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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.

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27 Top-Rated Bucket List Destinations

Written by Shandley McMurray Updated May 3, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

What's on your bucket list? You know, that record you keep of all the places you have to see before you die? Or maybe it's a list of the spots you need to visit in the next few years.

Whatever your time span, heading on a bucket list trip is even more thrilling than taking a regular vacation. At the end of your holiday, you can cross that location off your "must-sees" and add a new one to the mix.

Whether you're hoping to go on safari in Africa , visit one of the world's greatest natural wonders (i.e. The Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Canyon, or Niagara Falls), or tour a historic city like Rome or Paris, the world is your proverbial oyster — all you need to do is open it and explore.

Can't decide where to head next? Plan your sightseeing with our list of the best bucket list destinations in the world.

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

2. the maldives, 3. africa on a safari, 4. the taj mahal, agra, india, 5. paris, france, 6. the amazon rainforest, brazil, 7. santorini, greece, 8. bali, indonesia, 9. bora bora, french polynesia, 10. the pyramids of giza, egypt, 11. the great wall of china, china, 12. dubai, united arab emirates, 13. iceland to see the northern lights, 14. new york city, usa, 15. venice, italy, 16. angkor wat, cambodia, 17. niagara falls, canada, 18. grand canyon, usa, 19. australia to snorkel the great barrier reef, 20. tokyo, japan, 21. tahiti, french polynesia, 22. iguazú falls, argentina, 23. rome, italy, 24. the dalmatian coast, croatia, 25. cinque terre, italy, 26. galápagos islands, ecuador, 27. new orleans, usa, map of bucket list destinations.

It's hard to see a picture of Machu Picchu without wanting to jump right in. The vibrant green grass, majestic craggy peaks, and remarkable stone ruins are breathtakingly beautiful. No wonder this magical spot has been dubbed one of the top places to visit in the world .

This archeological masterpiece was once an Inca City (in the 15 th and 16 th centuries). Today, it's one of the most phenomenal of all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites , and one that millions have placed at the top of their bucket lists for good reason.

Not surprisingly, Machu Picchu is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Peru . To get here, you'll have to plan your visit well. Entry is only permitted twice a day (in the morning or afternoon), and you'll have to either hike along the famed Inca Trail or take a bus from the nearby town of Aguas Calientes for access.

Most visitors stay in historic Cusco , the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas, for easier access to the site. The swanky, five-star Palacio Nazarenas, a Belmond Hotel is your best bet for a luxurious stay in Cusco.

It's easy to picture Nirvana when you're staring at an unblemished Maldivian shore. Topping the list of the most beautiful islands in the world , this lush wonderland is literally the stuff of dreams and one of the most bucket-list-worthy destinations.

A romantic archipelago (it's made up of over 1,000 islands), the Maldives are set just off the coast of Sri Lanka . The area features the most crystalline turquoise water gently lapping sugar-white sandy beaches. Below the waves, you'll find fish of all shapes and colors darting about, while on shore, tall, waving palm trees sway in the warm breeze.

Add a few luxurious overwater bungalows to this scene, and you've found a version of paradise even the greatest writers couldn't make better. You'll also understand why it's been deemed one of the best honeymoon destinations , especially if you're traveling in January. Tons of Hollywood A-listers and others with deep pockets flock to this exotic locale to ring in the New Year.

Families are more than welcome to visit the Maldives, and large luxury bungalows make it easy to house your entire crew, but if you're looking for a romantic getaway for couples, this serene spot should top your list!

Who hasn't added an African safari to the top of their bucket list vacations? Guaranteed to be a trip of a lifetime, it's no wonder so many people crave this incredible experience. A safari is thrilling, awe-inspiring, and picturesque, especially when conducted in one of the world's most phenomenal landscapes.

Whether you're hoping to catch sight of the "Big Five" (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos) in Kenya, bounce along in a jeep through Kruger National Park , or soar through the air in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti National Park , an African safari won't disappoint.

With so many fantastic game reserves (including many in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania), you'll have plenty of places to choose from when booking your trip.

Not a fan of sleeping rough? Ramp up the luxury at one of these stellar safari lodges in South Africa .

Craving a more intimate and unique animal encounter? Head to one of the best places to visit in Tanzania (on Mafia Island , to be exact) to swim with whale sharks (from January through March, or October through December).

The Taj Mahal was built in the mid-1600s by Shah Jahan in memorial to his third wife — it's said she made him a deathbed promise to build her the most beautiful of structures. He definitely fulfilled his duty! Well, over 20,000 workmen finished this duty for him, and it took them over 17 years to complete this top bucket list destination.

Today, this magical marble mausoleum is one of the most recognizable (and captivating) buildings on the planet. The Taj Mahal is also one of the most famous sites in all of India . Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, this ornate masterpiece lies amid almost 17 hectares of an immensely gorgeous Mughal garden, on the banks of the sparkling Yamuna River .

Not surprisingly, it's been deemed one of the New Seven Wonders of the World .

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Agra

Europe's most revered city of love, Paris has so much more to offer than its iconic Eiffel Tower . You'll find some of the world's best stores selling clothes so fashionable they haven't yet hit the North American market. The restaurants serve food so divine, you'll crave seconds (and sometimes thirds).

Famous Paris attractions like the Arc de Triomphe and Panthéon beckon photographers, while museums such as the Museée du Louvre and Musée d'Orsay beg history buffs to while away hours within their lavish halls.

Hold hands while wandering the banks of the Seine , enjoy a café al fresco on the Champs-'Elysée , and take a few moments to reflect while traipsing within the hallowed walls of the Cathédral Notre-Dame . You certainly won't be bored while sightseeing on this bucket list vacation.

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Paris

All becomes right with the world when you putter down the mystical Amazon River in Brazil. Beside you towers the incredible Amazon Rainforest, chock full of wildlife so beautiful, it will take your breath away.

A chorus of birdsong guides you along, while monkeys swing from nearby vines and sloths slowly climb their way to a better view. Snakes, turtles, and jaguars are also set to make an appearance, if you're patient enough to spot them.

To experience the Amazon's splendor first-hand, you'll need to board a boat from Manaus to the Encontro das Aguas (the point at which the Rio Solimões meets the Rio Negro). From here, you can join a boat tour through the heart of the rainforest.

It's hard not to feel nature's pulse here, providing life to the planet through its essential ecosystem. Known as the "planet's lungs," the Amazon rainforest is responsible for 20 percent of the world's oxygen.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Brazil

You'll be hard-pressed to enjoy a more romantic sunset experience than that found in Santorini . Whether you visit the picturesque capital of Firá or watch the sun descend over the sparkling water in front of beautiful Oia , stepping foot on Santorini is akin to walking into a postcard. This is an ideal honeymoon or bucket list destination for couples.

The iconic pearly white, blue-domed buildings are made even lovelier by colorful blooms. It's as if an artist was set loose upon each home with only the most tasteful of colors. A bright teal door here and a vibrant yellow wall or red gate there add just the right pop to a perfect natural backdrop.

Set upon jagged cliffs jutting out from the most turquoise of seas, Santorini's towns are flanked by narrow, winding streets and terraced homes that butt into each other at all angles. Walking through the area, you may find yourself unwittingly tramping upon someone's roof.

• Read More: Best Beaches in Santorini

A tropical paradise tops our list of the best bucket list vacation spots. Indonesia's most romantic destination, Bali is a wonderland bursting with natural gems so beautiful, they'll leave you breathless, and people so friendly, you'll want to invite them home.

While Bali likely conjures images of soft, white sand gracefully meeting the watery embrace of turquoise waves, this isle has much more to offer than its spectacular beaches . That's not to say you'll want to skip the beach — you won't! Trust us, they're phenomenal.

Bali's heart, though, can be found farther inland, in its verdant rice paddies, craggy volcanoes, and lush tropical jungles. Tigers, orangutans, elephants, and Komodo dragons roam these less populated areas.

Ancient temples and a monkey forest grace the village of Ubud , while resort towns like Seminyak and Nusa Dua will round out that beach holiday you were expecting. They contain luxury resorts and hotels that are perfect for families and couples, as well as shops and restaurants.

Luckily, the island is small enough that you can see most of its towns and popular tourist attractions in one trip.

One of the top bucket list travel destinations in the world, Bora Bora sets the bar high for an ideal beach vacation. A utopia set in the heart of French Polynesia, this fabulous archipelago is all turquoise waters; soft white sand; and lush, volcanic peaks. It's going to be almost impossible to beat the islands' spectacular beauty.

It's easy to see why Bora Bora has become a popular honeymoon destination. With lagoons to explore, coral reefs to snorkel, and rainforests to hike, there's no shortage of romantic and exciting things to do in this tropical wonderland. Plus, some of the world's best beaches are found on these idyllic shores.

Peppered with high-end resorts featuring private huts standing on stilts above the water, visitors are rewarded with an unforgettable and utterly relaxing vacation. If you're hoping for sunny skies, low humidity, and fun festivals, the best time to visit Bora Bora is during summer (June through August).

Read More: Most Beautiful Islands in the South Pacific

Cairo plays host to one of the world's most recognizable World Heritage Sites, the iconic Pyramids of Giza . While the most famous of these incredible structures include the Sphinx , Pyramid of Khafre , Pyramid of Menkaure , and the Great Pyramid of Khufu , the site is peppered with other archeological masterpieces you won't want to miss.

The farther you wander through this top bucket list destination, the more interesting things you'll find at what is now the sole example of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World . These unique marvels include tombs, mini pyramids, and The Solar Boat museum , which boasts a remarkably preserved ceremonial solar barque.

Those who favor adventure (and don't suffer from claustrophobia) will enjoy an intimate journey into the bowels of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Since this is one of the best tourist attractions in Egypt , expect to share the site with hoards of travelers if you're traveling during peak season (December through February).

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cairo & Things to Do in Cairo

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and China's most popular tourist attraction . It winds its way through 15 provinces and boasts portions that date back over 2,000 years. Millions of tourists have added it to their bucket lists for centuries.

Walking the Wall's entirety would be a massive feat, as it stretches from the fortresses of Shanhaiguan in the east to the Jiayuguan Pass in Jiayguan in the west. It also includes towers to climb for fabulous views. We're talking months of exploring on foot for those who'd like to see the whole thing.

The best base for exploring the wall is the bustling city of Beijing . From here, visitors can join guided tours and ride a cable car. Day trips to the Badaling Pass section of the wall are also easy when launched from Beijing.

You will never explore a more opulent part of the desert than Dubai. A bucket list destination for those who love to shop, eat, and admire futuristic architecture, this one-of-a-kind Middle East haven is so unique, you'll have to see it to believe it.

Giant skyscrapers like the famed Burj Khalifa stretch to the clouds, shopping malls serve as entertainment destinations where you'll find everything from stores to restaurants to massive aquariums to indoor ski slopes. Here, you'll also find man-made islands featuring their own beaches and luxury resorts so swanky, you'll feel regal.

While you're here, be sure to make the most of the city's cultural highlights, like the historic Al Fahidi Quarter , the Jumeirah Mosque , and Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House .

Fancy a more authentic Middle Eastern shopping experience than the high-end stores found in Dubai Mall? Head to the Souks of Deira , situated on the north bank of Dubai Creek . Wind your way through the streets of the various markets selling wares ranging from fish to gold to spices.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dubai

As one of the 7 natural wonders of the world , witnessing the aurora borealis is one of life's greatest pleasures. Whether you catch sight of a delicate green glow or are privy to vivacious crimson lines streaking across the horizon, this wonderful spectacle is breathtaking and unforgettable.

To see them, though, you'll need to be patient. The northern lights are as unpredictable as the weather, so you'll have to budget in a few days to make your viewing attempt.

Iceland is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the northern lights . While you can likely see them at any point of the year, the best time to see the most spectacular shows happen between mid-October and early April. At this time, the night skies are at their darkest, which presents a remarkable contrast.

Fairbanks , Tromsø , and Yellowknife are three other great places to catch Mother Nature's spectacular light show.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Iceland

New York is one of the most exciting bucket list places to visit. It's also one of the most popular.

With so many diverse and interesting attractions (i.e. The Empire State Building , Metropolitan Museum of Art , Central Park , and Guggenheim Museum ), it's no wonder people keep returning to this cosmopolitan mecca.

No matter your interests, be it eating, dancing, shopping, or theatergoing, Manhattan has something (or likely many "somethings") to whet your appetite. Want to visit an exhibit like one you've never seen? Taste samples at the Museum of Food and Drink , try your hand at espionage at Spyscape , or practice a bit of magic at the Houdini Museum.

Read More: Best Free Things to Do in New York City

There's something magical about Venice. Between the intricate canal system, beautiful stone bridges, and harmonious singing of the gondoliers, there's a unique vibe in this Italian city that can't be found elsewhere.

A boat ride along the aptly named Grand Canal rewards visitors with an intimate look at the highlights of Venetian architecture lining its banks — from historic churches to ornate palaces like the Doge's Palace (a.k.a. Palazzo Ducale), which you'll want to spend at least a couple of hours exploring.

Piazza San Marco is one of the main attractions in Venice and serves as a meeting place for locals, but mainly tourists. It's home to the famous and intricate St. Mark's Basilica , but it's so crowded (and filled with pigeons) that you won't get a true glimpse of the city's heart.

Perhaps the best way to tour Venice is by getting lost, which is easy to do. Only then will you stumble upon some of the local's favorite haunts, as well as the small, winding alleyways that present so much charm.

Bringing the family on your bucket list vacation? Great idea! Check out these top things to do in Venice with kids .

Read More: Top-Rated Beach Destinations in Italy

The remarkable Angkor Wat is so vast, you'll need more than one (or even several) visits to see it all. This massive Hindu temple is surrounded by a large moat, adding to its impressive stature. Built in the 12 th century by the Khmers, this World Heritage Site serves as the veritable heart of Cambodia .

It's also the largest religious structure in the world and one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia . Set upon over 400 acres of land within a jungle, the temple was dedicated to the gods Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Angkor Wat's main towers were created to symbolize the peaks of Mount Meru (a place Hindus believe to be home to the gods).

The best time to visit Angkor Wat is between December and February, when the temperature is comfortably in the 20s Celsius. Be warned, though, this is also the most popular time for tourists, so you'll have to elbow your way through the crowds.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Siem Reap

One of the Natural Wonders of the World (it's often referred to as the "New 8 th Wonder of the World), Niagara Falls is impressive even if you aren't a fan of waterfalls. Over 3,100 tons of water crash over the falls every second, creating a mist that covers visitors who board the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower Cruise to get a closer look. It's easy to see why this has been voted one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world .

The small Canadian town of Niagara Falls provides the best viewing spot. As a result of its heavy visitor population, the town is quite touristy. It boasts carnival-type arcades, an aquarium, sky wheel, Odditorium , wax museum, and Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museum . You'll also find a ton of restaurants and plenty of hotels to choose from.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada

An area of immense natural beauty, it's no wonder the Grand Canyon tops so many vacation bucket lists. No photograph can do this spectacular place justice. You just can't fathom the landscape's innate beauty, the deep orange of the rock, or the canyon's immense size without seeing it in real life. No wonder it's one of the most famous attractions in the United States .

Touring the Grand Canyon can be done from multiple locations, but the most popular is by entering the Grand Canyon National Park 's South Rim. This is also where you'll find many of the park's best hikes .

You can get here quite easily from nearby cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix .

Once you're here, you'll be amazed, and we guarantee you'll snap about a zillion pictures. Catch the canyon in the light of the sunrise or sunset, and you'll swear you've witnessed the most gorgeous spectacle of your life.

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is generally the spring and fall, but this is a year-round attraction that you can work into your itinerary any time of year.

Snorkeling Australia's Great Barrier Reef is one of the most incredible experiences you'll ever have. A magical underwater world welcomes adventurers to this incredible locale. Bursting with color and teeming with life, this impressive coral reef spans 2,300 kilometers from the tip of Queensland to the southern town of Bundaberg .

A World Heritage-listed area, the Great Barrier Reef is home to a rich ecosystem filled with everything from the smallest zooplankton to tropical fish to marine mammals like dugongs and dolphins.

A truly peaceful experience, swimming around the magical reef is a gift. Whether you choose to scuba dive or snorkel, you'll experience only the quiet sound of fish nibbling on coral as you roam about this vast marine playground, being constantly amazed by the beauty on display before you.

Sadly, global warming has been bleaching (and killing) large sections of this reef (especially in the north), so if you're planning to go, you should book a trip to this popular bucket list travel destination soon. And whatever you do, don't touch the coral.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in the Whitsunday Islands

There's no question that Tokyo earned its position as the best city to visit in Japan . A heady mix of old and new, this vibrant place offers tourists a chance to explore phenomenal attractions , eat delicious (and healthy) food, and enjoy a range of entertainment.

From watching sumo wrestling to attending festivals to cheering on various sports teams to tapping your toes to live music, there's no lack of fun things to do in Tokyo.

The best time to visit is in either fall or spring, depending on whether you want to be present for the breathtaking show of blooming cherry blossoms. The city gets uber crowded at this time, but the blossoms are beautiful enough to cause goosebumps of excitement.

Hoping to see Mount Fuji ? You're not alone. This bucket-list destination is easy to get to from Tokyo , especially if you choose to book a private tour.

Read More: Best Cheap Places to Travel in March

Slightly livelier than its laid-back neighbor, Bora Bora, Tahiti offers travelers the same beautiful azure lagoons, lush mountainous landscapes, and lively coral reefs, with a little more excitement thrown in.

In Papeete , the island's capital, you'll find plenty to help you while away the hours you're not spending on the beach. An impressive mix of French and Polynesian cultures, the city boasts great restaurants, popular resorts, spas, museums, and plenty of places to shop.

Outside the city, visitors are greeted by cascading waterfalls, sheltered lagoons, and beautiful valleys. Book a 4WD tour of the island, learn to dive in a lagoon, or board a whale-watching tour boat (between July and October).

Read More: Best Black Sand Beaches in the World

The glorious Iguazú Falls gives Niagara Falls a run for its money. Set on the border between Argentina and Brazil , this amazing spectacle leaves visitors awe-struck. A massive chain of hundreds of waterfalls spanning nearly three kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of South America's most impressive sites.

The thunderous sound of water overpowers visitors as it crashes over the edge from between 60 and 80 meters high. They can be enjoyed from Devil's Throat , a nearby viewing spot based at the bottom of the falls, as well as from the lush rainforest in Brazil's Iguaçu National Park and Agentina's Iguazú National Park.

Read More: Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the World

Rome is home to some of Europe's most recognizable landmarks, like the Colosseum , Pantheon , and St. Peter's Basilica . While these tourist hot spots are unmissable, this beautiful city has so much more to offer, including mouthwateringly good gelato on almost every street corner.

An outstanding mix of past and present, Rome boasts haunted ruins (i.e. the Roman Forum ); iconic churches (i.e. the Basilica of St. John Lateran ); and modern restaurants serving the freshest, most delectable food.

Wandering the city's winding cobblestone streets is a treat, with spectacular prizes popping out when you least expect them. From ornate fountains (i.e. the Fontana dei Fiumi) to sprawling Baroque plazas (i.e. Piazza Navona ) to designer clothing boutiques, there's always something to amaze.

Read More: Top-Rated Museums and Palaces in Rome

Taking a cruise along Croatia's captivating Dalmatian Coast is a must-do for any traveler. From atop the Adriatic Sea's translucent, azure water, visitors can catch the most picturesque views of the coast's phenomenal attributes. From jagged limestone cliffs to ancient walled towns to hilltop palaces and spectacular ports, there's so much to see from the water.

On land, you'll find an endless list of things to do, such as, visiting charming island villages, dining on fresh food along the Stradun in Dubrovnik , or exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Diocletian's Palace in Split or the Stari Grad plain on lovely Hvar . Then there are the beaches. Oh, those marvelous beaches . Be sure to pack a towel and sunblock, as you'll want to stay all day.

Accommodation: Top-Rated Beach Resorts in Croatia

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Croatia

There's a reason stores in Cinque Terre (a.k.a. "Five Towns") sell so many postcards — it's insanely gorgeous. This northwestern region of Italy embodies the type of beauty that makes visitors gasp when they first catch sight of it. It's literally impossible not to be awed by the area's loveliness.

A national park spotted with five villages that would make Crayola proud, this Italian paradise is the stuff of dreams. Cliff-top houses perch above sparkling blue water with a vibrant green backdrop of lush and rugged mountains. It's hard to find a more beautiful setting. No wonder the entire area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The locals' laid-back vibe is contagious, making you want to do nothing but eat pasta (or pizza) and gaze out at the Ligurian Sea. Walking along cliff-top trails or wandering the crooked and narrow streets through quaint villages tops the list of things to do in Cinque Terre .

It's easy to reach from Milan and Florence , making this a perfect day-trip destination for both cities.

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Milan

If you want to feel small, head to the Galápagos Islands, a paradise so remarkable, you'll feel Mother Nature's presence with every barefoot step. An extensive archipelago of volcanic isles located about 600 miles west of Ecuador , this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the best tourist attractions in Ecuador .

A bucket list destination for nature lovers across the globe, this untouched gem is one of the best places in the world to view wildlife in their native habitat. Its main draws include: chances to witness turtles nesting on pristine beaches ; spying on penguins frolicking on Bartolome Island ; and wiggling your toes into fine, red sand.

If you're a fan of the water, head to Devil's Crown , an underwater volcanic cone teeming with life. This is one of the best places to go snorkeling in the world .

You're not alone if attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans tops your vacation bucket list. One of the most famous (and outrageous) festivals in the world, it's one of the top tourist attractions in Louisiana .

If your goal is to witness the eclectic floats, vibrant parades, and jazzy music in person, be sure to time your visit well. The best time to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras festivities is from February through May.

As for visiting the best tourist attractions in New Orleans, you'll need to set aside at least a couple of days. With everything from horse-drawn carriage rides to steamboat cruises to shopping on offer, there is a slew of stellar things to do in New Orleans .

Let your stomach guide you to the French Quarter , where you'll find Cajun dishes so tasty, you'll beg for seconds. The buildings you walk by burst with historic Southern charm, ready to be photographed in all types of light. Keep wandering to soak up the live music serenading Bourbon Street before settling in for a show at a neighborhood jazz club.

There's so much energy in New Orleans that you may leave feeling more tired than when you arrived — that won't matter a bit since your vacation was packed with fun.

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Travel bucket list ideas:

100 Bucket list destinations & places to visit

Multiple countries

What is a ‘bucket list destination’? By our definition, it’s somewhere you would go specifically to see a world-renowned, must-see ‘bucket list’ attraction – like Niagara Falls or the Taj Mahal. Alternatively, a bucket list destination is a place you go to to just experience the atmosphere and/or beauty of the destination itself – like Prague, Cartagena or Sicily. Mostly, it’s a combination of these, offering a unique, enthralling and unforgettable complement of attractions, tours, activities & events that demand a visit at least once in a lifetime.

Here’s our round-up of the world’s greatest bucket list destinations we think you should visit, along with the main reasons we think you should go. How many have you been to?

From Matt: Some of the bucket list destinations below don’t have guides yet – bear with me, they’re coming soon…

Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

Destination guide

Centuries of compelling royal history, plus world-class culture, fashion, music and food, London stands head and shoulders above the rest for bucket list experiences. You’d need a month at least to do them all. If we had to pick out a few, don’t miss the Tower of London , Hampton Court , the Natural History Museum and the National Gallery.  

Ile-de-France, France

Crammed with iconic buildings, world-class art and a culinary scene steeped in history, Paris is one of the world’s great capitals, overflowing with style, romance, and  art de vivre. Highlights include the Eiffel Tower , of course, the incomparable Louvre and the magnificent Palace of Versailles .

Provence, France

Gorgeous landscapes peppered with beautiful villages, sunflowers and lavender, art-filled towns, lively cultural festivals and exquisite food and wine. Provence is everything you imagined it would be.

French Riviera

Cote d'Azur, France

Money, glamour and bombshell looks: this beach-trimmed stretch of French coast offers decadent hotels, lounging in beach clubs, fine restaurants and world-class art.

Tuscany, Italy

The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.

Veneto, Italy

Crammed with picturesque canals, Renaissance  palazzos and artistic masterpieces, this unique and alluring city is heaven-on-earth for art lovers and romantics.

Marmara Region, Turkey

Exotic, inexhaustible and dynamic – East meets West head-on in this mesmerising city metropolis, famed for its extraordinarily rich history, superb food and shopping, and mind-blowingly magnificent, over-sized mosques.

A land of spectacular deserts, high mountains and rainforests that teem with wildlife, Peru is also home to an array of dramatically situated pre-Colombian ruins, including Machu Picchu .

India's Golden Triangle

India’s cultural essence combined with its most iconic sights and greatest bucket list experiences, all distilled into one compact, diverse and vibrant region. Includes stops in Jaipur , Delhi & Agra .

Lazio, Italy

The Eternal City – 2,000 extraordinary years of glory, greatness and triumph – and decadence, murder and destruction – evidenced by some of the world’s most iconic, must-see monuments and museums. Home, of course, to the world-famous Colosseum .

New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.

Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona, United States of America (USA)

One of the world’s great natural wonders and unsurpassed geological phenomenon – a 277-mile long, 1-mile-deep gorge carved into the Arizona bedrock over billions of years by the Colorado River.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Bucket List Experience

There’s only one reason most people come to this Ontario city straddling the border of the United States and Canada, and that’s to see the remarkable, world-famous waterfall.  Just outside the city is the Niagara Wine region, home to world-class vineyards – another compelling reason to visit.

Good for age: 4+

Catalonia, Spain

Spain’s cultural heart has unforgettable architecture, a pioneering arts scene, creative cuisine and nightlife that buzzes till dawn. Home to Gaudi’s extraordinary and greatest creation – La Sagrada Familia .

Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The world’s largest inland delta, teeming with game, offers outstanding land and water-based mokoro safaris and world-class bird-watching. The place for a safari.

Masai Mara & Serengeti

Take your pick from these two vast, adjoining reserves of reserve of game-filled savannah, home to the Big Five and of course the famous Great Wildebeest Migration .

Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Islands

Dalmatia, Croatia

Dazzling Dubrovnik, with its magnificent high stone walls, offers UNESCO-listed heritage set against the pure blue backdrop of the Adriatic. Just offshore, the unspoilt archipelago of the Dalmatian islands for idyllic sailing.

Central Greece, Greece

Antiquities galore, contemporary culture, scintillating nightlife and fantastic food: there’s something for everyone in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital that’s continuously reinventing itself. Home to the extraordinary Acropolis , the world’s greatest ancient site.

Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

An exotic time capsule of ancient streets and souks, blending Arab culture and French colonial heritage. Soak it all up in the wonderfully evocative atmosphere of the Jemaa el-Fnaa .

Madrid Region, Spain

Spain’s sunny capital offers up world-class art, super shopping, renowned tapas and late, late nights. Top of the bill are the three world-class art museums in the so-called ‘Art Triangle’.

North Holland, Netherlands

Picturesque Golden Age canals, premier league art, cosy cafés, and liberal urban living combine to make Amsterdam one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.

Andalusia, Spain

Authentic Spain at its dazzling best, a region filled with fascinating cities, beautiful landscapes and beaches, colourful fiestas, sparkling white villages and flamboyant flamenco. Spend time in culture-rich Seville , Malaga , Granada and Cordoba , and wander the incomparable Alhambra .

Loire Valley

Loire Valley, France

Northern France’s beautiful UNESCO-listed valley, home to heart-stoppingly beautiful historic chateaux, authentic village life, world-class wines and fascinating troglodytes.

Greek Islands

Greek Islands, Greece

Sparkling seas, sugar-cube villages, cliff-hanging hamlets, ancient temples, delicious Mediterranean food and mesmerising sunsets – the Greek Islands offer so much. Just ask Shirley Valentine. See our recommended top islands to visit.

