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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.

Sunshine Seeker

Dream ◇ Create ◇ Travel

Popular categories, 29 of the world’s most unforgettable travel experiences.

By: Charlotte · Last updated 30. January 2024 · In: Travel

Are you looking for the best and most unforgettable travel experiences in the world? Then you’re in the right place. This list of travel experiences is curated by professional travelers with 10+ years of travel experience.

As a travel blogger of almost a decade, people always ask me; what’s your number one travel experience to date? And while that is, of course, incredibly hard to answer, I do have a few memories that stick out.

Sometimes it’s the simplest of joys that makes the most impact, you don’t always have to travel far or break the bank to have incredible experiences.

And what makes an experience unforgettable will always differ from person to person. We all see the world differently through the lens of our programming. That’s why I also asked 19 fellow female travel bloggers to write about their most unforgettable travel experiences .

From sleeping in a cave in Matera to kayaking among icebergs in Nunavut, these bucket list experiences are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

🌟 Pro tip >> Be sure to check out Tripaneer , my favorite and the world’s leading marketplace to explore and book unforgettable travel experiences.

Article overview

1. Experience the Geisha in Japan

2. join a wellness retreat in ubud, 3. sunrise over haleakala volcano in maui, 4. hiking the stairway to heaven (legally), 5. kayaking among icebergs in nunavut, 6. hiking mount sinai in egypt, 7. hiking the congo nile trail in rwanda, 8. everest base camp trek, 9. fly over victoria, bc in a seaplane, 10. hiking half dome in yosemite national park, 11. explore altyn emel national park, 12. swim in the wadis of oman, 13. drive across salar de uyuni, 14. carnival in the caribbean, 15. spelunking in waitomo glowworm caves, 16. exploring antarctica, 17. climbing mount kilimanjaro, 18. hot air ballooning in cappadocia, 19. climbing the great wall of china, 20. lunch in a traditional balinese family compound, 21. snorkeling the great barrier reef, 22. witnessing the northern lights, 23. paddleboarding with wild dolphins, 24. see the taj mahal at sunrise, 25. sleep in a cave in matera, 26. see the sunrise over pinggan village, 27. visiting a cultural village in south africa, 28. go castle hunting in poland, 29. experience floracion de cieza, what makes a travel experience unforgettable, how can i make sure i have an unforgettable travel experience, where do you book tours and excursions, what are the most unforgettable travel experiences in the world for 2024, what are considered unique experiences, what is the most unique experience you’ve had, do unforgettable travel experiences have to be expensive, what are some ideas for new experiences, remember to pin this for later 😉.

By Honest Travel Stories

If you close your eyes and think of Japan, what do you see? Come on, try this experiment! Before I went there, I used to see Mount Fuji, cherry tree blossoms, and Sailor Moon (this was my childhood hero, don’t laugh!). But now, a few months after the trip, I can only see a geisha or maiko performing and dancing. It’s definitely one of the world’s most unforgettable travel experiences .

This is so traditionally Japanese that you won’t believe it’s still happening today, in the digital era. The Geisha still wear hand-painted kimono, they still have the specific updo hairstyle that makes them easy to recognize, and they still perform the same arts as they used to centuries ago.

If you ever get to experience the geisha culture in Japan you’ll feel like you have traveled through time. It is definitely unique, you cannot find anything similar anywhere else in the world. And it is memorable, even if you don’t speak the language. In the end, art goes beyond words, beyond nations and ethnicity, beyond basic understanding. Art must be felt, and you will feel it once you’re there.

The geisha experience that we chose was to go to a geisha theater in Kyoto in November for an annual representation, but there are many other options you can choose. But something is clear: you have to choose one. If you didn’t enjoy a geisha experience while in Japan, were you even there?

Many of my favorite travel experiences have happened in Indonesia, a country I fell in love with 14 years ago. Before Bali skyrocketed in popularity among Instagrammers and digital nomads . One of these experiences was a personalized wellness retreat in Ubud.

Ubud, Bali is known as one of the spiritual centers of the world, and for good reason. Nestled between lush rice fields and ancient temples, Ubud is a haven for those seeking peace, relaxation, and spiritual growth.

Booking this retreat is single-handedly the best decision and the best money I’ve ever spent on myself. I was a little unsure whether or not to spend money on a retreat in Ubud since I’ve been there so many times and I usually like to plan my own itineraries. But I’m so glad I did!

I spent my days doing yoga, exploring hidden gems, eating the most delicious food (even if you’re not vegan, I’m not), learning new skills and joining in on sacred Balinese rituals. Oksana tailors your retreat to your preferences and will give you experiences you didn’t even realize you were looking for.

It was exactly the reset I needed after a few hard years in life. I’m almost crying writing this, just because of how much I needed this healing experience. If you ever feel stuck or like you need to reset, head to Ubud.

🌟 Check price and availability here >> 4-Day Personalized Wellness Retreat in Ubud

By Bright Lights of America

Haleakala volcano may be dormant, but that doesn’t make the 10,032-foot colossus any less imposing. Standing up amongst the clouds to watch the sun peak over the crest of a blanket of fluffy clouds takes pride of place on my ultimate travel bucket list.

We were awake in the car at 3:30 am for our drive to the summit to see the sunrise at Haleakala. You’ll want to bring a couple of warm jackets, and maybe even nab a blanket from your hotel, because the temperatures before sunrise are chilly to say the very least. But once the first slivers of sun begin to appear at the horizon, the gathered crowd hushes and everyone takes in the beauty of the experience.

The arid landscape of the volcano is juxtaposed with beautiful, downy white clouds, as fingers of red, orange, and yellow spread across the horizon. We were lucky enough to have two Maui natives sing the Mele Oli chant – the traditional greeting of the sun. It’s a travel experience that I’d repeat again in a heartbeat, despite spending a good 40 minutes hopping from one foot, to the other, to stay warm.

Remember that watching the sunrise over Haleakala requires reservations in advance for those who want to watch the sunrise.

By My Backpacker Life

There are a lot of incredible places to visit around the world, but there’s one unforgettable travel experience I just can’t stop thinking about. It’s one you should put on your bucket list – hiking the Stairway to Heaven in Oahu, Hawaii !

The Stairway to Heaven hike, also known as Haiku Stairs, is  not   an easy hike – it could even be quite dangerous, so be sure you’re prepared and used to hiking. In addition to that, it’s illegal to hike up the actual stairs, you’ll risk getting a fine if you do so. Instead, take the magical legal way via the Moanalua Valley Trail.

In the beginning, the hike is mainly flat. However, it will soon get steeper – if it’s not a completely clear day, you’ll feel like you’re on your way up among the clouds! I’d recommend bringing crampons for the steeper part of the hike. Remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as well. It’s Hawaii, it gets hot!

The view you’ll get from the summit is incredible. You honestly don’t need another reason to put this hike on your bucket list, but if you’re into hiking and adventure you’ll enjoy the challenge of the hike itself as well. As you come up the back way, you’ll also get several views of the valley and the beautiful ridge!

By Voyageur Tripper

The Arctic Archipelago is Canada’s best-kept secret. Far off the tourist radar, few travelers make their way north of the Arctic Circle into the vast and sprawling territory of Nunavut. Canada’s largest and least populated region, traveling to Nunavut is worthy of any bucket list. And for those who find themselves under the midnight sun, one of the most incredible experiences you could have is kayaking among icebergs.

I remember gliding through the salty seawater in an inflatable kayak. I was covered head to toe – dry suit, waterproof gloves, and hat – just in case I found myself capsized and in an unintended polar bear dip. Until I was paddling so close to icebergs, I’d never appreciated just how much of the ice was below water. Looking down, I could see the curves of ice run so deep they disappeared from view.

Nor had I appreciated their colossal size; being so close to Greenland, the icebergs had recently calved off ancient glaciers. They would eventually decrease in size as they meandered south to Newfoundland, but at this moment I had to crane my neck upright to see the top. Some were so enormous they had their own waterfalls. Melting ice near the top would run down and spill over the edge, falling into the ocean.

Later a guide chipped off some pieces of an iceberg and we drank our cocktails with glacial ice. As my group sipped our deliciously cold beverages, we all agreed. Kayaking in the Canadian Arctic was a truly memorable experience.

By Curls en Route

One of the very first travel experiences I checked off my bucket list, and one that really deserves to be on yours as well, is the Mount Sinai hike in Egypt. Also known as “Jebel Moussa” in Arabic, the mountain, located in Saint Catherine in South Sinai, is the second-highest in the country after Mount Catherine.

Apart from the friendly Jebeliya tribe that lives there, the mesmerizing nature of the mountain, and its challenging elevation of 2,285 m, it also has high religious value. You see, this is the mountain where it’s believed that Moses spoke to God and received the 10 commandments. And Saint Catherine’s Monastery, built at the foot of the mountain, is supposedly where Moses had seen the burning bush.

Hiking Mount Sinai is one of the most spiritual and empowering adventures you can ever embark on. Once you reach the summit and marvel at the mountainous, vast desert as you watch the sunrise from within the clouds, you’ll reach an indescribable state of euphoria that you’ll remember forever. And if you decide to do this in winter, you might be lucky enough to witness snow. Yes, Saint Catherine is the only place in Egypt where it snows!

By Exploring Wild 

On the far western edge of Rwanda, snaking along the green shore of gorgeous blue Lake Kivu, lies a unique adventure for outdoorsy travelers: the Congo Nile Trail . Stretching roughly 120km from Gisenyi to Kibuye, this patchwork route of local trails and dirt roads can be walked in 4-5 days, with nights spent camping or sleeping in small guesthouses.

Along the way you’ll pass through villages and farmland, never far from a curious group of kids or an enthusiastic “helloooo” shouted from a grove of banana trees. The trail is safe and well enough developed for hiking independently (I hiked it solo) but still adventurous enough to be interesting.

You’ll piece together directions from the hand gestures of helpful locals and likely pass some miles with Rwandans excited to practice their English or French. At the end of a long hot day, you’ll probably manage to find a place where you can kick back with a cold(ish) Turbo King beer and a view of Lake Kivu.

The Congo Nile Trail isn’t easy; it can be hot and hilly, and the frequent attention from locals can sometimes feel draining. It’s important to travel mindfully and try to minimize impact – both environmental and cultural – on this fragile area. But for travelers with some experience in Africa who are looking for an adventure rich in both scenic beauty and cultural learning opportunities, I highly recommend it.

By Emma Adventures

The Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal should be on everyone’s bucket list. It is certainly one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I have had. Situated in the Himalayas in Nepal, Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, and trekking to its base camp is one of the most beautiful journeys in the world.

Stay in teahouses in the mountains for 10-14 days and as you journey through beautiful scenery and experience local life in Nepal. Although a tough trek, it’s certainly doable with the right training and well worth the effort.

It’s a great feeling waking up in a lovely teahouse surrounded by mountains every day, to a home-cooked meal and only having to worry about how far you have to hike that day.  

Along with reaching Everest Base Camp, which is the ultimate goal, you’ll get to take an amazing scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the starting point of the trek, as well as explore the crazy, bustling capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu.

The people in Nepal are extremely welcoming and friendly, which makes the experience even better. I’d truly recommend adding Everest Base Camp to your bucket list, I guarantee it’s an experience you will treasure forever! 

By Christin has Fernweh

Did you know that Victoria, British Columbia has the only official sea-airport in the world? I found out from the guide on a whale watching tour off Vancouver Island, Canada.

There are two “runways” on the water, smack in the middle of the harbor. You can buy tickets to domestic or US destinations, like Seattle just down the Pacific coast. And: you can book sightseeing trips.

I went on the Victoria Classic Panorama Tour and it was a unique experience for me. It was the first time I took off in a plane from the water and landed on the water. Admittedly, the landing is somewhat bumpier than on a runway. But the views of BC’s capital and the ocean were so worth it!

I only went for the 20-minute tour, but personally, I thought it was plenty of time to get a first impression of water aviation. And I took a ton of pictures and videos from the air. If it is just about the experience, that tour is perfect. The seaplane flies at a lower altitude than a normal plane, so you can see much more of what is happening on the ground.

Even though I went during high season, in June, there were only 5 people on the plane with me. And I was able to book a cheap ticket on the day, as I was flexible with timing.

🐋 My top pick >> Popular combined Seaplane Flight and Whale-Watching Cruise

By She Dreams of Alpine

Standing at the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park at sunset is a truly epic place to be, and the moments I have spent up there make for one of my favorite travel memories. The awe-inspiring views of the grandeur and granite of Yosemite reach another level when bathed in the fiery glow of the setting sun.

Hiking Half Dome is no easy feat either, and the first time I did it, I felt empowered in the outdoors in a way that truly changed my life. Half Dome proved to me that I am strong, brave, and capable of so much more than I ever thought was possible.

The Half Dome hike requires a long, uphill trek just to get to the base of the dome, a total of about 14 miles round trip with 5,000 feet of elevation gain. Then you have to ascend the steep granite face while clinging tightly to the steel cables – which is definitely not for the faint of heart or scared of heights!

Making it to the summit of Half Dome is such a proud accomplishment that adds to the exceptional experience of standing on top. I have explored the outdoors and hiked all over the world, yet Yosemite’s iconic Half Dome continues to hold a special place in my heart.

By Backpack Adventures

Few people have Kazakhstan on their bucket list, yet in my mind, it is one of the most underrated places in the world . It is where I had my most unforgettable travel experience to date.

Most think Kazakhstan is nothing more than steppes, but this is far from the truth. A visit to Altyn Emel National Park  is proof of Kazakhstan’s spectacular nature which is incredibly diverse.

Altyn Emel National Park has singing sand dunes, volcanic rocks, rainbow mountain ranges and vast steppes. The views are really out of this world with Martian and lunar-like landscapes everywhere you go. I kept taking pictures of all the different colors in the hills ranging from red to yellow to brown to grey and white.

Altyn Emel is also Kazakhstan’s prime Safari destination. It is one of the last places in this world to see wild horses and wild donkeys and even though it might be from far away you have a good chance of spotting them as well as the Persian gazelle or Bukhara deer.

Nature and wildlife are more than enough reasons to visit Altyn Emel, but there is history too. Traces of Scythian tribes that lived in the area around the first millennium BC are everywhere. From mysterious stone steles to ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds that fit perfectly in the remote sceneries of Altyn Emel.

By The Diary of a Nomad

One of the most unforgettable travel experiences I’ve had was swimming in the beautiful wadis of Oman . Oman is filled with natural wonders; if you spend 10 days on this peninsula, you’ll see plenty of gorgeous waterfalls, mountains, valleys, deserts and my favorite of them all ⁠⁠— wadis.

The most famous wadi in the country is Wadi Shab, and it totally lives up to its hype. This attraction consists of 3 natural pools you can swim in, and one of them also leads you to a mystical cave with a waterfall inside it. I’ve always enjoyed swimming, but swimming inside a wadi with a breathtaking view of canyons all around you and fishes cozying up to your feet was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It also felt incredibly fun; like being inside a natural waterpark all day!

Wadi Shab is suitable for all travelers. The first of the three pools is very shallow and perfect for non-swimmers, beginners and children. You can simply relax in this pool if you don’t feel comfortable in deeper water. The second and third pools are quite deep, so I’d only recommend them for excellent swimmers. If you enjoy adventures and are great at swimming, you’d also love swimming inside the cave at the end of the third pool!

For this experience, I highly recommend bringing a waterproof dry bag and waterproof phone case so that you can keep your belongings with you as you swim. The dry bag can also act as a floatie if you ever feel tired from swimming! You can find more tips for visiting Wadi Shab in my Oman itinerary here .

By Travel by Carla Vianna

Traveling to the vast Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia  has got to be one of the most epic adventures I’ve crossed off my bucket list. The Salar de Uyuni, or the Uyuni Salt Flat, is the largest salt desert in the world, composed of 11,000 square kilometers of glistening white salt. It’s an otherworldly landscape that allows for surreal, perspective-shifting photos—but the journey there is just as exciting.

The most popular way to visit the Salar de Uyuni is by group tour. I chose to go on a tour starting in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The tour involved a three-day road trip through Bolivia’s wildest landscapes in a 4×4 truck shared by seven strangers. On this tour, I visited volcanoes towering 5,000 meters above sea level. I ate lunch at local villages so small and quiet it was difficult to imagine that anyone lived there.

I took a dip in a thermal bath overlooking a vast desert scene, followed by a walk through a rocky landscape that mimics the one on Mars. I encountered every kind of weather possible, from sunshine to rain to snow flurries while crossing the mountains at dusk. For three days, we were completely off the grid—traveling to remote corners of the country where llamas and alpacas largely outnumbered humans.

This adventurous journey ended at the Salar de Uyuni, where I witnessed the sunrise over the endless sea of salt. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a travel memory I’ll never forget!

By Juleen Meets World

Attending a Caribbean carnival in Trinidad and Tobago , was something I had been dreaming about for years. In Trinidad, the carnival takes place annually on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, intended as a sort of last hoorah before “giving up the ways of the flesh” for Lent.

However, the festivities begin weeks and months before. Like deciding which costume I wanted to wear in the parade on Carnival Tuesday and which fetes and events to attend.

Starting just after Christmas, the Trinidad event calendar is filled with fetes, with the number increasing the closer you get to the carnival. Events also include culturally significant demonstrations such as the Re-enactment of the Canboulay Riots. There are also various competitions including the Junior and Senior Carnival King and Queen competitions and Panorama, the steelpan competition.

