"We are all of us resigned to death: it's life we aren't resigned to," novelist Graham Greene once wrote. A growing number of Americans of all ages are embracing that idea by renewing a resolve to live life to its fullest.
Exhibit A is the recent popularity of "life lists"—itineraries of things to do and places to go before taking the ultimate trip to the Great Beyond. Bookstores brim with titles such as 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die and—for the high-minded—Fifty Places to Go Birding Before You Die. A cottage industry of Web sites has also popped up, enabling life list enthusiasts to exchange ideas ranging from learning Japanese to getting a tattoo. Now even Hollywood has gotten into the act, with the release this month of the film The Bucket List, in which two cancer patients, played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, break out of their medical ward and embark on a life list road trip that includes dining on expensive caviar and gambling in Monte Carlo.
Life list experts (yes, there are such beings) advise people not to set themselves up for disappointment by trying to accomplish too much. (When's the last time you completed your daily to-do list?) With the entire world to choose from, the maxim "so much to do, so little time" takes on added meaning.
To that end, the staff of Smithsonian—as diverse a group of travelers as you're likely to meet—put their heads together to come up with an exclusive list of 28 places the Smithsonian reader might wish to visit before ...it's too late. Some of the sites are portals into the past—ancient cities so well preserved that visiting them is like stepping into a previous century. Others feature feats of engineering or sublime works of art—or, in the cases of the Taj Mahal and Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, both. Travelers can visit temples and churches so breathtaking they must have been built with divine inspiration. For the more adventurous, we offer rewards beyond mere sightseeing—from a three-day hike across the Grand Canyon to a ride along China's Yangtze River.
While all of these destinations beckon year-round, there are places where timing matters: many travelers are at a loss for words after witnessing the sun rise over Machu Picchu or seeing Iguazu Falls by the light of a full moon. And, appropriately, some of our sites now confront their own mortality—endangered by pollution or just worn down, like a few of us, by the passage of time.
Whether you visit only a couple of these destinations or all 28, your life will be enriched by the experience. And if along the way you want to gorge on caviar or get a tattoo, that's entirely up to you.
Portals into the Past
Walk the timeless streets and byways of ancient cities on three continents
– Mesa Verde
– Pompeii
– Tikal
– Petra
Feats of Engineering
The world's surviving architectural wonders hewed from stone and mortar beckon as ever
– Pyramids of Giza
– Taj Mahal
– Easter Island
– The Great Wall
A Matter of Timing
Choosing the right year, month or even moment can make all the difference
– Aurora Borealis
– Serengeti
– Iguazu Falls
– Machu Picchu
Triumphs of Vision
Come face to face with history's finest works of art and design
– The Louvre
– Zen Garden of Kyoto
– Uffizi Gallery
– Fallingwater
Scale New Heights
Don't just see nature's most spectacular sites—experience them
– Yangtze River
– Antarctica
– Mount Kilimanjaro
– Grand Canyon
In the Presence of Gods
Encounter temples so magnificent then could only have been built by divine inspiration
– Pagan
– Parthenon
– Angkor Wat
– Ephesus
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?
Visit these deteriorating or threatened destinations before they disappear
– Venice
– Amazon Rain Forest
– Great Barrier Reef
– Galápagos Islands
I enjoyed your list of 28 places. I have been to 19 of them, just having completed the trip to Antarctica on an expedition ship (not the one that sank). I would like to add one more. Both my husband and I agree that Papua New Guinea should be on that list. Going on the river and in the highlands and visiting the people and seeing the lushness of the country is not to be missed.
Posted by Georgia Baciu on December 22,2007 | 10:08AM
I have visited 4 of the places mentioned; the pyramids at Giza, Iguazu Falls, the Grand Canyon, twice and the Louvre three times. There are lots of places still to be visited, but so little time!
Posted by Catherine Stelly on December 23,2007 | 06:58PM
I have been fortunate to have visited 19 of Smithsonian's Life List: Pompeii, Petra, Pyramids of Giza, Taj Mahal, The Great Wall, Serengeti, Iguazu Falls, Machu Picchu, The Louvre, Zen Garden of Kyoto, Ufizzi Gallery, Yangtze River, Mount Kilimanjaro, Grand Canyon, Parthenon, Ephesus, Venice, Great Barrier Reef, and the Galapagos Islands.
Posted by Sheldon Rudolph on December 24,2007 | 07:38PM
The 28 was interesting but it is clear that there is a bias which ignores the greatest Roman structure, with a dome, build between the Pantheon and Florence Duomo. The Great Church, Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom), in Constantinople is an example of the Roman arch pushed to its limits. There was no larger structure built from 537 to 1520 anywhere in Europe, and today it is fourth. This qualifies as a “feat of engineering”, by physicist Isidore of Miletus and the mathematician Anthemius of Tralles, and “in the presence of gods”, a true sense that these people had a god, and “triumphs of vision” by Emperor Justinian I, “Solomon, I have surpassed thee”.
