travel bucket list image

The ultimate travel bucket list

By Condé Nast Traveller

The best bucket-list ideas for holidays of a lifetime in the USA, Indonesia, Japan, Argentina, Fiji, France, Iceland and the Caribbean.

Seeing the Northern Lights

Becky Lucas, digital editor

'It would have to be getting the chance to witness the Northern Lights whirl across the sky in Finnish Lapland once again, while lying under blankets in a sleigh pulled by reindeers across a frozen lake. On this occasion, I’d bring an actual camera that could deal with the -22°C temperatures – unlike my smartphone which promptly died every time I got it out of my pocket – because I’d know that the lights’ bright colours are only really visible in photos. Then we’d retreat to sit around a campfire and drink glasses of warm glögg before retiring to our igloo-style Aurora Dome at Harriniva. Come daylight, we’d keep our blood pumping with hair-raising (or freezing) activities such as speeding around on snowmobiles, Nordic cross-country skiing, ice fishing, husky sledding, fat biking and a ride in the world’s only sauna gondola at Ylläs ski resort, finished up with a wallow in the steaming outdoor tub, looking out at the surreally snow-stacked slopes while sporting a thick bobble hat.'

Skydiving in Cape Town

Sophie Knight, digital picture editor

‘ Cape Town remains my favourite place on earth – for the rugged coastline, hiking trails lined with stunning flora and fauna, vast white-sand beaches and striking views from Table Mountain overlooking the twinkling city lights at dusk. Not forgetting that it’s home to lots of urban wildlife – penguins, baboons and whales are all residents here. The last time I visited, I paraglided from Lion’s Head down to the bay where I was greeted by a humpback whale being circled by squawking gulls. On my next trip I’m hoping to see the city from a higher altitude on a skydive.’

Exploring NEW ZEALAND

Sarah James, assistant digital editor

‘To me, this is the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime trip – partly because my dream itinerary would take three weeks minimum, and partly because I might have to pull a bank job to pay for it. My ideal route takes in low-key Auckland , adventurous Queenstown and artsy Wellington, as well as some of the country’s wonderful open spaces such as icy, volcanic Tongariro National Park and lush, coastal Abel Tasman National Park. A tour of the Central Otago wine region is pretty high up on the list, as is a nerdy jaunt to Hobbiton. And New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most incredible lodges, such as Scrubby Bay, set on a 4,000-acre farm near Christchurch.’

TOURING THE INDONESIAN ISLANDS

Paula Ellis, Art director

'I've had this absolute burning desire to do a tour around the Indonesian islands for years. I want to see some of the obvious things like the Komodo dragons, but to be chilled, take it easy, and go and see the volcanic-y bits too. I had this perception that it would be really calm and peaceful. But beautiful. And I think the people would be really sweet and friendly. I'm obsessed with ikat silk - the woven fabrics. I know it's touristy, but I would love to go to Borobudur, the big Buddhist temple, too.'

Icelandic volcanoes and helicopter rides

Rick Jordan, Senior editor

'As an antidote to my desk-bound daily existence, and before I'm just too creaky, I'd take off to the alien landscapes of Iceland for a week of midlife-crisis intrepidness. There's an outfit called Momentum Adventure , which can drop you into the magma chamber of a dormant volcano with an unpronounceable name and land you by helicopter on top of a live one to fry hotdogs on the molten lava. You can also swim in geothermal rivers and go diving between tectonic plates in pure glacial waters. The next day they'll give you the keys to a Polaris buggy. I'm just relearning to drive after years of London-induced road-shyness, so bouncing around across black-sand deserts will put my skills to the test.'

The USA from coast to coast

Karin Mueller, Senior picture editor

'I've always wanted to re-visit an amazing journey through the United States as an adult, which my parents took me on when I was in my early teens and which left a huge impression on me. At the time, of course, I wasn't able to appreciate many aspects of it in a way I would now. My starting point would be some fun-filled days with friends and family in New York - in style, checking out all the trendiest bars and coolest restaurants, staying at an impossibly glamorous place like The Mercer in Soho or the Gramercy Park Hotel .

Afterwards I would want to soak up the atmosphere of San Francisco for a while, before embarking on an epic road trip: from the golden sands and sunshine of Los Angeles, past the Grand Canyon and the Native American communities of the desert, then to the gritty streets of St. Louis and Chicago . To finish it off, I'd hop over to the Turks and Caicos Islands , staying at Parrot Cay resort, unwinding in luxury.'

Road tripping across South America

Matt Buck, Photographic director

'Starting in La Paz , Bolivia, I would take an epic road trip in a monster truck driving through the mountains on the road to Potosi, and stay at Hostal Colonial before heading to the Salar de Uyuni to drive across the salt flats heading across the border into Chile and the Atacama Desert . I would stay at the ESO Hotel on the Cerro Paranal as seen in Quantum of Solace to star gaze from the Very Large Telescope before heading down through the desert across the Andes and into Mendoza in Argentina for lunch at The Vines Resort & Spa where I will die peacefully from eating too much red meat and red wine.'

Going north to south through Japan

Fiona Kerr, Features director

North to south through Japan . It's a country I've obsessed about from afar ever since I was given my first origami kit as a kid. Those pretty, pretty papers led me on to the delicate watercolour-like landscapes, the another-worldly culture that veers from blindingly beautiful to brilliantly bonkers - and sushi.

Bullet trains make this epic journey do-ably nippy - if you didn't get off you could ride the whole 1,941 kilometres in just 12 hours. But I'd make it rather more leisurely, starting off skiing (poorly) the perfect powder of Niseko on Japan's most northerly island, Hokkaido, before wiggling down through the classics in Tokyo (for the new Aman hotel) and Kyoto. And to finish? Hop on a flight to the white-sand beaches of the Okinawa islands ('Japan's Hawaii') which reach out down towards the tropics - here, Hoshinoya Okinawa is just the spot to do absolutely nothing.

Discovering Argentina

Tabitha Joyce, Deputy digital editor

'I've always wanted to go to Argentina . I'd hang out on the cobbled streets of buzzy Palermo Viejo in Buenos Aires before heading down to El Calafate – the glacial landscape named after the berry that, once eaten, guarantees your return. I'd walk in Bariloche at the foothills of the Andes and end up at Iguazu Falls where I'd cross over to Brazil and stay at the Hotel das Cataratas .'

See Tokyo in neon lights

Grainne McBride, Chief sub-editor

'I would fly to Japan (first class) and jump straight into Tokyo 's hectic neon jumble, staying in the sky-high Park Hyatt (of Lost in Translation fame). I would duck in and out of tiny back-street sushi bars such as Kyubey, trying the world's most delicate sashimi and fiery sake. Then I would head to the misty mountains and the traditional ryokan Miyamasou , which I imagine to be all cherry blossoms and hot-spring baths. Finally I would go to Ogimi, a small village in Okinawa that is one of the happiest places in the world, according to the feel-good documentary Happy . I'd hang out with the elderly folk and get their take on this crazy world of ours. A great way to kick the bucket to touch.'

Exploring the Caribbean by boat

Paula Maynard, Director of operations

'If I could sail, which I can't, I would drift around Caribbean islands pulling into small beautiful harbours for a drink or to buy fresh food, moving on again to drop anchor in a deserted cove with sparkling sea to watch the sunset. I'd insist my family came with me and of course in this scenario it would never rain.'

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424 travel bucketlist stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free for download., blue and red travel passports on a light background, next to the inscription travel bucketlist.

Bucket list life plans checklist. Example bucketlist with travel ideas.

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Beautiful view of Lago di Carezza with mountain reflections in the water. Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Home to the surf championships every August, Padang Padang beach is still a tropical stretch of coastline worth visiting every other month of the year too.

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Explore the magical Vajdahunyad Castle, a fairytale dream come true

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BALI, INDONESIA - Feb 10, 2020: The beautifull and scenic street of Lombok, Indonesia.

Sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park

Laguna Blanca, Bolivia: April 27th 2019: a salt lake, in the Sur Lípez Province of the Potosí Department. It is near the Licancabur volcano.Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve

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The mountain peeks through the trees against a clear blue sky with white clouds. Doyran Pond, Antalya, Turkey.

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Mountain road through a green forest. Rural view near to Doyran Pond, Antalya, Turkey.

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Welcome to Epic Travel Plans!

Epic Travel Plans

Destinations that will leave you Breathless. Plans to make it happen

TRAVEL BUCKET LIST Template + Guide (Free Fillable PDF)

Do you have SO many epic travel ideas swirling through your mind? Follow this guide to finally build your travel bucket list!  You’ll also find a free travel bucket list template that’s interactive, inspiring and USEFUL, too.

Finally build a travel bucket list you’ll love, filled with incredible trip ideas you’ll actually take!

ABOUT the Free Travel Bucket List Template

Step 1. brainstorm your travel bucket list ideas.

• WHAT To See and Do
• WHO To Go With
• Step 3. PRIORITIZE Your Favorite Travel Ideas … so They Happen
• NEXT STEPS: Planning Trips on Your Travel Bucket List

Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. This means that if you use the links below to make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

I love fillable PDF templates to easily save and update my brilliant thoughts. So, I thought you might, too! And they work as traditional printables too, of course.

Here’s how to use my free travel bucket list template to capture your epic travel ideas:

• Start at the back. My travel bucket list template actually works in reverse, with the brainstorming pages at the back. This puts your pretty, cleaned-up lists at the front. If you follow the steps in this post, it’ll guide you from the back of the template to the front.
• Brainstorm by map and list. You have options! If you like brainstorming with a simple list, use the large boxes to capture travel ideas and notes. Like visuals? As a travel bucket list printable, you can use your favorite markers to color-code the maps on the brainstorming pages.  
• Transfer priority trips to the front. Once you have your list of top travel ideas, move through pages 3 to 1 (yup, in reverse). List your “top 3 to see” by season, destination type, and travel companion. You can also add your own categories and plenty of notes. Then, decide on your top 6 to see first, and list those on page 1 to keep them front and center.

When you’re done, post your travel bucket list ideas somewhere you’ll see it often.

Priorities change over the years. Since this is a fillable PDF, it’s super easy to update your travel bucket list template as you actually GO to your bucket list destinations! 

Subscribe to Epic Travel Plans’ monthly newsletter and GET THE TRAVEL BUCKET LIST TEMPLATE ! A free, 6-page fillable PDF to capture your top travel ideas in one place. 

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Introducing: The ULTIMATE Travel Bucket List Template EBOOK

The Ultimate Travel Bucket List Template ebook will help you understand WHY you travel, and why past trips worked or didn’t. You’ll consider WHERE in the world you all want to go, with suggestions to get you started. Then, explore travel ideas based on types of activities, your potential travel companions, and your timing options.

Each chapter starts with space to brainstorm all of your amazing ideas and ends with a summary form to capture your highlights, making it easier to prioritize your “best of the best.”

Finally build a travel bucket list you’ll love, filled with incredible trip ideas you’ll actually take.

How To Create a Travel Bucket List You’ll LOVE, With Trips You’ll TAKE

To create a travel bucket list you’ll actually use, you need to go a bit deeper than places on a napkin or pins on a map. Here are the three basic steps to building a useful travel bucket list:

• Brainstorm : Capture every trip idea you have, all in one place. Include any specific reasons for why you want to take each trip, like specific activities, sights or events that inspired the idea.
• Organize : Group your trip ideas in a way that makes sense to you. Geography is a typical way to organize trip ideas. But it’s also helpful to group them by who you’d want to go with, when you’d want to go, or types of things you’d want to do.
• Prioritize : Choose the top trips you want to take first. Include a variety of trip ideas you can take throughout the year, with different companions and trip lengths.

Let’s build that list!

Brainstorming for your travel bucket list template is about getting down in one place ALL the trips you might ever want to take. It’s the start of your travel bucket list. After brainstorming bucket list travel ideas, we’ll make that list digestible and actionable. So, don’t worry about that here. This is the time to just let your dreams wander!

Pinterest is a fun and easy way to discover and collect amazing images of inspiring places. Like the Walkways of Mount Tianmen in China, or “wow” waterfalls hidden throughout the United States. It’s also a helpful platform to save details about those destinations. If you’re looking for some inspiration, take a look at my Pinterest boards !

Here are posts specifically to inspire your travel bucket list:

• Virtual tours : These interactive 360-degree videos and images are absolutely incredible at making you feel like you’re right there . Explore epic cities, waterfalls, national parks, historic sites, crazy adventures and animal encounters around the world.
• Romantic getaways : These posts are packed with stunning hotels, resorts, spas and cabins perfect for romantic getaways. But most are also fantastic for solo getaways or getaways with friends, too.
• Trips with Mom and trips with Dad : As adults, we sometimes forget to prioritize travel with our aging parents. Find incredible experiences to enjoy both near and far, while you can both enjoy them. 

Now, I love my lists … hand-written (I know; I’m so old-school). So, I’ll print out my handy travel bucket list template, grab my favorite colored pens (I LOVE erasable pens !), and make my list while relaxing on the couch and sipping coffee. Then I’ll come back to my fillable PDF travel bucket list template to save a prettier version of my thoughts.

If you create beautiful bullet or junk journals, this is perfect content for that.

3 FUN Ways To Brainstorm for Your Travel Bucket List Template: 

• Make a list of every destination you can think of that you’d like to visit one day. Then group them by location (like by continent) so it becomes a little more digestible. Either move them around (like in my travel bucket list template PDF) or color-code them in your journal.
• Use the mind-mapping technique to create a web of travel ideas. This is more visual than a list, and pretty fun, too. First, write out the names of each continent you’d like to visit and circle them with different color pens. Then draw lines to connect those circles with names of places on that continent you want to visit. Add colorful doodles to pretty up your web.
• Get a map you can mark up. A marked-up map is the ultimate visual for brainstorming your travel bucket list. The best way is to get a beautiful map you can put up on a wall (check out this one on Etsy by HappyPlaceArt ). But, a small map that tucks into your journal works great, too. Mark up your destinations with a simple marker, a brilliant legend, or tacks (for the wall one, obviously!).

And remember to jot down a few notes on WHY that destination is important to you.

Also, include a variety of travel ideas. Don’t forget those smaller trips and nearby destinations you’ve been meaning to visit. Weekend getaways can be epic, too!

Once you have a decent amount of travel bucket list ideas, it’s time to organize and prioritize them. If you don’t organize them, your list will be overwhelming … and likely depressing by how many you’re not planning.

Step 2. ORGANIZE To Make Your Travel Bucket List Digestible

Once your travel bucket list template is PACKED with epic travel ideas, it’s time to make it DIGESTIBLE. I love organizing and grouping ideas; but if you don’t, don’t worry! This step is actually really fun – because it’s figuring out the BEST way to experience those awesome travel destinations.

As we go through this section, make notes in the brainstorming section of your travel bucket list template.  These are your contenders for your priority trip ideas.

WHAT To See and Do: “Top 3 To See” by Category

This is a fun way to start organizing that travel bucket list: Consider your “top 3 to see” by destination type. You’ll find this section on page 3 of the free travel bucket list template.

I actually prefer going through these categories without looking at my brainstorm. It’s a great way to see if you missed something. But, you can also pick from your list of travel ideas to see which ones rise to the top, or get you most excited.

Of the categories below, which places make your “top 3 to see”:

• Nature’s epic sights: Maybe Arizona’s mighty Grand Canyon, Ireland’s mystical coastlines, or an African safari. Or the Great Barrier Reef, Galapagos Islands or the Amazon Rainforest. Swimming in the Blue Lagoon?
• Brilliant feats of man: Like Jordan’s Petra, Peru’s Manchu Picchu, or Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Or maybe Paris’ Louvre, the Taj Mahal or Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world?
• Specific cities, sites or cultures: Is there a specific city or historic site you’ve always wanted to see? Maybe a cultural experience you want to discover for yourself? A Broadway play, or Washington D.C. A wine tour through Italy or a retreat in a Japanese monastery high up in the mountains. The ultimate walking tour of your favorite movie.
• Concerts, championship games, or adventurous sports: The Rolling Stones. Dallas Cowboys on a Super Bowl run, or BlizzCon in Anaheim. Sky-diving over Victoria Falls, heli-skiing in the Rocky Mountains, or caving in Italy. What excites you? 
• Road trips: One of the best ways to experience many travel destinations is by road trip. Along jaw-dropping coastlines. Through the Scottish Highlands or Swiss Alps. Stopping at many historic sites that only war history buffs like you know about. Some train rides fit here, too, like the one from Beijing to Moscow. Is there a cross-country trek you’ve been itching to take?

NEW!  The ULTIMATE Travel Bucket List EBOOK will help you create a bucket list you’ll love, filled with trips you’ll actually take!

WHO To Go With: Companions Worthy of Your Travel Bucket List

Some travel companions make (or break) a travel destination. 

While you might LOVE visiting an ultra-romantic destination with your partner, you might HATE touring historic sites with him or her. And while one travel destination might be awesome with your best friend, it might be kinda awful with your mom.

Think about who you’d love to travel with (or who you’d realistically travel with), and what would be EPIC to experience with that person. Your partner. Mom or dad. Sister or brother. Best friend or group of best friends. 

What about solo travel? Have you dreamed of going somewhere but haven’t found that perfect travel companion? Or maybe you’d just really love exploring on your own? If the thought of traveling solo terrifies you, consider an organized small-group tour. My sister and I toured SE Asia with Intrepid Travel and loved it.

Here are some examples of what I mean:

• Glamin’ it up in Los Angeles: I never really wanted to visit Los Angeles. Sure, Pretty Woman had me intrigued. But since I’m not really into Hollywood or fashion, it just never hit my mental travel bucket list. And then my sisters-in-law were going … who are definitely into Hollywood and fashion. THEY made this trip A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Plus, staying right on Rodeo Drive helped too, of course. 
• Hiking phenomenal canyons: Now that I’ve seen epic canyons in the United States , the person I’d most want to go back with is my brother. Staying right inside Zion Canyon or on the edge of Grand Canyon’s North Rim. Hiking among fantastical hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and in the narrows of Antelope Slot Canyon. Of everyone I know, he’d appreciate these destinations the most. 
• Gracing European palaces: Although I’m enthralled with European history and architecture, visiting Austria’s regal palaces and gardens with my mom is a forever-treasure. This was my sister’s dream mother-daughter trip and I got to tag along. Find some inspiration AND practical tips to finally take your dream mother-daughter trip . 

Check out page 2 of the travel bucket list template to record travel ideas specific to your favorite travel companions.

WHEN To Go: Ideal Timing for Those Bucket List Travel Ideas

Many people don’t think much about how seasons affect their travel bucket list. Other than when to avoid traveling, like in summer or at Christmas when prices quadruple. For many travel destinations, it’s enough to know that late spring and early fall will have decent weather, cheaper prices, and most touristy things open.

But certain travel experiences are BEST had at specific times of the year. Like Japan’s cherry blossoms and Holland’s tulips in mid April. Germany’s Oktoberfest that’s actually in late September to early October. 

And then, of course, are schedules for the specific concert, game or exhibit you want to see. Or the one and only Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop.

When you think about the places you want to see, what makes that place EPIC in your mind? Which season (or specific month, week, day) is best to experience it? Spring? Summer? Fall? Winter? 

Now take your favorite experiences that depend on season, and record them at the top of page 3 in the travel bucket list template.

Step 3. PRIORITIZE Your Travel Bucket List Template … So They Happen

Now the magic happens! We’ll take all of your amazing trip ideas and create a “best of the best” list of those you want to take first. Then we’ll post your list where you can see it. So you plan those trips, take those trips, and cross those trips off your list!

WHERE To Go FIRST: Your Top 6 in the Travel Bucket List Template

Of all the trip ideas you wrote down, which are you most excited to take?  Which ones make your top 6 to see first ?

Getting to the top 6 destinations on your travel bucket list should feel a bit like budgeting. You know … like how financial advisers tell you to save: a third for short-term; a third for medium-term; and a third for long-term. But too many people only plan for those retirement-type trips, and end up not taking any trips.

If you prioritize your top 6 trips based on small/medium/gigantic, you have a shot of actually getting to all of them sooner rather than later. (So you can redo your travel bucket list next year!) Just think about it. If you include that weekend house-boating trip you’ve been meaning to take with your best buds, it suddenly becomes a priority. And then you put in the effort to make it as epic as possible.

So when you’re filling in the first page of the free travel bucket list template, consider including your top 2 local, top 2 national, and top 2 international trips.

Now, I think it goes without saying, but … also let yourself go with the flow. When one of my best friends was going to Seattle for a wedding, she asked if I’d go, too. Seattle wasn’t on my travel bucket list, but we had an INCREDIBLE time. You might find a “wow” moment in a surprising destination.

So, just make sure your travel bucket list doesn’t prevent you from taking other epic trips. Even planners can be spontaneous!

NEXT STEPS: Plan Trips in Your Travel Bucket List

Now that you’ve worked through the travel bucket list template, check out my 3-step trip planning process.

What makes my trip planning process special is that it helps you define what’s most important to YOU … and then keeps it as the inspiration throughout the trip planning process.  And there’s another great fillable PDF template all ready for you.

The key first step of my trip planning process is defining the experience you’re looking for. That special something that’ll make you say, “Now THAT was a fantastic trip!” This experience becomes your compass in every decision you make.

Once you find your compass, so many trip planning decisions become clear. 

How To Plan a Trip You’ll LOVE: 

• Step 1: Define YOUR perfect experience
• Step 2: Build your itinerary and book
• Step 3: Count down with your ULTIMATE checklist

You might also like  How To Pick BETTER Accommodations and How To Plan a ROAD TRIP You’ll Love .

With all your momentum of working through the travel bucket list template, why not start planning one or two trips?! Then when you get the time or urge to go, you have one of your top travel bucket list ideas all ready and waiting for you.

Check out the ULTIMATE Travel Bucket List EBOOK! Create a bucket list you’ll love, filled with trips you’ll actually take!

You may also like:

• How to PLAN a ROMANTIC GETAWAY
• CABIN PACKING LIST for Romantic Getaways
• TIPS for Traveling with AGING PARENTS

Enjoyed this post? Please SHARE with your FRIENDS!

Featured photo credit (view from plane): Brannon Naito from Unsplash .

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21 Life-changing Trips Everyone Should Experience at Least Once

From African safaris to must-visit cities, these once-in-a-lifetime trips will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

What's next on your travel list? With so many places worth traveling to, it can be hard to narrow down your top spots to visit.

Sometimes, it's the famous attractions, delicious food, and stunning hotels that draw us to a certain destination, and other times, it's the bragging rights that come with checking off every continent, country, or state. Whatever your motivation, we've rounded up 21 incredible trips, complete with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and iconic sights you won't find anywhere else in the world.

So, what makes a trip truly life-changing? That answer varies from traveler to traveler, but one thing is for sure: From African safaris to classic road trips, this list will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Deciding between the historic cities of Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence for the top destination to visit feels impossible, so the entire country of Italy deserves a spot on your list. Start in the Eternal City and head north through the rolling hills of Tuscany to visit Florence, followed by Milan or Venice, or go south to the beaches of the beautiful Amalfi Coast and Sicily.

New York, New York

Visiting the Statue of Liberty , standing at the top of the Empire State Building, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: These are just a few of the things you can only do in New York City. Whether you dream of visiting all the places you've seen on screen, catching a Broadway show, or eating your way through the city's diverse neighborhoods, there's no doubt that NYC deserves a spot on your list.

Tokyo, Japan

Old and new come together in Japan's bustling capital city. Historic temples and shrines, busy shopping districts, delicious food, and some of the world's best theme parks and attractions — whatever your interests, there's something for you in Tokyo.

Paris, France

From watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle and viewing famous works of art at world-renowned museums to eating delicious French pastries, there are innumerable reasons that Paris deserves a spot on your list. Of course, other dreamy French destinations like Mont-Saint-Michel, Chamonix, and the Riviera are well worth a visit, too.

Busy medinas, intricate architecture, and a unique combination of cultural influences make Morocco unlike anywhere else on the planet. Whether you're traveling to bustling Marrakesh, pretty coastal cities, or remote desert towns (or hopefully, all three), a trip to Morocco is bound to be one to remember.

Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure

From the whitewashed homes of Santorini to the Ios party scene to the relaxing atmosphere of Milos, there's a perfect Greek Island for every type of traveler. Island hopping gives you the chance to experience more of what the country has to offer, but plan to spend a couple of days in Athens at the beginning and/or end of your trip.

T+L Backpack Quiz

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Machu Picchu

Seeing the historic ruins of the Incan Empire set among the breathtaking Andes at Machu Picchu is an undeniably life-changing experience. The stunning citadel ruins of Machu Picchu are worth the journey — and for some travelers, that trip, often taken by train or on foot as a multi-day trek , is a big part of the experience. Editor’s note: Machu Picchu is currently closed due to civil unrest in Peru. Visit the  official website  for the latest news and reopening details.

African Safari

Seeing majestic animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos in the wild is a dream best accomplished with an African safari . South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya are among the most popular safari destinations — and in each of those countries, you'll find incredible lodges and tour operators who can help you spot these creatures in their natural habitat.

Whether you dream of cruising down the famed Nile River, seeing the Pyramids of Giza, or visiting the ancient Valley of the Kings, Egypt's historic wonders make the destination completely unique (and worthy of a spot on your travel list).

Unlike many of the action-packed trips on this list, the Maldives is synonymous with relaxation, luxury, and romance. A stay in an overwater bungalow set atop turquoise blue waters is the ultimate getaway that's worth the long-haul flight and oftentimes pricey accommodations.

Antarctica Cruise

Hoping to visit all seven continents? Cross Antarctica off your list with a cruise. Several major cruise lines have journeys to Antarctica, offering incredible views of the ice and wildlife from the comfort and safety of a ship. Travelers typically fly in and out of Buenos Aires en route to Ushuaia (where most cruises depart from); we recommend spending a few days in the fascinating Argentine city before your expedition.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Dubbed one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is a can't-miss for many wildlife lovers. Of course, Australia's gorgeous coastline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and fuzzy creatures like kangaroos and koalas are also reasons to head to the destination. Fly into Sydney and spend a few days there before heading out to explore more of this expansive country teeming with natural beauty.

Galapagos Islands

Incredible and diverse plant and animal species make the Galapagos Islands another must-visit for nature-loving travelers. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is best explored by cruise, so you can take in as many breathtaking landscapes and animals as possible during your trip.

Like the other countries on this list, India has countless destinations worth exploring, but one of the most famous attractions that travelers dream of seeing for themselves is the Taj Mahal. This 17th-century white marble mausoleum has drawn visitors to Agra for years. Luxury travelers might consider a train trip aboard the Maharajas' Express (with a stop at the Taj Mahal) as the ultimate experience. Travelers planning to visit the Taj Mahal or take the luxurious train ride will want to fly into Delhi, India's capital territory.

Petra, Jordan

The stunning ancient city of Petra is made up of several impressive structures carved into sandstone rock faces, including the famous Al-Khazneh. The city dates back thousands of years, making this UNESCO World Heritage site a must-visit for history buffs.

Passing through India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, and Nepal, the Himalayas are home to some of the world's highest peaks — and that means breathtaking mountain views, too. For adventurous and active travelers, climbing Mount Everest (or at least trekking to Everest Base Camp) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

American National Park Road Trip

The classic American road trip is a mainstay on many travelers' lists — and for good reason. The country's incredible national parks , including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, are best explored on road trips with stops at charming small towns and kitschy roadside attractions.

Great Wall of China

Stretching across China for thousands of miles, with sections dating back nearly 2,000 years, the Great Wall is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can hike along parts of the wall — some areas are located within driving distance of Beijing, so it's a perfect day trip from the city.

Easter Island

The hundreds of monolithic moai statues have drawn curious visitors to Easter Island for years. This remote Polynesian island is worth the lengthy trip for travelers hoping to see these impressive human figures, while also soaking in some incredible coastal views.

Northern Lights Trip

Catching a glimpse of the elusive northern lights is possible in several destinations close to the Arctic Circle, including Alaska, Iceland, Canada, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. All of these places have incredible viewpoints (and even hotels where you can see the phenomenon from your bed ), in addition to great, wintry scenery. (The lights are best viewed from late fall through early spring.)

Thailand and Vietnam

A trip through Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street eats. While you could spend weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired for an exciting trip packed with lush scenery, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Have a little extra time to spare? Add Cambodia to the mix and include a visit to expansive Angkor Wat.

Related Articles

50 Best Travel Bucket List Destinations | 2024 (with Photos)

Marvellous Oyebanjo - Travel Writer

Last Updated: January 4, 2024

Marvellous is a seasoned travel enthusiast who shares incredible destinations and experiences through captivating narratives. With a passion for adventure and a keen eye for detail, Marvellous provides readers with expert insights and valuable tips to make their journeys unforgettable.

Traveling the world is an experience like no other. Exploring new cultures and cuisines can broaden your horizons and create incredible memories.

Whether you're an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, or simply looking to relax and unwind, there's a destination out there that's perfect for you.

We've compiled the ultimate bucket list of the 50 best travel bucket list destinations for a lifetime of memories. From natural wonders to historical landmarks, these travel bucket list ideas are sure to inspire you to plan your next great adventure.

So, grab your passport and get ready for an unforgettable journey.

Most Recommended Thing to Do

Top Choice Hotel

Palazzo Manfredi

Our Top Choice Restaurant

Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife

Jerry Thomas Speakeasy

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall offer ideal weather for exploring.

Average Temperature

Typically mild to hot with occasional brief showers.

Transportation Options

Metro, bus, tram, taxi, bicycle, walk, scooter, car.

Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)

My Top Recommendation

In Rome, Italy, I highly recommend taking the time to explore the historic streets of Trastevere, where charming alleys and local shops create an authentic atmosphere that captures the essence of Roman life.

For a truly memorable experience, don't miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Colosseum, where you can step back in time and imagine the gladiator battles that once took place within its ancient ruins.

What You'll Need to Bring

Clothing for warm weather, comfortable walking shoes, hat/sunglasses, sunscreen, travel guide/map, camera, adapter for electrical outlets, travel sized toiletries, a small backpack or day bag, and some local currency.

Some other items you may want to consider bringing are a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, a portable charger for your electronic devices, a reusable water bottle, and any necessary medications or prescription drugs. It's also a good idea to have copies of important documents like your passport and travel insurance information.

What Not to Miss

• The Colosseum
• Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica
• Trevi Fountain
• The Pantheon
• Roman Forum
• Spanish Steps
• Piazza Navona
• Trastevere neighborhood
• Borghese Gallery
• Piazza del Popolo

What to Avoid

• Pickpockets: Keep a close eye on your belongings and be cautious in crowded places and tourist attractions.
• Street Solicitors: Avoid engaging with street solicitors or handing out personal information.
• Unlicensed Taxi Services: Stick to licensed taxis or use reputable ride-sharing apps for transportation.
• Unofficial Tour Guides: Book tours through trusted agencies and avoid random individuals offering unofficial tours.
• Street Vendors: Be cautious when purchasing from street vendors as some may sell counterfeit or poor-quality products.
• Unmarked Restaurants: Research and choose restaurants with good reviews to avoid disappointment.
• Drinking Tap Water: It's generally advised to drink bottled water to avoid any potential health risks.
• Tourist Traps: Be aware of overpriced or low-quality establishments targeting tourists. Research and plan ahead to avoid them.
• Overpacking: Pack smart and travel light to avoid unnecessary hassle and the risk of losing belongings.
• Public Transportation During Rush Hour: Try to avoid using public transportation during peak hours to avoid overcrowding.

Please note that these recommendations are meant to provide a general sense of what to be cautious of in Rome. It's always a good idea to research more about the city and its specific safety tips before traveling.

Table of Contents

1. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most stunning natural wonders, stretching for over 2,300 kilometers off the coast of Australia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a vast array of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish and countless species of coral.

Visitors can explore the reef by snorkeling, scuba diving, or taking a glass-bottomed boat tour over blue waters teeming with colorful tropical fish.

A visit to the Great Barrier Reef offers a unique opportunity to witness one of the world's most impressive natural wonders and should be on everyone's travel bucket list.

2. Explore the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World . Layers of red rock stretch down into the canyon, with the Colorado River carving its way through the landscape.

The Grand Canyon is over 446 km long and up to 29 km wide, with depths of over 1.8 km in some places.

Visitors to the Grand Canyon can hike and explore the many viewpoints and trails. The Grand Canyon is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, mountain lions, and bald eagles.

This unique place is sure to leave a lasting impression and should be on top of your travel bucket list.

3. Walk the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 km across the northern part of China. It is an iconic symbol of Chinese civilization and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The Great Wall of China was built more than 2,000 years ago and includes many different sections, some of which are open to visitors.

Visitors can walk along the ramparts, explore the watchtowers and fortresses, and learn about the fascinating history of this incredible structure. A visit to the Great Wall of China is an opportunity to witness one of the most impressive feats of human engineering in history.

4. Float in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea , located between Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, is the lowest point on Earth . Its salt concentration is ten times that of the ocean, making it impossible for any living creature to survive in it. However, its high salinity allows visitors to float effortlessly on the surface.

The mineral-rich mud found in the Dead Sea is also famous for its healing properties, and many people come to the area to enjoy the health benefits of soaking in it. The surrounding desert landscape is also stunning, with rugged mountains and rock formations creating a dramatic backdrop to the Dead Sea.

5. Visit Iguazú National Park

Iguazú National Park in Argentina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, a natural wonder consisting of over 270 individual waterfalls that stretch over 2.7 km along the Iguazú River. The park is also home to jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, and over 400 species of birds.

Visitors can explore the many walking trails and take a boat tour that brings them up close to the thundering falls. The experience of standing in awe of the sheer power and beauty of the Iguazú Falls makes Iguazú National Park one of the most impressive sites in South America.

6. Step Inside the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

It served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties and covers an area of over 72 hectares, with more than 9,000 rooms and countless treasures on display.

The Forbidden City is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture , with its intricate rooflines, ornate courtyards, and majestic halls. Visitors to the Forbidden City can learn about China's rich imperial history and marvel at the impressive collection of art and artifacts.

7. See the Northern Lights in Iceland

The Northern Lights , also known as the Aurora Borealis , are one of nature's most spectacular light displays, and Iceland is one of the best places to witness them.

The Northern Lights occur when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth's atmosphere, creating a beautiful display of colors.

Iceland 's clear skies, low light pollution, and location near the Arctic Circle make it an ideal place to witness this phenomenon. Visitors can view the Northern Lights from various locations around Iceland and also see glaciers, mountains, and even hot springs.

Seeing the Northern Lights is a truly magical experience that should be on every traveler's bucket list.

8. Visit the Golden Temple of Amritsar

The Golden Temple of Amritsar , also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion and one of the most revered places in India . It is located in the city of Amritsar and is known for its gilded exterior, which glows in the sunlight.

The Golden Temple complex includes a large pool, which is believed to have healing powers , and visitors can take a dip in its holy waters. The Golden Temple is also famous for its communal kitchen, which serves free food to anyone who visits.

The Golden Temple is a symbol of peace, unity, and inclusivity and is a must-visit destination for your travel bucket list.

9. Cruise through Vietnam's Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is known for its emerald waters, towering cliffs, and over 1,600 rocky islands that rise out of the water, creating an otherworldly landscape. Visitors can explore the many caves and lagoons, as well as take a cruise to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding scenery.

Ha Long Bay is also home to dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish, making it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling . There are also various fishing villages and floating markets scattered throughout the bay. A visit to Ha Long Bay is an opportunity to witness the raw beauty of nature and immerse oneself in Vietnamese culture and history.

10. See the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco , California, spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting the city to Marin County. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge, or take a boat tour for stunning views from below.

The bridge's vibrant orange color and stunning architecture make it a favorite spot for photography, and it has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and songs. A visit to the Golden Gate Bridge offers a chance to immerse oneself in the culture of San Francisco and to witness one of the engineering marvels in the world.

11. Visit the Colosseum, UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Colosseum , located in the heart of Rome , is one of the world's most iconic landmarks and an unparalleled testament to the glory of ancient Roman engineering and architecture. It is no wonder that the Colosseum has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.

Built almost 2,000 years ago, this amphitheater once held up to 80,000 spectators and was the site of many gladiatorial battles. Visitors to Italy's capital city can explore the Colosseum's architecture and ancient Roman culture .

A visit to the Colosseum is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the history of one of the greatest civilizations in the Western world. There are also plenty of exciting things to do in Rome .

12. See the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower in Paris , France, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Standing 324 meters tall, the tower offers stunning panoramic views of the city of Paris, making it a must-visit attraction for any traveler.

Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower is a testament to human ingenuity and engineering. Visitors can choose to take the stairs or an elevator to the top of the tower, where they can enjoy unparalleled views of the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

13. Climb the Stairs at Tianmen Mountain

Located in the Hunan Province of China , Tianmen Mountain is a natural wonder that offers visitors a breathtaking experience.

The 999-step staircase that leads to the top of the mountain is carved into the side of a cliff and is surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views of the area.

Climbing the stairs is an exhilarating experience that rewards visitors with unforgettable views of the mountain. At the top of the mountain, visitors can explore the Tianmen Cave , a natural archway that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

14. Take a Boat Trip in Iceland's Iceberg Lagoon

A boat trip in Iceland's Iceberg Lagoon , also known as Jökulsárlón , is a truly unforgettable experience.

The lagoon is filled with icebergs of all shapes and sizes, floating serenely in the tranquil water. Some of these magnificent ice formations are over 1,000 years old.

The lagoon is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including the Vatnajökull glacier and the rugged peaks of the surrounding mountains. As visitors glide through the lagoon, they can witness the constant evolution of the icebergs, as they gradually melt and transform into new shapes.

15. Discover the Amazon Rainforest and River

The Amazon Rainforest is one of the world's most remarkable natural wonders, spanning over 2 million square miles and containing over 10 million species of plants, animals, and insects.

The Amazon River is the largest in the world by volume, and the rainforest is home to jaguars, sloths, monkeys, and thousands of bird species.

A visit to the Amazon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the incredible diversity and complexity of the natural world. Visitors can take guided tours of the lush rainforest, canoe along the river, and explore the many indigenous communities that call the Amazon home.

16. See the Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls , located on the border of Canada and the United States , draws millions of visitors each year. Niagara Falls are made up of three different waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Visitors to Niagara Falls can take a boat tour and go into the center of Horseshoe Falls , or view them from observation decks on either side of the border.

The surrounding area also offers a variety of attractions and nature trails. A visit to Niagara Falls is an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave you in awe of the power of nature.

17. Visit the Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, consisting of over 1,000 coral islands . It is a dream holiday destination for many travelers seeking a luxurious and relaxing vacation.

Visitors can experience a variety of water activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. A visit to the Maldives is an opportunity to experience the ultimate in relaxation, luxury, and natural beauty.

18. Take a Helicopter Tour of Victoria Falls

A helicopter tour of Victoria Falls takes visitors on a flight over the massive cascade of water as it plummets over 100 meters into the gorge below. The helicopter also flies over the Zambezi River, offering stunning views of the Zambezi National Park and the Batoka Gorge.

A helicopter tour of Victoria Falls provides a unique perspective on one of the world's natural wonders. It is a must-do for adventure seekers and nature lovers, offering an exhilarating experience that will create memories to last a lifetime.

19. Swim with Whale Sharks in Cancun

Swimming with whale sharks in Cancun is one of the most exciting bucket list ideas and offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the world's largest creatures. Whale sharks can grow up to 40 feet long and weigh over 20 tons.

Visitors to Cancun, Mexico can take a boat ride out to the open waters of the Caribbean Sea, where they can snorkel alongside whale sharks in their natural habitat. The experience is both humbling and exhilarating and provides a rare opportunity to witness the beauty of these creatures up close.

20. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Petra in Jordan

The ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan are one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world. Known as the "Rose City," Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic symbol of Jordanian culture.

Visitors can explore the Treasury and Monastery , as well as its numerous tombs, temples, and other structures. The intricate carvings and stunning architecture of Petra's buildings are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Nabataean people who built them over 2,000 years ago.

21. Watch the Sunset over the Arno River in Florence

Watching the sunset over the Arno River in Florence is an unforgettable experience that should be on any traveler's bucket list. As the sun sets, the river and the cityscape take on a warm, golden glow that is simply breathtaking.

Visitors can watch as the sun sets behind the hills, casting warm pink hues across the Ponte Vecchio , the Duomo, and the Palazzo Vecchio. The serene beauty of the sunset over the Arno River captures the essence of Florence, making it a must-see attraction for any traveler visiting Italy.

22. Go on an African Safari in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world. The park is home to the largest land mammal migration on earth, with over 2 million wildebeest and other herbivores making their way across the plains each year.

Visitors to the park can witness this incredible spectacle and spot a variety of other wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and giraffes. Serengeti National Park also offers a unique cultural experience, with opportunities to visit local Maasai villages.

23. Walk through Indonesia's Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Indonesia's Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of the most stunning landscapes in Bali. The verdant, terraced rice fields have been cultivated for over 2,000 years and are a testament to the ingenuity of the Balinese farmers who have built this intricate system of irrigation.

Visitors to Tegalalang can stroll along the terraces and learn about the traditional methods of rice farming that have been passed down through generations. The rice terraces are particularly beautiful during the rainy season when the fields are at their greenest and most lush.

24. See the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Located in the heart of the city of Pisa, Italy, the tower's unusual lean has made it famous around the globe.

Visitors can climb the 294 steps to the top, where they can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The Leaning Tower is also part of the larger Piazza dei Miracoli complex, which includes the Duomo di Pisa, the Baptistry, and the Camposanto Monumentale.

A visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is an opportunity to witness one of the most fascinating architectural wonders in the world.

25. Stand at the top of the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building in New York City is an experience that is sure to take your breath away. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the iconic building offers stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline.

On clear days, visitors can see as far as 80 miles away. The Empire State Building is not only a must-visit destination for its incredible views, but also for its cultural significance.

The building has played a prominent role in American pop culture , featuring in numerous movies, TV shows, and songs.

26. See Paricutin Volcano

Paricutin Volcano in Michoacán, Mexico , was formed in 1943 when a farmer's field began to erupt, and it grew to over 1,000 feet in just one year. Today, visitors can hike to the top of the volcano and witness the incredible power of nature.

Paricutin Volcano is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America , and a top destination for anyone interested in geology or natural history. The landscape around the volcano is stark and surreal, with black lava fields stretching as far as the eye can see.

27. Trek to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city in the Andes Mountains of Peru , and it is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. Visitors can take a train trip from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, before hiking or taking a bus to the site itself.

The ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built in the 15th century, featuring intricate stonework, terraced fields, and sacred temples. Perched 7,970 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

28. Discover Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Palawan , located in the Philippines , is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. One of the most popular attractions in Palawan is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature .

The park features an underground river system that winds through a maze of caves and tunnels, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. The river is home to monkeys, bats, and exotic birds. The park also offers hiking trails, mangrove forests, and stunning views of the mountains and coastline.

29. Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Bagan's Temples

Bagan , located in Myanmar , is home to one of the world's most stunning temple complexes. With over 2,200 ancient temples and pagodas, the area is a testament to the rich cultural history of Myanmar.

A hot air balloon ride at Bagan provides a unique perspective on this historic site. Visitors can witness the beauty of the ancient temples and appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of the architecture.

A hot air balloon ride over Bagan is truly a magical experience for travelers visiting Myanmar.

30. Skydive the Great Blue Hole

Skydiving at the Great Blue Hole in Belize is an experience that every adventure seeker should add to their bucket list. The Great Blue Hole is a massive underwater sinkhole , considered one of the world's best diving spots, and skydiving above it offers a unique perspective.

As the plane ascends to 13,000 feet, skydivers can take in the breathtaking views of the turquoise waters below and the beautiful Belizean coastline. As they jump out of the plane, they freefall for over a minute before the parachute deploys, enjoying a beautiful view of the blue hole and reefs.

31. Visit the mighty Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia is an iconic basilica located in Barcelona , Spain, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. The basilica has been under construction since 1882 and is still not yet completed, making it a unique attraction to visit as you can witness the construction process firsthand.

The intricate design of the basilica is sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor. A visit to Sagrada Familia is not only an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the building but also to learn about its history and the vision of Antoni Gaudi .

32. See the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is made of white marble and adorned with intricate carvings and semi-precious stones, including lapis lazuli, jade, and turquoise.

The beauty and craftsmanship of the Taj Mahal are truly awe-inspiring and have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Visitors can marvel at the impressive architecture and learn about the significance of this stunning monument. Watching the sunrise or sunset over the Taj Mahal is a magical experience that should not be missed.

33. See the Pyramids of Giza

Egypt's Giza is home to one of the most famous ancient wonders of the world, the Great Pyramid. The pyramids of Giza were built over 4,500 years ago and remain a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptians.

The size and grandeur of the pyramids are awe-inspiring, and visitors can learn about the ancient culture and religion of the Egyptians**. The Sphinx**, an ancient statue of a mythical creature, also stands on the Giza plateau and is a symbol of ancient Egyptian art and mythology.

34. Visit Easter Island

Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean is famous for its giant stone statues, known as Moai , which were created by the indigenous Rapa Nui people over 1,000 years ago. These incredible statues are scattered across the island and have become a symbol of Easter Island's cultural heritage.

Easter Island is also home to beautiful beaches, volcanic craters, and unique wildlife, such as the endemic Easter Island woodpecker and the Rapa Nui horse. Visitors can learn about the island's history and culture by visiting the Rapa Nui National Park , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

35. Visit the Sydney Opera House

The iconic Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia , is known worldwide for its unique and stunning design. The building was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973.

Its distinctive shell-shaped roofs are made up of over a million tiles and make for a truly spectacular sight, especially when it is illuminated. The Opera House hosts a wide range of events, including opera, ballet, theater, and live music.

36. Explore Banff National Park

Banff National Park , located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada , is home to snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and alpine meadows. Visitors can explore the park's natural wonders by hiking, mountain biking, or skiing, with trails available for all levels of experience.

Banff National Park is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, grizzly bears, and wolves, making it a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy the park's hot springs , visit historic sites such as the Banff Springs Hotel, or take scenic drives through the park.

37. Visit the Bo Kaap Neighborhood in Cape Town

The Bo Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa , is a vibrant area that is well worth a visit. The neighborhood is known for its brightly painted houses, cobbled streets, and steep hills, which make for a unique and picturesque backdrop.

Bo Kaap is home to a large Cape Malay community , whose culture and cuisine can be experienced through the many restaurants and cafes in the area. The Bo Kaap Museum offers insight into the neighborhood's history and the culture of the Cape Malays.

38. Visit the Los Glaciares National Park

South America is home to many incredible national parks, but one of the most amazing ones is the Los Glaciares National Park in the Patagonia region of Argentina . The national park is famous for its stunning glaciers, including the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Perito Moreno is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing. Visitors can explore the park by hiking, kayaking, or taking a boat tour, with many opportunities to see the glaciers up close. The park is also home to guanacos, pumas, and Andean condors.

39. Walk the Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Strip is known for its bright lights, endless entertainment options, and vibrant atmosphere. The 4.2-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard is lined with some of the world's most iconic hotels, casinos, and resorts, all competing to outdo each other with their elaborate and flashy designs.

The neon lights of the Strip are a sight to behold in Las Vegas, Nevada , particularly at night. Visitors can explore world-class restaurants, high-end shops, famous casinos, and live shows. You can also see attractions, such as the Bellagio Fountains, the High Roller observation wheel, and the Mirage's erupting volcano.

40. Explore the Museum of Modern Art of New York

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the most renowned art museums in the world, located in the heart of Manhattan in New York City . The museum's vast collection of modern and contemporary art includes works by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Andy Warhol.

The museum also hosts a range of special events throughout the year, showcasing the work of emerging and established artists. The MoMA allows visitors to explore the history of modern and contemporary art and see the world's most iconic works up close.

41. See the Namib Desert

The Namib Desert stretches along the coast of Namibia , Angola , and South Africa , and is home to many rare and endemic species. The desert is known for its stunning landscape of towering sand dunes.

The desert's dramatic landscapes include rugged mountains, vast salt pans, and expansive gravel plains. Visitors to the Namib Desert can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to hot air ballooning and gazing at the night skies.

