Set aside time for awesome experiences and ultimately, studies show, it could help you live a happier life.
Gazing up at a powerful waterfall, losing yourself in the majesty of a sunset, and feeling the icy magnitude of a glacier all have the ability to make us feel small and more generous toward others. Those moments also remind us to step outside ourselves and connect with the great unknown.
According to studies, awe -- that strong combination of fear, respect and wonder -- may make people more empathetic, generous and trusting. The emotion can also expand our perception of time, alter decision-making and enhance well-being.
So consider the seven natural wonders below and then book a ticket immediately.
This small, rural fishing village on Brazil's northeast coast is a mecca of windsurfing and kitesurfing and home of Pôr do Sol (Sunset) dune, a towering mountain of sand that offers one of South America’s most stunning sunsets.
Each evening, visitors flock to the dune's summit -- cameras and caipirinhas in hand -- to try and catch a glimpse of the rare phenomenon known as the "emerald sunset," or green flash.
It's hard to believe these images of Pamukkale aren't photoshopped. It's harder still to believe that what you're looking at is not a frozen waterfall, but terraces of calcium-rich limestone deposits -- a naturally occurring phenomenon.
The Turkish name literally means "Cotton Castle," inspired by this spectacular landscape of hot springs, mineral forests and petrified waterfalls.
Nestled along the Hawaiian island of Kauai's rugged and breathtaking Na Pali Coast, the gorgeous Kalalau Valley was once home to a large population of Native Hawaiians.
Today, visitors can opt to take in the valley's waterfalls and towering, razor-sharp cliffs via helicopter, catamaran, kayak or -- most challenging of all -- by hiking the grueling, 11-mile Kalalau Trail. Whatever method you choose, just make sure you get here.
You'll leave with sand in your shoes and a wonderstruck grin on your face.
The dunes in this area -- including Dune 45 and "Big Daddy" -- are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 1,300 feet.
This is where blue ice meets blue skies and even bluer water.
One of many glaciers within Los Glaciers National Park, Upsala takes the prize for size -- it's about 31 miles long and 6 miles wide. In addition to being one of South America's largest chunks of ice, scientists often cite its retreat as evidence of global climate change.
Rays of sunshine beam through a sunken, tree-lined rooftop and reflect off a turquoise lake below, where gondoliers paddle visitors around in rowboats.
Melissani Cave, otherwise known as the "Cave of the Nymphs," makes visitors feel like they're living in a fairy tale.
You'll have to work, and pay, to reach this natural forest of towering stone pillars lining a remote potion of Russia's Lena River. If and when you do, prepare to be inspired.
These fortress-like pillars reach up to 1,000 feet in height and are the result of the area's extreme hot and cold temperatures.
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