Posted by W P Mallow on December 25,2007 | 11:35PM
We were pleased to note that we have seen 20 of the 28 places you featured.... working on the other 8!! Some of them(Parthenon) seen with a Smithsonian tour. AS you say, there is always another destination, but as we are both in our 70"s time is fleeting!!
Posted by Suzanne and Lawrence Sharken on December 26,2007 | 12:20PM
We accomplished one of our retirement goals this year. We have now visited all seven continents. Our travels have included 14 of your 28 sites. We are scheduled to travel to two more next month. One of the most impressive places is Ephesus. It not only demonstrates the social and physical structures of past civilizations, it brings the bible to life also. You have made wise choices for a vast and wonderful world.
Posted by Tom and Jan Segar on December 27,2007 | 05:20AM
I have been to 11 of the 28 places featured in the January 2008 issue 2 more than once. Mesa Verde, Pyramids of Giza, Great Wall, Northern Lights, the Louvre(three times) Zen Garden Kyoto, Uffizi Gallery, Grand Canyon (three times), Parthenon, Venice and the Yangtze River. In 2008 I would like to visit either Angkor Wat or Petra. There really are so many wonderful places to see on earth. But as Catherine says so little time.
Posted by BethMarie McCully on December 27,2007 | 10:23AM
We have been lucky enough to have visited 10* of the 28 listed - would that there could have been more. I do agree with WP Mallow's comment about the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and would also like to add the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia iin central Turkey. *Technically, only 9 but we substituted Canyon de Chelly in southern Arizona for Mesa Verde--explored both on foot and by small Piper Cub in the air.
Posted by Rollin and Lynne Young on December 29,2007 | 07:18AM
I have been fortunate enough to have visited: Taj Mahal, Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Uffizi Gallery, Venice, Louvre, Fallingwater, Parthenon and this year, Ephesus. It's so hard to compile a list, the world holds so many beautiful places but I'm glad your list is a combination of natural and human wonders. I would add Ayers Rock, which was on my must-see list and I did go there. I treasure all my travels but am always open to new adventures.
Posted by Celeste Nossiter on December 29,2007 | 08:07AM
Ihave been to the Great Barrier Reef once, Galapagos Islands twice and the amazon rain forest 17 times. I have traveled most of europe, russia, all of the US and most of central america but have always returned to the amazon basin and to rainforests all over the world. These are the most exciting, beautiful places in the world. They take you out side of yourself. They are also being destroyed at an incredible rate. Having been in and out of the amazon area so many times over a period of 20 years, seeing the damage is heart breaking. The Galapagos are being developed to death and the same fate is befalling the Great Barrier Reef.
Posted by Pat Morris on December 30,2007 | 09:47AM
We have been fortunate to have visited 15 of the 28 sites. Mesa Verde, Pompeii, Petra and the Pyramids of Giza last month, Machu Picchu, The Louvre, Uffizi Gallery, Fallingwater, Grand Canyon, Parthenon, Ephesus, Venice, Amazon Rain Forest, Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos Islands. We will visit Angkor Wat in 2008 and several others are on our list for the future. There are so many wonderful places to experience in this world. We are thankful to have the opportunity.
Posted by Bob and Betty Larimer on December 30,2007 | 12:39PM
At 46, I have yet to visit any of these places on the list. But I have resolved to visit all of them (one per year), within the next 28 years (God willing I live so long). This year I plan to visit Mesa Verde.
Posted by Melinda White on December 31,2007 | 11:06AM
We are both 80 this year and have been lucky enough to see 21 sights on your list. Hopefully we can manage two more, but travel has gotten so expensive that I doubt if we'll ever see all 28. However, we have been on all seven continents and seen many wounderful sights not on your list.
Posted by Charles and Jane Schock on December 31,2007 | 09:20PM
I am amazed so few suggestions were made about deleting or adding to your list. Why oh why was the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg not on your list? I think it would be more important to see it then Fallingwater. As to Aurora Borealis why go to Alaska to see it? Many years ago, as a grade school student I watched it one cold winter night from the front porch of my house in Cleveland, Ohio.
Posted by B.Schmidt on January 1,2008 | 11:21AM
My wife and I have been fortunate to visit only four of "The 28 places to see before you die", described in the January 2008 issue of the Smithsonian magazine. These four are (1) The Louvre; (2) the Uffizi Gallery; ((3) the Parthenon; and (4) Venice. However, I enjoyed reading about the other 24. Your description of them makes me feel almost like I have been there. I enjoy reading the Smithsonian Magazine each month.