42. Go to the Top of the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building , located in Dubai , United Arab Emirates. The observation deck, located on the 124th floor of the building, offers amazing panoramic views of the city and the desert.

The Burj Khalifa also boasts the world's fastest elevator, which takes visitors to the observation deck in just 60 seconds. A visit to the top of the Burj Khalifa is a thrilling experience and a unique opportunity to see the world from the tallest building in the world.

43. See the Wailing Wall

The Western Wall , also known as the Wailing Wall , is one of the most important religious sites in the world, located in the Old City of Jerusalem , Israel. The wall is part of the ancient temple complex, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, and is the last remaining section of the outer wall of the Second Temple.

The Western Wall has been a place of pilgrimage and prayer for Jews for centuries and is considered one of the holiest sites in Judaism. Visitors from all over the world come to the wall to offer prayers and leave notes with their wishes in the crevices of the stones.

44. Discover the Magnificent Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat covers over 400 acres and includes temples, moats, and intricate carvings.

Visitors can explore the various temples and buildings, including the iconic central temple tower, and marvel at the intricate carvings depicting stories from Hindu mythology.

A visit to Angkor Wat offers a unique opportunity to experience the ancient world and witness the achievements of one of the world's most advanced civilizations.

45. See the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio

The Christ the Redeemer statue is an iconic landmark in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. Standing at 98 feet tall, it towers over the city and is a symbol of both Christianity and Brazilian culture.

Visitors can take a train or hike up to the statue for stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The statue itself is a magnificent work of art, and its size and beauty are awe-inspiring.

46. Explore the Chichén Itzá ancient city

Chichén Itzá is an ancient Mayan city in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The city is home to numerous temples, pyramids, and other ancient structures, including the iconic El Castillo pyramid.

Visitors can explore the site on foot and learn about the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization. They can also witness the famous phenomenon of the "equinox," where the sunlight creates a shadow resembling a serpent along the steps of the El Castillo pyramid.

47. See the Views from the Space Needle

The Space Needle in Seattle , Washington was built for the 1962 World's Fair, and since then, it has become one of the most popular attractions in the city. Visitors can take the elevator to the top of the Needle, which offers stunning panoramic views of the area.

The observation deck is 520 feet high, and visitors can enjoy the world's first and only rotating glass floor, providing a unique and exhilarating experience. The Space Needle is an architectural marvel, and a visit to Seattle is incomplete without a trip to this iconic structure.

48. Explore Tahiti, French Polynesia

Tahiti is the largest and most famous island in French Polynesia . The island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and lush tropical forests.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, surfing , and exploring the local culture. Whether you're seeking adventure or just want to soak up the sun on a secluded beach, Tahiti has something for everyone.

A visit to Tahiti is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

50. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The bridge also offers a unique perspective of the famous Sydney Opera House . Whether you're interested in architecture, or simply want to experience one of the world's most iconic landmarks, a visit to the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an unforgettable experience.

FAQs Related to the Best Travel Bucket List Destinations

Let's explore some frequently asked questions regarding the best bucket list travel destinations.

What is your travel bucket list?

A travel bucket list is a list of places you most want to visit in your life. Travel bucket lists often include things like seeing the Northern Lights and the Great Wall of China or going on an African Safari.

How do I make a travel bucket list?

To create a travel bucket list, start by brainstorming places you have always wanted to visit or experiences you have always wanted to have. Research UNESCO World Heritage Sites**,** the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and consider how you could make your dreams a reality.

You can also seek inspiration from travel blogs or talking to friends who have traveled to places you are interested in.

Should I make a travel bucket list?

Making a travel bucket list can be a fun way to motivate yourself to travel and experience new things. It can also help you prioritize your travel goals and ensure that you make the most of your time and resources. However, it's important to remember that travel plans can change, and it's okay to be flexible and open to new opportunities that arise.

What would be a trip of a lifetime?

A trip of a lifetime is a subjective term and can mean different things to different people. For some, it may be hiking to the top of Mount Everest or exploring the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and the Great Wall of China, while for others, it may be taking a luxury cruise or exploring a charming city.

It's a trip that is significant to you personally, one that fulfills your dreams for travel and exploration.

Summing Up: Best Travel bucket list Destinations for a Lifetime of Memories

The world is full of awe-inspiring places and our 50 travel bucket list ideas offer a variety of unique experiences.

From the beauty of the African safari to the majesty of the Taj Mahal, from the Colorado River Grand Canyon to ancient cities in South America and the Middle East, these bucket list destinations offer a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

Whether you're looking to visit world-class museums to the seven wonders of the world, there is something for everyone on this ultimate travel bucket list. So, pick your favorite bucket list destination, pack your bags, and embark on a journey of a lifetime.

Visit the Colosseum, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Step Inside the Forbidden City

See the Eiffel Tower

Visit the leaning tower of pisa.

See the Taj Mahal

Explore the Chichén Itzá ancient city

Related articles, featured in.

How to Create Your Ultimate Travel Bucket List + 115 Ideas

By Author Disha Smith

Posted on Published: April 12, 2020  - Last updated: December 15, 2020

Categories Travel Tips

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Stay in an overwater villa in the Maldives, go on a hot air balloon ride in Capadoccia, or go on a safari in Africa — what’s on your travel bucket list? Have you taken a few minutes out of your busy life to stop and really think about what travel goals you want to accomplish?

Unfortunately, a lot of people wait until they’re ill, reach retirement, or have some sort of life-altering event to really think about all of the amazing destinations they want to see before they die. I even know some people who are simply waiting for the “right” moment to travel.

Let’s be real — there’s no such thing as the “right” moment. You have to create those moments and take advantage of them. Sadly, it becomes too late for many to achieve their travel goals. Life is unpredictable and you’ll get curveballs thrown at you. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be healthy enough to travel when you reach retirement age. Quite frankly, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get tomorrow.

When we were at Angkor Wat in Cambodia, we saw a lady in her 80s struggling to explore the temples. If you haven’t been, the stairs leading up to the temples are very narrow and thin. She could have severely injured herself if she fell. That moment made me realize that I’m not going to wait until I’m retired to start living my life. Since then, I’ve been on the road traveling for two years and counting.

With that being said, let’s create your ultimate travel bucket list today. I want you to be able to look back on your life with happiness and excitement because you went to every place your heart desired. How cool would that be? Since I desperately want to watch you achieve your travel goals, I’m going to walk you step by step on how to create your travel bucket list. Don’t forget to read the bottom of my post because I have a few bucket list ideas for you.

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust.   This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.   See full disclosure here.

Don’t Be Afraid to Dream Big

As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Take a few hours to really think about what your travel dreams are. There is no such thing as a silly dream. It could be your dream to travel to every country in the world. Or, your dream could be to simply travel to Paris. It doesn’t matter what it is. Write it down.

Did you know that you’re 42% more likely to achieve your dreams if you write them down ? Isn’t that crazy? You’re more likely to accomplish your travel goals just by writing them down.

Pyramids of Giza in Egypt

I don’t know about you, but I have really big travel dreams. Even though I’ve been on the road for two years, I still have so much of this beautiful world to see. Therefore, I’m constantly adding new places and experiences to my travel bucket list.

Starting your travel bucket list is empowering. It shows you how many amazing things you’re capable of accomplishing. It also makes travel feel more attainable.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s move on to the fun part and start making travel happen for you.

Creating Your Travel Bucket List

Yay, we’re at the fun part now. Below, I’ve outlined the exact steps you need to follow to create your epic travel bucket list. Get your creative pants on and use your imagination.

Step 1: Buy a Travel Journal

I don’t know about you, but I feel more motivated to write when I’m writing in something cute that fits my style. Buy a travel journal that fits your style rather than writing your travel bucket list on a random piece of paper. Buy a journal that makes you want to pick it up and write in it consistently. Here are a few adorable ones that I found:

If you’re more tech-savvy, you can use a simple Word document or create an electronic journal using Canva . I’m a little more old school and I prefer writing my goals down. I don’t know why, but it feels more empowering to me.

Once you purchase your journal, be sure to store it in a place where you have easy access to it. I’m sure you’re going to want to keep adding more destinations to it as they come to mind.

Step 2: Write Down Places You’ve Already Traveled to

This step is crucial. Creating your travel bucket list can be challenging because there are so many wonderful places out there waiting to be explored by you. However, writing down places you’ve already visited will help combat the overload. Use the back few pages of your journal for this process.

This might unveil the kind of travel you prefer. You might realize that you’ve most only visited coastal towns or that you’ve mostly done adventure travel.

The Colosseum in Rome

This process will also encourage you to keep striving for more travel. This step will serve as a reminder that you’re totally able to live a life full of travel or it’ll make you realize that you haven’t explored nearly as many places as you think you have. Either way, this step will help you fuel your wanderlust and identify what kind of travel you prefer.

Step 3: Organize Your Journal

This is easier than it sounds. Simply organize your journal by continent. This will help keep your travel bucket list organized and you know exactly where to find a location you previously wrote down to cross it off.

You can buy Post-it Tabs if you want to get all fancy and divide your journal that way. If you want to keep it simple, just grab a pen and write a continent every few pages or so. Also, I know some of you are into bullet journaling and this is the perfect opportunity to let your creative juices flow.

Step 4: Write Down Destinations That Come to Mind

Once you’ve organized your journal, immediately start writing down destinations that come to mind under the corresponding continent.

Have you always wanted to marvel at the Colosseum in Rome? Do you want to see the Taj Mahal in India? Write down as many destinations as you can.

Step 5: Research Destinations

I know that this is the step you’ve been eagerly waiting for. Go ahead and get crazy with this step. Let your imagination fly. Think about all the amazing places you’ve heard about during your life that you’ve always wanted to visit. Write them down under the proper continent section.

I had to do a classic pose at the Taj Mahal.

If you need some extra travel inspiration, head over to Pinterest and Google and type in “bucket list destinations” in the search bar. You’ll find heaps of posts with bucket list destinations that you can add to your own list. You can also scroll down to the bottom of my post and get some ideas from there too. Warning — researching bucket list destinations will cause some serious wanderlust.

Here are some questions to ask yourself that will aid in this process:

• Where have I always wanted to go?
• Where would I go if money wasn’t an obstacle?
• What international foods am I dying to try?
• What are some specific sites I want to see?
• If you were 80 years old and looking back on life, where would I regret not going?

Step 6: Write Down Experiences

Let’s kick things up a notch and write down the experiences you want to have. It’s cool to write down destinations on your travel bucket list, but it’s equally important to think about the experiences that you want in life.

This can range from watching the wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania, experience New Years Eve in Time Square, and go skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah.

This step will you find more destinations to add to your list. Plus, it gives you a better understanding of what you want to do there. Lastly, it helps you prioritize what places you want to visit over others. There’s more information on that below.

Step 7: Prioritize Your List & Create Deadlines

Grab a pen and circle which destinations you want to visit first. Keep in mind that there are some activities you want to do that are better suited to do when you’re younger. A good example of this is skydiving. I mean, you could do it when you’re 70. However, that doesn’t sound too pleasant.

I’m sure your list is lengthy right now so pick a few places you want to visit first under each continent and circle them. These are the destinations that you should start striving hard to visit.

New York City

Then, next to each destination, write a date by which you want to visit. I know you’re excited, but it’s important to be realistic. Spend some time and calculate what is practical for you. If you only have two vacation weeks per year, it’s unlikely that you’re visiting Bali, Hawaii, and Rome in one year.

Creating a deadline will make you work harder for your goals and help you realize what actions you need to take to turn your travel dreams into reality.

Guess what? You’ve now created your awesome travel bucket list.

Bucket List Ideas

As promised, here are some awesome bucket list ideas for you to add to your own. Like I said before, I’ve traveled to quite a few places but I still have so many great places to see. I’ve divided it by continent so it’s easier for you to browse through.

North America

1. Lake Tahoe, California 2. Glacier National Park, Montana 3. Seattle, Washington 4. San Diego, California 5. Vancouver, Canada 6. Banff National Park, Canada 7. Portland, Maine 8. Tulum, Mexico 9. Cayman Islands 10. Puerto Rico 11. New York City, New York 12. Charleston, South Carolina 13. Grand Canyon, Arizona 14. Niagara Falls 15. New Orleans, Louisiana 16. Pacific Coast Highway, California 17. Joshua Tree National Park, California 18. Chicago, Illinois 19. Boston, Massachusetts 20. Oahu, Hawaii 21. Denali National Park, Alaska 22. Antelope Canyon, Arizona 23. Big Sur, California 24. Napa Valley, California 25. Key West, Florida 26. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts 27. La Fortuna, Costa Rica 28. Belize City, Belize 29. Tikal, Guatemala 30. Antigua, Guatemala 31. Panama City, Panama 32. St. Lucia 33. St. Vincent & the Grenadines 34. Anguilla 35. Barbados 36. Jamaica 37. Cuba 38. Aruba 39. Curacao 40. Trinidad and Tobago 41. Bermuda

South America

42. Machu Picchu, Peru 43. Buenos Aires, Argentina 44. Iguazu Falls 45. Galapagos Island, Ecuador 46. Cartagena, Colombia 47. Medellin, Colombia 48. Santiago, Chile 49. Easter Island, Chile 50. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia 51. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 52. Ushuaia, Argentina 53. Falkland Islands

54. Dublin, Ireland 55. Hallstatt, Austria 56. Bruges, Belgium 57. Brussels, Belgium 58. Split, Croatia 59. Dubrovnik, Croatia 60. Prague, Czech Republic 61. Paris, France 62. Nice, France 63. Munich, Germany 64. Mykonos, Greece 65. Santorini, Greece 66. Budapest, Hungary 67. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland 68. Venice, Italy 69. Rome, Italy 70. Amsterdam, Netherlands 71. Valletta, Malta 72. Barcelona, Spain 73. Madrid, Spain 74. Zermatt, Switzerland 75. Bergen, Norway 76. St. Petersburg, Russia

77. Cape Town, South Africa 78. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt 79. Alexandria, Egpyt 80. Tunis, Tunisia (currently the #1 item on my bucket list) 81. Chefchaouen, Morrocco 82. Marrakesh, Morrocco 83. Maasai Mara, Kenya 84. Mahe Island, Seychelles 85. Île aux Cerfs, Mauritius 86. Zanzibar, Tanzania 87. Victoria Falls, Zambia 88. Devils Pool, Zimbabwe

89. Dubai, United Arab Emirates 90. Angkor Wat, Cambodia 91. Maldives 92. Taj Mahal, India 93. Petra, Jordan 94. Beirut, Lebanon 95. Istanbul, Turkey 96. Cappadocia, Turkey 97. Doha, Qatar 98. Halong Bay, Vietnam 99. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 100. Bukhara, Uzbekistan 101. Gobi Desert, Mongolia 102. Bangkok, Thailand 103. Singapore 104. Seoul, South Korea 105. Hoi An, Vietnam 106. Hong Kong

107. Melbourne, Australia 108. Sydney, Australia 109. Cairns, Australia 110. Auckland, New Zealand 111. Wellington, New Zealand 112. Bay of Islands, New Zealand 113. American Samoa 114. Fiji 115. Tonga

I hope you’re excited to build your travel bucket list and that you have some great ideas on what to add to your list. Which destinations are you going to add to your bucket list? Let me know in the comments below.

Wait — don’t leave yet!

Are you looking for more travel inspiration?   You’ll love these posts too.

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5 Ways to Achieve Financial Freedom so You Can Travel More

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling More with a Full-Time Job

How to Save Money for Travel

Home Travel: 12 Ways to Travel the World Without Leaving Home

Like this post about how to create your ultimate travel bucket list ?   Pin it and share it with others.

Disha Smith is the founder of Disha Discovers. She quit her job in 2017 to travel the world to explore new cultures and experience new adventures. She has since been to 95+ countries and counting and has lived in South Africa, Thailand, Croatia, and Australia. She has done all kinds of travel ranging from luxury to budget backpacking, and her mission is to inspire others to discover their own sense of adventure and to help them plan a life full of meaningful experiences through travel.

Sunday 29th of November 2020

So many good ideas! I'm based in the Bay Area and go up to Tahoe every year. I recommend the skiing there to anyone who's planning on visiting.

Disha Smith

Sunday 6th of December 2020

Thanks for reading, Vivian! :)

Sunday 19th of April 2020

Great post! My problem is my bucket list just keeps getting bigger and I constantly change my mind about where I want to go next. It's out of control haha.

Saturday 25th of April 2020

Haha! That's a good problem to have, Francesca. Thanks for reading!

Saturday 18th of April 2020

This is an amazing way to structure your travel and decide what experiences are important to you

Thanks for reading, Roshni!

What a fun list! Your first city for Europe is Dublin, and that is where I plan to go next! Had to cancel my trip for next month, but I hope someday to get there!

Awww I'm sorry to hear that, Sharon! I hope we can all get back to traveling soon.

What a great list. I have a bucket list and aim to cross at least one or two things of a year. Some are big, some are a little closer to home, but having travel goals is important

Thank you, Emma! Yes, having travel goals is necessary.

Travel Bucket List: 100 Best Places to Visit & Destination Ideas

If you’re anything like me, then there is nothing better than waking up in a new place and enjoying the best adventures that are a world away from your normal routine. These ultimate experiences around the globe are what I have found to be the best of the best, and I hope these ideas inspire you to add a destination or two to your travel bucket list (and to start checking them off!).

If you need even more motivation than just these traveling bucket list ideas, check out my 200 travel quotes for inspiration.

Travel Bucket List Ideas: Ultimate Trip Destinations & Places to Visit

1. hike to the top of piaynemo in raja ampat.

Indonesia is filled with beautiful scenery, but for me none was more picturesque than the view from the top of Piaynemo Island in Raja Ampat. Pulling up to the small dock on the island, there was a set of stairs heading straight up into the forest.

These 318 steps (I counted!) were strenuous in the humid heat, but the view from the top was worth every single one. From the peak you can see an iconic karst island seascape, small islands surrounded by a dozen shades of brilliant turquoise. This million dollar view wasn’t my only reward, so was the fresh coconut juice waiting for me at the bottom.

Read More:   Raja Ampat Bucket List: 7 Things to Do

2. Pull an All-Nighter in Ibiza

Ibiza, an island off the coast of Spain, is notorious for its parties but also boasts crystal clear water and lux beaches. So experience the best of both worlds by staying up all night in the club and then drifting to the beach to see one of the islands infamous sunrises. Big-name DJs, and festivals are frequent on the island, and there are a wide variety of accommodation and food options, from high to low end. Your time will fly in this incredible destination.

• From Ibiza: Full-Day Sailing Tour to Formentera
• Ibiza: Town Highlights Tour by Bike
• Ibiza: All-Inclusive Sunset Boat Trip

3. Spend the Night in Jordan’s Wadi Rum Desert

Wadi Rum is 720 square kilometers of heart stopping desert landscape, where a maze of sheer-sided sandstone and granite monoliths rise up from the valley floor. Touring Petra Archaeological Site and floating in the Dead Sea were absolutely unforgettable experiences in Jordan , but spending the night in the vast Wadi Rum Desert was an adventure.

In this UNESCO desert you can ride camels along the same path as Lawrence of Arabia, run down the soft sand dunes and sleep inside of a tent in a small Bedouin-run camp surrounded by sandstone rocks. It is the ultimate adventure!

Get booking information for these top rated camps: Luxury: Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp , Moderate: Obeid’s Bedouin Life Camp , Budget Wadi Rum Camp > Bedouin Lifestyle Camp

4. Take the Walk of Faith at Tianmen Mountain in China

In the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park you will find a 196-foot long see-through glass path that stands over 4,000 feet above sea level. This adrenaline-producing walkway clings to the side of the Tianmen Mountain. A stroll along this path is only for the most adventurous, who will marvel at the crystal-clear view below their trembling feet.

5. Feed the Swimming Pigs of Exuma

Somewhere out there in the Outer Exuma Islands is Big Major Cay, a small island ruled by pigs—that’s right, actual pigs! It is in fact one of the biggest attractions on this island. The pigs will swim out to your boat as you approach the island and depending on how friendly they are on the day they will hang around, swim with you guys and have some of your lunch as well.

If you are pressed for time, there is a closer piggy island called White Bay. I booked the half-day tour there with Exuma Water Sports and it was GREAT! For the full day tour that includes a nurse shark swim check out this tour: Swimming Pigs & Tour – Morning Excursion with Transportation

The swimming pigs tend to come out to play when the midday sun cools down a bit. There are myths and stories of how the swimming pigs of the Bahamas got there. Some people believe that they survived a shipwreck while others think that they were left there by pirates who intended them to be a future meal but never came back. Whatever the case, they are interesting swimming companions and one of the most unique ideas on this list.

Read More: Pig Beach: The Bahama’s Swimming Pigs of Exuma Island and the Best Bahamas

6. See the Great Pyramids at Giza

The Great Pyramids at Giza have had a firm hold on the western imagination for generations… and with good reason. They are a true marvel to behold! The Pyramids were created as tombs for various pharaohs, and their consorts, to ensure transcendence into the afterlife. And thanks to the many artifacts the ancient Egyptians left within their tombs, we now have an incredible insight into their epic history. Still, there is nothing quite like seeing them up close… especially on camel back.

Read More: UNESCO Bucket List: 100 Top World Heritage Sites to See

7. Swim in Jellyfish Lake in Palau

Jellyfish Lake in the Micronesian country of Palau is home to millions of jellyfish that are deemed relatively harmless since their sting is so light. It was still frightening for the first five minutes to be surrounded by jellyfish, some brushing up against my body. But, after the panic dissipated, this was one of my all-time favorite bucket list travel adventures.

Read More: Swim in Jellyfish Lake in Palau

8. Sleep in an Overwater Bungalow in Bora Bora

You’ve seen the photos of a string of bungalows perched atop the azure waters below. A memorable trip to Tahiti’s Bora Bora must include a night in one of these overwater hideaways where you can wake by diving into the warm water and go to sleep to the sound of the swish of the water beneath you. One of the most luxurious ones you will find is at the Four Seasons .

9. Marvel at Guyana’s Kaieteur Falls

Venture into the Amazon rainforest to see Kaieteur Falls in Guyana, the world’s widest single-drop waterfall. Kaieteur Falls is one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls with an immense volume of water from the Potaro river plummeting down a cliff at a height of more than 700 feet in the Kaieteur National Park. Located in Guyana’s Potaro-Siparuni region, the waterfall nestled in the Amazon rainforest is the closest you can get to pure nature when compared with other well-known waterfalls. As you watch the more than 350-foot-wide waterfall plunge from the edge of the steep rock face, you will be in awe of the beauty and power of nature.

Read More: Guyana’s Kaieteur Falls: One of South America’s Best Waterfalls

10. Walk Through Indonesia’s Tegalalang Rice Terraces

If you’ve seen pictures from Bali, you’ve probably seen a few of these stunning green rice paddies. They are some of the island’s most popular destinations for travelers, and they don’t disappoint!

The traditional Tegalalang Rice Terraces are just about half an hour north of Ubud, in the Tegalalang Village. The whole community pitches in to maintain the paddies’ complex irrigation system, which is centuries old. They also let tourists in to wander much of the terraces for free.

Read More: Bali Points of Interest: 1-Day Itinerary in Indonesia’s Popular Cruise Port

11. Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Take your life list to another level and trek through the dense rain forest of Uganda to get a close encounter with the mountain gorillas of the jungle. The fact that these species are on the brink of extinction and you need to travel to faraway lands to see them adds to the experience. A great place to see them is at Bwindi Forest National Park .

12. Drive Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway is a 25 mile section of U.S Route 550, from Silverton to Ouray in Coloraado. It was initially built in the 1880s, and offers one of the most thrilling road experiences. The highway is part of the San Juan Skyway that snakes its way through the San Juan mountains passing through Dolores, Telluride and Durango.

You will go up and down three mountain passes – the Coal Bank Pass, the Molas Pass and the Red Mountain Pass during a ride on this route. All three have an elevation of more than 10,000 feet (3000 m) each. In certain areas, watch out for steep drops, hairpin bends and absence of guardrails. Keep your eyes on the road during the tricky sections, and admire the stunning vistas during the easy portions of the drive.

Of course you can drive your own car along this adventurous route, or a more unique idea is to do as I did and make the ride even more thrilling in a sporty Polaris Slingshot !

