FIVE PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the oldest standing pieces of history in the entire world, so of

course it made our top five list. This 2,000-year-old wall is more than 5,000 miles long and is an

integral piece of China's history. One of the most accessible parts of the wall sits just 70 miles from

Beijing, so it's easy to get to and gives you a chance to see the most beautiful part of this man-

made structure. Historians believe some parts of the wall date back to the late 700s B.C., and the

wall itself was constructed through the efforts of slaves and prisoners who would carry the heavy

slabs of stone on their backs up the ridge lines. Because this wall is such a magnificent standing

piece of history, it's often filled with tourists. According to Travel & Leisure, the wall sees up to 10

million travelers a year. CNN advises interested parties to go during the week and not near holidays

to avoid too much tourist traffic. They also advise spending no less than two hours at the section of

the wall you vis

The Louvre in Paris, France

This museum isn't just home to beautiful pieces of art, it's home to some of the most influential,

symbolic and monumental pieces of art in the history of the world. From works by Picasso and

Monet to the stunning Mona Lisa, the Louvre is a must-see. Allison McLean, a writer for the

Smithsonian magazine, urges travelers to go here and see these pieces firsthand because, "No

photograph or website has the same impact as standing dwarfed before the myriad intricacies [of

the art in the Louvre]." The Louvre, which was once a Medieval fortress, was opened to the public in

1793 by the French Revolutionary government. Now, it is the most visited museum in the world with

more than 8 million visitors a year. Because this museum is also one of the largest, totaling more

than 65,000 square feet, experts urge you not to try to see everything. Instead, focus on just a few

key pieces, go beyond just the obvious pieces, take a guided tour and do research before you go.

Venice, Italy

canals. Although there are hundreds of reasons why this city should make your "before I die bucket

list," there is one reason we think you should go sooner rather than later. It may not be around the

rest of your lifetime. Due to geological shifts, the city is sinking at a rate of two-and-one-half inches

per decade. Due to the abundance of waterways, a watery demise for this cultural wonderland

could happen by the end of the century. However, once you get to this quiet, yet historically rich

city, the only thing on your mind will be the Renaissance architecture, magnificent views, maze of

tiny streets and alleys and beautiful gondolas. If you visit Venice, do not miss the Grand Canal, or

the city's main canal. French King Charles VIII called it one of the most beautiful streets in the

world. Even through the test of time, that hasn't changed.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

Labeled one of the most incredible pieces of man-made architecture ever built, the Great Pyramid

of Giza is truly one of the most amazing wonders of the world. This pyramid rises from the banks of

the Nile River and decorates the plain, barren landscape. Although the exact date of when the great

pyramid was built is unknown, it's thought to be more than 4,500 years old. The pyramid was built

for the fourth dynasty pharaoh Khufu and stands at about 450 feet tall. It's made from millions of

limestone blocks that weigh an average of two tons. It's said it took the labor of more than 2,000

laborers to build the Great Pyramid and the surrounding pyramids. The Great Pyramid is also quite

easy to get to. You can taxi from Cairo to the pyramid or take a camel ride. Before you do that,

though, be sure to barter with the merchant so you don't grossly overpa

Grand Canyon, Arizona

This is one wonder that won't cost you an arm and a leg to visit since it's nestled right here in the

US of A. The 18-mile-wide Grand Canyon stretches more than 288 miles along the Colorado River

and Arizona. One of the main reasons this is a must-see is because it's entirely made from nature.

The Colorado River and its tributaries work alongside the weather to erode the multihued gorge.

There's also an endless number of things to do while visiting, from the glass-bottom Grand Canyon

Skywalk (which allows visitors to see more than 4,000 feet below them) to rafting down the

Colorado River. You can also visit Lake Powell where you are able to fish and hike. The Grand

Canyon is on almost every must-see list so don't miss your chance to witness some of nature's

most beautiful creations.