Our planet is bursting with vivid hues, and when you're not actively out discovering them, it's surprisingly simple to lose sight of that fact. So if your current view consists of a gloomy winter skyline through an office window, we've gathered a handful of eye-catching global hotspots guaranteed to lift your spirits and nudge you toward your own #TravelTheRainbow adventure.
#TravelTheRainbow: Vibrant spots worth chasing around the world
Red: Daigo-Ji Temple, Japan
Beyond being an undeniably gorgeous structure, this temple carries enormous cultural weight in Japan. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, it serves as a gathering and worship space for followers of the Shingon branch of Japanese Buddhism. For visitors, the visual reward is extraordinary. Perched on a hillside and encircled by lush greenery, its bold crimson tones are amplified by the surrounding landscape.
A post shared by Yuliya A. #MyTravelGram (@selfish_girl) on Dec 20, 2017 at 6:05am PST
Orange: Vermillion Cliffs, Arizona
Arizona's sprawling desert hides so many rust-toned marvels that singling out just one proved tricky. The same state that cradles the Grand Canyon also conceals lesser-celebrated gems like the Vermillion Cliffs, where swirling patterns and dramatic curves steal the show.
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Yellow: Dallol, Ethiopia
Sizzling. Isolated. Yet absolutely essential. The geothermal springs surrounding Dallol volcano glow an almost neon yellow, a striking effect produced by minerals like sulfur, iron, and salt mingling with the molten rock beneath. We cannot emphasize this strongly enough: resist any urge to venture too close. Those pools harbor dangerous acids, and the fumes released can be lethal. Seriously — keep your distance!
A post shared by Natsu (@natsuco__) on Jan 19, 2017 at 12:52pm PST
Pink: Lake Retba, Senegal
No editing trick here. Genuinely pink lakes do exist, and Senegal's Lake Retba ranks among the most famous. Travelers passing through this West African nation will witness rosy waters caused by a particular species of algae. The tint is unmistakably real, so there's no need to lean in and squint. Designated a World Heritage Site, access has grown far more manageable — only about an hour separates it from the capital. Swimming is even permitted, though expect to bob rather than sink, courtesy of the lake's staggering salinity levels!
A post shared by Breathtakingly Beautiful (@lake.retba) on Mar 9, 2016 at 2:13pm PST
Green: Bali Rice Paddies
Planning the trek to Indonesia? Ticking off Bali's terraced rice paddies feels almost ceremonial. Beyond their agricultural role, these emerald steps serve as unbeatable settings for the kind of social media snapshots you'll treasure long after the platforms themselves vanish.
A post shared by Bow & Arrow Photography (@mariaejohns) on Nov 24, 2017 at 9:20pm PST
Blue: Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Enter Australia. A nation celebrated for some of the planet's most dazzling azure waters and the countless marine creatures calling them home. Adding the Great Barrier Reef to your travel wishlist is practically mandatory, though it demands our protection. Conservation initiatives have gained real momentum lately, so if snorkeling or diving these waters is on your radar, prioritize it soon. The reef's future is far from certain, which is a sobering thought.
A post shared by SALTY WiNGS (@saltywings) on Apr 22, 2017 at 6:18am PDT
Indigo: Northern Lights, Iceland
Although the aurora displays a full spectrum, the indigo shades are arguably the scarcest and most mesmerizing. A journey to Iceland offers no ironclad promise of catching them, though your odds climb considerably. Even without a sighting, the country's sweeping vistas are absolutely breathtaking.
A post shared by Travel & Vacation (@travacs) on Nov 24, 2017 at 8:21pm PST
Violet: The Lavender Fields of Provence
Blooms can be charming, granted, yet few generate the buzz of France's Lavender Fields in Provence. Their visual spectacle is matched only by the intoxicating fragrance hanging in the air. France — much like the rest of Europe — is celebrated for its postcard-perfect countryside. Just mind that you don't drift off during a picnic nearby; lavender has earned its reputation as a natural sleep promoter for centuries!
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Should breaking free from your routine, exploring more of the planet, and immersing yourself in unfamiliar cultures feature on your list of New Year's ambitions? Why not pick one of these striking and one-of-a-kind spots to kick things off — or better yet, tackle them all and craft your very own rainbow-fueled travel saga with STA Travel's Multi-city flights!
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