13. Tour a Monastery at Meteora in Greece

Greece is not all about white buildings with blue rooftops and delicious Greek food . There is so much more to explore. Like, the Meteora monasteries. Meteora, meaning “suspended in the air” in Greek, is a magical complex of six active monasteries that are strategically built on natural sandstone pillars, some that rise up to thirteen hundred feet in the air.

Perched on the pinnacles of the Thessaly region, worshippers came to this world heritage site to discover peace and absolute isolation. Many years ago, access to these monasteries was strenuous, using handmade ladders and baskets with a pulley system to hoist the monks and their goods up — this was a system that had long been abandoned by the time I had arrived!

You can admire the Meteora Monasteries from afar, but also take the opportunity to tour the interiors and get a glimpse into a monk’s lifestyle one thousand years ago.

You can attempt to navigate to Meteora on your own or for an easier option book a tour: 2-Day Trip to Delphi and Meteora from Athens .

14. Cruise through Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay

Just three-and-a-half-hour drive from the bustle of the city of Hanoi lays a peaceful set of 1,600 islands and islets, Halong Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been the backdrop to many movies, including the Oscar-winning Indochine. Spend a day or a week cruising through the green-topped limestone islands and emerald waters on an ancient-style junk boat.

Read More: Halong Bay Day Trip: The Best Vietnam Junk Boat Cruise Book a Tour: Halong Bay Islands and Caves: Full-Day Tour from Hanoi or Halong Bay 2-Day Cruise with V’Spirit Cruises

15. Sleep in an Ice Hotel in Sweden

Each year in the village of Jukkasjärvi, in northern Sweden, the IceHotel is built from natural ice and snow. It is an art exhibition as much as a hotel, where the canvases span from floor to ceiling. Spend the night in one of their negative-five-degree rooms, where you will be surrounded by artistically chiseled ice. It’s a bonus that there is also a chance of seeing the Northern Lights from their location on the bank of the Torne River.

16. Marvel at the Taj Mahal

This incredible towering structure is a tribute to one of the greatest love stories of all time. Emperor Shan Jahan built it as the burial tomb for his favorite wife after her death in the 17 th century. It is perfectly symmetrical, built of white marble from around the world, and detailed with semi-precious stones. Due to his obsession with symmetry two identical mosques flank each side of the Taj Mahal itself and it is surrounded by lush green gardens. It is not hard to see why it is one of the seven wonders of the world.

I got to see it while on a luxury train ride through India aboard the Palace on Wheels !

17. Go Tidal Bore Rafting in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia tides cause 160 billion tons of water flow through the Bay of Fundy twice a day, which feeds into the Shubenacadie River. This surge of seawater creates a once-in-a-lifetime adventure like no other, tidal bore rafting . It’s a wild ride where you will zip through up to 10 foot waves, they will crash over your motorized raft drenching you from head to toe or submerging you completely. If you have only one adventurous thing you do in Nova Scotia, this is it!!

There are many companies that have Tidal Bore Rafting. River Runners , Shubenacadie River Adventures and Fundy Tidal Bore Adventures are amongst the most popular, plus have great reviews.

Read more: A Nova Scotia Adventure: Tidal Bore Rafting the Bay of Fundy Tides

18. Take a Gondola in Venice

At one time this truly iconic activity was the only way to get around Venice. Although today there are more than one way to see the city, taking a gondola in Venice remains the most magical. As you drift along waterways with a lover, friend, or group you will pass under stone bridges and by gorgeous ancient buildings, palazzos and churches to discover corners of Venice only accessible by water. This is one of the more common ideas that is still a once in a lifetime experience in one of the world’s most picturesque city’s.

19. See the Sunrise at Borobudur Temple in Indonesia

You will need to begin your day in the wee hours of the morning (we woke up at 3:30am!) to catch the sunrise over Borobudur Temple , but it will be worth it. The historical UNESCO World Heritage site is set on a mountaintop in the central Java area of Indonesia , amidst volcanoes and lush forest. It is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, with over 500 Buddha statues scattered around the site.

Climbing to the top of 95-foot high pyramid is like a pilgrimage in itself, providing an inner peace and enlightenment. Beware that the ascent of this monument can be difficult, but there are several terraces to explore along the way, each one giving a different perspective.

Read More: 3 Sacred Indonesian Places to Visit in Yogyakarta

20. Climb Half-dome in Yosemite

This challenging hike is well-worth the effort to one of the world’s most iconic precipitates. The summit raises nearly 6000 feet above the Yosemite Valley, with the last 400 feet of the summit being assisted by metal cables. Needless to say this not for the faint of heart but it always exceeds expectations!

21. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Petra in Jordan

The ancient city of Petra was carved into the rose colored sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans as early as 312BC. There are over 30 incredible sites spread over 60 square kilometers, from temples to tombs to elaborate buildings. No Trip to Jordan would be complete without a stop here.

Three days a week visitors can attend Petra at Night , where over 1,500 candles light the mile trek from the Siq to the Treasury, an elaborate two-story tomb. A group of roughly two hundred people will walk through the narrow rock fissures that are lit by candlelight. Walking through the Siq at night is a very mysterious experience. But, don’t miss Petra by day too.

During the day, you can wander way beyond the iconic Treasury building and explore trails that will pass by the Street of Facades, the Theater, countless tombs and through the Arch.

Read More: Explore Petra Archaeological Site in Jordan Book a Tour: Private Tour: Petra Day Trip including Little Petra from Amman

22. Hike the Cinque Terre in Italy

Savor every moment of the Cinque Terre region by hiking from each charming village to the next and if you have time, staying at lovely guesthouses along the way. The path is well-maintained, well-marked, and affords truly astounding views of one of Italy’s most picturesque landscapes. You will discover various sections of the trail wind through fog covered mountains to only moments later reveal the sparkling Mediterranean coastline below! It’s a must-see and here’s everything you need to know about hiking Cinque Terre .

23. Explore the Silent City of Mdina in Malta

Mdina is the old capital of Malta and referred to as the “Silent City”. It’s not to hard to understand why. There are limited cars that can enter to immaculate town, mostly owned by the approximately 300 residents. This contributes to the peaceful atmosphere as you stroll through the narrow cobbled streets admiring the shuttered windows and a handful of quaint shops.

For a special evening, dine at The Mdina Restaurant , which specializes in Mediterranean and local cuisine, like the Stuffat Tal-Qarnit , a traditional stew consisting of octopus cooked in red wine, raisins, apples and roasted walnuts.

It’s easy to get around on your own or book one of these two tours: Mdina: Full-Day Tour with Lunch or Mosta, Crafts Village, Mdina & Valletta Full-day Tour .

24. Climb Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro

Standing at over 19,000 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak. The once-in-a-lifetime trek to the summit will have you hiking through lush rainforests, over glaciers, and across the Tanzanian landscape, plus traveling through four different climatic zones. It takes roughly six days to reach what has been called “the roof of Africa,” where the stunning view will be worth the challenge. This is one of the most popular ideas on people’s  Things to do Before You Die  lists!

25. Climb to the Peak of Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya is an ancient palace built in 480 AD, located in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka. This  UNESCO World Heritage site  is known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, well-preserved frescos, and twelve hundred different anxiety-producing levels of stairs to reach the summit. These steps will bring you to the sky palace that sits atop the rock, a royal residence built sixteen hundred years ago.

Read More: Climb to the Peak of Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka

26. Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef stretches for more than 1,200 miles, running parallel to the Queensland coastline. It is the world’s largest coral reef system with over 2,900 reefs, 1,500 fish species, 400 types of coral, and 900 remote islands. Scuba divers flock here to glide with hundreds of manta rays, marvel at the colorful sea fans, and swim with schools of blackfin barracudas.

27. Kayak with Beluga Whales in Manitoba

Between mid-June to September one of Canada’s most incredible wildlife display happens — the beluga whales come to town. More than 50,000 of these sociable creatures patrol the Arctic in Northern Manitoba, and the Hudson Bay coastline sees the world’s largest population.

Nicknamed ‘melon heads’ these majestic, fluorescent white creatures will mesmerize as much as baffle you as they swim right up to your kayak. I glided along while whales swam underneath and next to me, a couple babies even came right up to the boat to inspect my GoPro .

Read More: Kayaking with Beluga Whales in Manitoba

28. Walk the Spanish El Camino de Santiago de Compostela

El Camino de Santiago  was originally a pilgrimage leading to Santiago de Compostela, to the tomb of the apostle St. James. Now, scores of people on a personal journey walk this five-hundred- mile network of routes across Spain and Europe. Whether the motivation is spiritual or adventurous, many choose to take this month long challenge.

29. Experience Istanbul’s Call to Prayer at the Blue Mosque

Five times a day throughout the streets of Istanbul you can hear the trilling call to prayer, also known as ezan. During this time the voice of the bellowing muezzin, the man who calls the Muslims to prayer from a minaret, can be heard over the loud- speakers at different mosques in the city. One of the best locations to witness this is while sitting on the benches between the  Blue Mosque  and Hagia Sophia as a quavering musical battle begins.

Read More:   Experience Istanbul’s Call to Prayer at the Blue Mosque

30. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel that stands 2,430 meters above sea level in the mountain forest of Peru. Getting to this ancient city can be done by train, bus, or a four-day Inca trail trek along the same paths that the Incans did years ago. People choose the challenging hike not only to see other ruins along the way, but for the sense of pride when reaching this UNESCO World Heritage Site by foot.

31. Swim with Whale Sharks in Cancun

Don’t let the name “whale shark” scare you, these enormous fish are gentle giants. During the warm season, hundreds migrate to the waters of the Caribbean Sea. A boat ride from Cancun will take you to a place where you can swim with several of the largest fish in the world that grow up to sixty feet long and can weigh over forty thousand pounds. It is a thrill to be face to face with their gigantic mouths that can extend five feet when open. You can get up close and personal with a Cancun Whale Shark Tour .

Read More: Swim with Whale Sharks in Cancun

32. Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal

At over twenty-nine thousand feet, Mount Everest soars above Khumbu in northeastern Nepal. Though a rare few attempt to reach the summit, the trek to Everest Base Camp at 17,590 feet is still a challenging adventure and an achievable goal for the rest of us. Along the way the stunning Himalaya views, hospitability of the village people, and spectacular glimpse of its peak will take you aback.

33. Go on an African Safari

There are plenty of places in Africa to go on safari, but mine was done in Tanzania with the Shadows of Africa tour team. For four days we explored the surreal Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks. Though we missed out on spotting the big five, because of the elusive rhino, it was still one of the most memorable travel bucket list adventures on my list of things to do before you die.

Read More: African Safari in Tanzania: The Ultimate Itinerary and Tour

34. Walk the Great Wall of China

Even if you’re not up for tackling the entire 1800-mile length of the Great Wall, taking the opportunity to walk even a section will give you a boundless appreciation for one of mankind’s greatest engineering feats. The beauty of the surrounding landscape is astounding as you meander along the ancient border of China and Mongolia. You will pass over steep mountain ranges, thick vegetation, and see dots of villages in the distance. As you walk along remember that it was built as early as the 7 th century- a truly impressive achievement!

35. Ride in a Vintage Car in Havana

For more than 50 years Cuba has lived in seclusion from the western world, so entering Havana feels like you are being truly transported back in time. Riding around in one of the beautiful vintage cars still on the road is a quintessential Cuban experience. You will fly by turquoise waters, and grand, ethereal buildings in various states of repair. But hurry before the hordes of tourists get there, and for good measure pop in a classic Cuban Cigar for the ride.

Read more: Havana Bucket List: 40 Things to Do In Cuba’s Capital

36. Attend the Kentucky Derby

It isn’t just the world-class horses that set the Kentucky Derby apart from other horse races, it’s the spectacular hats. Let your inner Southern Belle emerge, and don your most dramatic bonnet while watching what has been called the “greatest two minutes in sports.”

37. Watch the Florence Sunset over the Arno River

There is a rumor that when the Germans were retreating, they were under strict orders from the Führer himself NOT to destroy the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. That is how beautiful this structure is, even today.

Lined with souvenir shops and high-end jewelers, this medieval work of art is something you have to cross at least once when in Florence. Be warned, it gets a little hectic because of the amount of human traffic it sees! After the chaos and shopping, simply walk to the next bridge over to watch the sun set over the Arno River as it illuminates the Ponte Vecchio Bridge in all its splendor.

Don’t forget to make a quick stop at Gusta Pizza beforehand to get a take out pie to bring to the river!

38. Shop the Souks in Morocco

The Souks in Morocco are nothing if not lively. The colorful stalls are filled with a myriad of patterns, details and countless aromas. You can buy anything from tapestries, to leather, and spices. And even if shopping isn’t your thing, the souks in Morocco are a must-see cultural experience. You will be graced with glimpses of the daily lives of the Moroccan locals. Just remember, if you are shopping don’t be afraid to haggle! It is all a part of the experience.

39. Visit Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania

High above the valley of Romania, in the principality of Transylvania, there lies an unusual castle that is said to have once been occupied by Count Dracula himself. You will find the gothic Bran Castle near the town of Brasov, which has long been linked to this ancient vampire, though Dracula probably won’t be there when you arrive. There is a mystical atmosphere surrounding  Bran Castle ; it looks like the perfect setting for a vampire novel, perched on top of a hill and filled with dozens of tunneled stairs, dark wood paneling, and stark white walls.

Read More:   Visit Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania, Romania

40. Climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris

If you think the city of Paris is beautiful from street level, you will be astonished to see it from the heart of the Eiffel Tower. There are three levels of the tower but the views from the top are truly breathtaking. The top level can be reached by lift, or steps depending on your preference. Did you know that every 7 years the tower is painted three different colors? Lighter at the top and darker at the bottom to give the tower the illusion of extra height. See for yourself if it is as tall as your imagined with this bucket list experience.

41. Bicycle (or Walk) Across the Golden Gate

Even though it happens often for me, driving over the Golden Gate bridge still is impressive. But, what is even more thrilling is taking a bicycle ride or a walk across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge . You can bring your own bike or easily rent one nearby. Blazing Saddles is a reputable company that will take you on an 8-mile guided bike tour that includes a ride across the bridge or choose to do a self-guided trip ( booking information here ). Just be sure to abide by the laws of the bridge for bikes and pedestrians.

Book a Tour: Cycle The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Ticket

42. Go to Mardi Gras in Louisiana

Mardi Gras is often dubbed the “Great Show on Earth”, and with good reason. It is truly madness… but of the best kind! Several parades are held leading up to the main event, Fat Tuesday, which typically falls from early February to early March. On the day of, the French Quarter comes alive with people from around the globe for the parades, ceremonies and parties. Locals even liken the event to their version of Christmas, and spend the year leading up to it painstakingly preparing their costumes or floats. So don’t be afraid to don your own costume for this incredible experience. The locals love it when you do!

43. Float in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a salt lake over thirteen hundred feet below sea level, making it the lowest elevation on Earth. Nestled between the  country of Jordan  to the east and Israel to the west, the unusually high salt concentration (8.6 times saltier than the ocean) causes a natural buoyancy that makes people float. Many people use this oasis as a chance to aimlessly drift while reading a newspaper.

Read More:   Float in the Dead Sea

44. See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are mysterious twists of multicolored lights that can only be seen in a handful of locations in the world, mostly in the Arctic Circle. To witness them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whether you do it while relaxing in a thermal spa in Iceland, cruising on a yacht through Alaska, or night dogsled-ding in Norway. Check out the  Aurora Zone  for help.

45. STAY IN A TUSCAN VILLA IN ITALY

This travel bucket list goal was definitely inspired by the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. There are plenty to choose from, but just a few kilometers South of Siena you will find  Villa Pippistrelli , a luxury Tuscan farmhouse located on the  Monstegliano  estate. This charming house is everything you’d expect from a Tuscan villa. It may be old in years, but the villa has been restored with present-day conveniences and elegant interiors while still keeping its rustic 17th century Tuscan feel.

Read More:  Stay in a Tuscan Villa in Italy  and if you are in the city check out the  Florence Bucket List: 40 of the Best Things to Do

46. CROSS THE SALARDE UYUNI IN BOLIVIA

Blanketing more than forty-five hundred square miles, the Salar de Uyuni is a flat salt dessert that seems to go on infinitely. It is the remains of a lake that once covered the southwestern corner of Bolivia, but is now a vastness of white that plays an optical illusion on you. During the wet season, the shallow water that collects acts as a mirror of the sky, showing reflections of the sky and clouds, making the world seem endless. In the dry season, you can walk or drive across it, taking goofy photos that play with the lack of perspective created by the continuous sheets of hexagonal tiles.

47. Volunteer at a Elephant Rescue in Thailand

In Northern Thaila n d , an hour from Chiang Mai ‘s city center, I spent a memorable day volunteering at the Elephant Nature Park . This is a special place where there was an eclectic bunch of Asian Elephants; some old, some young, some blind, some injured from working in the logging industry, some abused and some rescued from the circus. Not only will you be able to feed these majestic creatures, but you can also take them down to the river for a bath.

Want to know more about visiting an elephant rescue? Read about my experience: Bathe Elephants at a Rescue in Thailand and if your elephant volunteer travels take you to Chiang Mai, check out my Bucket List of 18 Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

48. Hot Air Balloon over Cappadocia

See the surreal landscape of Cappadocia from high above in a sky dotted with colorful balloons. Cappadocia is the land in central Turkey known for its fairy chimneys (rock formations), rolling vineyards, and troglodyte dwellings that are best seen from three thousand feet in the air. Butterfly Balloons can take you up up and away.

49. Hike the Active Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala

Just like skiing and mountaineering is a part of the culture of the Swiss Alps, volcano hiking is huge chunk of the culture in Guatemala. The country has 37 officially named volcanoes, three of which that are still active. And you can hike up one.

The Volcano of Pacaya is one of the most accessible volcanoes in Guatemala, which makes it very popular. You will be sharing the trail with many others. This, along with the food stands that you will find on different segments of the trail and the marshmallows you will get to toast on the heat of the volcanic rock, make the experience much more fun. Bring some graham crackers and chocolate if you want to make your marshmallow a s’more!

Read More:   Guatemala’s Pacaya Volcano Hike: What to Expect

50. Go to the City Where Your Family Comes From

This is always a truly incredible experience whether it is near or far. Maybe you will finally be able to put your eyes some elements of a story your family members have talked about for years or perhaps you will have an opportunity to meet family you didn’t even know you had. You never truly know what you will find on a genealogical trip because no two trips are ever the same! One thing is for sure though you will feel a sense of connection with your roots. Bonus points if you bring another family member to share the experience with.

51. See Mount Rushmore

Located in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is famous for the sculpted heads carved into its granite, featuring former iconic presidents of the United States: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. It is so impressive that most people have it included in their travel bucket list – and you should have it on yours, too!

52. Admire the Blue Flames at Ijen Volcano

Of all the thrilling volcanoes in the world, Ijen Volcano in Indonesia’s East Java is among the most gorgeous to view from up close. It is particularly loved for its acidic volcanic crater lake, the largest of its kind in the world, which is piercingly turquoise in its coloring.

53. Step Inside the Forbidden City

Do what the ordinary people during Ming Dynasty sadly could not do, and step inside the Forbidden City to discover the rich history one of the most significant palaces in the world holds within its premises.

54. Ogle the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is one of the most sacred locations for Sikhs. It is also among the numerous bucket list places to visit in India, visitors frolicking to the site to admire the fully golden dome.

55. Take in the View from Burj Khalifa

As the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa is quite the spectacle to view on the ground level. However, to enjoy even more spectacular views, you ought to head to the top of the building where one of the highest outdoor observation decks in the world exists. On a great day you may even see Iran in the distance.

56. Take an Alaskan Cruise

Something that may still not come across often as epic traveling bucket list ideas is to embark on an Alaskan Cruise. Why do it when you can tour the Caribbean Sea or Antarctica instead? I’d say because it’s an incredible mix of wild animals and blue glaciers for you to discover from up close, and the cruises come packed with amazing excursions to take part in on the shore.

There are so many great things to do in Alaska , and by taking a cruise you will get to see a lot of them!

57. Attend La Tomatina Festival in Spain

If you’re in Spain in late August of any year, then La Tomatina Festival must get on your bucket list! It’s a really fun festival where you simply need to throw others with tomatoes – and expect to be covered in tomatoes yourself. Don’t wear your best clothes for the event, but definitely bring your fun loving attitude with you.

58. Be Intrigued by Stonehenge

Believed to be constructed sometime between 3000BC and 2000BC, this English marvel is another must for any travel bucket list. Stonehenge is seen as a cultural icon of sorts and is one of the most significant sites to set foot on in all of the United Kingdom. Although there is no one confirmed theory of why it was built, although it’s mostly seen to have been a burial site, it’s so important – and fun to see – as it is the most architecturally sophisticated stone circle in the world that dates back to prehistoric times.

59. Attend Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Although you can also see some gorgeous cherry blossoms in Washington DC, around South Korea, and some places in Europe, there’s really no beating being in Japan during the cherry blossom season. Tokyo is dubbed the best place in the world for viewing cherry blossoms, and not without reason, with Kyoto being another top spot in particular. However, you can see cherry blossoms just about anywhere in mainland Japan.

60. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Yes, while you can get a quirky shot posing with the Leaning Tower of Pisa on the ground, you might actually have a more fun experience by climbing up its nearly 300 steps to get to the top.

For more information check out our article: Leaning Tower of Pisa: Insider Facts for Your Visit

61. Climb the Mount Fuji

For the Japanese, climbing to the top of Mount Fuji is one of their most sacred traditions. It’s an incredibly strenuous hike up, but of course comes with amazing views from high up. Although just getting a picturesque shot of Mount Fuji from a distance is on many travel bucket lists, Mount Fuji itself is also one of the greatest bucket list places to visit in Japan.

62. Discover Al-Masjid an-Nabawi

Not only is Al-Masjid an-Nabawi , Mosque of the Prophet, the second largest mosque in the world, it is also the second holiest Islam mosque to set foot on. Prophet Muhammad himself built this mosque, and it is absolutely among the biggest bucket list destinations for anyone with interest in touring different religious sites in the world.

63. Marvel at Iguazu Falls

Bordering Brazil on one side and Argentina on the other, the Iguazu Falls have Niagara Falls paling in comparison. It is the world’s largest waterfall system, consisting of 275 falls altogether. Quite impressive to see indeed!

64. Explore the Jeita Grotto

Located in Beirut, these two interconnected limestone caves referred to as Jeita Grotto are the longest caves you’ll find in the Middle East. Although it ultimately did not get chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature (which the above mentioned Iguazu Falls has an honor of being!) it is still a wondrous creation of nature.

65. Discover the Magnificent Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is a temple of significance within the city of Angkor, the former capital of Khmer Empire. It was built at the start of the 12th century, and is essentially seen as the peak of Khmer architecture. Although the city was abandoned in the 16th century, Angkor Wat has remained a majorly significant religious site to date.

66. Discover the Remains of the Berlin Wall

Although it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing place to visit, the Berlin Wall – or what’s left of it – is one of the most significant sites detailing the times of the Cold War. For that reason alone, it deserves to be placed on any travel bucket list, and Berlin is such a cool place to visit in general that you’ll want to go there one day anyway, so why not have the Berlin Wall included in that itinerary?

67. Witness the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem

Also known as Western Wall, this is the holiest place for the Jewish people after Temple Mount, to which they only have restricted access these days. It was built before AD by Herod the Great, and just like Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Saudi Arabia, is a must visit for anyone interested in discovering important religious sites, and especially to those with a direct religious connection to the Wailing Wall.

68. See the Pamukkale Hot Springs

Not only are these hot springs in Turkey believed to contain numerous healing properties, they are absolutely stunning to see in person. Not to mention, the tale goes that even Cleopatra herself has bathed here once upon a time!

69. Walk the Las Vegas Strip

Even if gambling isn’t your thing in the slightest bit, walking at least a portion of this 4.2 mile strip is a sight to see as many of the world’s largest – and flashiest – hotel and casino complexes reside on both sides of the Strip. It is a significant piece of street in one of the most iconic tourist areas in the world.