Tuscany’s capital offers a heady mix of the world’s greatest Renaissance art and architecture, gorgeous palazzos , Tuscan cuisine and home-grown haute couture. A veritable feast for culture vultures, and the Leaning Tower is also close by.

Western Cape, South Africa

A vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art scene, golden beaches, world-renowned wine regions and outstanding gastronomy. All in the shadows of the mighty Table Mountain – great for hiking up, or abseiling down.

Sensual and sultry communist Caribbean capital, home to captivating, crumbling architecture, and enlivened by dance, music, avant-garde art and cocktails. Impossible to describe, there’s nowhere else quite like it.

New South Wales, Australia

One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people. Home to the eye-popping Opera House and the indescribable Sydney Bridge Climb .

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The mesmerising Falls are the star attraction, but Africa’s adventure playground also offers a mind-boggling menu of safari experiences and adrenalin-packed adventure activities. Would you dare to raft the mighty Zambezi ?

Central Thailand, Thailand

From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions that beffudles the senses. One of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities, home to the glittering Grand Palace .

Rio de Janeiro

Southeastern Region, Brazil

Set around picturesque bays, surrounded by hills overflowing with rainforest, Rio is heaven for healthy hedonists. Hang glide, surf or hike by day, relax on the beach and party all night. Then, of course, there’s that carnival …

One of the world’s most extraordinary cities, where rippling mountains, a kaleidoscopic waterfront and futuristic architecture merge with fabulous food, sizzling nightlife and top shopping.

Turkey's Turquoise Coast

Turquoise Coast, Turkey

Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast offers an unbeatable mix of mountain-backed beaches, classical ruins and adventure activities, with superb food and delightful owner-run hotels.

Rainforests, powdery beaches, white-water rivers and towering volcanoes: this relaxed Central American country offers exceptional wilderness adventures in stunning landscapes.

China’s vibrant capital captives with its unique melding of ancient wonders, bustling hutongs and modern architecture – the food ain’t bad either. Top of the bill are the Forbidden City , the marvellous palace of China’s greatest Emperors – and the extraordinary Great Wall of China .

Mayan Riviera

Talc-white beaches, reefs teeming with life, ruined temples in misty rainforests – the Riviera Maya offers a family or romantic beach holiday with a dash of Indian Jones adventure.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

A desert city playground with a unique combination of Arabian culture, mega-malls and audacious architecture in a setting of year-round sun, sand and sea. Home to the world’s tallest building, the soaring Burj Khalifa .

Kanto, Japan

A dizzying mixture of old ways and modern style, crowds and calm, and arguably the best food scene on the planet. Cross the Shibuya Crossing, and ride the Bullet Train .

Los Angeles

California, United States of America (USA)

The bright lights of Tinseltown are home to surfer-filled beaches, glorious mountain hikes, glitz and glamour in spades, and year-round sunshine. And yes, dreams are still made in Hollywood.

From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.

New Zealand's South Island

South Islands, New Zealand

A primordial playground with truly spectacular scenery on the grandest scale, outdoor adventure activities galore, colourful and compelling Maori culture and terribly nice Kiwis.

Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Compact, sexy, culture-rich and charismatic, this most stylish, progressive and tastiest of all the Nordic capitals never disappoints. Go for dinner at the world’s best restaurant, fascinating viking history and leading-edge design.

San Francisco

A beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food. Home to the magnificent red-ochre Golden Gate Bridg e and the world’s most infamous prison, Alcatraz .

San Sebastian

Basque Country, Spain

A grand but charming beach resort in northern Spain famous for its glut of Michelin-recognised restaurants and superb pintxos . This foodie destination is also a short hop from the world-class wines of La Rioja .

Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)

Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition. Drive the NC500 road trip , or ride on the spectacular West Highland Line .

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Northern Territory, Australia

The place to come for the Australian outback experience – jaw-dropping geological formations (including world-famous Uluru), sleeping out in swag bags, sampling bush tucker, and connecting with authentic Aborginal culture.

Port Douglas

Queensland, Australia

Swish, cosmopolitan and delightfully laid-back. Port Douglas is an ideal stepping-off point for snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef, trips to the Daintree Rainforest, and connecting with authentic indigenous culture.

Kansai, Japan

Ancient temples and shrines, sublime cuisine, manicured gardens, colourful geishas and living history in spades – Kyoto is traditional Japan at its best.

Central Anatolia, Turkey

A surreal-shaped landscape rich in troglodytic ruins, walking trails and delightful cave hotels in the ancient heart of Turkey’s Anatolia. Home to the world’s best hot air balloon flight .

St Petersburg

Northwestern Region, Russia

On the shores of the Baltic, Russia’s dazzling cultural capital – and former home of its lavish Tsars – is a treasure trove of art, music, literature, and history. Home to one of the world’s greatest museums, the State Hermitage .

Europe’s hippest capital boasts non-stop nightlife, cutting-edge fashion, cosmopolitan eats and museum treasures galore. At the centre of the World and Cold Wars, it also oozes history, much of it sobering.

Finnish Lapland, Finland

An unspoilt wilderness and outdoor adventure paradise. Summer and winter bucket list experiences galore – husky dog sledding, igloos and the Northern Lights – plus the real home of Santa.

Amazon, Peru

Earth’s largest and most spectacular tropical wilderness is a landscape of huge waterfalls tumbling off table-top mountains, vast, coloured rivers, and fragrant cloud forests. All filled with astonishing, endemic wildlife.

Campania, Italy

Vibrant, gritty Naples is a captivating mix of history, culture, and gastronomy – it’s where pizza was invented after all. Home to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as the stunning Royal Palace of Naples.

This small island city-state in Southeast Asia is dynamic and cosmopolitan, yet known for its efficient infrastructure, diverse cultural heritage, and modern skyline. Home to the world’s best zoo and the astonishing man-made super trees .

This effusive, vibrant city, overflowing with incredible food & drink, and lined by golden beaches, is Israel’s pulsating heart. It’s also the gateway to some special, unique experiences – history-laden, tumultuous Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Masaba.

Central Hungary, Hungary

Straddling the Danube River, Hungary’s capital is best known for its local custom of thermal bathing – notably at the Art Deco Szechnyi Baths – and its lively ‘ruins bars’ scene. The magnificent Hungarian Parliament is a show-stopper.

Sicily, Italy

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily captivates visitors with its unique blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, picturesque beaches and traditional Italian culture. As you’d expect, the local cuisine is fresh and delicious, and the hospitality warm and welcoming.

Nevada, United States of America (USA)

The over-the-top, irrepressible entertainment capital of the world fizzes with thrilling casinos, dazzling shows, and vibrant nightlife. With world-class dining, luxury resorts and endless entertainment options, it’s a true playground for adults.

Thrilling desert adventure and wondrously desolate coastlines meet game-rich reserves and quirky towns in this unique and atmospheric country that remains readily accessible yet pristine and crowd-free. Don’t miss safaris in Etosha and a visit to the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei .

Bavaria, Germany

This jewel box of splendid architecture has it all, from fascinating history to haute couture and world-class art, and a beguiling, endearing culture enriched by cavernous beer halls, traditional Bavarian garb and incomparable oompah bands. In October it hosts the world-famous, irrepressible and irresistible Oktoberfest .

Lisbon Region, Portugal

One of Europe’s oldest capitals, Lisbon is also one of the most culturally charming, genuine and affordable. Go to wander its intimate winding lanes, listen to the fado, and ride the historic trams. Indulge on superb food, wine and shopping and exuberant nightlife.

Uppland, Sweden

Stockholm never fails to charm with its unique mix of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication; from the historic cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan to the thriving art scene and world-class museums. Highlights include the ABBA Museum and boat and kayaking around the archipelago of over 30,000 islands.

Miami's South Beach

Florida, United States of America (USA)

A 25-mile sliver of land just offshore from Miami that’s home to golden beaches, superb food & drink, and a feast of stunning Art Deco architecture  – all infused with a beguiling Cuban-inspired vibe. It’s also a great base for thrilling air boating & alligator spotting in the wilds of the Everglades .

Bergen (& Fjordland)

Western Norway, Norway

This centuries-old fishing port, filled with beautifully restored, centuries-old wooden houses, has long bewitched visitors, from Vikings and Hanseatic merchants to modern-day travellers. It’s  also the main gateway to exploring Norway’s magnificent fjords.

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Two National Parks – one in Brazil, one in Argentina – created to protect an astonishing 3km-wide waterfalls in a vast area of protected rainforest. One of the world’s great natural wonders.

Krong Siem Reap

Northwestern Region, Cambodia

Cambodia’s second-largest but most visited city is home to the spectacular Khmer temple city of Angkor Wat and dozens of other dazzling ruins buried deep within the jungle. But it’s no tourist honeypot – it’s charming and wonderfully atmospheric too.

Journey back in time and immerse yourself in the mystical allure of Egypt, a captivating land that unfolds like a living museum. Marvel at awe-inspiring pyramids in Cairo, wander the evocative temples and tombs in Luxor and Aswan .

The Czech capital is a city bold innovation in cuisine, the arts and sport, yet its winding old streets host Gothic spires, Renaissance castle halls and baroque facades speak to an eternal quality of art pervading everyday life. It’s especially known for classical music; Dvorak was from here, Mozart a frequent visitor.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

The exotic ‘Spice Island’ is home to a beguiling mix of Swahili, Persian, Omani and African cultures, in a setting of dreamy postcard-perfect white sand beaches. Oh, and there’s pristine, world-class diving and snorkelling too.

A magical Middle Eastern mix of ancient sites, sublime scenery, enchanting eco-lodges, spas and superb diving. It’s most famously home to the lost city of Petra, and the salty waters of the enigmatic Dead Sea .

This alluring, spiritual land of ancient temples, lush tea plantations, delicious aromatic cuisine and pristine beaches is tropical paradise meets cultural splendour – a delight for both cultural and adventure travellers. Highlights include the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and swimming with blue whales.

This uber-romantic city of former imperial splendour – headlined by the magnificent Schonbrunn Grand Palace – is an architectural marvel oozing a rich cultural heritage. It’s a mecca for fine arts, classical music and world-class opera.

Hawaii, United States of America (USA)

This idyllic archipelago is a lot more than a tropical paradise with azure waters and swaying palm trees. Dramatic scenery, volcanoes, seas filled with marine life make for an adventurer’s paradise; the aloha spirit and exuberant Polynesian culture make it uniquely unforgettable.

Myanmar (formerly Burma)

This enchanting country, with its endearing but outrageously superstitious people, is a land like no other. Filled with timeless landscapes, soaring temples, and saffron-robed monks, it has a unique and rich culture that permeates every aspect of life that you can’t help but fall in love with.

From the emerald paddy fields of the Mekong Delta to the mystical limestone karsts of Halong Bay, this endlessly interesting, utterly enchanting country invites you to explore its breathtaking landscapes, savour the world’s tastiest street food, and immerse in its poignant history. A captivating blend of ancient traditions, warm hospitality, and rich culture.

Antarctica, Argentina

Travel to the end of the Earth, to the last great wilderness, to a dazzling world of snow and ice under an unfiltered cobalt blue sky. Spot penguins, seals and whales, and gasp at vast, blue-white icebergs.

Adult price: Varies

Good for age: 13+

Duration: Min 10 days

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

A visit here is a life-changing experience. You’ll see wildlife that exists nowhere else, from prehistoric-looking iguanas to penguins, blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises and sharks. Extraordinary wildlife encounters take place against a backdrop of ancient volcanoes, jagged lava rocks, cacti and beaches of powdery white.

Nestled among the Himalayas, this mountain kingdom beguiles with its untouched beauty and serene spirituality. A land where Gross National Happiness triumphs over GDP, it offers immersive cultural encounters, ethereal monasteries, happy monks and breathtaking landscapes.

This exotic island of curious creatures, vibrant cultures, and untamed landscapes offers an unforgettable journey off the beaten path. A biodiversity hotspot, it’s best known for its charismatic lemurs and soaring baobab trees, though sadly the magical rainforest is being cut down at an alarming rate.

Amalfi Coast

Perched along Italy’s mesmerizing coastline, just south of Naples, this heart-stoppingly beautiful coastline is a unique tapestry of dramatic cliffs, colourful towns with tangled old streets, cascading bougainvillaea, and azure water. It’s quintessential la doce vita .

A dreamscape of sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, with a laid-back island culture. Peppered with luxurious resorts and indulgent spa retreats, it’s no wonder it’s a haven for romance – if you can’t afford the price tag.

New Orleans

Louisianan, United States of America (USA)

A sensory feast for the soul, incomparable New Orleans is a city of historic neighbourhoods adorned with colourful facades, culinary delights including the famous gumbo and beignets , and the intoxicating rhythms of jazz emanating from every street corner. The highlight is the annual Mardi Gras, held end of February – one for the bucket list.

Bali, Indonesia

This tiny Indonesian island is a unique colourful tapestry of natural wonders, emerald rice terraces, Hindu temples and mystical traditions that never fail to capture the soul of anyone who visits. Many go to seek spiritual serenity; others for exceptional surfing and vibrant nightlife in the main towns.

Patagonia, Argentina

Covering the southern tip of South America, this is a land of untamed grandeur and awe-inspiring landscapes. Expect snow-capped peaks, shimmering glaciers, and windswept plains that stretch to the horizon. Hike through the legendary Torres del Paine, witness the thunderous Perito Moreno Glacier, or see it all on a cruise.

Washington DC

Washington DC, United States of America (USA)

The heartland of American democracy and political power is a city that echoes with historical significance and impresses with landmarks. The venerable White House, Capitol and National Archives Museum – home of The Constitution – are here, alongside the 21 world-class museums of the Smithsonian.

Banff National Park

Alberta, Canada

To experience the magnificence of North America’s Rocky Mountains, there’s no better place than this wilderness of jaw-dropping beauty. It’s a symphony of emerald lakes, towering glaciers, and rugged peaks, best appreciated by driving the Icefields Parkway, riding the Rocky Mountaineer or hiking the many alpine trails.

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming, United States of America (USA)

Nestled in the heart of America’s untamed wilderness lies this gasp-worthy landscape of geothermal wonders, thunderous cascades of waterfalls and pristine forests. The star attraction is Old Faithful, but the US’s top national park is a trove of natural treasures.

Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China

China’s ancient capital is a time capsule of imperial grandeur and cultural marvels, with vibrant markets, narrow alleys, majestic city walls, a vibrant Muslim Quarter, and the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Most visitors, however, land here for just one thing – the mighty Terracotta Warriors – one of the world’s all-time must-sees.

Adult price: 17

Good for age: 8+

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Frequently asked questions, what is a bucket list.

A bucket list is a collection of goals, dreams, and aspirations that you hope to achieve or experience before you die. It often includes travel destinations, personal milestones, and unique experiences.

Why is it called bucket list?

The term ‘bucket list’ is derived from the phrase ‘kick the bucket’, which is an English expression for dying. The idea is that a ‘bucket list’ is a compilation of things someone wants to do, see, or achieve before they die. The concept was popularized by the 2007 film The Bucket List , where two terminally ill men set out to do a list of things before they pass away.

What is a bucket list trip?

A bucket list trip refers to a journey that you consider a high priority to undertake and accomplish in your lifetime. This trip is often considered a dream vacation/holiday or adventure, incorporating multiple destinations or activities that hold significant personal meaning to you, or represent a long-held aspiration.

What is a travel bucket list?

A travel bucket list is a list of destinations and experiences you dream of visiting and accomplishing in your lifetime. It will include places around the world and activities unique to those destinations, reflecting your own unique personal desires for adventure, cultural immersion, and world exploration.

What are the most popular things to do on travel bucket lists?

We recently ran a survey of 2,000 Brits and asked them. Top of the list was seeing the Northern Lights , followed by a US road trip, a safari in Africa , a visit to the Great Barrier Reef , cruising Norway’s fjords and Niagara Falls .

More From Forbes

Bucket list travel: the top 50 places in the world.

• What's on your travel bucket list?
• No matter how many places are on your bucket list, this ranking will get you dreaming of places near and far.
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According to a new survey, Bali is the top bucket list destination in the world.

What's on your travel bucket list? If you're like most people, the more you travel, the more places you add to your bucket list. So when the editors of the website Big 7 Travel announced the list of the world's top 50 bucket list destinations, we stopped in our tracks and started checking off the boxes.

The website surveyed its 1.5 million-strong social audience  in order to determine the best bucket list places around the world. According to Sarah Clayton-Lea, head of content with Big 7 Travel, this is the first time the site has assembled this list. "Bucket list travel was a trend that popped up again and again in previous surveys when asking our readers what sort of travel content they most enjoyed consuming," says Clayton-Lea. "So, our curiosity got the better of us and we wanted to know which destinations people are dreaming of for 2019/2020."

READ MORE: "Why You Should Skip Iceland And Go To These 9 Under-the-Radar Places"

The results of the world’s top 50 bucket list destinations include some of the most beautiful places on earth. "White sandy beaches are still a must-visit for many, with vibrant cities also making an appearance on a lot of people’s bucket lists," says Clayton-Lea. Countries with naturally beautiful scenery and world-famous landmarks came out on top: 22% of the destinations on the list have white sandy beaches, while 52% are iconic cities.

The famously colorful Bo Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa.

In the study, Big 7 Travel found that people were also more likely to add a destination to their list if they had seen it on social media, and 33% of people research vacation destinations on their Instagram feed. "With over one-third of our readers saying they look to Instagram for travel inspiration, it makes sense that cities with colorful neighborhoods (such as Cape Town’s Bo Kaap) made the cut," says Clayton-Lea.

Bali topped the list of the 50 most popular bucket list destination on earth, but there were also some unexpected picks. "The top 10 list has a lot of the expected dream destinations, but there are a few surprises on the list: Paro Valley in Bhutan, for example, or Virunga National Park in the Congo," says Clayton-Lea. "I think this shows a great appetite for a need to get off the grid and can only assume that social media (and Netflix, in the case of Virunga!) is responsible for spreading the word of these amazing places."

An interesting factoid uncovered in the study: Most people have an average bucket list of just 11 places, with the hope of visiting seven of those locations during their lifetime. No matter how many places are on your bucket list, this ranking will get you dreaming of places near and far. Read on for the top 50 bucket list destinations in the world and what Big 7 Travel had to say about each one.

Overlooking the jungle on one of Bali's highly Instagrammed swings.

1. Bali, Indonesia:  "You’ll find beaches, volcanoes, Komodo dragons and jungles sheltering elephants, orangutans and tigers. Basically, it’s paradise. It’s likely you’ve seen an image of Bali on social media at least once in the past seven days, as it’s such a popular bucket list destination for 2019."

2. New Orleans: "The lively city known for its street music, festive vibe and a melting pot of French, African and American cultures is well worth the trip. NOLA is a city packed with adventures at every turn and should be on everyone’s must-visit list."

3. Kerry, Ireland: " All the way west in Ireland is one of the country’s most scenic counties. Kerry’s mountains, lakes and coasts are postcard-perfect, and that’s before you add in Killarney National Park. The unique small towns such as Dingle add to its charm."

El Badi Palace in the Marrakesh medina.

4. Marrakesh, Morocco:  "This ancient walled city is home to mosques, palaces and lush gardens. It’s known as The Red City thanks to the color of the brick walls surrounding the city. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre."

5. Sydney: "Sydney is known around the world as one of the greatest and most iconic cities on the planet. Amazing things to do aren’t hard to find; the city has gorgeous beaches, great cafes and world-class entertainment on offer wherever you look."

6. The Maldives: "This tropical nation in the Indian Ocean is made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. It’s home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotel resorts, with white sandy beaches, underwater villas and restaurants and bright blue waters."

Paris, France.

7. Paris, France: "One of the most iconic cities in the world, Paris tops many people’s bucket lists. You’ll see so many famous landmarks here: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame cathedral—the list is never-ending."

8. Cape Town, South Africa: "Cape Town is a dream location to visit: endless natural beauty and clifftop views, pastel pink neighborhoods and turquoise waters."

9. Dubai, U.A.E.: "The high-flying city of the U.A.E, Dubai is one of the most glamorous destinations you’ll ever visit, and is particularly popular with Big 7 Travel readers."

Sunset In Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

10. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: "Bora Bora is Tahiti's most famous island. How do overwater bungalows and underwater adventures sound to you? To us, it’s everything we could want from a bucket list destination."

11. New York: "New York is one of America’s most exciting states. With charming upstate scenery, world-class cuisine and culture and more things to do than you could fit in one lifetime. The city’s five boroughs all have special features; it’s almost impossible to narrow it down"

12. Dubrovnik, Croatia: "As George Bernard Shaw once said, 'Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik.' With its winding streets, cliffside beach bars and UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, it’s no wonder Dubrovnik is such a popular spot."

Carlton hill in Edinburgh, Scotland.

13. Edinburgh, Scotland: "With the historic Edinburgh castle looming over the city, culture in spades and wonderfully friendly locals, this is one of the world’s greatest city breaks."

14. Rome, Italy: "Whether it’s your first time in Rome or your 50th, the best thing about this city is that you’ll always discover something new each time you stroll the scenic streets."

15. Paro Valley, Bhutan:  Paro Valley is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs ) and dramatic landscapes. Tucked between China and India, Bhutan is a mysterious country that prides itself on sustainable tourism. You’ll find Paro Taktsang here, a Himalayan Buddhist sacred site."

At the Jal Mahal Palace at sunset in Jaipur, India.

16. Jaipur, India: "Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City’ for its pale terracotta buildings. This was originally done to impress the visiting Prince Albert during his 1876 tour of India by order of the Maharaja (Sawai Ram Singh). Even today, it’s illegal to paint buildings any other color."

17. Waikato, New Zealand:  "Waikato, a region in New Zealand’s North Island, is home to massive underground caves, lush rainforest and the buzzy city of Hamilton. But the area’s main attraction? A Middle-earth adventure on the film set of  Lord of the Rings. Hobbiton Movie Set still has the original Hobbit holes from the making of the films."

18. Havana, Cuba:  "Cuba’s capital is almost 500 years old and a riot of color. Brightly painted buildings and vintage cars make Havana a photogenic dream."

A view of Tokyo Skytree and the city skyline from the Tobu Levant Hotel.

19. Tokyo, Japan: "Visiting Tokyo is like visiting the future—flashing neon lights, incredible technology—yet there’s still a rich sense of culture and history."

20. Antarctica:  "Earth’s southernmost continent, Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Nowhere else can compare with the extreme remoteness of this snowy place. It’s not an easy trip to make, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the white wilderness, icy sea kayaking and whale sightings."

21. Vancouver, Canada: "Vancouver is surrounded by water yet close to the mountains and has world-class art, restaurants and heaps of other attractions to keep you entertained."

22. Los Angeles: "In a city with year-round sunshine, glam bars, beaches and hikes, there are endless incredible experiences to enjoy in Los Angeles. It’s no wonder there are almost 5O million ‘LA’ hashtags on Insta."

In Kruger National Park, South Africa.

23. Kruger National Park, South Africa:  "The Kruger National Park is a vast space in northeastern South Africa that is home to a huge array of wildlife. The park has safari experiences of all kinds, allowing you the opportunity to escape busy city living and get back to nature."

24. Santorini, Greece: "Santorini is actually a group of islands; Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni. Beaches with volcanic black or red sand and clear blue waters make this an ideal holiday spot. With its famous Santorini sunsets, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular bucket list destinations."

25. Moscow, Russia: "Russia’s cosmopolitan capital, Moscow is a beautiful destination to visit in any season. Colorful domes and bell chimes ring out from over 600 churches in the city, and the sense of history is immense. Culture lovers will be impressed with the museums and ballet."

26. Singapore : "Singapore is a small island city-state off southern Malaysia which punches way above its weight on a global level. It’s a modern city with colorful buildings, futuristic bridges and a cloud forest."

London's Westminster Bridge.

27. London, England: "Pretty pink restaurants, futuristic space-age toilets and jungle skyline views are just some of our favorite things about London. And of course, all the classics: Big Ben, red phone boxes and world-class museums and galleries."

28. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:  "Rio de Janeiro has always been one of the most iconic cities in the world with instantly recognizable landscapes and landmarks."

29. Petra, Jordan: "The ancient Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan is surrounded by beautiful red rocks and steep gorges. The world wonder is without a doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction."

30. Hong Kong:  "Famous for its skylines and vibrant food scene, what most people  don’t  know is that 70% of Hong Kong is mountains and lush parks. Colorful playgrounds and sci-fi apartment blocks give HK an enviable edge."

Beach and sea waves shot from above in Barbados.

31. Barbados: "Barbados is one of those magical holiday destinations that everybody dreams about visiting. Who  wouldn’t  put this on their bucket list? Nestled in the south of the Caribbean, it offers stunning beauty and wonderful local culture and is the perfect place to unwind."

32. Amsterdam: "Forget about cliched images of smoke shops and gaudy red lights. From floating flower markets to bohemian neighborhoods, this city has it all."

33. Santiago, Chile: "Santiago is a cosmopolitan city with the very best of Chilean culture; art galleries, design shops and handicraft markets, as well as lively Latino nightlife. You’ll stroll through historic neighborhoods with pretty winding streets and charming bars and cafes."

34. Cairo, Egypt: "Cairo is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Sitting on the Nile river with wonderful museums, vibrant culture and friendly locals, it makes for a great holiday."

Biking in Copenhagen.

35. Copenhagen, Denmark: "Copenhagen’s rustic fishing ports, modern graffiti and winding red brick streets are just some of what makes it such a beautiful bucket list destination. It oozes Scandi cool from every corner, with top-notch food, stylish design and an always hip atmosphere."

36. Seoul, Korea: "Seoul is a vibrant metropolis where old-meets-new, with pop culture (K-Pop!) alongside Buddhist temples.

37. Laucala Island Resort, Fiji:  "Laucala Island Resort is a private island in Fiji, in absolute paradise. It is one of three small islands off the northeast coast of Taveuni in Fiji. There are coconut trees, a sustainable farm and miles of beach, as well as coral reefs, postcard-perfect beaches and lush rainforest."

38. Providencia, Colombia: "The Colombian island of Providencia is the perfect combination of South America and the Caribbean. It’s best known for Crab Cay: an unspoiled little island where all there is to do is snorkel and lie on the beach."

Photographing Machu Picchu, Peru.

39. Machu Picchu, Peru: "The best way to get here? Arrive at Machu Picchu in style on the 360° Train that will bring you through the Peruvian countryside to the lost city. The wide, panoramic windows are perfect for soaking up the view, plus they serve Pisco Sours on board."

40. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo: "Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet and home to the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. It’s full of lush rainforest and has received even more attention since the documentary  Virunga."

41. Lisbon, Portugal: "Lisbon, the hilly capital of Portugal, is postcard-perfect with its cobbled streets, pristine waters and local Atlantic beaches."

42. Hanoi, Vietnam: "Hanoi—the capital of Vietnam—is known for its rich history, busy street life and centuries of French, Asian and Chinese influences all blended into one bustling city. It’s a wonderful base from which to explore the North of Vietnam, including Halong Bay and Sapa, while also enjoying the comforts of a modern vibrant city."

A view of Honolulu's Magic Island And Waikiki Beach.

43. Hawaii: "From the hustle and bustle of Oahu to the romance of Maui and off-the-beaten-path adventures on Lanai and Molokai. The Hawaiian Islands are pure paradise. Explore colorful canyons and waterfalls and eat your body weight in fresh poke."

44. Ibiza, Spain: "While you’ll have your fair share of techno club experiences, Ibiza is also one of the most beautiful Spanish islands, with a pretty Old Town and scenic beaches. Spend the day on the beach and the nights in legendary clubs."