Posted by Dr. James A. Russell, Jr. on January 2,2008 | 08:43AM
I have been fortunate to visit 9 of the places listed....so many more to go...one of the places, the Galapagos Islands, I loved so much I went twice, most recently this year. It is likley my favorite place in the world.
Posted by Krupali Tejura on January 2,2008 | 08:06PM
I'm glad to say I have visted 5 of the 28. My five are (1) the Louvre, (2) the Uffizi Gallery; (3) Venice; (4) Pompeii; and (5) the Grand Canyon. In fact I'm taking my son and family to the Grand Canyon this spring so they can be amazed by its wonder. I'm sorry Rome with the Pantheon was not included in your list.
Posted by Gail Bridenbecker on January 3,2008 | 10:22AM
I've been to 15 of the 28, and when possible, I haven't just "seen" them but have been fortunate have have had enhanced experiences. My husband, my son and I climbed Kilimanjaro. With a group of friends, my husband and I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and up to the Tonto Platform to camp and hiked back out, and on another trip, we rafted it. We rented a car on Easter Island to see the moai at sunrise and spent hours gazing at the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs. We visited the Galapagos on a small sailboat and Antarctica on a small passenger ship. We took a boat up the Yangtze before the Three Gorges Dam was completed, and I returned once it had been. "Only" snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef made me feel like a spectator, so I got my scuba certification so that I could dive it the next time adn feel like a participant. Some of the places on your life list that I haven't seen yet are also on my life list. And of course, there are far more than 28 compelling splendid places in the world. I can only imagine the debates when it came to narrowing them down. Claire Walter @ http://travel-babel.blogspot.com
Posted by Claire Walter on January 3,2008 | 07:25PM
We have only managed 2 things on your list, but we did them well. I didn't want to be one of the people who stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon and said "WOW" and then went home. We did a 7 day rafting trip, with side hikes so we could experience the canyon. Then we rented a car and drove to the south rim to see from the top where we had been. When we went to Mesa Verde we climbed down to Cliff Palace, and walked to one of the other villages. These were part of the best vacation we had ever had.
Posted by Dianne Culbertson on January 5,2008 | 03:44AM
I have been to the Pyramids of Giza (3X)(inside 2 of the main 3, sat between the paws of the Sphynx, and visited an underground tomb that had just been discovered), the Louvre, saw a weak Aurora Borealis in Denali National Park, Canyon de Chelly (as someone else mentioned a substitute for Mesa Verde), Grand Canyon, Venice, Ephesus, Fallingwater (2X), and the Parthenon (3X). The first time I was able to actually walk up the steps and onto the floor. There was no one else there and so I was able to spend a lot of time looking for all the special features mentioned in an old book I had found. Additionally I have driven through all 50 states most 2X), often getting off the main roads and not only going to the main attractions but having many memorable experiences in out-of-the-way places(such as waking up one morning and finding myself in the middle of a migrant worker camp in the Gila National Forest.)
Posted by C. J. Jacoby on January 5,2008 | 02:50PM
My husband and I have seen six of the twenty-eight. They are Mesa Verde, Pompeii,Aurora Borealis(only him),Uffizi Gallery, Grand Canyon and Venice. We would like to see some of the others mentioned but as we are getting on in years, probably won't make it.
Posted by Eleene Jechel on January 5,2008 | 04:00PM
I'm happy to say I have visited 11 of the 28 places on the list. And I have a couple more coming up the the next year or so. And when I retire I will have time to see the rest and hopefully have the money to do so! If you ever have a list of things to EXPERIENCE without needing any particular skills, I would add listening to the dawn chorus (of birds) under the Cathedral Fig Tree in the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. I have never forgotten that symphony of avian vocals! Karen Giorgianni
Posted by Karen Giorgianni on January 7,2008 | 02:14PM
I have visited Mesa Verde,Pompeii,the Louvre, The Zen Garden of Kyoto, the the Grand Canyon bottom,the Uffizi Gallery,the Parthenon, and Venice. I look forward to more visits.
Posted by Lynnette Seward on January 8,2008 | 09:02AM
I've been to 23 of the 28 places on the list (not yet to Easter Island, Iguassu, Kyoto, Falling Water, or the Aurora Borealis). I feel compelled to add a few: at least one of the great Gothic cathedrals such as Chartres, the Potala of Lhasa, one of the splendid Islamic centers such as Isfahan or Samarkand or the Alhambra, the temples of South India, and Rome....
Posted by George Gray on January 8,2008 | 01:19PM
I have visited 18 of the places on the list and have most of the rest of them on my "to do" list. During 2007, I visited all 7 continents--a fabulous year of travel. In all, I have visited 68 countries and will visit two more (Burkina Faso and Mali) in February. I plan to keep traveling as long as my money and my knees hold out!