70. See a Show at the Sydney Opera House

While the Sydney Opera House is primarily famous for its external architectural qualities, it’s totally worth catching a show if you’re in the area. It is so large it can house half a dozen venues and theaters, largest of which is the Concert Hall that can seat up to 2,679 people at once. Besides opera, you can also see symphony concerts, popular music shows, dance performances here, and even film screenings in the smaller theaters.

71. See the Wildlife on the Galapagos Islands

Although at first thought you might not consider the wildlife on Galapagos Islands anything special due to only a few certain species living there, where the secluded island wins is in how pristine its environment is. More than that, its specialness lies in how clearly the islands can showcase how natural selection operates. Thus, while the amount of species may be limited, visiting the wildlife here is bound to be more unique than embarking on a safari.

Read More About the Galapagos Islands:

• See the Blue-Footed Booby Mating Dance in the Galápagos Islands
• See Galapagos Penguins in the Wild

72. Explore Sensoji Temple

Located in Tokyo’s Asakusa District, this Buddhist Temple is among the most colorful you can find in Tokyo. Beyond its gorgeous architecture, it is one of the most important temples in Tokyo as well as its oldest one.

73. Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves

With thousands of glow worms lighting up the grotto ceilings, hopping on a boat to explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is perhaps even more magical than seeing the starriest of night skies. As this experience is unique to New Zealand, you really have no choice but to add this on to your bucket list destinations.

74. Explore Brazil’s Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park  is an incredible site to visit especially during the rainy season when the rain fills up the rolling sand dunes with small lagoons. The national park is especially popular among the ecotourists, and is home to four different endangered species.

75. Get Splashed at Niagara Falls

Now, while I may have said above that Niagara Falls pales in comparison to Iguazu Falls, they’re not a world famous waterfall for no merit. This ancient waterfall may not be the largest but it is the fastest-moving one, and witnessing its water flows can be quite the spectacle.

76. Hike on the Rainbow Mountain

Peru’s Vinicunca , aka Rainbow Mountain, is one of the most distinctive hikes you’ll ever embark on, thanks to the mountain’s unique coloring. It’s especially interesting as its unique striped features were actually hidden under thick layers of snow until just a few years ago, although even today the stripes are caught in their full beauty only outside of the rainy season.

The Rainbow Mountain is on our  Cusco Peru Bucket List that has the best things to do in Machu Picchu’s gateway city.

77. Hike to Christ the Redeemer of Brazil

Even if you’re not the least bit religious, this Art Deco statue placed on a mountain above Rio de Janeiro is a must see. It’s pretty glorious to see from numerous angles, including from the ground below. It should only take an hour or two at most of your time to hike up and find yourself standing right at the roots of the statue.

78. Relax at Blue Lagoon

One of the many reasons people flock to Iceland, this geothermal spa is beautifully blue and an incredibly relaxing place to spend a couple of hours in. The Blue Lagoon itself is manmade, using a nearby geothermal power station’s waters, which have been proven to help with psoriasis symptoms especially.

79. Sail to the Statue of Liberty

Undoubtedly among New York City’s most iconic attractions, seeing the Statue of Liberty on a boat ride may be the most fun way to get close to it. By joining a cruise to the statue, you’ll get to enjoy seeing how NYC looks from a boat.

80. Visit Santorini in Greece

Although there’s numerous gorgeous places to visit in Greece, Santorini in particular seems to top many bucket lists. It offers a display of authentic and charming architecture, plus a whole lot of stunning views, and even with the magnetic pull it has on travelers, it’s managed to stay quite true to traditions.

If you do decide to visit read this first: Santorini Bucket List: 30 Best Things to Do on the Greek Island

81. See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Once you’ve made your way to London, don’t just run past Buckingham Palace after snagging a quick photo of it, stay to watch the changing of the guards – in fact, time your visit to Buckingham Palace so that you don’t miss it! It’s one of the most iconic and popular ceremonies in the world, and worth seeing at least once.

To learn more, read  A Guide to Changing of the Guard at London’s Buckingham Palace

82. See your reflection at Salar de Uyuni

If you want to see the biggest and most magical salt flat on the planet, you’ve got to go visit Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. It’s intriguing to see any day of the year, but especially just after it’s rained, as the thin layer of rainwater stuck on the salt flats turns the whole site into a huge mirror.

83. See the Dragons on Komodo Island

Sadly, they may not look like the dragons in fairy tales and fantasy movies, nor do they hold the same powers, but they’re a rare and intriguing animal to witness in the wild. They do also have the title of the world’s largest lizard going for them! And you can visit them on Komodo Island .

84. Tahiti in French Polynesia

Besides offering those dreamy overwater bungalows and fun snorkeling opportunities, Tahiti is a great destination also for its dramatic mountains and gorgeous waterfalls. You’ll also find yourself falling in love with the local cuisine and culture, I bet.

85. Visit The Maldives

Similarly to Tahiti, The Maldives are another hot spot for those longing to go on a once-in-a-lifetime romantic holiday by the turquoise waters. The overwater bungalows of The Maldives are possibly the most famous ones in the world, and besides an incredible marine life to discover underwater, it’s not only romantic but a truly tranquil travel destination.

86. Stand in Times Square in New York City

Times Square is the most famous spot in all of New York City to stand in. It’s pumped up with billboards and neon lights, and you’ll absolutely find yourself marveling at all that after dark.

87. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine

Although the original Meiji Jingu Shrine was unfortunately destroyed during World War 2, another one was quickly built in its place. It is dedicated to Emperor Meiji, modern Japan’s first emperor, although you won’t find his grave here. The Meiji Period is notable for its modernization of Japan. As an additional plus, this shrine is located in the middle of a forest, for that extra layer of serenity and beauty.

88. Visit Pompeii

Only ruins remain of Pompeii , which was destroyed in 79 AD during Mount Vesuvius’ eruption. Even so, it remains a spectacular display of Ancient Roman times, and thanks to all that ash, the remains of Pompeii have actually remained exceptionally preserved to date.

89. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

One of the most significant monuments and religious sites for Christians, especially Catholics, this magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica  is also the largest church in the world. It’s also a burial site for previous popes, and unless you’ve got a ticket in advance, you may end up waiting hours to get in.

90. Visit the Acropolis of Athens

The most iconic mainland Greece item to add onto your travel bucket list is the ancient Acropolis. It is an incredibly popular destination to visit and is an amazing representation of the Ancient Greek times.

91. Visit the British Museum

Among the oldest museums in the world is the massive British Museum , where you can find awesome collections from many different cultures including Egyptian, Etruscan, and European. And the best bit? It’s free to enter!

92. Visit the city of Lhasa and the Potala Palace

Located in Tibet, Lhasa is famous for its numerous historical attractions with roots in Buddhism, including the Potala Palace , which used to be the winter palace for Dalai Lamas for over three centuries. This palace is also one of the most famous spiritual sanctuaries you can find on the globe.

93. Tour the Colosseum in Rome

The impressive Colosseum is Italy’s most visited attraction, and while it’s quite extraordinary to view from the outside alone, to get the most out of it, you’ll of course want to walk through it and discover bits of Ancient Roman times.

94. Visit the Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona

This magnificent canyon is one of the biggest natural wonders in the world. Although it is actually not the deepest or widest canyon you could come across, it is indisputably significant in displaying natural history. Plus it’s simply gorgeous to visit. For an extra bucket list worthy experience, take a helicopter ride into the grand canyon !

95. Visit the Grand Palace

At the heart of Bangkok you can find a complex of buildings forming the famed Grand Palace . Since the late 18th century, it has been the residence of kings of Siam, and kings of Thailand today. It’s considered special for its style of architecture, and one of its main attractions is the 14th century Emerald Buddha.

96. Visit the Great Mosque of Cordoba

Formerly a mosque and currently operating as a cathedral, this Andalusian site , built as early as the 8th century, is most famous for its influential and ambitious style of Islamic religious architecture. Stepping inside of its doors feels as if you’ve been transferred way back in time.

97. Visit the Louvre Museum

Besides just having the famous Mona Lisa in its collection, Louvre in general has one of the most diverse art collections in the world, dating back as far as 11,000 years ago. Formerly a royal palace, its interiors are quite spectacular to walk through.

98. Visit Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia

This magnificent and ambitious Roman Catholic minor basilica is not only absolutely stunning, also unique for the fact that it has actually still not finished building. Despite that, it was consecrated just a little over a decade ago, and is popular to visit for its truly iconic display of Gaudi’s distinctive architecture style.

While you are there, make sure to work on your Barcelona Bucket List !

99. Visit the Sistine Chapel

Once you’ve finished ogling at the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica, make your way to the Vatican Palace, particularly into its Sistine Chapel . The palace in general is intriguing to explore through, but the Sistine Chapel is something else. It is famous for its frescoes painted by Michelangelo, including the absolutely amazing The Last Judgment piece. Here is also where the process of selecting a new pope takes place.

100. Visit the Summer Palace in China

Also often called the Imperial Garden Museum, the Summer Palace is significant for the preservation of Chinese national heritage. It is a stunning and iconic site to visit in Beijing, even if not quite as famous as some other ones.

101. See the White House

The White House is of course the most iconic presidential office and residence in the world, not to mention a rare opportunity to view a head of state’s private residence. Although you’ll get the best out of the visit by knowing historical key points in advance, it’s worthwhile to tour the White House and learn more of its rich history.

102. Visit Versailles

The glamorous Versailles is possibly the best example of French Baroque style of architecture – it most certainly is the most lavish one. It’s beautiful throughout, but one of its most unique points is the Hall of Mirrors, complete with 357 mirrors.

103. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is known for its many canals, which offer a gorgeous backdrop to its already beautiful historic city center. The city center is easily walkable, making its canals accessible to you; alternatively, hopping onto a boat and touring through the canals on water can be quite a fun experience as well.

104. Walk around on Mont Saint-Michel

Located in front of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal island famous for its abbey, which remains a significant pilgrimage site for Christians in the West since the middle ages, until today. It’s a beautiful abbey structure, with plenty of historical and cultural heritage to go around.

105. Walk on Giant’s Causeway in Ireland

Formed through a volcanic fissure eruption in ancient times, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland’s north coast is famous for its 40,000 or so basalt columns interlocked with each other. It’s a distinctive and picturesque slice of nature to walk on.

106. Tour Chichen Itza of Mexico

This archaeological site is a must add to any travel bucket list, especially among those with interest in discovering Mayan ruins or similar sites. There are 26 different Mayan ruins to discover between Old Chichen and Chichen Itza, each with a story to tell.

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46 thoughts on “Travel Bucket List: 100 Best Places to Visit & Destination Ideas”

Regarding gorillas in Uganda – it’s much easier to climb up to the same mountains on Rwanda side!

Thanks for the tip!

Wow, that’s one heck of a bucket list! I’ve been to many of these places, but so many more than I want/need to go! As soon as I knock one off, I end up adding several more. So many places, so little time.

Same for me! There are just too many amazing places in the world.

Nice post! Thanks for sharing!

Amazing Guide! Best places to visit around the world in a single blog!

There are many beautiful destinations await for us. I planned to travel aboard and I bought a new camera and can’t wait to hangout with great views!

What a great list! Thanks for this post!

It’s as if you were in my mind when you wrote this. I feel like you wrote down my actual bucket list. I didn’t know about that pig island though, definitely adding that one!

Hi Annette, again I’m so amaze with the choices of your travel list. Your one of the best!

Wow! It looks like the ultimate bucket list for any traveler. I would prefer visiting Wadi desert (Jordan) as my first one in this list.

thank you for some great ideas and inspiration.

Thank you for this post!! There is so much travel inspo contained here and I’m so excited to revise my list of potential 2020 travel destinations!

Mdina ❤️❤️❤️

This list is amazing! I hope I get the chance to visit even half of these places. The Dead Sea has been on the list since forever!

The Ultimate Travel Bucket List is very interesting! No wonder that trek to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal is on the list. Obviously, mountain regions of Nepal offer great hikes and climbs. Travelling through the mighty Himalayas, you can feel like visiting the ultimate kingdom of the world. After all, the Himalayas lodge Mount Everest, the highest elevation on our planet.

Would love to do Raja Ampat and Jordan, as soon as travel opens up again ;) thanks for the inspo, it’s a great list with hidden spots!

Nice post, Thanks for sharing

thank you for sharing this useful information, this really helps. this is like reading an entire book and I can utilise this entire knowledge into my personal growth.

So many great things on this list! I’ve done quite a few on the list but still have a long way to go. My #1 bucket list item right now would probably be seeing the Pyramids in Egypt!

I love a good bucket list – and there are so many great ideas on your list! Visiting Sigiriya and hiking along Cinque Terre in Italy were fabulous experiences and I hope to dive the Great Barrier Reef before climate change impacts it forever.

Pamukkale Hot Springs are so high on my bucket list. I would love to visit Jordan too. This is a great list, thank you for sharing :)

Hot air ballooning in Turkey is one of my most favorite things I have done in all 78 countries I’ve visited. It’s a must experience for sure. So many more to add to my list. Thanks!

Checked 19 out of this list. Still plenty left to explore :) The world keeps flooding my never-ending to-do list

19 is still a good number. And I bet all those adventure are fun

Thanks, Annette, for such a great list. I loved that your list includes so many new places for me that are unfamiliar. Often, these lists are pretty typical. I added so many places to my personal list. The jellyfish in Palau sounds particularly intriguing. I find them to be beautifully scary creatures.

How do you determine where you are going to go next? Do you plan years in advance or one year to months to days in advance?

I actually don’t plan it a year in advance. Sometimes I go on a spontaneous trip or a month in advance planning.

I’ve done a large amount of these, but there are still so many more that I want to do! I’m doing most of the eastern/southern Africa ones next year as I’m spending a few months exploring 10 different countries.

Great list! Thanks for sharing. I’m copying some items from this list to my bucket list especially Camino de Santiago.

I’ve done sixteen on this list, but mine is a very different list of things that I want to see and do. The three places we have in common are Angkor Wat, St Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel. I don’t think great white sharks and whale sharks are on many people’s lists?

16? Wow, that’s amazing

Amazing list. Am glad to have done a few of these things and ticked them off but there are many more that need to be followed through. Wadi Rum for instance as well as EBC might get crossed off soon

Hi really nice article is given by you explained very well and proper explanation with image. i got a lot of idea from this post thanks for sharing the post and keep tough with us

thanks for such an amazing and informative blog

I read multiple articles and this is certainly one of the best and productive content I found. Thanks for sharing the useful article.

It’s really amazing places and destinations for travel

Thanks for the list we have been to some of these places such as Ha Long Bay and the Taj Mahal but so many more to visit. Enjoyed the article.

Wonderful article! Highly appreciate for putting in so much effort. This place will surely be on my upcoming bucket list. Waiting to have the best experience!

Thanks for such an amazing Bucket list! Many more places to visit have been added now by going through this!

Glad to hear that. Would be lovely to hear about your travel stories too.

Thank you very much for sharing those information. I got important information from here. Those are helpful information.

This extensive list of 100 best places to visit and destination ideas is an absolute treasure trove for avid travelers and dreamers alike. It covers a wide range of breathtaking locations, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems around the globe. Whether you’re seeking natural wonders, cultural experiences, or adventurous escapades, this list has it all. It’s filled with wanderlust-inducing descriptions and stunning visuals that transport you to far-off lands. From the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat to the vibrant streets of Tokyo, each destination is unique and promises unforgettable memories. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey of exploration and make your travel dreams a reality!

Thank you so much.

Great Bucket List

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Ultimate USA Travel Bucket List: 125+ Best Places to Visit in USA

The United States is a large country so even those of us that live here have many bucket list places in the US that we have yet to visit.  Whether you live in the US and want to explore more of this amazing country or visiting the US for the first time and need help planning your trip, I’ve created this epic guide containing more than 125 incredible things to see and do in the United States which are perfect for any USA Travel Bucket List .

Some of these must see places I have already visited and recommend and the rest are places that look so beautiful or sound so interesting that I have added them to my personal America travel bucket list. So read on if you are looking for inspiration and ideas for your own US travel bucket list.

USA Travel Bucket List

Alaska Bucket List

• Explore Denali National Park .
• See Mendenhall Glacier , a 13-mile long glacier near Juneau.

Arizona Bucket List

• Take photos at Antelope Canyon. This sandstone slot canyon is made up of two sections (Upper and Lower) and is one of the most instagrammable places in the United States. Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo protected land and is only accessible via guided tours. Click here for more information about tours.

• See Horseshoe Bend , the beautiful natural horseshoe-shaped curve in the Colorado River.  This picture perfect view only requires an easy short 3/4 mile hike each way.

• Visit the Grand Canyon National Park . The famous Grand Canyon is at the top of most American bucket lists. There are many ways to visit the Grand Canyon including hiking, bike tours, mule rides, by helicopter or by small plane .
• Hike to the Wave. Getting a hiking permit is very difficult since only 20 people are allowed each day.  Find out more about how to get a permit and other logistics in this guide to Coyote Buttes North (home to the Wave) here .
• See White Pocket. This lesser known remote natural wonder is a great alternative if you cannot get a permit to the Wave. You need a 4 wheel drive high clearance vehicle or else it is best to book a tour.
• Visit the Arizona desert town of Sedona.
• Visit the city of Flagstaff, surrounded by mountains, desert and pine forests. It is a gateway to the San Francisco Peaks which is  home to Arizona’s tallest mountain (Humphreys Peak).
• Visit the Painted Desert , famous for its striking bands of colors.
• Visit the Petrified Forest National Park.

Arkansas Bucket List

• Hunt for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park . This state park is one of the only places in the world where the public can search for real diamonds – anything you find is yours to keep!

California Bucket List

• Explore San Francisco . Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge and visiting Alcatraz are at the top of my San Francisco bucket list. Read: 2 Days in San Francisco: The Perfect Itinerary (As Written By a Local!)

• Go wine tasting at Napa Valley and Sonoma in Northern California.
• Visit Los Angeles. There are a lot of bucket list things to do in and around LA including hiking to the Hollywood sign, shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Boulevard, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Read: 3 Days in Los Angeles: The Perfect Itinerary
• Have fun at Disneyland.
• Explore Joshua Tree National Park.

• Visit Palm Springs.
• Enjoy sunny San Diego.
• Explore Solvang, a charming historic Danish village.
• Explore Yosemite National Park.
• Visit The Sequoia & Kings Canyon national parks. These adjacent parks are home to the world’s largest trees.
• See giant California redwoods at Redwood National Park .
• Visit Lake Tahoe. Read:   2 Days in Lake Tahoe Summer Itinerary
• Explore Death Valley National Park.
• Take a Pacific Coast Highway road trip along the coast of California which is without a doubt one of the best road trips in the USA . In addition to San Francisco and Los Angeles, some of the best stops along the way include Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, San Simeon, Malibu, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.

Read: California Bucket List: 30 Best Places to Visit in California for more bucket list worthy places to visit in California

Colorado Bucket List

• Visit Denver .
• Explore Rocky Mountain National Park. You can visit on a day trip from Denver .
• Visit the Garden of the Gods , a free park full of red rock formations with great hiking.
• Drive to the top of Pikes Peak .
• See Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park . Several scenic drives in the park offer great views with relatively easy access.
• Visit the Maroon Bells, a reflective lake and two giant snow-striped mountaintops and most photographed place in Colorado.
• See the highest sand dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park .
• See Pueblo cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park .

Connecticut Bucket List

• Visit the charming town of Mystic .

Florida Bucket List

• Visit Miami. Highlights include Miami Beach, Wynwood Walls and the Little Havana neighborhood. One of the busiest time to visit other than spring break is during Art Basel in December.
• See wildlife at Everglades National Park, the largest designated sub-tropical wilderness reserve on the North American continent.
• Drive from Miami to the Florida Keys on the scenic Overseas Highway (one of the best American road trips ). Read: Weekend in Key West: The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary
• Have fun at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando.
• Swim with manatees in Crystal River. You can visit on a day trip from Orlando .
• Visit St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States.  Read: Weekend in St. Augustine: Perfect 2 or 3 Day Itinerary

Read: Florida Bucket List

Georgia Bucket List

• Visit Atlanta.  Read: 48 Hours in Atlanta: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary
• Visit the beautiful historic city of Savannah.

Hawaii Bucket List

• Seeing the beautiful Na Pali Coast in Kauai is a must on any Hawaii bucket list. You cannot visit by car. The entire Kalalau Trail is 11 miles long but you can hike the first couple of miles in a day or half a day. If hiking is not your thing, you can also view the Napali coast from helicopter tour or boat tour.

• See the Waimea Canyon in Kauai, a large canyon known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. There are hiking trails but you can enjoy great views from two lookout points.

• Hike to the top at Diamond Head State Monument in Oahu for great views of Honolulu. The 1.5-2 hours round trip hike is not too challenging but go as early as possible in the morning because it gets hot!
• Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu which marks the Japanese attack on the U.S. in World War II.
• Drive the Road to Hana in Maui.
• See a beautiful sunrise or sunset from the top of Haleakala Crater , a dormant volcano and the highest point in Maui. Unless you are visiting on a tour, you will need to make reservations in advance to access the park at sunset. Read: The Perfect Maui Itinerary: How to Spend 5 Days in Maui (As Written By a Local)

Idaho Bucket List

• See the beautiful Shoshone Falls (which are taller than Niagara Falls).
• Soak in one of the many Idaho hot springs .

Illinois Bucket List

• Explore Chicago . Maybe I’m biased because it is my hometown, but Chicago is one of the best cities to visit in the US. There are a lot of bucket list worthy things to do in Chicago : watch a baseball game at historic Wrigley Field, take a selfie in front of the Bean at Millennium Park, take in the amazing views from The Skydeck at Willis Tower and/or 360 CHICAGO, take an architecture cruise on the Chicago River and more! Read:  Best Things to Do in Chicago in the Summer and Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
• Visit Starved Rock State Park (one of the most popular attractions in Illinois) and the nearby Matthiessen State Park . Both parks have great hikes, stunning sandstone cliffs, canyons and beautiful waterfalls. You can even visit on a day trip from Chicago .

Read: Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Illinois for more bucket list worthy places to visit in Illinois

Indiana Bucket List

• Visit the the capital city of Indianapolis.

Iowa Bucket List

• See the covered bridges of Madison County .
• Visit the Iowa State Fair. The eleven day fair (August 12-22, 2021) has food, games, rides and competitions, livestock exhibitions, shows, concerts and more.
• Recreate the famous American Gothic painting in front of the original house in Eldon depicted in the painting. Visitors to the American Gothic House are provided with costumes to wear while the staff takes photos in front of the house.

Read :  Beautiful Sunflower Fields in Iowa That You Can Visit

Kansas Bucket List

• Eat BBQ at the famous Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que  in Kansas City.

Kentucky Bucket List

• Visit Louisville during the Kentucky Derby.
• Journey on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail .

Louisiana Bucket List

• Explore New Orleans.  Visit NOLA during Mardi Gras is a bucket list worthy experience.

Maine Bucket List

• Explore Acadia National Park, a great spot to see the fall foliage in New England.
• Visit Portland, a charming coastal city.

Maryland Bucket List

• Visit Baltimore. See the historic waterfront neighborhood of Fells Point and make sure to try Maryland’s famous crab cakes.

Massachusetts Bucket List

• Visit Boston. Some Boston must dos include walking the Freedom Trail, watching a game at Fenway Park and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
• Relax at Cape Cod.
• Learn about the history of the witch trials at Salem.
• Visit Martha’s Vineyard , a tiny island which is a popular summer vacation destination for wealthy East Coast residents.

Michigan Bucket List

• Explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore .
• Visit historic Mackinac Island. The entire Victorian-themed island is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is car-free so visitors can only explore by foot, bicycle or horse drawn carriage.

Read: Best Places to Visit in the Midwest

Minnesota Bucket List

• Visit Minneapolis-St Paul. Don’t miss the Minnehaha Regional Park (and the stunning Minnehaha Falls).
• Explore the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior .

Mississippi Bucket List

• Explore the Mississippi Blues Trail, nearly 200 trail markers throughout the state including cotton fields, train depots, cemeteries, clubs and churches that tell stories of famous blues artists and significant sites. You can even download an app to help you follow the trail.

Missouri Bucket List

• Enjoy the view from the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
• Eat some of the best BBQ in the country and explore the underrated Kansas City. Read : Weekend in Kansas City: The Perfect Itinerary (According to a Local!)

