8 Colorful Travel Destinations To Brighten Your Day

Color is energizing, it makes people happy — it brightens an otherwise cloudy day, evoking a sense of euphoria. To share some of the most colorful travel destinations in the world, we asked the most road tripped man in the world, Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip, to share some places that we hope will brighten your day.

Color is the characteristic of human visual perception and it not only comes in various shades, which can affect moods (just ask McDonald’s), but it is also a language. Color is communicated quicker to the brain than words or shapes, as it works directly on our feelings and emotions. Typically when we see colorful objects or scenes, it makes humans happy. These colorful travel destinations listed below will certainly arouse a sense of wanderlust.

Burano, Italy

Burano is one of many small islands contained within the large Venetian lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Unlike the ageless patina that casts a shadow over Venice, Burano is brilliantly colorful. As a matter of fact, by law, every structure has to be painted a different color. The island is home to only 2,000 residents, yet they welcome nearly a million visitors each year. While a million people a year sounds like a lot, I found Burano to be significantly less crowded than Venice. The perception of being less crowded may stem from the fact that the streets are wider and there seems to be more open space, allowing for easier pedestrian flow. Either way, Burano is one of the most colorful places in the world.

Havana, Cuba

There is a rhythm to Havana, Cuba. One that pulls you through vintage vehicles, bright mural paintings, elaborate art, and exquisite foods. It is not just the Cuban Jazz that radiates, it is the spice of the people that makes it impossible not to smile. There are the tiled walls, the young men’s blue fedoras, the elder’s bright white guayabera, and the bold yellow plantains, all of which leave you wanting more from this vibrant city.

Colmar, France

It is easy to get lost in Colmar, not literally, but figuratively. Saunter down the cobblestone streets with safety, as many of these historic roads are pedestrian only. Walk leisurely as you become flanked by color. From deep orange to light pink, or summery yellow to mint green, the 15th and 16th-century architecture has an artistic palette all its own. It is not just the buildings that captivate the traveler, but the overall feel of this charming city in Northern France. Often referred to as “La Petit Venice” because of the surrounding canals. They are the perfect pairing to an evening stroll with a glass of the famous Riesling of the region.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Set against the bland Mojave landscape, beyond the bright colorful neon lights of the Las Vegas strip, is a public art instillation known as Seven Magic Mountains. The eye-popping colors can be seen for miles against the neutral colors of the desert. This colorful and interesting roadside attraction is located about 20 miles south of the Vegas strip. Experienced hikers will likely make the connection between stone cairns and Seven Magic Mountains, which is basically a series of gargantuan markers leading travelers from Los Angeles into Las Vegas.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The power of the tulip is seen in its grandeur at Keukenhor Gardens just outside of Amsterdam. Think of the rows of a farmer’s cornfield, now shorten the stalks by half and add deep reds, pale yellows, lilac, blue, orange and even white. The rows are endless and look down upon an ocean of color, unlike any garden you have ever experienced. Be prepared to fill your SD cards, because around every corner is a new take on the tulip. With more than a million visitors each spring, it is not just a garden for those who appreciate cultivation of plants, but a landscape of fine art coloring, a living museum that comes up each spring.

Central Newfoundland

Visitors to Central Newfoundland will see fog-filled bays and brightly colored fishing shacks set against a rugged coastline where crystal clear water turns waves into whitecaps as they jostle over the shoreline. Massive mammals breach the surface of the water to navigate enormous icebergs that slowly weave through waterways, brushing up against landmasses. The landscape is like a watercolor being painted by Mother Nature, and the paint never dries because the artist is working on a masterpiece that showcases Earth in all her glory.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is highly acclaimed for its dramatic views and stunning sunsets, and is considered to be one of the most romantic and beautiful of the Greek Isles. The exquisitely clear waters, perched on the rim of a massive active volcano in the middle of the sea, will certainly skip a beating heart. The mix of whitewashed buildings, towering cliffs and turquoise blue waters set against an endless blue sky will provide no shortage of photo ops or lasting memories.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

There is a peacefulness in blue, as stated within color theory: imagination and inspiration are associated with this hue. What effect then does a city like Chefchaouen, Morocco have on you? As your eyes glide over the blue washed buildings and a backdrop of the Rif Mountains, you are quieted, just from the awe that most of the old town is painted in shades of blue. Punctuated with high hung potted plants, ornately carved entrances and red-tiled roofs, this section of the city stands out, it is unique and captivating.

I hope you have enjoyed this list of colorful travel destinations around the world. If you have encountered some amazingly colorful places along your travels, please share them below by leaving a comment.

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