I went to Trinidad for about 10 days and spent most of my time hopping from fete to fete. When Carnival Monday and Tuesday finally rolled around, I was but still so pumped to participate in the parades through the streets of Port of Spain to the beautiful sounds of soca music.

Months of anticipation and planning ended in a week that just flew by, lodged in my memory the most unforgettable travel experience to date.

By Periodic Adventures

In Waitomo, New Zealand, you’ll find a glowworm species that is exclusively found in New Zealand! These glowworms live deep in an underground cave system that is only accessible through a guided tour on the North Island. My most memorable travel experience was spelunking in these caves first on foot, then in a small inflatable raft!

When you first see the glowworms, they don’t look like more than the average worm, but as you descend into the caves away from sunlight, your eyes start to adjust and you begin to see a faint turquoise glow all around you. Soon enough your eyes are perfectly adjusted to the dark and you can see millions of speckles of turquoise-like stars around you.

The most amazing part of this tour was that the cave we entered had water flowing through it so after a short trek, we boarded an inflatable raft that was on the underground river. My boyfriend and I sat in the front row. The raft was guided by a rope attached to the cave ceiling so no paddling was needed. We floated along.

No cameras. No phones. No external lights at all. Just the sound of water flowing and the sparkle of turquoise all around us. It was beautiful and breathtaking. I highly recommend touring the Waitomo Glowworm Caves if you find yourself on the North Island of New Zealand!

By Directionally Challenged Traveler

Due to its remoteness, visiting Antarctica is often thought of as a near-impossible dream by many travelers. However, it is worth the long flights, the adventure of crossing the Drake Passage, and even every hard-earned penny. Upon arrival at the ice continent, Antarctica welcomes you with open arms and a vastness of beauty rarely seen on Earth.

Only 40,000 people visit Antarctica every year (compared to the 5 million people who visit Rome), making it one of the most special and unforgettable travel experiences in the world.

Walking on land surrounded by penguins and elephant seals was a surreal experience. Since Antarctica isn’t a country or claimed by any specific country, there are strict restrictions to protect nature. That doesn’t mean you can’t fully experience it though.

We were able to get up close to humpback whales while they were feeding in a zodiac boat. Kayaking with a leopard seal, doing two polar plunges with penguins, and even camping on land overnight were awesome experiences to really appreciate our Earth.

Spending two weeks on an expedition ship was more than just looking at nature. Onboard, the staff had daily programming that covered the various species we’d see (hopefully), photography tips, and the history of the first explorers of Antarctica. Their knowledge, friendliness, and experience helped to round out the trip to make it the best trip of my life.

I’ve visited seven continents and over 35 countries, and none of them have impacted me like Antarctica.

By Sue Where? Why? What?

Reaching the highest peak in Africa had been on my Life List for a while & turning 50 was my motivation for tackling it sooner rather than later. The morning after celebrating my birthday, I set off on my big adventure.

The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro lies at 5895m above sea level & is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Where Kilimanjaro is unique among the other highest continental peaks (Seven Summits), is that it’s possible to climb without any specialist equipment or expertise.

I had chosen to take the 8-day Lemosho route. For me, the priority was to give myself the best chance of reaching the summit. The altitude is the biggest unknown factor. You can train as much as you like but, in the end, you don’t know until you are there how it will affect you.

Throughout the climb, I struggled with the altitude & was full of trepidation about how I would cope when it finally came to Summit Night. As we began our final journey at midnight, I was wearing so many layers to protect myself from the cold that I could barely bend my legs!

After 6 hours of walking very slowly uphill, battling the cold & my mental demons, I finally reached the peak. Standing on the roof of Africa as I witnessed the sunrise is a moment I will never forget. It was worth every step, every doubt and every struggle along the way.

Mount Kilimanjaro will test you both mentally & physically, but you will come out with a new understanding of what you are capable of. I can honestly say that it is one of my best travel experiences to date.

By Tayara Muse

Only a handful of things can give you an adrenaline rush so strong, that you remember it forever. In some ways my most memorable travel experience was cliché; in other ways, it was a sacred, liberating moment. I gifted myself a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia , Turkey for my birthday a couple of years ago – yes, a very social media-influenced adventure.

There’s so much power to doing something unique, completely solo and in a foreign place. The day started off rather early, the tour pick-up was at 4:30 am (yikes) and the ascent into the morning sky was right at 6:00 am. I joined a group of strangers below the balloon and watched it light up. As the warm air filled it, we started boarding.

What a feeling it was to float in the air, overlooking a historical region, and be surrounded by hundreds of colorful balloons – 3000 feet above the ground. The view took the breath right out of me! So, yes, it’s cliché, yes it’s been overdone, but listen up, nothing has compared to soaring in the sky and feeling invincible for a straight hour!

By A World in Reach

One of the most unforgettable travel experiences I’ve ticked off my bucket list was climbing the Great Wall of China. I spent 10 days exploring Shanghai, Xi’an, and Beijing before visiting the Great Wall on the last day.

I visited the Mutianyu section of the wall. This area is one of the most scenic and best-preserved, yet there are fewer tourists here than at the Badaling section. You can either hike from the base to the Wall for approximately an hour or take a cable car. I highly recommend the cable car – the journey up is scenic and you’ll need all your energy for hiking the actual Wall!

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is about 1.5 hours from Beijing. You can get to the wall from Beijing by taking public transportation, but I recommend taking one of the many tours offered from Beijing. Several Beijing hotels and hostels offer very affordable tours, you can also book online in advance.

Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, cool and comfortable clothing, and bring water for your hike. It can get really hot and the steps on the wall are very steep and uneven. At the end of your hike, treat yourself to an ice cream from the vendor at the cable car stop and then take the toboggan down for more fun!

Seeing the Great Wall in person was one of the best experiences during my travels and is worth a spot on everyone’s bucket list.

There’s no secret that I’m obsessed with Indonesia, and I have been for over a decade. So while this might not be the most spectacular experience ever, it is certainly one of my most unforgettable travel experiences .

A few years ago, I decided to book a bike tour in Ubud to hopefully see a side of Bali we wouldn’t be able to on our own. After a lot of research, we ended up with Jegeg Bali Cycling. A family-run business that focuses on small groups and truly puts their guests’ experience above everything.

After an incredible day on the backroads of Ubud , we were brought to Putu’s family compound for lunch. His mother and aunts had put together the most amazing feast with all my favorite Indonesian dishes. It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had, and being able to come inside their family home, where four generations live, felt so incredibly special.

We sat around the table for a while, just enjoying the food and listening to Putu talk about everyday life in Bali. And as if that wasn’t enough, we also got a shirt made in the neighboring village as a parting gift. Because they earned money from us, they wanted to give back to their community and also back to us. How awesome is that!?

Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef is another one of my most unforgettable travel experiences. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the coast of Australia. Fitzroy Island is the getaway to the reef.

It’s home to an incredible array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the reef is a truly magical experience that will leave you in awe of the beauty and diversity of the underwater world.

As you snorkel through the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. You might spot a school of vibrant fish darting through the coral, a graceful sea turtle gliding past, or even a majestic manta ray soaring through the water.

The peaceful silence of the underwater world is broken only by the sound of your own breathing, adding to the sense of tranquility and wonder. Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, and is a must-do for any nature lover or adventure seeker.

Witnessing the Northern Lights in Norway is an incredible travel experience that is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even though I am Norwegian, I have only seen the Northern Lights once as I live in the south.

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a stunning display of colorful lights in the night sky.

Norway is one of the best places in the world to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle, as the country is located in the “Aurora Zone” and experiences frequent Northern Lights activity.

As you stand under the starry night sky in Norway, watching the Northern Lights dance and swirl above you, you’ll feel a sense of wonder and awe that is hard to describe. The colors of the lights can range from green to pink to purple, and the movement of the lights can be slow and graceful or fast and frenzied.

The experience is truly mesmerizing and will leave you feeling humbled by the beauty and power of nature. It is definitely one of the top things to do in Norway .

Seeing wild dolphins while paddleboarding on Nusa Lembongan is one of those pinch-me travel experiences. Actually, it was one of the last items on my original bucket list.

Nusa Lembongan is a small island off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, and is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.

While paddleboarding just off Jungut Batu Beach, I suddenly spotted a pod of wild dolphins swimming and playing in the waves right in front of me. The sight of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat was truly awe-inspiring and left you feeling humbled by the beauty and power of nature.

I remember sitting down on the board and just thinking how lucky I was to be right there right then. I wish I had a photo to look back on, but I’m also glad that I just focused on being in the moment.

Visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise is a travel experience that is sure to take your breath away. The Taj Mahal is a stunning white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India, and is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

Seeing this iconic monument bathed in the soft light of the rising sun is a truly unforgettable experience. As someone who loves history and architecture, finally getting to visit the Taj Mahal was a dream come true.

As you approach the Taj Mahal at sunrise, you’ll be struck by the sheer beauty and grandeur of the building. The white marble shimmers in the early morning light and the intricate details of the carvings and inlays become even more pronounced.

Be sure to get there while it’s still dark out, to be able to get some photos without people in them. A pro tip is to also visit Mehtab Bagh , a garden complex on the opposite bank, which in my mind is the best place to view the Taj Mahal.

Staying in a cave in Matera is a unique and unforgettable travel experience that will transport you back in time. Matera is a city in southern Italy that is famous for its ancient cave dwellings. These caves were carved into the rock by hand and were once used as homes, churches, and even prisons.

Today, many of these caves have been converted into stylish and comfortable accommodations, offering visitors a chance to experience the history and culture of Matera in a truly unique way.

I ran away to Matera last year after two horrible years with a death, break up and the sale of my dream home. I spent several nights in a cave with only one window framing the church towering above the city.

One night I stood there thinking about my next step in life when the church bells started ringing right before sunset. The whole valley became silent except for this music, and all the lights turned on one by one. I started crying and felt like I was supposed to be right there at that moment.

That night I planned out my entire next year as I felt a new energy flow through my body. It is one of the most profound experiences in my life so far and I can not recommend Matera enough.

Seeing the sunrise over Pinggan Village had been on my Bali Bucket List for years. And I’m so grateful that I got to experience it with my mother.

Located in the central highlands of Bali, Pinggan Village is known for its stunning views of the surrounding rice paddies and valleys. As the sun rises over the horizon, the landscape is bathed in a soft, golden light and white mist that creates a truly magical atmosphere.

To witness the sunrise over Pinggan Village, you’ll need to wake up early and make your way to one of the many viewpoints in the area. As you wait for the sun to rise, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of nature and the peacefulness of the early morning.

As the first rays of sunlight begin to peek over the horizon, the colors of the landscape begin to change, creating a stunning display of light and shadow.

Traveling has been a way of life as I love wandering in new destinations and meeting new cultures and people! If you are looking for your next travel destination consider Africa!

What can you do on a vacation in Africa? One of the most memorable travel experiences I had while on the road was to visit a cultural village in South Africa. A day well spent in an African ancient tribe village in Gauteng located one hour’s drive north of Johanessburg.

Have you heard of the Zulu tribe? On my first trip to Africa, I visited a village of five traditional dwellings inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes. The Zulu is the largest ethnic group in South Africa inhabiting KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng. The whole experience is fun and informative!

You will be welcomed by the head of the village and watch a short documentary film presenting the history of the village and the tribes. Then you head out on a guided tour of the beautiful community coming across the village’s warriors. Mingle with the welcoming people, learn their traditional dance and sit down for a delicious feast. Definitely an unforgettable experience!

You might not think of Poland as one of the main castle destinations in the world. But let me tell you, it should be! Going castle hunting in Poland is an unforgettable travel experience that will transport you back in time to a world of knights, kings, and queens.

Poland is home to over 500 castles, each with its own unique history and architectural style. Exploring these castles is like stepping into a fairy tale, and is a must-do for any traveler interested in history, culture, and architecture.

As you travel through Poland , you’ll have the chance to visit some of the most impressive castles in Europe. From the towering Wawel Castle in Krakow to the romantic Malbork Castle on the banks of the Vistula River, each castle offers a glimpse into a different era of Polish history.

I went castle hunting in Poland several times during my time living in Krakow, and my absolute favorite experience was visiting the beautiful pink Książ Castle on the first sunny and warm day of spring. I stood on the viewpoint by myself and pictured what it would be like to be alive when the castle was rebuilt in the 16th century.

You might have heard about Sakura in Japan and the cherry blossoming in London or DC, but did you know that Spain has its very own floral happening?

Experiencing Floracion de Cieza , the blossoming of almond and fruit trees, is an unforgettable travel experience . It was something I had been looking forward to for years.

The phenomenon occurs every year in Cieza in the region of Murcia , usually in late February or early March. During this time, the hillsides and valleys of the region are covered in a blanket of pink and white blossoms, creating a stunning display of color and fragrance.

My parents and I went for a drive through the countryside, stopping at various viewpoints to admire the stunning views of the almond trees in bloom. You can also participate in guided tours, which will take you through the orchards and explain the history and cultural significance of the almond blossoms in the region.

FAQs: World’s best travel experiences

An unforgettable travel experience is one that leaves a lasting impression on you and creates memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. It could be a beautiful natural scenery, a unique cultural experience, an adventure that pushes you out of your comfort zone, or simply a moment of pure joy and happiness.

It will of course be different for everyone, but in my eyes, an unforgettable travel experience is the top two or three experiences that come to mind when asked.

Here’s my step-by-step guide to making any travel experience as good as possible:

• Plan ahead: Research your destination and create a travel itinerary that includes activities and experiences that align with your interests. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure that you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions.
• Be open to new experiences: Travel is an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Be open to new experiences, whether it’s trying new food, participating in a local festival, or exploring a hidden gem.
• Embrace the local culture: Immerse yourself in the local culture by learning about the customs, traditions, and history of the destination. This will help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the place you’re visiting.
• Engage with locals: Interact with locals to get a sense of their daily lives and perspectives. This can be as simple as striking up a conversation with a shopkeeper or taking a guided tour with a local guide.
• Stay flexible: Travel plans can change unexpectedly, so it’s important to stay flexible and adapt to new situations. This will help you avoid stress and frustration and make the most of your travel experience.
• Take care of yourself: Travel can be exhausting, so it’s important to take care of yourself by staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and taking breaks when needed. This will help you stay energized and enjoy your travel experience to the fullest.
• Be present: Finally, be present in the moment and take time to appreciate the beauty and wonder of your surroundings. Put away your phone and camera, and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the place you’re visiting. This will help you create lasting memories and make your travel experience truly unforgettable.

I book all my tours through Viator and GetYourGuide , depending on who offers the best value for that destination. But most often I end up booking through Viator.

I’m getting more and more into guided tours, especially for the first few days of a trip. That way you can ask a local guide all your questions and get tips on hidden gems and local favorites you might otherwise have missed.

For multi-day trips and retreats, I always check Tripaneer , the world’s leading marketplace to explore and book unforgettable travel experiences. They offer any type of holiday you can imagine including mindful yoga retreats, adventurous safaris, epic surf camps, and more.

Tripaneer also has separate sites for booking surf camps , yoga retreats , and many more.

There are countless unforgettable travel experiences in this beautiful world, it all depends on the person who experiences them.

But here’s a list of what I consider to be the most incredible travel experiences in the world:

• Visiting the remote Svalbard archipelago in Norway to see polar bears and Northern Lights
• Exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru
• Going on a safari in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
• Walking on the Great Wall of China
• Swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines
• Taking a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia in Turkey
• Seeing gorillas in the Virunga Mountains on the border of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo
• Cruising through the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador
• Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia
• Exploring the ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan

Unique experiences are travel activities or experiences that are not commonly found in typical tourist itineraries. They are often off-the-beaten-path and provide travelers with a chance to engage with the local culture and environment in a more authentic way.

Some examples of unique experiences include:

• Staying in a treehouse or igloo
• Participating in a traditional ceremony or festival
• Volunteering with a local community or conservation project
• Taking a cooking class with a local chef
• Exploring a hidden gem or lesser-known attraction
• Going on a wildlife safari or nature hike
• Visiting a remote village or island
• Learning a new skill or craft from a local artisan
• Trying a unique mode of transportation, such as a hot air balloon or camel ride
• Going on a cultural tour or immersive experience, such as a homestay or language exchange program.

I’m asked this question a lot, and while I would love to have this crazy story about when I rode across the steppes of Mongolia on horseback, it is yet another experience from Bali. I took this silversmith class in Ubud and absolutely loved it.

It might not be the most unique experience in the world, but it’s the one that constantly pops into my head. My mom and I made silver rings that we still use today. You can read more about the experience in my guide to the most unusual things to do in Bali .

No, unforgettable travel experiences do not have to be expensive. While some experiences may require a larger budget, there are many affordable travel experiences that can be just as unforgettable.

For example, hiking to a beautiful viewpoint, exploring a local market, or trying a new cuisine can all create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.