Montana Bucket List

• Explore the beautiful Glacier National Park. One of highlights of the park is driving the famous Going-To-The-Sun Road .

Nebraska Bucket List

• Witness the Annual Sandhill Crane Migration in the spring.
• See Carhedge . This quirky man made attraction built from 38 vintage American cars covered in gray spray paint is a replica of England’s famous Stonehenge.
• Visit Toadstool Geologic Park (referred to as the “badlands of Nebraska”) to see unusual rock formations and fossils.

Read: 7 Cool Things to do in Nebraska

Nevada Bucket List

• Gamble, party, eat and have fun in Las Vegas. Read : Weekend in Las Vegas: The Perfect Itinerary (According to a Local!)
• Visit Hoover Dam, a concrete arch-gravity dam on the border between Arizona and Nevada.
• Photograph the Seven Magic Mountains , a temporary art exhibition located in the desert outside of Las Vegas, featuring thirty to thirty-five-foot high day glow totems comprised of painted, locally-sourced boulders.
• Explore the Valley of Fire State Park, full of red rock formations just an hour outside of Vegas. It is also home to the Fire Wave, a smaller version of the famous Wave in Utah/Arizona.

• Admire colorful rock formations at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on several hiking trails or on a 13-mile scenic drive.

New Jersey Bucket List

• Go gambling in Atlantic City, one of the most popular cities in the Jersey Shore.
• Hang out at Liberty State Park and enjoy great views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

New Hampshire Bucket List

• Explore the stunning White Mountains, a mountain range with many hiking spots of all levels.
• Drive Kancamagus Highway , a 34.5 mile scenic drive along Route 112 and one of the best New England drives for fall foliage.

New Mexico Bucket List

• Visit Albuquerque during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , the largest balloon festival in the world.
• Explore Santa Fe.
• Visit Taos.
• Visit White Sands National Monument .

New York Bucket List

• Explore New York City. Read : Weekend In New York City Itinerary
• See Niagara Falls from the US side.

North Carolina Bucket List

• Visit Asheville. One of the highlights is a visit to the historic Biltmore Estate , the largest house in the United States.
• Explore the Outer Banks islands.

North Dakota Bucket List

• Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park .

Read: 7 Reasons North Dakota Should Be On Your Bucket List

Ohio Bucket List

• Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland.
• Explore Hocking Hills State Park and view the beautiful sandstone formations and waterfalls.

Oregon Bucket List

• Visit Portland, a city that likes to keep it weird.
• Explore the Columbia River Gorge.  Don’t miss the beautiful Multnomah Falls just a 30 minute drive outside of Portland.

• See Crater Lake National Park .  The highlight is the vivid blue Crater Lake (America’s deepest lake).

Read: Bucket List Places to Visit in the West Coast

Pennsylvania Bucket List

• Visit Philadelphia. Visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Eastern State Penitentiary and have a Philly cheesesteak.

Rhode Island Bucket List

• Explore Newport, a beach town known for its lavish mansions from the Gilded Age.

South Carolina Bucket List

• Visit the charming city of Charleston.

South Dakota Bucket List

• Explore Badlands National Park known for its spires and pinnacles.
• See Mount Rushmore National Memorial . This sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore features the heads of four U.S. presidents.

Tennessee Bucket List

• Visit Nashville.
• Visit Memphis. Highlights include Graceland (home of Elvis Presley), Beale Street and the Duck March at the Peabody Hotel .
• Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park and a UNESCO world heritage site which straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail passes through the Great Smoky Mountains for more than 71 miles.
• Walk across Gatlinburg SkyBridge , the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the US for beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains.

Texas Bucket List

• Visit Austin. It is especially popular during South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals . Read : Best Things to Do in Austin in One Day
• Visit San Antonio.  The Alamo and the River Walk are the top attractions.
• See the bluebonnets in bloom every spring in Texas Hill Country .
• Explore Big Bend National Park.
• Visit the small quirky town of Marfa .
• Stop at Cadillac Ranch , a public art installation of half-buried Cadillacs on Route 66.

Utah Bucket List

• Visit Salt Lake City.
• Explore Bryce Canyon National Park , known for crimson-colored hoodoos (spire-shaped rock formations).

• Explore Zion National Park .
• Explore Arches National Park , home to the highest density of natural arches anywhere in the world.

• Explore Canyonlands National Park .
• Visit Monument Valley .
• Explore Goblin Valley State Park.
• Take fun perspective pictures at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Vermont Bucket List

• Do a fall road trip in Vermont to see the beautiful fall foliage.
• Visit the picturesque town of Stowe .

Virginia Bucket List

• Visit Virginia Beach.
• Drive through Shenandoah National Park. Read :  Complete Guide to Shenandoah National Park

Washington State Bucket List

• Visit Seattle.
• Explore Mount Rainier National Park.
• Explore Olympic National Park.
• Explore North Cascades National Park .

Washington, D.C. Bucket List

• Exploring the capital of the United States of America is a must on any USA bucket list. Points of interest include Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and National Mall. The city is especially beautiful (but crowded) during the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring.

Read: Best Places to Visit in the East Coast

West Virginia Bucket List

• See the New River Gorge Bridge. If you are feeling adventurous, you can sign up for bridge walk guided tour where you cross the catwalk under the bridge.

Wisconsin Bucket List

• Visit Milwaukee.
• Relax in Lake Geneva , a lakeside resort city popular with wealthy Chicagoans that built large historic mansions.
• Explore beautiful Door County .
• Explore the Apostle Islands and the sea caves on Lake Superior.

Wyoming Bucket List

• Explore Yellowstone National Park . Full of mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, geysers and wildlife, it is America’s first national park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include Grand Prismatic Spring (a large hot spring is known for its rainbow effect) and Old Faithful.

• Explore the Grand Tetons .

• Visit Devils Tower National Monument , a 870-foot stone monument and the center of many Indian religious ceremonies.

So there you have it – the ultimate USA travel bucket list .  If there is an experience or place I should include let me know in the comments below!

Need more travel inspiration? Check out some of my other travel bucket lists below:

• Europe Bucket List: 100+ Things to Do
• Australian Bucket List: Best Places to Visit in Australia
• Africa Bucket List: 50 Things to Do and Places to Visit
• South America Bucket List: 50+ Things to Do and Places to Visit
• Southeast Asia Bucket List: 100+ Things to Do in SE Asia
• Travel Goals: 100 Things to Do Before You Die
• 10 Hotels That Should Be on Your Bucket List!

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

There are so many places in the USA that I have yet to visit. I love that you put together this list by state, it’s a very easy reference to have. It’s embarrassing that I have been to so many places around the world, but haven’t been to 2 of the 3 places in your Wisconsin list (it is the state I grew up in!).

I love ticking things off bucket lists. US is such a diverse country and going through the places you recommended I have realized I still have so much more to see in this amazing country. So far I checked some in California (L.A., Disneyland and a road trip along the Pacific Coast), Florida (Miami Beach, Florida Keys, Everglades), Louisiana (yes NOLA during Mardi Gras is madness, loved it!!), and New York City! You got me wanting to go again and check out so many other places!

This is a fabulous list! I don’t think we will be venturing too far out of North America and the Caribbean this year, so this post will be very helpful for planning some USA travels. Going to Chicago and Las Vegas later this year so will definitely refer back.

Absolutely shows how much there is in the US of A to explore. I love the national parks there and that all the states have something unique to offer. Love this list – and definitely will come back to it to check a few of those places.

This is such a great list! I don’t think you have missed out on anything at all. I didn’t even know many of these places and now I want to visit them.

Wow, this is an awesome list! So many great options and so fun to see the ones I’ve already seen, like Sedona and the Grand Canyon. There are so many more I want to visit, I’ll have to keep your list handy!

I love traveling and my life partner also loves traveling. Recently we got married and planning to visit all over USA. Your List will be more helpful for us and others also.

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How to Create Your Travel Bucket List

Have you ever wondered how to create a travel bucket list? Most people think of a bucket list as a collection of things to accomplish before you die, but this couldn't be further from the truth!

Right now, you can create as many bucket lists as you want. In fact, creating a travel bucket list is a fun way to stay motivated to pursue your dreams, especially if traveling is something you want to do.

No doubt you've always dreamt of visiting a few places like taking tours in Iceland , but you've just never gotten around to it, or you think it's outside your reach. Creating a travel bucket list helps to set a plan in motion to complete your goals. When written down, goals are reinforced and more likely to be completed. So, by creating a physical travel bucket list, you are one step closer to your dream destination.

There's a right way to make a bucket list, and a wrong way. Well, maybe not wrong, but there are definitely things you can do to help your bucket list better drive you towards your goals.

Want to know the secret?

Put these easy tips for creating your travel bucket list into practice, and you'll be asking all the right questions to compile a practical yet inspiring list you can't wait to complete.

Brainstorming

What kind of adventures do you like.

Take a look at the places you've visited in the past and consider what kind of places you'd like to go to next. Do you enjoy hiking in the alpine mountains? Trekking through a tropical jungle? Relaxing on a quiet sandy beach? The destinations you want to visit revolve around the adventures you want to experience.

What's your reason to go somewhere?

This goes hand in hand with the previous point. Why do you want to visit the places on your list? Is there a certain food or experience you want to try? Do you want to volunteer? Are you trying to learn more about a hobby, or do you want to try something completely new? Thinking about your purpose in going to a destination may provide inspiration for more places to visit and things to do. For example, if you want to learn how to learn to scuba dive, you may consider visiting Vietnam, Thailand or Indonesia.

Where can you find inspiration?

If you're looking for once-in-a-lifetime places and activities to add to your bucket list, the resources available are limitless. The internet is full of ideas if you know the right places to look. Great places to find bucket list inspiration include:

• "Best of" Lists - Travel bloggers and tourism boards are always creating lists and articles full of the best of whatever you're looking for. These "best of" lists can be broad like "The Best Beaches in the World" or ultra specific like "The Best Underground Restaurants in New York City". Find a list of places or activities you're interested in and add your favorite items to your bucket list.
• Social Media - In recent years, this has become one of the best travel inspiration sources. Check out gorgeous travel images on Instagram , watch scenic videos on Tiktok and YouTube , or research new and beautiful places on Pinterest . These are only a few of the many social media platforms that have high quality, inspiring travel content.
• Ask Your Friends - Speaking of social media, use Facebook to ask your friends for recommendations of places to go and things to do. Or, if you know a friend who has traveled a lot, ask which places have been their favorite. If your friends know you well, they can make recommendations based on what they know you'll like or dislike.
• Learn from the Experts - Read travel blogs and travel magazines for helpful articles on places to visit, not to mention beautiful travel photos to inspire you. Movies and books set in foreign locations are also a good place to start.

Creating Your Travel Bucket List

Once you've finished brainstorming ideas, it's time to create your list. You'll need to decide what type of travel bucket list you want to make. Here are some examples:

• List for the year - It's common to make a bucket list for the new year the same way you make new year's resolutions. But you don't have to wait for 1 st January to start a bucket list! Make a list to complete in the next 365 days, or even for a certain month if you're feeling ambitious.
• List for your 20's, 30's, etc. - It's a great idea to create a list of all the places you want to travel before you turn 25, 30, or whatever age you're turning next. You can make one for each year of your life, or just before the "big numbers" like 30 or 40. See my example Before 30 Bucket List .
• List for different seasons - Make a bucket list for each season or for your favorite season of the year. For example, when you're looking up "Best of" lists, find one for best summer destinations in the USA or best winter activities in Canada.
• List for a certain destination - You could make a bucket list for places to travel all over the world, or you could narrow it down to destinations you want to visit in a certain region, country, state, or even city. So, a bucket list could be for Europe, Italy, Tuscany, or Florence.

• List of places in a certain category: Once you've figured out what kind of adventures you like, make a bucket list for one of the categories you're interested in. For example, make a list of the best hikes in national parks, or perhaps make a bucket list for visiting all 50 states in the USA.

How should you organize your bucket list?

When choosing destinations and activities, it's important to prioritize and organize destinations based on both your desire and realistic ability to go. You should dream big for your bucket list, but the reality is that some places will require you to save up a little more money.

Does that mean you should leave out the more expensive activities and destinations? Absolutely not!

Find clever ways you can save money and draft a timeline of how long you think it will take you to save enough funds. Then, you can work on the easier items on your travel bucket list while saving up for the harder ones.

So how do you actually create your bucket list?

When you are ready to physically create your travel bucket list, think about how you want to keep track of it. Most people would just grab a piece of paper and start writing things down, but a scrap of paper is easy to lose or forget about.

There are so many creative ways to keep a bucket list, but here are a few of my favorites:

• Paper List - The tried and true way of making a list: write it on paper. But like I said, a random piece of paper is easy to lose. Write it down on a nice list or printable to hang on your bulletin board, stick on your fridge, or keep securely with your travel documents.
• Maps - There are many different kinds of special maps for sale on the internet that will help you track your travels. Whether it's using push-pins, scratching off destinations, or pasting a photo from each country onto the map, there's never been a prettier way to display your bucket list.

• Journal - If you're passionate about travel, consider keeping a travel journal. Not only is this a way to remember details of your travels, it's the perfect place to keep your detailed plans for future trips and, of course, your bucket list.

Are you ready to start checking off items on your bucket list? There's no time like the present. Keep these tips handy while you create your ultimate travel bucket list.

Now go book that flight, take that trip, and start living your dreams!

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Bucket List Travels – 52 Places to Visit in Your Lifetime

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Bucket Lists

Updated On: February 14, 2024

We have put together the ultimate travel bucket list to spark your imagination. Dave and I made a dream list of our travel bucket list travels way back in 2006. And we fulfilled every travel adventure we ever dreamed of. Now we want to help your dreams come true and share the best bucket list travels that we’ve ever done.

These are 52 destinations that you need to do at least once in your lifetime. We’ve got one idea for every week of the year! You may also like The Best Adventure Destinations For The Ultimate Vacations

Table of Contents

Travel Bucket List Ideas

So, let’s look at the most mind-blowing beautiful places in the world. Oh, by the way, these are bucket list travels that we’ve done ourselves. It’s not a Google search like so many things on the internet these days.

1. Iguazu Falls

There was something magical about staying right in the heart of Iguazú National Park at the Belmont Hotel Das Cataratas. Having this natural wonder all to ourselves in the early morning was like a fairytale. We walked from our hotel to the long platform leading to the center of the massive cascade surrounded by thundering waters.

For a bucket list experience, this was spectacular. Be sure to take a helicopter tour over the falls and hop on a jet boat to get soaked. They seriously put the boat right underneath the waterfall. If there is one item on your travel bucket list. This should be it!

• Getting Soaked – The Ultimate Iguazu Falls Tour
• 11 Fun and Unexpected Things to do in Iguassu Falls

2. Amalfi Coast

We thought we had seen the beauty of Italy when visiting the Cinque Terre, but the Amalfi Coast is the Cinque Terre on steroids. The beautiful coastal towns along the Gulf of Salerno took our breath away at every turn. Rent a car and drive this famous highway that clings to the side of sea cliffs. There is nothing more romantic than driving the towns of Positano , Ravello, Amalfi, and Sorrento. Make sure to splurge on a room overlooking the terraced buildings of Positano and its beach.

• The Best Things to Do in Amalfi Coast, Italy
• 10 Most Romantic Italian Coastal Towns for Couples
• Watch our Amalfi Coast Video
• Hiking Cinque Terre – The Beautiful Five Villages in Italy

3. Maldives

Staying in an over-the-water bungalow in Bora Bora or Tahiti is on everyone’s travel bucket list. But we did this in The Maldives and I cannot think of a place that is more beautiful in the world. The turquoise waters surrounded our bungalow complete with a glass floor so we could watch the fish swim by was superb. I don’t think I have seen such white sand beaches anywhere on earth.

• 15 of The Best Things to do in the Maldives
• Scuba Diving in Maldives – A Beginner’s Journey
• Best of the Maldives Video – On YouTube
• Snorkeling in the Maldives

4. Petra Jordan

By the time we made it to Petra Jordan, we had seen a lot of famous ancient cities with our own eyes. We expected to like it, but we didn’t expect to be wowed by it. Boy were we wrong! Petra is in a league unto itself. The hidden city of Petra is located within a 1.2 km rock passage reaching 80 meters into the air. Once you arrive at The Petra Treasury you are treated to an awe-inspiring scene. A massive building complete with columns is carved into the stone.

• Watch our visit to Petra on YouTube

5. African Safari

There is nothing more magical than an African Safari. We’ve been lucky to go on Safari in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa , and Botswana. And trust me, it never gets old. Seeing the majestic lion stalk its prey and watching a herd of elephants walking through the African savanna is a scene that is forever etched into our brains. There is something special about visiting Africa. As the saying goes “I left my heart in Africa” and every time we leave the continent we feel the same way.

• African Safari Animals: 34 Photos to make you want to visit Tanzania
• What to Wear on Safari – Africa Travel Inside and Out
• Kenya Safari – The Masai Mara Experience

6. Churchill Polar Bears

Speaking of safaris, have you ever thought of a safari in Canada? I don’t think there was anything more awe-inspiring than seeing polar bears in the wild. It is even more of a bucket list ticket to be able to walk with polar bears. Going up to the arctic tundra in summer is not only unique, but it is also a chance to see polar bears in a different environment than in snow. We visited the Polar Bears twice with Churchill Wild . Once in the winter and once in the summer.

• Walking with Polar Bears – The Greatest Arctic Safari
• Kayaking with Beluga Whales – A Paddlers Dream
• The Ultimate Arctic Safari on YouTube

7. Santorini Greece

We had seen Santorini in the yogurt ads for years and dreamed of one day visiting. Once we arrived, we understood why it has been featured in so many commercials. When we looked over the cliffs of the caldera, the views didn’t seem real. Whitewashed buildings with blue domes lined the high cliffs of the caldera. Staying in a cave hotel overlooking the Aegean Sea was the ultimate dream.

• 25 of The Very Best Things to do in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Places to Visit in Santorini, Greece
• A Photography Guide to Santorini – Getting that Postcard Shot
• Iconic Santorini: A Cave Hotel Experience

8. Kayak and Camp in Antarctica

If you haven’t noticed on our blog, a lot of our bucket list adventures have been in cold regions. And Antarctica truly tops the list. We were lucky enough to visit Antarctica with Quark Expeditions where we fulfilled every travel dream. From camping on Antarctica to kayaking around icebergs, Antarctica was an adventure lover’s travel dream.

• 11 of the Best Things to do in Antarctica
• Sea Kayak Antarctica – The Adventure of a Lifetime
• Camping on Antarctica
• See our complete Antarctica Expedition on YouTube

9. Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp

Staying in the cold weather for a moment, the ultimate bucket list adventure is to trek to Everest Base Camp. When we can all travel again, this is something anyone can do regardless of climbing skills Follow the footsteps of Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa to see the Khumbu Ice Fall, Everest Base Camp, The Tengboche Monastery, and Mighty Mount Everest herself. Secure the ultimate bragging rights among your friends and trek to Everest. Our friend Dipendra at SimRik Real Nepal Treks is waiting for you.

• Everest Base Camp Trek – All You Need to Know from Start to Finish
• Remarkable Everest Base Camp Trek in Photos
• Flight to Lukla – A Scary Thrill Ride to Everest
• See our Full Everest Playlist on YouTube

10. Cappadocia, Turkey

Nearly everyone is familiar with the famous scene of balloons soaring through the air above fairy chimneys. Turkey’s Cappadocia really does feel like a fairytale. This had been our bucket list since seeing dozens of balloons in the air on Instagram nearly a decade ago. A morning hot air balloon ride fulfills the ultimate travel dream list.

• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon: How to Choose the Right Company
• A Tour of a Cave Hotel on YouTube
• The Incredible Landscape of Cappadocia on YouTube

11. Himalayas of Bhutan

Bhutan is the happiest country in the world and you can’t help but fall in love with the people and landscape when you visit this bucket list destination. Trekking through the Himalayas is an incredible journey but hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in the Paro Valley is what draws people to the country. This iconic scene doesn’t disappoint.

• 18 Things to do in Bhutan – A Comprehensive Guide of What Not to Miss
• Bhutan Trek to Laya – A Himalayan Adventure to the Remarkable and Remote
• Watch our trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery on YouTube
• And see what happened when we met the King of Bhutan

12. Great Wall of China

We have visited the Great Wall of China twice. And it lives up to everything we ever expected. Looking at this marvel of engineering truly did inspire wonder and awe. No wonder it is listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. We loved visiting both the Mutianyu and Badaling Great Wall, they were equally beautiful yet very different experiences.

• The Great Wall of China – Mutianyu vs. Badaling

13. Machu Picchu

Speaking of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is another beautiful destination to add to your bucket lists. Hiking the Inca Trail is on many people’s adventure bucket list, but even seeing this extraordinary Inca City will take your breath away. Literally. Located in the Andes Mountains at 2,430 meters/7,972 feet in elevations, it is a wonder to see.

• Machu Picchu Hike: All You Need To Know To Be Perfectly Prepared
• How to Plan a Trip to Machu Picchu

14. Great Barrier Reef

The UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of Australia is the largest coral reef in the world. It tops many a traveler’s bucket list. Even if scuba diving or snorkeling isn’t your thing, it is a must-visit. There are many ways to see the Great Barrier Reef. You can take a helicopter ride over the reef or even take a boat out to a platform in the middle of the sea to let you swim, snorkel, and sunbathe in the middle of this beautiful piece of ocean.

• Diving the Great Barrier Reef – Australia’s Ultimate Adventure

15. Pyramids of Giza

We had always wanted to see the Great Pyramids of Giza with our own eyes. We didn’t know what to expect, but when we first spotted them they seemed surreal. They cut through the haze of Cairo standing the desert looking like a mirage. We have had the privilege of visiting them twice and can say that for a fun way to explore them, hire a camel to take you through the pyramid complex to feel like a true Bedouin.

• The Red Pyramid of Egypt – Experience it Inside and Out
• 10 Amazing Temples of Egypt – That We’ve Seen

16. Gobi Desert of Mongolia

We are always fascinated by deserts, but there was something truly unique and spectacular about Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. It is filled with life. From the herds of Bactrian camels (two-humped camels) to the nomadic people of Mongolia moving their Ghers from camp to camp that was always something to see. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Read more at Mongolia Pictures from the Russian Border to the Gobi Desert

17. Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Ecuador that have their very own ecosystem. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most biodiverse of destinations on earth. AND 97% of the Galapagos is a national park. The top draw to the Galapagos is to see its endemic species that are unique to the islands. From the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguanas, and the Galapagos penguin, the wildlife experiences.

• 27 photos that will transport you to the Galápagos Islands
• Playing With Sea Lions on San Isabella in the Galapagos

18. Mount Kilimanjaro

If there is one mountain to climb in your lifetime it is Mount Kilimanjaro, The Roof of Africa. Kilimanjaro National park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the highest point in Africa. The six to seven-day climb is part of the seven summits and is a spectacular bucket list vacation. So don’t wait to start planning your climb up the highest freestanding mountain on earth.

• Read more: Complete Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

19. Bagan, Myanmar

A visit to Myanmar is a trip we’ll never forget. Bagan was the highlight of our travels through the country. Taking an early morning ferry along the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay, we emerged at the most extraordinary complex of temples we had ever seen. Built in 1057 and covering 16 square miles Bagan houses 2200 pagodas. It looks like a massive forest of temples that you must see with your own eyes.

• Read More – The Incredible Temples of Bagan, Myanmar

20. See the Northern Lights

Have you ever wanted to witness the dazzling display of the Aurora Borealis? Once you see the Northern Lights dancing in the night sky, it doesn’t seem real at first. Are your eyes playing tricks on you? Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. We didn’t have good luck there but have witnessed them several times in Canada and in Greenland.

• Incredible Greenland – The Final Frontier for Adventure Travel

21. Mexico Cenotes

For scuba divers’ the Cenotes of Mexico are a top bucket list diving adventure. But you can tour many cenotes without diving. The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico has several adventures where you can rappel, snorkel, and paddle through Cenotes. But it was the Rio Secreto Cenote that was truly extraordinary.

