places to visit before you die list

The Ultimate Travel Bucket List: 100 Things To Do Before You Die

The world is full of wonder and if you’re anything like me, you want to go out and explore! Check out my ultimate travel bucket list – 100 unmissable places to visit before you die. How many can you tick off?

By Julianna Barnaby and Sophie Ritchie

There are so many incredible places to see on this planet… but sometimes a bit of extra inspiration doesn’t hurt.

From incredible landscapes that make your eyes pop and your jaws drop, to incredible architecture – here is the ultimate travel bucket list. 100 places to see before you die.

After all, nothing says it better than this cool travel quote from Ray Bradbury.

“Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.”

The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

1. grand canyon, usa.

They don’t call it Grand for nothing. The Grand Canyon is a huge, steep canyon, located in Arizona , carved by the Colorado River.

Let’s talk measurements for a second so you can get an idea of the scale of this natural wonder. 446km long and 29km wide.

I’m guessing that it’s already on your list of things to see before you die. If you’re up for the challenge, you can go and hike the whole thing … or simply see the scale of its beauty from one of the many lookouts.

These are especially beautiful to watch the sunrise and sunset from, so make sure you check the times before you go!

2. See The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most incredible wonders.

A series of dancing lights that charge the night sky in pinks, greens, yellows and purples – seeing the Aurora Borealis is the ultimate travel bucket list item.

Cool northern lights-spotting destinations include Iceland , Norway , Alaska and northern Canada.

How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

3. Giant’s Causeway, United Kingdom

he Giant’s Causeway is a stone formation made up of 40,000 basalt columns, located just off the coast of Antrim in Northern Ireland.

While scientists say that the formations were the result of a volcanic eruption, legend has it that the columns were a causeway built by a giant so that Scottish and Irish giants could meet and fight. I’m going to go with the latter – much more believable.

4. Bryce Canyon, USA

One of the US’s best-known national parks, Bryce Canyon is a collection of giant natural amphitheatres in southern Utah and one of the most beautiful natural landmarks I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. 

Designated a National Park in 1928, Bryce Canyon now receives nearly 2.5 million annual visitors to marvel at its red, orange and white rock formations.

5. Antelope Canyon, USA

Walking through the weird curved formations of Antelope Canyon , it’s difficult to believe that it’s not man made.

It’s not. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon, located in Page, Arizona. Formed by the erosion of sandstone from the flash floods that occur in the area, it’s a must for any avid traveller. 

Photographers come from far and wide to get a glimpse of this beautiful orange, red and yellow canyon and the magical light filtered through the canyon’s shaped walls.

6. Reynisdrangar Basalt Columns, Iceland

The striking Reynisdrangar basalt columns on the world-famous Reynisfjara black sand beach are one of Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders (they have tough competition).

The columns were formed by volcanic activity – the same kind that created the Giant’s Causeway mentioned above.

Legend has it that they are three trolls, frozen in time by the sun’s rays. Sound familiar? That’s because Tolkien used the legend in his world-famous story The Hobbit.

7. Yosemite National Park, USA

Yosemite National Park is just incredible. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the northeast of California it’s well-known as one of America’s most beautiful travel destinations.

Want to know where to travel before you die? Start with Yosemite.

Granite cliffs, clear streams, waterfalls, mountains and glaciers – it’s no wonder that the famous photographer Ansel Adams loved it – and I bet you will too.

8. The Dead Sea, Israel / West Bank / Jordan

We all know that you can float on The Dead Sea. This curious natural wonder is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean. It’s not actually a sea, despite its name, it’s a lake on the borders of Israel, the West Bank and Jordan .

The banks of the Dead Sea are over 400m below sea level, making them the lowest point in the world on dry land.

The easiest way to visit The Dead Sea is by taking a short-ish bus journey from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, alternatively you can rent a car and drive, though booking onto a tour makes things even easier.

9. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is no secret. Another place that’s arguably being loved to death, it’s enduringly beautiful.

The bay, which is located in Northeast Vietnam, stretches over 1500 square kilometres and is scattered with over 1600 islands and islets.

Ha Long Bay is known for its emerald waters and rainforest-topped islands and a favourite among beauty-seekers.

10. Jeita Grotto, Lebanon

When it comes to bucket list places to visit, The Jeita Grotto is often forgotten about. It’s a set of two separate but interconnected limestone caves, located in the Nahr al-Kalb Valley in Lebanon. 

It can only be entered by boat as it channels an underground river, but once inside, visitors can see the incredible rock formations, and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

11. Acropolis, Greece

The Acropolis in Athens is an ancient citadel located on the top of a hill in Athens, which contains many ancient (and remains of) buildings, such as the Parthenon, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Acropolis is a greatly important symbol of Greek history, architecture and spirit and visiting it should have a prime spot on your travel bucket list.

12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Take whatever you’ve heard about Angkor Wat, times it by 100 and yet it will still blow you away. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is just straight up incredible. 

Angkor Wat is a mystical complex of temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Angkor Wat also happens to be the largest religious monument in the world at 400 square kilometres – it’s made up of hundreds of incredible and awe inspiring temples and ruins.

If you need any more reason to believe you need to visit this special place, it even features on the country’s flag!

13. Chichén Itzá, Mexico

Chichén Itzá is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Sounds like something that deserves a place on your bucket list right? Right.

But what exactly is Chichen Itza? Well only the biggest archaeological city of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilisation, located in the Yucatán State, Mexico .

Its huge pyramid, El Castillo, is the centre of the ancient city. Both were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1988.

14. Machu Picchu, Peru

Sure, everybody raves about it… but you know what? That’s because it is incredible. Machu Picchu is the old Inca City, located on top of a 2500m mountain in the Cusco region of Peru, just above the Sacred Valley.

Forgotten by the Western world for centuries, it was rediscovered by intrepid explorer Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu was crowned as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (of course).