Here are my top ideas for new experiences yo can have without traveling far or spending much money:

• Take a cooking class: -you don’t have to travel far to attend a cooking class. Many local cooking schools and community centers offer affordable cooking classes where you can learn how to make new dishes and cuisines.
• Visit a local museum or art gallery: Most museums and art galleries offer free admission or discounted rates on certain days of the week. This is a great way to learn about local history and culture, so be sure to take advantage of it. I lived in Krakow for 5 years and never went to the museums, something I regret today.
• Go on a nature hike: Most of us live near at least some kind of green space, whether it’s a city park, mountain, coastal hike or national park. Try to find a new natural area you have yet to explore, pack some snacks and head out. It’s a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of your area.
• Attend a free concert or festival: Many cities and towns host free concerts and festivals throughout the year. Check your local events calendar to see what’s happening in your area.
• Take a bike ride: Rent a bike or use a bike-sharing service to explore your city or town. This is a fun and affordable way to get some exercise and see new sights.
• Volunteer with a local organization: Many nonprofits and community organizations rely on volunteers to help with their work. This is a great way to give back to your community and meet new people.
• Visit a farmer’s market: Some communities have weekly farmer’s markets where you can buy fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products. I just went to one the other day and got lots of different vegetables and pastries. Definitely one of my favorite ways to support local businesses and discover new foods.
• Take a dance class: Many dance studios offer affordable classes in a variety of styles, from salsa to ballroom to hip-hop. This is a fun way to learn new moves and meet new people.
• Go on a scavenger hunt: Create your own scavenger hunt or participate in one organized by a local group or business. This is a fun way to explore your city or town and discover new sights and hidden gems.
• Attend a local sporting event: Most places have minor league or amateur sports teams that offer affordable tickets. This is a fun way to support local athletes and enjoy a day out with friends or family.

Looking for more travel inspiration?

• 16 incredible islands you probably haven’t heard of but need to visit!
• 12 Cities That Aren’t on Your Bucket List (But Should Be)
• The ultimate Spain bucket list : 101+ awesome things to do & places to see
• The ultimate Norway bucket list : top 200 awesome things to do!
• The ultimate Denmark bucket list : 101+ awesome things to do

About Charlotte

Charlotte is the passionate traveler and online business coach behind Sunshine Seeker. She started working as a content creator on Instagram in 2014, before social media was even a thing, and as a travel blogger in 2015. Over the past 14 years she has explored 45+ countries and lived in Oslo, Kraków, Bali and Lombok. Every month she helps more than 50,000 people plan their adventures and learn how to create more freedom by working online.

You’ll Also Love

25. May 2020 at 18:07

This is an awesome list! Thanks for including me!

25. May 2020 at 22:12

Right!? I can’t wait to get back out on the road now 😀 Thanks for contributing!

30. May 2020 at 09:55

Some great ideas in here. So many wonderful things I’ve never even heard of but would love to do now!

30. May 2020 at 19:18

Same here! Thanks for stopping by 😀

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Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Bucket list travel , Homepage popular · April 16, 2023

The ultimate travel bucket list: 50+ epic experiences around the world

Want some inspiration for your travel bucket list? I’ve compiled more than 50 epic things to see, do and experience around the globe that are worthy of being at the top of any travel bucket list.

I’ve always been a sucker for a good list, and a travel bucket list is no different. I find that getting your ideas onto paper (or computer haha) help to organise your thoughts, let you prioritise them, and then make decision-making way easier.

Orrrr on the other hand, having a list of 50 epic bucket list experiences around the world might send you into a state of constant analysis paralysis, not knowing where to go next 🙃

Regardless of which way you’re going to go, this incredible travel bucket list is sure to inspire you for your future travels. I’ve listed some of the iconic bucket list experiences, like seeing the Taj Mahal and diving on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, but I’ve also included slightly lnoesser-known experiences like the world’s fastest rollercoaster, seeing bioluminescence in the ocean, and seeing elephants on the beach in Sri Lanka.

So open up your bucket list journal or Google Doc and start taking notes of which of these epic experiences you want to add to your travel bucket list.

Experiences to add to your travel bucket list

Adventure bucket list ideas.

Bungy jump or skydive

I feel like there’s no other way to start an ‘ultimate travel bucket list’ post apart from throwing yourself either out of a plane of off a platform tied by the ankles. And even so, I can promise you that I will never do either.

The best place to bungy jump in the world is hands down New Zealand, the original home of the commercial bungy jump since the first one in 1988. These days New Zealand has six different bungy sites to choose from, so add a bungy jump to your New Zealand bucket list.

If jumping from thousands of feet in the sky is more up your alley then choose your preferred landscape and book your trip. Skydive over coral reefs in Australia, man-made islands in Dubai, mountains in Switzerland or tropical rainforests in Hawaii, to name a few.

Go paragliding

For a similar thrill of flying without the feeling of falling, try paragliding instead, where you run off a mountain or similar platform and start gliding straight away without any freefall.

Paragliding can be as calm or as adrenaline-inducing as you want it (weather-dependent of course), you can enjoy a gentle float through the sky if you want a chilled experience, or ask your paragliding pilot for the ‘rollercoaster version’ as my pilot called it, where you can experience spins, spirals and strong G-forces as the chute is manoeuvered in certain ways.

I first paraglided in Interlaken, Switzerland, and have since done it twice in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Read more: The perfect five day Switzerland

Hike to Everest Base Camp, Nepal

This arduous but rewarding journey tops hiking bucket lists for adventure travellers all over the globe. and for good reason. Trek past Sherpa villages through unforgiving terrain en route to the foot of the world’s tallest mountain, reaching your final destination at an altitude of more than 5000m above sea level.

Soak up the views and enjoy feeling mind-numbingly insignificant while standing at Base Camp, surrounded by rugged peaks and dramatic valleys as far as the eye can see.

Go hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey

Seeing Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes from the dizzying heights of a hot air balloon ride at sunrise is one of the most magical travel experiences in the world.

The balloons go up at sunrise each day throughout the year (weather dependent), but I’d recommend spending at least a couple of days in Cappadocia to give yourself a plan b or c in case your first day is cancelled.

If a hot air balloon is out of your budget or your comfort zone, then you can still enjoy the beautiful display of balloons from one of Cappadocia’s many rooftop terraces.

Try a glacier heli-hike in New Zealand

New Zealand’s South Island is home to more than 2900 glaciers, and you can do a heli-hike on three of the main ones, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier on the West Coast and the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

The helicopter flight alone will have you feeling like you’re in a David Attenborough documentary, before landing on the ice and trekking through frozen crevasses and marvelling at bright blue ice formations.

Read more: The best things to do in Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

Go diving at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia

One of the Natural Wonders of the World, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is certainly up there with the best places to scuba dive in the world. While much of the reef has fallen victim to coral bleaching from warming ocean temperatures as well as damage from weather events, there’s a huge focus on sustainability along the Queensland coast to try and protect and restore the reef.

Head to the outer reef for the most colourful coral and marine diversity, you can spot turtles, manta rays and plenty of vibrant tropical fish.

Read more: Sleeping in an underwater hotel room on the Great Barrier Reef

Ski in Whistler

Winter enthusiasts need to add the impressive Whistler ski resort to their travel bucket list, boasting more than 8000 acres of ski terrain just a few hours from Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.

There’s a Whistler experience for everyone, from beginner slopes to expert off piste tours, as well as spa and wellness resorts, snowmobiling trips, snowshoeing trails, sightseeing gondolas and more.

Ride a motorbike over the Hai Van Pass in Vietnam

Known as one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic roads, the scenic Hai Van Pass runs parallel to the Vietnamese coastline on a 21km stretch of road between Hue and Danang, offering breathtaking views of the South China Sea.

Experiencing the winding roads and hairpin turns by motorbike is a rite of passage for visitors to Vietnam, and it’s a must do for any Vietnam itinerary.

If you prefer four wheels over two, there are also army jeep tours or private luxury transfers available.

Read more: An epic three week Vietnam itinerary

Ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The Formula Rossa is the rollercoaster version of an F1 car, reaching a top speed of 240km per hour (that’s 149mph) in just 4.9 seconds 🤯 riders have to wear protective goggles to shield their eyes from the sand while they race around the 2.2km track, all while trying to hold onto their stomach!

The rollercoaster can be found at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi which is home to some other record-breaking rides, including the world’s highest rollercoaster loop and an immersive coaster with the world’s first sideways rollercoaster drop.

I’m a bit of a theme park fiend myself, I’m trying to hit all the best theme parks in the world, and I could honestly spend days at Abu Dhabi doing those three epic rides over and over again.

Camp at the top of a mountain and wake up to watch the sunrise

An overnight hike to a viewpoint with a sunrise wake up is something for every hiker’s bucket list, and it is sure to make you feel connected to nature like nothing else.

Some of the best sunrise viewpoint hikes are in New Zealand’s South Island , the Dolomites in Italy , or British Columbia in Canada.

Soar like a bird on an epic zipline

I looove a good zipline, there’s nothing like feeling the wind in your hair while you marvel at panoramic views all around you! There are loads of bucket list ziplines around the world but some of my favourites are:

• Flåm Zipline in Flåm, Norway (the longest one in Scandinavia)
• The Ultimate Canopy Tour in Rotorua, New Zealand
• The First Flyer in Grindelwald, Switzerland
• Dubai’s XLine between skyscrapers
• Treetops Adventure in Far North Queensland, Australia
• Ziplining with a view in Queenstown, New Zealand
• SuperFly Ziplines in Whistler, Canada

Bucket list events around the world

Visit Japan during the cherry blossom season

Japan’s ‘sakura’ season brings literally millions of tourists to see the beautiful pink and white flower displays during their peak, typically from late March through to early April. It’s one of the busiest times of the year to visit Japan but the crowds are worth it, just expect to get up early and venture beyond the main photo spots to be able to get shots without loads of people in the background.

See the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower on Bastille Day

I’m a sucker for a good fireworks display, and the Bastille Day fireworks in Paris are one of the world’s best! There’s just something about seeing neon colours shoot into the sky, and they’re made even better when combined with a light show on one of the most famous landmarks on the globe, and an epic soundtrack that lines up with the bursts and booms of the pyrotechnics.

Bastille Day is France’s national holiday, held on July 14th every year with a variety of events like parades, concerts, military flyovers and more, but the fireworks alone make it worth visiting Paris at this time of the year. You can see the fireworks from river cruises, hotel terraces or viewpoints, but the best spot is from the Champs de Mar right in front of the Eiffel Tower. It’s totally free to enter but you’ll need to get there hours in advance to get a good spot, we got there at about 4pm and enjoyed a picnic afternoon tea/dinner before the fireworks started at 11pm.

Book your accommodation in advance to ensure you get a decent deal, places get booked up quickly and prices skyrocket closer to the date.

Do the Rickshaw Run

If you’re up for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Rickshaw Run is an epic road trip not for the faint of heart.

The original Rickshaw Run is a 3500km journey across India in a three-wheeled rickshaw (or as the Rickshaw Run team calls it, a ‘glorified lawnmower’), with no set route, just a departure point and a finish line with a rough guideline of how to get between. Find two friends to join, submit your rickshaw design to have it painted before you arrive, and set off on a crazy adventure, with your fingers crossed for minimal breakdowns (both mechanical and emotional). The Rickshaw Run has recently expanded into Sri Lanka and the Himalayas too.

Visit a Christmas market in Europe

Europe’s Christmas markets help make up for the short days and cold temperatures as the continent creeps closer to mid-winter, and for anyone who loves celebrating the festive season, they’re absolutely something that needs to be on your Europe bucket list.

There are Christmas markets all over Europe but some of the most authentic ones can be found in Strasbourg and Colmar in France, Cologne and Nuremberg in Germany, and Innsbruck and Salzburg in Austria. I spent a month last year seeing the European Christmas markets by train , highly recommend!

Read more: Europe Christmas market train itinerary

Drink beer at Oktoberfest

The world’s largest beer festival is held annually in Munich, starting in mid-September (I know, false advertising) and ending in early October. Welcoming more than six million people each year, the festival is a celebration of Bavarian culture, with plenty of hearty meals, huge kegs of beer and traditional music on offer.

Read more: Oktoberfest on a budget with Stoke Travel

Spend a weekend at Coachella

Topping party-goers bucket lists from all over the globe, Coachella is held in Indio, California over two weekends in April each year with a total attendance of about 750,000 over the six days. The line up is often one of the most awaited announcements each year, with tickets selling out in minutes at each release.

I ticked Coachella off my personal travel bucket list way back in 2012 when I was studying in the USA, and I can honestly say it still stands as one of the best weekends of my life!

Go to India for Holi Festival

Holi Festival is a significant event on the Hindu calendar, marking the beginning of spring with a chaotic display of colourful powder being thrown amongst crowds of people, celebrating the victory of good over evil. It’s a bit of an assault on the senses, with vibrant paint sticking to your hair and skin, loud music pumping throughout the cities and towns, and deliciously sweet treats being offered from roadside stalls, but it’s an unforgettable experience nonetheless.

I visited India as a solo female traveller and had a fantastic time with no safety concerns whatsoever, however I have heard that Holi can be a hub for assaults and unwanted attention due to the sheer number of people roaming the streets. If you’re a woman travelling to Holi solo or travelling with other female friends and aren’t super confident about dealing with the risks of crowds, I’d highly recommend going with a group tour like G Adventures or Contiki to feel a bit safer.

Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans

New Orleans’ French Quarter is a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment at any time of the year, but during Mardi Gras it’s truly taken to the absolute next level. Weeks of parades, shows and street festivals turn this part of the city into a party paradise, where revellers can dress up in colourful costumes, dance the night away under street lights and catch beads and other ‘throws’ being chucked into the crowd from parade floats.

Mardi Gras’ date changes each year as it’s based on the Christian dates of Ash Wednesday, Lent and Easter, but it’s always in either February or March.

Go to Rio for Carnival

For a similar celebration with a South American twist, head down to Rio de Janeiro for Carnival, a massive street festival which boasts the title of biggest carnival in the world. With two million people partying on the streets per day , you can see why this buzzing event is worthy for travel bucket lists.

Attendants can soak up the incredible atmosphere, search for the most elaborate costumes, groove to samba music and join one of the blocos (block parties).

Go to Burning Man

Another desert festival to add to your wanderlist is Burning Man, an event dedicated to rejecting capitalism and instead encouraging self-reliance, inclusion and self-expression. Burning Man is a little bit like the ‘Fight Club’ of festivals, never talk about Burning Man, so what happens in the desert kind of stays in the desert!

The mysterious must-do hosts about 80,000 people each year at a temporary city built by its participants each year, with the entire thing packed up at the end leaving no trace behind.

Go to Mexico for Dia de los Muertos

The Mexican holiday ‘Dia de los Muertos’, or ‘Day of the Dead’, celebrates the lives of loved ones that have passed away with colourful parades and elaborate ‘ofrendas’ (tributes) welcoming the spirits of the dead back to the world of the living for a quick visit.

While the name sounds morbid, the festival is anything but, with bright flowers, intricate face painting, joyful music and delicious traditional meals all available to enjoy.

Spend St Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland

Experiencing Dublin’s pub culture should be on your bucket list anyway, but visiting the city for St Patrick’s Day (March 17th) is truly something else. The day honours St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and celebrates Irish culture and heritage with street parades, Irish music, traditional dances and, of course, a lot of pints of Guinness.

Nature & wildlife bucket list experiences

See a fjord from the water

A fjord is a narrow inlet of water that runs from the sea to far inland, with steep cliffs on each side. They’re different to rivers because they were carved by glaciers (a gazillion years ago), rather than being formed by the movement of water.

As landscapes go, fjords are one of the most dramatic scenes you can find around the world. The inland portion of a fjord is typically calm and still as it’s so far from the open ocean, which results in brilliant boating conditions and mind-blowing reflections.

You can find fjords in Norway, Chile, Canada, Greenland, Alaska and New Zealand (we spell it ‘fiords’ here, due to a historic typo haha) and the best way to see them by farrrr is from a boat trip. Some bucket list fjord experiences to add to your future travel plans:

• A thrilling Fjordsafari RIB tour through Nærøyfjord in Norway (pictured above)
• A silent cruise through Nærøyfjord (honestly do both, totally different experiences!)
• A day trip to see Hardangerfjord from Bergen, Norway
• A road trip through the Arctic fjords in Tromsø, Norway
• A cruise on Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound in New Zealand
• A kayak trip around Milford Sound

Swim with wild dolphins

Experience the ocean’s most playful residents with an up close and personal dolphin swim, where curious wild dolphins will zip and zoom all around you in the water. I’ve had two incredible wild dolphin swims in New Zealand, one in Picton (calmer ocean conditions as it’s in a sheltered area) and one in Kaikoura (rougher conditions but more dolphins), and you can also find ethical wild dolphin encounters in Australia, Hawaii and in some countries in Central America.

Read more: Swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura

See the Northern or Southern Lights

With bright rays of green, pink and purple dancing in the sky, the ethereal phenomenon of the aurora is absolutely mind-blowing to see with your own eyes. It’s actually caused by electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s magnetic field, and is easiest to see closest to the magnetic poles.

The Northern Lights (a.k.a. Aurora Borealis ) can typically be seen from places like Finland, Norway and Iceland in Europe as well as northern Canada, whereas the Southern Lights ( Aurora Australis ) are most likely to be seen from southern New Zealand and Australia, although they are rarer to see than their northern counterparts as there’s less land close to the south pole.

I’d highly recommend doing a Northern Lights tour (sometimes called an ‘aurora chase’ or ‘aurora hunt’) with a local guide, they’ll know how to read the forecast, how to navigate cloud cover and will also have all the gear needed to take magical photos.

