switzerland, that will forever be locked in my memory.
3. High above the charming Austrian town of Hallstatt, take in the rugged Salzkammergut Mountains across the bustling lakeside town below.
4. A 20-minute walk to Mount Victoria’s highest point rewards you with skyline and harbor views of Auckland, New Zealand. Take a nap. Read a book. Relax. It’s blissful.
5. Like most of the places mentioned, what makes a place so beautiful and spectacular is in part due to the feelings you experience when you are there. Villa Rufolo, in Ravello, Italy, is so lovely because all of the things that are beautiful on their own — the manicured gardens, the ocean, the cliffs, the trees, the buildings, the towns in the distance — come together to form one heck of a view.
6. If we asked Mother Nature her greatest achievement, she might just say the Cliffs of Moher in Clare County, Ireland. The journey to the cliffs from Galway (part of the Wild Atlantic Way) is equally spectacular!
7. The lush green vineyards of the Douro Valley have me dreaming of Portuguese port wine. Side note: I was nearly attacked by the vineyard’s guard dog as I wandered through the vines. Worth it?! Yes. If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, the Douro Valley is an easy weekend trip from Porto. 
8. A calm sea and a simple sailboat in the distance. Could anything be more serene than this Australian coastline?
9. Waiheke Island, just outside of Auckland, New Zealand, is known for its vineyards, zip lines, beaches and olive groves. Skip the ferry and take in a different kind of view … helicopter views.
10. Love the city or hate the city (but how could you?!?) the Manhattan skyline evokes powerful emotions, and the views from the Brooklyn Bridge are truly unforgettable.
11. If Americans say “everything is bigger in Texas,” Europeans must say the same for Budapest. The opulent palaces and colossal buildings along the Danube River are best seen from the Chain Bridge at dusk.
12. By a long shot, the balcony view from one of my Lisbon, Portugal, hostels was the best view I’ve ever experienced in an accommodation.
13. Bundle up and head to Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze. The panoramic views at the summit showcase the beautiful mountains of Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Garmisch-Partenkirchen makes a great home base for exploring this area. 
14. The sparkling blue waters, hillside vineyards and colorful houses clinging to the steep cliffs make Cinque Terre a breathtaking backdrop for an Italian sunset.
15. Mark my words: Montenegro will soon be the new “it” destination. The new Croatia. The new Iceland. The new Thailand. The place tourists and travelers flock to. And I won’t blame them. When you’re in Montenegro, you may just think you’re dreaming.
What dreamy places would you add? Leave your favorites in the comments.
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