IMHO Machu Picchu is the best archaeological site in the South American continent, and definitely deserves to be at the top of your South America bucket list .

15. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Who hasn’t dreamt of jetting off to see the mysterious Pyramids of Giza ?

The Pyramids of Giza are located on the outskirts of Cairo Egypt. The complex contains 3 pyramids, a Great Sphinx Sculpture and several cemeteries. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Egypt’s world-famous pyramids were built as a tomb for the pharaohs and their queens.

Now they’re one of the most recognisable (and photographed) structures in the world –  I fell head over heels for them after a recent visit to the country.

16. Stonehenge, United Kingdom

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument, located in Wiltshire, England. I’ll be completely honest, I’ve never really got why everyone goes so nuts about them… but I can never resist a cheeky detour when I’m on my way to Glastonbury Festival.

The 4 metre high collection of stones were constructed over time between 2500 and 5000 years ago, and are now one of the seven Wonders of the World. Druids and Pagans still use the site to celebrate important occasions such as the summer solstice.

17. The Colosseum, Italy

How about adding the largest amphitheatre ever built to your list of 100 places to see before you die? Yep, thought so.

The Colosseum is an old amphitheatre in the middle of Rome – it was built to hold up to 80,000 spectators.

Although over the years it has been partially ruined by earthquakes, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Rome, recognisable from around the world.

18. Bagan, Myanmar

Catapulted from a place very few people had heard of to one of the recent year’s travel hotspots, Bagan is a beautiful place. The ancient city in Myanmar is nicknamed the temple town, as it is home to 2,229 remaining temples and pagodas.

Most of these have been restored or preserved by UNESCO, and many contain incredible statues and carvings of Buddha – worth a visit in themselves. 

Head to the site early in the morning in the evening – you’ll see the most incredible Bagan sunrises and sunsets – preferably by hot air balloon.

19. Taj Mahal, India

Is it the most photographed building in the world? It’s certainly the best-known mausoleum.

The Taj Maha l is a white marble mausoleum, built in 1648 at the command of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, to remember his late wife.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the ornate Taj Mahal is a beautiful symbol of India and needs to be on any bucket list 100.

20. The Great Wall of China, China

China’s most famous landmark, The Great Wall of China is testament to the incredible building skills of civilisations past.

The “Great Wall” is actually a number of walls that run along the historical Northern borders of China, that were built to protect the Chinese against invasions from Eurasia.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it is the longest wall in the world – it’s even visible from space.

21. London, United Kingdom

London needs no introduction. This cosmopolitan capital is crammed with cool things to do and places to see and deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Dating back to Roman times, London is now home to a whopping nearly 9 million people… including the Royal Family.

Head here to see some of the world’s most famed attractions – Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and so many other pretty places to see in London , not to mention some of the most striking street art in the world and a plethora of brilliant restaurants.

Aside from tourist hot spots, London is filled with cool neighbourhoods well worth taking the time to explore – take Hackney, Shoreditch, Croydon, and Clapham, for example.

22. Paris, France

The City of Love – there’s a lot more to Paris than snuggling up for a cosy tete a tete with your other half.

Famed for its culture, art, cuisine and fashion, Paris has something for everyone – which explains why it’s on pretty much every bucket list 100 out there.

Whizz around between beautiful spots like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. Treat yourself to some fancy accommodation and enjoy one of Europe’s most opulent cities.

23. Florence, Italy

Another one of Europe’s cultural hotspots, Florence is well-known for being the birthplace of beautiful Renaissance art and architecture.

Art lovers will rejoice in Florence, with magnificent works by Michaelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci on display at the Uffizi Gallery. 

But that’s not all there is to this dreamy Italian spot – the food is impeccable, the city is filled with family-run trattorias and gelato hotspots. Prepare to spend half your time eating, and the other half snapping photos.

Planning a trip? Check out the many world-famous Italian landmarks Florence boasts, such as Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and its ‘Duomo’, the Palazzo Vecchio, and Boboli Gardens. Then hop in a car to discover the rest of Tuscany on a road trip.

24. Rome, Italy

Ahh Rome , what a city. Every time you think you have seen it all, Rome comes up with something else to surprise you.

Full of architecture, art and ancient ruins, it’s known worldwide for its fashion and designer boutiques. Head to the Colosseum for some history, the Vatican for some culture and the Trevi Fountain to make a wish.

Don’t even get me started on the sheer number of brilliant eateries either…

25. Vienna, Austria

The capital of Austria, Vienna is a dream. This gorgeous city is known across Europe for its baroque art and architecture, and its musical and intellectual legacy. 

Some of Vienna’s most well known attractions are the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg, a complex of palaces.

Viennese cafe culture is also one of the best in Europe, so much so that UNESCO popped it on their intangible cultural heritage list. Head into one of Vienna’s very many cafes for a Viennese coffee and a slice of schokotorte.

26. Oxford, United Kingdom

Oxford is one of the UK’s most famous cities, thanks to its prestigious university (I studied there and it was just as incredible as you would imagine).

With the university dating back to the 11th century, Oxford is full of so many things to do – old architecture, beautiful scenery and tasty cuisine.

Head to Oxford to see the Museum of Natural History, the Oxford Botanic Gardens, and of course its prestigious university and its colleges.

27. Havana, Cuba

Cuba’s evocative capital is an unforgettable experience – there’s no way I’d leave it out of my pick of top 100 bucket list destinations. It’s been a while since I’ve visited but the sights and sounds of the city will always stay with me.

Gorgeous 16th-century architecture and vintage American cars , music and dance – not forgetting the delicious cuisine and daiquiris!

When you’re here, head to the Revolution Museum, Morro Castle and Old Havana, to see the best bits. It’s no wonder that Hemingway loved it – pop into El Floridita , his favourite bar.

28. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro may NOT be Brazil’s capital but it makes up for it with culture, looks and fun.

The first time I visited Rio, I was fresh-faced and 18 – several (and I mean several) years later, I’m just as in love with Rio as when I first clapped eyes on it.

