‘The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page’ – this famous quote by Saint Augustine sums up exactly what an individual is missing if he is not keen on exploring the world. For a wanderlust, the world is an oyster. However, first-timers and new wayfarers would be comfortable with destinations that are known for their famous attractions. Let’s take a look at some of the most visited countries in the world with iconic attractions that can be ideal options for first-time travelers.

United Arab Emirates

Mother nature has provided stunning natural attractions around the world, but to UAE it only contributed to vast expanses of golden-hued Arabian desert and oil fields. Nevertheless, the country found out a way to make its man-made magic and create a futuristic city that beats every other destination in the world. Dubai is a land of impossible wonders. The iconic Burj Khalifa is the standing proof of this statement. Apart from being the proud owner of the world’s largest building, Dubai also has a collection of superlative attractions to its name such as Palm Fountain- the world’s largest fountain, Ski Dubai – the first indoor ski resort in a desert region, Dubai Miracle Garden- the world’s largest natural horticultural garden… the list goes on. To the south of Dubai lies Abu Dhabi -the capital emirate of UAE which portrays a wonderful balance of cultural heritage and contemporary attractions. The first attraction one would visit in Abu Dhabi is the colossal Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - a medley of Islamic design from different parts of the world and cultural charm. The newest addition to Abu Dhabi's eclectic assortment of attractions is the recently unveiled Louvre Abu Dhabi which beautifully fuses cultural and modern elements artistically.

France

Say ‘Bonjour’ to France! A destination filled with a French flair is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. Ernest Hemingway’s quote on Paris –‘ "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." rings true once you visit the city. Paris tops as the most visited city in France and is ranked as one of the popular cities to visit for visitors traveling to Europe. ‘The city of lights’ is a gorgeous sight to take in. The grand Eiffel tower adds its silhouette to almost all perspectives of the city as it stands dominating the city skyline. Apart from this iconic attraction, Paris is also home to the Louvre Museum and the grand Arc de Triomphe. However, venture out to Bordeaux, Champagne for wine tasting and other main cities to sample the famous French gastronomy. don’t miss out on sampling some melt-in-the-mouth macarons and crispy croissants. The quaint street-side French cafes, tranquil alpine villages and sun-dappled neighborhoods drenched in historic heritage will make you fall in love with France.

United States of America

USA’s west and east coasts are brimming with some amazing landscapes and attractions. New York - The city that never sleeps has a vigor that one has to experience to understand. This dynamic city is always lively, yet it has an extraordinary stillness to it. The same goes for the beautiful San Francisco. The fast-paced life and vivacity of these cities are well-known. Yet, you can find tranquility at Central Park in New York and Golden Gate Bay in San Francisco. Venture to the north of New York and you can view one of the world’s astounding wonders – the Niagara Falls on a day trip. Set forth to the South of the Western Coast, Orlando welcomes you to the magical Wald Disney World.  From San Francisco, Los Angeles’s famous landmarks, Las Vegas’s peppy nightlife and some amazing national parks of the USA are just a few hours away and offer an unforgettable experience. A USA trip is never done justice if you haven’t visited New York or California.

Italy

Italy is where you come across elements that appreciate the true meaning of life which can be seen in the ‘simply-to-be’ attitude, scrumptious food scene and dolce vita lifestyle of the Italians. The Mediterranean charm, fascinating cities and breath-taking landscapes make Italy an irresistibly charming destination to visit. Rome is all about Renaissance art, rustic architecture. The Eternal City feels like a different realm and for an art lover or someone how loves visiting historic sites,  this city is a paradise. You would really fall in love with the finesse of art and culture Rome portrays through attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum to name a few. You will find samples of impressive artwork in every nook and corner of Italian cities. Apart from Rome, Amalfi Coast, the Tuscany region and Lake Como are other places you ought to visit on an Italian holiday.

Thailand

Venture out too far east Asia and you find yourself in a land of tropical beaches and dynamic cities. The land of Smiles as Thailand is fondly called is one of the most beautiful countries to visit for natural splendors. However, the main city of Bangkok is teeming with some of the most wondrous Thai architectural structures and temples. The city is peppered with some amazing collections of temples and Buddhist shrines of which Arun Wat, Wat Phra Kew will get jaw-dropping awe from you. A little further from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a rustic settlement that dates back centuries and comprises a complex of ancient temples and ruins. Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai are all dramatic cities known for their splendid fusion of modern structures with primeval architectures and nature attractions. The food scene is amazing, popular among tourists and one of the main reasons to visit Thailand.