My recommended Northern Lights tour operators are:

• Wonderlapland in Rovaniemi, Finland
• Lofoten Lights in Lofoten Islands, Norway
• Chasing Lights in Tromso, Norway

You can also book some incredible accommodation for aurora viewing, like a glass igloo in Rovaniemi where you can see the Northern Lights from your bed or your private hot tub 💚 how dreamy!

Read more: The perfect three week Scandinavia itinerary

Do a safari in Africa

Easily the most sought after animal experience in the world, an African safari is something all wildlife lovers should have on their bucket list. Search for the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards and rhinos – in their natural habitats, as well as spotting other majestic creatures like giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, monkeys and hippos.

There are plenty of safari options in Africa depending on what you’re looking for, from budget-friendly camping trips through to ultra-luxe lodge-hopping with scenic flights or hot air balloon trips.

See elephants on the beach in Sri Lanka

While I haven’t been fortunate enough to experience Africa’s wildlife yet, I was able to spend my 31st birthday at a stunning eco-friendly safari lodge in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park , where wild elephants roam the beach right in front of the bar and restaurant.

Uga Chena Escapes is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever stayed (and I’ve stayed at lots of incredible places!) and it was an unforgettable trip, with luxurious cabins complete with free-standing bath tub and private pool, world-class all-inclusive food and drinks, and expert rangers taking you on daily safari drives to spot elephants, crocodiles, monkeys and the elusive leopard.

Read more: A detailed review of the stunning Uga Chena Huts in Sri Lanka

Set foot on Antarctica

One of the most remote destinations on the planet, visiting Antarctica is a top-of-the-bucket-list contender for travellers all over the globe. Antarctica obviously isn’t your classic tourist destination, with harsh weather conditions and vast expanses of nothingness, but the giant icebergs, thriving penguin colonies and unique ecosystem make it worth the trouble to get there.

The most common way to reach the southernmost continent on Earth is by cruise from the South American port of Ushuaia, Argentina, though there are also a limited number of cruises from New Zealand each season as well as a handful of flights from Chile or South Africa.

Visit the Gatorade Blue glacial lakes in Canada

The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most mesmerising landscapes of anywhere in the world, where unbelievably blue glacial lakes are bordered by jagged snow-capped peaks and thick pine forests.

I’d recommend getting a campervan and road tripping through Jasper National Park and Banff National Park to make the most of your time in this part of the world. Having your own transport, accommodation and self-catering facilities not only saves money but gives you much more flexibility to get to the main lakes like Louise, Moraine and Peyto outside of peak tour hours, which means smaller crowds and a better experience.

Watch stars in an International Dark Sky Reserve

For a truly humbling travel bucket list experience, head into an International Dark Sky Reserve to learn about astronomy, connect with nature, and see the night sky at its absolute best.

While there are many places around the globe where you can enjoy a fantastic display of twinkling stars, there are 21 certified International Dark Sky Reserves which have specific policies in place to minimise light pollution and preserve dark sky tourism.

Some of the most renowned IDSRs are Aoraki Mackenzie in New Zealand which includes stunning Lake Tekapo, Snowdonia National Park in Wales, Big Bend in the USA and Alpes Azur Mercantour in France.

Read more: The best things to do in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Float in the Dead Sea

Located between Jordan and Israel, the Dead Sea is almost ten times saltier than the average ocean salt content, making it impossible to sink which is a very strange sensation! The water and mud is packed with minerals, providing therapeutic properties for tourists looking to rest their muscles and rehydrate their skin.

Before you go, make sure you don’t shave any part of your body within the two or three days prior, because if the salt gets into any micro-cuts you’ll be in serious pain.

Read more: The ideal 7 day Jordan itinerary

See bioluminescence in the ocean

Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon where living organisms emit light, and one of the most common ways to witness it is bioluminescent micro-plankton which lights up when disturbed, like when waves crash on the beach. You can witness in many places around the world including Puerto Rico, the Maldives , Thailand, Mexico and Japan.

Read more: A Maldives solo travel guide

Relax in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

This geothermal pool complex in southwest Iceland is just a short drive from Reykjavik’s airport, making it an easy first stop or final destination of any Iceland road trip. The water is mineral-rich, with high concentrations of silica, algae and sulfur, great for a relaxing and rejuvenating break from Iceland’s typically harsh weather conditions.

There’s no denying that the Blue Lagoon is heavily commercialised, with expensive tickets and thousands of visitors each day, so for somewhere a bit lower key you could try the new Sky Lagoon which boasts an infinity-edge pool with ocean views. Dreamy!

Read more: Four day South Iceland road trip itinerary

Food & drink bucket list experiences

Eat croissants in a Parisian park or square

Paris has a bit of a reputation for not meeting travellers’ expectations, but after five visits to the City of Lights and Love, I stand by the fact that it’s in my list of all-time favourite cities. I adore French cuisine (and by that I mean pastries, bread and cheese), I know a little bit of the language, and I feel like everyone’s life would be happier if they had beautiful squares and parks to spend their lunch break at.

Search the local boulangeries (bakeries) to find the ultimate croissant or pain au chocolat, then head to Place des Vosges, Jardin du Luxembourg or Jardin des Tuileries to enjoy the flaky, buttery goodness.

Learn local recipes at a Vietnamese cooking class

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in local cuisine than by taking part in a cooking class, and Vietnam’s fresh ingredients, flavoursome herbs and spices, and budget-friendly prices, make it the perfect place to try your hand at cooking up local dishes.

Most cooking tours will take you through a bustling market before heading to the kitchen to make things like rice paper rolls, bánh mi and phở from scratch.

Read more: How to spend three weeks in Vietnam

Go winery-hopping in Napa Valley

Whether you’re a vino aficionado or a newbie to the wine world, a winery tour is always a brilliant way to get an understanding of a region’s culture. The Napa Valley in northern California is a wine country boasting more than 400 wineries, ranging from small, family-owned boutique suppliers through to commercial giants bottling some of the most popular wines in the USA.

Do a food tour in Bologna, Italy

As the gastronomic hub of Italy, and one of the stand-out culinary capitals in the world, Bologna is a must-visit destination for any foodie traveller. Easily visited with a day trip from Florence , Bologna is best explored by food tour with a passionate local guiding you around the city’s best eateries.

On my recent visit I did a food tour with local legend Mattia from Delicious Bologna , and it was genuinely one of the best food days of my life. We tried cheese, cured meats, aged balsamic vinegar, local wine, multiple varieties of pasta, fresh gelato and more! The Emilia-Romagna region, where Bologna is located, is famous for its top-notch ingredients and local artisans, so you’re eating the best food, in the best food region, in one of the best food countries. Divine!

Read more: 50+ epic things to see and do in Italy

Eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant

Dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant is the ultimate gastronomic experience, and it’s something you can tick off your bucket list in cities all over the world. To get a coveted star a restaurant has to be the crème de la crème in terms of food quality, service, presentation and atmosphere, and many are booked out weeks or months in advance by connoisseurs wanting to get a taste (literally) of their award-winning dishes.

Dress up for a fancy high tea in London

A trip to the UK wouldn’t be complete without partaking in the quintessential British of an afternoon tea of club sandwiches, scones and, of course, tea, in a fancy tea room.

London has plenty of iconic tea rooms to choose from, including the luxurious Ritz London, Claridges or Savoy, or go for a more modern and Instagrammable experience at Sketch London or Prêt-à-Portea at the Berkeley.

Landmarks to add to your travel bucket list

See the view from the Burj Khalifa

Standing at a staggering height of 828 metres, the tallest building in the world is Dubai’s Burh Khalifa. Head up to the observation deck on the 124th floor for panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline and the desert beyond.

The structure is equally, if not more impressive from ground level, and you’ll probably feel a little dizzy when looking up towards the building from right below. Don’t miss the free fountain shows that run in front of the Burj Khalifa each evening.

Read more: What to do with three days in Dubai

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings on Earth, Agra’s Taj Mahal is an Indian icon and somewhere you have to have on your travel bucket list. Sunrise is the best time to visit, when the fog lifts and soft sunlight illuminates the white marble mausoleum.

As you can imagine, the Taj is packed with visitors every second of the day, so your only chance of getting the main photo spots with no one in the background is to line up super early and boost to them as soon as you get through security.

I was travelling solo in India and you can’t take tripods into the Taj Mahal complex, so I decided to book a local photographer who was an expert at snapping the best photos. The Taj opens 30 minutes before sunrise and we got there 30 minutes before that to be close to the front of the line. Because I was with a local guide we got to go through the ‘locals’ line which is faster and we were the first ones through the security gates! We headed straight to the famous Diana’s Bench to get a few good shots with literally no one in the background before moving on quickly to other spots, and we were always finished before the next people caught up.

Wander around the Ancient City of Petra

Jordan’s ancient city of Petra is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site that was once the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, between the 4th century BC and 2nd century AD. It’s home to an incredible network of ancient tombs, temples and houses, carved into orange sandstone cliffs, and is one of the top bucket list experiences for those travelling to the Middle East.

Walk 2km through the winding gorge known as the Siq to reach Petra’s main monument, the Treasury (locally known as Al-Khazneh ), a towering temple at 39 metres high. But the treasures don’t stop there, I’d recommend venturing further into the city and climbing the 850 steps to the Monastery, equally as impressive with less crowds. Just maybe don’t do it in the middle of the day in August like I did, or you might die from exhaustion!

Read more: Solo female travel in Jordan

Spend a day exploring Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is a giant temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with more than 70 temples and other religious buildings set amongst 400 square kilometres of Angkor Archaeological Park.

It was built in the 12th century by a Khmer as a tribute to the Hindu god Vishnu, before being converted to a Buddhist temple in the 14th century. It was abandoned in the 15th century and unused until it was rediscovered in the late 19th century, these days hosting millions of visitors from all over the world each year.

Book a local guide to take you on a proper tour and teach you all about Khmer history and culture while you admire the temple ruins.

Hike up to Machu Picchu

The ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is one of South America’s most important archaeological sites, built into the steep mountains of Peru’s Andes in the 15th century. With sacred temples, stone houses and agricultural terraces still standing at 2430m above sea level, the UNESCO-listed site is an incredible example of the Inca civilisation’s impressive engineering skills that were well before their time.

Travellers can make the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu along the famous 42km Inca Trail hike, or there are taxi/bus/train combos available for those not so keen on the walk.

Other epic experiences for your travel bucket list

Explore Europe by train

Sure, flights between European hubs might be crazy cheap, but if you’re travelling for an extended period with lots of stops along the way, chances are a train journey will be more comfortable, scenic and probably cheaper overall, and it’s way better for the environment.

I recently spent two months in Europe visiting 23 cities in 11 different countries using a Eurail Pass , which saved me more than €1400 compared to point-to-point tickets and significantly more compared to buying last minute flights in the lead up to Christmas.

Some noteworthy trains in Europe are:

• The Glacier Express and Bernina Express in Switzerland (they’re both part of the country’s Grand Train Tour )
• The Flåmsbana and Bergen Railway in Norway
• The West Highland Line in Scotland
• The Cinque Terre train in Italy
• The Santa Claus Express in Finland

Read more: The most beautiful train journeys in Europe

Road trip around New Zealand and Australia

I might be biased because this is my corner of the world, but you’d be hard-pressed to find better road trip destinations than New Zealand and Australia.

New Zealand boasts a superb range of scenery within easy driving distance, from paradise beaches to magical fjords to glacial lakes flanked by snowy mountains. You could easily spend months here and never get bored, but a few weeks per island is enough to give you a taste of what Aotearoa has to offer.

Australia on the other hand is much, much bigger and would require the better part of a year to see all the main spots, but a shorter trip could still have you ticking off bucket list destinations like the tropical coast of Queensland, Tasmania’s unspoiled national parks, Western Australia’s dreamy beaches and the buzzing cities of Sydney or Melbourne.

• The ultimate New Zealand South Island road trip
• A detailed guide to travelling Australia
• Bucket list experiences in New Zealand
• Bucket list experiences in Australia

Go on a working holiday

Leisure trips are loads of fun, but nothing compares to actually moving abroad to work and live. Your options for working holidays will depend on your passport and visa requirements, but some popular options are Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, UK, France and Argentina.

Living abroad can be daunting, but it’s one of the best ways to meet new people, open your eyes to other ways of living, and hone your independence and problem solving skills.

Sing karaoke on an overnight ferry between Helsinki and Stockholm

This weird and wonderful bucket list journey is one that I didn’t even know about until I was planning my own no-fly three week Scandinavia itinerary !

The Silja ferry runs between Helsinki and Stockholm with a 17 hour overnight journey, but this is no normal ferry… it’s an actual cruise ship 😱

The ship can hold more than 2500 passengers and boasts comfy cabins (ranging from simple through to luxury), a casino, duty-free shopping, plenty of restaurants, a cocktail bar and entertainment lounge with shows throughout the night, a gorgeous viewing lounge and open top deck for archipelago views, and even a wellness area with hot tubs and sauna.

It’s a brilliant way to get between the two capitals and it’s a great example of ‘it’s about the journey, not the destination’. Make sure to get involved in karaoke at the cocktail lounge!

Watch a show on NYC’s Broadway or London’s West End

Witnessing a live performance of award-winning musicals like Wicked, Hamilton or the Book of Mormon is a must-do for any theatre geeks, and there’s a seemingly endless selection to choose from in entertainment hubs like Broadway, the West End or Las Vegas.

Sail a yacht around the Mediterranean

If spending your days swimming in crystal clear bays and your evenings sipping happy hour cocktails at beachfront bars sounds like an absolute dream for you, book your next trip to the Mediterranean for a spot of island hopping around Greece or Croatia.

I sailed through Croatia’s islands with the legends at Medsailors a few years back and loved it so much that I’m heading to Greece in a few months to do their tour there next!

Read more: Why you should sail Croatia with Medsailors

Visit the place where your parents/grandparents were born

If your parents or grandparents were born elsewhere to where you grew up, you should definitely have their home country on your travel bucket list for a future trip.

If they’re still around then consider taking them with you for an unforgettable family experience, if they can’t travel then be sure to bring home a memento of your trip, and if they’re no longer with us then consider doing some family research to find a particularly special place to visit or distant friends or relatives to meet when you’re there.

Drive Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California

The road trip of all road trips, driving Route 66 is an 3940km (2448 mile) drive from the Windy City (Chicago) through to the famous ocean pier of Santa Monica in coastal California. This historic highway passes through eight states, via vintage diners, iconic roadside motels and a number of National Parks you could stop at on the way.

Stay in an overwater bungalow

As far as bucket list accommodation goes, an overwater bungalow probably tops the list for millions of travellers around the world. Everyone wants to know what it’s like to get out of bed and jump straight into the ocean direct from your private bungalow’s deck.

The Maldives and French Polynesia are probably the most famous destinations for overwater bungalows, but you can find some more affordable options in Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Fiji.

I stayed in a basic but beautiful overwater bungalow in Vietnam for less than $65USD per night, including breakfast! I think it’s probably the cheapest overwater bungalow in the world, and it’s called Naomi Resort in Phu Quoc.

Read more: The best things to do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Fly first class

See how the 1% travel by booking yourself a seat in first class for an extra special treat. First class tickets are unsurprisingly super expensive, but if you’re smart with your loyalty points and travel plans, you might be able to get a crazy cheap first class experience.

I recently flew first class on Emirates (!!!) from Sri Lanka to the Maldives, spending less than $115USD on the flight. I paid for the rest with Emirates Skywards miles which I had accumulated from a few years of travel, but I was never super loyal to the airline and didn’t have a points credit card. This particular flight is just a very cost-effective way of flying first class, it’s only 1h 50m (in my case even shorter due to a pesky tailwind) but you get all the epic Emirates first class benefits of fancy champagne or port, Arabic coffee, a three course meal, lie flat seat, a privacy door and top-notch service.

Learn a new language through immersion

There’s no better way to learn a new language than to throw yourself in the deep end and just move to a non-English-speaking country, where you’re forced to communicate in a foreign tongue.

If you studied French or Spanish at high school, why not move to Europe or South America for six months and see how quickly you can pick it back up? Or if you’re brand new, I’d recommend booking in to some beginner classes in your new destination to help you hit the ground running with things like introductions, directions and basic conversation.

Backpack through Southeast Asia

It’s a backpacker rite of passage to head to the budget-friendly region of Southeast Asia and spend a few months exploring in elephant pants, eating banana pancakes, and considering never returning to an actual desk ever again.

Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are an easy trifecta if you have at least a few weeks, and if you’re staying for longer you could add on unspoiled landscapes in Laos, hectic cities in Malaysia and the cultural melting pot of Singapore, or venture slightly further to the dreamy islands in Indonesia or paradise beaches in the Philippines.

Volunteer to support local community and environment

Give back while you’re out seeing the world with a trip that involves volunteering your time and skills. There are loads of volunteering options around the globe, as well as small group tours like Intrepid and G Adventures that often include an element of volunteering or some kind of community service in their trip itineraries.

Just be aware of the ethics around how to volunteer in the right way, like not doing anything you’re unqualified for (e.g. building houses when you have no idea what you’re doing), avoiding any multi-day volunteering programmes involving children unless you’re a trained educator or medical professional, and not participating in anything where wild animals are held captive or used for entertainment purposes.

