When you are ready to see the world again, know that amazing destinations are waiting for you with Qatar Airways. Discover the 10 bucket-list places we are most excited to be touching down in right now. 

When European explorers first reached the Seychelles’ shores off the eastern coast of Africa, they believed they had sailed to a terrestrial paradise. Modern-day travelers are just as entranced by the beauty of the destination, which is often described as a heaven on Earth.

The collection of 115 tropical islands in the Indian Ocean is a special world of one-of-a-kind flora and fauna, pristine coral reefs, and spectacular white-sand beaches that have to be seen to be believed. The climate is warm and tropical year round, though the May-through-September dry season is especially pleasant.

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Defined by thick green jungle and soaring limestone cliffs, Krabi is a gateway to the best destinations in southern Thailand. Krabi Town is a sensory and literal feast, with motorbikes whipping every which way and a lively night market with street food, shopping, and live music.

From there, it’s on to the bustling beach town Ao Nang, the remote rock-climbers’ wonderland Railay Beach, and island-hopping around the Andaman Sea.

About a two-hour speedboat ride from the mainland is the legendary Phi Phi archipelago. The main (and only inhabited) island, Phi Phi Don, stuns with its twin bays, lush jungle, and turquoise sea.

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Sri Lanka may have once lived in the shadow of the Indian subcontinent to its north, but with vast biodiversity, heritage cities, and beaches abundant with marine life and sunshine, the island nation has emerged as an exhilarating travel destination in its own right.

Spot elusive leopards and wild elephants on a safari, explore local villages, and visit ancient temples, shrines, and archeological sites, like the 5^th-century rock fortress Sigiriya. Hike past jungle waterfalls and glamp in a remote eco-lodge deep in tea country.

Sri Lanka’s 830 miles of coastline also give water lovers plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and surfing. 

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Shimmering like a diamond on the edge of the Persian Sea, Dubai is a desert oasis exuding extravagance and unbridled confidence. The city’s glam factor is as high as its skyline, with sparkling skyscrapers, a lavish fine-dining scene, and designer boutiques worthy of the most discerning shopper.

Take in the views from 1,820 feet in the air atop the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on the planet. When you’re ready for a respite from everything the UAE capital has to offer, indulge in the luxuries at Dubai’s decadent five-star hotels.

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For many travelers, this string of glittering coral islands in the Indian Ocean is the ultimate fantasy. But the Maldives are no illusion. Its teal waters and lagoons are crystal-clear, its pink-tinged sand as soft as sugar, its reefs alive with colorful tropical fish.

Floating above turquoise shallows are the dreamy overwater bungalows that have become icons of the archipelago. Many accommodations in the Maldives are private-island resorts accessible only by seaplane or speedboat, adding to the destination’s exclusive atmosphere.

The pace can be as leisurely or adventurous as you want, with activities ranging from sunset cruises, spa treatments, and boat rides alongside dolphins (manta rays, sea turtles, or whale sharks too) to diving with hammerhead sharks.

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There is no doubt about it: Cape Town is one of the world’s most stunning and exciting cities. 

In a single day you can take in magnificent city and sea views while hiking Table Mountain, brave a treetop walkway hundreds of feet in the air at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and navigate Chapman’s Peak, the famous ocean drive where rocky cliffs dive into the South Atlantic at a near-vertical pitch.

You can even say hello to the colony of African penguins who call Boulders Beach home. Speaking of wildlife, whale-watching, shark-cave diving, and “Big Five”-spotting are all within an easy day’s trip—as are famous vineyard destinations Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

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From its onion-domed cathedrals and pretty gardens to its network of both grand boulevards and cobblestoned lanes, this underrated city is out of a storybook. The marigold-colored streetcars scooting around town certainly add to the charm (as it happens, Sofia Tramways is one of Europe’s most extensive tram systems).

Must-see sights include St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, a billowing Neo-Byzantine basilica in the heart of the city; Mount Vitosha, a well-loved ski and snowboard destination; and Vitosha Boulevard, a wide yellow-brick-paved walking street with shops, street performers, and sidewalk dining at every turn.

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Beautiful mosques, ancient Roman buildings, and rich culture coexist in Amman, the capital of Jordan. Once you’ve had your fill of delicious Levant fare (go to Rainbow Street, a vibrant parade of cafes and rooftop bars) and shopping at the always-abuzz open souks, venture past the city limits.

There is the lost Nabatean city of Petra, carved completely out of rosy-pink rock and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is Jerash, one of the oldest settlements in the world

Jordan’s Dead Sea shoreline offers excellent snorkeling and scuba-diving, while the Wadi Araba desert makes an astonishing backdrop for Jeep tours, canyoneering, Bedouin camping, and camel rides at sunrise.

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