45. Beijing, China: "Beijing is China’s political, economic, and cultural center, with six Unesco World Heritage Sites in this city alone. Discover Forbidden City, street food dishes of Peking duck and of course, the Great Wall of China."

46. Budapest, Hungary: "The capital city of Hungary, Budapest is a fairytale city in Eastern Europe. The city itself is separated by the 19th-century Chain Bridge that connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest—hence the name Budapest."

Photographing Vernazza in Cinque Terre.

47. Cinque Terre, Italy: "Is there anything prettier than this area of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline? The five towns (Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare) are made  for bucket lists."

48. Buenos Aires, Argentina: "Bookstores set in palatial theatres, tango dancing in the streets and brightly painted neighborhoods. These are just some of what makes Buenos Aires so beautiful."

49. Las Vegas: "With the bright lights, party atmosphere and endless things to see and do, it’s no wonder that Las Vegas has become a glittering global tourism destination. Take a chance in the casinos until the early hours or see world-class entertainment."

50: Matterhorn, Switzerland: "The Matterhorn is one of the world’s most iconic peaks—the pyramid-shaped mountain, which is very difficult to climb, is said to be the most-photographed mountain in the world."

READ MORE: •  "Ranked: The 20 Most Dangerous Places to Live" •  "Bucket List Travel: The Top 50 Places In The World" •  "Why You Should Skip Iceland And Go To These 9 Under-the-Radar Places" •  "23 Surprising Things That Will Get You In Trouble In Italy"

• "Bucket List Travel: Top 10 Places In The World And Top 29 In The U.S."

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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.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

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:

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

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.

I’m a Professional Travel Writer — and These Are the Places I'd Go Back to Again and Again

I’m a professional travel writer — and these are the places i would recommend for your bucket list.

I’ve been writing about travel professionally for over 15 years, but my love for travel goes back to my childhood when my family would take cross-country road trips. Being from Kansas, we took this term quite literally as we got into our minivan to drive the 24 hours over three days to Southern California or South Carolina, stopping along the way in places like Tupelo, Mississippi (the town where Elvis was born).

The thrill of exploration continued for me when I studied abroad in Italy and then moved to Berkeley, California, in my early 20s. I was then lucky enough to turn that passion into a career as a travel writer, taking me to destinations all over the world. 

So, naturally, people often ask me: What are the best places you’ve visited? It’s a question that most travel writers dread because it’s akin to picking a favorite memory — every place has a specific taste, scent or activity that takes us back to that moment in time (for better or worse). But there are a handful of places that are undeniably good. These are the ones I would go back to again and again. 

Cinque Terre, Italy

My study-abroad experience in my early 20s took me to Florence (which I would also recommend to anyone who hasn’t visited), but I spent a weekend in Cinque Terre that I’ll never forget. 

People often ask whether they should visit the Amalfi Coast (in Italy’s southern region) or Cinque Terre in the north, and I would have to say the latter. That’s because Cinque Terre is a bit more approachable, affordable and all-around laidback. That said, visit in the off-season when it’s cooler and less touristy.

What to Do in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre literally means “five lands” in Italian, and the best part about this coastal strip is the hike that connects the destination’s five towns. You can start from either direction (Monterosso, hiking south, or Riomaggiore, hiking north), and it’ll take you about six hours to complete, especially if you’re taking leisurely stops along the way — which I guarantee you will.

Of course, pesto was invented in this region, so another thing you must do in Cinque Terre is order a pesto dish at one of the local restaurants along with a glass of white wine. Oh, and pick a restaurant with a view (which almost all of them have).

Kauai, Hawaii

OK, I admit I may be a bit biased with this one because it’s where my husband and I got married. That said, I’ve never met anyone who disliked Kauai. 

It’s as breathtaking as you’d imagine, especially if you visit Hanalei Beach on the island’s north side where the juxtaposition of beach and mountain views offers that quintessential Hawaii setting.

What to Do on Kauai

Honestly, you can’t really do anything wrong on Kauai. Simply spending a week at the beach would be the perfect trip. But there are a few things that stood out to me.

While I recommend hiking the Napali Coast along the Kalalau Trail, if you can afford it, a helicopter ride that takes you in and out of Napali Coast State Wilderness Park is arguably better (and way less challenging). You’ll get up close to some of the island’s best waterfalls in an experience that feels straight out of “Jurassic Park.” 

Another hike I recommend is taking the path to Queen’s Bath, an ocean pool formed by lava rock that, yes, served as a royal bathing place. And you, too, can swim in its waters, with the waves crashing down around you.

Cape Town, South Africa

I visited Cape Town as a member of the press on a quick, 10-day junket that took us all over South Africa. Situated along South Africa’s southwest coast, Cape Town has it all — hiking, beaches, restaurants, nightlife and nearby wine country — which is why I think it’s worth the very long trek (at least for Americans) to get here. 

It also has some gorgeous hotels, and if you can afford it, the Mount Nelson is a true standout. Nicknamed “The Pink Lady” for its pink exterior, it’s a historic hotel that’s been operating since 1899 and exudes a global charm that few properties can mimic.

What to Do in Cape Town

If you want a good view — and who doesn’t? — look no further than Table Mountain, which serves as Cape Town’s backdrop and overlooks the entire city and the ocean in the distance. You can either hike or take the aerial cableway to the top of the 3,500-foot-tall flat mountain that is also South Africa’s most visited national park.

Since you’ve made it this far south, I also recommend a visit to Cape Point, located about 30 miles south of the city. It’s long been mistaken as the southernmost tip of Africa, but while the actual southernmost tip is another 70 miles east, this one is elevated above the ocean and makes for an incredible view with the ocean surrounding you on all three sides below.

Of course, the 45-minute drive to South Africa’s wine country is also very much worth it. 

Yes, I’m listing an entire country, but Portugal is small, and if you’re visiting, you really need to visit at least three of its key areas: Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve region. I went back to my road-trip roots with this one. One of my best friends from high school and I flew into Porto, drove a five-speed rental down to Sagres in the Algarve and back up to Lisbon before flying home. 

I recommend Portugal for a few reasons. First, it’s one of the few Western European countries that’s still somewhat affordable and less touristy. Plus, it has delicious food, beautiful beaches and wine (think vinho verde and port) that’s unique to the country.

What to Do in Portugal

Apart from visiting some of the key cities — Porto and Lisbon — a stop in Sintra is also very much worth your time. An easy day trip from Lisbon, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre that’s home to several beautiful castles. While the colorful Pena Palace is perhaps the most notable, it’s also the most crowded. Instead, head to Quinta da Regaleira, which features intricate Gothic architecture but also has a maze of gardens that feature an extensive tunnel system you can lose yourself in.

And if you’re a beach person like me, you must make the trek south to Portugal’s Algarve, where a string of beaches are carved out into cliffs, making dramatic arches and sea caves to explore. When I say this part of the world has some of the best beaches I’ve ever visited, I truly mean it.

San Francisco Bay Area, California

I lived in various parts of the Bay Area — Berkeley, San Francisco, Santa Rosa and Oakland — for 15 years, so this is another one that I admittedly am biased toward. But it’s another must-visit destination that has something for everyone.

The city of San Francisco is unlike any other in the States. Its architecture — think Victorian apartment buildings with big bay windows — offers a European vibe that’s less common, but it also has some of the world’s best restaurants and attractions. Then, head up north to wine country in Sonoma or Napa for a completely different experience filled with, yes, food and wine but also bike tours and hiking aplenty. And, then, there’s the coast of the entire region (from Monterey to Bodega Bay) that each offers its own unique taste of California.

What to Do in the Bay Area

In San Francisco, I always send people to North Beach (or Little Italy) because of its European-style cafes and beatnik history. As a writer, I love visiting City Lights bookstore, where authors like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg used to do readings. This should always be followed by a stop at Vesuvio, the bar next door that was a local beatnik hangout back in the 1960s and hasn’t changed a bit since then. Of course, Baker Beach is another must-visit in the city because it fronts the Golden Gate Bridge and has gorgeous views of the ocean.

North of the city, I recommend visiting Muir Beach and Muir Woods. The first is a beach in an idyllic cove carved out along the Pacific Coast, but it’s especially delightful because of the Pelican Inn. Stop into this restaurant and inn for an English-countryside vibe and order some fish and chips. Also very much worth visiting in this area is Muir Woods National Monument, which features massive old-growth redwood trees for those looking to take in some unparalleled NorCal nature.

For travel destinations to avoid, check out "I'm a Professional Travel Writer — and These Are the Places I'd Never Go Back To."

100 Travel Bucket List Ideas

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Are you looking for travel bucket list ideas for your next trip? Running out of ideas or looking for fresh ones? From epic classics to exciting newcomers, we have selected the 100 best places to visit all over the world.

Where will 2024 lead you? 🙂

1. Get stunned by the Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza defines bucket list goals. Built over 5000 years ago, it’s the oldest and the biggest of the pyramids, the last structure of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World that survived.

It is a marvel of human engineering and construction, and a defining symbol of the Egyptian world.

Read more: Things to do in Cairo

2. Walk along the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a good reason for the existence of the Bucket List! It’s an astonishing relic of China’s history, and it’s a must for many travelers and tourists around the world, in fact, it is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Identified as one of the most important symbols of China, it consists of numerous walls and fortification, many running parallels to each other for a measure of 8,850 km. The Great Wall can be visited from Beijing .

3. Explore Petra

Jordan’s rose-colored sandstone city is an extraordinary experience. On the border of the Arabian desert, hidden in the mountains of the Dead Sea, Petra is one of the most notorious archeological sites in the world.

The city’s architectural beauty comes from the fact that it was directly chiseled from the sandstone mountains. Temples, tombs, and monastery that you cannot miss!

4. Visit the Colosseum

Recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Rome’s great gladiatorial arena is the most exciting of the city’s ancient sights. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is the perfect example of Roman engineering and architecture.

It’s the largest amphitheater in the world and the site of some of the bloodiest and most brutal contests in history.

Read more how to book Colosseum tickets and the best things to do in Rome

5. Walk to Chichen Itza

Located in the Yutacan state of Mexico, Chichen Itza is the best place to visit in the world if you are interested in an ancient Mayan city featuring ruins and architectural wonders that captures the culture and history of the people from the past.

For a cultural experience and a chance to discern a significant part of Mayan heritage, this is the right trip.

Read more: Things to do in Cancun

6. Trek to Machu Picchu

A trip to Incas’ lost city in Perù is a dream trip for many travelers. Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel situated on a mountain of 2,430 meters above sea level, that can be reached by a hike on mountain trails or a train trip through the valley of the Urubamba River.

As one of the best places to visit in the world and most visited tourist destinations in South America, Machu Picchu is sure to fill travelers with high expectations.

Read more about how to visit Machu Picchu

7. Discover the Taj Mahal

An enormous mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between the 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Janan in memory of his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Nowadays, the Taj Mahal is one of the best places to visit in Agra , attracts over 3 million visitors each year and has become an unmissable attraction for anyone traveling in India.

Read more about Taj Mahal tickets price and timings .

8. Hike to Christ the Redeemer

Situated at the top of Mount Corcovado overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, the statue of the Christ the Redeemer not only captures tourists’ attention with its breathtaking views but also with the imponent statue of the Christ, considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Standing with his arms open, the Christ is one of the most recognized and photographed monuments in Brazil.

Read more about the best Rio De Janeiro tours and the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro .

9. Be intrigued by Stonehenge

One of the wonders of the world and best-known prehistoric monument located near the city of Salisbury, England.

The structure that we call Stonehenge was built between roughly 5,000 and 4,000 years ago and was one part of a most extensive sacred landscaped.

10. Discover the Amazon Rainforest and River

Also named “lungs of the world”, the Amazon rainforest produces an important share of the oxygen for the entire planet and is made up of a mosaic of eco-system and vegetation types.

Live an experience in the Amazon rainforest and its River is to experience a lifetime of moments in one single trip.

It is difficult to find another place in the world as rich in adventures and unique experiences as the Amazon. You can visit the Amazon from Manaus (Brazil) or Iquitos (Peru) .

11. Sail on Ha Long Bay

The ethereal beauty, Ha Long Bay is located in the area of the Gulf of Tangkia, in the north of Vietnam.

Frequently included in lists of natural wonders of the world, Halong Bay is famous for its scenic ocean karst topography and its crystal waters.

Read more: Best Halong Bay luxury cruises

12. Discover the Milan Cathedral

Standing proudly in the main square of the city center, Milan’s Duomo is decidedly the most impressive structure and the emblem of the city of Milan.

Stay speechless in front of the majestic and Gothic style of the church and admire the breathtaking views of Milan (and on clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Alps) from the rooftop of the Church.

Read more: Things to do in Milan

13. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the major attractions in Paris , the Notre Dame Cathedral is known as one of the most notorious of the Gothic cathedrals of the middle age and is distinguished for its size, antiquity and architectural details.

Its stained glass windows and sculptures show the influence of naturalism that serves to contrast the Romanesque architecture. It’s also said that the cathedral’s tower has one of the best views of the city.

Read more: Things to do in Paris

14. Drink wine under the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was the principal exhibition of the Paris Exposition of 1889. It was constructed for the commemoration of the centennial of French Revolution and to demonstrate France’s industrial power to the world.

Nowadays is the emblem of the city of Paris and it’s considered an architectural wonder of the world, in fact, each year attracts more visitors.

Read more how to book Eiffel Tower tickets

15. Enjoy the view from Marina Bay Sands rooftop

Visit Singapore’s best luxury attraction and soak in the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool with the glittering expanse of the city.

For the ultimate experience, head to Ce La Vi and dance all night long with your friends.

Read more: Fun things to do in Singapore , Best things to do in Sentosa

16. Visit the Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are the universal symbol of the classical spirit and civilization and form the most significant architectural and artistic complex of the Greek antiquity.

The Acropolis in Athens was a military fortress during the Neolithic period, due to its position which offers a great view of the land and sea. Now it’s one of the most important ancient monuments in Europe.

Read more about Acropolis tickets price or the best things to do in Athens !

17. Visit Easter Island

Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to visit one of the most isolated and mysterious islands on Earth?

You can not miss the enormous volcanic craters, preserved stone villages, beaches and, in particular, 900 Moai giant stone figures. You should definitely add The Easter Island to your bucket list.

18. Enjoy yourself at Sydney Opera House

Opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is a multi-performing art center in Sydney and great architectural work of the 20th century that is synonymous with creativity and innovation.

Set in a remarkable waterscape, these shell-structures are nowadays a world-famous icon of architecture.

Read more: Things to do in Sydney , Top tourist attractions in Sydney

19. Discover the magnificent Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the ultimate expression of the genius of Khmer, an impressive temple that is stunning for its grand scale and its incredible details.

One of the most important archeological sites in Cambodia, the Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious monument in the world.

Read more: Things to do in Siem Reap

20. Visit the Summer Palace in China

The Summer Palace is a vast conjunction of lakes, gardens, and palaces in Beijing and is said to be the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China.

Known for being the playground for emperors during the summer of the old imperial city, the Summer Palace is a marvel of design and offers an exciting escape into the traditional Chinese landscape.

21. Visit Hagia Sophia

The most important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s great monuments. This church was built at Constantinople (nowadays Istambul) in the 6th century under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justine I.

Hagia Sophia , that means “Church of Holy Wisdom”, each year attracts over 3 million visitors. The monument, which is now a museum, once was a church and then a mosque.

Read more: Things to do in Istanbul

22. Dive on the Great Barrier Reef

Located on the coast of Queensland in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is famous for being the world’s largest coral reef system.

Viewing it from a greater distance, you can understand why it is considered as one of Australia’s most remarkable natural gift and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Due to its natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef has become one of the most touristic destinations to enjoy many experiences, including scuba diving; it is definitely one of the best things to do in Cairns !

23. Participate in a hiking tour in the Grand Canyon

As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon , located in the high desert of northern Arizona (USA) will take your breath away with its ever-changing scenery of enormous proportions.

Thanks to its forest, painted deserts, sandstone canyons, to the Colorado River and the waterfalls, Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful sceneries in the world. Grand Canyon helicopter tours are an amazing way to visit the impressive scenery of the national park.

Around 5.5 million of people visit the Grand Canyon each year and its 277 miles of superlative beauty, making it the most visited National park in the United States, and also one of the top tourist attractions in the US .

Due to the vicinity to Las Vegas, it can be easily visited through day tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon .

Read more: Things to do at the Grand Canyon

24. Sail to the Statue of Liberty

Inaugurated in 1886, the sculpture stands at the entrance to New York Harbour and from the beginning has welcomed millions of immigrants to the United States.

For this reason, the Statue of Liberty  more than a monument is a symbol of freedom to millions of people around the world and a point on your bucket list that you cannot miss!

Read more: Things to do in New York City

25. Visit the city of Lhasa and the Potala Palace

In the center of Lhasa (Tibet), literally “Land of the Gods”, you can find the Potala Palace, that once was the principal residence of the Dalai Lama.

If you want to live a spiritual experience, this is the right place because you can chat with monks, learn more about Tibetan culture and experience the mystical atmosphere of Lhasa. Setting eyes on Potala Palace for the first time is a moment you’ll never forget!

26. Climb the Kilimanjaro

The Kilimanjaro is famous for being the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth. It is a possible bucket list option for most people and 20.000 people every year climb it.

The Kilimanjaro is an extraordinary experience if you want to stand on the roof of Africa.

27. Discover the Wailing Wall

Erected initially as part of the expansions of the second Jewish temple begun by Herod the Great, it’s one of the holiest sites in the world.

The Western Wall is a surviving trace of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which was destroyed by the Romans.

The Temple was the center of the spiritual world, the primary conduit for the Godliness. For this reason, the Wall is the holiest place where Jews are permitted to pray.

Read more: Things to do in Jerusalem

28. Admire Mount Rushmore

Attracting approximately 3 million of tourists from all over the world each year, Mount Rushmore is one of America’s most important attractions. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a large-scale mountain sculpture created by the artist Gutzon Borglum.

On it, you can admire America’s most prominent U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.

29. Swim in Palawan, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

It’s not complicated to understand why Palawan , in Puerto Princesa National Park, was chosen as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

This park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river, it’s considerate one of the world’s most impressive natural place. Famous because its lower portion is subject to tidal influences, emerges directly into the sea.

Read more: Fun things to do in Puerto Princesa

30. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

Located in the Vatican city, the center of Christianity, St. Peter’s Basilica is Italy’s largest, most luxurious and most spectacular basilica. One of the largest churches in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica, was built during the Italian Renaissance and it’s located in the Vatican.

The imposing structure was built over a span of more than one hundred years by the most excellent Italian architects of the period. Learn hot to skip the line to enter the St. Peter’s Basilica .

31. Admire an aurora borealis in Norway

Every traveler’s bucket list should include viewing the Northern Lights , one of the most naturally spectacular phenomena that have the power of taking your breath away.

The Northern Lights are a natural light display in the sky, and Norway with its open spaces and little light pollution is one of the best places to try to see the most impressive lights show. So try to discern the Northern Lights!

32. Search for Nessie in the Loch Ness

Located in the Great Glen which stretches from Inverness, Loch Ness is the longest and deepest of all the loch in the area.

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Loch Ness is by taking a boat cruise or a kayaking trip on the water of the lake where you’ll be able to appreciate the surrounding landscapes and villages and, who knows, maybe even catch a glimpse of Nessie.

In fact, this is the place, if rumors are to be believed, where Nessie the Loch Ness monster resides.

33. Explore the Incredible Temples of Bagan

Built between 1057 and 1287 by a series of kings, this massive expanse of thousands of temples (estimates over 2.000) is one of the most precious archeological sites in Asia. Bagan’s Temples are the key to experiencing authentic Myanmar’s life and understanding the religious devotion of its people.

The most exciting way to see the temples is doing a hot air balloon trip. With over 2000 pagodas and temples spanning across 40 miles of land, it is truly magical to stand in a hot air balloon and to look out over the countryside and the entire complex of Bagan.

34. Discover the Iguazu Falls

Recognized worldwide as natural beauties and one the best places to visit in the world, the Iguazu Falls are located on the border between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.

If you are searching for an immersive experience in nature, this is the right place thanks to the possibilities to walk into the woods and to the proximity of the immensity of the Iguazu waterfalls in the Iguazu River. Iguazu Falls is one of the 100 best national parks in the world .

35. Tour in Patagonia

Wherever you visit, Patagonia maintains an exclusive, secretive charm. Well known for its picturesque mountains, grassland and windswept coastlines, Patagonia is famous for its precious wildlife that never fails to astonish.

It is the perfect bucket list material, including watching the Perito Moreno ice dam break, the whale watching or biking the Torres del Paine Circuit.

36. Watch whales at Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park

Do you dream of seeing whales? The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park in Québec (Canada) is one of the best whale-watching sites in the world.

Not only you can admire these magnificent animals, but you can also see Québec’s famous coastal landscapes.

37. Trek through the Himalayas

The Himalaya is the world’s mightiest mountain system, containing nine of world’s ten highest peaks and stretching more than 2,500 km across India, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet.

Associated with high adventures and mountaineers, this place is like no other, with its remote and majestic scenery.

38. Get splashed at the Victoria Falls

Commonly referred to as “the smoke that thunders” due to the columns of spray that can be seen from miles away, the Victoria Falls are one of the greatest attractions in Africa and the most spectacular natural beauty on the Zambezi River.

Considered as the largest fall in the world, is a point on your bucket list that you cannot put into consideration!

39. Skydive the Great Blue Hole

A giant underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize, the Great Blue Hole is one of the most famous destinations for scuba divers that are attracted by the chance of diving in crystal-clear waters and see millions of species of marine life including spectacular coral formations and tropical fish.

40. Participate in a wild safari at Serengeti National Park

Experiencing a safari in Africa has to be one of the points of your bucket list. Here, you have a lot of places where you can see an abundance of wild animals. Serengeti is one of the most famous national parks and is synonymous with wildlife and outstanding African scenery.

It’s Tanzania’s oldest park and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Furthermore, it’s home to the spectacular wildebeest migration and offers wildlife viewing throughout the year. Serengeti National Park is one the best places to visit in the world if you are interested in African wildlife safaris.

41. Be amazed by the Great Geysir in Iceland

Iceland is a magnificent country and one of the most spectacular and breathtaking geysers in Iceland is the Great Geysir.

It’s fairly active and erupts on a daily basis. See the mighty geyser erupt and send a spectacular water and stream column into the air have to be on your bucket list.

Iceland is the best place to visit in the world if you are interested in geological formations, geysers, volcanos, glaciers, etc.

Read more: Best things to do in Iceland

42. Admire Big Ben’s mighty clock

The Elizabeth Tower, known as the Big Ben, is one of the best tourist attractions in London ! Big Ben is the name of the impressive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs more than 13 tons.

The clock tower looks spectacular, in particular during the night when the four clock faces are illuminated. When you see Big Ben, it feels like you are in London.

Read more: Fun things to do in London

43. Visit the Louvre Museum

Unquestionably one of the most excellent art galleries in the world, the Louvre Museum contains thousands of classic and modern masterpieces.

As a symbol of the French culture and a testament to European art history, it’s not surprising that it’s also the most visited art gallery in the world. Every trip to France’s capital deserves a visit to the Louvre to discover the wealth of treasure it contains.

Read more how to book Louvre Museum tickets and discover the best museums in Paris .

44. Relax at Blue Lagoon

Surrounded by fantastic nature, the Blue Lagoon is an oasis of relaxation set in the pure heart of the Icelandic landscape. It is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, and it’s not hard to understand why.

The beautiful milky-blue opaque water contrasts with the surrounding black lava field covered with green moss. Combined with its excellent location and its relaxing pools with their rich skin nourishment, the Blue Lagoon quickly became one of Iceland’s most visited attractions.

Read more: Fun things to do in Reykjavik

45. Walk around on Cinque Terre

A century ago the Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) were merely five fishing villages on an unforgiving stretch of the Ligurian coast.

The vibrant color of the Mediterranean, the wild coastline with the tiny towns placed like puzzle pieces on the cliffs make the Cinque Terre a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Read more: Fun things to do in Cinque Terre

46. Visit Pompeii

Famous for being the Roman city that was destroyed by the Vesuvius eruption in 79 a.C. Two thousand people died, and the town was abandoned for many years. When a group of explorers rediscovered the site in 1748, they were surprised to find that Pompeii was practically intact under a layer of dust and debris.

Thanks to the buildings, artifacts and skeletons found in the buried city we were able to discover a lot about everyday life in the ancient world.

Read more: Pompeii skip the line tickets , Best Pompeii tours , Things to do in Naples, Italy

47. Visit the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is a chapel in the official residence of the Pope and one of the greatest treasure of the Vatican city. Not only it is known for its decoration, but also for being the temple in which popes are chosen and crowned.

What captures the attention of the Sistine Chapel is not only its architecture but in particular the frescoes that completely cover the ceiling and the walls. All the frescoes of the roof of the Sistine Chapel are the work of Michelangelo. Read our guide about the Vatican Museums .

Read more: Best museums in Rome

48. Discover Venice on a Vaporetto

Italy is full of charm, but nowhere can be compared to Venice, the floating city. Not only it is known for its canals, its art and its rich cultural heritage, but it’s one of the world most romantic destinations.

Take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice is a point on your bucket list that you cannot miss.

Read more: Best things to do in Venice

49. Visit the mighty Sagrada Familia

The basilica Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s most famous tourist attractions . One of the world’s most prized architectural marvels, despite the fact that the Gaudi’s construction has not yet been completed.

This Church will leave you breathless, not only because of its giant size but primarily because of its pioneering architecture, which perfectly shows off the genius of Antoni Gaudì.

Although the outside is a work of art, the interior of Sagrada Familia is inspired by nature. The columns seem tree trunks, giving the idea of being in a forest instead of inside a Church.

Read more how to book Sagrada Familia tickets and the best things to do in Barcelona .

50. See your reflection at Salar de Uyuni

It’s the world’s most significant and most unusual surface area. One of the things we insist you get on your bucket list is the stunning Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia.

A salt flat is an expanse of ground that is covered with salt and other minerals that make incredible patterns and visual wonders. The Bolivian salt flats are just fabulous, and they need to be discovered to be believed.

51. Walk in the Sequoia National Park

Known as “Giant Forest” the Sequoia National Park preserves the landscape that still resembles the Southern Sierra Nevada.

You’ll find yourself gazing by the towering, majestic and picturesque stretch of trees of the beautiful Sequoia National Park, located just next to the Yosemite National Park .

52. Ride through the Sahara

There are only a few beautiful places in the world that can be compared to the incredible landscape of the Sahara Desert, the most extensive hot desert in the world. Its landscape is so vast that it’s impossible to judge the distance.

The color palette makes it difficult to distinguish specific forms, and the intense sunlight that reflects on the sand will show you things that don’t exist. In Morocco, you can visit the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh .

53. Hike through the Antelope Canyon

The unbelievable beauty of Antelope canyon waits for the adventurous traveler who wants to discover one of the most spectacular attractions.

These impressive caves, the spiral rock arches, and stunning colors make the caves look seriously of another planet. It’s a canyon of thousands of years just outside of Page, in Arizona.

Read more: Best Antelope Canyon tours

54. Explore Bali island

Famed for its island vibes, stunning beaches and of course, its epic surf breaks, Bali is a must-visit destinations.

Go scuba diving, visit amazing temples, climb a volcano, enjoy the crazy nightlife, there is so much fun things to do in Bali .

Don’t miss to explore the Monkey Forest. Make sure to check out our list of activities in Ubud .

55. Climb the Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s pride that you should never let go when you visit this country. A beautiful snow-capped rising from the earth, it’s the highest Japan’s mountain.

The mountain may seem more beautiful seen from a distance, but the views on clear days and the experience of climbing it during the early morning hours it’s an experience that you won’t forget.