This vibrant capital city is best known for its architecture, forest topped mountains and golden beaches. Some of Rio’s best sights are the Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

29. Venice, Italy

Venice might be sinking but we still love it. In truth, it’s difficult to leave Venice out of any list of must-see travel spots, BUT it is suffering from serious overtourism, so you might want to skip it in favour of somewhere quieter.

Full of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, there are very few roads in Venice, mostly canals, with boats and gondolas to transport people. The best places to see are the Piazza San Marco, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge – just magical!

30. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is more than relaxed marijuana laws and chilled out coffee shops. Home to an impressive array of world-class museums, beautiful canals, gorgeous architecture and history.

Start by visiting the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, walk along the canals and spend some time exploring the city by bike.

Dutch food might not be much to write home about, but they sure know a thing or two about sweet things – make it your mission to scoff as many poffertjes and stroopwafel as possible. A bucket list travel must.

31. Iguazu Falls, Brazil

The Iguazu Falls are waterfalls on the Iguazu River that border Misiones, the Argentinian province, Paraná, the Brazilian state and Paraguay. At 82 metres high and the chain of falls nearly 3km long, they are the largest waterfalls system in the world.

Think the view can’t be better? Wait until you hear their astoundingly loud roar – sight and sound – it’s almost deafening, and an absolute thrill.

32. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe / Zambia

Victoria Falls is a waterfall located on the Zambezi River on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, in southern Africa. 

Described by CNN as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the water at the Victoria Falls drops a staggering 108m, and is the largest curtain of water in the world.

The easiest way to visit is to fly to Livingstone, the nearest airport – from there it’s around 11km to the falls via a taxi.

Or, if you would really like to treat yourself (I approve), view the falls from above during a helicopter flight over the natural landmark. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

33. Niagara Falls, Canada / USA

The Niagara Falls are a set of three impressive waterfalls that border Ontario, Canada, and New York State in the US. The three waterfalls, the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, all fall at the southern end of the Niagara gorge, and have a total height of 51m.

As the most famous falls in the world, Niagara is something that you’ve got to see. If you’re feeling brave, jump on one of the boat tours which take you up close and personal to the falls.

34. Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, China / Vietnam

The Ban Gioc–Detian Falls are a set of two waterfalls on the Quây Sơn River, on the border of China and Vietnam.

The main waterfall is the Detian waterfall, and the other waterfall is the Ban Gioc Waterfall, with the cumulative drop being a whopping 60m.

You can hop on a boat, which will take you on a river tour close to the falls for an extra-special experience.

35. Palouse Falls, USA

The Palouse Falls is a waterfall on the Palouse River, 6km up from the meeting with the Snake River, in southeast Washington in the United States.

The falls consist of an upper falls and a lower falls, which are drops of 6.1m and 60m respectively. Bring your hiking boots and set off on one of the numerous trails around the top and the bottom of the falls.

36. Shoshone Falls, USA

Shoshone Falls is a waterfall on the Snake River in Southern Idaho. Known as the ‘Niagara of the West’, the falls are 65m high (which is actually higher than Niagara) and flow over a 300m wide rim.

Formed over 14,000 years ago, the Shoshone Falls attract up to 300,000 vehicles per year, and are definitely worth a spot on your ultimate bucket list. Bring a picnic and grab a spot in one of the designated areas for a fabulous day out.

37. Blue Nile Falls, Ethiopia

Blue Nile Falls is a waterfall on the Blue Nile River, located in the north of Ethiopia. Known as ’Tis Abay’ in Amharic, meaning ‘great smoke’, the Falls are approximately 40 metres high, consisting of four streams.

This beautiful waterfall is one of Ethiopia’s top tourist attractions – just get ready for a hike to get the best views of the falls.

38. Gullfoss, Iceland

It’s hard to pick one waterfall from Iceland for our list, but Gullfoss can’t be missed. Gullfoss, meaning ‘Golden Waterfall’ is a waterfall located in the Olfusa River canyon, in Southwest Iceland.

The name comes from the golden colour of the waterfall in certain light – the result of sediment in the water.

The total height of Gullfoss is 32 metres and the longest drop is 21 metres. The beautiful waterfall offers brilliant views and we recommend going to see it on a sunny day, as there’s a big chance of seeing a rainbow shimmering over the falls.

Otherwise it’s a spectacular place to see the Northern Lights in the winter.

Visiting Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland

39. McWay Falls, USA

The McWay Falls are a waterfall that flows from McWay Creek in picture-perfect Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park onto a beach in Big Sur on the west coast of California.

The image of the 24m McWay Falls cascading onto the beach is one of Big Sur’s most iconic and something you can’t miss. The hike to the falls is rather easy and boasts some of Big Sur’s best views.

40. The Maldives

The Maldives are a set of South Asian islands, located in the Indian ocean. Made up of 26 atolls, ring shaped coral reefs together containing over 1000 coral islands.

People come from far and wide for The Maldives’ beautiful islands, luxury accommodation, azure waters, and colourful marine life.

If you love beaches, watersports or simply soaking up the views of one of the most beautiful places on this planet, the Maldives should be on your list.

41. Vava’u Islands

The Vava’u islands are a set of islands, one large and 40 small, located in Tonga in the South Pacific. Neiafu, the capital of these islands, is a gorgeous destination well worth exploring – make sure to visit the striking St Joseph’s Cathedral.

Looking for spectacular things to do before you die?

This tropical paradise has crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and beautiful sea life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, spinner dolphins and Humpback whales – a wildlife lover’s paradise!

42. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a Greek Island in the Southern Aegean Sea.

Known as the ‘supermodel’ of the Greek Islands, it is instantly recognisable by its whitewashed buildings with blue roofs, multicoloured cliffs, beautiful sunsets and dazzlingly sapphire coloured waters.