Posted by Shannon Perry on January 8,2008 | 03:38PM
Only 11 to go! If wishes were flying horses and I could ride across the skies, or if I had the $60,000 for your private jet trip, I could finish my list in one trip!
Posted by Marcella D. Hill on January 8,2008 | 08:21PM
I feel so fortunate to have visited/seen 10 of your 28 places. The first was as a child, growing up in Northern Alberta, where my Father would awaken us in the middle of the night to see the Aurora Borealis. As an adult, I have seen: Pyramids of Giza, The Great Wall, Serengeti, Iguazu Falls, the Louvre, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tarthenon, Amazon Rain Forest, and the Great Barrier Reef. So many more to enjoy. Thank you for the article
Posted by Sheila burrell on January 8,2008 | 10:04PM
I find it very interesting that no one has commented on their visit to Tikal. My husband and I were in Guatamela 9 years ago to pickup our then 6 month old adopted daughter. We were able to squeeze in a two day visit to Tikal. The size of the site and the ancient architecture are amazing. I commend you for your selection.
Posted by Lora Zaccagnino on January 9,2008 | 07:01AM
I think it is mostly an impossible task to rank the must sees as there is so much in the world that's worth a visit, this is a good list. I think some of these comments are funny as they are just a checklist of where they've been as if anyone else really cares about their list. What I care about is their impressions and insights. My insight is that to see these sights and marvel at the world and feel the humility that comes with it puts ones life in a realistic perspective.
Posted by Kent on January 11,2008 | 08:37AM
I've done 13 of these, But it seems odd to have something as modern as Fallingwater instead of the Terracotta Army, a real world wonder, if only for its scale and vision...
Posted by james wood on January 12,2008 | 08:13AM
Man, among this, Taj Mahal is really cool. I've been there.
Posted by Zack on January 14,2008 | 06:05AM
I would add Glacier National Park: so much beauty packed in one place it's not fair for the rest of the world.
Posted by the forester on January 14,2008 | 07:14AM
sadly I have only experienced Tikal, Pompeii, Uffizi and Grand Canyon. nice list
Posted by David on January 14,2008 | 07:39AM
and what of those who are unable to afford the luxuries of such travel? are they doomed to a lesser existence, to a somehow less fulfilled life? your lists would cost the average traveler a king's ransom when compared to the incomes of the greater populations of the world. this is a club for the wealthy. i will find my happiness in books and pictures.
Posted by rob barendse on January 14,2008 | 08:39AM
A great list, but the Vatican is a must see!
Posted by Davis Skinner on January 14,2008 | 08:50AM
I'm 24, I shall master this list someday!
Posted by Kamic on January 14,2008 | 10:29AM
It s so funny to read all the comments,who saw more,who traveled more and so on. The point of the travel is not to see,to take a picture but to experience something different,to see over the borders(of our brain).The numbers are just material world,the list of the things we should see are also so stupid. I am asking myself how many of you really get involved by the things you saw. It s always stupid to make list...the world is so beautifull where ever you go...it just depends on what we are searching,and if we can look out of the box. I saw a nice sunset today....i am so happy
Posted by nikola vucetic on January 14,2008 | 11:12AM
I've seen the Serengeti (or close enough, Ngorongoro crater and Lake Manyara), the Grand Canyon, Mt. Kilimanjaro (though I didn't climb it), and Angkor Wat. Talking about timing, how about a total eclipse of the sun?
Posted by Chris Langford on January 14,2008 | 12:39PM
Great list! They look amazing...and I'd love to visit. Unfortunately, I've never been to any of these places.
Posted by Dennis on January 14,2008 | 12:42PM
Where should you go? CUBA! I just spent a week in Havana and it was truly life changing. The culture, the people where so amazing. Get there before Castro is gone and the embargo is lifted. See a whole different world - in your own back yard! Don't stay in a resort - they are the same all over the world. We stayed in a Casa Particular - a home licensed by the government where you can stay (like a bed and breakfast). To find out more, check out my buddy's blog http://whiteyinhavana.blogspot.com/ viva cuba libre!
Posted by Dave on January 14,2008 | 12:46PM
@40 with the following under the belt: Pompeii Pyramids of Giza Aurora Borealis The Louvre Grand Canyon Parthenon Venice Amazon Rain Forest Galapagos Islands Thanks to all the taxpayers who funded these trips.