Some good examples of ethical volunteering opportunities are marine conservation programmes, turtle hatching and protection, beach clean ups, shelters for dogs and cats, teaching English if you’re qualified, or helping NGOs with things like social media, marketing and admin if you’ve got the correct permits to work and are providing additional support rather than taking away a job that a local should be paid for.

Wowza, if you’ve made it to the end of this insanely long travel bucket list then I’m impressed! With all that in mind, what is at the top of your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Pull an All-Nighter in Ibiza

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Feed the Swimming Pigs of Exuma

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

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

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

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

6. See the Great Pyramids at Giza

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

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

7. Swim in Jellyfish Lake in Palau

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

Read More: Swim in Jellyfish Lake in Palau

8. Sleep in an Overwater Bungalow in Bora Bora

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

9. Marvel at Guyana’s Kaieteur Falls

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

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

10. Walk Through Indonesia’s Tegalalang Rice Terraces

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

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

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

11. Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

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

12. Drive Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway

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

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

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

13. Tour a Monastery at Meteora in Greece

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

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

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

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

14. Cruise through Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay

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

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

15. Sleep in an Ice Hotel in Sweden

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

16. Marvel at the Taj Mahal

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

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

17. Go Tidal Bore Rafting in Nova Scotia

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

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

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

18. Take a Gondola in Venice

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

19. See the Sunrise at Borobudur Temple in Indonesia

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

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

Read More: 3 Sacred Indonesian Places to Visit in Yogyakarta

20. Climb Half-dome in Yosemite

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

21. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Petra in Jordan

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

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

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

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

22. Hike the Cinque Terre in Italy

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

23. Explore the Silent City of Mdina in Malta

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

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

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

24. Climb Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro

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

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

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

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

26. Dive the Great Barrier Reef

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

27. Kayak with Beluga Whales in Manitoba

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

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

Read More: Kayaking with Beluga Whales in Manitoba

28. Walk the Spanish El Camino de Santiago de Compostela

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

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

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

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

30. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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

31. Swim with Whale Sharks in Cancun

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

Read More: Swim with Whale Sharks in Cancun

32. Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal

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

33. Go on an African Safari

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

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

34. Walk the Great Wall of China

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

35. Ride in a Vintage Car in Havana

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

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

36. Attend the Kentucky Derby

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

37. Watch the Florence Sunset over the Arno River

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

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

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

38. Shop the Souks in Morocco

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

39. Visit Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania

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

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

40. Climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris

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

41. Bicycle (or Walk) Across the Golden Gate

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

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

42. Go to Mardi Gras in Louisiana

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

43. Float in the Dead Sea

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

Read More:   Float in the Dead Sea

44. See the Northern Lights

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

45. STAY IN A TUSCAN VILLA IN ITALY

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

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

46. CROSS THE SALARDE UYUNI IN BOLIVIA

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

47. Volunteer at a Elephant Rescue in Thailand

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

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

48. Hot Air Balloon over Cappadocia

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

49. Hike the Active Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala

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

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

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

50. Go to the City Where Your Family Comes From

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

51. See Mount Rushmore

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

52. Admire the Blue Flames at Ijen Volcano

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

53. Step Inside the Forbidden City

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

54. Ogle the Golden Temple

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

55. Take in the View from Burj Khalifa

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

56. Take an Alaskan Cruise

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

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

57. Attend La Tomatina Festival in Spain

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

58. Be Intrigued by Stonehenge

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

59. Attend Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

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

60. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

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

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

61. Climb the Mount Fuji

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

62. Discover Al-Masjid an-Nabawi

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

63. Marvel at Iguazu Falls

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

64. Explore the Jeita Grotto

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

65. Discover the Magnificent Angkor Wat

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

66. Discover the Remains of the Berlin Wall

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

67. Witness the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem

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

68. See the Pamukkale Hot Springs

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

69. Walk the Las Vegas Strip

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

70. See a Show at the Sydney Opera House

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

71. See the Wildlife on the Galapagos Islands

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

Read More About the Galapagos Islands:

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

72. Explore Sensoji Temple

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

73. Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves

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

74. Explore Brazil’s Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

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

75. Get Splashed at Niagara Falls

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

76. Hike on the Rainbow Mountain

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

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

77. Hike to Christ the Redeemer of Brazil

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

78. Relax at Blue Lagoon

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

79. Sail to the Statue of Liberty

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

80. Visit Santorini in Greece

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

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

81. See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

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

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

82. See your reflection at Salar de Uyuni

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

83. See the Dragons on Komodo Island

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

84. Tahiti in French Polynesia

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

85. Visit The Maldives

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

86. Stand in Times Square in New York City

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

87. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine

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

88. Visit Pompeii

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

89. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

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

90. Visit the Acropolis of Athens

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

91. Visit the British Museum

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

92. Visit the city of Lhasa and the Potala Palace

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

93. Tour the Colosseum in Rome

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

94. Visit the Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona

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

95. Visit the Grand Palace

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

96. Visit the Great Mosque of Cordoba

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

97. Visit the Louvre Museum

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

98. Visit Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia

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

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

99. Visit the Sistine Chapel

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

100. Visit the Summer Palace in China

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

101. See the White House

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

102. Visit Versailles

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

103. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

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

104. Walk around on Mont Saint-Michel

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

105. Walk on Giant’s Causeway in Ireland

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

106. Tour Chichen Itza of Mexico

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

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure .

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

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

Thanks for the tip!

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

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

Nice post! Thanks for sharing!

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

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

What a great list! Thanks for this post!

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

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

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

thank you for some great ideas and inspiration.

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

Mdina ❤️❤️❤️

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

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

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

Nice post, Thanks for sharing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16? Wow, that’s amazing

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

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

thanks for such an amazing and informative blog

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

It’s really amazing places and destinations for travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much.

Great Bucket List

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18 Bucket List Adventures You Need to Experience in 2021

A new year comes with new travel goals, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to help you find some worthy bucket list adventures!   

There are few things in life more exciting than planning where to go for your next trip. From researching when to go to considering what exciting adventures you’ll undertake, there is nothing better than dreaming up the next great travel experience.

It goes without saying that a new year comes with new travel goals, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to help you create the ultimate bucket list for 2021. We guarantee you won’t want to miss out on crossing off these epic experiences from your bucket list.                     

1. Embark on an incredible coast-to-coast road trip in the USA

What better way to see multiple destinations than with an epic cross-country road trip? From New York to San Francisco , the Grand Canyon or Big Sur and beyond, this trip will be one for the books. It’s time to live out your Jack Kerouac dreams from state to state this year.

Best time to go: All year-round, though summer and fall are best if you’re hoping for warmer temperatures.   

2. Kayak past massive icebergs in Disko Bay, Greenland

The name alone should be reason enough to add this once-in-a-lifetime experience to your list of must-do things in 2021. Located on Greenland’s west coast is the Ilulissat ice fjord and Jakobshavn Glacier. Picture paddling through a sea of icebergs that are probably older than most civilizations. Incredible, right? You might even spot a whale during your travels!     

Best time to go: You can feel like a Greenland pioneer at the coolest place on earth (pun intended) all year round. Go! Go! Go!

3. Make furry friends in Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill, Manitoba is known for it’s adorable (albeit somewhat dangerous) population of polar bears. Located in northern Manitoba, Canada,  this small community’s furry residents are the talk of the globe. The chances are that you’ve come across a photo of them in the past few months, relaxing in the snow, exuding what can only be described as chilled vibes. So, why not pack some extra layers and start exploring Manitoba? 

Best time to go:  The polar bear season is from July to November and changes due to migration patterns.

4. Hike Hawaii’s breathtaking Na Pali Coast

Whether you consider yourself a seasoned trekker or if you’re more of the enjoy-the-view-from-the-comfort-of-the-shore type of traveller, you need to hike along the Kalalau trail along the Na Pali coast. Standing tall at an astounding 4,000 feet, this picturesque peak in Kaua’i, Hawaii is equal parts challenging and rewarding. If you thought the view from below was impressive, you will be stunned by it from above.

Best time to go: Opt to go during the low season from April to June when there will be fewer crowds, and you will practically have the trail to yourself.

5. Go snorkelling in Ambergris Caye, Belize

If the first thought that enters your mind when you think of Belize is snorkelling, then you’re already on the right track. Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world (that’s right, there is more than one), Belize is truly a snorkeller’s dream. The country’s white sand beaches make it one of the best places in the world to go snorkelling. Situated a mere mile away from the reef is the tiny island of Ambergris Caye – a popular starting spot for snorkellers who want to take a closer look at what lies beneath the surface. So get your swimming gear, dive in and get ready to come face to face with nurse sharks, stingrays, colourful coral.                         

Best time to go: The best time to visit Belize is during November and April.   

6. Get your steps in at Patagonia

When it comes to impressive mountain ranges, Patagonia takes the cake. Stretching from Chile to Argentina , this rugged region is best known for challenging hikes and incredible views. Depending on your skill level, you can opt to complete a day hike or a longer trek in one of the many national parks and trails in the region. Take your pick from one of these iconic trails including Torres del Paine National Park, El Chaltén, El Chatén to Villa O’Higgins, Cabo Froward or Dientes de Navarino.

Best time to go: The best times to discover Patagonia is between November and March.

7. Trek up Namibia’s Dune 45 in Sossusvlei, Namibia

You’ve likely already seen the stunning images of striking red sand reaching upward to meet vibrant blue skies and thought to yourself that Namibia looks incredible – and you wouldn’t be wrong. Located in the southern part of the Namib Desert, Namibia’s breathtaking Sossusvlei National Park is truly a sight to be admired. But no visit is complete without trekking up the park’s impressive 170-metre tall dune, Dune 45. Aptly named after its proximity to the park entrance, this dune definitely deserves a spot on your 2021 bucket list. Though the journey up may be a bit challenging, running down the dune will make up for it.

Best time to go: Discover Namibia from June to October.

8. Take a ride on the Nine Arch Bridge in Sri Lanka

Part of the allure of visiting Sri Lanka is taking a ride on the iconic Nine Arch bridge. Built in the early 20th century using only rocks, brick and cement, the Nine Arch bridge is not only a unique architectural phenomenon but also a rather visually compelling piece of history too. Located in Ella, between the Ella and Damodara train stations, the bridge spans over 90-metres and stands at the height of 24-metres. The sun-bleached brick juxtaposed against the lush jungle backdrop is the reason thousands of visitors flock to the bridge each year, and why you should too. 

Best time to go: You can explore this picturesque bridge all-year round.

9. Go whale watching in Iceland

When you think of Iceland , what images pop up in your mind first? Is it the Game of Thrones-esque landscape? Or perhaps is it the powerful waterfalls that dot the country? Or maybe you instantly think of the northern lights dancing across the night sky? Whatever your first thought was, it probably wasn’t of our favourite sea creatures, whales. But if you’re planning a trip to Iceland, or just generally looking for an incredible experience to have, whale watching is the way to go. Picture coming face-to-face with one of nature’s most magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Even if you plan on skipping all of Iceland’s other iconic sites, this one is sure to make up for it.   

Best time to go: You can spot our mammal friends all-year round!              

10. Jump out of a plane in Mauritius

When it comes to bucket list adventures, few things are more exhilarating than jumping out of a moving plane. Though certainly not an activity for the faint of heart, skydiving is a rewarding experience. Where better to let go and float down from above than in Mauritius? Located in the Indian Ocean, this tiny island nation is the perfect place to discover the thrill of free falling thousands of feet. Not to mention, the view of crystal clear turquoise water that stretches out as far as the eye can see will have you feeling like you’ve just conquered the world.

Best time to go: Plan your adventure between May and December.

11. Catch some waves in Indonesia     

Home to over 54,716 kilometres of coastline, this island paradise is more than just a great place to sunbathe. Known best for its lush jungles, white sand beaches and the various active volcanoes that dot the island, travellers often overlook the country’s hidden gem – epic waves. Coveted by surfers around the world, you definitely don’t have to be a pro to enjoy these world-class waves.       

Best time to go: Plan your trip between April and October for the best waves.

See Also: The Maldives vs Bali: Which Tropical Paradise is For You?

12. Fall for Morocco’s Ouzoud Falls

From Iceland to New Zealand, 2021 is the perfect year to get back out there and go chase waterfalls. But forget Iguazu Falls or the equally breathtaking Victoria Falls and turn your head instead to the Ouzoud Falls in Morocco . Located in the middle of the Sahara desert, no trip to Morocco is complete without feasting your eyes on the stunning 360-foot tall Ouzoud falls.  

Best time to go: You can discover this breathtaking natural wonder all year-round.

13. Hit the slopes in Tyrol, Austria

Austria has long been a country for bucket list adventures. From the quaint village of Hallstatt to the bustling capital of Vienna, this European nation has can steal the hearts of travellers all over the world. Whether you’re new to the world of skiing, or you have already conquered some pretty impressive mountains (and hills alike), Tyrol deserves a spot on your growing bucket list. Home to over 2,000 kilometres of scenic routes suitable for all skill levels, Tyrol will turn even the most skeptical of skiers into winter sports enthusiasts.

Best time to go: Generally speaking, the ski season in Austria begins in December, and ends in March. Depending on the kind of ski experience you’re looking for, January and March are the best times to go. In January, the snow gods will bless you with fresh fluffy snow to ski through, though the days will be shorter and colder. If you’re looking for longer ski days and a somewhat warmer climate, head to Tyrol in March.  

14. Get above the clouds at Monteverde, Costa Rica

You may have already seen the stunning photos of a single green bridge suspended mid-air surrounded by fluffy clouds and lush green trees. If you did, you would have been taking in one of the many epic views at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Located in Monteverde, Costa Rica , the region’s diverse landscape and high elevation make it any traveller’s dream trip. From hiking, bird watching and breathtaking butterfly farms, to zip-lining and canyoning, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the perfectly picturesque destination for families and solo travellers alike. Grab your camera and become one with nature in Costa Rica.       

Best time to go: You can hang with nature whenever you want!  

15. Find tranquillity on a sailing adventure in Milford Sound, New Zealand

If the Internet taught us anything, it’s that there really is no better way to discover New Zealand’s incredible beauty than by sailing through it. And where better to sit back and take it all in than at Milford Sound? Located in New Zealand’s South Island, Milford Sound is the natural wonder you need to see for yourself. Sail along the waters reflective surface and find inner peace knowing that there really is no place on earth quite like it.

Best time to go: Milford Sound is incredible in every season. However, if you’re hoping to head over in the summer months, book a trip between November and March.        

16. Find yourself in the Lost City of Petra, Jordan

Carved directly into the colourful sand cliff faces in the Wadi Musa desert in Jordan lies the ancient city of Petra (Al Batra in Arabic). Once a thriving capital, the city was abandoned and left empty for centuries only to be re-discovered in the early 1800s. Since it’s rediscovery, this wonder has inspired thousands of explorers to explore this desert treasure each year. If you’re looking for exciting (and deeply historical) bucket list adventures, getting lost in the lost city is the way to go.               

Best time to go: Save yourself from heat stroke and plan your trip during Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November) when temperatures will be a lot more bearable.

17. Chase the northern lights in Norway

There’s no doubt that experiencing the spectacular aurora borealis is on every must-see list. Seen from a handful of northern countries across the globe, this highly sought-after natural phenomenon is actually a lot harder to spot than you’d think. Though very much a case of right-place-right-time, these dancing lights are best seen from the northernmost reaches of Norway . Hop on a flight to Svalbard, the town rumoured to have the best view and, well, wait for Mother Nature to do her thing.

Best time to go: Optimal northern lights viewing periods generally range from October to mid-March, so plan ahead to get the best deals.  

See Also: Iceland vs. Norway: Where to Next?

18. Experience Cherry Blossom Season In Japan       

Sakura season in Japan is like nothing else you’ll ever experience. The streets are filled with rows of blossoming cherry trees, they paint the city in a whimsical shade of light pink that is hard to resist falling in love with. Experience the Japanese custom of Hanami (flower viewing) first hand and find out why the cherry blossom season is the best season.

Best time to go: Cherry blossom season is typical in April, though on it can last until May in the north.

Are you ready to explore new places? Comment below and tell us about your bucket list adventures.

Psst…If you’re wondering where our feature image is located, it was taken in the Caucasus Mountains. You can find out more about this destination here . 

Sama is the Social Media Coordinator at TourRadar . She strongly believes in the power of narratives, because story matters. In her spare time, you can find this proud Aquarius reading Dan Brown novels, binge watching shows on Netflix, taking her camera on scenic walks, or discussing world issues over a slice of warm cheese pizza.

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10 Bucket List Experiences in Mexico for Adventure Seekers

Mexico is an incredible destination for adventure seekers, offering thrilling experiences across its diverse landscapes—from lush jungles and towering mountains to vast deserts and deep blue seas.

As a travel expert that lives in Mexico, I’ve been lucky enough to explore this beautiful country and tick off some of the bucket list experiences that Mexico has to offer.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover, or cultural enthusiast, here are 7 must-do experiences in Mexico for your adventure bucket list.

Planning a trip to Mexico? Use my favorite travel resources!

🏨 Hotels: Expedia or Booking.com ✈️ Flights: Skyscanner 🚗 Rental Cars: Discover Cars 🤿 Tours & Activities: Viator 🚨 Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance Master

1. Flying in a Hot Air Balloon Over Teotihuacan

Flying in a hot air balloon over the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan near Mexico City offers a breathtaking perspective on one of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites.

As you drift silently above the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon at sunrise, the sight of these ancient structures emerging from the morning mist is truly magical.