There’s so much to do in Santorini including exploring Akrotiri’s ruins and chilling on Kamari’s black sand beach. You might have to battle the crowds, but it’s totally worth it.

43. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is a small island in the South Pacific, Northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia.

Being Tahiti’s most famous island, it is popular with the luxury crowd thanks to its fabulous hotels.

Bora Bora is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, which is fabulous for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

44. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is an island and province of Indonesia, popular among backpackers travelling Southeast Asia but also with a luxury side, full of beautiful beaches, incredible food , culture scenery and wildlife.

Known for its surfing, yoga , diving and great resorts, the ‘essence of Bali’, and its traditions have stolen the hearts of many visitors.

45. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

An archipelago in Brazil, Fernando de Noronha is known as both a beach lover’s shangri-la and an eco-wonderland. Built on volcanic rock, the coastline is as ragged as it is beautiful.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, this paradise is full of pristine beaches, beautiful landscapes and stunning wildlife. Apparently, even the sharks are friendly.

46. Maui, USA

Maui is an island which is part of the state of Hawaii, known for its natural beauty. It is Hawaii’s second-largest island, at 1,883 square kilometres. 

Known as the ‘Valley Isle’, Maui is famed for its world-famous beaches, the Iao Valley, humpback whales, and the marvellous sunset and sunrise from Haleakala. 

There are so many things to do in Maui with kids , as there are for a couple travelling alone.

47. Big Sur, USA

Big Sur is a stretch of California’s central coast. Forever linked with beat writers such as Jack Kerouac, Big Sur tops the list of many literary lovers’ travel bucket lists – but there’s more to its appeal than that.

Driving through Big Sur on a Highway 1 road trip is very popular, with beautiful places to stop and look out, such as Bixby Bridge and the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where the picturesque McWay Falls (see our pick of top 10 waterfalls for your bucket list) meets the sandy shore and drifts into the Ocean.

48. Ko Samui, Thailand

Ko Samui is Thailand’s second largest island, located off the East Coast in the Gulf of Thailand. 

Ko Samui is home to lush rainforest, coconut palms and some of the most spectacular beaches in Thailand, such as Bang Por, Choeng Mon and Taling Nam, which is incredible for watching the sunset on.

49. Krabi, Thailand

Krabi is a province of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It is home to some of the best beaches and islands in Southeast Asia, such as Railay Beach , with incredible rock formations making it a climbers paradise, and the Phi Phi Islands, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘The Beach’ was filmed.

With white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning coral reefs, it’s no wonder that Krabi is at the top of most visitors’ lists of things to see when they’re in Thailand.

50. Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is a desert located in Chile , South America and is one of the most surreal places on the planet.

The desert covers a 1000 square km area of land and is one of the driest places on Earth. Mars-like valleys, brightly coloured lakes, swarms of flamingos and the Southern hemisphere’s largest geyser field – if you’re heading to the Atacama desert, you’d better prepare to have your mind blown.

Check out my guide to road-tripping in the Atacama Desert.

51. Bolivia Salt Flats

The Bolivia Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) are located in the Potosí province in the southwest of Bolivia – not far from the Atacama Desert.

At 10,582 square km and placed 3,656m above sea level, they are the largest salt flats in the world. This incredible natural wonder was originally caused by the transformations of several prehistoric lakes, which are now covered by a few metres of salt crust.

52. Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park is located in Patagonia, Chile. It is known for its beautiful mountains, blue icebergs and glaciers, and lush vegetation.

If you’re fit enough to take on the challenge, hiking the five day W trail should be on your list of things to do before you die – feeling even more adventurous? The 8-day O trek is for you.

The stunning Torres, after which the park is named, is the main attraction of the park, and over 250,000 visitors come to marvel at them every year. It’s honestly one of the most incredible places I’ve visited and well worth the hype.

53. Lake District, UK

The Lake District i s a mountainous area in Cumbria, in the north west of England, whose mountains, lakes and forests stretch over a huge 2,362 square km.

Boasting plenty of hikes and ways to reconnect with nature, this is a popular holiday destination for British tourists. 

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, and also the deepest and longest bodies of water in England – most definitely worth a trip.

54. Mù Cang Chả, Vietnam

Mù Cang Chả is a rural district located at the bottom of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in the northwest of Vietnam, in the Yên Bái Province.

It is home to incredible landscapes and perfectly-landscaped rice paddies – the Mù Cang Chả Rice Terrace has been recognised as one of the most unique landscapes in Vietnam, stretching across 22 square km of the mountainside.

Seeing the bright green paddies in real life is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of any trip to Vietnam.

55. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is located in Namibia, and encompasses part of the Namib Desert.

The Namib Desert is the world’s oldest desert, and Namib-Naukluft is the fourth-largest game park in the world. Wonderful creatures such as snakes, hyenas and geckos reside in the stunning signature red and orange sand.

56. Paro Valley, Bhutan

The Paro Valley is a lush valley located in western Bhutan. The historic town is full of culture, history and sacred sites, and the wide and richly vegetated Valley is one of Bhutan’s must-see sights. 

If you’re visiting the valley, you have to make a stop at Paro Taktsang which is tucked into the side of a cliff. It’s nicknamed the Tiger’s Nest Buddhist Temple and known one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan.

57. Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is a region in central Italy. Full of beautiful old Italian villas, farms, wineries and lush vegetation, it’s a beautiful location to visit. As I’ve already mentioned, Florence, the capital of the region, is filled with so many things for art-lovers to do.

Though it’s the gently rolling hills and green vineyards that make up a stunning landscape worthy of a postcard and a spot on your bucket list. Other must-visit towns include Montepulciano, Greve in Chianti, Montalcino and San Gimignano.

Travels Through Tuscany – the Ultimate Road Trip

59. Uluru, Australia

Uluru (previously known as Ayers Rock) is a large sandstone rock formation, located in the north central region of Australia, that rises 350 metres up away from its surrounding land.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Uluru is home to beautiful waterholes, springs and rock caves.

