15 Photos of Colorful Places to Brighten Your Day

Whether vivid flowers are there to make you swoon, brightly hued buildings pop with life, or the region's cuisine presents a feast for your eyes (and belly), destinations offer color in different forms. Taking in the world's spectrum of tones adds some extra oomph to the overall experience of a place. From faded autumn pigments to unexpected color in remote locations, there's always some color to uncover.

So, let's practice a little color appreciation 101. Here's a collection of vibrant images showcasing destinations that are bright and colorful...because we need it.

Spring-time poppies in Tuscany deliver a dash of dazzling red. To view this fetching display of color, head to the Tuscan hills between mid-April and mid-May (depending on the weather that year). The Val d'Orcia region is a solid spot to start your search, and make sure to pay the villages of San Quirico d'Orcia and Castiglione d'Orcia a visit for a quintessential stroll and authentic food and wine.

Warning: may induce feelings of frolicking.

Despite Scotland's moody skies and finicky weather, there's plenty of color to be had in the seaside village of Portree, perched on the edge of the Isle of Skye. The colorful town buildings skirting the harbor spread as much cheer as the authentic fish and chips from the local take-away shop, Harbour Fish + Chips. Just beware of the sassy seagulls, they are quite hungry and they will steal your food. No matter how cute and colorful the town is, stolen fish and chips are likely to leave you in a bad mood.

Upstate New York turns all sorts of gorgeous hues in the fall, making it one of the top coveted destinations for leaf peepers and outdoor appreciators. Lake George in the southern Adirondacks puts on quite the show at sun-up and sun-down against the backdrop of reds, oranges, yellows and greens. Ample opportunities to gawk at the foliage await from September through November. Don't forget the cider donuts...you'll need energy for exploring, after all.

Yes, it's really called Paradise, and boy is it a slice (of paradise). Spring on the South Island of New Zealand promises fields of these fantastic flowers for 4-5 weeks every year. Lupins in shades of pink, purple, blue and yellow dot the already postcard-perfect landscape. November and December are top months to see this beautiful display courtesy of Mother Nature and visitors should venture to the Mackenzie Basin region of the South Island for the best chance of viewing.

The market scene in Israel offers a wide spectrum of colors through their culinary specialties. A rainbow of spices displayed add to the feast for your five senses when browsing the lively and vibrant shopping areas. The Carmel Open Air or Shuk Levinsky markets in Tel Aviv, as well as the Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, are top choices when visiting. Purchase some za'atar, baharat, turmeric and sumac for your Israeli spices starter kit.

Color splashes the buildings lining the historical cobblestone streets in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, making it fairly difficult to not feel cheerful. If pink is your favorite, get ready to be jazzed by the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a stunner of a church plopped in the middle of the main plaza, El Jardin. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brimming with impressive history and architecture. And color; loads of that too.

Red looks good on you, Arizona. The wavy walls of this slot canyon near Page, Arizona will have you in awe. It's possible to weave your way through this sandstone geological formation with the help of a Navajo guide. Visitors can book tours to explore either the Upper or Lower Antelope Canyons in order to experience the natural wonder in person. Yeah, you'll want your camera.

Craving some greens? Iceland's Eldhraun lava fields on the southern coast are here for you. The mossy looking landscape doesn't just provide a stark contrast to the temperamental skies, but the area has quite the backstory too. Created from one of the biggest volcano eruptions, Laki, in Iceland's history (late 1700s), the fields can be seen from the Ring Road before the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur when driving east.

The Temple of Literature in Hoi An, Vietnam is home to brightly decorated temple gates, intricate architecture and deep cultural history honoring Vietnam's top scholars. The complex is comprised of several courtyards, the Imperial Academy, landscaped gardens and bell tower, originally built in 1070 to pay homage to Confucius.

For smile-inducing vibrance, look no further than Burano, Italy, just a short ferry ride from Venice. This island in the Venetian Lagoon is filled to the brim with colorful houses along the picturesque canals. Lovely restaurants, squares and even a lace museum are highlights of this bright Italian spot.

The capital city of Greenland is dotted with crayon-colored houses along the sea on the southwest coast. The city's tagline is "colourful Nuuk" so it must be true...and it is. Despite the visually appealing radiancy, the ancient traditions of Inuit culture mixed with modern influences, as well as the fact that you have a really solid chance of spotting humpback whales from the harbor during the summer months, make Nuuk a vividly rich destination.

The city vibe itself is a study in color, but the olde timey cars add that extra bold pizzaz in Havana, Cuba. You'll be treated to vintage rides in an array of shades as you glide through history in a major step back in time. Brightly colored buildings in Old Havana add to the allure...as does the lively music and affordable rum, of course.

It has "blue" in its name, so this stunning lake near Ouray, Colorado, is a shoo-in for colorful places. It's not the easiest place to reach though, as you'll have to hike a few miles into the wilderness to unearth this gem...but it'll be well worth it when you see that sparkling turquoise water with your own eyes. You had us at alpine lake, Colorado.

Peru is known for its vibrant textiles, tassels and culture. City markets burst with color, weather artisan or culinary goods. Traditional weaving in the Andes mountains using naturally-dyed alpaca wool is an ancient technique that makes for bright items to bring home for souvenirs. Sweaters, scarves and blankets are just some of the beautifully crafted items bursting with color that you can purchase to support the artists creating them.

A fiesta for the eyes, San Antonio's Historic Market Square is bursting with vivid hues that will transport you straight to the south of the border in the middle of Texas. Over 100 locally operated shops and restaurants line the market streets, making it a lively destination in the city for visitors looking to experience the culture, live music and entertainment.