Posted by Jon Smiff on January 14,2008 | 12:48PM
I was excited to see that I have been to 11 of these great places by the age of 34. I strive to do one major trip each year and hope to go to these and many other amazing places. Its great to see so many people have the passion to experience what this world has to offer. Besides places, it is important that people focus on culture and life experiences as well. My volunteering with Aborigines in Australia was just as amazing as seeing the Taj Mahal and I think that I grew more as a person from the volunteering, so also remember to give of yourself
Posted by Randy Wills on January 15,2008 | 04:46AM
It is exciting and impressive to see how many people have seen and experienced so much of this Smithsonian Life List. I personally have only seen/experienced 5 of them and hope to see and do more on my full life list whenever I can. I wanted to suggest a website for people that either already have a life list or don't, but would like to create one using articles like these as inspiration or by just browsing other people's lists on the site. The site is one of the 'cottage industry' sites that the article mentions called www.elifelist.com. You are able to create, track, and share your list with your friends with pictures, videos, and stories as you finally get to check something off like climbing Kilamanjaro. I will give you full disclosure here, I am one of the co-founders of the site and am proud to say that I recently checked off one of the big items on my list this summer...bicycling across the US.
Posted by Brent on January 15,2008 | 11:14PM
I have been lucky enough to visit many of your destinations over the years. I could add some one of which, the Bhudda Statues in Bamian Afghanistan were destroyed out of religious hatered, the exquisite frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the caves surrounding the statues. Compare this senseless destruction to the preservation of Hagia Sophia by the Moores when they conquered Constantinople, The Christian symbols and mosaics survive to this day in this architectural masterpiece. My fondest memory is probably Petra, the legacy of the Nabateans. I went there in 1972, it was an adventure to get there from Amman through the desert by Land Rover and then by mule through the the canyon. I must have taken my picture of the first glimps of the Treasury from the same spot as the National Geographic photographer years later. I wonder what damage 'progress' has done to Petra with hotel and other tourist amenities. In 1972 there was nothing except some bedouine sheperds who lived in the caves and tended their herds of sheep and goats and sold 'genuine roman coins' to the few adventurous souls who visited then. Now I am looking forward to a trip to Egypt which holds many jewels ofof antiquity besides the pyramids.
Posted by Heike L. Brooke on January 18,2008 | 06:36AM
First trip, the summer of 1958, covered all the European listed sites. The last trip that included a listed site was in 1996. 20 out of the 28 sites, but at 89, I've stopped. Now I use my world-wide travel experiences to add meaning and understanding of world events and add enjoyment to reading and TV and movie viewing. Thanks for the Smithsonian Life List and thanks to all who posted comments. Happy, rewarding travels!
Posted by Sally Brown on January 19,2008 | 07:29PM
I and my family have seen many of the places on the list, and are still amazed that the list did not include Yosemite National Park in California! Its natural wonders are amazing, and many people consider it one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it should have definitely made the list.
Posted by Walt on January 20,2008 | 09:14PM
How could anyone come up with a list like this and not include the churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia?! The rock-hewn churches were built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Their age, size, and beauty makes the local legend that some were built by angels seem credible.
Posted by John Kulczycki on January 21,2008 | 10:46AM
My husband and I haven't been to too many of these places, though we've seen our share of lovely sites. I'd add these that we have visited and loved: England's splendid Yorkshire and the Lake District and Scotland's Trossachs (not to mention the incredibly beautiful Highlands). We also remember a breathtaking sunset in Carmel, California. In addition, while nodding to Paris, how could you omit the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame as examples of fabulous feats of engineering? We hope to make it to some more that appear on the list but realize, wistfully, that we'll never accomplish all. (To be completely honest, some don't appeal to us all that much.)
Posted by Carol Goldman on January 21,2008 | 03:21PM
I have been to a few of the sites mentioned, but would actually like to comment on a post by John Kulczycki. Thank you for mentioning the churches of Lalibela. They are truly spectacular and deserve a place on this list.
Posted by April Eckhart on January 23,2008 | 06:03PM
I've visited a few. And they are all worth visiting. But based on all the rhetoric I hear in the media these days concerning global warming, (if it is to be believed), then advocating mass travel around the globe seems to be the kind of thing we ought not to do, because it generates mass quantities of CO2. So I'll see them online.
Posted by Doug Bauman on January 24,2008 | 09:44AM
This is a wonderful e-mail and I would love to see many of the places mentioned. Do you sponsor tours to any of these destinations? If so, why not include a link to them. If not, why not?
Posted by Jules on January 24,2008 | 10:14AM
I have to mention the "mixed up" days and nights of the northern European countries. It is such an experience to walk around all night in summer in St. Petersburg's mysterious atmosphere, merging 22 hours of light with the city's romantic architecture, or in the winter, to witness Finnish children, looking like pork sausages, playing in the park in the dead of...10 a.m.!
Posted by Barbara Chalsma on January 24,2008 | 10:19AM
We have been to most of the places on your list. The most beautiful scenery for four seasons is Yosemite which you did not mention. As for country, we love Turkey, a country of many cultures. The awesome place of old artistic stones and carvings we admire is Angkor Wat. Of course, we thank the countries with their wonderful museums, the British Museum, Metropolitan in New York, Hermitage, Louvre, Alhambra, Uffizi, Cairo, Berlin and many others including the new Capital Museum in Beijing, China.