I personally did this experience last year and it was one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve ever done!

2. Swimming With Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres

If swimming with sharks is on your bucket list, then good news—you can do it in Mexico with whale sharks that are actually gentle giants!

From mid-May-September, these magnificent creatures migrate to the waters around Isla Mujeres where you can snorkel alongside them and witness their graceful movements up close.

I personally swam with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres when I first moved to Mexico and it was so incredible! Trust me, it’s not as scary as it sounds!

3. Hiking to the Top of an Active Volcano in Colima

For those who love a challenging and adrenaline-pumping adventure, hiking to the top of an active volcano should definitely be on your bucket list.

Colima is known as one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, offering a thrilling and unique experience for hikers.

While it is a difficult climb, the reward of standing at the summit and witnessing the raw power of nature is incomparable.

4. Ziplining Through Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon in Chihuahua is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, but it offers even more opportunities for adventure seekers.

One of the most popular activities is ziplining through the canyon, where you can soar through the air and take in breathtaking views of this natural wonder.

There are also options to go on hikes or bike rides through the canyon for a more immersive experience.

5. Surfing in Puerto Escondido

Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches and surf culture, and one of the best places to catch some waves is in Puerto Escondido on the Pacific Coast.

With consistent and challenging waves, this is a dream destination for surfers of all levels.

There are also plenty of surf schools and rental shops for those looking to learn or improve their skills.

6. Scuba Diving in Cozumel

Cozumel is a popular destination for scuba diving due to its crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life.

It’s located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, which is the second-largest coral reef in the world (only second to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia).

Divers can explore colorful corals, swim alongside sea turtles, and even spot some larger marine species like sharks and rays.

There’s also some shipwrecks such as the Felipe Xicotencatl, which was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef, for more experienced divers to explore.

7. Trekking to Waterfalls in Chiapas

The southern state of Chiapas is home to some of Mexico’s most beautiful waterfalls, including the famous Agua Azul and Misol-Ha.

These cascading falls are surrounded by lush jungles and offer a refreshing break from the heat.

Visitors can hike along trails to different viewpoints or even take a dip in the natural pools at the base of the waterfalls.

8. Paragliding in Valle de Bravo

Valle de Bravo, a charming town nestled by a beautiful lake and surrounded by forested mountains, is one of Mexico’s top paragliding destinations.

Soaring above this scenic vista provides breathtaking views and a rush unlike any other.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paraglider, the stable thermals around Valle de Bravo offer ideal conditions for a memorable flight.

9. Whitewater Rafting on the Río Antigua

For those who crave rapid waters, the Río Antigua in Veracruz offers exhilarating whitewater rafting experiences.

Navigate through class III and IV rapids surrounded by lush tropical scenery and rugged canyon walls.

This thrilling adventure not only tests your paddling skills but also immerses you in the raw beauty of Veracruz’s landscapes.

10. Sandboarding in the Samalayuca Dunes

The Samalayuca Dunes in Chihuahua offer a unique Mexican adventure—sandboarding.

These vast, wind-sculpted sand dunes provide the perfect terrain for sandboarding, combining the thrill of snowboarding with the warmth of the desert.

It’s an exhilarating way to experience one of Mexico’s lesser-known landscapes.

Each of these 7 experiences offers a unique adventure that highlights the natural wonders and cultural richness of Mexico.

For adventure seekers, these activities are not just thrilling pursuits but also gateways to exploring the diverse and dynamic landscapes of this beautiful country.

• 7 Incredible Natural Wonders in Mexico You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
• 10 Hidden Gems in the Yucatan Peninsula Away From the Crowds
• 7 Unforgettable Experiences in Riviera Maya That Go Beyond the Beach

🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?

These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:

🏨 Hotels : I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com . If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!

✈️ Flights : I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.

🚗 Rental Cars : I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.

🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation : I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!

🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.

🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.

☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen : Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list ! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen , which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Allison Sicking is the founder of Viva La Travelista. After moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2018, she created her travel blog to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. Using her Spanish language skills and expertise in Mexico travel, she is passionate about teaching others to travel Mexico like a local.

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A bucket list is a collection of goals, dreams, and aspirations that you hope to achieve or experience before you die. The term ‘bucket list’ is derived from the phrase ‘kick the bucket’, which is an English expression for dying.

A travel bucket list is your personal list of destinations and experiences you want to of visiting and accomplish in your lifetime.

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Use their destination guides and simple itineraries to plan your trip.

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220 bucket list ideas to change your life

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What's a bucket list?

Should i have a bucket list, how to create a bucket list, the different kinds of bucket lists, 220 ideas to put on a bucket list, time to make it real, moving forward.

Close your eyes and complete this sentence: “Before I die, I want to….”

This is your first step in creating your bucket list.

The idea of the bucket list — the experiences we want to have before we "kick the bucket" — has captured our collective imagination for years.  

It might seem a bit sad to think about, but we all dream of things we want to do before our time is up. It isn't always about "before we die," but it creates a sense of urgency.

Creating and updating a list of what you hope to see or do keeps us in touch with what we find moving and inspiring. The list keeps us dreaming, motivated , and w orking hard. It helps us stay excited about life and connected with what might fulfill our sense of purpose .

Bucket list ideas can be as grand or as simple as you like. But they should align with who you are and what you care about. They’re rooted in your interests, purpose, and passions — the things that get you up in the morning. 

The idea is simple: dream it up, write it down, and do it. In practice, though, you might find it difficult. After all, self-reflection takes time — an asset that comes at a premium these days.

Thankfully, we’re here to help you get started. Here are some of our best bucket list ideas to inspire you.

A bucket list is a list of experiences someone wants to have at some point in their life. They’re a fun method of life-planning that can include professional and personal goals or anything else you can imagine. 

Your list will undoubtedly differ from your mom’s, friend’s, or coworker’s — and that’s okay. A bucket list should reflect what you value and desire. 

Having a bucket list isn’t for everyone — it depends on you and how you find fulfillment. But it helps motivate you in your everyday life . It can’t hurt to dream big, so here are some things to consider if you’re going to write one.

Pros of having a bucket list

1. it’s a measurable form of progress.

Your bucket list acts as a roadmap that you can follow. It’ll help you stay on track, prioritize, and budget for your dreams. Having a life plan is smart, but does your 5-year-plan only include professional milestones? You deserve to have a dream plan, too.

2. It gives you things to look forward to

Hope is powerful, and making a bucket list gives people a reason to nurture that spark and anticipate what’s to come when the days feel long. These goals are also great extrinsic motivators — something you should include in your personal reward system .

3. It makes life more meaningful

Bucket lists help us look past the monotonous or daily grind to bigger and better things. Life exists beyond our self-improvement books and office cubicles. A bucket list encourages you to seek out these new experiences. You have the opportunity to engage with the world, and yourself, outside of your everyday life. 

4. It helps you avoid languishing

If you’re feeling unmotivated, inspired, and kind of “blah” overall, you might be languishing . If you’re in this middle state , stress can affect you more, and your mental health might suffer. Having a bucket list — and something to look forward to — will keep you excited about life and ready to take on tomorrow.

Cons of having a bucket list

1. the fulfillment is only temporary.

Unfortunately, most of the experiences people have on their lists are temporary. The experience might be fantastic at the moment, but the moment will pass. It quickly becomes a memory. 

2. It only works for those who find meaning in reaching benchmarks

Spending more time with family and having a stable job is enough for many people. But many other people are daydreamers with additional goals. This kind of imagination is especially important for young adults. They have a whole life ahead of them, and setting goals will help them find their own type of fulfillment.

3. You may feel like you’re failing

If you haven’t crossed off something on your list or didn’t experience something by a particular age, it might lead to self-doubt or feelings of failure . Leaving dreams unfulfilled damages our self-esteem.

4. It can be superficial and performative

Some people like to share and talk about their bucket lists. That can create a sense of competition and one-up-manship. It can make us focus on big Instagrammable experiences rather than deeper, quieter everyday experiences that create life satisfaction and meaning .

Include anything you like on your bucket list. List career goals , travel destinations, health, finance, or relationship goals. It can be as long or as short as you want. Really, if you can dream it, you can do it. 

Creating your list can feel overwhelming. It takes Inner Work® and self-reflection to create a list that aligns with your values. There are many ways you can approach this. But, if you need a hand, BetterUp is here . Our coaches can help you figure out what matters to you and thrive. 

Your list might be very long if you try to put everything down at once. If you’re overwhelmed by all you want to do, try breaking it down into categories. Here are some examples of divided bucket lists: 

• Travel destinations
• Career goals
• Foods you want to try
• Skills or hobbies you’d like to learn
• Bands you’d like to see
• Fears to overcome

Each list can contain experiences related to your interests. Think about your current career, passions, and hobbies, and turn those into cool bucket list ideas. 

We asked some of our friends and colleagues for ideas from their bucket lists. Here are 220 possible bucket list examples to get you thinking: 

• Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, like Grand Canyon National Park — the type of "awe" inspired by the vastness of nature has a powerful effect on our well-being
• Try the street food in Mexico (or any other country where the street scene seems exotic relative to your day-to-day) 
• Go bungee jumping
• Road trip across Canada on the Alaskan Highway
• Take a multi-day railroad trip in a sleeper car
• Drink beer at Oktoberfest
• See the Northern Lights 
• Visit New York City for an iconic event (Thanksgiving Day Parade or New Year's Eve)
• Try skinny dipping
• Eat shark in Iceland
• Visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras
• Hike to Machu Picchu in Peru
• Visit the sand beaches of Hawaii, Galapagos, Indonesia, or the Dead Sea
• Go horseback riding
• Try kayaking down rapids
• Ride a gondola in Venice, Italy
• Find a job you love
• Retire early
• Visit Tokyo, Japan
• Have children
• Go snorkeling or scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia 
• See elephants in Thailand 
• Go vegetarian for a month
• Walk on the Great Wall of China
• Learn how to play guitar (or any other instrument)
• Make a meal with food entirely grown in your garden
• Set up a college fund for your children 
• Become debt-free
• Earn a second college degree
• Touch six out of the seven continents
• Learn a new language
• Become a manager
• Adopt a pet
• Go skydiving
• Write a book
• Be a background cast member in a movie
• Fill a room with completed puzzles 
• Become a homeowner
• Volunteer for your local school board
• Live in a foreign country
• Swim in all four oceans
• Perform at a local open-mic night
• Ride in a hot air balloon
• Learn to snowboard
• Attend the Olympics
• Explore the Amazon in Brazil
• Eat pho in Halong Bay, Vietnam
• Try a zipline
• Take a picture in front of the White House
• Mentor a young professional in your industry
• Go camping in the desert
• Drive along the entire coast of California
• Complete your master’s degree or Ph.D
• See a concert at the Hollywood Bowl
• Hike up a mountain in Chile
• Run a marathon
• Record a music album
• Read all the books by your favorite author
• Go white water rafting
• Own a sports car or motorcycle
• Start a scholarship fund in your name
• Volunteer on a board of directors
• Write a screenplay
• Learn a complicated recipe and cook it for your friends
• Sleep at an ice hotel
• See a show on broadway
• Try a crazy hairstyle
• Treat yourself to a spa day
• Take your family to Disney World
• Coach a kids soccer team
• Visit major cultural landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in France, the Taj Mahal in India, the pyramids of Egypt, Petra in Jordan, the Colosseum in Greece, Stonehenge in England, or Christ the Redeemer in Brazil
• Explore the stunning temples of Bagan in Myanmar
• Take a helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef
• Visit the beautiful lakes and castles of the Canadian Rockies
• Go on a food tour in Bangkok, Thailand
• See a show on Broadway
• Coach a kid's soccer team
• Visit the beautiful temples of Bangkok, Thailand
• Go on a camel trek in the Sahara Desert
• Attend a traditional fiesta in Spain
• Explore the historic city of Kyoto, Japan
• Take a cruise to the stunning glaciers of Alaska
• Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii in Italy
• Experience a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring)
• Explore the ancient city of Petra in Jordan
• Go on a wine-tasting tour in Tuscany, Italy
• Visit the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
• Attend a traditional Maasai tribe ceremony in Kenya
• Explore the historic streets of Prague, Czech Republic
• Attend a flamenco show in Seville, Spain
• Take a cooking class in the south of France
• Go on a wildlife safari in South Africa
• Visit the stunning beaches of Seychelles
• Attend a traditional tea ceremony in China
• Explore the ancient ruins of Tikal in Guatemala
• Take a cruise to Antarctica
• Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, Turkey
• Explore the historic city of Cartagena, Colombia
• Go on a cultural tour of the temples in Cambodia
• Attend a traditional tango show in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Take a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
• Visit the stunning fjords of New Zealand
• Go on a wildlife safari in Tanzania
• Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau
• Explore the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza in Mexico
• Take a cruise along the Norwegian fjords
• Visit the breathtaking Great Wall of China
• Go on a wildlife safari in India's national parks
• Attend a traditional Aboriginal ceremony in Australia
• Take up a new hobby, such as gardening, knitting, or woodworking
• Learn to code and build a website or an app
• Learn to meditate and practice mindfulness regularly
• Start your own business or pursue entrepreneurship
• Start a local shelter or charity organization
• Start a blog or vlog about a topic you're passionate about
• Learn to dance a specific style, such as salsa, hip-hop, or ballet
• Take a gourmet cooking class and master a signature dish
• Learn how to rock climb
• Learn to surf
• Organize a charity event for a cause you care about
• Learn to practice yoga and achieve advanced poses
• Become a mentor for someone in need of guidance and support
• Write an e-book on a topic you're knowledgeable about
• Take up gardening and grow your own fruits, vegetables, or flowers
• Learn to play chess and participate in local tournaments
• Start a podcast and share your knowledge or experiences with the world
• Learn to swim or improve your swimming skills
• Take up woodworking and create your own furniture
• Volunteer at a local hospital or healthcare facility
• Take a self-defense class and learn to protect yourself
• Learn to juggle or perform other circus skills
• Start a journal or blog to document your personal growth journey
• Take up calligraphy or hand-lettering and create beautiful art
• Learn to bake and master a variety of delicious desserts
• Take up astronomy and learn about the stars
• Learn to play a strategic board game, like chess or Go
• Learn to do magic tricks
• Take up archery
• Learn to sew or tailor your own clothes
• Start a YouTube channel and share your passions and talents
• Take up birdwatching
• Learn to do basic car maintenance and repairs
• Volunteer at a local school and help children with their studies
• Learn to do pottery or ceramics
• Start a gratitude journal and practice gratitude daily
• Attend a SuperBowl
• Go on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset
• Have a bonfire and stargaze on a clear night
• Go on a camping trip and disconnect from technology
• Have a movie marathon of your favorite films
• Go on a scenic hike that challenges you
• Have a themed dinner party with friends or loved ones
• Go on a road trip
• Take a scenic bike ride along the coast
• Start your own business or become an entrepreneur
• Speak at a major industry conference or event
• Become a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs or professionals in your field
• Collaborate with a renowned industry leader or influencer
• Become a thought leader and contribute to industry publications or blogs
• Win a prestigious industry award or recognition for your business
• Launch a successful crowdfunding campaign for a business or project
• Acquire or merge with another company to expand your business
• Attend a high-profile business summit or networking event
• Develop and launch a philanthropic initiative tied to your business
• Start a community garden or participate in a local gardening project.
• Donate blood regularly and help save lives
• Join a disaster relief organization and assist in providing aid during emergencies
• Offer free workshops to empower others in your community
• Create care packages for the homeless and distribute them in your city
• Explore all of the national parks in your region
• Take a nature photography expedition and capture stunning landscapes
• Go kayaking or canoeing in a calm river or lake
• Go horseback riding through beautiful trails
• Have a bonfire and roast marshmallows for s'mores
• Take a dip in a natural swimming hole or waterfall
• Go on a wildlife safari and observe animals in their natural habitats
• Have a nature-inspired art session and create artwork using natural materials
• Participate in a tree planting or environmental conservation project
• Take a sunrise or sunset hike
• Go to a nature-inspired photography or painting workshop
• Learn to identify constellations and stargaze at night.
• Try geocaching and embark on a treasure hunt in nature
• Try outdoor rock climbing or rappelling.
• Go on a nature-inspired picnic and prepare food with fresh, local ingredients
• Have a family-friendly nature scavenger hunt with riddles and clues
• Explore a nature reserve or wildlife sanctuary
• Take a guided horseback riding tour through scenic landscapes
• Go on a nature-themed geology or fossil-hunting expedition
• Have a family camping trip and share stories around the campfire
• Try your hand at outdoor photography, capturing flora, fauna, and landscapes
• Explore a local botanical garden or arboretum
• Try outdoor cooking and prepare meals over a campfire or grill
• Learn about wildlife tracking and identify animal footprints and signs
• Start an annual community clean-up event in a local park
• Travel to at least 10 different countries and experience diverse cultures
• Start a family
• Build and live in your dream home
• Achieve financial stability and independence
• Learn a new language fluently
• Volunteer regularly for a cause you deeply care about
• Climb a major mountain
• Achieve a specific career milestone or reach a desired professional position
• Complete a degree or pursue higher education
• Make a significant contribution to scientific research or innovation
• Travel to space or experience zero gravity
• Learn to surf, ski, or participate in an extreme sport that excites you
• Learn to paint, draw, or express your creativity through art

These are just a few of our best bucket list items. Yours will look different, and that’s the point. The possibilities are endless.