One of Australia’s indigenous tribes most sacred sites, you can no longer hike onto the rock itself, but can still soak up its spiritual presence from up close.

60. Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is a string of five seaside villages, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola, and Monterosso, located in the region of Liguria in Italy. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the area is full of colourful houses and vineyards and a beautiful blue harbour.

I’m betting it’s one of the most photographed places in Italy, but once you go, you can easily see why. Gorgeous views, even better wine, and a chilled-out pace of life – what’s not to love?

61. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the free-standing bell tower of Italy’s Pisa Cathedral. Built in 1372 at 56 metres tall, the tower is famed for its unintended tilt – the result of the soft ground on which it was built.

Head to the tower, take the obligatory selfie (or three – don’t miss the one where you pretend to push it over!) but don’t forget to explore the rest of this charming city, which is surprisingly quiet once you get away from the big sights.

62. Golden Gate Bridge, USA

The Golden Gate Bridge is a 1,280m suspension bridge that links San Francisco with Marin County in Western California. Built in 1937 for a huge $35 million, since opening it has become an icon of San Francisco and the most photographed bridge in the world.

Hike through the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge Park to the bottom of the bridge for a different view of this iconic bridge.

63. Eiffel Tower , Paris

The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower, located on the Champ de Mars, in Paris, France. The engineer Gustave Eiffel, designed the tower and then his company built it in 1889.

With a total height of 324m, the instantly recognisable Eiffel Tower is synonymous with the city of love. Head up to the top for amazing views out over the city.

64. Christ the Redeemer , Rio de Janeiro

The Christ the Redeemer Statue is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil . Built in 1931 by four men, Landowski, da Silva Costa, Caquor and Leonida, the 30 metre symbol of Rio sits atop of the Corcovado Mountain, looking over the city.

You can access the statue via a tough hike through the Tijuca rainforest, or via a tram or collectivo.

Whichever way you get there, the view of the city spread out below and of the statue itself is one of Rio’s real highlights.

65. The Palm Jumeirah, United Arab Emirates

The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial group of islands in Dubai , United Arab Emirates, located on the Jumeirah coast. It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about things to do before you die, but it’s well worth the trip.

Taking 5 years to build from 2001 to 2006, the Palm is now full of luxury hotels, restaurants and residences. In keeping with Dubai’s reputation for glitz and glamour, a trip to The Palm Jumeirah is one for the luxury-lovers among you.

The island is also home to arguably the best water park in Dubai – spend a day cooling off and seeking thrills at the Atlantis Aquaventure.

66. St Basil’s Cathedral, Russia

St Basil’s Cathedral is located in Red Square, Moscow, Russia. Built in 1561, this world-famous and colourful landmark was inspired by the flame from a bonfire rising into the sky.

Officially called ‘The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat’, this 48m high building is a totally bonkers but beautiful creation that’s guaranteed to make a lasting impression.

67. Sydney Opera House, Australia

The Sydney Opera House is an arts venue, located at Bennelong Point in the middle of the Sydney Harbour, Australia. Built in 1973, the Opera House became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

The picturesque sail design of the house with the Sydney Harbour Bridge behind it is the iconic image of Sydney and a must-do on your Australia bucket list.

68. Statue of Liberty, USA

The Statue of Liberty is a sculpture of ‘Lady Liberty’, located on Liberty Island in the harbour in New York City.

The statue shows Lady Liberty holding a torch and a book with roman numerals of the date of the US Declaration of Independence.

Designed by Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, the statue was dedicated to the US people from France in 1886.

The statue used to be the first sight of New York for those sailing into the city in days gone by, the boat trip to see  the statue is no less striking today.There is so much to enjoy in New York with various attractions, shopping and rooftop restaurants in New York .

69. Big Ben, United Kingdom

Big Ben (a nickname for the clock on the Elizabeth Tower), is a tower at the end of the Palace of Westminster in London, England.

Ever since it was built in 1859, it has been a British cultural icon, and is the most prominent symbol of London and the United Kingdom.

Big Ben is currently undergoing renovation works, but you can still take a peek at the Houses of Parliament below.

Want an extra-special view? Take one of the numerous boat cruises that float down the Thames for picture opps without the crowds.

70. Empire State Building, USA

The Empire State Building is a skyscraper, located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City (between West 33rd and 34th streets to be precise).

The 102 storey building is not only a work office, but also has a viewing deck at the top where visitors can see the whole of the city.

The Empire State Building is a symbol of New York City, and was designated the status of a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Book your ticket and get whisked up to the top for spectacular views out over the city.

71. Mount Everest, China / Nepal

Mount Everest, located in the Mahalangur range of the Himalayas, is the highest mountain on Earth at 8,848 m, with the border between China and Nepal running across its summit.

Since it was first climbed in 1953, Mount Everest has attracted keen climbers from all over, with two main climbing routes, one starting in southeast Nepal and the other in the north of Tibet in China – do you dare to rise to the challenge?

Just how tough is it to climb Mount Everest?

72. Rainbow Mountain Peru

Mount Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain , is a mountain in the Andes in Cusco, Peru.  

With its highest peak at 5,200m, Vinicunca is full of desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks and lots of alpacas!

Though South America isn’t short on a hike or two, this one comes with close-up views of the multi-coloured mountains and its picturesque surroundings.

73. Matterhorn, Switzerland

The Matterhorn is located in the Swiss Alps. At 4,478 m, it is one of the largest mountains in Europe and the Alps. Surrounded by glaciers, the Matterhorn is an incredibly beautiful site, with an almost symmetrical peak.

Skilled mountaineers can climb to the top of the mountain, but even if that’s not you, we pretty much guarantee you’ll be blown away by views of the mountain up close.

74. Fitz Roy, Argentina / Chile

Mount Fitz Roy is a mountain in Patagonia, located in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field near El Chaltén on the border of Argentina and Chile .