Posted by Vera Chow on January 24,2008 | 01:13PM
I've visited 23 of the 28 and have plans to do at least two more this year. The making of lists is endless but, in the case of yours, not mindless. I've been traveling for 30 years and do not regret a minute or a dollar of it!
Posted by Richard Brewer on January 24,2008 | 02:25PM
My goodness, To visit just one of these many places was such an experience. I visited the Grand Canyon last year, stood at the edge of it and thought I was certainly in the very presence of God. One can feel the majesty all around. I know that my mouth was wide open and the hair stood up in the back of my head! I will have to visit the remaining 27 places of the world through the National Geographic Magazines that I have collected over the years. I would recommend everyone visit the Biltmore Estates before you die. It too, will take your breath away. Visit during Christmas when it is decorated with the "Reason of the Season", Christmas. It is very captivating and regal indeed. Sincerely, Linda Wempa Dallas,Texas
Posted by Mrs. Robert (Linda) Wempa on January 24,2008 | 04:48PM
It's a wonderful list, but since you list 26, why not make it 27 or 28 or 50? Also, how can you justify leaving out the "Center of the Universe" - JERUSALEM and the rest of Israel?
Posted by Suzanne Pomeranz - Jerusalem, Israel on January 24,2008 | 07:42PM
Have been to several of the sites, and by way of the computer have see them all..............Thanks.
Posted by Carolyn T. Layton on January 24,2008 | 07:48PM
Truly there are many splendid sites that our world has for us to discover that to skim all of them down to a mere 28 for me would be impossible. I had a chance to see a few things on the your list but due to money restrictions was not able to during my livings and travelings abroad. Machu Pichu was one of them. I'm extremely surprised that a natural wonder made by the flood, just as was the Grand Canyon, Kentucky's Mammoth Caves did not make the list. Right here to see and experience, and to marvel at the longest cave in the world is truly an experience. This I saw as a child and have never forgotten it. Or the Atacama Desert in San Pedro de Atacama which holds some of the largest salt lakes in the world as well as known for it being the dryest desert in the world is quite incredible. And where else in the world are you going to see flamingos living in a desert? Quite fascinating and truly mind blowing as they survive my eating types of microorganisms and as the betacarotine in the water gives them their vibrant pink color. And the list could go on as I am sure could many others here as well, and each experience reminds me how Great and Wonderful is our God!
Posted by Jamie Michiels on January 25,2008 | 09:02AM
We've traveled widely on 6 continents, including visiting about half of the places on your list. The most beautiful place we have ever been is the Himalayas of Nepal -- most notably the Khumbu region around Mt. Everest and Tengboche monastary. We would also agree with the commentator who mentioned the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg -- to us the most impressive museum in the world.
Posted by Cheryl and Dale Gray on January 26,2008 | 03:54AM
I think that your list is truly awe-inspiring. I have only been to 3 on the list, with my urge to see Machu Pichu being the next. This may lead one to think about establishing a "List" that would encompass the fabulous sites in our own United States. I have been to 47 of our lovely states and each has it's own beauty. Of course, living in Beautiful Door County I have the opportunity to gaze at hundreds of the "Great Northern Lights" throughout the year. Every time it is still breath-taking!
Posted by Jacalyn Margittay on January 26,2008 | 04:52PM
There are many amazing places. However, some, such as Galapagos, can't take the traffic of all the people who would like to go there. I'm so glad some folks have taken marvelous pictures to share with the rest of us.
Posted by sandra on January 27,2008 | 06:11AM
To the soul who said this is a list for the wealthy: not so. I'm a teacher and have been blest to see 4 of the places on this list: Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon, the Louvre and Pompeii. Have a dream, work and save towards it. Eschew cheap thrills for the moment (do you really need a new iPOD?) for the thrills that last a lifetime. You can do it!
Posted by Jackie Scherer on January 27,2008 | 12:45PM
Although they may not fit nicely into your categories, I am surprised to see there are no sites on your list that capture our nation's history. I am all for experiencing the world's offerings and seeing exotic things, but what kind of message are you sending your readers (the majority of which I assume are Americans) when you don't encourage them to experience our nation's capitol, or walk through Arlington National Cemetery to understand the meaning of the word sacrifice, or to visit one of our battlefields whether it be Valley Forge, Gettysburg or Antietam?