Read more about the best Mount Fuji tours and fun things to do in Tokyo .

56. Visit the British Museum

The British Museum is the house of a vast collection of world art and artifacts. Its collection includes fabulous Egyptian sarcophagi and mummies, hard of treasure from British archaeological digs, and Roman antiquities.

Furthermore, the museum is a Greek revival building designed by Sir Smirke.

Read more: Best museums and art galleries in London .

57. Explore the Moma Museum

The Museum Of Modern Art of New York is one of the largest and most influential museums of modern art in the world, in fact, it’s presenting one of the best in contemporary art.

It has been influential in developing and collecting modernist art, including artists such as Van Gogh, Cézanne, Dalì, Monet or Andy Warhol.

Read more: Best museums in New York City

58. Walk along the Canals of Amsterdam

A visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without enjoying its canals. In fact, Amsterdam is famous for having more than one hundred kilometers of canals and wandering through the city along the canals is one of the favorite activities of the tourist.

The main canals, laid-out in a pattern of concentric half-circle, chronicle the growth of the city of Amsterdam. For this reason, they are considered as a symbol of the town!

Read more: Best Amsterdam canal cruises , Best things to do in Amsterdam

59. Discover the remains of the Berlin Wall

One of the most potent and strongest symbols of the Cold War, for 28 years the Berlin Wall sliced the city.

The construction of the wall began in the summer of 1961 by the authorities of the Communist East German that were trying to stop people from escaping to the Westside.

Read more: Best things to do in Berlin , Best tourist attractions in Berlin

60. Visit Versailles

Versailles is best known for being the site of the vast royal palace and gardens built by King Louis XIV on what had been the grounds of a royal lodge.

The Palace of Versailles has been the scene for several historical events, and it’s today inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List. Versailles is definitely amond the best palaces in Europe .

Read more how to book Versailles tickets

61. Explore the Glowworm Cave

The Glowworm Caves include a labyrinth of limestone caves and formations which began developing about 30 million years ago. Thousand of tiny, glittering glowworms inhabit these subterranean caverns, making a light show that’s memorable.

62. Walk on Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge that connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County (in California) is an architectural emblem nad one of the most famous SF tourist attractions .

It is stretching on over two miles across the Golden Gate river, and it’s a must-see iconic architectural marvel of the city of San Francisco.

Read more: Fun things to do in SF

63. Visit the Great Mosque of Cordoba

The Mosque of Cordoba is the most important monument of all the Western Islamic world, and one of the most amazing in the world.

A great symbol and reminder of the golden civilization that Muslims did in Europe over one thousand years ago, it’s now the symbol of Cordoba.

Read more: Fun things to do in Cordoba

64. Walk around on Mont Saint-Michel

On a rocky island in the middle of vast sandbanks between Normandy and Brittany stands Mont Saint-Michel, a gothic style abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael and the village that grew up next to its great walls. In 1979 was classed by Unesco as a world heritage.

Read more: Best places to visit in Normandy , Best Normandy tours from Paris

65. Enjoy yourself at Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas Strip offers so many gambling, restaurants and entertainment options, that you can take a trip there and never get bored.

A Las Vegas ‘ trip is one of the principal American experiences. From the Strip’s bright lights to the world-class museums, this little Nevada city is everything you’d expect it to be and much more.

Read more: Fun things to do in Las Vegas

66. Admire the Forbidden City

Located in the center of Beijing, the Forbidden city it’s the world’s largest and best-preserved palace complex. This palace served as the home of two Chinese dynasties and can give you an idea of the Chinese history.

The name is referred to the fact that no one could enter into the palace without the emperor’s permission.

67. Get splashed at Niagara Falls

Six million cubic feet of water flows over Niagara Falls every minute, offering what is considered one of North-America’s most spectacular views. In fact each year around 28 million people visit the Canadia-US border.

It consists of three distinct waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Veil Falls, that functions as one of the primary power providers to the state itself.

Read more: Best things to do in Niagara Falls

68. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the campanile of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its unintended tilt. Humans make mistakes, and one error was made in the XI century with the tower of Pisa.

This calculation error would later become a symbol of civic pride. This tower represents an advanced understanding of weight and load characteristics, showing the Italian knowledge in architecture.

Read more: Things to do in Pisa

69. Walk on Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is a beautiful, mysterious geological formation on the Ireland’s North East. This formation it’s steeped in myths and legend.

The setting is a spectacular, dynamic coastal landscape of Atlantic waves, cliffs, fascinating geographical antiquity, bays, and magnificent views.

70. Visit the White House

Often seen as a symbol of American power and splendor, the official residence of the President of the United States of America, also known as the  White House  is a point of reference for all the American citizens.

So join the over 70.000 people who visit the White House each month, one of the best Washington DC tourist attractions .

Read more: Best things to do in Washington DC

71. Snorkel on Komodo Island

One of the islands that compose the Republic of Indonesia, Komodo Island is a place with unique fauna and flora, beautiful from the bottom of the sea to the top of the mountains.

This island is also known as the “dragon’s Island” since the world’s biggest lizard lives here.

72. Times Square

Square in Midtown Manhattan, formed by the intersection of Seventh Avenue, 42nd Street and Broadway, Times Square is one of the most tourist places in New York City .

Let yourself be conquered by the flashing neon lights and giant digital billboards, the brilliant Broadway marquees, the costumed characters and musicians. Times Square is big, bright and unforgettable.

Read more: Fun things to do in Times Square

73. Drive through the Black Forest

A different holiday destination , the Black Forest gets its name from its dark, slightly sinister canopy of evergreens.

With its mountains located in the southwest corner of Germany, the Black Forest has never been a distressing place, only enchanting and is an opportunity to tick this very picturesque place off your bucket list.

74. Climb the stairs at Tianmen Mountain

Has been defined one of the most beautiful mountains in the world by many travelers who have been in China.

The Tianmen Mountain is famous for its stunning views that include the “heaven’s door”, 99 bends, vertical cliffs, the thrilling cliff-hanging walk away, the glass skywalk and the world’s longest cable car ride.

75. Visit London’s Warner Bros Studio

At Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter fans could experience the magic of the films and discover the real magic that brings the movies life.

The Harry Potter Studio Tour offers to its visitors the unique opportunity to explore the original sets, to see the animatronic creatures and the breathtaking special effects. Step into the world of everybody’s favorite boy wizard.

Read more about Harry Potter Studio Tour London Last Minute Tickets

76. Admire the view from Burj Khalifa

Dubai takes pride in having the tallest building in the world. Standing at 829,9 meters tall, the Burj Khalifa with its 360 degrees view on the 124th floor is one of the best tourist attracitons in Dubai . Get ready to enjoy the highest observatory in the world.

Read more how to book Burj Khalifa tickets and other 100 things to do in Dubai !

77. Explore the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

It’s a vast area of undulating sand dunes between which are formed rainwater lakes at certain times of the year. The result is blue lakes surrounded by brilliant white dunes.

Stretching on for miles upon miles, the dunes in Brazil are so vast and so blindingly white that it’s easy to understand where the park got its name, Lençóis Maranhenses in Portuguese, that means “bedsheets of Maranhão”.

78. Admire The Great Sphinx

The first truly colossal royal sculpture in Egypt, and one of the oldest, largest and most mysterious monuments ever created by man.

The Great Sphinx with the lion’s body and the human’s head offers us an invaluable glimpse into the past.

79. Hike on the Rainbow Mountain

The Rainbow Mountain , otherwise known as Vinicunca Mountain, is about three hours away from Cusco. Towering at 6.000 meters, it’s coat of many colors is attributed to its sedimentary layers exposed for years to environmental conditions and mineralogy.

Hiking the colored mountain is no joke, due to the combination of the weather and the high altitude.

80. Sandboard at Huacachina

The natural oasis of Huacachina inside the expansive sand dunes, is a desert paradise with a dreamy lagoon surrounded by palm trees.

The perfect place for doing sandboarding and dune buggies, the most famous activities there.

81. Visit Quito

Quito , the Ecuadorian capital, is not only the largest and best preserved colonial center in Latina America but also the first Unesco World Heritage City. If you want to stand with one foot in each hemisphere, there you can find a monument and a museum marking the general location of the Equator.

Know as “The Middle of the World” because is located about 25 kilometers south of the equator and the city extends about 1 kilometer of zero latitudes.

Read more: Best things to do in Quito

82. See the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace

London’s magnificent Buckingham Palace is more than just the home of the British monarchy, it’s one of the most visited attractions in London. It’s possible to visit this grand mansion and it’s over 700 rooms including 19 staterooms and 78 bathrooms.

You can also enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a unique celebration of British pageantry and the major event happening all year in front of the Palace that attracts the biggest crowds.

Learn how to book Buckingham Palace last minute tickets .

83. Take a boat to Jeju Island

With breathtaking natural wonders and hundreds of unique attractions, Jeju Island is one of Korea’s best travel destinations.

Korea’s largest island offers many attractions, including a volcanic Hallasan commanding the Island from the center, a 224 km semi-tropical forested national park, a wild coastline dotted with waterfalls and the most extended lava tube in the world.

84. Admire the Zocalo

The Zocalo is the center of Mexico City and one of the Mexican capital’s most well-known landmarks and squares. Formally known as Plaza de la Costituciòn, this grand square once constituted the ceremonial hub of the Aztec city.

Measuring 220 m from north to south, and 240m from east to west, it’s one of the world’s largest city squares. It’s undoubtedly one of the city’s most historically and culturally exciting destinations.

Read more: Best things to do in Mexico City

85. Enjoy a bath in Pamukkale

You can now relax and bath at Pamukkale so it should definitely figure on your bucket list.

86. Hike to the Vesuvius

Located on the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano in Europe. It’s best known because of the eruption in 79 a.C. that destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Seen as one of the most dangerous Volcanoes in the world, is the emblem of the city of Naples!

87. Admire the Ganges River in Varanasi

Varanasi is a city on the banks of Ganges, the largest river in India who basin is the most populated river basin in the world, with over 400 million people.

Varanasi is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism, for this reason, many Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation.

Furthermore, there is a spectacular Hindu ritual called “Ganga Aarti” (consisting in a ceremony that dispels darkness) which takes place in the banks of the Ganges River.

88. Discover Al-Masjid an-Nabawi

Also known as Prophet’s Mosque, it’s a grand mosque in Medina and the second holiest mosque in the world. Built by the Prophet Muhammad, the construction stands on the site of a mosque and contains the tomb of the same Prophet.

One of the holiest sites in Islam and one of the principal destinations for religious pilgrimage.

89. Bath in the Dead Sea

Salty lake located on the lowest place on the face of the heart, the Dead Sea (431 m below sea level) is a breathtaking natural beauty surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Negev Desert.

Takes its name from the saline water of the lake because no fish can survive in the salty waters. The other result of the salty water is their renowned health and healing properties and the unique feature that one can float naturally in them.

90. Admire the blue flames at Ijen Volcano

Indonesia’s Kawah Ijen Volcano , on Java’s Island, has two of the most unusual occurrences on the hearth. The first is electric blue flames, difficult to see during the day but illuminate during the night.

This is possible because the sulfur combusts on contact with the air creating stunning blue lava. The second occurrence is the Kawah Ijen Crater acid Lake, at the top of the volcano, filled with blue water. In fact, it’s due to the acid that the water assumes this strange color.

91. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine

It’s a large Shinto shrine in Tokyo, built in 1920 in memory of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken, under whose reign Japan became a modern state. T

his shrine, surround by a vast forest, it’s the most visited religious site in Japan.

92. Ride a horse in Mongolia

It’s typical say that “a Mongol without a horse is like a bird without the wings”. Immerse yourself in the Mongolian nomad’s timeless way of life. You’ll ride through the vast, treeless steppes of Mongolia with the largest herds of horses the world has ever seen.

Enjoying a Mongolian ride means choosing to experience nomad’s life and experiment a way of life so different from ours.

93. Explore Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple, founded in 628, is the oldest and most visited temple in Tokyo. Many people believed that the temple brings good luck, happiness and make all wishes come true.

In front of the principal hall of the temple, you will see many people covering themselves with smoke. This because the smoke they are covering themselves with, is believed to make the part they covered better.

94. Visit the Grand Palace

Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is one of the most famous landmarks of the country. And offers spectacular sacred sites and buildings. This Grand Palace served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782.

Nowadays the Palace is used for many Royal rituals and other official functions. The Grand Palace is one of the best places to visit in the world and must-do in Thailand.

Read more: Best things to do in Bangkok

95. Walk on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

One of Los Angeles’s most famous tourist attractions, attracting 10 million visitors each year. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is the stars embedded in the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine St. in Hollywood.

The name on each star is the people in the field of television, music, drama, radio, and film that influenced the entertainment industry. Visiting the Walk of Fame is one of the most emblematic things to do in Los Angeles .

Read more: Fun things to do in Hollywood, California

96. Hike on Trolltunga

After an arduous hike, that takes 10-12 hours, there is a breathtaking view over lakes and snow-capped mountains, ending at the Troll’s tongue, a thin sliver of rock.

97. Visit Bourbon Street

If you’re looking for a street with lots of people, bars, and live bands, you are in the right place. Welcome to Bourbon Street in the famous French quarters of New Orleans.

Read more: Fun things to do in New Orleans

98. Visit the Paricutin Volcano

Located in the state of Michoacan (Mexico) near the city of Uruapan, the Paricutin Volcano is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Famous for being the youngest volcano formed in the Northern Hemisphere, developing in a farmer’s cornfield.

The eruption of the Paricutin scoria cone from 1943 to 1952 marks the first time that scientists have been able to observe the complete life cycle of a volcano, from birth to extinction.

99. Shop at Tsim Sha Tsui

Situated in the south of Kowloon Peninsula, Tsim Sha Tsui is known as the shoppers’ paradise thanks to its malls and colorful shopping streets. It’s a giant world bazaar, where Hong Kong ’s Harbour meet stands, shops, markets and malls.

Take a walk for Canton Road where you’ll see the best the world has to offer in luxury designer goods.

Read more: Fun things to do in Hong Kong

100. Admire the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple in India is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs but also a symbol of equality and human brotherhood and one of the oldest worship places in the Indian Sikh.

The Temple takes its name from the fact that the entire top of the temple is made of pure gold. Sikhs all over the world would like to make a visit and to pay obeisance at the temple. In fact, the tank is said to have healing powers, and pilgrims come from across the world to bathe in its sacred waters.

Hopefully, you could do most of them! Do not hesitate to tell us in the comments below which one you have already done and which one you recommend to us!

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The Ultimate Europe Travel Bucket List – 100 Incredible Places to Visit in Europe

Planning a trip to Europe? Get ready to adventure with the ultimate Europe bucket list. Your go-to guide to the top 100 things to do, see and eat across the continent. How many have you been to?

Europe is filled with wonderful travel spots – age-old cities filled with beautiful galleries, stunning landscapes, gorgeous beaches – you name it, it has it.

How many of these 100 awesome bucket list destinations in Europe have you seen?

Must-Visit Landmarks for Your Europe Bucket List

Europe boasts a lengthy list of historical landmarks that is unrivalled by any other continent.

Whether you’re simply stopping off for a weekend away in sparkly Paris, or are planning a trip darting from country to country across the continent, these are the places you shouldn’t miss.

1. Big Ben, London, United Kingdom

The Elizabeth Tower, more commonly referred to as Big Ben, is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and a must for your London itinerary – it’s one of the best things to see in the United Kingdom .

Contrary to popular belief, “Big Ben” actually refers to the clock’s main bell, rather than to the clock itself, but (and I say this as a Londoner) it’s now become so synonymous with the Elizabeth Tower as a whole that it’s fine to call it Big Ben.

Built in 1858, the copper embellished clock is joined to the Houses of Parliament and is a tourist hotspot.

Big Ben is also looking absolutely gorgeous since its recent renovation – go now before the London grime dulls its golden glow.

2. Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom

Home of the King of England (and many other UK sovereigns since 1837), Buckingham Palace is one of the best spots for your ultimate Europe bucket list.

With around seven hundred and seventy-five rooms (nineteen open to the public), this luxurious residence is one of the best things to do in London.    

3. Stonehenge, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Stonehenge , as the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe, is one of our top 100 things to do in Europe. The curious collection of crumbled stones is approximately four thousand and five hundred years old, dating back to the time of our Neolithic ancestors.   

4. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is a famous French landmark everyone knows and is another addition to our Europe bucket list. Climbing to around three hundred and twenty four metres, the iron lattice tower was originally built in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.

Brilliant Things to do in Paris

5. Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Standing to the right of the River Seine, the Arc de Triomphe is part of most France itineraries being one of the most famous tourist attractions in France.

At a height of approximately fifty metres, the Arc de Triomphe was once the tallest triumphal arch in the world and is now one of the top landmarks in Europe honouring those who lost their lives during the Napoleonic Wars.   

6. St Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Europe, St Peter’s Basilica in Rome , Italy should be at the top of your list.

This beautiful, Italian church is designed entirely in the Renaissance style, making St Peter’s Basilica one piece of 17th century architecture you simply cannot miss on your trip to Rome.

7. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Sat in the centre of Rome, the Colosseum dates back to 80 AD and (quite understandably) is top of most people’s Italy itineraries.

Built from brick and concrete, the amphitheatre once held around eighty thousand spectators who would watch executions, gladiatorial contests and classic plays.

8. Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy is one of the most famous fountains in the world. The Trevi Fountain has made its way onto everyone’s Europe bucket lists for its breathtaking Palazzo Poli backdrop and intricately carved sculptures.

You’re no longer allowed to toss in a coin at the Trevi Fountain (and risk large fines if you do) but it’s still custom to make a wish when you visit.

9. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa is guaranteed to be on any pick of the 100 things to do in Europe. The slanted bell tower climbs to around sixty metres and took over two hundred years to complete (tilt and all!).

Take the obligatory selfie, then spend some time exploring the beautiful Pisa Cathedral next door.  

Why Pisa should be on your travel wish list

10. Florence Cathedral, Florence, Italy

Completed in 1434, Florence Cathedral is a stunning piece of Gothic architecture found in Florence, Italy. The Cathedral has earned its place on our Europe bucket list for its history that spans across centuries, and for its large, white embellished brick dome.

11. Ancient City Walls of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Visiting the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik in Croatia is a must when travelling around the many landmarks in Europe.

The series of stone walls, interrupted by forts and towers were built during the Middle Ages as a way to defend the city of Dubrovnik. Exploring the large structure is one of the top 100 things to do across the continent.

12. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

The Sagrada Familia is one of the best places to see in Europe. Located in Barcelona, Spain , the unique, Gothic church was originally designed by Antoni Gaudí and is still undergoing work that is predicted to be completed in the next few years.   

13. Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Granada’s gorgeous Alhambra is a red clay palace and fortress complex that dates back to the 9th century. The grand fortress features courtyards, fountains, and towers, stretching to cover around seven hundred and forty metres of land. Book your ticket to this Spanish landmark in advance.

Plan the perfect Spain itinerary with this guide

14. Monasterio de San Jerónimo, Lisbon, Portugal

Another must-visit landmark on our list of 100 things to add to your Europe bucket list is the Monasterio de San Jerónimo in Lisbon .

Built in the Manueline style popular during the age of discoveries, the monastery is a site of both architectural and religious interest and a must-see on your visit to the Portuguese capital.

15. La Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium

La Grand Place is the central square in Brussels, Belgium . If you’re wondering what to do in Europe, we’d suggest wandering the iconic landmark that is La Grand Place. The square is framed with guildhalls and edifices and is a popular spot with tourists travelling to Belgium, a must-see for a day in Brussels .   

16. The Cube Houses, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

If you’re a lover of quirky architecture, the Cube Houses in the Netherlands are a must-visit attraction in Rotterdam . The thirty eight cubes, designed by Piet Blom, are positioned tilted on their sides on top of tall hexagons to represent trees or collectively, a forest.

17. Berlin Wall, Berlin, Germany

The Berlin Wall , located in the centre of Berlin, Germany, should be firmly on your Europe bucket list.

While the Berlin Wall was destroyed in 1989, approximately one mile of the original wall still remains as a memorial of the border that once existed between the historic West Germany and the GDR.

18. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany

One of the most well-known landmarks in Germany is the Brandenburg Gate. Completed during the 18th century, the gate was originally built in celebration of the temporary restoration of order during the Batavian Revolution but is now a symbol of European unity.

19. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Looking for that perfect Instagram-worthy destination for your European Bucket list? Head to Bavaria in Germany to explore the piece of gothic fabulousness that is Neuschwanstein Castle .

The castle, built in the 19th century, was commissioned and paid for by Ludwig II of Bavaria but ended up never being used. The extravagant palace is open to the public and is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Europe.

20. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

Another must-visit landmark is Charles Bridge in Prague , Czech Republic.  There’s so much to see in Prague but the Charles Bride stands apart.

The bridge stretches over six hundred metres in length and is covered with stone statues. Wandering this extraordinary piece of Gothic architecture is one of the top 100 things to do in Europe.

21. Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

The Schöbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria is one of the most iconic monuments in the country. With over one thousand and four hundred rooms, Schönbrunn Palace was once the summer home of Austrian royals and is now considered one of the best castles in Austria , a place of great architectural and historical interest.

22. Bran Castle, Bran, Romania

Nicknamed Dracula’s Castle, Bran Castle in Romania is one of the more famous places to visit in Europe.

The fortress is tied to the bloodsucking Dracula legend and is a national monument. It’s the reason that so many people go to Bran in the first place.

What should you expect when you get there? While the castle itself is incredibly beautiful, inside you’ll find a museum displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Maria.

23. The Acropolis, Athens, Greece

There are so many things to do in Athens . The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient city containing several structures of both architectural and historical importance (such as the Parthenon.)

We’d suggest a trip to Athens to explore the Acropolis while travelling around Europe to explore the crumbling ruins.

These are the places in Athens you shouldn’t miss.

24. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia, originally built as a church during the 6th century, is one of the best-known attractions in Istanbul, Turkey.

Since its construction, Hagia Sophia has been used as a Greek Orthodox Cathedral, a Roman Orthodox Cathedral, an Imperial Mosque and is currently a museum.

25. Red Square, Moscow, Russia

The final attraction on our landmark section of brilliant places to visit in Europe is the Red Square in Moscow.

The Red Square is considered to be the centre of the city and is home to some of the city’s most famous monuments such as Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin.

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out our Ultimate Travel Bucket List . 100 places from around the world to fuel your wanderlust.

Must-See Natural Wonders

If you’re wondering where to find the best places to visit in Europe, we’ve got you covered.

The following twenty-five additions to your Europe bucket list are all must-see natural wonders that are guaranteed to inspire your wanderlust.

26. The Lake District, Cumbria, United Kingdom

The Lake District, located in north-west England, is a natural wonder worth adding to your Europe bucket list.

Covering approximately two thousand three hundred and sixty two square kilometres, the Lake District boasts glistening lakes, thick forests, and rugged mountains (including the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike.) all of which are perfect for a hiking adventure.

27. Fingal’s Cave, Staffa, United Kingdom

Known for its incredible acoustics, Fingal’s Cave on the island of Staffa in Scotland is one of the top 100 things to do in Europe. Exploring the natural arches, caves, and columns is another addition to your Europe bucket list.  

28. Loch Ness, Loch, United Kingdom

If you’re wondering where to visit in Europe, we’d recommend taking a trip to Loch Ness in Scotland. Tied with tales of the mysterious Loch Ness Monster, this deep blue lake covers approximately twenty three miles and is one of the must-see natural wonders in Europe.

29. Giant’s Causeway, Antrim, United Kingdom

Another natural beauty on our Europe bucket list is Giant’s Causeway in Antrim, Northern Ireland . Here you can wander the thousands of grey, circular, basalt columns and take in the beauty of the jagged stones and frothing sea.

30. Verdon Gorge, Alpes-de-Haute, France

Verdon Gorge in south-eastern France is often rated as the most beautiful gorge in Europe. Unsure of what to do in Europe? Take a trip to this green speckled river canyon and take in the beauty that is the turquoise Verdon River.

31. Dune of Pilat, Aquitaine, France

As the tallest sand dune in Europe, we simply could not neglect to mention the Dune of Pilat in the region of Aquitaine in France. The dune stretches to around two point seven kilometres and is five hundred metres wide.

32. Écrins National Park, The Alps, France

Écrins National Park , located along the French Alps, is another of our must-see natural wonders. With snow-capped peaks, sloping valleys, thick areas of woodland, and glassy lakes, a hike through Écrins National Park along the Alps is high up on our Europe bucket list.

33. Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is tucked away in the Lombardy region of Italy and is certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe.

The lake covers one hundred and forty-six kilometres and is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. Surrounding the lake there are several villas and palaces along with the homes of famous celebrities.

34. Blue Grotto, Capri, Italy

Along the coast of the Italian island of Capri you’ll find the Blue Grotto. The Blue Grotto is one of our must-see natural wonders on our list of 100 things to do in Europe for the beautiful sixty metre stretch of cave covering luminous blue seawater.

35. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Amalfi Coast, found in southern Italy, is one of the most beautiful places to see in Europe. The coast is composed of several beachfront towns and villages, along with stretches of sandy beaches, green cliffs, and woodlands overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

36. Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy

Climbing to around three thousand three hundred and twenty-nine metres, Mount Etna in Sicily is one of the tallest active volcanoes in Europe.

Mount Etna is one of our must-see natural wonders for its rugged peaks, criss-cross vineyards, and orchards. The incredible views from the top of Mount Etna are worth the challenging hike.

37. Matterhorn, Switzerland

Slicing across the border between Italy and Switzerland, Matterhorn is the pyramid like peak worth noting on your Europe bucket list.

Climbing to approximately four thousand and five hundred metres, Matterhorn is one of the tallest peaks along the Alps and in Europe.

38. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Lika-Senj, Croatia

With just under three hundred square kilometres of forests, lakes, mountains, valleys, and waterfalls, near Zagreb , the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is one of the top 100 things to do in Europe.

As one of the oldest national parks in south-east Europe, the park is hiked and trekked by thousands of tourists eager to explore the wildlife.

The insider’s guide to visiting Plitvice Lakes

39. Cabo de Gata-Níjar National Park, Almería, Spain

Cabo de Gata-Níjar National Park in the Almería province of Andalucia, Spain is another spot worth adding to your Europe bucket list.

The coastal area has a climate similar to hot, dry deserts and features mountain ranges, rock islands, and coral reefs.

There are also several towns spotted across the area, along with many species of animals, such as flamingos, that call the Cabo de Gata-Níjar National Park home.

40. Las Médulas, El Bierzo, Spain

Located in the small village of Borrenes, Spain you’ll find Las Médulas gold mines. The mining site is known as one of the most important during the time of the Roman Empire. If you’re wondering where to visit in Spain, we’d suggest you take a trip here to La Médulas.

41. Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Another German addition to our Europe bucket list is the Black Forest located in southwestern Germany. The Black Forest is covered in thick woodlands (so thick that this is how the forest got its name) and dotted with snow capped peaks such as the Feldberg mountain.

42. Eisriesenwelt, Werfen, Austria

A must-see natural wonder that simply cannot be missed while travelling around Europe is the Eisriesenwelt caves located in Werfen, Austria. This natural cave is formed from limestone and ice and, extending over forty two kilometres, is the largest ice cave in the world.

43. Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Durmitor National Park , with its glacial lakes, huge peaks, and sloping river canyons, is another of our top 100 things to do in Europe. The national park has over forty eight peaks that climb over two thousand metres and is a spot popular with tourists for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

44. Melissani Cave, Kefalonia, Greece

If you’re wondering where to visit in Greece, look no further than Melissani Cave. This beautiful natural wonder features turquoise waters and is surrounded by forests and mountains.

