While it may not be summer just yet, we’ve shut the door firmly enough on the cold and snow for another year – and that means it’s time to start planning how to spend our vacation.
As if we haven’t encouraged you enough already to visit some truly inspirational places – and that’s if you weren’t tempted to just buy your own island that costs less than a 2-bedroom condo – we’ve got even more travel #inspo for you.
Afar has rounded up the top 10 most pinned summer destinations on Pinterest. If this doesn’t get your wanderlust wandering, we don’t know what will…
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10. Trolltunga, Norway
Meaning ‘troll tongue’, this piece of rock juts horizontally out of a mountain 2,300 feet above lake Ringedalsvatnet in Norway. It’s available for hikers in the summer, from mid-June to mid-September, and those wanting to catch a glimpse will have to trek eight to 10 hours to get there. But the views make it all worthwhile.
9. Havasu Falls, The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Located within the Havasupai tribal lands, this waterfall has a main chute of water that drops over a 100-foot vertical cliff into a series of plunge pools. It’s stunning and one of the most popular falls along the creek, but with a 10-mile trek ahead of you, we recommend you stay in a nearby campsite.
Photo – Guy Schmickle
8. Islet Franca do Campo, The Azores, Portugal
This volcanic crater has become a popular tourist spot, and the famous islet in the Azores archipelago is the location for The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Take in some nearby dolphin and whale watching or try your hand at diving, yachting or canyoning.
Photo – xtremespots
7. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
One of the oldest national parks in Southeastern Europe, Plitvice is world famous for its 16 lakes arranged in cascades. They are all interconnected and follow the water flow, and you can hike through the magical footbridges to take it all in. Plus, there are butterflies native to the park that fly around you and the beautiful waterfalls.
6. Faroe Islands, Denmark
This archipelago sits between the Northern Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, and are an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark. It’s best to visit in the summer – that way you’ll escape the often cooler temperatures and the grass is greenest and the sea bluer at these times.
Photo – Vincent van Zeijst
5. Waitomo Gloworm Caves, New Zealand
This species of gloworm is exclusive to New Zealand, and you’ll have to take some form of guided tour to get down underground to see them. You can take a boat trip or go abseiling and tubing if you’re a thrillseeker. The creatures light up the otherwise pitch-black caves with their Gloworm Grotto, which acts as nature’s very own skylight.
4. Jacob’s Well, Austin, Texas
This perennial karstic spring in Texas Hill Country offers a great spot for visitors to take a refreshing break from the humid summer temperatures. Jacob’s Well cave descends for about 30 feet from the opening mouth and then continues downward through a series of chambers, reaching an average depth of 120 feet. It’s part of the Trinity Aquifer, which is the greatest source of spring water in the U.S.
3. Bigar Cascade Falls, Romania
This moss-covered waterfall is situated in Caras-Sevin in Romania, in the forests of the Anina Mountains. It’s formed by an underwater spring that overflows into the Minis River in spindly shards of water. The locals refer to it as the “miracle” from Minis Canyon, and Pinterest seems to agree.
2. Lake Braies, Dolomiti, Italy
This small Alpine lake nestled in the Dolomiti mountains is understandably topping people’s wanderlust lists. The picture-perfect blue of the (warning: cold) lake against the stunning scenic background of the Dolomite peaks makes for the ideal summer vacation. Take a round trip of the lake or hike along the foot of the Croda de Becco.
1. Pink Sand Beach, Bahamas
Topping the list with the most pins is this beautiful spot in the Bahamas. Trade in the classic white sandy beaches for a pink one without adjusting your Instagram filter. The stunning shore gets its pink hue from a process called Foraminifera, courtesy of microscopic shelled animals. But enough about the science – grab your bikini and sunglasses and start planning your trip this summer.
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