Places You Need To See Before You Die

So much to see, so little time—there are no shortage of amazing sights on this planet and you probably won't get to see all of them, so how do you decide which ones to visit?[slideshow:1361]

Whether or not you have a formal bucket list, you've likely made a mental list of places you want to go and things you'd like to see in your lifetime. Maybe your list includes major, well-known sights like the Grand Canyon, or perhaps you plan on visiting lesser-known gems—but in the event that you're struggling to prioritize, take a look at our suggestions.

We've compiled a list of some classic must-see destinations along with a few lower-key locations and the end result is a small sampling of some of the top sights around the world. From Arizona to Marrakech, these are the top places you need to see before you die.

The Grand Canyon—Ariz., U.S.

This colossal canyon has beckoned people to its cutaway gorges for hundreds of years—from Native Americans who considered it a holy site to the masses of tourists that visit today to take in the grandeur—it is a sight you need to see for yourself. The Grand Canyon and it's almost two billion years of geological history is a landmark whose importance is evident at first sight, be sure to make the trip in your lifetime.

Plitvice Lakes National Park—Croatia

This national park is more like a scene from a fairy tale than an actual place on earth, but the 16 crystal clear lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and vaulted caves are not only real—they're natural formations. Water rich with minerals winds its way down waterfalls and along rocks, continuously changing the landscape as diverse wildlife (bears, wolves, rare birds and butterflies) live in the vast forest that surrounds the lakes.

8 other Places You Need to See Before You Die