45. Göreme National Park, Cappadocia, Turkey

Göreme National Park, found in the Cappadocia region in Turkey, is a worthy addition to our Europe bucket list. With mountains, valleys, and volcanoes, the national park is often referred to as the ‘rock city’ for its stunning, natural rock formations.

46. Białowieża National Park, Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland

Covering just over one hundred and fifty square kilometres, Bia∤owieża National Park in eastern Poland is another of our must-see natural wonders. The park is mainly thick, green forest and is known for having the largest population of European bison.

47. The Fjords, Western Norway

One of the best places to see in Europe is the Fjords in western Norway . Surrounding the many Fjords (lake drains) of Norway you’ll find green speckled mountains and valleys growing fruit such as apples, pears, and strawberries. You could even go dog sledding in Tromso whilst you are in Norway.

48. Sarek National Park, Lapland, Sweden

Another one of the oldest parks in Europe is Sarek National Park in northern Sweden. Within the park there are several peaks that climb to over two thousand metres along with Sweden’s second highest mountain, Sarektjåkkå.

49. Landmannalaugar, Highlands of Iceland

Landmannalaugar is one of the top 100 things to do in Europe. The area is covered with natural hot springs and mountain ranges. We’d recommend adding this natural wonder to your Europe bucket list for some truly spectacular sights of snow speckled Iceland .

50. Northern Lights, Northern Europe

Of course, our list of the must-see natural wonders of Europe wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Northern Lights .

The luminous streaks of blue, green, and purple can be seen from several spots in Europe but we’d recommend Finland, Iceland, or Norway for the best viewings of the lights.

Here’s how to maximise your chances of ticking off seeing the Northern lights off your bucket list

Must-Try Experiences for Your Europe Bucket List

From wandering vivid lavender fields in France , to wine tasting in the patchwork Douro Valley in Portugal , there’s no end of must-try experiences to add to your Europe bucket list.

The next section of our top 100 things to do in Europe features some of the best ways to pass your time travelling around the continent.

51. British Museum, London, United Kingdom

While in Europe we’d suggest strolling through the British Museum in London. The museum has over eight million pieces dedicated to human history and is one of the highlights of the capital.

52. Sail Along the River Thames, United Kingdom

Meandering its way through the British capital, a journey along the Thames is one of the perfect ways to explore London. Hop on a Thames Clipper or take a special tour. 

53. Take a Trip in the London Eye, United Kingdom

A trip in the London Eye is high up on our Europe bucket list. You can ride on Europe’s biggest Ferris wheel, that climbs to one hundred and thirty five metres, and look out over the city of London.

54. Go Whisky Tasting in Scotland, United Kingdom

Scotland offers a selection of Whisky Tours and Tasting experiences all over the country (time it right and you might even catch a whisky festival like this one in Islay ). If you’re after a little history, socialising and Scottish whisky, this experience should be at the top of your Europe bucket list.  

55. Go on the Fastest Zip Wire in Europe, Wales, United Kingdom

Another of our top 100 things to do in Europe is go on the world’s fastest zip wire, found in Wales. The zip lines stretch over a mile and riders can zip across a slice of Welsh landscape at around one hundred miles per hour.

56. The Louvre, Paris, France

If you’re wondering where to visit in Europe, we’d suggest you take a trip to the Louvre in Paris, France. This museum has the largest collection of artwork in the world (hence why it’s visited by over seven million visitors yearly), and is considered to be a historical landmark in France.

57. Wander the Lavender Fields, France

While in France one of our top must-try experiences is to wander the lavender fields that surround the Luberon mountains in the region of Sault. These fragrant flowers bloom from June to August and are a spot at the top of everyone’s Europe bucket list.

58. Float Along the Canals in Venice, Italy

Sailing the winding canals in Venice is one of the top 100 things to do in Europe. Whether you’d prefer to perch in a pointed gondola , or would rather explore the canals by vaparetto this experience is a must when in Europe.

59. Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, Spain

The Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid , Spain is considered to have one of the world’s finest European art collections. The museum also contains the best collection of Spanish art. A trip to the Museo Nacional del Prado is high up on our Europe bucket list.

How to spend the perfect day in Madrid

60. The Guggenheim, Bilbao, Spain

Another Spanish museum to add to your European bucket list is the Guggenheim in Bilbao . While the gallery is known for its ever changing exhibitions of large-scale, modern art, the Guggenheim building is also considered to be a place of architectural interest.

61. La Tomatina, Buñol, Spain

Interested in participating in some European festivals? La Tomatina festival in Buñol, Spain is ideal if you don’t mind a little mess, mayhem, and mass of people throwing squashed tomatoes.

62. Try Flamenco Dancing in Barcelona, Spain

Dotted around Barcelona, Spain are several spots ideal for visitors who want to watch some traditional Flamenco dancing. Tablaos (dance floors designed for Flamenco dancers) such as the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes, and the Tablao de Carmen are well worth a visit while in the country.

63. Go Wine Tasting in Douro Valley, Portugal

The Douro Valley in  Portugal  is renowned for its port wines and table wines that can be tasted and toured with several different companies. In addition to wandering the criss-crossed vineyards of the valley in search of wine, we’d also suggest taking in the green speckled hillside and River Douro.

64. Atomium, Brussels, Belgium

Constructed of nine spheres each containing exhibit halls and restaurants, the Atomium landmark in Brussels is another addition to our Europe bucket list. Alongside being a museum, Atomium is also a piece of bizarre architecture offering views over Brussels, Belgium.  

65. Photograph the Flower Carpet in Brussels, Belgium

One of the best places to see in Europe is the flower carpet that occurs in August every two years in Brussels. The colourful carpet of over six hundred thousand flowers spreads across the central square in Brussels.

66. Visit a Chocolate Factory in Belgium

Unsure of what to do in Europe? Chocolate tasting in Belgium is always the answer. With Belgium being so well-known for its chocolatey creations, several factories offer tours alongside taste tests that we simply can’t resist.

67. Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany

Another festival to add to your Europe bucket list is the Munich beer festival in Germany. Oktoberfest, as the world’s largest beer festival, lasts around sixteen to eighteen days offering drinks, fairground rides, and music.

68. Shop in Kraków Cloth Hall, Poland

Kraków Cloth Hall in Poland, centrally located  in the main square of Kraków, is one of the top 100 things to do in Europe. While the top floor of the hall offers a display of Polish art and sculptures, the other floors boast stalls selling handicrafts, textiles, and jewellery.

69. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

If you’re wondering where to visit in Europe, we’d suggest taking a trip to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The gallery offers the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work in the world, displaying hundreds of the artist’s drawings, paintings, and personal letters.

70. Visit the Tulip Farms, The Netherlands

The colourful tulip fields are one of Holland’s highlights. We’d recommend adding wandering the fields of yellow, orange, and red tulips in Keukenhof, Kop van Noord, and other spots around Holland onto your Europe bucket list.

71. Cruise along the River Danube, Germany

The River Danube is the second largest river in Europe, originating in Germany and flowing through ten countries including Austria, Hungary, and Croatia before spilling into the Black Sea.

One of our must-try experiences in Europe is to cruise along the river, drinking champagne and snacking on nibbles.

72. Take a trip to Legoland in Billund, Denmark

Taking a trip to Legoland in Denmark, as the creators of the plastic bricks, is a must when in Europe. The original Legoland park in Billund opened in 1968 and features the original Lego factory.

73. Go Skiing in Norway

Another experience to add to your Europe bucket list is to go skiing in Norway. The village of Hemsedal is one of the best spots in the country to weave down a section of the Scandinavian mountains.

74. Spend Christmas in Lapland, Finland

Thinking about what to do for Christmas in Europe? Visit the winter wonderland that is Lapland in Rovaniemi , Finland for a truly magical experience to Santa’s hometown.

75. Take a trip on the Orient Express

Haven’t we all dreamt of a trip on the Orient Express train. There are several different routes you can take on the train such as the usual route from London to Paris to Venice, along with occasional trips to Krakow, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Rome, Stockholm, and Istanbul.

Incredible Food and Drink for Your Europe Bucket List

Of course your Europe bucket list wouldn’t be complete without a section on the top traditional food and drink you must-taste while travelling around the continent.

From the bubbling Schwarzsauer stew in Germany, to the cheese filled dumplings in Slovakia, this list will leave your stomachs grumbling and mouths drooling for a little European cuisine.

76. Cream Tea in England

First on our foody section of our Europe bucket list is stopping for a cream tea in England . Sipping a traditional English cuppa while nibbling on scones spread with jam and cream is a must when in Europe.  

77. Fish and Chips in England

If you’ve already checked tasting a traditional English breakfast off of your bucket list, snacking on a portion of fish and chips while travelling around the beach towns and villages along the coast of England is another of our top 100 things to do in Europe.

Fried, battered fish with chunky chips is all the rage in England.

78. Haggis in Scotland

Another of our must-taste food and drink while travelling around Europe is to try a little haggis in Scotland (if you’ve got the stomach for it!) Haggis is typically a mixture of minced sheep heart, liver, and lungs with oatmeal, spices, and salt. The traditional Scottish recipe dates back to the early fifteenth century.

79. Deep Fried Pizza in Scotland

The Scotts will deep fat fry pretty much anything. From crunchy, battered pizza to deep fried mars bars, you simply have to try the fried food sold in almost every chip shop in Scotland. It may not be haute cuisine, but it’s certainly memorable. Just don’t turn it into a daily habit.

80. Oyster and Guinness in Ireland

GIreland hosts an annual oyster festival in Galway that offers seafood style snacks well worth adding to your Europe bucket list. One of the most popular dishes served at the festival is a mixture of oysters and Guinness beer.

81. Crêpes in France

One of our top 100 things to do in Europe is to taste a traditional French crêpe. With the choice between a savoury crêpe or sweet crêpe, often served with either cream, chopped fruit, or syrup, tucking into this French treat is a must.

82. Lard Balls in Belgium

Commonly sold at christmas markets or funfairs, ‘lard balls’ are another typical Belgian snack. These smoutebollen are made from deep fat fried pastry and are served with a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

83. Tapas in Spain

Tapas is an appetizer style dish formed from a mixture or hot and cold snacks that is traditionally found in Spain.

Almost every Spanish bar will serve tapas (usually during the late afternoon before dinner), with handfuls of cheese, olives, meat, and seafood on offer.

84. Churros in Spain

Another one of our top 100 things to do in Europe is to taste a traditional, Spanish churro. The fried-dough pastry is often rolled in cinnamon and is served with pots of melted chocolate.

Churros can be found in the cafes and chocolate shops speckled around every Spanish city centre.

85. Mayonnaise and Chips in Belgium

Mayonnaise and chips is a popular pairing in Belgium. If you’re looking for something to eat in Belgium, we’d recommend snacking on a portion of fries served with a selection of sauces found in every chip shop in the country.

86. Gelato in Italy

Originating in Italy, gelato is a sweet snack you simply have to try while wandering the busy streets of Italian cities. Devouring a couple of scoops of gelato, flavoured with fruit or nut purees, is one of our must-taste foods to add to your Europe bucket list.

87. Currywurst Sausage in Germany

Of course, our list of the top 100 things to do in Europe wouldn’t be complete without mentioning tucking into a traditional currywurst sausage in Germany. This fast food snack consists of fried, sliced pork sausages that are seasoned with curry ketchup.

88. Beer Soup in Germany

Another of our must-taste foods to add to your Europe bucket list is beer soup in Germany. This dish is made from a combination of stale beer, milk, sugar, egg yolks, and cinnamon.

89. Black Risotto in Croatia

While in Croatia we’d suggest trying the traditional black risotto. Served in many restaurants, this dish is named after its black colouring achieved by adding a little squid ink into the recipe.

90. Banitsa in Bulgaria

Another foody addition to our European bucket list is Banitsa (a savoury snack typically found in Bulgaria.) Banitsa consists of cheese and whisked eggs between layers of filo pastry.

91. Pilsner Lager in the Czech Republic

If you’re in the Czech Republic, you simply have to try a pint of Pilsner lager. The pale lager was originally produced in Czech Republic and is a beverage popular with locals and tourists alike.

92. Beef Goulash in Hungary

Hungary is well-known for its tasty beef goulash. While travelling all over the country we’d suggest asking for a portion of Hungarian goulash at any restaurant for a taste of traditional European cuisine.

93. Strudel in Hungary

Another food that Hungary is well-known for is its strudel. This sweet, layered, pastry dessert is filled with fruit such as apples, apricots, and cherries. Tasting a Hungarian strudel is another addition to our Europe bucket list.

94. Turkish Delight in Turkey

Turkey has been producing fruity cubes of Turkish delight since the seventeenth century. Every sweet shop in Turkey sells boxes of the sugar dusted confectionery (that are traditionally flavoured with rosewater or citrus and filled with chopped dates and nuts) so missing out on tasting a little Turkish delight is not an option while travelling around Europe.

95. Vodka in Russia

You can’t go to Russia and not drink the vodka right?!

While Russia offers a huge selection of unique alcoholic beverages (hence having the highest levels of alcohol consumption in the world), Russian vodka is not only a popular drink for locals and tourists visiting the country, but also it’s Russia’s national drink.

96. Stroopwafel in the Netherlands

First made in Gouda in the Netherlands, stroopwafel is a tasty, sweet treat you simply have to try while travelling around Europe. Stroopwafel is made from two thin waffles sandwiched together with caramel syrup.

97. Halloumi in Cyprus

Cyprus is home to so many tasty foods that it’s hard to pick one, but if you haven’t tried handmade halloumi made on the island, you haven’t lived. Tangy and creamy, it’s a real revelation to the tastebuds. Read more in our foodie’s guide to Cyprus.  

98. Korvapuusti in Finland

Korvapuusti is Finland’s take on traditional cinnamon rolls. Although the recipe remains fairly similar, the Korvapuusti pastries are shaped completely differently to the typical swirled bun. Every cafe in Finland offers Korvapuusti to dip into a warm cup of coffee.

99. Fried Bread in Lithuania

Fried bread is a popular, savoury snack in Lithuania. Whereas the American version of fried bread consists of mainly sugar, in Lithuania the fried bread is dipped in butter and garlic and is sometimes served with cheese.

100. Cheese Fondue in Switzerland

Switzerland is best-known for its warm, cheese fondue served in many bars, cafes, and restaurants. Cheese fondue has made its way onto the must-taste food and drink section of our Europe bucket list for its serving of traditional Swiss cuisine that’s well worth the calories.

So, we’ve reached the end of our guide to 100 things to add to your Europe bucket list. With must-visit landmarks, must-see natural wonders, must-try experiences, and must-taste food and drink, we hope you’re feeling inspired to take off and explore.

Feeling inspired? Here are 100 things you should know before visiting Europe.

How many things have you done on our list of the best things to do and places to visit in Europe? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

Read More Europe Guides

• The Best Winter Sun Destinations in Europe
• What to Pack for Your Europe Trip
• The Ultimate Europe Travel Guide
• 25 Best Places to Visit in Europe
• 26 Dreamy City Breaks in Europe for Your Next Escape

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Saffron Hooton is an avid writer, travel lover and always happy to share an opinion or two. She’s written for platforms including ‘The Youth Expert’ and is part of The Huffington Post bloggers community. Having (relatively) conquered Spanish, she’s now turned her attention to Portuguese and is always on the lookout for more opportunities to use both.

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32 Awe-inspiring Adventurous Bucket List Ideas You Gotta See to Believe

Posted on Published: June 3, 2022  - Last updated: November 20, 2023

Are you ready for it?! (cue the intense move music) These adventure ideas will have you exploring beautiful landscapes, seeing unique places and maybe even get some adrenaline pumping! Here are the best adventurous bucket list ideas you can’t miss.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

From exploring Antartica to road tripping through Andalucia, volcano boarding in Nicaragua to bungee jumping in New Zealand, this adventure list is going to blow you away!

These are unbelievable adventure ideas where you’ll see incredible landscapes, nature and culture. Oh, and the hidden spots you haven’t even heard of are a fun twist, too!

If you’re interested in staying local, check out these adventure vacations in the US . Otherwise, get ready to go global with this mega list!

Adventure Bucket List map

If you’re a visual person, this map will help you plan. These adventure ideas are all over the globe. Pinch and zoom for more details – and of course, check out the guide below!

Let’s dive into the list!

Adventurous bucket list destinations

Gah! I’m so pumped for you to check this list out and start planning your next adventurous getaway! Starting the list off with a few favorites.

Oh, and by the way, since I haven’t done it all yet, I asked some of my favorite travel writers to help out on this list of the most adventurous bucket list ideas. You’re going to love them!

1. Hike the NaPali Coast in Kauai

Region: North America Fly into: Lihue Airport, Lihue

It’s one of the most gorgeous coastlines in the world! The NaPali Coast on the island of Kauai, Hawaii is where rugged mountains dive into the sea.

The Kalalau Trail is routinely listed as one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world! Completely undeveloped, the only thing out there is you, the trail and the ocean.

This full hike is not for the faint of heart. Most adventure travelers take 2 days to hike the 11-mile Kalalau Trail along the breathtaking coast. It requires a permit and reservations to camp overnight.

Nicknamed ‘the garden isle’ the terrain on the NaPali Coast is lush and simply stunning. You’ll be hiking through a dense rainforest so bring all the proper hiking gear and be sure you’re in great shape. From natural beaches to hiking along cliffs, this is an experience of a lifetime!

If you’re looking for some of the beauty without all the extreme danger, you can always hike the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail , to Hanakapiai Beach. This is 4 miles round trip and is more of a moderate hike, perfect for an afternoon. You’ll still need reservations for Ha’ena State Park to access this beautiful hiking destination.

While you’re on the island of Kauai, be sure to visit – and hike the Waimea Canyon ! Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, it’s massive in size, considering it’s on an island.

And of course, check out the water activities and the best beaches for snorkeling in Kauai like Hanalei Bay, Anini Beach and Kiahuna Beach. Kauai is full of adventure, and you’ll want to spend at least 5 – 10 days there to see the highlights.

Recommended by me – Nikki of Inspired Routes – follow on Pinterest

2. Desert Safari in Wadi Rum (one of my favorite adventure ideas!)

Region: Middle East Fly into: King Hussein International, Aqaba

Are you looking for an adventure bucket list activity that will take your breath away? Then look no further than a desert safari in Wadi Rum. This Jordanian desert is unlike any other place on Earth, and a safari here is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Wadi Rum is known for its dramatic red sandstone mountains and vast empty valleys. It’s a place where you can truly experience the silence and stillness of the desert.

A safari in Wadi Rum is the perfect way to explore this unique landscape and a worthy addition to every Jordan itinerary .

There are many ways to experience a desert safari in Wadi Rum. You can hire a 4×4 and go off-roading, however, it’s strongly recommended to book a tour with a local guide. This will not only ensure your safety but also give you a more authentic experience.

There are many different activities that can be included in a Wadi Rum safari, such as camel riding, hiking and sandboarding.

If you’re up for a real adventure, you can also spend the night in the desert under the stars. There are many camping options available, or you can stay in a traditional Bedouin camp.

Wadi Rum is located in southern Jordan, about a 3-hour drive from the capital city of Amman. The easiest way to get to Wadi Rum is by car, but you can also take a bus or a shared taxi from Amman.

Alternatively, Aqaba is the closest major city to Wadi Rum and you can fly into King Hussein International Airport. From Aqaba, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Wadi Rum.

Whichever way you choose to get there, a desert safari in Wadi Rum is one of the top adventure ideas, and one you won’t want to miss!

And, if you’re looking for more amazing adventures a little further south, be sure to add a safari in South Africa to add to your bucket list!

Recommended by Kriszti of She Wanders Abroad – follow on Instagram

3. Road trip through Norway

Region: Northern Europe Fly into: Bergen, Norway

If you love the journey more than the destination, the Western Fjords are a wonderful place for a Norwegian road trip . Starkly beautiful, with glistening deep blue fjords, dramatic mountains, ancient glaciers and waterfalls everywhere you look, this is a country to travel through slowly as you explore at each new landscape. 

Taking in iconic Norwegian sights as you drive. The roads of western Norway will take you through some of the longest road tunnels in the world, over ice cold fjords, along the spectacular Atlantic Ocean Road, and up the snaking Trollstigen Mountain Road to picture perfect Gerainger.

Along the way you can explore Norway by hiking, cycling, paddling and zip lining. Or try your hand at climbing the via ferrata, to get to some of the best spots.

Fly into Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, for the start of this road trip and head north to Loen on the edge of Lake Lovatnet. There you can swim and kayak in the glacial waters, and catch the sky lift for incredible views of the blue-white Jostedal Glacier.

From here, the stunning UNESCO Geraingerfjord calls, with its steep walls, blue depths and wild waterfalls.

Next up Trollstigen will challenge even the most experienced drivers with its 11 hairpins and 9% gradient . You’ll make your way for Atlanterhavsvege, for the Atlantic Ocean Road, which runs between 7 islands like a silver ribbon.

From Trondheim, pick up the wonderfully scenic Kystriksveien Coastal Route north until you reach the Arctic Circle, on the fjord boat between Kilborghavn and Jektvik. The ocean is endless, the fishing villages picturesque and the sky may reward you with the Northern Lights.

From there, it’s a hop and a skip (for Norway anyway) to Tromso and Nordkapp, the furthest north you can dive in continental Europe. Look out for moose on the road, they’re a common sight this far north!

Road tripping through Norway absolutely needs to be on your adventurous bucket list!

Recommended by Izzy of The Gap Decaders – follow on Facebook

4. Bungee jump in New Zealand (heart-pumping fun on this adventurous bucket list)

Region: Oceana / New Zealand Fly into: Queenstown Airport

Flinging yourself off a bridge whilst tied to a rubber band should definitely sit on any adventure bucket list, and there’s nowhere better than New Zealand to tick this one off!

Bungee jumping, although technically hailing from a tribe in Vanuatu, was first made commercially available in New Zealand by AJ Hackett. It was Hackett who put New Zealand on the map as an adventure destination and as the real home of bungee jumping.

The main reason you should pick New Zealand as the place to try out bungee jumping is for the epic scenery. If you’re going to try bungee jumping, then why not pick the most beautiful place in the world to do it?

You’ll want to make your way to Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island. As the adventure capital of the world, bungee jumping is one of the top  things to do in Queenstown  thanks to the official AJ Hackett Bungee Centre being located here.  

To get here you’ll need to either drive or fly to Queenstown airport. The Bungee Center is located a 15-minute drive from the airport, or 20-minutes from the city center.  Most people rent a car in Queenstown, however there is a bus that departs from the city center.

Bungee jumping in New Zealand itself is, naturally, a fast-paced adrenaline rush.  The build up can take a bit of time while you book your tickets, get a safety brief and get strapped into the harness. However, the activity itself lasts just a few seconds as you free-fall to the water – where you can opt to be dunked or not.

Once this is all over, then the good news is you’ll be in one of the best places in the world, packed with gorgeous hikes, world-class vineyards and countless other adventure activities if bungee jumping wasn’t enough.

Five days is the perfect length of time to spend in Queenstown. However, if you’re visiting New Zealand then it’s definitely worth giving yourself at least a few weeks (ideally longer) to explore the whole country.

Recommended by Delilah of Our Travel Mix – follow on Instagram

5. Cage dive with Great White Sharks

Region: Oceana / Southern Australia Fly into: Adelaide Airport or Port Lincoln Airport in North Shields

One of the best adventure ideas in Australia is cage diving with Great White Sharks. Diving with the biggest and strongest predators in the ocean, the Great White Sharks provide the required adrenaline for thrill and adventure seekers.

The activity happens at Port Lincoln, a city located on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Port Lincoln is a popular place for its fishing industry, sea lion colonies and Great White Sharks population.

Even though one can drive from Adelaide to Port Lincoln, there are 2 quick ways to get to Port Lincoln. One way is by taking a short flight ride from Adelaide airport and the other way is by taking a ferry from Lucky Bay.

Operated by Calypso Star Charters, the divers are taken to a place that have a huge number of Great White Sharks. It is an entire day tour from Port Lincoln. The cage is then dropped into the ocean and the divers get into the cage one after the other.

As the Great White Sharks live in colder waters, the best season to do the cage diving is between March and May. And it’s advisable to wear thick wetsuit and hood for protection against cold water. 

Seeing the ocean’s powerful predator underwater is a unique and daring experience! As the Great White Sharks swim around the cage, they look stunning and massive. The best part of the dive is also seeing other abundant marine life.

Recommended by Raksha of Solopassport – follow on Instagram

6. Stay in a Treehouse in the Amazon Rainforest

Region: South America Fly into: Iquitos International Airport, Iquitos

Spending a few nights in an honest-to-goodness treehouse is most little kids’ dream. Now, the Treehouse Lodge in Iquitos, Peru is making sure it’s on every adult’s adventurous bucket list too!  This trip can be done as a couple, friends or even as a part of a larger trip while exploring the Amazon jungle with teens .

The Treehouse Lodge is a unique experience that’s located in Peru’s Amazon Rainforest. It features 10 private treehouses that come in all different sizes and heights off the ground. The tallest treehouse is 67 feet off the ground!

Each treehouse has a cold-water shower, sink, toilet and beds. This is “glamping” at its finest!

You’ll be treated to monkeys swinging from the trees outside your treehouse, and some of the treehouses even have river views – which means you’ll be able to see pink dolphins swimming by. (You may even want to add earplugs to your  Peru packing list , as the monkeys can be quite feisty some nights!)

The stay here is also all-inclusive (excluding alcohol). So, you won’t have to worry about paying for your meals or excursions while you stay at the Treehouse Lodge either. And the excursions are AMAZING.

You can go wild-life spotting, swim in the Amazon River, fish for piranhas, visit a local village, go boating through the forest during the wet season, or hiking in the rainforest during the dry season (the best time to visit Peru ) …. just to name a few. 

Spending 2 nights at the Treehouse Lodge is considered the ideal amount of time. You’ll need to fly into the Iquitos airport.

Then, the Treehouse Lodge will assist in transferring you 90 minutes by car to a waiting boat. This boat will then take you on a 90-minute ride, deep into the Amazon Rainforest. Just getting to the Treehouse Lodge is an adventure in and of itself! 

Recommended by Lindsey of Have Clothes, Will Travel – follow on Instagram

7. Hike Rainbow Mountain in Peru (one of the most photo-worthy activity vacations)

Region: Northern South America Fly into: Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport, Cusco

Peru is home to many amazing natural wonders, but one of the most spectacular is Rainbow Mountain .

Located near the city of Cusco, the mountain gets its name from the colorful mineral deposits that cover its surface, creating a spectrum of colors that is truly stunning.

I have to be honest: hiking up Rainbow Mountain is no joke. Although the trek to Rainbow Mountain is challenging, it is well worth the effort. The views from the summit are simply incredible!

Visiting Rainbow Mountain usually takes a full-day trip, and it is really recommended that you go with a group. Around Cusco, you will find dozens of tourism agencies offering the tour for about 70 soles (that includes breakfast and lunch!). The tours usually leave pretty early, around 4 in the morning, in order to beat the crowds.

At over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) above sea level, Rainbow Mountain in Peru is one of the most unique and breathtaking landscapes on Earth. The mountain is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including llamas and alpacas, which you can easily spot when hiking!

If after getting to the top of Rainbow Mountain you feel like you could still walk a little bit more, you can stretch the hike all the way to the Red Valley, which is located right behind the mountain.

Hiking the Rainbow Mountain in Peru should be on everyone’s adventurous bucket list!

Recommended by Cami of Travel Cami

8. Dhoni Cruise in the Maldives

Region: South Asia Fly into: Male International Airport

This next activity is one of the best adventure ideas if you love the ocean!

The best way to explore the Maldives off the beaten path is on a traditional Dhoni cruise. Dhonis are the traditional boats of the Maldives and were formerly mainly used for fishing and local transportation but now you can also do multi-day cruises on a Dhoni.