Posted by Jennifer Patterson on January 29,2008 | 09:51AM
I consider myself fortunate to have visited eight of the places discussed in your article. One that I think is missing is Stonehenge. Going there in the very early morning with only a few others was an absolutely astonishing experience and worthy of comparison to the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde. Sylvia Firth
Posted by Sylvia Firth on January 30,2008 | 05:24PM
Having been to both Mesa Verde and Canyon de Chelly, I disagree that one can be substituted for the other. Canyon de Chelly is one experience; but be sure to see Mesa Verde--it is worth 2 or 3x the amazement of C de C. And just for the added bonus, go see Montezuma's Castle in Arizona. Now that is an amazing piece of American "ancient" architecture. And as to North American natural wonders, what about Niagara Falls? Wedding cliches aside, the power and magic of the falling water at Horseshoe Falls will renew your reverence for the awesome quality of nature. I wonder, though, in putting Venice on the list, was that Venice, Florida? Or perhaps Venice, California? Or Venice, Italy? Good thing I have been to all three. :-)
Posted by Mr Scotto on February 3,2008 | 11:17PM
We agree that Ephesus is a "must see", but then why illustrate it with a picture from Pergamon? (the acropolis Temple of Trajan)
Posted by Ann Ingraham on February 5,2008 | 07:47AM
My good fortune has taken me to 10 of these places. Like many of you have said, there are many wonderful and amazing places that are not included. I loved the Hermitage & Hagia Sophia - all of Turkey, if truth be told. Petra was a beautiful four days in my life and I spent an entire afternoon just gazing and admiring the Sphinx. Seeing the Galapagos Tortoises was a chilhood dream come true, but Machu Picchu was very disappointing after having spent four days in the Sacred Valley leading up there. The Amazon, an afterthought on my trip through Ecuador became a highlight of my trip to South America. Thank YOU to all of you for sharing your thoughts - is it not lovely to talk about travel.
Posted by kimberly lockert on February 6,2008 | 09:23AM
I have visited 7 of your wonders but I think my country, Spain, deserves a place in your beautiful list: The Alhambra. There are also many amazing places in your country that are not included: New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Disneyworld...The World is an endless list of wonders
Posted by Jose Luis Cuadrado on February 7,2008 | 08:40AM
In January I decided this would be the year I will begin seeing the world. Our world is so big and there is no way to know how long I will get to enjoy it. So at age 21, I am getting started. I booked a trip to Israel and Jordan (Petra included) for this summer and applied/was excepted to do volunteer work in the Amazon Rain Forest over Spring Break. You can never know how excited I was when my lovely grandmother sent me a copy of your "list of 28 places to see before I die" and I was already going to TWO of them this year! Hurrah! I immediately added "seeing all the Smithsonian's 28" to my life-time goal sheet. :)
Posted by Bonnie Nelson on February 11,2008 | 01:15PM
I , as a boy never expected to see the following, but did. Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Giza, The great wall (walked one mile up at Beijing) In 1995 my guide, on my second visit to China , Yuan Fei, was grecious enough to walk with me up the wall until the buildings below looked like match boxes) Mentally I can see this to this day. What a site to behld. Aurora Borealis, The Louve, Yangtze River,Grand Canyon, As one of the aircraft ,C-46, flying for the Executive HQ following WW II, I covered China and Inner Mongolia, taking Peace Teams from Manchuria to Canton China and from Kung Ming to Shanghat to Patou to Kalgon. Met wonderful people on both sides of the conflict who were gracious and kind, and a shame our mission did not succeed.
Posted by Charles R. Bonar on February 19,2008 | 11:43PM
I am surprised you did not mention the Capadocia area in Turkey. I have been to 9 from your list so far, and I can easily say that The Roses Valley in Capadocia is one of the most amazing natural places I have ever seen, both geologically and historically.
Posted by Jenny Jozwiak on March 16,2008 | 05:28AM
I stayed at Bamiyan in a teahouse in December '71 and wandered around before breakfast the next morning in the market before heading over to look at the statues of Buddah. Ironic contrast to (then) modern Afghanistan. The cobalt and cerulian lakes at Bandiamir nearby are like nothing else on the planet. This was before the Russians. Not sure you'd want to go back there right now. Also not so sure about going around checking things off a lifetime goal list. I liked the lady's comment about the sunset today being pretty nice. Until they took it down we liked taking the first tram to the top of Jackson Hole first thing in the morning on a powder day.. Mainly I like waking up alive in the morning and making a pot of coffee before my wife gets up.