First climbed in 1952, today it still remains one of the most challenging climbs on Earth with its highest point at 3,405 m.

Not quite up to the challenge? You can hike to the base of the mountain from El Chalten without too much difficulty.

75. K2, China / Pakistan

K2, also known as Mount Godwin Austen, is the second highest mountain in the world, at 8611 metres high, located on the border between China and Pakistan.

Not many dare to climb K2 as it is so dangerous. K2 is sometimes called the ‘Savage Mountain’, with a terrifying one out of four climbers never making it back.

76. Table Mountain, South Africa

Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town in South Africa . The mountain is just over 1,085 metres tall and 3km from either side.

Visitors either hike up to the top or get the cable-car up (hint: do the hike, it’s awesome). Once at the top, the sweeping views of the city are incredible.

Cape Town is often chosen as one of the most spectacular cities in the world, and the views from Table Mountain give you a good idea why.

77. Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park is Canada’s national playground. Forming part of the Rockies National Park, Canada’s first national park, Banff’s highest peak is Bonnet Peak at 3,235 m.

The beautiful snow capped mountains surrounded by lush green forests and charming lakes are too tempting not to explore – doing so should be on your list of things to do before you die.

78. Mount Huangshan, China

Mount Huangshan is a mountain range is the Anhui Province in Eastern China, with its top height reaching 1,864 metres. Mount Huangshan and its surrounding area is well known for its scenery, sunsets, lush vegetation and incredible views.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, Mount Huangshan is known as ‘the loveliest mountain in China’. Even more reason to see it with your own eyes.

79. Atlas Mountains, Morocco

The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in north west Africa. Their highest peak is Jebel Toubkal at 4,167 metres high and located in Morocco.

Its lush valleys, snow-capped peaks and traditional Berber villages make trekking in the Atlas Mountains a fantastic experience.

The Atlas Mountains are a relatively short trip from Marrakech and well deserving of a detour from the charming city.

80. Mont Blanc, France

Mont Blanc (meaning ‘White Mountain) is located in the Graian Alps, which run between France and Italy.

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and in Europe at 4,808m, and is very popular for hiking, mountaineering, snowboarding and skiing.

Seasoned skiers and snowboarders can hike up and ski or board down in the summer months – beware, the hike up is pretty tough.

81. Yellowstone SuperVolcano, USA

Yellowstone Super Volcano is located in the ethereal Yellowstone National Park , in the northwest of Wyoming, US.

Known for its super-volcanoes, crazily coloured lakes and ever-faithful geysers, Yellowstone might well be the US national park highest on your list of things to do before you die (though maybe Yosemite beats it to the first spot).

82. Popocatépetl Volcano, Mexico

Popocatépetl Volcano is an active volcano located in the Mexico, Puebla and Morelos states in Central Mexico.

At 5,426m high, it is the second-tallest peak in Mexico. You can visit the park surrounding the volcano from Mexico City – bear in mind that it is an active volcano, so you should check before you set out.

83. Mount Vesuvius, Italy

Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located in Naples, in Campania, Italy. The 1,280m volcano is best known for its eruption in 79AD that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum, and being the most densely populated volcanic region in the world.

However, despite the risk, the sight of the beautiful volcano standing tall over the city of Naples is truly amazing. You can undertake the hike to the top independently, or go on a guided hike to take advantage of the local knowledge.

84. Mount Etna, Italy

Mount Etna is a volcano between Messina and Cantania, in Sicily, Italy. At 3,330m high, it is Europe’s tallest active volcano, and Italy’s highest peak south of the Alps. Although it is one of the world’s most active volcano sites, in 2013 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty.

It’s a tough trek to the top, but the views once you get there are worth the sweat.

85. Mount Fuji, Japan

Mount Fuji is an active volcano located on Honshu Island, in the Southwest of Japan. At 3,770 metres tall, it is the highest mountain in Japan.

The mountain is one of Japan’s sacred sites – it’s not unusual for people to make a pilgrimage trek to the top.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, UNESCO has also recognised 25 locations within the Mount Fuji locality to be sites of cultural interest – meaning there’s plenty for you to do when you tick this one off your bucket list.

86. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones, located in the Kilimanjaro National Park in East Tanzania, Africa.

At 5,895 metres above sea level, it is the highest mountain in Africa. Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s best-known adventure spots and the hike to the top is a once in a lifetime experience.

87. Mauna Loa, USA

Mauna Loa is an active volcano located in Hawaii, United States. It’s considered to be the Earth’s largest volcano with an impressive 75,000 cubed km volume.

Although Mauna Loa has been erupting for at least 700,000 years and still erupts today, the eruptions are very fluid and tend to be non-explosive, so it is a very safe area to visit.

It’s a tough hike, even by Hawaiian standards, but when else will you get to climb the world’s largest volcano?

88. Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Mount Bromo is an active volcano located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, Indonesia, and is part of the Tengger massif, a volcano complex.

Sitting in the middle of a plain of sand, the beautiful 2300m volcano provides visitors with unparalleled views, which can be reached by taking a 2 hour walk to the top. Head up at night to catch sunrise at the top – an unforgettable experience.

89. Thrihnukagigur Volcano, Iceland

Thrihnukagigur Volcano is a dormant volcano near Reykjavík, Iceland, that covers 3,270 square metres and is 213m deep.

Opening to tourists in 2012, it is the only volcano in the world where you can take a lift down into the magma chamber. Such an incredible sight is totally deserving of a spot on your bucket list.

90. Mount Helen, USA

Mount Helen is an active volcano located in Skamania County in Washington State, United States – less than 100 miles away from Seattle. Mount St Helens is well known for its ash explosions and flows of gas and volcanic matter, especially during the notorious 1980 eruption.

The huge volcano is located in the Cascade Range which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a group of 452 active volcanoes dotted around the rim of the Pacific, all prone to eruption.

There are more than 200 miles of trails in the surrounding area – allowing you to see a different side of the volcano on two feet.