The best way to get there is to fly to Male. From there it is only a few minutes by boat to the starting point of your Maldives Dhoni cruise through the South Male Atoll.

During this cruise, you’ll experience the underwater world of the Maldives on daily snorkeling trips. You’ll encounter numerous colorful fish, crustaceans, squids, and turtles. If you’re lucky you’ll also dolphins, nurse sharks, Stingrays and Manta Rays.

Furthermore, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel at a shipwreck and visit inhabited and uninhabited local islands and remote sandbars. Besides that, you can relax at picture-perfect beaches and enjoy the sunset. At night the Dhoni always anchors in bays where you will spend the night on the boat.

Onboard you get breakfast, lunch and dinner daily as well as tea and coffee with or after meals. Juice, fruit and pastries between meals are also common.

You have the choice between a traditional Dhoni and a premium Dhoni. The traditional Dhoni offers space for 8 passengers and 5 crew members.

The premium Dhoni is designed for 14 passengers and 6 crew members. It’s more than twice the length of the traditional Dhoni, more comfortable and has more space and storage space per passenger.

No matter which Dhoni you choose, a Dhoni cruise offers you the opportunity to experience the Maldives off the beaten path. You will also get a deep insight into the country, its culture and the underwater world of this island archipelago.

Recommended by Vanessa of Travelling Colognian – follow on Facebook

Adventure bucket list ideas

Can you believe this list?! And we’re just getting started! Only about 25% done, let’s keep going for more spectacular sights and epic adventures!

9. Road trip through Icefields Parkway in the Candadian Rockies (one of the most adventurous getaways on this huge list)

Region: North America / Canada Fly into: Calgary International Airport, Calgary

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world and connects  Banff National Park  with Jasper National Park. Not only are the views incredible but there is plenty to see and do along the way. It’s one of the best adventure ideas in North America!

The Banff to Jasper drive one-way takes around 3.5 hours, but you’ll want to reserve a whole day for this trip. If possible, more than a day is recommended. 

You can drive the Icefields Parkway in either direction, but  starting in Banff and ending in Jasper is the most popular route. Getting to the Icefields Parkway is relatively easy with the nearest airport being Calgary International. 

There are many stunning lakes along the Icefields Parkway. Bow Lake is the first lake you’ll come to and is beautiful first thing in the morning. Peyto Lake is another bright turquoise glacial lake that is a must see on the parkway. 

The Columbia Icefields is the biggest icefield south of the arctic and is where Banff and Jasper National Parks meet. Here is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. You can opt to take an Ice Explorer tour on the Athabasca Glacier or simply take in the sights at the Toe of the Glacier hike. 

North of the Icefields are some amazing waterfalls such as Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls. Both are very popular in the summer so getting here earlier is recommended. 

If you are wanting to take a hike, both the Wilcox Pass and Parker Ridge hikes are gorgeous and both feature stunning glacier views. 

If you are venturing out on this bucket list road trip, filling up your car before you leave is the best way to go. The only gas station along the Icefields Parkway is at the Saskatchewan Crossing, open seasonally, and prices here are quite high. 

Recommended by Rachael at A City Girl Outside – follow on Instagram

10. Hike to Everest Base Camp

Region: Southern Asia Fly into: Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu

This next hike absolutely should be on your adventurous bucket list!

The trek to Everest Base Camp is about 110 kilometers (68 miles) over around 14 days and the walking isn’t difficult. However, it’s the altitude that makes this tough and a major bucket list item ! 

Most treks start from Lukla at 2,800m, (9,186 feet) which trekkers fly into from Kathmandu, Nepal.  It’s the most dangerous airport in the world and incredible to fly into. 

The hike up Everest can be very intense! As you slowly acclimatize on the way up (it’s dangerous to go too quickly), you’ll eventually arrive at Everest Base Camp at 5,364m (17,598 feet) . It’s important to take it slow and to ensure that you drink lots of water, to try and avoid altitude sickness.  

Most trekkers will go straight to Everest Base Camp. However, it’s worth taking a detour to see the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri (5,483m / 17,988 ft) and you’ll escape the paths which are most heavily trafficked.  

It’s also worth ascending Kala Pattar(5,545m / 18,192 ft) for stunning views of base camp and Everest.  

Acclimatizing on the way up allows you to check out places like the Khumbu Valley with hospitals and schools built by Sir Edmund Hillary. There are stunning monasteries to visit too, at Tengboche and Dingboche.

Most tours will not let you join if you don’t have appropriate  travel and medical insurance . Helicopter evacuations for altitude sickness cost in excess of US$5,000 and must be paid for before the helicopter takes off!

Recommended by Sarah of A Social Nomad

11. Epic adventures in Antartica (fantastic idea for activity vacations)

Region: Antartica Fly into: Ushuaia Airport, Argentina, then boat to Antartica

One amazing adventure destination that many people dream of visiting, but few actually get to experience, is the incredible continent of Antarctica. It’s an amazing place unlike any other on Earth.

About 10,000 people visit Antarctica each year to see its untouched beauty and experience the nature unique to this continent.

You can visit Antarctica only between November and March. Most people visit via cruise ship from Argentina, but there are options to visit from Australia and New Zealand.

Look for smaller ships that carry fewer than 500 passengers. These ships allow for more time on land. Some of the larger ships do not allow people to go on land and you will miss the opportunity to walk a safe distance from penguins and seals! 

The pristine beauty of the continent is well known, but there are also a variety of things to do in Antarctica.

Adventure lovers will enjoy hiking dormant volcanoes and kayaking past icebergs near penguins and seals. If you’re truly brave, you can take a  polar plunge in Antarctica  or even go camping on the ice.  Every one of these activities will leave you awestruck at the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica!

Many trips to Antarctica visit the Antarctic peninsula but don’t go further south. A 2-week cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina would allow you ample time to see the peninsula and potentially cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°30′ South. 

It’s not easy to travel to Antarctica, but it’s an experience that you’ll remember forever. If it’s been on your adventure bucket list for a long time, put it at the top and make sure you visit this amazing place!

Recommended by Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveler – follow on Facebook

12. Gorge hiking in Crete

Region: Southeastern Europe Fly into: Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis, Heraklion Airport N. Kazantzakis or Athens International Airport

Greek island hopping is endlessly fascinating – whitewashed villages, startling blue water, fantastic beaches. Choosing just one can be difficult. However, very few offer the incredible hiking and natural scenery of Crete, the largest island in Greece.

Big, mountainous and extremely rugged, the ridge running the length of Crete features over a dozen outstanding gorges where highlands rainfall makes its way down to the ocean. These gorges are also very diverse, from easy strolls through lush palm forests to tricky descents involving ropes, ladders and plenty of scrambling.

The most famous canyon in Crete is the world-renowned Samaria Gorge . Boasting exceptional scenery, moderately challenging terrain and a well-oiled infrastructure (transfers to the trailhead, boats and buses from the bottom), it draws hikers from all over the world in high season.

A lesser known and arguably better choice, however, is the stunning Aradena Gorge. Not far from Samaria Gorge but infinitely quieter, this is one of the best activities to add to your adventure bucket list.

The difficult trail leads down from a superbly photogenic bridge, over and under a fascinating collection of boulders and pools, ending with a gentle walk along the coast to  spectacular Loutro , considered by many to be the most beautiful village on Crete.

Of course, there is no need to stop there, as avid walkers can make their way around the entire island. You’ll want a week or more to check out other highlight gorges such as narrow Imbros, lush Patsos, historic Zakros, lovely Agia Irini, peaceful Richtis and the difficult climbs and waterfalls of Ha Gorge.

Crete has international airports in Chania and Heraklion. It’s also conveniently connected to Athens and many other Greek islands by ferry.

Crete is very large and has only very basic public transportation so if you plan to tackle some of these amazing gorges it is best to rent a car. This amazing island is also one of the best Greek islands for couples to visit – especially adventurous ones!

This is by far one of the best bucket list travel adventures in Europe!

Recommended by Dean and Laynni of Routinely Nomadic – follow on Instagram

13. Zipline in Costa Rica (a personal favorite activity on this adventurous bucket list)

Region: Central America Fly into: Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José

Ziplining is one of the most intense, adrenaline-pumping activities in Costa Rica. People come to Costa Rica from all over the world to experience some of the longest, fastest and most scenic zipline courses on earth. 

There are several places you can experience adventure activity A few popular spots include the things to do in Monteverde like the Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park and the Arenal Rainforest.

These immense ecosystems are home to some of the world’s most incredible floral and fauna. And with 90 percent of Costa Rica’s animals living in the upper levels of the country’s rainforests, a zipline canopy tour is the best way to see some of the native wildlife safely. 

You can spot native birds like toucans, howler monkeys and even sloths as you soar through the air on a steel cable. Some of the ziplines reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour and are almost 1 mile long!

Although they promise a thrill ride, the zipline courses are still incredibly safe, so even if you are visiting Costa Rica with kids , you can be assured your whole family will have a blast and do so safely.

Allow approximately 3 hours to complete one of the guided zipline adventures in Costa Rica. Be sure to wear close-toed shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and mosquito repellent .

Pair ziplining with a hanging bridge trek through the rainforest, a beautiful waterfall hike, or a dip in one of Costa Rica’s natural hot springs and you’ve got the perfect vacation for adventure travelers. There’s so much to do in the country; here’s a fun 7 days Costa Rica itinerary to plan your ziplining and other adventures.

While ziplining in Costa Rica is just a day trip, you’ll want at least a week to explore this beautiful country. Visit the best beaches in Manuel Antonio , swim in the hot springs near Arenal Volcano National Park or go whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River.

Editor note: ziplining was one of my favorite things to do in Costa Rica! Be sure to book your tour in advance as they sell out, especially during peak travel season.

Read next: 26 Incredibly Fun Things to Do in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica You Gotta See to Believe

Recommended by Melissa of Parenthood and Passports – follow on Instagram

14. Road trip through the Dolomites

Region: Southern Europe Fly into: Venice Marco Polo Airport or Munich International Airport

The Dolomites in the Northern Italian Alps are one of the most impressive sights you’ll find in all of Italy! It’s a bucket list destination for lovers of hiking and mountainscapes.

But what makes The Dolomites one of the best areas to visit around the globe? Well, the Dolomites are unique in appearance, being formed from volcanic and dolomitic rock. They have 18 peaks and rise above 11,000 feet above sea level and take up 6,155 sq mi of space. 

To properly visit this impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking a  road trip through the Dolomites  is highly recommended. 

Over the course of the first couple of days, some of the most impressive things you will get to see and do are visiting St. Valentine Church and the church of Santa Magdalena, visiting the rainbow lake called Lago di Carezza, swinging on a mountain swing at Malga Sanon and hiking to Saltria.

The last few days in the Dolomites will be spent hiking Gardenia Pass. You’ll want to stop at several impressive lakes including Lago di Landro, Lake Misurina, and Lago di Braies. At Lago di Braies you can even rent a rowboat and go out on the water! 

Before you go make sure to pack warmer gear, especially in the winter. Just note it can also be cool up in the mountains even in summer. Also, never go hiking without a great pair of hiking boots ! 

Five days is the minimum amount of time you will need to be able to stop at many of the most scenic spots. That will give you enough time for hikes, eating, Dolomites tours and resting thrown into the mix. 

The closest airport to begin your adventure is either the Venice or Munich airport. There are plenty of hotels in all of the popular regions of The Dolomites but many of them do close during the off-season so research this ahead of time!

Editor note: this road trip reminds me of the epic scenic drives in Colorado , USA with its incredible scenery! So beautiful!

Recommended by Chelsey of Chelsey Explores – follow on Instagram

15. Hike in El Chaltén, Patagonia

Region: South America Fly into: El Calafate Airport, Santa Cruz

For adventurous getaways in Argentina, you must head south to Patagonia. From novice trekkers to professional adrenaline junkies, hiking in the Patagonian Andes should be on every outdoors lovers’ Argentina itinerary .

And out of Patagonia’s many natural wonders, El Chalten stands out. This is the hiking capital of Argentina and all of the tiny village’s many trails all lie within a national park, Parque Nacional de los Glaciares .

To get there fly into El Calafate. This small city is 3 hours from El Chalten and also part of the national park. Consider spending a couple of days here before moving on to El Chalten to see the country’s famous glaciers.

Once in El Chalten, more time is better. Spend at least 5-6 days here . But 10-14 is ideal for the hiking obsessed and to include more rest days or to allow for chances of inclement weather.

The best time to visit is in the warm summer months from December through February and the shoulder seasons of Fall and Spring. Warm temperatures and long days in the summer allow hikers to cover more ground. In fact, Patagonia in Argentina makes the lis of one of the best countries to visit in February .

All of the hikes in El Chalten are day hikes and free of charge. Hikers can base themselves in the many cabins and hostels in town, embarking each morning into the mountains to see glaciers, lagoons, and rugged peaks.

The most iconic hike in El Chalten is Laguna de los Tres. This difficult trail leads to Mount Fitz Roy and its turquoise lagoon. Other adventure activities include glacier treks, horseback rides, and white water rafting. 

Recommended by Erin of Sol Salute – follow on Instagram

16. Scuba dive in the Komodo Islands (one of the most unique items on this adventurous bucket list)

Region: Indonesia Fly into: Komodo International Airport, Labuan Bajo

The Komodo National Park is found off the coast of Flores Island and is fast becoming the most popular  place to visit in Indonesia and one of the best adventure ideas on this list.  Famous for its resident Komodo Dragons and spectacular landscapes, it’s the perfect destination for any adventure traveler.

But what makes the Komodo Islands even more appealing is the tropical marine life and vibrant underwater world that surrounds these islands. It’s a diving mecca with manta rays, sharks, turtles and more.

The best way to experience the Komodo Islands is on a scuba diving liveaboard that takes you to all the iconic sites over 2 or 3 days. Choosing a liveaboard option also ensures that your group is first in the water, so you can enjoy the magnificent dive sites with very few people around.

The best time to visit the Komodo Islands is between June and September. These months provide clear, sunny skies and optimal diving conditions – but one thing you can’t escape is the notoriously strong currents that will make your dives even more thrilling!

To get to the Komodo Islands, you’ll need to fly into Labuan Bajo in Flores. There are daily flights from Bali and it’s easy to add a trip to the Komodo Islands to your Indonesia itinerary.

Recommended by Carryn of Torn Tackies

Adventure ideas

We’re at the 1/2 way point. Is your personal adventure bucket list full yet?

Between incredible road trips and adrenaline-pumping activities, we’ve got a lot more to see!😊

17. Hike to the Lost City in Colombia

Region: Northern South America Fly into: Simón Bolívar International Airport in Santa Marta or Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena

One of the best adventure activities in the world is visiting Ciudad Perdida, which translates to Lost City in English. It’s an ancient city that was only discovered around 50 years ago and is located within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range.

What makes this place unique is that it can only be reached by foot as part of a 4-day trek through the jungle.

The trek can only be done as part of an organised tour, as the path crosses through lands owned by indigenous tribes. However, there are several tour operators that offer tours to the Lost City, which include the tour guide, food, accommodation and transportation to the starting point of the hike.

Most tours depart from Santa Marta, where you either fly to directly or you can fly to Cartagena instead and take a 4-hour bus ride to Santa Marta.

It’s not an easy hike, so you will have to have at least a moderate level of fitness, but it is totally worth it! Especially since the Lost City can only be reached as part of a 4-day hike, it makes it even more unique once you reach your final destination. 

Make sure to bring sunscreen , mosquito spray and of course comfortable clothing. But try to bring as little as possible, as you will have to carry your luggage around throughout the hike. The rest of your luggage can be left at your accommodation in Santa Marta, or you can leave it at the tour company. 

Other than hiking to the Lost City, which should be included in your Colombia itinerary , there are also many other incredible things to do around Santa Marta, such as visit Tayrona National Park, or travel to Minca, a village located in the mountains.

Recommended by Becky of Becksplore – follow on Twitter

18. Go scootering in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam (another favorite on this list of adventure ideas)

Region: Southeast Asia Fly into: Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City

If you like offbeat adventure and gorgeous scenery, zooming on a scooter across the Mekong Delta of Vietnam should absolutely be on your adventurous bucket list! The delta is famous for the fern-lined Mekong River, which runs through China, Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia before reaching Vietnam.

Fun fact: more than half of Vietnam’s food comes from the lush, green rice paddies surrounding it the Mekong Delta.

To reach the Mekong Delta, you’ll need to fly into the bustling Ho Chi Minh City , rent a scooter there and make the one and a half hour drive south. Once you’re flying down the bumpy dirt roads, you’ll have a variety of options to explore within the delta itself.

Visit the floating market in Mỹ Tho or Cai Rang to taste a stunning array of fruits and veggies and pick up some fresh Vietnamese coffee. Explore the Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve, protected by UNESCO,  where you can float through a mangrove island or see an island, home to over 2,000 monkeys.

Take a boat to Thoi Son island and visit (and taste!) the rambutan, longan and sapoche orchards that line its shores.  The highlight of exploring the Mekong Delta is simply puttering around its network of dusty backroads and catching boats and ferries to explore the islets and small towns dotting the delta.

But be forewarned – between many roads not appearing on Google Maps and the river’s seemingly constant criss-crossing of the land, navigating the area is certainly for the adventurous, and those who aren’t in hurry!

While you can easily take a daytrip from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta, it’s best savored over at least a couple of days, to truly get to know the beating heart of Vietnam.

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler – follow in Instagram

19. Trek for orangutans in Borneo

Region : Indonesia Fly into: Bali + 2 regional flights

One of the most extraordinary adventure travel experiences that you should add to any Indonesia itinerary is to go to Tanjung Puting National Park in Borneo and trek for wild and habituated orangutans. These majestic creatures are endangered and are under daily threat of extinction as their natural jungle habitat is being cleared for farming.

By visiting Borneo and exploring the jungles for orangutans, you are not only seeing animals that may potentially be extinct one day, but you are also helping support the local economy. By doing so, you are making tourism a viable economic alternative to farming. 

Borneo is the 3rd largest island in the world and the largest island in Asia. It is made up of 3 countries – Indonesia, Malaysia and Bhutan. Tanjung Puting National Park is part of Indonesia.

Tanjung Puting National Park is the largest and most diversified coastal tropical heath and peat swamp forest in the world. It offers remarkable wildlife including crocodiles, snakes and incredibly, 9 different primates, including the Proboscis monkey and orangutans. 

Reaching Tanjung is not easy. It isn’t far from Bali, but there are no direct flights to Pangkalan Bun, the closest airport to the National Park. Instead, you have to take two flights from Bali, then drive 20 minutes to the Port of Kumai, followed by a 2 hour boat ride on the Java Sea and Sekonyer River, a very narrow river just feet from the shores of the jungle.

You have 2 options for exploring Tanjung National Park. First, stay on a Klotok, a traditional Indonesian river boat. You will eat and sleep on the boat, and use it to travel along the river. Second, stay in a traditional hotel and eat breakfast and dinner there. Then, take the Klotok with a guide during the day for your ecotour. 

Your day to day experiences are the same. You glide along the river catching sight of crocodiles, spectacular birds, Proboscis monkeys, and the occasional wild orangutan. Orangutans are incredibly shy so it is rare to see completely wild ones. 

Throughout the day, you stop and hike in the jungle, often to scientific outposts that study orangutans. Here the orangutans are “habituated.” That means that they are wild – they are free to come and go as they please – but for whatever reason, they are used to being around humans.

Maybe they were taken as pets as babies, or their mothers were killed while their jungle homes were being cleared for farming. In these situations, you get to be mere feet away from the orangutans as they live their day. They are calm and no longer shy. It’s an absolutely thrilling experience. There is nothing between you and the orangutans! 

You should stay between 4-5 days. There is so much to see and discover in Tanjung Puting. Every day you wake up and can only wonder which animals you will stumble across or what other authentic experiences that you will have. 

Recommended by Nicole of Go Far Grow Close – follow on Facebook

20. Travel solo in Pakistan (one of the most adventurous getaways on this list!)

Region: Middle East Fly into: Islamabad International Airport in Islamabad

If you’re looking for a truly killer adventure bucket list item, look no further than a backpacking trip in Pakistan! These days, Pakistan is safe for travel and those that make it to this infrequently visited country are truly in for a treat. 

Thousands of glaciers and some of the planet’s tallest mountains make for some truly incredible trekking opportunities. You can cross glaciers, putz around in empty meadows, see the second-highest mountain in the world (K2), and camp at some of the highest alpine lakes in existence.

What sets Pakistan’s incredible nature apart is the fact that it has yet to become highly commercialized–only a few spots attract tourist groups, and it’s very easy to be alone in nature.

The true adventure of a trip to Pakistan is all of the spontaneous happenings that occur along the way, which is why this country is best explored independently. That’s when you’ll likely get invited into strangers’ homes, and get a taste of the most incredible hospitality on Earth.

To really get a feel for the vastly different regions of the country, you should absolutely try to spend at least a month exploring. The best time to visit Pakistan is definitely from May-October, when the true highlight of the country–Gilgit Baltistan–has the most pleasant weather.

If you love mountains, focus on Hunza and Skardu. If you’re looking for a bit of culture in a completely raw city, make sure you don’t skip Peshawar and Lahore, both of which are true historical icons. 

While it’s a bit newer to tourism and thus more difficult to travel to, the Upper Chitral region of the KPK province will easily steal the hearts of adventure travelers. Epic landscapes, amazing people and virtually zero package tourism will almost make you feel like you’re in a movie!

To enter the country I recommend flying into Islamabad International Airport, and the best airport to access Gilgit Baltistan is via a domestic flight from Islamabad to Skardu International Airport (as of present they have yet to begin actual international routes.)

Travelers can also access GB via the Gilgit Airport, however this is a much smaller airport with miniature planes so flights are often cancelled even due to clouds. The Upper Chitral region does not have a functional airport. The best way to access it is by road either from Islamabad, or via the Shandur Pass that connects it with Gilgit Baltistan. 

Recommended by Samantha of Intentional Detours – follow on YouTube

21. Hike Antelope Canyon

Region: Western USA Fly into: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas or Flagstaff Pulliam Airport in Flagstaff

Hiking through Antelope Canyon in Arizona has to be on your adventure travel bucket list because this slot canyon is one of a kind. It’s one of the world’s most beautiful slot canyons!

There are lots of beautiful slot canyons in Arizona  to choose from, but Antelope Canyon is one of the best for its wave-like walls, gorgeous colors and the light beam that shines down from the thin opening at the top.

To get to Antelope Canyon, the closest airport to fly into is either Las Vegas or Flagstaff. From there you will need to rent a car and drive the 3-5 hour drive to Page, Arizona where the canyon is located. 

To visit Antelope Canyon, you will need to book a tour through one of the operators in the area. Antelope Canyon and the other slot canyons in the area are located on Navajo land, so your ticket price will include the mandatory Navajo tax.

Each tour operator has a different meeting place where the tour will begin and they will transport you to the canyon where you will be led by a certified guide through the canyon. If you’d like to see more than one slot canyon, some tour operators include visits to other amazing canyons in the area so make sure to check out their offerings.

Because of the nature of the hike, you cannot bring any hiking backpacks into the canyon. It’s recommended to bring water though, so if you don’t want to carry water, have a water bottle carrier for your  reusable water bottle . 

There are some other amazing things to visit in the Page area such as Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell and Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. You’ll want to spend at least 2 days in the area to check out everything Page has to offer! 

This is by far one of the best bucket list travel adventures in the USA!

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage – follow on Instagram

22. Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia (a must-do on this adventure list)

Region: Middle East Fly into: Kayseri Erkilet Airport in Kayseri

Taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on everyone’s adventure bucket list.  Hundreds of balloons fill up the sky each sunrise to view the unique Cappadocia landscape.

The 3 mile-long valley that the balloons float over is full of fairy chimneys and caves and will provide the most unique view ever!  The fairy chimneys are rock formations in the shape of long spires that have been formed by wind and erosion.

There are so many of them that the area has been nicknamed Love Valley because of all the phallic rock shapes spread out across the landscape.

Make sure to capture that amazing photo with the fairy chimneys in the background, surrounded by colorful hot air balloon dotting the skyline as the sun starts to peak over the horizon.

A typical hot air balloon ride will last 1 hour. Your whole experience lasts a lot longer since you will be picked up from your hotel at 3:30am with your eyes still half-shut from sleep. The balloon operator will take you to the big field to watch your huge balloon inflate right in front of those sleepy eyes. 

The size of that balloon will amaze you! Your eyes will be wide open after that with nothing but amazing views of peaks and valleys, close encounters with adjacent balloons and even a spectacular sunrise to go with it.

Cappadocia has many hiking trails, UNESCO heritage sites , archeological discoveries and cave hotels for accommodations. After you complete your sunrise Cappadocia balloon adventure there will be no shortage of other things to do in this area of Turkey. You’ll want to spend at least 2 – 3 days to see the major sites in the area, but you can spend a week and still not see it all!

Recommended by Michelle of Moyer Memoirs – follow on Instagram

23. Hike for wildlife in the Sumatran Rainforest

Region: Indonesia Fly into: Kualanamu International Airport, Medan

Trekking through the Sumatran rainforest is one of the best adventure ideas in travel! 

There are a couple of national parks to choose from, but Gunung Leuser National Park is the best place to visit. 

This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best places in the country to see the Sumatran Orangutan.  Gunung Leuser is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, rhinos, tigers, gibbons, sun bears, and leopard cats. 

If you’re looking to trek through this national park, then Bukit Lawang is the best place to stay. It’s located on the edge of Gunung Leuser and is where most of the treks start.

You can either choose to go on a one-day hike through the rainforest, or you can go on a multi-day hike ranging from 2 to 10 days. 

The longer you spend hiking through Gunung Leuser National Park, the higher chance you’ll have of spotting some of the rarer wildlife. Try to find the Sumatran rhinoceros, and the Sumatran tiger. 

In order to go trekking through the Sumatran rainforest, you’ll first need to hire a licensed guide or go on a tour. A permit is also required to enter the park.  

During your time in Bukit Lawang, you can even go tubing down the Bohorok River. 

Jungle trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as it’s one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world.

To get to Gunung Leuser, you’ll first have to fly into Kualanamu International Airport which is located near North Sumatra’s capital, Medan. 

Bukit Lawang is located 130 km (81 miles) from the airport, and there are several ways to get there. You can either catch a shared taxi from one of the airport counters organize a private transfer, or use the public buses.

Recommended by A Couples Calling – follow on Instagram

24. Hitchhike on the Iron Ore Train in Mauritania (one of the most unique activities on this adventure bucket list)

Region: Western Africa Fly into: Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport in Nouakchott

If you’re looking for the ultimate experience to add to your adventure bucket list, then you absolutely must consider adding hitchhiking on the iron ore train through the Sahara Desert in Mauritania .

Mauritania is a country in Western Africa that borders Western Sahara and Mali. This country’s biggest claim to fame is that fact that is home to the longest and heaviest train in the world: The iron ore train.

This incredible train is 2km long (1.2 mi) and travels a 700km (434 mi) route that runs deep into the Sahara Desert to the iron ore mines in Zouerat. 

This train travels through one of the most intense and remote environments in the world, and you can hitchhike on it. This train is by no means a passenger train!

Its massive train cars carry rocks from the mines in the desert to the Atlantic Ocean, and that’s it. However, you can legally jump onto the train and ride on the rocks for hundreds of kilometers. It’s the ultimate adventure for thrill-seekers!

If you plan to complete this intense ride, there are a few things that you need to know:

• It’s incredibly uncomfortable on the rocks.
• The heat can unbearable if you don’t plan for it.
• The iron ore will get in everything, including your eyes so you absolutely need to bring ski goggles.
• You will need your own plan for water and bathroom needs.
• The train has no schedule, and it may not stop for you to be able to jump on.