Posted by Stavros Ineponeros on March 19,2008 | 08:58PM
I'm sure if you asked many elderly people what the most memorable and rewarding experiences of their lives were, these places would only feature sporadically.Sure, there are some places one should make a special effort to see, assuming the experience is not ruined by millions with the same idea! As one reader points out, the Vatican must be on a list like this, but then what about say Kashmir, the Nepal Himalaya (still possibly the most uplifting experience I have had in 22 years as a travel photographer), the desert cities of Rajasthan, the ancient cities of the Silk Road - Samarkand and Bukhara, Cartagena on the Colombian Caribbean,Carnival in Brazil,the perfectly labyrinthine medieval city of Fes in Morocco, the Sahara, the Holy City of Varanasi, and I would suggest the entire country of Vietnam. These have been some of the most rewarding and memorable experiences for me.I found I couldn't get out of Pompei and the Parthenon fast enough. Amongst intense heat and swarms of tourists it is difficult to savour any magic a place has to offer. By this token the Inca Trail is arguably more rewarding than Macchu Pichu.One can miss the real experience by focusing too much on the destination rather than the journey itself! My 2c worth!
Posted by Jeremy Horner on March 22,2008 | 11:46PM
I really dislike ___ to do/see before you die lists. it makes me feel like i'm completing some sort of scavenger hunt against death... how pleasant....I mean can't it be phrased otherwise? I say boycott these lists/books until the creators uh... think about the message they're spreading.
Posted by Stephanie Wilpon on April 4,2008 | 11:59AM
I am extremely inspired by everyone who posted. I have always had a desire to travel, but I like taking the less road traveled. I have to admit that I shy away from these tourist places but I feel now that some of these are a must. It is so inspiring to know that there is such a large world out there and I have so much time to see it. I am only 16, and as a hopeful photographer, I get so excited seeing all these places. Last summer, I lived in Thailand and I am extremely lucky to be able to go back. (Next destination..... Israel.... then hopefully India....and every other country I can land in )
Posted by Margalit on April 21,2008 | 07:52PM
I had been to 16 of the 28 places you mentioned. All those places were amazing. They are must see before you die. I want to add another one who we take it for granted. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. The architecdural design of the building and the whole shenanigan. There is no place in the world like Vegas. The feeling it give when you first see the place is like those you mentioned.
Posted by Joyce Young on April 26,2008 | 02:13PM
Are these 'the only wonderful places on Earth'? I don't quite agree with you. Thank God, I had the chance to visit lots of incredible places in the Argentinian Patagonia and it seemed to me I was in a kind of dream. The lakes, the Andes in their great splendor... sitting by the route or trekking at the foot of the Mt Aconcagua is a lifetime experience! And what about the Alps with their white peaks? Watching the summer sunset in the mountains, visiting and interacting with local people... As a true Argentinian and Slovene I can state for sure that either country has everything I need to feel a deep and ever-lasting happiness.
Posted by Andrejka on May 9,2008 | 10:11AM
Totally agree with you there fluffany. Plus the whole notion of going to these places and "losing" yourself in a an exotic land is really insulting. So you have a bunch of middle aged, middle class americans heading off to "tropical" and "unusual" locations, and they never stop to think that the people they're oogling don't appreciate it. Not anymore than you'd appreciate someone walking down your street in the suburbs and snapping shots of you in your neighborhood.
Posted by Star Dust Sweet on June 25,2008 | 07:51AM
Today we added one to our list, having visited Fallingwaters. It is fantastic...a truly amazing creation of man in harmony with nature. We took our kids to the Louvre and Uffizi in one trip a few years ago. It is exciting to see them on the list. We have also been to the Grand Canyon. So we are only up to four from this list, but everywhere we go, we are enthralled with the beauty and wonder and diversity of the world.
Posted by Bob and Julie E on August 21,2008 | 08:29PM
I have enjoyed the many stories of everyonje adventures in their lives. It is an amazing world we live in. I have been blessed to see 2 places on your list. I was fortunate enough to be in a military family and be stationed in Italy for 4 years. Live for the moments that make your heart skip a beat, take your breath away, make your knees go weak, inspire your world with whatever you do or wherever you go. If you cannot reach these destinations then research them and imagine yourself there. I have always loved the quote, "Today well lived, makes yesterday a dream of happiness and tomorrow a vision of hope." I am not sure who wrote or stated it but, I overheard a gentleman say it to his son one day. Be inspired. That is all this list is for, to inspire you.
Posted by Crystal on October 10,2008 | 02:25AM
Great Stories and truly great places. I have only been to the Great Barrier Reef but i learned that you don't travel to these places to say you've done it. You travel to these places to get inspired and find out about our wonderful earth. Each one of these places is a story. Having said that, I would add the Great Ocean Road and its twelve apostles to the list for the wonder and awe you feel when you see them. Overall great list though.
Posted by Mark on October 27,2008 | 12:27PM
Imagine! I haven't been to even a single one of those 28 places. Thank you for this impressive list. I've got a long way to go!
Posted by Kudakwashe Lionel on January 1,2009 | 11:03AM
For some reason, Persepolis, the Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls are left out.
Posted by Arash Amini on January 13,2009 | 09:15PM