If you’re looking for inspiration to contemplate visionary ideas and generate creativity when considering a startup business, taking some time to get away from it all could be just what the doctor ordered. Taking a short break helps to provide clarity and generate insight. After all, there’s no room for brilliant new ideas when one’s mind is cluttered from the information overload we tend to experience in today’s modern world.
Below is a slideshow presentation of 20 various destinations where you might actually find that valuable creativity, energy and inspiration you seek. (You can also view it as a single page and view 15 more places to dream a little dream.)
1. Taj Mahal
What’s gets those passionate juices flowing more than a love story? Buried in the Taj Mahal are Shah Jahan, emporor in 1631 and his 3rd wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their 14th child. Although inspired by grief, the love story that surrounds the Taj Mahal can evoke inner passions and get your creative juices flowing to create your own masterpiece of love and passion.
Taj Mahal, India Photo via Shutterstock
2. Rio de Janeiro
A city that throbs with life, Rio has a lot to offer to any discerning traveler. Attractions include Cathedral São Sebastião, Chinese Belvedere, the Sugarloaf Mountains, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, Samba City and Ipanema Beach. There’s a great deal you can explore. The sights, sounds and colors of Rio could inspire your next startup.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Photo via Shutterstock
3. Venice
If you are looking for a holiday destination that blends the old with the new then Venice is the right place for you. Explore churches and other historic buildings, old bridges, monuments and piazzas. Revel in the artistic and cultural vivacity of the city while you think about your new business venture.
Venice, Italy Photo via Shutterstock
4. Stonehenge
Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, believed to be built anywhere from 3000 BC to 2000 BC is a world renowned location long considered a fascinating spiritual destination. If you’re seeking spiritual replenishment and something to inspire intrigue and deep contemplation, Stonehenge can most likely grant that to you.
Stonehenge, England Photo via Shutterstock
5. Bhutan
If you are looking for an adventurous break then Bhutan, set in the majestic Himalayas, is where you should head. Kayaking, hiking, trekking, mountain biking and fishing are all activities you can try in this little kingdom. The adrenaline rush might be all you need when getting set to launch your startup.
Bhutan Photo via Shutterstock
6. Samarkand
If you are looking for a holiday with a touch of history, then Samarkand with its many monuments is just the place for you. Explore the Registan Square, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Shakhi-Zinda compound and the Gur-Emir by day. Spend the evening thinking about your startup while you dine out or visit museums and galleries.
Samarkand Photo via Shutterstock
7. Dunnottar Castle
Used as a set for Franco Zeffirelli’s 1991 film of Hamlet, Dunnottar Castle Scotland gives visitors a sense of history and calm. Standing tall on a dramatic cliff some 160 ft above the North Sea, the castle is the right spot for a short, inspiring break while contemplating that next big venture.
Dunnottar Castle Photo via Shutterstock
8. Easter Island
Here you can visit The Moai of Easter Island, ancient monolithic statues that date back to 1250 and 1500 which are believed to be the living faces of diefied ancestors. Easter Island, also called Rapa Nui, is known as a place of peace and power and you’ll surely find plenty of stunning vistas to inspire visionary ideas there.
Moi, Easter Island, Chile Photo via Shutterstock
9. Waterford
The ancient Viking city of Waterford is a destination for the adventurous. Take a look at some incredible crystal, then enjoy Light Opera Festival and enjoy the cuisine while you mull your next business idea.
Waterford, Ireland Photo via Shutterstock
10. Paris
Paris, a destination where contemporary meets traditional and romance and color have true meaning, is the perfect getaway for the modern entrepreneur. If you are seeking inspiration, then Paris, with its pulsating nightlife, quaint cafes, stores and beautiful people, is just the place to visit.
Eiffel Tower, Paris Photo via Shutterstock
11. Gold Coast
The Gold Coast, Australia is the destination for you if you love beaches. Amid huge theme parks and lush green hinterlands, there’s a good sprinkling of nightlife to inspire you. Who knows which place might give you that brilliant business idea?
Gold Coast, Australia Photo via Shutterstock
12. Goa
The sun kissed beaches and sleepy villages of Goa, India are the place for you if you are laid back. A relaxing break filled with the color and spice of this Indian coastal state will certainly inspire your next business venture.
Goa, India Photo via Shutterstock
13. Royal National Park
It’s not just about wildlife. That’s what a visit to the Royal National Park, New South Wales will show you. Take a walk, cycle, surf or go on a picnic to the beach or rainforest. There’s no doubt you will come back relaxed and rejuvenated with a plan for your startup.
Royal National Park Photo via Shutterstock
14. Wellington
Oriental Bay, Wellington’s nearby beach community with an urban feel, gives you the opportunity to rest and relax. If you want some quiet time, then you will find it at galleries and art museums. Your next business idea might just come from the vibrant cultural scene?
Oriental Bay, Wellington Photo via Shutterstock
15. Wanaka
Known as “the place” for skiing and snowboarding, Wanaka, New Zealand is where you should head if you like winter sports. There’s a lot to do year round, so get ready to hike, fish and skydive as you prepare to launch your next startup.
Wanaka, New Zealand Photo via Shutterstock
16. Buenos Aires
Often referred to as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is has a bustling live theater industry with many theaters and productions and also features several symphony orchestras and choral societies. One stop on this destination that you may find inspiring to creativity and vision is the Teatro Colón, an internationally rated opera house, and El Ateneo, a book store voted the second most beautiful in the world.
Buenos Aires Theater Photo via Shutterstock
17. Patagonia
Ancient history abounds in Patagonia, Argentina as witnessed in The Cueva de las Manos, a world famous site in Santa Cruz that is a cave consisting of hundreds of hand drawings believed to date from 8,000 BC. You can take in endless, awe inspiring views in the Los Glaciares National Park and there, you may find the peace and tranquility it provides as a renewing source of energy.
Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia Photo via Shutterstock
18. Dublin
Take the uncharted route with Dublin County. The detour from Dublin City will give you glimpses of the sea and panoramic views. With a wide range of cultural attractions, Dublin County might be the place to seek inspiration for your startup.
Dublin, Ireland Photo via Shutterstock
19. Barcelona
There’s a lot to do in Barcelona but the best way to enjoy its beautiful Mediterranean coastline is a helicopter ride or a ride in a hot air balloon. Who knows? Your next business idea could come while you take in the magnificent view from the sky.
Barcelona, Spain Photo via Shutterstock
20. Hong Kong Park
There’s a lot you can do here while enjoying the beautiful setting. Join one of the free guided bird-watching walks held every Wednesday, visit the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware or drop in at the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. Time and space to think and be inspired are all around.
Chi Lin Nunnery, Hong Kong Photo via Shutterstock
This site is contagious. I think I just caught the travel bug!
Anita Campbell
Me too — this picture gallery was the team’s idea and I love it! Makes me want to find places to go contemplate my own business.
– Anita
I went to Crete (Rethymnon) before I started a new job. Did me the world of good. So I can imagine what a short break can do for relaxing the mind and fostering creativity.
The thing is though, I don’t think I’d be able to take a short break in any of these places. I’d want to stay longer – at least 10 days, enough to convince myself it wasn’t all just a dream.
If I could pick just three places to go to from the list, it’d be Rio de Janeiro, Easter Island aaaaand a tossup between the Gold Coast, Wanaka and Patagonia (can’t decide!). They all look lush.