Making this incredible adventure happen can be an incredibly complicated task if you don’t have the help of a local guide.

To get to Mauritania, you will need to fly into the capital city of Nouakchott. From there you will need to hire a driver to drive you deep into the desert cities of either Chuom or Zouerat (depending on the point you have chosen to jump onto the train).

After spending the night on the train, you will arrive in the coastal city of Nouadibou and will need to hire a driver to take you back to Nouakchott. The whole excursion could be done in 3 days if you’re rushing it. 

Recommended by Shannon of Adventuring With Shannon – follow on Instagram

More activity vacations

In the final stretch here. Grab something to drink and keep checking out these incredible adventure ideas. Oh, and hats off to my fellow travel writers who are really bringing their ‘A’ game on this list!

25. Climb the highest peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte

Region: Caribbean / North America Fly into: Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo or Aeropuerto Internacional del Cibao in Santiago

The Caribbean is famous for tiny beautiful islands, gorgeous beaches and welcoming people, but not that much for crazy adventures in nature. At the most, you can find activities on most islands, such as ziplining, diving or rainforest walking.

But if you’re looking for adventure bucket list ideas in the Caribbean, you shall head to the Dominican Republic, which offers some of the most exciting hikes in the entire subcontinent.

One of them is the hike to the highest peak in the Caribbean, the Pico Duarte. It is more than 10,000 feet tall and is only accessible by a 14-mile hike (one-way; 28 miles in total) through completely untouched and pristine terrain.

While competitive hikers do the trip in 2 days, it’s recommended to plan 3 days for the entire trip . This allows you more time to enjoy the fascinating scenery while spending 2 nights in a tent or a basic mountain shelter at La Compartición base camp at around 8,800 feet altitude.

The hike is not technical, it is just a long and steady climb up, hence self-motivation and at least a decent physical shape are recommended. Over 5800 feet in altitude change are awaiting you on the first day up to La Compartición.

The second day is an easy one with just about 2.5 hours of hiking. It’s 1.5 hours to summit Pico Duarte, 1 hour back to the base camp, before going all the way down on day 3.

During the hike and especially at the peak, you get rewarded by amazing views over the completely unpopulated central mountain area of the Dominican Republic.

For climbing Pico Duarte, you have 2 options. The cheaper (but very time-consuming) one is to organize equipment and food on your own and head to the trailhead in La Cienaga (Jarabaoca). You just have to take the mandatory guide to enter the national park.

The second and much easier one is to book an organized excursion, which is offered by some of the accommodations in Jarabacoa or by several tour operators. The best airports to fly to are Santo Domingo or Santiago Airport.

When heading for the Pico Duarte trek, it is recommended to include the tour in a road trip through the Dominican Republic .

Like this, you are flexible and can also head on some more extremely adventurous day and waterfall hikes. Check out as Salto La Gritona (the second-highest waterfall in the Dominican Republic) close to Bonao, La Rejolla hike (a combination of 4 incredibly beautiful waterfalls) close to Puerto Plata or the 7 beaches hike in Las Galeras.

Recommended by Christian of Punta Cana Travel Blog – follow on Facebook

26. Road trip through Andalucia, Southern Spain (one of the most unique road trips and adventure ideas)

Region: Southern Europe Fly into: Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, Malaga

This next road trip absolutely must be on your adventure bucket list!

Road tripping through Andalusia is a unique experience. If you love visiting historical buildings, seeing unique landscapes and eating local food, this adventure is for you!

Start your road trip by flying to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, a great base to travel to other cities and towns. 

From here you can visit Nerja, a beautiful whitewashed town building with stunning views of the coast. Next you’ll see Granada, where you will find the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Then Seville, which is the capital of Andalusia and birthplace of flamenco. Continuing your road trip through Cordoba, a beautiful city to visit the Mosque and Andalusian courtyards. Finally you’ll get to Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Spain. 

To make the most of your time in Andalusia, you will need at least 7 days although 14 to 15 days is perfect to see key attractions in major cities and a few villages. 

If you love discovering hidden gems and travelling to off the beaten track destinations, add cities like Almeria, Jaen and Huelva to your itinerary. Of course, you can also stop in the small towns like Setenil de las Bodegas, Mojacar and Frigiliana for extra sights, food and cultural experiences.

The best time to go on a road trip through Andalusia is spring or early autumn as the weather is good and there are fewer crowds. The worst time to do it is in summer (July and August) as temperatures reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit which makes exploring and sightseeing very difficult. 

When packing for traveling through Andalusia, bring comfortable shoes because there are many pebbled streets and hills, especially in towns.

Recommended by Cristina of My Little World of Travelling – follow on Pinterest

27. Go volcano boarding in Nicaragua

Region: Central America Fly into: Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport, Managua

If you like adrenaline-pumping activities, volcano boarding in Nicaragua is a must! There are only a few places in the world where you can ride down a volcano. Plus, everything in Nicaragua is affordable so it won’t hurt your wallet.

After flying into Managua airport, it’s just a 3 hour shuttle or private car to the  historic city of Leon . You’ll reach the site of Cerro Negro, a volcano that’s smooth enough to board down.

Cerro Negro, which means Black Mountain, is an active volcano, with visible smoke and scents of sulfur on sections of the trail. Black ash comprises most of the volcano, setting up ideal conditions for boarding. 

Multiple tour operators run daily trips to hike up and slide down the volcano. The guides provide all the gear to comfortably volcano board: a jumpsuit to cover your clothes, protective headware and goggles, and the board! Most will follow up with a video file to relive and share this adventure bucket list activity.

Volcano boarding in Nicaragua is a half-day experience and includes hotel pick-up and drop off, guided hike, instruction and the ride itself. The board allows for foot braking to control speed. Some opt to surf down the volcano, but most sit on the board and go, sledding downhill as fast as they can.

Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes and bring your filled reusable water bottle . The hike is uphill and Nicaragua can be hot.

While volcano boarding is reason enough to visit Leon, the city is worth a stay-over. While there, take a walking tour to learn the history and see the street art. Don’t miss a visit to the cathedral with a rooftop so pristine you can only walk on it barefoot!

Recommended by Mel of Mel on the Go – follow on Instagram

28. See wild chimpanzees in Tanzania (one of the best adventure activities in the world, for sure)

Region: Eastern Africa Fly into: Kigoma Airport

Most people picture the sandy beaches of Zanzibar and the 4WD safaris in the Serengeti when they think of Tanzania. But a much more off-the-beaten path alternative to those crowded places is Gombe National Park.

Although you might have heard of it due to the renowned Jane Goodall, this park gets in a year the same amount of people Serengeti gets in a day!

There are a few ways to get there. The easiest is to fly to Kigoma. A much more adventurous, fun way is to take a pre-Great War train. It’s the infamous Central Line railway, and  cross the entire country overland  from Dar es Salaam. 

Once you get to Kigoma, you’ll need to jump into a boat that will take you north for a few hours through the beautiful Lake Tanganyika to the border with Burundi, where Gombe National Park lays . Although the whole journey is exciting, here’s where the real bucket list adventure begins. 

You’ll be greeted by park rangers, and before you’re shown around the accommodation, you’ll meet the friendliest inhabitants of the park: the baboons. 

But the star of the show are the chimpanzees. To see them you’ll hike up the mountain rainforest for hours, surrounded by a dense jungle that will open up as you reach the hilltop.

Along the way the park ranger that guides your hike will tell you about the families of chimps that live there. In a single hike you might see a family or two in their natural habitat. 

You’ll get to witness them jumping around trees, finding food and grooming each other. It’s such a breathtaking way to see our closest relatives up close!

Since the protected area is so far away and hard to access, count on at least 2 days in Gombe. Although you can stay for as long as you’d like (and your budget allows). 

Recommended by Coni of Experiencing the Globe – follow on Instagram

29. Hike Volcan Acatenango in Guatemala

Region: Central America Fly into: La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City

Near the city of Antigua, Guatemala is the famous Volcan Acatenango. This stratovolcano has been dormant since the early 20th century, and as a result, it’s safe to hike.

In recent years, hiking Acatenango has become popular with those who love activity vacations because when you reach the summit, you’re treated to incredible views of an actively erupting volcano: Volcan Fuego.

Volcan Fuego is directly next to Acatenango. Since 2002, it has been having small eruptions every day. When at the summit of Acatenango, you can see these small eruptions in action. You’ll have views of the smoke, ash, and lava as it explodes from Volcan Fuego’s crater. And, you’ll feel the earth trembling and shaking as well. 

Hiking Volcano Acatenango to see Fuego erupt is super challenging because most of the journey is on a steep incline that becomes tougher the higher you go. With the total elevation gain being 5150 ft, the final hour of the trek is especially grueling.

At that stage, you’re at high altitude, and you’re trekking through volcanic sand rather than solid ground. But it’s worth the pain for unprecedented views of an erupting volcano!

To climb Acatenango, you’ll join a guided tour out of Antigua. The hike is usually done over the course of 2 days.

On the first day you hike to base camp where you spend 1 night. The overnight is special, because in the dark you can see lava erupting out of Volcan Fuego very well. The following day you summit Acatenango, before hiking back down and returning to Antigua.

Hiking Volcan Acatenango is the perfect adventurous bucket list item to combine with a visit to Antigua, as well as other beautiful regions of Guatemala like Lake Atitlan.

Recommended by Erin of Pina Travels – follow on Instagram

30. Climb Mount Etna

Region: Southern Europe Fly into: Catania Airport

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes and one of the most interesting natural wonders in the world. Moreover, it’s one of the hikeable volcanoes in Europe. 

Being as high as 3,326 m / 10,912 ft, Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe outside the Caucasus region. 

How high you can hike depends on the current volcanic activities. The highest crater you can climb now is situated at 2,900 m / 9,515 ft.

If you’re an adventure aficionado and fit hiker, surely you want to hike Mount Etna. For hiking Mount Etna, you need a whole day. 

You reach Mount Etna from Catania by bus provided by the bus company called AST. From other locations, you will need to have a car to reach Mount Etna.

The first bus from Catania, which is the closest city to Mount Etna, the bus departs at 8:15 from Plazza Giovanni XCIII. The distance is only approximately 35 km / 22km from Catania to the Sapienza Refuge at Mount Etna. A two-way ticket costs only 6.60 €.

You can start your hike from 1,923 m / 6,310 ft where the bus drops you, at Sapienza Refuge. For the entire hike, you will need 5 – 6 hours. 

In case, you want to save time, you can take the funicular to 2,500 m / 8,202 ft. 

The landscape on the way up is stunning and naturally diverse. The beginning is very steep and rocky. Then, the landscape changes after 2,500 m / 8,202 ft.  Everything is black and sandy as the black lava changed the landscape.

As you get higher on the mountain, the terrain makes you feel like you are on the moon. It’s sandy and on the sand, there are huge blackish rocks scattered everywhere. 

Then, you can see several volcanic cones and at times you see nothing because the steam clouds coming from the fumarole cover everything. That’s really scary actually. 

The highlight of this epic hike is the colorful crater situated at an altitude of 2,900 m / 9,515 ft. Walking around it is an out-of-the-world experience. 

The weather keeps changing minute by minute as you move up and around the volcano. It can be sunny, then all of a sudden, it can be colder, foggy, cloudy, windy, rainy, or snowy. It’s seriously one of the weirdest places in the world! 

You can definitely see why this makes it on the adventurous bucket list destinations around the world!

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31. Boat ride through the karst scenery in Ninh Binh (some of the most stunning sights and adventure ideas)

Region: Southeast Asia Fly into: Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi

Located in northern Vietnam and just an hour-and-half away from Hanoi is the beautiful town of Ninh Binh. Once there, you will be surprised that such a small town in Vietnam is packed with so much natural beauty.

Tam Coc is hands down one of  the best places to visit in Ninh Binh . Boating on a meandering river passing through the karst mountains is an experience any traveler would cherish forever and absolutely must be on the top of your adventure bucket list ideas!

Interestingly, the boat trip is guided by the rowers who push the oars with their feet! Y ou will embark on a gentle cruise taking you through limestone caves, pagodas, and old stone bridges.

As the place gets quite busy with daytrippers from Hanoi, it’s best to come early or late evening. Trang An Grottoes is another attraction quite similar to Ninh Binh but unique for the caves you will pass through.

About 5km from Tam Coc is the majestic Hang Mua Peak, a viewpoint like no other. Bear in mind you will have to do a short but strenuous trek to reach the top. From the peak, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Tam Coc’s karst scenery.

Also popular amongst visitors is the Bich Dong Pagoda, a temple surrounded by forest and located inside a cave! In fact, the whole Tam Coc is dotted with charming mountainside pagodas. 

The best way to get around the area is by a bike ride, slowly taking in the scenic countryside. And to get to Tam Coc from Ninh Binh railway station rent a motorbike.

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32. Visit Mt Bromo, an active volcano

Region: Indonesia Fly into: Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport, Malang

One of the best activity vacations is located in Indonesia, and one that you’ll love!

Mount Bromo  is an active volcano on the island of Java. The magnificent attraction is inside Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, a place that draws nature lovers to see steamy calderas, drive around green valleys and enjoy stunning views of the park.

Bromo is in the eastern part of Java, Indonesia. It’s 3 hours away from the city of Malang and about 4 hours from Surabaya, the country’s second-largest city.

Both cities have an airport and are connected to Jakarta and Bali. However, since Malang is the closest, it’s the best one to stay to explore the park.

Once in Malang, you can hire a guided tour to visit Mount Bromo. Tours usually start with a 1 am hotel pick-up and a Jeep ride. So, it’s important to dress in layers, as it gets cold at night.

After the 3-hour drive, you arrive at Bromo while it’s still dark and the sky is shining with stars. Then, it’s time to wait for the sun to rise bringing an epic and unforgettable scene of smoky peaks in the misty morning.

You can see why this makes it on the adventure bucket list activities around the globe!

Following the sunrise, the tour continues to explore other parts of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park , like the green mountains of Teletubbies Hill and the sandy landscape of Whispering Sands.

When you return to the city, you can also explore other attractions of Malang . See Kampung Jodipan, a small village with colorful houses, rainbow-painted umbrellas and vibrant murals.

And if you prefer more natural attractions, head over to Tumpak Sewu, an incredible waterfall with several cascades at almost 120 meters in height. You’ll want at least 3 days to explore Mount Bromo and the surrounding area.

Recommended by Elen of Elen Pradera – follow on Instagram

Adventurous bucket list

Well, that’s a wrap! This beautiful place we call earth has amazing activity vacations around the world. So whether you’re looking for adventurous getaways for the weekend or you’d like to explore a corner of the world for weeks or months, you’re sure to have a thrilling time!

Let’s take a look at the best adventure activities in the world again, in a quick list!

Adventure bucket list:

• Hike the NaPali Coast in Kauai
• Desert Safari in Wadi Rum
• Road tripping through Norway
• Bungee jump in New Zealand
• Cage dive with Great White Sharks
• Stay in a Treehouse in the Amazon Rainforest
• Hike Rainbow Mountain in Peru
• Dhoni Cruise in the Maldives
• Road trip through Icefields Parkway in the Candadian Rockies
• Hike to Everest Base Camp
• Epic adventures in Antartica
• Gorge hiking in Crete
• Zipline in Costa Rica
• Road trip through the Dolomites
• Hike in El Chaltén, Patagonia
• Scuba dive in the Komodo Islands
• Hiking to the Lost City in Colombia
• Go scootering in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam
• Trek for orangutans in Borneo
• Travel solo in Pakistan
• Hike Antelope Canyon
• Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
• Hike for wildlife in the Sumatran Rainforest
• Hitchhike on the Iron Ore Train in Mauritania
• Climb the highest peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte
• Road trip through Andalucia, Southern Spain
• Go volcano boarding in Nicaragua
• See wild chimpanzees in Tanzania
• Hike Volcan Acatenango in Guatemala
• Climbing Mount Etna
• Boat ride through the karst scenery in Ninh Binh
• Visit Mt Bromo, an active volcano

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Tuesday 9th of August 2022

loved all the great ideas

Wednesday 10th of August 2022

Aw that's so great to hear, Tianna! Hope you found your next adventure! :)

Anita Beyond The Sea

Monday 8th of August 2022

I love this! I'm definitely taking some ideas for my own bucket list! I've already had the chance to check some but still so many I need to do!!! :)

Sunday 24th of July 2022

Done a couple, so many mor to go! So glad about the relative freedom of travel again

Agreed! Sounds like you've got some exciting adventures ahead :)

Saturday 23rd of July 2022

These are some fantastic adventurous bucket list ideas! Wadi Rum is on my list as well, but I think I'll pass on the bungy jumping

Ha I hear ya on the bungee jumping! Glad you found this list inspirational 💛

Saturday 11th of June 2022

I started out strong by checking off the first 5 things on the list, but most of the others I havent done yet! Looks like there is so many amazing things to explore! I'd love to go to Tanzania!

Tuesday 14th of June 2022

Ah so cool Lisa! Sounds like it's time to plan another adventure ;)

50 Breathtaking and Unique Travel Bucket List Destinations Across the World

T raveling the world gives you endless opportunities to discover and personally witness natural wonders that you cannot find anywhere else. Even the most seasoned travelers or those who travel for work will never run out of places to explore. However, there are more sites to see than there is time to do so in this world. Most people can only travel at certain times of year , so trips have to be planned out strategically. If you are a person like most who does not have all the time in the world but still wants to see what the world has to offer, this travel bucket list is for you.

This travel bucket list highlights the top 10 spots to visit across five different continents. The destinations range from beautiful resorts , ancient archaeological sites, snow and ice wonderlands, traditional cities, natural wonders and more. Helping you narrow down your travel wishlist, this bucket list also offers an opportunity to discover what places make most of Earth’s seven continents magnificent and unique.

Discover your dream travel destination below.

North American Travel Bucket List Destinations

Antelope Canyon, Arizona : Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon known for its smooth, flowing sandstone walls that create mesmerizing light beams when the sun shines directly overhead. Divided into Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, these narrow passageways with stunning hues and light play make it a photographer’s paradise.

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming : This vibrant hot spring is famous for its rainbow-like colors caused by microbial mats around the mineral-rich waters. It is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third-largest in the world.

Banff National Park, Canada : Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park features stunning mountain scenery, pristine lakes and the iconic Lake Louise, surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped peaks.

Zion National Park, United States : Zion National Park in Utah offers more than just its famous rainbow mountains, including towering red cliffs, slot canyons and the emerald waters of the Virgin River.

Cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico : These natural sinkholes, filled with crystal-clear freshwater, are scattered across the Yucatan Peninsula, providing a unique and refreshing swimming experience.

Pitons, Saint Lucia : The Pitons are two volcanic spires, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, rising dramatically from the sea on Saint Lucia’s southwest coast. These UNESCO World Heritage Site landmarks offer hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding lush landscapes and the Caribbean Sea.

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska : Experience dramatic fjords, tidewater glaciers and abundant marine wildlife in this stunning Alaskan park. Visitors can explore the park by boat tours to witness tidewater glaciers calving into the ocean, go hiking on various trails, take in the stunning scenery and experience the rich natural diversity.

The Baths, British Virgin Islands : This iconic destination on Virgin Gorda features massive granite boulders forming grottoes, pools and tunnels along the beach. Visitors can swim, snorkel and explore these enchanting natural formations.

White Sands National Park, New Mexico : White Sands National Park is located in the Tularosa Basin in southern New Mexico and spans about 275 square miles. The park is renowned as the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The dunes constantly shift and create a mesmerizing landscape. Visitors can hike the trails through the dunes, sled down the sand, stargaze in this International Dark Sky Park and learn about the unique plants and animals adapted to this environment.

Na Pali Coast, Hawaii : This travel bucket list destination is a remote and stunning coastline on the island of Kauai, featuring towering sea cliffs, lush valleys and pristine beaches accessible by hiking or boat tours.

South American Travel Bucket List Destinations

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Peru : Similar to Utah’s rainbow mountains, Vinicunca offers colorful striations of mineral deposits, creating a stunning natural canvas of vibrant hues at high altitudes in the Andes.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil : Iguazu Falls is one of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls and spans the border between Argentina and Brazil. The thundering cascades and lush surrounding rainforest create an awe-inspiring spectacle for travelers to witness.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador : This volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean is renowned for its unique wildlife and landscapes. Visitors can encounter diverse species, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies.

Patagonia, Chile and Argentina : This region boasts breathtaking landscapes, including the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, offering stunning vistas and diverse ecosystems.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia : The world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, presents a surreal landscape during the rainy season when it transforms into a giant mirror, reflecting the sky.

Amazon Rainforest, Brazil, Peru, Colombia : The world’s largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon, is a biodiversity hotspot offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife encounters and exploration of lush, dense jungles.

Angel Falls, Venezuela : The world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, Angel Falls cascades from the Auyán-Tepuí mountain in Canaima National Park, surrounded by breathtaking tepui plateaus.

Atacama Desert, Chile : Known as one of the driest places on Earth, the Atacama Desert features stunning salt flats, geysers, colorful rock formations, and an otherworldly, lunar-like landscape.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile : Famous for its monumental Moai statues, Easter Island offers a unique blend of mysterious archaeological sites, volcanic landscapes, and Polynesian culture.

Pantanal Wetlands, Brazil : The world’s largest tropical wetland area, the Pantanal, is a wildlife paradise where visitors can spot diverse species, including jaguars, caimans, and capybaras.

European Travel Bucket List Destinations

Santorini, Greece : Santorini is a volcanic island in the Cyclades group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. The Greek city is famous for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings with blue domes and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. The sunsets in Santorini are particularly famous for their breathtaking beauty. Visitors can explore charming villages like Oia and Fira, visit ancient sites like Akrotiri, enjoy stunning beaches, and savor the local cuisine and wines.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia : Situated in central Croatia, this national park is renowned for its chain of 16 terraced lakes interconnected by waterfalls. The turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests create a stunning natural landscape. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Northern Lights, Scandinavia : Witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis in regions like Norway, Sweden and Finland during the winter months. These are the only places during this specific time of year when you can see these colorful displays in the night sky.

Alhambra, Spain : Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex in Granada, Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases stunning Moorish architecture, intricate courtyards, beautiful gardens like the Generalife, and the Nasrid Palaces. Visitors can explore the Alhambra’s various sections, including the Alcazaba fortress, the Palace of Carlos V, and the Generalife gardens. It’s the perfect travel bucket list destination for history lovers.

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland : The Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear pools fed by waterfalls located in the Scottish Highlands on the Isle of Skye. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, these natural pools offer a magical and picturesque setting, perfect for hiking and photography.

Cinque Terre, Italy : Cinque Terre is a string of five colorful fishing villages perched on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, connected by scenic trails and offering breathtaking views.

The Swiss Alps, Switzerland : The Swiss Alps cover a significant portion of Switzerland, offering majestic mountain landscapes and pristine lakes. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering majestic mountain peaks, pristine lakes and charming villages amid stunning alpine scenery.

Plaza de España, Seville, Spain : Plaza de España is an architectural masterpiece featuring a stunning semi-circular building adorned with colorful tiles, bridges and a beautiful central fountain.

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland : The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field in Grindavík, Iceland. The milky-blue, mineral-rich waters of the lagoon are renowned for their healing aura and surreal beauty. The surrounding volcanic landscape adds to the unique experience. Visitors can relax in the geothermal waters, apply silica mud masks and enjoy various spa treatments while surrounded by the otherworldly scenery.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany : Neuschwanstein Castle is a fairytale-like castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps, known for its picturesque setting, towers and opulent interiors.

African Travel Bucket List Destinations

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania : The Serengeti spans approximately 12,000 square miles and is located in northern Tanzania. Renowned for its vast savannas, the park is famous for the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras, as well as its diverse wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino). Visitors can experience game drives, hot air balloon safaris and, of course, witness the incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe : Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and a thundering curtain of water plunging into the Zambezi River, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Visitors can view the falls from various vantage points, take boat cruises and engage in adrenaline-pumping activities.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya : This reserve is famous for its diverse wildlife and known as the backdrop to the Great Migration, offering thrilling safari adventures and another opportunity to see the “Big Five.”

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt : This is an iconic archaeological site featuring the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx and several ancient tombs, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda : Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in southwestern Uganda. It’s home to endangered mountain gorillas and is known for its dense forests and mountainous terrain. Gorilla trekking experiences allow visitors to observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

Namib Desert, Namibia : Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world, characterized by vast red sand dunes, striking landscapes and the surreal beauty of Sossusvlei. Visitors can explore the dunes, including Dune 45 and Big Daddy, enjoy sunrise/sunset views and visit unique sites like Deadvlei, a clay pan with ancient, dead trees.

Table Mountain, South Africa : Table Mountain is a prominent landmark overlooking Cape Town in South Africa. Here travelers are offered panoramic views of the city, coastline and the opportunity for hiking and outdoor activities.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania : The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in northern Tanzania. The crater is a natural amphitheater, home to a dense concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants and rhinos. It offers stunning scenery and a diverse ecosystem.

Okavango Delta, Botswana : The Okavango Delta located in northern Botswana is the world’s largest inland delta. Here the Okavango River fans out to create a labyrinth of water channels, attracting abundant wildlife and offering scenic boat safaris.

Marrakech, Morocco: This vibrant city is a cultural hub with its bustling souks, stunning palaces like the Bahia Palace and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, offering a sensory experience of sights, sounds and flavors.

Asian Travel Bucket List Destinations

Taj Mahal, India : This iconic white marble mausoleum in Agra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of love, renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate craftsmanship.

Great Wall of China, China : Spanning thousands of miles, this ancient wonder winds through rugged landscapes, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into China’s history.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia : The largest religious monument in the world, this ancient temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Siem Reap is a marvel of Khmer architecture and a testament to Cambodia’s rich history. Visitors can explore the temple complex, climb to the top for panoramic views, and witness stunning sunrise or sunset views.

Mount Everest, Nepal : Mount Everest in Nepal is a classic and iconic travel bucket list destination. It is the world’s highest peak and attracts adventurers and climbers from around the globe. Even witnessing it from nearby regions provides awe-inspiring views.

Borobudur, Indonesia : This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, adorned with intricate stone carvings and surrounded by lush landscapes. Visitors can explore the temple’s levels, admire the detailed reliefs depicting Buddhist teachings and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

The Maldives : The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs and overwater bungalows, offering unparalleled snorkeling, diving and relaxation.

Petra, Jordan : This ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing impressive rock-cut architecture including the Treasury and Monastery, reflecting the ancient Nabatean civilization’s craftsmanship. Visitors can explore the ancient city through the Siq (narrow canyon), discover tombs, temples, amphitheaters and appreciate the historical significance of Petra.

Kyoto, Japan : Kyoto is a city in central Japan steeped in tradition and culture, featuring historic temples, serene gardens like the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and traditional tea houses. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture, participate in tea ceremonies, explore historic districts like Gion and visit iconic temples and gardens.

Bagan, Myanmar : Bagan is an ancient city located in central Myanmar known for its archaeological sites. It boasts over 2,000 temples and pagodas dating back to the 9th century. The area showcases stunning architecture, religious monuments and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can explore the temples by bike or hot air balloon, witness sunrise or sunset views and appreciate the cultural and historical significance of Bagan.

Cappadocia, Turkey : Known for its fairy chimneys, rock formations and underground cities, Cappadocia offers a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. Hot air balloon rides over the landscape are particularly popular. Visitors can explore the rock-cut churches, hike through valleys, take hot air balloon flights and experience the region’s rich history and geological wonders.

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20 family-friendly vacation spots to bring your teen, including a destination my family always chose

Traveling with a teenager isn't the easiest thing in the world — just ask my [Wise] parents. Every spring, we'd load up the car and embark on another epic family vacation , from sandy beaches to popular amusement parks .