91. Masai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve is a game reserve in Narok County in Kenya, Africa, that neighbours the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

It is famous for its wonderful animals and wildlife, including African leopards and Kenyan cheetahs, Masai lions, zebra, wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and over 470 species of bird. It is perfect for the animal lover.

Heading on a safari into the Masai Mara is one of the most popular travel bucket list ideas – when are you going to tick it off yours?

92. Amazon Rainforest, South America

The Amazon Rainforest is a rainforest that expands over Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, in South America.

The whole thing encompasses a huge 7 million square kilometres, and is home to 16,000 species of 390 billion trees, 2.5 million insect species and 2,000 mammal and bird species.

Eco-friendly luxury lodges, steamer boat cruises, incredible hikes – the only problem you’ll have when it comes to planning your trip to the Amazon is how much you can fit into the time you have.

93. The Serengeti, Tanzania / Kenya

The Serengeti is a region in Africa, expanding over northern Tanzania and in the south of Kenya, over 30,000 square kilometres.

The Serengeti is renowned for its large lion population, including 70 large mammal species, such as buffalos and gazelles, and 500 bird species, as well as a range of surroundings with everything from swamps to grasslands.

Book a safari for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

94. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of islands located in the Pacific Ocean over the Equator, such that the islands are in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

The islands are well known for their wildlife that are unique to just them, including giant tortoises, Galapagos finches and penguins, Galapagos hawks, fur seals and blue-footed boobies.

Walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and see the islands in their full glory on a several-day boat tour.

95. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, located in the Coral Sea, just off the coast in Queensland, Australia.

The reef system, which stretches over a nearly 350,000 square kilometre area, comprises over 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, this colourful place is home to millions of creatures, including dolphins, whales, fish, turtles and birds. 

On a sourer note, the Great Barrier Reef is being destroyed due to climate change, so who knows how much longer it will be around for? This beautiful place deserves a top spot on your list of things to do before you die.

96. Komodo Island, Indonesia

Komodo Island is a 390 square kilometre island, located in the middle of the Flores Sea and part of the Republic of Indonesia.

Named as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, this beautiful island is home to many species, including Javan deer, water buffalo and the 3km long Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth.

Komodo Dragons are notoriously dangerous but spying them in their natural habitat is a memorable experience.

97. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Addo Elephant National Park might not be South Africa’s best-known safari destination (that title has to go to Kruger), but it’s the one I loved the most.

Tucked away in the beautiful Addo region in the Eastern Cape, the Elephant National Park is the only place in the world where you can see the Big Seven (the big five plus Southern Whales and Great White Sharks) thanks to its ocean territory.

Safari in Addo Elephant National Park

98. The Danum Valley, Malaysia

The Danum Valley is located in Sabah Forest, Borneo, Malaysia . The 438 square kilometre Conservation Area is known for its Bornean orangutans, gibbons, 270 species of bird and the rare East Sumatran rhinos.

People come from all over to see these special creatures, and it is definitely worth a spot on your bucket list.

99. Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroo Island is an island off the coast of South Australia. The island is home to hundreds of species of wildlife including the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo, the Tammar Wallaby and Rosenberg’s Sand Goanna, which are all native to the island, as well as non-native creatures such as sea lions and koalas.

Visit the island to experience its wild and rugged beauty and wildlife spotting opportunities galore.

100. Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert is a savanna in Southern Africa that extends for over 900,000 square kilometres over Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

The Kalahari Desert is home to hundreds of exotic species of animals including brown hyenas, meerkats, the Kalahari lion, and many species of reptiles and birds.

A trip to the Kalahari is like stepping into another universe – one that will provide you will snaps (and memories) you’ll never forget.

There we are, 100 places for your travel bucket list. How many have you ticked off?

Looking For More Ideas for Your Bucket List?

• 100 Places to Visit in Europe You Shouldn’t Miss
• 100 Places to Visit in South America – The South America Bucket List
• UK Bucket List Ideas 

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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I alway love these kinds of lists. But “100” is an arbitrary number. Better to list the top things and get a list as long or short as it turns out to be. A few conspicuous omissions from the list: Antarctica; Madagascar’s Spiny Forest; slave forts of Ghana; underground stone-carved churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia; the palace complex and surrounds in Bangkok; and maybe the floating islands on Lake Titicaca. List should include a section on tribal people and unique cultures such as the tribes of the Omo Valley in SE Ethiopia and the Inuit of Canada, etc.; famous scenic train trips; best rivers & fjords to navigate. Nevertheless, a fun list! Have seen 61 of these, plan to see 15 still on my list. 23 others are nice but I don’t plan to see. 4 of them I have no interest in. (Been to a number of the countries the items are in, but not to see the listed items.)

Thanks for the suggestions – some really interesting ones there – if we update the piece, we’ll be sure to take your additions on board.

Colosseum is in Italy, not Greece (number 19), though it does mention Rome.

Great spot – obviously a typo slipped in there. Clearly meant to say Italy as I reference Rome 4 times in the para.

Um. Yosemite, then out to Hwy 395 in the Eastern Sierra of CA.

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51 Breathtaking Places To Visit Before You Die

This world is full of beautiful attractions both natural and man-made to visit in this lifetime. From historical sights to natural landmarks to wildlife, there is a lot to explore all over the world. Obviously, one life is not enough to experience all the beautiful places in the world, but at least you can visit some of the most amazing ones before you die. Therefore, if you are a traveler who loves to explore new places then see below our list of 51 most amazing places to visit before you die.

Top Must Visit Attractions Around the World – Places To Visit Before You Die

1 antelope canyon, usa.

Antelope Canyon tops our list of best places to visit before you die. You can book a tour and experience this stunning place with your friends and family.

2 Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

One of the major attractions of Thailand is Phi Phi Islands. Located between Phuket and Malacca coast, this group of islands attract millions of visitors every year.