Ready to make your bucket list a reality? The first step is to write it down. Listing your goals in a journal can make them feel more real. There are no rules for how to journal, so you can organize your notebook however you want. But if you’re looking for a place to start, consider these journaling techniques:

• Manifestation journal : Whether you want to hike in New Zealand or be an ocean scientist in Maine, you must open yourself up to the possibilities. Use future-minded thinking to make your bucket list a reality. 
• Gratitude journal : Keep a place to reflect on the special things you’ve done so far. This will be a great motivator to keep working on your list!
• Ideas journal: A dumping ground for all of your wildest dreams and ideas. Try not to filter yourself — the sky’s the limit! You can come back to them to see if they work as true bucket list items or if they were just fleeting ideas.
• Daily journal: Use your notebook to set daily goals , reflect on your experiences, and document your adventures. This will help you discover what activities are most meaningful to you.
• Vision journal: Instead of writing down your bucket list, why not visualize it? Create a vision board or scrapbook of everything you want to do.

If pen-and-paper isn’t your sty le, you can create your list in a computer document or spreadsheet. Better yet, create a profile on bucketlist.org or bucklist.net . Signing up will grant you access to customizable lists and goal-tracking tools. Plus, you can connect with other bucket listers online and be inspired by their achievements. 

"One day, you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.” 

Best-selling author Paulo Coelho had it right. 

According to a 2018 study, the average employee will spend 25% of their lives working . But what we do with the other 75% of our lives is up to us. It’s important to carve out time to enjoy what the world offers, make new friends, create new family traditions , and build memories.

Having and following through on your bucket list ideas is a form of self-care . Whether you want to create a travel bucket list to go to Spain or prioritize your family and career, it’s never too late to start chasing your dreams and prioritize your emotional well-being . The world can be an overwhelming, even scary place, but you’re capable of anything you set your mind to. 

Now that you’ve made your list of things, it’s time to go out and start making those ambitions a reality — even if it's outside your comfort zone . That’s where you’ll grow. 

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Allaya Cooks-Campbell

With over 15 years of content experience, Allaya Cooks Campbell has written for outlets such as ScaryMommy, HRzone, and HuffPost. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and is a certified yoga instructor as well as a certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach. Allaya is passionate about whole-person wellness, yoga, and mental health.

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Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy dives into ways to save this summer.

Many travelers have their sights set on summer getaways , but with everything from baggage fees to fuel costs impacting the price of a ticket, "Good Morning America" is asking travel experts to share tips for booking bucket list destinations on a budget and finding savings along the way.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, senior director of content for The Points Guy, offered his tips for affordable travel techniques.

Where to find the best flight deals

Kelvin encourages travelers to utilize Google Flights and other free price-tracking tools to compare fare prices and snag the best deal.

He also suggests using both the calendar and map features within Google Flights to see which airports, dates and destinations how the lowest fare.

From the Google Flights homepage on a computer, click "explore destinations" and select a departure city without adding a destination. Then zoom out on the map to see the best prices for destinations all over the world.

Get the most out of free travel loyalty programs

Travelers should be earning points for anything and everything that they are buying or booking from airline and hotels to car rentals, Kelvin said.

In addition to the points that can can help travelers earn free flights and hotel stays, Kelvin said to look for extra perks just for joining.

Hyatt rewards, for example, offers all guests free breakfast.

For Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental, he said you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver for free.

Loyalty programs are great for airlines too. JetBlue, for example, allows enrolled customers -- even if they don't have enough points for a flight -- to use points for discounts. Plus, with any airline, as you accumulate points to earn status, you can get free seating upgrades.

Travel credit cards with cash back perks

Along with earning points, travel credit cards give you protection for your trip like insurance to help with lost or damaged baggage and trip cancellation protection

Chase debuts new airport lounge: Gourmet menus, sleek interiors, free facials redefine hospitality for airport travel

As for credit cards, The Points Guy team suggests the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card as an all-around pick -- you get 75,000 miles after meeting your minimum spend in the first three months. Which Kelvin said is a value of over $1,300.

If you're looking to earn the most miles, he said look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

"You'll earn the most points on all your purchases with this one," he said.

Finally, if you want a credit card with no fee, Kelvin suggested the Bilt Mastercard, which he said is particularly great for renters because you can earn points on what's likely someone's biggest expense.

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If someone's trip is taking them out of the country, using a cell phone internationally can cost $10 to 15 per day. For a family of four, that's more than $400 for a week.

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For example, one of Airalo's global SIM plans costs $9 for one week, which could save a family close to $350 dollars, depending on their existing international coverage.

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99 Of The World’s Best Travel Experiences For Your Bucket List In 2024

Posted: January 29, 2024 | Last updated: January 29, 2024

How many will you tick off this year?

We've all got a bucket list of must-see sights and experiences we want to have around the world and ours just seems to be getting longer by the day. From amazing adventures to dream destinations, here are 99 of the world's most unmissable travel experiences for 2024 and beyond.

Click through the gallery to boost your bucket list and get inspired by our round-up of the year's hottest travel experiences.

Plan a trip to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

There's lots going for the Egyptian capital in 2024, with the headline event being the much-anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, scheduled to finally swing wide its doors around the middle of the year. Check into the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza for a luxurious base from which to explore the new museum, the eternally fascinating pyramids and more of the region's incredible historic sites, such as Khan el-Khalili (the Middle East's oldest open-air market) and Cairo's 12th-century citadel.

Visit a fairy-tale castle in Germany

The 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle, perched on a hill high above the Bavarian countryside, is one of the most famous in the world. Put your best hiking boots on and trek up the rugged hill to explore the idyllic castle and its astonishing interior.

Honeymoon (or not) in the Maldives

A reputation for incomparable luxury, flawless talcum-powder beaches and superlative marine life make the Maldives a popular honeymoon destination. But you don’t need to walk down the aisle to enjoy this slice of paradise. Maldives tourism is diversifying from exclusive Indian Ocean resorts to include welcoming guesthouses. With 1,200 islands and bucket-list worthy beaches throughout, island-hopping by flight or speedboat is an exciting option too.

Circle Lake Garda, Italy

Most guides recommend enjoying the sublime scenery of Lake Garda from the water and, luckily enough, ferries sail up and down between the main towns. But there’s another, more dramatic way to discover Garda’s quieter waterside villages; zip in and out of tunnels as you drive along the lakeside road and admire the scenery from the winding route that carves through the mountainside.

Go bird spotting in Singapore

Sleek skyscrapers, sparkling shopping malls, super-duper transport – all present and correct. Now a welcome push to make Singapore more eco-friendly has resulted in some wonderful green spaces, which must be seen to be believed. Newly opened Bird Paradise (pictured) at Mandai Wildlife Reserve – Asia's largest bird park – allows visitors to spot birds from all over the globe, from the Amazon to Antarctica. You can also get up close to the avian residents through keeper-led talks and feeding sessions.

Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru

Brave the altitude to admire the picturesque Andes as you take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru's 15th-century, UNESCO-listed Inca citadel. There are three one-way routes to try, while for non-hikers (or tired feet on the way back) there's also a train that takes you most of the way to the site. You'll need to book a permit well in advance of your visit to Machu Picchu which, as of January 2024, will be by timed entry.

Stand before the Taj Mahal, India

Celebrate the Festival de Santiago Apostol, Puerto Rico

In a beachy suburb of San Juan, Puerto Rico (pictured), a marvelous spectacle takes place every July: the Festival de Santiago Apostol, a Caribbean take on the festival of St James. A lively parade goes through the streets of Loiza, where costumed characters dressed in masks made of coconut wood do battle with Spanish-styled knights – representing a struggle between good and evil. In the background you'll hear the thumping sound of Puerto Rico's 'bomba' music, the beat of which responds to the movement of colorfully-skirted dancers – not the other way around. 

See great art in Florence, Italy

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a city that has to be savored slowly. From the distinct Ponte Vecchio stretching across the Arno river to the imposing Florence Cathedral rising high above the historic center, there are reminders of Florence's storied history on every corner. The city's great museums – The Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademie – are filled with some of the world's most famous masterpieces, including Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Michelangelo's David. 

Visit the greenest city in the world

Denmark's capital Copenhagen has long been focused on sustainability and it looks like it's edging closer to fulfilling its aim to become carbon-neutral by 2030. As travelers aim to be more eco-conscious, Copenhagen is the best place to visit to see what the future of travel looks like. Visitors can swim in a busy urban harbor, dine on organic food everywhere, stay at a hotel with an eco-certificate and ski down the roof of a green-energy power station. 

Go leaf-peeping in Maine, USA

Every year in autumn, New England's foliage puts on a spectacular show of color as the trees transition from green to shades of red, yellow and orange. Maine is often the favorite state for leaf-peeping, and it's easy to see why: between long stretches of road lined with ember-colored leaves are adorable coastal towns, stocked with lighthouses, white-paneled cottages and cozy coffee shops to refuel at. 

See the moai on Easter Island

This UNESCO-protected Chilean island is best known for its moai, hundreds of stone statues scattered around the landscape. Dating from between AD 1100 and 1680, some are almost whole figures, some are just giant heads, but how they were moved around the island remains a mystery. A previously undiscovered moai was found in a dry lake bed in 2023, prompting renewed interest in the island's remarkable monoliths, quarried mostly from volcanic ash.

Catch the Northern Lights

Iceland, Canada and Alaska are all among the best places for spotting the colorful shimmering of the aurora borealis, however, Norway's Lofoten Archipelago just might be the most beautiful. Characterized by dramatic scenery, traditional fishermen's houses and short Arctic winter days, it's the perfect setting for a wilder winter adventure spotting the Northern Lights.

Explore Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Go wild in the Galapagos

From the world's largest tortoises to colorful crabs and a huge variety of birds, the Galapagos are a haven for wildlife. Charles Darwin sailed here on the Beagle and now visitors can trace his journey on their own adventure cruise.

Island-hop in Greece

Greece's islands range from built-up party hotspots to traditional places where few tourists venture and everything in between. Ferries from Athens will get you to islands such as Santorini (pictured), with its photogenic hillside houses, or Milos, with its blissful beaches.

Paddle through the Grand Canyon, USA

Track mountain gorillas in East Africa

Drift through Kerala's backwaters, India

Between the beaches and the highlands of the South Indian state of Kerala lies a verdant region criss-crossed by waterways and dotted with traditional villages. A boat trip, either for an afternoon or for several days, will let you soak up the views and catch a glimpse of rural Keralan life.

Immerse yourself in music in Vienna, Austria

Known as the 'City of Music,' Vienna has a truly incredible offering when it comes to opera, ballet and classical music concerts. Performances at the Staatsoper (opera house) include some of the world's finest singers, musicians and conductors, while the opera's ballet company will certainly woo lovers of beauty and grace. For a more interactive experience, though, head to Vienna's Museum of Sound for five floors of installations and exhibitions – including one that lets you conduct your own orchestra.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The huge physical and emotional effort of climbing Africa's highest mountain is all worth it once you reach the summit, where you'll find glistening glaciers, incredible views and a distinct feeling of self-satisfaction. You don't have to be marathon-runner fit either, it's all about taking the pace 'pole pole' (slowly slowly), as the Swahili-speaking guides say.

Join the party at Rio Carnival, Brazil

Watch the Great Migration, East Africa

The Great Migration sees around 1.5 million wildebeest (plus 200,000 zebras) make their way across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Time your safari right and you'll be in for one amazing wildlife experience.

Walk the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Indonesia

A must-have experience in Bali, visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terraces feels like traveling back in time. One of the most visited attractions on the Indonesian island, the lush green rice fields can get quite busy during the day but go early in the morning and you'll have this UNESCO World Heritage Site all to yourself.

Ride the train in Darjeeling, India

The pretty Indian tea town of Darjeeling is not only worth visiting in its own right, but also for the chance to take a scenic railway journey through the foothills of the Himalayas. While the full route, from New Jalpaiguri, is served by a modern diesel engine, for a more romantic experience try the two-hour Darjeeling-Ghum tourist service, operated by steam train. 

Visit the White House, Washington DC, USA

A visit to the US capital and government HQ is a must – if only to admire the imposing architecture. Take a free tour of the White House (pictured) and imagine holding down the most powerful job in the world, especially as the country gears up for the 2024 elections. Don't forget to explore the city's gorgeous greenery, particularly the glorious garden at Dumbarton Oaks museum, where the offering of blooms changes month to month.

Go salsa dancing in Havana, Cuba

Travel on the newest incarnation of the Orient Express

Set to enter service in 2024, the shiny new Orient Express La Dolce Vita is the original Belle Epoque train's energetic younger sister. Taking design inspiration from mid-century warm hues and bold patterns, La Dolce Vita is a love letter to the 1960s and offers passengers the enviable opportunity to explore Italy by train in the most special way. While the final schedule of 2024 departures has not yet been confirmed, prospective guests can now register for the priority list to be among the first to know when it has.

Find out why Rio de Janeiro is the Marvelous City

Often called the Marvelous City (Cidade Maravilhosa in Portuguese), Rio de Janeiro is packed with fascinating things to do: see masterpiece modern architecture by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer alongside opulent Portuguese-style buildings from the colonial era, eat at Michelin-starred restaurants that frequently fuse different cuisines into something uniquely delicious, or simply play a game of volleyball on one of the city's impossibly cool beaches.

Get lost in the souks of Marrakech, Morocco

Once you enter a Moroccan souk it can be tough to leave – either because there's so much to see, or you simply can't find your way out. Marrakech is home to some of the best, selling everything from spices and tea to kaftans and tiles. Plus, there are plenty of other things to keep you entertained, including the incredibly Instagram-friendly Jardin Majorelle – a gorgeous villa and garden restored in the 20th century by French designer Yves Saint Laurent.

Marvel at Gaudi’s handiwork in Barcelona, Spain

You can barely turn a corner in Barcelona without stumbling across one of Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces. The Catalonian architect’s best-known work is the Sagrada Familia, a towering basilica that’s as impressive inside as it is out: although it's not quite finished yet, it is set to be completed by 2026. Make time too for the intricate Casa Batllo and the whimsical Park Guell (pictured), which offers panoramic views over the city. 

See the snow monkeys, Japan

If you're planning a visit to Tokyo, make time for the 90-minute train trip north of the Japanese capital to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Although the snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques, probably won't be bathing in the onsen until the weather gets cold, there will still be plenty of animals to spot at other times of the year to make the journey worthwhile.

Go tiger-spotting in Rajasthan, India

Tour Costa Rica’s canopy

Whether it’s ziplining above a cloud forest or spotting birds from a suspension bridge, the best way to explore Costa Rica is from a height. The world's top ecotourism destination, Costa Rica was one of the earliest adopters of connecting nature conservation with responsible travel. Staying at the country's eco-lodges and treetop hotels is already on many a traveler's bucket list, however, as the future shifts to sustainable and eco-friendly travel, Costa Rica is only going to grow in popularity.

Soak up the culture in Galway, Ireland

Often cited as the most Irish city in Ireland, it's perhaps no surprise that visiting Galway is a great bet. A harbor city on Ireland's west coast, facing the unforgiving winds and waves of the Atlantic, Galway is full of life. Defined by buskers, pints of Guinness in pubs and an up-and-coming food scene, the city makes for a culture-packed weekend break. Don't forget to grab a couple of scoops of caramelized brown bread ice cream at Murphy's.

Opt for a sunny break in Rijeka, Croatia

If you'd much rather escape to warmer climes, Rijeka is a top pick for culture fans. Visitors traveling to Croatia have long preferred Dubrovnik, Split or Zadar for their breaks, but that's slowly changing. Known as the gateway to Croatia's islands, Rijeka underwent a serious facelift in preparation for becoming a European Capital of Culture in 2020. A number of new venues opened as a result, including the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which allows visitors to browse works by innovative up-and-coming artists.

Dress up for the Venice Carnival, Italy

This annual celebration, marking the beginning of Lent, is a wonderful time to explore one of the most famous cities in the world. People dress up in elaborate masks and costumes, making Venice's slim streets even more picturesque and atmospheric. Book your tickets for the Grand Ball and become someone else for the night.

Visit the most romantic city in the world

No first-time visit to Paris is complete without going up the Eiffel Tower. However, there are many other viewing points to enjoy the vistas of the city. Try the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur or Center Pompidou, and head to the Arc de Triomphe for spectacular views of Paris at night. Equally brilliant from the ground, the City of Light has a dazzling array of museums, from the legendary Louvre to the iconic Musee d'Orsay.

Walk the Great Wall of China

Stretching thousands of miles across China, various iterations of the Great Wall have existed since the 7th century BC – though most of what you can see today dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). You can't walk the entire thing, but some sections are an easy day trip from Beijing.

Walk through time in Rome, Italy

Nearly 3,000 years old, the Italian capital is a living, breathing museum. From the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum to the 18th-century Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna, each century has left its mark. Perhaps the most spectacular of all is the Vatican, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, that holds such treasures as the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. 

Fly a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia's surreal landscapes, decorated by unique rock formations, make for a spectacular hot air balloon ride. Fly over the impressive valleys, see local orchards and vineyards and experience breathtaking sunsets. 