But just like there are plenty of places to take the kids before they’re grown , there are several destinations — both within the United States and internationally — ideal for families with teens.

Many could be considered bucket list spots for teens, but why not splurge for the occasion? It may be the last before your kid(s) fly the coop.

Plus, if they are anything like me [Wise], they will look back and remember these vacations with fond memories years later.

Shop TODAY favorite vacation spots | Best vacation spots for families with teens | How we chose | Meet the expert

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Shop TODAY favorite vacation spots:

Chiang mai, thailand, denver, colorado, disney cruise line, jackson hole, wyoming, the maldives, myrtle beach, south carolina, wisconsin dells, wisconsin, best vacation spots for families with teens, african safari.

Best for ages: 15-18

Here’s why: Simply put, teens deserve to be treated to the ultimate dream family vacation before they fly the coop.

Do this: Book an all-inclusive package with flights (dealing with logistics in Africa can be tricky) offered by a tour operator like The Luxury Safari Company . For families with teens, they recommend visiting Sosian Lodge in the north of Kenya. In seven nights, families can strengthen bonds and have one-of-a-kind experiences while fly camping (sleeping in the bush), river tubing, working on an African cattle farm and even visiting with predator research teams. Of course, there are plenty of game drives and walking safaris, so teens can get the most epic of photos for Instagram.

Stay here: Ask for the Family Cottage at Sosian Lodge , set on 60,000 acres of Kenyan wilderness meets working cattle ranch. Another great option is Puku Ridge Camp in Zambia. Teens staying at this lodge in South Luangwa National Park will appreciate the private plunge pools and opportunities to meet school children in local villages. Finally, for the teen who insists on having good Wi-Fi and access to tennis courts or mountain biking (not easy to find in the African bush), there’s Feline Fields in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert.

More info: TheLuxurySafariCompany.com

Butler County, Ohio

Best for ages: 13-16

Here’s why: This best of the Midwest destination proves that even inner-city teens can have fun in flyover states. Butler County also makes for a great halfway point for families coming from different coasts.

Do this: Teens who identify as foodies will love the aptly named Donut Trail where they can get their donut passport stamped at each of the funky boutique donut shops along the trail. (There is exactly a baker’s dozen!) Teens who collect all 13 stamps can collect a free T-shirt. Aspiring equestrians can get their horse fix at any of the area’s stables where they can rent horses or join a group ride. Teens who want to learn or practice wakeboarding will have a blast at Wake Nation . With its unique cable-tow system, no boat is required and beginners can learn at slower speeds. And for the ultimate rush, drive 30 minutes south to Cincinnati for indoor skydiving at iFly .

Stay here: Hueston Woods Lodge and Conference Center is just a few minutes by car from Miami University — one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. Guests can enjoy archery, community bonfires, badminton, nature trails and access to Acton Lake and Heuston Woods State Park .

More info: GettoTheBC.com

Charleston, South Carolina

Best for ages: 13-18

Do this: “For the slower-paced families, Sullivan’s Island is absolutely gorgeous and worthwhile," says Brittany Betts, a travel expert with  Florida Panhandle . "The beach there is well-kept and quiet, but there’s also a cute town full of unique shops and restaurants down the main strip. The reason why it’s combined with Charleston is because they are so near one another and this would be for the more fast-paced families that like doing several attractions,” she continues.

“There’s so much history in just this small town, but there’s also a large market in the area, cute restaurants with live music, and unique tours in old dungeons and through gardens that are really informative and fun for teenagers,” Betts explains.

Stay here: If you're looking for an affordable hotel option, the Courtyard Charleston Mount Pleasant is a great choice. Complete with outdoor pool, your teen will love relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.

More info: Charleston.com

"Surprisingly I’ve been to Chiang Mai twice! I went once as a teen on a high school trip and then again as a grownup with my parents. I can’t say enough nice things about Thailand, the people are truly the kindest you’ll ever meet, and the nature is unmatched, it’s almost like the colors are brighter in Thailand. Some of the activities I got up to were exploring temples, checking out the night markets and getting to try a traditional Thai massage (I still think about it to this day)." — Vivien Moon, commerce editor at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Chiang Mai is a safe, affordable, entry-level destination in Asia where families can learn about one of the most welcoming cultures on earth. It’s also where you can feed growing teenage boys on $10 a day.

Do this: Volunteer at one of Chiang Mai’s many elephant sanctuaries. While most weekly programs are only for ages 18+, Elephant Nature Park has one-night programs open to families with kids of all ages. Spend the day watching the elephants bathe in the river before helping to feed and walk them, and rest during the night in a traditional bamboo hut. In the ancient walled city, visit Chiang Mai’s 117 Buddhist temples, and even sign up for a monk chat at a wat to learn more about the religion and how most Thai boys spend their early teenage years becoming monks. Sign up for a Muay Thai camp or a cooking class including a shopping trip to some of Southeast Asia’s most colorful markets. Schedule your trip for November if you think your teen will love the world-famous Yi Peng Lantern Festival or in April for Songkran , the world’s largest water fight (where weapons include everything from buckets to squirt guns and hoses) held in conjunction with the Thai New Year.

Stay here: With its rooftop pool, a rarity in Chiang Mai, it’s hard to beat Akyra Manor . Teens will appreciate its location in the hip, artist-influenced neighborhood of Nimman. Between its spacious suites and being within walking distance of the lively night market, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is also teen-approved.

More info: TourismThailand.org

"My parents and I had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica last year, thanks to all the accommodations/activities that Caribe Fun Tours planned for our itinerary. We started our trip at Hotel Costa Verde in Manuel Antonio, which had jungle views, pools around the property, yoga in the mornings and was walking distance from the beach. In Manuel Antonio, we enjoyed ocean kayaking and snorkeling and a guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park . We ended our trip at Hotel El Silencio del Campo in La Fortuna, which had volcano views, hot springs around the property, a farm and garden to explore and a complimentary breakfast." —  Lauren Witonsky , associate editor at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Teens are notoriously moody, but that won't stop them from enjoying Costa Rica , often called the happiest country on earth. Show them rainforests, volcanos, white sand beaches and what the "pura vida" life is all about.

Do this: Soar through the canopy in Monteverde, the high altitude cloudforest where ziplining for tourism was pioneered and the rest of the world followed suit. Sky Adventures Monteverde Park also has an aerial tram and a hanging bridges tour where you can see the levels of the cloudforest and its biodiversity up close. Teens who want to say they’ve climbed a volcano can do so at Cerro Chato, next to Arenal, the country’s most famous volcano and one of the most active in the world. No trip to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to its beaches, stretching for miles along both the Caribbean and Pacific. Learn to surf in the funky town of Tamarindo at Iguana Surf where the instructors all speak English and no one goes home without having caught their own wave. Hike in the tropical waterfront paradise that is Manuel Antonio National Park — Costa Rica’s answer to Yellowstone. (You can laugh at them, but don’t feed the monkeys.)

Stay here: If your teens are feeling a need to binge their favorite show while on vacation, they’ll love the turbo speed Wi-Fi at Tierra Magnifica , a luxury boutique property in the surf community of Nosara. (You’ll love the panoramic views and sense of safety.) If an all-inclusive is more your speed, teens will appreciate dining options and beachfront activities at The Westin Reserva Conchal.

More info: VisitCostaRica.com

"Even though I went as an adult for the first time, I can say that I would’ve probably been obsessed with Denver if I was a teenager. The variety of teen-friendly activities I hit up when I was there brought me back to my younger years. From gawking at all of the vintage aircraft and space shuttles at Wings Over The Rockies to leisurely perusing the stunning exhibitions at the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art to taking in America’s favorite sport at Coors Field , Denver’s just a quintessentially cool city to explore." —  Jess Bender , senior editor at Shop TODAY

Sierra Hoeger, an associate editor at Shop TODAY (pictured below), has spent time close to Denver on vacation — more specifically, at Rocky Mountain National Park . She says, "Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding areas proved to be the perfect family vacation for my sister and I in our teens/early 20’s. We’re a pretty outdoorsy family and it seemed to have activities the entire family could enjoy, from hiking to checking out local coffee shops, visiting sites from our favorite movies and doing some shopping. We’ve been itching to get back ever since we first visited!"

Here’s why: The Mile High City is a must for families with teens who want to play in the mountains but have big city amenities.

Do this: Social media mavens can start the day at the Denver Selfie Museum where the backdrops are just as Insta-worthy as the surrounding Rockies. Or capture those tricks for TikTok at the 60,000-square-foot Denver Skate Park . Aspiring artists will want to check out the myriad collections at the Denver Art Museum (18 and under are free). In the winter, adrenaline junkies can’t skip a trip to Ruby Hill Rail Yard, an urban terrain park and snowboarder’s paradise.

Stay here: For golf fans, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver is a perfect choice if you're looking for a hole in one, and it's within walking distance of most of the city’s downtown sites.

More info: Denver.org

“I went on a Disney Cruise with my mom in my very early twenties and we had the best time, it’s definitely a must-do for any Disney-loving family. Some people might think it’s just for little kids (which it definitely has tons of kids activities) but there’s something for every age on the ship with a touch of Disney magic. There’s amazing live shows, character interactions and each ship goes somewhere different so you’ll get a different experience port-wise depending on which cruise you take!” — Shannon Garlin , an associate editor at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 13-17

Here’s why: Cruises remain popular with families with teens for a reason; they’re less stress for you and teens love the independence. Thanks to owning everything from the “Frozen” franchise to “Star Wars” and Marvel, Disney can keep all kids — from toddlers to teens — entertained.

Do this: Book any Disney Cruise Line voyage on Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy. (Family Caribbean or Alaskan cruise in 2024, anyone?) Both ships promise “ultra-cool plush pads” designed exclusively for teens. The official teen club, Vibe, is a 9,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor oasis that only teens, using their Key to the World card, have access to. Vibe (ages 14-17) has a fountain bar, a 103-inch LCD TV, plenty of video game pods and two pools. Edge, the lounge for tweens (ages 11-14) has similar amenities as well as a lighted dance floor, a 10-foot-tall cinema, a photo booth and individual computer stations.

More info: DisneyCruise.Disney.Go.Com

" Jackson, Wyoming  is for the outdoorsy kid who loves skiing, snowboarding or simply building a snowman. They have the National Elk Refuge and is an iconic place to take pics and watch wildlife up and close. My favorite activity was riding on a fat bike and just enjoying the scenic views with the Teton Mountain Range as the backdrop.” —  Jannely Espinal , a commerce writer at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Jackson Hole is a year-round vacation destination and convenient home base for exploring two of the country’s most popular national parks. With its small-town setting (population 10,500) where everything is within walking distance, teens can easily explore on their own.

Do this: Ski or snowboard together at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world. Rent bikes and ride 56 miles of paved paths or 115 miles of mountain bike trails, most with striking valley views. Since a family who rafts together stays together, battle the rapids on the Snake River or go for a scenic floating safari in search of moose, elk, bears and more. No trip to Jackson is complete without venturing into Yellowstone National Park via the equally stunning Grand Teton National Park .

Stay here: Located at the base of Snow King Mountain Resort , Snow King Resort is Jackson Hole’s best option for families who want immediate access to all kinds of outdoor adventures. Ski, snowboard, tube or — if you visit outside of winter — ride the mountain coaster and alpine slide. There’s also a massive mountain-top ziplining course, fly fishing and stargazing readily available for the curious teen.

More info: VisitJacksonHole.com

Louisville, Kentucky

Here’s why: Underground ziplines, a baseball museum, the Muhammad Ali Center and a bridge allowing travelers to be in two states at the same time are just a few of the memorable experiences families with teens will enjoy in Louisville , aka Derby City.

Do this: Tech-savvy teens will want to visit Ovrdrive , a state-of-the-art center with racing simulators and more than 100 virtual reality games. (Those ages 12 and up can also throw axes.) Head to the Louisville Slugger Museum and take home a personalized bat as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Cool off in the Louisville Mega Cavern boasting nearly 20 miles of underground tunnels and the world’s only ziplines that are entirely underground. Finally, check out Churchill Downs where teens can learn about the art and sport of horse racing by either attending a race or visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum (whose interactive exhibits include a horse race simulator).

Stay here: All rooms at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Louisville Downtown come with separate TV rooms so teens can stay up late watching their favorite shows. The property also offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and is only a block from Museum Row.

More info: GoToLouisville.com

Los Cabos, Mexico

Here’s why: With several daily nonstop flights from major cities in the U.S., it’s easy and affordable to reach this beautiful international beach destination. Los Cabos is a drier alternative to Cancun, plus you don’t have to worry about hurricane season.

Do this: Between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific, take advantage of the year-round swells and learn or practice surfing in Los Cabos. There are approximately 1,000 miles of coastline, so it’s never too crowded. Teens keener on marine life can snorkel and dive alongside the likes of friendly sea lions and ominous-looking, yet harmless, hammerhead sharks. Other animal encounters include camel safaris in the outback. Despite its proximity to water, Los Cabos’s breathtaking landscape includes a desert playground. For a high-speed tour, opt for an off-road ATV or UTV excursion with Cactus Tours . For the best value, buy the Park Pass at Wild Canyon Adventures , which gives teens access to unlimited ziplining, horseback riding, bikes, a hanging bridge and more. The price even includes an ATV or UTV tour, as well as a bungee jump or giant swing ride.

Stay here: Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection has a teen club with a recording studio. Grand Velas Los Cabos ’ teen club has lots of games (including an Xbox Kinect), a bar serving non-alcoholic drinks and even an in-house DJ spinning the latest beats every night until midnight.

More info: VisitLosCabos.travel

"I went to the Maldives for my honeymoon in 2019 and stayed at Joali . It’s definitely a luxury property but I felt it was worth it after all the hours we spent on airplanes getting there for such a milestone event." — Adrianna Brach, the editorial director at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: You don’t have to be on your honeymoon to visit the Maldives . With its 1,190 islands, it’s a tropical paradise with lots for teens to do. An obvious bucket list destination, it’s also easy to justify taking when it could be your last vacation as a family.

Do this: Try new watersports like wakeboarding, kitesurfing, jet blades and even hydrofoils (which could be deemed more of an air sport). Become PADI-certified (ages 10+) and take an underwater family holiday card you’ll never forget. Since every other kid wants to be a marine biologist when they grow up, why not learn about conservation by transplanting coral, planting a tree or helping rehabilitate endangered sea turtles? Treat them to a treatment at Spa by ESPA at Joali Maldives where there’s a special menu for teens.

Stay here: Amilla has a program for older kids and teens including fire dancing lessons, guitar lessons, mocktail making classes and even nighttime glow rider bicycle tours. One & Only Reethi Rah also has a teen program, One Tribe, with dedicated teens-only chill space. And for adrenaline lovers? Stay at the Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru , which boasts a Mastercraft X55 boat that makes its own surf and comes complete with sound system.

More info: VisitMaldives.com

If you're searching for a destination where your teen will thrive, look no further. My [Wise] parents took me and my two siblings to Myrtle Beach almost every spring break where we spent the week relaxing on the beach, shopping at Broadway at the Beach and eating our way through the city.

Here’s why: There are several reasons Myrtle Beach welcomes nearly 20 million visitors annually. For starters, there are more than 50 beaches to choose from, several world-class golf courses to conquer and one of the country’s biggest boardwalks selling limitless fun.

Do this: Teens anxious to drive can get behind the wheel of their own go-kart and race on six different tracks at the Broadway Grand Prix . Teens aspiring to join the PGA Tour will want to play at one of the area’s 90 golf courses which host junior opens throughout the year. (There’s also a Top Golf if you can’t get a tee time.) Meanwhile, young fans of "The Walking Dead" won’t want to miss the AMC hit show-themed escape room , and fans of "The Simpsons," The Simpsons in 4D . Teens wanting to hang out with other teens can easily do so on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade , home to one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels. Of course, there are also plenty of beach activities including surfing, wakeboarding and horseback riding to choose from.

Stay here: Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach has an on-site waterpark with different areas for young and old kids. Meanwhile, the beachfront Grande Cayman Resort has 10 pools and four on-site restaurants.

More info: VisitMyrtleBeach.com

Porto, Portugal

Best for ages: 16+

Here’s why: Practically crime-free, extremely cheap and small enough to be walkable, Porto is the perfect European city to give teens a taste of independence. Located where the Douro River meets the Atlantic, its proximity to the beach and the Douro Valley ensures there is plenty to do.

Do this: Visit the world-famous “Harry Potter library” — Livraria Lello . Teens not afraid of sharks can learn to surf with Onda Pura . Take a scenic boat or train ride to the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region where teens (16+) are legally allowed to taste wine and — more importantly — learn how it’s made.

Stay here: The breakfast buffet at The Lodge Wine & Business Hotel will satisfy any growing teen, and its picturesque outdoor pool is a rarity in this city founded in 1123.

More info: VisitPortugal.com

Reno Tahoe, Nevada

Here’s why: Reno Tahoe is a unique destination where mountains meet desert. It’s where annual events include the Zombie Crawl, the Great Reno Balloon Race, the National Championship Air Races and — last but certainly not least — Burning Man.

Do this: Venture downtown to take iconic Instagram shots of the murals (there are more than 100) and to pose for pics with the Burning Man sculptures . Embrace your inner Flintstone and bowl at the National Bowling Stadium , also called the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins.” Another good rainy day activity for teens is a trip to Need 2 Speed , an indoor go-kart racing track open seven days a week. It also boasts blacklight mini golf and a VR game. Beautiful weather? Drive to nearby Lake Tahoe to kayak in the crystal clear water or hit the slopes at one of the area’s renowned resorts. Teens can also explore hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails year-round.

Stay here: The coolest hotel in town (and perhaps Nevada) is Whitney Peak Hotel . It has a bouldering park on-site and is home to one of the world’s tallest climbing walls where teens can climb up for a bird’s-eye view of the Reno Arch.

More info: VisitRenoTahoe.com

San Diego, California

Here’s why: Whether or not you agree with its nickname “America’s Finest City,” you’ll agree San Diego has beautiful year-round weather and so much to keep your teen(s) happy they’ll ask about going to college there.

Do this: Beach hop your way around the city’s nearly three area beaches, or cave hop via kayak or SUP . Take a self-guided street art tour , stopping to pose in front of massive murals — often illustrating important messages — for pics for the ‘gram. Ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster at the oceanfront Belmont Park or watch an interactive film in its 7-D high tech theater. Other must-consider attractions include the San Diego Zoo , San Diego Air & Space Museum , San Diego Automotive Museum and the Comic-Con Museum .

Stay here: The Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay welcomes RVs in addition to its fully-furnished tiny home rentals complete with fire pits and front porches. Between the on-site arcade, food trucks, poolside movie screen, basketball courts and indoor/outdoor fitness center, teens will never find themselves bored on vacation.

More info: SanDiego.org

Seattle, Washington

Here’s why: The city that birthed the grunge music movement is an artsy, alternative place most teens will feel so welcome in they’ll want to move there.

Do this: Seattle’s vacation ideas are vast and plentiful! For starters, take the popular Underground Tour to see what’s beneath the city via its vast network of interconnecting tunnels. Next, visit the Museum of Pop Culture , home to exhibits like Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame and Indie Game Revolution. Teens developing a taste for coffee will also want see the many coffee shops in the city that birthed Starbucks and a growing trend toward artisanal brews. Don’t forget to catch the famous flying fish show at Pike Place Market — home to several pop-up murals that would look great on the ‘gram. Finally, adventure seekers can get their fix at the indoor ninja course at Elevated Sportz in nearby Bothell or on the miles of trails in the surrounding evergreen forests. There are also plenty of water sports to try in Puget Sound.

Stay here: Thompson Seattle is a luxury waterfront property within walking distance of Seattle’s top attractions including everything from Pike Place Market to hip vintage shops. Parents will appreciate the floor-to-ceiling views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain Range while the kids are looking at their devices.

More info: VisitSeattle.org

Space Coast, Florida

Here’s why: Just an hour from Orlando , Florida’s Space Coast is an inspirational beach destination where teens can learn about everything from space exploration to manatee conservation.

Do this: Get a trip to Disney World , Universal Studios and Epcot out of the way. Then head southeast to the childhood home of Kelly Slater (it’s the East Coast's Surf Capital) for some beach time. Explore further inland on a kayak or SUP tour winding through tunnels of mangrove trees. Sea turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the Space Coast does have a huge concentration of them. Teens obsessed with LED lights will be in awe in the bioluminescent lagoon . The Space Coast is one of very few places in the world to see this phenomenon where the tiniest of marine creatures emit a neon blue light for protection. Teens who want to work for NASA will never want to leave the Kennedy Space Center with its rocket garden, 3D space films, shuttle launch experience and journey to Mars. For a really memorable experience, book some add-on "enhancements" that includes immersive training courses and even a casual chat with an astronaut.

Stay here: The family-owned and operated Surf Studio Beach Resort in Cocoa Beach has clean, low-cost accommodations that include kitchens (because teens are always hungry) and a private bedroom for the parents. Cape Winds Resort Rentals in Cape Canaveral also offers private beach access in addition to tennis courts, a basketball court and a pool.

More info: VisitSpaceCoast.com

Tenerife, Spain

Here’s why: A trip to Tenerife is a rite of passage for most European teens. American teens will love the Island of Eternal Spring and its lively beaches, ethereal national parks and top-rated zoo and waterpark for the same reasons.

Do this: Ride the cable car up to the top of Teide, the world’s third-tallest volcano and crown jewel of Europe’s most visited national park . Snorkel while on a SUP or kayak tour in the shade of the cliffs at Los Gigantes, home to dolphins and sea life galore. Ride the zero gravity slide at Siam Park , the no. 1 rated waterpark in the world according to TripAdvisor, or head out on a quad safari en route to Spain’s highest village. Of course, there are also miles of beaches to explore (made of white sand imported from the Sahara or local, black volcanic sand).

Stay here: Families with older teens will enjoy the adults-only (16+) atmosphere at Iberostar Selecion Sabila , where luxurious, minimalist design meets beachfront all-inclusivity. Families with younger teens with small siblings can stay up the road at Iberostar Selecion Anthelia which boasts six pools and a kids’ camp.

More info: WebTenerife.com

Whistler, Canada

Here’s why: Billing itself as an international mountain sports mecca, Whistler is another family vacation bucket list destination. It gives teens unlimited opportunities for adventure and — just as important — a greater appreciation for nature.

Do this: Drop into a teen group ski or snowboard lesson at Whistler Blackcomb , a venue for the 2010 Olympic Games. Those not wanting to try snow sports can hang out at the teen youth center: three rooms of video games, movies, skateboarding and special events. In the summer, junior golfers (16 and under) golf free with an adult on Whistler’s award-winning golf courses. Older teens qualify for a highly discounted green fee. Teens can also sign up for Summer Gravity mountain biking camps where they’ll learn from the pros and meet other teens obsessed with MTB.

Stay here: The best option for families wanting to stay at base camp is Fairmont Chateau Whistler . Guests ages 16+ are allowed on daily excursions sans parents (just signed permission slips). They include paddle boarding, hiking, biking and frisbee golf.

More info: Whistler.com

"I stayed at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells a few years ago and had a ridiculously good time. There’s something for literally everyone — an indoor waterpark, arcade, amusement park, bowling alley, spa, golf simulator... I could go on. Such a great destination if you’re in the Midwest and looking for a fun family vacation!" — Audrey Ekman, a production associate at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Wisconsin Dells is the waterpark capital of the world. Families can stay for two weeks and still never ride all the slides.

Do this: Visit the bottom of the ocean (or outer space) thanks to the underwater virtual reality experience at Kalahari , one of the country’s largest indoor waterparks. Race each other on the Raja king cobra-themed, side-by-side slides at Noah’s Ark . (It’s six stories high!) Visit Mt. Olympus to take on the nine-foot-tall waves at Poseidon’s Rage, one of the world’s largest wave pools or float on The River Troy, the world’s fastest manmade river. Tired of water-based activities? Attempt the Wizard Quest, the first fantasy team-building (or family-bonding) game in the country or unleash your inner Viking at Asgard Axe Throwing .

Stay here: While several area resorts boast their own waterparks, the top-rated property on TripAdvisor is the family-owned and -operated Black Hawk Motel & Suites . All guests get free admission to Timbavati Wildlife Park and a Wild Fun Zone attraction pass.

More info: WisDells.com

How we chose

We chose the best vacation spots for families with teens by researching various destinations all over the world. We also interviewed a travel expert and asked for her recommendation, and we included quotes from Shop TODAY editors who've traveled to these places in the past.

Meet the expert

• Brittany Betts  is a travel expert with Florida Panhandle , an online vacation planning site.

Allie Wise is an associate editor for Shop TODAY.

Travel | The List: National Geographic’s over-the-top…

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Travel | update: eastbound lanes reopen on bay bridge as crews put out grass fire, travel | the list: national geographic’s over-the-top travel bucket list.

Some of us might have had “see the Olympics in Paris” on our list. NatGeo has “run an Olympic marathon in Paris.” Turns out the city is hosting a Marathon for All on Aug. 10, when 20,000 lucky lottery winners will race the 26.2-mile route from Paris to Versailles.

Oh sure, you want to ride a horse? Go on safari? How about a horseback safari in Kenya?

Route 66 road trip? How about doing that while 600 hot air balloons soar overhead?

It’s a list that will fire your imagination, even if riding horses on safari sounds a tad scary. (There are lions!) Here’s just a peek at the top 8. Find details on all 20 adventures and plenty of other “best of the world” travel inspiration at www.nationalgeographic.com.

7 Coolest Travel Adventures for 2024

1 Go on horseback safari in Kenya

2 Run an Olympic marathon in Paris

3 Ski tour UNESCO sites in Georgia

5 Hear legendary live music in Kyoto

6 Cruise an epic river in Colombia

7 Road trip Route 66 in New Mexico

8 Explore ancient art in Algeria

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Revered Chicago candy shop makes People magazine's summer travel bucket list

Margie's candies, a legendary confectionary founded more than 100 years ago in bucktown, expanded in recent years to open a location in ravenswoood, published may 18, 2024 • updated on may 18, 2024 at 7:31 pm.

An esteemed spot generations of Chicagoans have relied on for their fix of sweets was cast into the national spotlight once again.

Margie's Candies, a legendary confectionary founded more than 100 years ago, was among 25 summer bucket list spots featured in People magazine's 2024 Food and Travel Special, which was released Friday.

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A place where sweet lovers can get two of their guiltiest pleasures - candy and ice cream - Margie's has made its candy in-house all these years. The options are plentiful - from signature English Toffee to chocolate caramels, lollipops, truffles and more.

Those who visit the original location at the corner of Armitage and Western in Bucktown might feel like they've been transported to the past. The decor is reminiscent of the 1920s - from the brown leather-like booths to wood adorning the walls.

Margie's made People's list for a specific bucket list item - to "taste a scene-stealing sundae," though, of course, you can get whatever catches your eye.

The scene in question was from "The Bear," the acclaimed FX series focusing on a start-up family restaurant in Chicago with actor Jeremy Allen White.

"During season 2, Chef Sydney ( Ayo Edebiri ) stops by  Margie’s Candies , a century-old candy and ice cream parlor, for its classic ice-cream sundae while getting the scoop on the local food scene," the entry reads. " Viewers left  hungry for season 3  (premiering June 27) can scoot into a booth at the beloved spot or re-create a bit of the magic at home with this  sundae recipe. "

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While Margie's may be popular for its ice cream creations and candy, those are just the signature items. Margie's also has italian ice, pies and even sandwiches. Its original location might be the most well known.

In more recent years, Margie's opened a location in Ravenswood, 1813 W. Montrose Ave.

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