• Rio Secreto Cenote – Mexico’s Magical Underground Caves
• Cenotes in Photos – Discover Mexico’s Extraordinary Underground Caves

22. Rome’s Colosseum

The city of Rome is like no other. It is packed with ancient ruins and none as famous as the Colosseum. We had the good fortune of staying directly across the street from the Colosseum with a view of the amphitheater from our room. You think that you know everything about the Colosseum, but nothing can prepare you for seeing it for the first time.

• 22 of the Best Things to do in Rome
• 20 of the Best Free Things to do in Rome
• 3 Days in Rome – The Ultimate Rome Itinerary

23. Christ the Redeemer – Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful cities on earth and Christ the Redeemer stands proudly over the city keeping watch. Seeing “Christo Redentor” standing with arms outstretched at the top of Corcovado Mountain is on many bucket list travelers list. You can see it by hiking up the mountain, taking the train, or a scenic bus ride but nothing compares to flying around it by helicopter.

• The Top 18 Most Excellent Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

24. Ha Long Bay – Vietnam

Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that needs to be seen to truly be appreciated. 1600 towering limestone islands reach up from the emerald waters of Halong Bay. What makes the bay even more picturesque are the junk boats that take tourists to explore the many islands and caves.

• Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay – How to Choose Your Cruise?
• The Very Best Things to do in Vietnam from North to South

25. Have Champagne at the Eiffel Tower – France

Paris is the city of love and we never tire of seeing the Eiffel Tower . Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the city of lights is such a romantic scene, but you must go up the Eiffel Tower. And did you know you can have a glass of champagne? Celebrate a milestone, get engaged or just enjoy a toast as you take in the Parisian skyline.

• Where To Stay In Paris – The Best Neighborhoods in Paris
• 3 Days in Paris: The Best Paris Itinerary for Your First Visit

26. Helicopter Tour of Victoria Falls – Zambia

We happen to live one hour away from Niagara Falls in Canada and we do love that city and the iconic Canadian cascade. So when we had the chance to visit Victoria Falls in Zambia we were very excited. The Falls That Thunder is located in the center of Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and is the largest waterfall in the world. The setting is completely different than Niagara Falls as it is surrounded by jungle. At a Whopping 1.7 km wide (1 mile) it is massive, and the way to take in the scope of Victoria Falls is to get up in the air.

• Incredible Things to Do in Victoria Falls, Zambia

27. Soak in the Blue Lagoon – Iceland

Sure, the Blue Lagoon of Iceland is overcrowded these days, but no trip to “The Land of Fire and Ice” would be complete without stopping to soak in its healing waters. It tops many a traveler’s bucket list, especially after National Geographic named it one of the top 25 Natural Wonders of the World.

• How to Visit The Blue Lagoon in Iceland
• Best Places To Visit In Iceland

28. Explore the Canals of Venice – Italy

We truly fell in love with Venice. Staying in the city for four days allowed us to get off the beaten path to explore more of the quiet corners of the floating city. Not bucket-list travels would be complete without adding Venice to your list. While a gondola tops many bucket lists, it was the private taxi tour that we found to be far more romantic. Riding through the Grand Canal in style viewing scenery made us feel like movie stars.

• 3 Days in Venice – The Complete Venice Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Venice – The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Budget

29. Spy the Sun Stream at Antelope Canyon – USA

It is one of the most recognizable caves in the world. But where is it? Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona is located in the United States. Once a day a gorgeous waterfall of light seeps through tiny openings lighting up the layers of sandstone in this famous slot canyon. Read: The 17 Best Hikes in Arizona

• Antelope Canyon Photo Tours – How to Make the most of it

30. Hike Through Meteora – Greece

Santorini may be the luxury escape of Greece, but the Monasteries of Meteora are the wonders of Greece. Sitting at the top of massive rock monoliths reaching up to 500 meters (1500 feet) from the valley floor, ancient monasteries dot the landscape. Dating back to the 9th century, the Meteora Monasteries can be visited today by hiking to the top, walking across bridges, or simply taking in the view from one of the many lookouts.

• Meteora Monasteries of Greece – Magic Monoliths in Photos
• The Best Places to Visit in Greece

31. Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland

A visit to the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland will make you believe in giants. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Northern Ireland’s most famous attraction and tops many a travel bucket list. To see the perfectly arranged basalt pillars leading out to sea makes you believe that a giant built a causeway to Scotland rather than a volcanic eruption some 60 million years ago.

• The Legend of the Giant’s Causeway – Do You Believe?

32. Leaning Tower of Pisa – Italy

We didn’t know if we’d be in awe of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, but seeing it in person did indeed live up to the hype. Pisa alone is worth visiting. This picturesque city located on the Arno River is filled with history dating back to the 14th century.

• The Leaning Tower of Pisa – Is It Worth The Visit?

33. Stand in the Center of Times Square – New York

Standing in the center of Times Square in New York fills you with energy and excitement. New York is certainly one of the most exciting cities in the world, and while Times Square is filled with tourists, its with good reason. You feel as if you are in the center of the universe as massive LED screens surround the entire square.

• Best Things to Do in New York City
• Where to Stay in New York City – Top Places and Hotels For All Budgets
• Fun Facts About New York

34. Go to the Top of the Burj Khalifa – Dubai

It’s the tallest building in the world sitting amongst several other massive skyscrapers. Dubai is out of this world. With each impressive structure built, there are four more in the works. Going to the top of the Burj Khalifa to see the most impressive skyline on earth is the definitive bucket list item.

• 17 Fabulous and Fun Things to do in Dubai

35. Go Sandboarding in Huacachina – Peru

I never expected sand dunes in Peru to be so massive. When we booked a bus ticket to Huacachina in Peru, we thought we’d be sitting in a tiny oasis, but instead, we were surrounded by the largest sand dunes we’ve ever seen. The way to explore them is to take a dune buggy tour or to hop on a sandboard and glide down them. You’ll be covered in sand, but what a hoot and it is something you must try at least once in your life.

• 24 Best Things to do in Peru

36. Cross the Shibuya Scramble in Tokyo

Until you’ve seen Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo with your own eyes, it’s difficult to comprehend the number of people that take this crossing every few minutes each day. A quarter-million people cross this intersection each day. The best way to see this bucket list item is to go to the top of Magnet’s Mag 7 from the glassed-in viewing area.

• Awesome Things to do in Tokyo, Japan
• Best Day Trips from Tokyo

37. Golden Temple – India

The Taj Mahal may top everyone’s bucket list, but we found the Golden Temple of Amritsar to be a more authentic experience. Don’t get me wrong, the Taj Mahal is a wonder to see, but the Golden Temple is a beautiful display that is still a working temple. Join one hundred thousand pilgrims each day as they pay their respects to Sikkhism’s most holy site.

• Golden Temple of Amritsar – India’s Shining Star

38. Road trip to the Grand Canyon

I must admit I wasn’t expecting much from the Grand Canyon, but during our road trip through California and Arizona we popped into the Grand Canyon and I was taken aback by its beauty and sheer size. The Grand Canyon is on everyone’s American travel bucket list and it is spectacular. The Colorado River cuts through the 466 km long (277 mile) Colorado Plateau canyon of the Colorado Plateau and let me tell you, a pop in won’t do it justice. you must get out and explore the beauty of America’s natural wonder.

• 15 Fun Facts That You Need to Know About the Grand Canyon
• The Absolute Best Things to do in The Grand Canyon
• United States National Parks in Photos

39. Amazon River – Peru

The mighty Amazon River is the largest river by water volume in the world and it is the land of legends. It still feels as if much of the Amazon River Basin has yet to be explored. When you set out on a river cruise through the Amazon, you can almost feel what it was like to be an early exploring cutting their way through the largest jungle on earth.

• What to Expect on an Amazon River Cruise – Life on the River

40. Marvel at the Glaciers of Greenland

Glaciers are melting fast on this planet and nowhere on earth is it more prevalent than in Greenland. Visit the world’s most active calving glacier in Ilulissat and sail through a sea of floating skyscrapers of ice. Icebergs dwarfed our ship as we explored the west coast of Greenland on this truly magnificent bucket list adventure.

• Kayaking in Greenland – The Greatest Arctic Adventure in Photos

41.Swim with Whale Sharks

There is something truly magical about swimming with whale sharks. While it might be a frenzy of tourists beaming with excitement below is calm and quiet. To see these gentle giants glide effortlessly through the sea is the ultimate bucket list travel experience. There are many places to swim with whale sharks around the world, most notably off the coast of Cancun Mexico, and in the Philippines.

• Swimming with Whale Sharks Cancun – A Massive Adventure

42. Hornblower at Niagara Falls

Okay, we cannot forget to include going into the center of Horseshoe Falls in Niagara, Ontario. We have always taken this bucket list adventure for granted because we live so close to Niagara Falls, but when you go on the Hornblower, it truly is a spectacular scene. Feel the power of one of the world’s largest waterfalls as you sit at the bottom of the plunging waters. It is so powerful that everyone gets a rain poncho to wear on the boat. If you make your way to Canada, don’t miss seeing Niagara Falls.

There are so many things to do in Niagara Falls, the Hornblower is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out our full round-up of Our Favourite Things to do in Niagara Falls – Plus Where to Eat & Where to Stay

And these are our most amazing bucket list travels on earth. We’ve been lucky to be able to see and do all of these bucket list adventures in our lifetime. As I went through this list, I cannot believe that we have experienced each and every one of these. It all started by creating a dream list a decade ago, and now we have achieved travels beyond our wildest imagination. We can’t wait to add more when we can travel again.

• 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Visit – That We’ve Been
• Beautiful Isolated Places on Earth – In Photos
• 31 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe
• 16 of the Best Cities in Spain – Beautiful Places to Visit Right Now
• How to Travel Around the World – The Ultimate Travel Resource

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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5 thoughts on “Bucket List Travels – 52 Places to Visit in Your Lifetime”

wow such a wonderful list for everyone. I am from India and I was surprised when I saw the golden temple on your list because everyone includes the Taj mahal in their top list when anyone visits India. waiting for your next blog. ok, take care of each other Dave and Deb.

Chopta Chandrashila Deoria Tal Trek is a prestigious package for visitors to Chopta, which has mesmerizing panoramic Views of beautiful Himalayan peaks.It’s 5km and takes about 3 hours. We can organize a trip for you to this amazing destination. The hike up to Deoria Tal, amidst dense forests and filled with Rhododendrons (in summer) is part of the Chopta-Chandrashila trek. There is a famous Hindu story about it. When the 5 Pandavas were on their way to heaven, they stopped at the place and tasted the water.

I love these bucket list places to travel to!! Some of my favorites from the list were going to see the Churchill polar bears, kayaking in Antarctica, the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Northern Lights. This blog post reminds me of all the beautiful places I have yet to see and cannot wait to go to!

What an amazing compilation of great places. Cant wait to travel after this pandemic.

The Harmiandir Sahib (Golden Temple) of Amritsar has a unique distinction of offering free food at Langar Seva — The world’s largest community kitchen. People visiting the Golden temple must not miss the Langar food.

Thanks for curating a great list.

Official Bucket List Places to Visit & How to Make a Travel Bucket List

We are sharing our official travel bucket list places to visit. But we aren’t stopping there. We are also going to tell you how to make a travel bucket list of your own!

We know you’re not kicking the bucket any time soon, but that’s no excuse to not have a bucket list. Even just the act of creating your bucket list places to visit can help get your butt in gear and plan a trip. Maybe you’re dreaming of exploring New Zealand , hiking Yosemite National Park or experiencing the bustling city of Barcelona . 

On top of that, creating a travel bucket list of places to visit is fun! We had a BLAST creating ours, imagining how and when we will be able to see all of these amazing things the world has to offer!

We will put a by items we have been able to do!

So, without further ado, here is Ruhls of the Road’s official travel bucket list places to visit. We will start at 50 and count down all the way to 1! By sharing our list we hope to inspire you to create your own personal travel bucket list and hopefully give you some ideas of wonderful places to put on it.

If you’d like you can skip ahead in the article to where we talk about How To Make a Travel Bucket List .

Bucket List Places to Visit

50. go whale watching in alaska.

Everything about whale watching looks and sounds absolutely EPIC! Seeing an animal that is bigger than a school bus?? Something that puts elephants to shame?! There’s a ‘your mom’ joke in there somewhere…

It is a life goal to see a whale breach the water like this one. It looks just like Zach flailing into bed after a long day hiking…

49. See the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

What does everyone think of when they think of Barcelona?? Sagrada Familia of course! Maybe you didn’t know that’s what it was called, but I bet you knew what it looks like.

This church, which stands tall over the rest on Barcelona, Spain, is actually still unfinished. Construction began in 1882 and they are STILL NOT DONE. Regardless, this gem is absolutely firmly on our top 50 best bucket list places to visit ideas.

Update: We were able to complete this one with Indie when she was just 4 months old! Travel doesn’t have to stop when you have a baby. Use these baby travel tips  and start planning!

48. Go Camping in Yosemite

Growing up we would always hear about family road trips out to Yosemite for camping, but we never got the chance to do it ourselves. What better time than now!

Yosemite is full of sheer cliffs, big skies, and more animals than Julie has shoes. Sign us up!

Update: We were able to complete this one! We went to Yosemite in October of 2019 and had the time of our lives camping and hiking all over the park!

47. See the Petronas Towers in Malaysia

These skyscrapers stand TALL over Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. How tall? They were the tallest buildings in the WORLD from 1998 to 2004 when  Taipei 101 was built in China.

Another reason these are on our bucket list of places to visit? We’ve always wanted to go to Malaysia! There is so much in Southeast Asia that we still want to see and do, and the Petronas Towers are an absolute MUST.

46. See a Concert at Red Rocks

We are concert folks. Zach has road-tripped to Tennessee for Bonnaroo  and camped in the mud to see Tom Petty and Paul McCartney perform. Didn’t hurt that Of Monsters and Men and The Lumineers were performing too, two of his favorites.

We actually really hit it off at a Chvrches concert at the famous  First Ave in downtown Minneapolis. That’s when Zach busted out some of his killer dance moves and Julie’s jaw was literally on the floor the entire night.

Going to a Red Rocks show is the holy grail of concerts. The natural amphitheater surrounded by the Colorado landscape looks INSANE! We absolutely will see a show here before we kick the bucket.

Update: We’ve now been to 3 Red Rocks concerts and we can truly say it is such a unique and awesome venue. We will be back for another concert in no time.

45. Live on a Sailboat in Mexico (for at least a week)

Waking up every day and being 3 steps from the salty surf. Watching every sunrise and sunset with an uninterrupted view of the horizon. Having the freedom to decide where exactly you want to go, and the means to get you there. Living on a sailboat is living the dream my friend!

Maybe one of the hard parts? No wifi… Julie might die without wifi. But it’s only a week! Grab a book, rub some sun tan lotion on, and enjoy the wide open sea.

Our preferred destination to live on a sailboat would be Cozumel. The island itself looks incredible, and we have heard that there are a ton of amazing things to do in Cozumel ! From snorkeling to ATV tours, we would love to visit this island paradise off of Mexico!

44. Hike to Kelingking Beach in Bali

If you go to Bali and don’t get a picture of the dinosaur head at Kelingking Beach, did you even go to Bali?? It’s no wonder why people love it, the view is as good as any in the world.

White sandy beaches? Check. Beautiful blue waters? Check. Tropical paradise? Check. Cliffs that form the head of a dinosaur? Check! What does this place not have?? It deserves to be on a travel bucket list of places to visit.

43. Go Skydiving

Skydiving should be on everyone’s bucket list! Crapping your pants as you jump OUT OF A PLANE! Does it get any better? Yes it does, because it is all captured forever on video. You’ll have blackmail on anyone you go skydiving with for the rest of your life!

We can’t lie, we are wimps about height. At least Zach is. He won’t be caught within 10 feet of a cliff as we’re hiking, and when the trail narrows he will literally close whichever eye that is closest to the cliff. Not very smart is he..? And STILL he is all on board for jumping out of a speeding jet, and you should be too!

But if we are going to jump out of a plane, you bet it’s going to be some place incredibly beautiful. Some of our top choices would be skydiving in Hawaii , New Zealand or Switzerland. 

36. Walk Beneath the California Redwoods

Of course California has to be on here. California has many places that shouldn’t just be on a USA bucket list travel post, but a worldwide bucket list travel post! And you can’t talk about traveling California without mentioning the Redwoods.

We have never been to Northern California, so the giant redwoods don’t even seem real to us. This pictures look photoshopped, trees don’t get that big… do they?

Update: we completed this one! We went to see Redwoods National Park on our tour of the USA in October of 2019! The trees are so inspiring and powerful, we could have stayed for days just looking up at each one.

35. See the Egyptian Pyramids

Everyone who watched Prince of Egypt as a kid, or as an adult, has always wanted to travel to Egypt to see the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Seriously, how on EARTH did these get built in the ancient times, with hand tools and rope. Unbelievable.

34. See Cataratas Del Iguacu (Iguazu Falls)

Have you ever heard of this one? We thought we might be able to sneak one in! To be honest we hadn’t heard of Iguazu Falls in Argentina until recently. GOODNESS ME WILL YOU TAKE A LOOK AT IT?!

Have you ever seen so many waterfalls in one picture? Seriously, have you? If you have, please tell us where, so we can put that place on our best bucket list places to visit ideas…

33. Walk Along the Great Wall of China

There is literally a structure that exists in the world that is 13,000 miles long. Think about that for a second. Think about how hard it is to run a mile, and how long that feels. Now think about 10 miles. We’re tired just writing that. This is THIRTEEN THOUSAND MILES! Almost 500 MARATHONS long!

My brain hurts just thinking about how ridiculous this sucker must have been to build. The least we can do is make the voyage to China and pay our respects! And of course race each other up and down the winding curves. Julie will win of course, because girls are better than boys.

32. Nighttime Walk at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

If we can ever afford Singapore, by golly we are going to go! The light show at the Gardens by the Bay looks like a Dr. Seuss book come to life.

In the background of this light explosion is the world famous Marina Bay Sands hotel , as well. Maybe if we can afford Singapore we’ll be able to book a night at that bad boy and see what all the fuss is about.

31. Dive in the Great Blue Hole in Belize

This place looks like God just forgot to fill in this part of the world. Just a GIGANTIC hole off the islands outside Belize. The diving here looks pretty unbelievable, just have to watch out for sharks…

30. Hike Banff National Park

We first discovered Banff in a friend’s wedding photo shoot, and ever since then we’ve been trying to make it to Banff! Lake Louise and Moraine Lake specifically look as cool as the other side of the pillow.

What do we love to do everywhere we go? Hiking of course! And Banff has some of the best on earth. We want to take at least a week or two and camp in the Canadian countryside outside Calgary, hiking every inch of this tundra masterpiece.

Update: we made it to Banff! In July 2019 we hiked all over Banff National Park for 4 straight days. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget.

29. See the Galapagos Islands Wildlife

The Galapagos is where Charles Darwin theorized evolution, and it is where we want to test our own theory. Our theory is that penguins, sea lions, and giant tortoises will make better travel buddies than people. What do you think?

The Galapagos is home to the only penguins north of the Equator. That basically makes them the hottest penguins in the world, once the Miss Universe Penguin Pageant comes out these babies are sure to take home the crown.

28. Hike to Patagonia

Not the apparel. We do love some good Patagonia threads, but we are talking about the southern tip of South America (which the clothing company was named after).

Patagonia is the unicorn for a number of hikers and climbers out there, and we don’t want to miss out on all the fun. This is firmly in the top 30 of our best bucket list of places to visit ideas!

27. Danube River Cruise

The Danube River came rushing into our lives on a past trip to Budapest in Hungary. While soaking in the sights and sounds of Budapest, we noticed a few river cruises floating down the Danube, stopping at the docks.

After seeing 5 or 6 boats, Julie ran up in a huff to one of the passengers coming off the boat. She was somehow able to stop the passenger from calling the police on her, and even got some information on the cruise!

These Danube River Cruises cut straight through the heart of Europe, from the Black Sea all the way through Germany. They stop off at many amazing cities along the way, and even have free bikes that you can take to explore each new city! We believe the best way to explore any new city is on two wheels.

26. Sled Dog Rides in Sweden

Julie loves dogs more than she loves Zach, and it’s not even close. So it is natural that she wants to spend as much time with them as she possibly can.

Something about taking a sled dog ride in Scandinavia sounds magical to us. We want to be surrounded by snow.

25. Drive on Salar de Uyuni – Salt Flats in Bolivia

The largest salt flat in the world! At a certain time of the year nearby lakes overflow and leave a thin layer of water on top of the salt flats causing a spectacular reflection of everything in the area.

Do a handstand and you will have no idea which way is up, at least until you come crashing down… During the dry season the endless horizon allows a photographer to play with depth of field and optical illusions . There’s literally never a bad time to visit the Salt Flats in Bolivia.

24. Camel Ride through a Desert

What can spit 10 feet, has hair all over its body, and can go days without peeing? Zach! And camels… We think he might have been a camel in a past life, to be honest it would explain a lot.

Riding a camel through the desert sounds straight up biblical, we’ll absolutely be blasting tunes from Prince of Egypt (our second Prince of Egypt reference…) on the ride. We’re thinking the best destinations are Jordan, Morocco, and Dubai, but as long as the ride is ‘bumpy’ we’re on board!

23. Hike the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii

We love Moana. When How Far I’ll Go comes on we are both screaming along at the top of our lungs. We also love Jurassic Park. The scene where the helicopter first lands on the island is a real place. It is the Na Pali Coast in Kauai!

The Na Pali Coast is where Moana meets Jurassic Park. This island is the most wild of Hawaii’s islands, and has the most to offer in terms of hiking and camping.

On top of that, you can go to a luau in Hawaii! Ancient dances! Food! Face and body paint! More food! Native costumes! Dessert! Luaus sound absolutely epic, and you will want to see one where they were born: Hawaii.

Update: we were able to go to Kauai in September of 2019! We hiked all over the Na Pali Coast and did an incredible excursion with Capt Andy’s to the Na Pali Coast beaches.

22. Breakfast at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya

Yes, this place exists, and these are real pictures . Giraffe Manor is a cross between a safari, a zoo, a wildlife refuge, and a hotel. The giraffes roam the grounds and LITERALLY HAVE BREAKFAST WITH YOU! WE ARE NOT PULLING YOUR LEG. Google it. We’ll wait.

What did you find? The giraffes literally have breakfast with the guests? That’s what we thought. Do we even have to say anything more? Breakfast with Melmon from Madagascar is all the convincing I need to make Giraffe Manor number 22 on our travel bucket list of places to visit.

21. Explore Lake Powell & Horseshoe Bend

Lake Powell is a man-made lake that is more like a river. There is lots of shoreline for hiking and lots of water for cruising. Can you imagine whipping around these bends on two skis? Sounds like one heck of a hairpin turn!

If Julie’s water skiing skills are anything like her snow skiing skills we are in for some wicked wipe-outs. Once we’re waterlogged we’d love to camp on the canyon, rest our feet, wake up to these breathtaking views and do it all again.

Update: We completed this in February 2022! What an experience seeing Lake Powell wind around the red walls.

20. One Week at the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is on the ‘shin’ of Italy’s boot, coming in right above the ankle, and at number 20 on our bucket list places to visit. Why? You tell me. Is it the breathtaking coastline? Unbeatable Italian dining? Fine sandy beaches? All of the above.

The Amalfi Coast is also a HUGE producer of lemons and Limoncello for Italy and the world. You know what they say, when life give you lemons, bring them to the Amalfi Coast so they can turn those lemons into booze.

Update: We checked this off in summer of 2022 and we couldn’t be more excited! Indie in tow of course!

19. Petra, Dead Sea and Ma’an Governorate

The Dead Sea is 10 TIMES SALTIER THAN THE OCEAN! You will literally float just by plopping your butt in the salty goodness, no life vest needed.

As a bonus, the muddy black bottom is supposed to be FULL of nutrients that are amazing for your skin. You’ll be floating in the water with mud all over your face, basically a deluxe spa treatment if you ask us!

After a spa day in the Dead Sea, we want to head to Ma’an Governorate. This seems like somewhere you have to see to believe. The buildings are literally carved into the edge of a cliff. Seems like a perfect place to ride a camel up to…

18. Eat Fresh Sushi in Japan

Sushi is one of those foods where authentic is SO much better than knock-offs. Where do you get the most authentic sushi on earth? Japan of course!