Journey along the Silk Road in Uzbekistan

Once a trade route that connected east and west, the Silk Road snakes its way from eastern China through Central Asia all the way to Greece and Italy. Whether you choose to travel by car or train, backpack or go on a guided tour, tracing the steps of the ancient traders has become significantly easier as countries like Uzbekistan have relaxed their visa policy. There is hope that in the future a united Silk Road visa will allow travelers to visit Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as well as Uzbekistan under one permit.

Overindulge at Oktoberfest, Germany

Held annually in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest is the biggest beer festival in the world. Accompanied by delicious German sausages, folk music and lots of other festivities, Oktoberfest celebrates the best of Bavarian culture.

Be in awe of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Feel the power! With a 164-foot drop, Niagara Falls has the world’s highest flow rate and you’ll be captivated by the sight of the gushing waters and almost deafened by their thundering roar. After dark, the Falls make a different impression, with multicolored illuminations and (from May to October and select dates over the holiday season) a nightly firework display. Visitors can now also stroll through the tunnels of the Niagara Parks Power Station to a brand-new observation deck at the Niagara River's edge.

Swim at the world's best beach in Brazil

Crowned number one in Tripadvisor's annual Travelers' Choice awards in 2023, Brazil's Baia do Sancho is a picturesque and undisturbed stretch of sand, located on the small island of Fernando de Noronha off the coast of central Brazil. Consistently ranked among the world's best beaches, it's a quiet spot surrounded by rainforest and is only accessible via steep steps carved into the rockside that hugs it.

Visit an orangutan sanctuary, Borneo, Malaysia

Visit Stonehenge, England, UK

Mystery cloaks the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. Get up close to the giant stones with a special access ticket or join tens of thousands to see in the summer solstice. Otherwise, you must view them from a distance – but either way you’ll be scratching your head about a possible purpose: solar calendar, burial place or even a UFO touchdown site?

Feel the spray at Dettifoss, Iceland

Leave Reykjavik far behind and head northeast, striking out on a hike through Jokulsargljufur National Park to see Europe’s most powerful waterfall, the jaw-dropping Dettifoss. Iceland isn’t short of stunning waterfalls, but this caps them all. The surrounding landscape is surprisingly lush in summer, with wildflowers dotted against the green. Quite a contrast, then, with the drama of the roaring falls plunging into the canyon below.

Swim with whale sharks, Ningaloo Marine Park, Australia

Cruise the fjords, Norway

Get out on deck to marvel at Norway’s rearing, rugged coastline. Cruise ships ply the network of fjords, past spectacular waterfalls, steep mountainsides and – with a bit of luck – schools of dolphins, porpoises and whales. The gushing cascades of UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, one of the western fjords, should be top of your list.

Dine at one of the world's best restaurants, Menton, France

If it's ever worth planning a trip around a place to eat, it's to dine at Mirazur, one of the world's best restaurants. The view overlooking the French Riviera, the service and the incredible French haute cuisine with chef Mauro Colagreco's Argentinian touches create a perfect once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.

Learn to mush in Lapland, Finland

Feel like royalty at Versailles, France

The number-one day trip from Paris, and a sensational destination in its own right, the Chateau de Versailles is simply magnificent. Opulent throughout, the extravagance of Louis XIV reaches its zenith in the Hall of Mirrors, a huge ballroom lined with 17 enormous mirrors reflecting the garden view through the 17 windows opposite. Access to the exquisite formal gardens is free, aside from days (and some nights) when the entertaining musical fountain shows are held.

Experience festival season in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Scotland's capital takes on a truly special vibe in August, when a series of arts festivals hit the city. Chief among them is the Fringe ( August 2 to 26 in 2024), which sees pubs and bookstores become venues for comedy and drama, and the streets buzz with performers. Festival season goes beyond the summer too: the annual Edinburgh International Science Festival is great for families with young kids and Edinburgh's Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations are famous the world over.

Catch a concert at Red Rocks, Colorado, USA

Never mind who you see, they’re going to sound fantastic at Red Rocks. With a backdrop of lofty red rock and sandstone formations, this is the world’s only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater. No wonder it’s attracted the best acts in the music business, from The Beatles to Jimi Hendrix, plus countless memorable live recordings. Acts on the 2024 program include All Time Low, The Head and The Heart, Sarah McLachlan and Feist.

Live large in Miami, Florida, USA

Miami and the Florida Keys are without a doubt one of the top spots for a sizzling summer holiday in the US. An exciting mix of cultures, fun water-based activities, lively parties and some of the best food in the country can all be found here. There are always new and exciting developments happening in Miami, as well as much-loved returning events like Miami Beach Pride and Miami Art Week.

Drink rum in Jamaica

Jamaica is an island of intoxicating rhythms, sounds, flavors, scents and sights. After days spent on the beach or snorkeling up to colorful coral, enjoy delicious jerk dishes, mouthwatering tropical fruit and rum on the side. Much loved by James Bond creator Ian Fleming, Jamaica has served as the setting for many Bond movies and recently featured on the Prime Video series 007: Road to a Million , where nine pairs of contestants traversed the globe competing in a range of espionage-like challenges.

Catch a wave in Hawaii, USA

See polar bears in the wild, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Whether you're on an Arctic cruise or a trip to the self-proclaimed polar bear capital of the world, also known as Churchill in Manitoba, Canada, don't miss the chance to catch sight of these majestic creatures as they climb icebergs, search for food or cuddle up in the snow. 

Follow the Camino de Santiago, Spain

See the cherry blossom in Japan

Every year, from late March to the beginning of May, nature works its magic in Japan as cherry trees reach full bloom. Head to the Fuji Five Lakes region around mid-April and visit the Chureito Pagoda for stunning views of Mount Fuji, surrounded by the pink and white blossoms. In Tokyo, join locals for a hanami – a picnic beneath the cherry blossoms in one of the city's green spaces. 

Stand on the Uyuni salt flat, Bolivia

Uyuni, in southwest Bolivia, is home to the world’s largest salt desert, sprawling across more than 4,000 square miles. You can cross it in a 4x4 but getting out and standing on the vast white expanse will give you a real idea of its incredible size.

Marvel at Chichen Itza, Mexico

Camp in the wilderness in Yosemite, California, USA

There's really nothing like getting away from it all and spending a night in the wilderness. Not only is Yosemite National Park a bucket-list destination, it's also very well suited to camping holidays. When it comes to planning your camping trip, read the advice on the National Park Service website to ensure you're not breaking any of the park's rules and are staying safe. 

Take a great American road trip

From Route 66 to a meandering journey through the Deep South, the USA is ripe for road trips. Just remember, in the land of kitsch diners and roadside attractions, you'll need plenty of time for detours. 

Get up close to glaciers in Patagonia, Argentina

Explore Belize’s Barrier Reef

Enjoy opera like an emperor, Verona, Italy

Jump to it in Queenstown, New Zealand

On the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by rugged mountains, there’s no mistaking that Queenstown is an outdoorsy sort of place. Come in the Kiwi winter to ski or for water sports galore in the summer, but don’t get cold feet about bungee jumping. This is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, after all. Pick from three of the world’s most stunning sites and savor the moment. 

Sail the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2

With Concorde no longer an option, cross the Atlantic in style aboard the Queen Mary 2, the world’s only ocean liner still in operation. The trip takes seven nights, traveling from the gentle city lights of Southampton to the full wattage of New York. As you’d expect, there’s everything from dance lessons, spa treatments and planetarium visits to keep you entertained en route.

Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Dive into the Deep South with a pilgrimage to New Orleans and its most famous celebration Mardi Gras. Celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, 47 days before Easter, New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebrations involve loud parades, bright outfits and lots of bead accessories. It's truly an experience you'll never forget. 

Land on the beach at Barra, Scotland, UK

Getting to the remote Scottish island of Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, is as much an adventure as exploring the island itself. The airport here is the only one in the world to use a beach as its runway for scheduled flights – so you step out of your small plane and right onto the sand.

Journey to Antarctica

Getting to Antarctica isn't easy – even once you've reached the world's southernmost city Ushuaia in Argentina, you still have a choppy voyage ahead before you reach this icy continent. But once you do, you have the chance to see huge colonies of penguins, various species of whale and icebergs as tall as buildings.

Take a walk in New York City, New York, USA

Forget taking a yellow cab and explore New York City on foot. Whether it's seeing the bright lights of Times Square by night, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge to look back at Manhattan or spending a day exploring green spaces such as Central Park or the High Line, walking is the perfect way to immerse yourself fully in one of the world's greatest cities.

Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico

Taste wine in Napa Valley, California, USA

No need for a designated driver when you board the wine train – with lunch onboard and a range of winery tours, this is one hassle-free way to discover some of Napa Valley’s top winemakers. If you prefer something a little more rustic, and want to beat the crowds, head west to Sonoma – the picturesque town is a great base for exploring Wine Country. Taste your way around family-owned or boutique outfits such as Patz & Hall or Keller Estate.

Go underground in Krakow, Poland

Climb Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

The iconic flat-topped silhouette of Table Mountain greets you as your flight touches down in Cape Town and looms above as you sightsee. It’s only so long before you’ll be scaling it, choosing from a bevy of hiking trails which take in waterfalls, native fynbos vegetation, valleys and dams, not to mention fantastic views. You can always take the cable car down.

Be amazed by Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul's Hagia Sophia is one of the most magnificent and fascinating religious buildings in the world. Built in AD 537, the cathedral was an engineering marvel at the time and remained an Orthodox church until the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century when it was turned into a mosque. Until recently, it served as a museum (it's now been converted back into a mosque) and remnants of the cathedral's Christian past can still be spotted among the Islamic decoration.

Gawp at Sydney Harbor, Australia

The curves of Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge are synonymous with the city and Australia itself. There’s a lot more of the harbor to explore – bays and headlands, parks and bush, as well as a handful of islands. Wend your way by ferry and make the most of the views. Or if it’s a wide-angle panorama you’re after, pluck up your courage and climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Go kayaking in Fiordland, New Zealand

Milford and Doubtful Sounds are among New Zealand's most beautiful stretches of water and paddling is the ideal way to see South Island's fjords close up. Hire a kayak and go out solo or join an organized overnight trip to camp out.

Go deep into a volcano in Iceland

Have the unique experience of seeing a volcano from the inside by descending 390 feet into Thrihnukagigur. This dormant Icelandic volcano, around 17 miles from Reykjavík, is the only place on earth where you can enter a magma chamber.

Visit a Channel Island

Guernsey, an island in the English Channel, feels like a perfect mix between a petite French fishing village and the finest rolling hills of the English countryside. Foodies should head to the island in the late autumn, when the celebrated Tennerfest takes place. From October to Mid-November, restaurants, pubs, cafes and hotels across the island take part in a scheme where cheap fixed-price menus are offered: you might find yourself tucking into a delectable, locally-sourced meal for a fraction of the usual cost.

Drop in on the royal family, London, England, UK

Well, drop in on their London home, at least. In the summer months (and just a few other selected dates), Buckingham Palace's doors are thrown open, giving you a chance to see inside the royal residence. Around 20 State Rooms are accessible – you’ll glimpse the monarch’s impressive art collection, featuring Vermeer and Rembrandt, and the monogrammed pink-upholstered chairs of the Throne Room.

Cycle through tulips in the Netherlands

Skip the overcrowded streets and canals of Amsterdam and escape to the country, to Kinderdijk in Netherland's South Holland province. Here, the recognizable Dutch windmills stand tall among the tulip fields and canals. Footpaths and bike trails criss-cross the area peppered with 19 mills – you'll really struggle to find a more Dutch setting than this.

Take a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Try your luck in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

An unlikely swathe of neon in the Nevada desert, larger-than-life Las Vegas is a city like no other. The hotels run the gamut from the loud and the lavish to the utterly bizarre and staying in one is all part of the experience. Make sure you spend some time on the slots and catch a show at one of the city’s glitzy venues too. Look out for the newest addition to Sin City's skyline on your next visit – a giant, illuminated sphere.

Marvel at the landscapes of Deadvlei, Namibia

Touch the sky in Dubai, UAE

Dubai, with all its glitz, glam and towering skyscrapers, is really unlike any other city on the planet. There are plenty of new attractions and openings set for 2024: you'll soon be able to check into the world's first "vertical urban resort" and a new Dorcester Collection hotel, as well as eat out in the upcoming J1 Beach dining district. The city's annual Taste of Dubai food festival takes over a new venue in February (Skydive Dubai), while UNTOLD Dubai 2024 is slated to be the biggest music festival in the city's history.

Camel trek in the Sahara, Morocco

Enter the Forbidden City, Beijing, China

For five centuries, under the Ming and Qing dynasties, ordinary Chinese people were banned from even approaching the walls of the Imperial Palace, hence its better-known name. Today, the palace at the heart of Beijing welcomes visitors daily. It’s a huge complex, grand in scale and design, but the intricate detail in the decorative elements and museum displays will overwhelm you too.   

Hike to the Hollywood sign, Los Angeles, California, USA

Get some perspective on celebrity culture with a bracing 6.5-mile hike to see the famous Hollywood sign up close. The huge aluminium letters stand proud just below the 1,708-foot summit of Mt Lee, part of the Santa Monica Mountains. Passing through Griffith Park, you’ll see familiar scenes from movies such as Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land and then gaze down on the chaotic sprawl of the City of Angels.

Be blinded by the colors of Cinque Terre in Italy

Set on the rocky coastal cliffs of northwestern Italy, Manarola is one of the five fishing villages that make up Cinque Terre – one of the world's most colorful destinations. The homes are said to have been painted in bright shades of blue, pink, yellow and orange so that the returning fishermen could spot their homes easier. 

Visit the world's paradise islands

Scattered in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it's no wonder the Cook Islands are often called the paradise destination. Powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters and one of the friendliest peoples in the world are just some qualities that define this remote island nation. Made up of three main and 12 smaller islands, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Step back in time in Bagan, Myanmar

It's easy to be spellbound by Bagan's otherworldly beauty and incredible history. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, an incredible number of temples, palaces, pagodas and monasteries have remained largely unchanged since. The most concentrated area of Buddhist religious structures in the world, Bagan is also famous for its incredible sunrises and sunsets.

Explore the rock-cut buildings of Petra, Jordan

With its incredible architecture carved out of pinkish rock, Petra in Jordan is also known as the Rose City. It's thought to have been established as early as 312 BC and today you can wander between its ancient temples, tombs and theaters, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

Check out the European Capitals of Culture

Every year, a select few cities across Europe hold the coveted 'European Capital of Culture' title, becoming pop-up venues for some of the planet's most creative performers, artists and writers. Bodo – a small city in the north of Norway – is one of 2024's picks. The only city north of the Arctic Circle to ever hold the title, Bodo will be transformed by more than 1,000 events across the year, ranging from theatrical trilogies about Sami reindeer husbandry to 360-degree immersive films.

Next on the list is Bad Ischl, one of rural Austria's prettiest spa towns in the Alpine region of Salzkammergut. Its program explores four key themes that celebrate the influences of local history, cultural heritage, tourism and young people on the town’s shifting identity: power and tradition; culture in flux; Sharing Salzkammergut – The Art of Travel; and Globalokal – Building the New. Visitors will have the opportunity to join storytelling walks, virtual reality journeys and concerts set inside a salt works building.

Last – but certainly not least – on 2024's roster of European Capitals of Culture is Tartu, the second largest city in Estonia. This Baltic beauty will thread its program, called ‘Arts of Survival, through the streets of Tartu and out into the wider region of southern Estonia.' There are 350 different projects that have been created for the year of culture, including architecture tours, street and contemporary art exhibitions, light installations, music, film and culinary festivals, and LGBTQ+ events.

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Nainital bucket list: 9 experiences you can't miss in 2024

Apr 29, 2024

Boating in Naini Lake

Start your Nainital exploration with a serene boat ride on the pristine Naini Lake, surrounded by picturesque hills. You can choose from rowboats or paddleboats.

Credit: Unsplash

Visit Naina Devi Temple

Pay homage to the presiding deity of Nainital, Goddess Naina Devi, at this ancient temple situated by the lake. The temple holds significant religious and cultural importance among locals and tourists alike.

Credit: Wikipedia

Cable Car Ride to Snow View Point

Hop on the cable car from Mallital to Snow View Point for breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. The ride itself is an adventure, and once you reach the top, you can enjoy stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks.

Explore Eco Cave Gardens

Wander through the interconnected rocky caves and gardens of Eco Cave Gardens, which offer a unique glimpse into the natural habitat of various animals. It's a fun spot, especially for families with kids.

Trek to Tiffin Top

Embark on a trek to Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy's Seat, for unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and Nainital town. It's a relatively easy hike suitable for beginners and offers a perfect vantage point for sunrise or sunset.

Visit the Governor's House

Take a guided tour of the historic Governor's House, also known as Raj Bhavan, a colonial-era mansion built in Victorian Gothic style. The lush gardens and architectural marvels make it a must-visit attraction.

Shopping on Mall Road

Indulge in shopping on Mall Road, Nainital's bustling promenade is lined with shops selling local handicrafts, woollens, souvenirs, and delicious street food. Don't forget to bargain for the best deals!

Bird Watching at Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Nature enthusiasts should head to Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, located a short drive away from Nainital. Spot a diverse range of bird species amidst dense forests and serene surroundings.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Treat your taste buds to delicious Kumaoni cuisine at local eateries and restaurants. Don't miss trying out specialities like Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo Ke Gutke, and Bal Mithai, along with piping hot cups of locally brewed tea.

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