Our second date was to a sushi restaurant (the first was to a brewery of course). Naturally, we want to make the trip to the birthplace of sushi and try the best on earth!

Update: We have a plan to check this one off in February 2024!

17. See Christ the Redeemer in Rio

Christ the Redeemer stands tall over Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, as one of the most iconic monuments on earth. I mean, just look at it. It is such a powerful image looking over the 3rd largest city in South America.

16. Wine Tour Through South of France

Who doesn’t want to travel through some of the most beautiful rolling hills on earth while sipping some of the best wine ever tasted? We know you’d have the time of your life, and so would we. That’s why a winery tour through the South of France comes in at number 16 on our countdown of the best bucket list places to visit.

Update: We checked this one off in Summer 2021 and French wine did not disappoint!

15. Stay in a Maldives Overwater Bungalow

We want to get bungaHIGH in a Maldives overwater bungaLOW! This looks to be as close to paradise as you can get. Waking up to some strong coffee and strolling out on the porch to a crystal blue ocean sunrise ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

As an extra bonus, some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world is in the Maldives. Zach sucks at both, but maybe in the Maldives he will be able to get a bit better!

14. Hike Zhangjiajie National Park in China

We’re going to bet that you’ve never heard of this. We hadn’t either until a friend showed us and HOLY CRIPES! Zhangjiajie looks right up there with the best National Parks in the world! And apparently the world of Avatar was based on this bad boy…

13. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride

Are we the only ones who didn’t believe that Turkey was a country back in elementary school? Definitely thought the teacher was playing a prank on us… Turkey and Chad. Whenever a country has a corresponding English noun (or was the name of a kid in your class) it just sounded funny as a kid.

Turkey is very much real, and the hot air balloon flights over Cappadocia look like the trip of a lifetime. Good enough for lucky 13 on our official best bucket list places to visit ideas countdown!

12. Road Trip through Ireland

Zach wants to sip Guinness in an authentic Irish pub. Julie wants to stick her head out of the sunroof as we cruise past castles and cliffs. How do we compromise? A road trip through Ireland!

We have so much we want to see in Ireland, a road trip is the only way to do it. Galway, Kilkenny Castle, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Cork, Blarney Castle, Dublin, and so much more! Might have to take more than a month to see it all…

Update: We have plans to check this one off in May of 2024!

11. Climb Mt Kilimanjaro

The tallest free standing mountain in the world, standing 19,341 feet above sea level… Sign us up! Kilimanjaro takes about a week of climbing to reach the top. If there are views like this on the way up, then we are absolutely golden!

10. Explore the Scottish Highlands

Ever since Zach watched William Wallace trounce King Edward in Braveheart, he’s wanted to trek through the Scottish Highlands. Just watch this video and tell us you don’t want to tag along.

Update: We have plans to check this one off in June 2024!

9. Visit the Taj Mahal

Almost 400 years old and this bad boy is still b-e-a-utiful! A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal belongs on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit.

Nestled in Northern India, a marble mausoleum monstrosity rising over the surrounding countryside, we can’t wait to see the Taj Mahal. Morning yoga and coffee followed by a stunning sunrise? Sign us up.

8. Island Hop the Philippines

To be honest this probably looks like the most fun of any of our bucket list places to visit items. The Philippines look absolutely unbelievable! Island hopping through a tropical wonderland, sipping pina coladas with sandy butt cheeks.

Riding through the lush green islands surrounded by the clear blue water would be the perfect day in my book and I can’t wait to check this one off the list.

7. New Zealand South Island – Camp at Milford Sound

Why is Milford Sound on our list? Number one, it is an absolute stunner. Perfect 10. The views look life changing.

Number two, Milford is supposed to have some of the hardest hiking in the Southern Hemisphere. We like a good challenge, and love a good hike. At the South Island of New Zealand, we are going to get both of them in a big way.

Update: We checked this one off the bucket list… sort of! Unfortunately when we were in New Zealand there was a massive landslide due to rainfall that took out the road to Milford Sound. Instead we visited Milford Sound via plane and it was seriously a once in a lifetime experience!

6. See Mt Bromo at Sunrise

Massive Mt Bromo is an active volcano located on the southern side of Indonesia. I repeat, an active volcano. This son of a gun has erupted FOUR TIMES in the last 15 years.

Seems a little bit like Julie to be honest… Looks damn good in a picture, but do not, DO NOT, piss her off.

To be honest it reminds us a little bit of Mount Wannahockaloogie . Hopefully no one makes us swim through the ring of fire!

5. Take the Train in Sri Lanka – 9 Arch Bridge

The most beautiful train ride in the world lies in the heart of Sri Lanka, from Kandy to Ella. Along the way, you pass over the 9 Arch Bridge, whose local names means 9 skies, named for the 9 separate skies you see as you look up through the arches from below.

The bridge is only accessible by train or on foot, and we’ve heard it is QUITE a hike. What else? On this train you’re allowed to stick your arms and head out as you ride, and you may even be able to hang out on the side of the train if you’ve got the cojones…

4. Go on an African Safari

MAAAAA SEVVENYAAAA MAMA LEETSY MAMAAA GIVAAA HOWAYYY

When Lion King comes on we turn it up to 11! And we’d give just about anything to experience the Savannah in Africa for ourselves. Julie’s favorite animal is the elephant. Zach’s favorite is the zebra. Sounds like a win win to jump on an African Safari!

3. See the Northern Lights in Norway’s Fjords

Norway = Epic. We think Norway is WAY TOO UNDERRATED for people choosing their travel destinations. Maybe because they think it is too far North? Maybe because they dominate all the skiing events at the Winter Olympics? Whatever the reason, wake up people!

Norway is home to some of the most magnificent lakes, waterways, and cliffs on earth, and the fjords are to die for! Now sprinkle on some Norway Northern Lights and what do you have? A cocktail worth traveling across the Atlantic for!

Update: We visited the Norway Fjords the summer of 2022. Unfortunately, the northern lights weren’t visible during that time of year but we will absolutely be back in winter at some point. 

2. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Ever since Zach read Turn Right at Machu Picchu , he can’t stop talking about hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The hike takes the better part of a week through the mountains and valleys of Peru, past Incan ruins and breathtaking sites

What is better than hiking through the South American jungle past ancient monuments on your way to perhaps the most amazing structure of all time?? Well, in our opinion, only one thing:

1. Live the Van Life for 1 year National Parks Around the USA

Van Life is something we’ve always wanted to do. Set up your 4-wheeled home and hit the road for an ENTIRE YEAR! See the wide open countryside, go where the road takes you, fight with your spouse about not being lost, let your dog pee in all 50 states!

What is there to do while you’re road tripping through the entire United States of America? See all the National Parks of course! There are 58 in all, and we plan on seeing every single one of them in our lifetimes before we kick the bucket!

Update: We were able to accomplish this one! We lived in a van for all of 2019 and traveled all around the country. We explored National Park after National Park , hiking every awesome trail we could find! To read more about our Van Life and hiking adventures, check out these pages:

There you have our 50 best bucket list places to visit! We loved the exercise of putting our bucket list ideas together, and we truly think you will too. Let’s talk about some hints on how to make a travel bucket list!

Tips on How to Make a Travel Bucket List

Making a travel bucket list of places to visit is an incredibly fun experience. But in some ways it can feel a bit overwhelming. After all, there is a whole world out there to experience! How will you ever get out there to see it all?

Well, to start let’s revisit our definition of a bucket list:

Travel Bucket List

noun – A list of adventures, sights, and experiences a person wishes to see during their lifetime. AKA before they ‘kick the bucket’…

Let’s zero in on a few different words in the definition. First off, the word ‘wishes’. Just because you have something on your bucket list doesn’t necessarily mean you have to see it. It means you wish to see it.

Your bucket list of places to visit should act as a guide for your future experiences! Not just as a list you want to ‘check off’ just for the sake of checking it off.

Second, let’s look at the words ‘during their lifetime’. You have a LOT of TIME to see all of these things and experience these adventures! Don’t plan to do all of them in one year, or even five years.

At best, you should be doing a handful of these items each year. If you are able to do all 50 in 2 years, then maybe dream a bit bigger! Okay, now we have some expectations set, let’s get into our tips on how to make a travel bucket list.

Make Your Travel Bucket List Action Oriented

Many bucket lists people make are just location-oriented. For instance, the list might look something like this:

• Egyptian Pyramids
• Australian Outback
• Kauai, Hawaii
• Southeast Asia
• Yosemite National Park

This looks like a great list. 5 awesome adventures without a doubt. However, we recommend one change: add actions to each of your travel bucket list ideas. Instead of the above list, make it look something like this:

• Walk around the Eqyptian Pyramids
• Take a Trek in the Austrailian Outback
• Hike the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii
• Take a Mud Bath with Elephants in Thailand
• Camp in Yosemite National Park

Now your list has actual actions associated with each of the locations. This will help each item crystallize in your mind and will get you further down the road when planning each of these awesome actions.

Get Inspiration on the Internet

What do Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook have in common? Well, they are all social media apps. They all probably take up some portion of your day. We all know they are pretty addicting.

But, they can also be GREAT tools for finding new places to travel! For us, they were awesome in helping get inspiration for our travel bucket list ideas!

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When you use them correctly, these apps make for INCREDIBLE tools. On Pinterest, you can search for awesome travel destinations and on Instagram, you can find the most beautiful views in places around the world.

On Facebook there are groups where people share tips and tricks on different destinations. And YouTube has incredible videos showing all of the adventures you can have around the world.

Maybe You Should Put Hawaii on Your Bucket List!

Now, you can absolutely fall down rabbit holes on these apps, and easily lose half a day. Remember your goal as you are using them, and do your best to limit your time on each one.

Talk to Friends & Family

Your friends and family know you very well. They can be an invaluable resource in getting bucket list ideas and learning about new places.

In all likelihood, some of your friends and family have been to places you’ve never been. And since they know you, they will have a good idea of whether you may like those places as well!

Strike up a conversation about bucket lists with your loved ones and see what they have to say! They may even have some ideas that you have never even heard of. Speaking of which…

Research Places You’ve Never Heard Of

Our FAVORITE bucket list ideas for us were the ones we had never heard of before we started researching. Now, there is one question that must be answered on this topic: How do you find places you’ve never heard of?

That is a great question. If you don’t know about something, how on earth are you supposed to research about it?? Well, there are a couple different way!

An Alaskan Cruise Could be once of the Most AWESOME Bucket List Items

The easiest option is to use social media. Use the Instagram search page. Scroll Pinterest’s travel boards, ask people on Facebook, etc. If you hear about something that you haven’t heard of, check that place out!

For us, before we started researching we had never heard of the following places, and now they are on our bucket list!

• Hike to Kelingking Beach in Bali
• Visit Dharavi, Mumbai
• Cataratas del Iguazu (Iguazu Falls)
• Dive the Great Blue Hole in Belize
• See Mt Bromo at Sunrise

Okay, on to our next tip for how to make a travel bucket list. Write things down!

Write Things Down

Studies show that writing things down helps people take action. Writing a to-do list helps you achieve every item on that to-do list. The same goes with travel bucket lists.

We suggest making a document on your computer with your bucket list, that way you can constantly update the list as you achieve them and you can have it no matter where you go. You may want to opt for something cuter than a Google doc, so in that case maybe you’ll want a journal or even an actual bucket!

Make Plans!

Once you complete your bucket list, then the TRULY fun part comes! You can start planning for one of your adventures!

If you would like help with planning, we wrote an awesome Travel eBook with details on how to get cheap travel deals, how to budget for your adventures, and how to get time off work! Click here to check it out!

There you have it. All 50 of our bucket list ideas and our secrets on how to make a travel bucket list! We hoped you loved reading this as much as we loved making it.

If you loved this article please Pin it using the images below!

42. Walk Along Lake Bled in Slovenia

2 years ago, we couldn’t find Slovenia on a map. If you’re being honest with yourself, you couldn’t either, right? But this place is ROCKETING up our travel bucket list places to visit!

Just look at this picture from above Lake Bled, that is one of the most picturesque islands on earth. A bell tower on an island surrounded by turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains in the distance?

Is this place made up in a fairy tale. Odds are there is a princess in that tower and a monster lurking in the lake awaiting any challengers…

41. Stay in a Treetop Hotel in Saint Lucia Island

We were about ten minutes away from making Saint Lucia our honeymoon destination, but we changed course last minute. Flights were just too expensive at the time, and we travel on a budget !

However, as flight prices get better we will absolutely be heading your way Saint Lucia! There are literally treetop hotels (cabins? treehouses?) that you can stay in!

Monkeys hang out at your doorstep, the sun rises high in the sky, and you will be sipping cocktails out of coconuts! And OH LORD the hiking on this island looks to be about as good as any on earth.

40. Oktoberfest in Munich

If you’ve ever met us, odds are at least one of us has had a beer in their hands. Julie loves Porters and wheat beers. Zach opts for a local IPA or a good ol fashioned Coors Light.

Both of us would love to order beer (or bier) by the liter, and want to head to Munich in the fall to do it! Drinking out of a shoe (like some people do at Oktoberfest) might not be your thing, but Lederhosen and  Dirndls sure as hell better be.

If you’re not getting down with the Bavarian culture when you’re putting back beer and pretzels, then you my friend are NOT doing it right. Make sure Oktoberfest is firmly on your best bucket list of places to visit ideas, it sure as heck is on ours.

39. Snowboard in the Alps & Visit Dolomites

Zach tried to teach Julie to snowboard in 2016 and it was NOT pretty. Julie’s butt took a beating on the ice, and the day ended with Zach falling down the stairs outside the chalet, throwing his coffee straight up into the clear blue sky in the process. Like I said, NOT pretty.

If you think Julie is insane to go from not being able to make it down a blue square, all the way to the ITALIAN ALPS, then you’re right! But an Alice in Wonderland quote comes to mind: ‘You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.’

If we fall down a rabbit hole in Northern Italy, don’t come looking for us, we’ll be kicking it with Alice having a grand ol time! After shredding the Alps we’re going to hop on over to the Dolomites for some UNBELIEVABLE views.

This place looks like it was plucked from the dreams of someone who ate one too many magic mushrooms before bed. Once we saw it we knew it would be firmly planted on our best bucket list places to visit.

Update: We did visit the Dolomites, but it wasn’t during Winter. So we partially checked this one off. 

38. Do Yoga in India and Visit Dharavi, Mumbai (Slums of India)

Downward Dog in Buddha’s backyard! We have a love affair with Yoga that started when we both began classes in college. Julie went for the yoga, Zach went for the girls in yoga pants.

Thankfully he struck out 100% of the time at the studio and met Julie a few years later, and as a bonus the yoga ended up giving him his killer dance moves.

After yoga we will be taking a trip to Dharavi in Mumbai. This place is known as the slums of India, it is the largest slum in all of Asia. We believe it’s important to experience the culture in every country we visit. Seeing the living and working conditions of the people here will give us a brand new outlook on life.

37. Trek the Australian Outback

G’day mate! Let’s put another shrimp on the barbie! Australia slides into the top 40 of our list, as a mecca for trekkers the world over. We want nothing more than to head into the outback in a camper van and cruise the desert in search of wildlife and good times.

Something about being in the middle of nowhere, away from crowds and experiencing nature at its finest sounds absolutely incredible to us. The Australian outback checks every box!

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Celebrate Juneteenth at these Maine events

The holiday is Wednesday, but events start this weekend and run through the end of the month.

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Westbrook Middle School students Bella Zollarcoffer, Priscila Nzolameso and Sarikong Oak held tables educating and informing the community on Black hair history at Westbrook’s Juneteenth celebration last year. Cullen McIntyre/Staff Photographer

Juneteenth, which became both a federal and state holiday in 2021 , celebrates the anniversary of federal troops’ arrival in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to ensure all enslaved people had been freed. This year, the holiday falls on Wednesday, but celebrations are happening over the next two weeks.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. –  Indigo Arts Alliance presents The Welcome Table, an intergenerational symposium celebrating global cultural and culinary histories. Activities include art, movement and meditation workshops led by activists and cultural workers. 60 Cove St., Portland.  indigoartsalliance.me

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. –  Victoria Mansion is hosting a community day with free admission and a recitation of the Emancipation Proclamation by local actors. 109 Danforth St. Portland.  victoriamansion.org

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. –  Space and the Tate House Museum are putting on a Juneteenth community day with free admission and tours of Ashley Page’s “Imagining Freedom” exhibit at the museum. The historical art piece puts viewers into the shoes of an enslaved woman named Bet. 1267 Westbrook St., Portland.  space538.org Advertisement

1-6:30 p.m. –  The first event of “The City that Carries Us: Pain, Streets, and Heartbeats” will take place at the Public Theatre in Lewiston. The celebration will have a parade and a block party with performances, as well as scheduled activities and rituals throughout the day. It is hosted by the organization Maine Inside Out. 31 Maple St., Lewiston, maineinsideout.org

2-3 p.m. –  Through “Poems of Reckoning and Resilience,” the Portland Museum of Art and Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance seek to honor the legacy of Black Americans. Featured poet Nathan McClain will join local poets in the Great Hall at the museum to celebrate Black liberation and creativity. The museum is also offering free admission Saturday through Monday, in celebration of both Juneteenth and Pride Month. 7 Congress Square, Portland.  mainewriters.org

11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. –  The fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration on House Island in Casco Bay will focus on Black joy, as well as nature, health and economic opportunity. Guests can stay for one or two days, and partake in activities like camping, hiking, yoga and games, all led by BIPOC leaders. Fortland, House Island, Portland.  eventbrite.com

4:30-7 p.m. –  The Community Organizing Alliance is putting on an event with speakers, live performances, poetry readings, a voter registration drive and catering by Bab’s Table. There will also be opportunities to get involved in the racial justice movement. The Atrium at Bates Mill, 36 Chestnut St., Lewiston.  eventbrite.com

1-3 p.m. –  Riverbank Park in Westbrook will host a community event with art, poetry, music and guest speakers. There will also be a barbecue picnic, a student fashion show, hair braiding, pick-up soccer and more activities sponsored by the city. 667 Main St., Westbrook.  On Facebook.

7-8 p.m. –  The Portland Yoga Project is putting on a class called “Liberated Breath: A Juneteenth Yoga Experience” that seeks to reflect on the holiday through yoga. The class is free for BIPOC community members and is sponsored by the Portland Public Library. 7 Bedford St., Portland, allevents.in

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FinanceBuzz

14 Bucket List Destinations That Really Are Worth the Money

Posted: July 27, 2023 | Last updated: August 22, 2023

While budget travel is a great option if you want to save money – always a wise idea, especially if you want to retire early – vacationing on the cheap isn’t always an option, depending on where you want to go. 

This is especially true if you’re venturing off to far-flung locales with unparalleled experiences.

Whether you’re on the quest to see natural wonders or are seeking culinary and cultural experiences that are second to none, these places are 100% worth the thousands of dollars you’ll pay to visit them.

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You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the rich history you’ll find in Jerusalem, the crown jewel of the Middle East. From the Wailing Wall to the Dome of the Rock to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, this city is holy to three religions: Jews, Muslims, and Christians, who all share the space.

There is also a deep culinary history here as well, so be clever with your travel credit card choices and save some money since this isn't the most frugal destination. Be sure not to miss out on a day trip to Petra – one of the wonders of the world – in nearby Jordan, either.

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Another city steeped in religious history is Rome, the beating heart of Italy. Here you’ll find Vatican City, which is home to some of the most stunning art and architecture in the world.

Rome is also famous for ancient ruins, abundant museums, bustling markets, and more amazing art and architecture. And of course, the food in Rome is world-famous for a good reason – it’s delectable.

Southern Africa

There are several African countries that offer bucket list safari experiences, but only South Africa has those as well as other amazing tourist delights. These include a sojourn into the Kalahari Desert, a few days at the beach, world-class food, and wine.

If you can swing it after taking in all a safari has to offer, a side trip to Zimbabwe’s famed Victoria Falls is absolutely worth the splurge as well.

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There are beautiful beaches all over the world, but the Republic of Maldives is a standout spot located in the Indian Ocean. 

This locale is known for its overwater bungalows that provide endless water views by day and starry skies by night. There are also ample outdoor activities.

Getting to Maldives will take you a full day, but it’s totally worth it if a secluded, semi-private beach getaway is what you’re after.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a city more worth visiting than Tokyo. This teeming metropolis literally has it all: world-class dining, endless entertainment, unmatched technological savvy, rich cultural destinations, quirky museums, cutting-edge fashion, and stunning outdoor spaces.

Tokyo also has a remarkable public transportation system that will shuttle you around the city, which is an experience in and of itself.

Galapagos Islands

Off the coast of Ecuador are the iconic Galapagos Islands, a must-see destination for eco-tourists. 

Home to giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, iguanas, and lava lizards, this natural wonder is a unique ecosystem unto itself.

An eight-day cruise of the islands will allow you to experience all the Galapagos have to offer. But no, it’s not cheap.

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Machu Picchu

Peru, Ecuador’s neighbor to the south, is home to the architectural wonder that is Machu Picchu. This UNESCO heritage site built by the Inca attracts millions of curious explorers every year, who go there to drink in the sweeping views and see the ancient ruins for themselves.

If you are up for the trek, there are plenty of porter companies who will help you hike in. Otherwise, you can take the train from Cusco.

Amalfi Coast

This romantic Italian destination has so much going for it: unparalleled cuisine, luxe accommodations, stunning sea views, and an old-school road system ripe with dramatic mountain switchbacks. It’s even a UNESCO heritage site.

Once you’ve finished dining at Michelin starred restaurants, explore old churches, stunning frescos, and breathtaking architecture that will transport you.

The Van Gogh Museum. The Rijksmuseum. The Anne Frank House. These are just three of the iconic places you can visit in Amsterdam, the stunning canal city of The Netherlands. This walkable metropolis also boasts thrilling nightlife for curious revelers.

We recommend taking a canal tour so you can see Amsterdam from the water, which gives you a new perspective of the place. The food scene is of course great, too.

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The Great Barrier Reef

This natural wonder of the world is an absolute must-see for fans of snorkeling and scuba diving. The Great Barrier Reef is the biggest coral reef in the world – it’s the sole living thing that you can see from space – and is a crucial habitat for countless species of marine life.

When you’re done snorkeling, you can repose on one of the many gorgeous beaches in the area. You can also take in Australian history in the local urban areas.

Who hasn’t dreamed of visiting Egypt? This historic country is home to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the tomb of King Tutankhamun, the Great Sphinx of Giza, and the Valley of the Kings, arguably the most important archeological wonders in the entire world.

Egypt also has beautiful beaches and exciting diving, as well as hot springs where you can soak your ailments away. Don’t forget the cuisine, either, as it’s downright magical.

We don’t have to tell you that the wine and food in Paris are both world-class, or that the art at the Louvre is an absolute must-see. And you likely know the Eiffel Tower is worth visiting.

If you have an interest in the morbid, you must venture down into the catacombs, which are lined with skulls and bones. The place is spooky, but utterly fascinating as well.

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With its stunning concentration of skyscrapers, Hong Kong thrills just looking at it. Once inside this bustling and youthful Chinese city, gourmet cuisine and creative cocktails abound. Along with these delights, urban temples dot the streets, merging the traditional with the new.

If you find yourself weary of the big city, slip into Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon, where you can drink tea and play mahjong, old world style.

Alaska may be in the United States, but not every American can afford to go see it, you need to trek fairly far to get to this rugged and remote place. Once you’re there, though, wonder awaits in the form of majestic whales breaching, the Northern Lights twinkling in the sky, and glaciers shining in the midnight sun.

Don’t miss the chance to stand in the Shadow of Mt. Denali, or glimpse bears and other wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Both are once in a lifetime experiences.

Bottom line

Travel is a great way to open your eyes to new sights, histories, and cultures, but it usually doesn’t come cheap. These places may be expensive to visit, but they are more than worth the money.

That said, there are ample destinations that are worthy of your bucket list that you can do on a budget, like Costa Rica or Puerto Rico. Pro-tip: That’s a great way to make money moves that will keep your bank account bountiful.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
• 12 legit ways to earn extra cash .
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

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