3 Santorini, Greece

Santorini is another stunning attraction which one must visit in lifetime. It features multicolored cliffs topped by the whitewashed buildings, volcanic sand beaches and spectacular sunsets.

4 Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Located in Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat. This salt flat was formed as a result of lakes which were evaporated long time ago. Every year, millions of tourists visit this natural landmark and it should definitely be on your list of places to visit before you die.

5 The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Located in Gaza, Egypt; these pyramids attract millions of tourists each year who visit this place to witness the ancient landmark.

6 Istanbul, Turkey

Straddling Asia and Europe, Istanbul is one of the most popular tourist attractions full of stunning islands, hundreds of years old mosques, Ottoman palaces and vibrant markets. Add Istanbul to your bucket list of places to visit before you die.

7 Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Located in Northeastern side of Australia, Great Barrier Reef is the world’s most famous and largest coral reef. The Reef is home to a number of fishes, turtles, sharks and dolphins. Visit this place and enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, helicopter scenic tours, cruise ship and many other activities.

8 Sea of Stars, Maldives

Vadhoo Island in Maldives features the magical sea of stars. This sea is full of bioluminescence that looks like stars glowing at night. This surreal place deserves a spot on your list of places to visit before you die.

9 Portofino, Italy

Portofino is a beautiful fishing village located in Southeast of Genoa, Italy. It is famous for its colored houses, boutiques, restaurant and surreal views and should be included in places to visit before you die.

10 Jellyfish Lake, Eli Malik, Palau

Palau’s unique Jellyfish Lake has been on the bucket list of travelers from all around the world. Visit this place and experience snorkeling with the stunning golden jellyfishes.

11 The Twelve Apostles, Australia

Located along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, the Twelve Apostles are one of the major highlights of Australia. These are a collection of limestone pillars surrounded by breathtaking views. Definitely one of the best places to visit before you die!

12 Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

Be amazed by thousands of glowworms above you as you ride in your boat through this stunning cave.

13 Grand Canyon National Park, USA

Grand Canyon National Park features the stunning red rocks which are hundreds of years old. You can view this ancient landmark through a number of ways; helicopter, airplane and bus. Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders in the world which you should not miss.

14 Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti in Tanzania is the world’s most treasured ecosystem. Famous for its wildlife, this place attracts a large number of visitors every year. It is home to many animals including elephants, giraffes, elands, impalas and the big cats.

15 Lavender Fields, France

Do you want to witness stunning and fragrant lavender fields? Then you should visit the Provence in France. Provence features some of the most beautiful lavender fields from early July to beginning of August. Visit this place and have a memorable experience before you die!

16 Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is a historical region in Anatolia, Turkey which is famous for cone-shaped stunning rock formations and fairy chimneys. This place also features a number of underground cities. Visit this stunning place and enjoy guided tours and hot air balloon ride to witness its beauty to the fullest.

17 Moraine Lake, Canada

Moraine Lake is considered as one of the top lakes in the world. This surreal lake is located in Banff National Park in Canada and you should visit this at least once in your lifetime before you die.

18 Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal depicts a unique love story of Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan built this stunning monument in the memory of his wife. Located in Agra in India, Taj Mahal attracts millions of tourist from all over the world.

19 Petra, Jordan

Petra in Jordan is a popular archaeological site dating back to 300 B.C. featuring a number of tombs, temples and cliffs. You can access this stunning site through a narrow canyon.

20 The Great Wall, China

The Great Wall of China is one of the famous wonders of the world which is also listed in World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. You should visit this place with your friends and family at least for once before you die.

21 Amazon Rainforest, South America

Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest rainforest famous for its thousands of species including plants, fishes, mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians.

22 Machu Picchu, Peru

Built in 15 th  century in Peru, Machu Picchu is an ancient site which stands around 2400 m above the sea level and is one of the most stunning attractions in the world. Visit this stunning attraction with your loved ones before you die.

23 Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is a group of 3 volcanic cones. It is the highest mountain in Africa and definitely should be on your wish list of places to visit before you die.

24 Benagil Cave, Algarve, Portugal

Benagil Cave is the stunning rock formation of Portugal. You can enjoy a boat tour to this place which will also take you to many other stunning caves in the area.

25 Ephesus, Turkey

Turkey is full of stunning historical sites and one of the major highlights is Ephesus which used to be an ancient Greek city. You’ll be amazed to see how wonderful this city from 10 th  century B.C. still looks.

26 Venice, Italy

Do you want to travel to a city where there are no roads? Then travel to Venice which is built on more than 100 islands. This romantic place features stunning canals where you can enjoy gondola rides with your better half.

27 Bagan, Myanmar

Built in 9 th  century, Bagan is an ancient city which features more than 2,000 monuments. It is worth a visit before you die.

28 Hang Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

Vietnam is full of natural attractions and one of them is Hang Son Doong Cave. Visit this place and have a memorable experience of your lifetime.

29 Hitachi Seaside Park, Japan

Visit the Hitachi Seaside Park in spring season in Japan and witness the gorgeous flowers blooming all over the park.

30 Tianzi Mountain, China

Located in the Hunan Province of China, Tianzi Mountain is one of the most beautiful attractions in the world. Visit this might mountain which was formed around 400 million years ago.

31 Stonehenge, England

Stonehenge is a historic monument that is located in England. It consists of a group of standing stones which are around 13 feet high. This historic site attracts a large number of tourists every year.

32 Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is a largest religious monument in the world. This temple is a major highlight of Cambodia and is a source of their pride.

33 Niagara Falls, USA/Canada

Niagara Falls is the name given for the three waterfalls that are present at the international border between Canada and the United States. The 3 falls together form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world. You can reach there via Buffalo, USA or from Toronto, Canada.

34 Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Australia is full of beautiful beaches and islands. One of them is Whitehaven Beach which consists of pure white sand and clear blue water. Located in Whitsunday Island, this beach is only accessible by helicopter, seaplane or boat.

35 Tunnel of Love, Ukraine

Tunnel of Love in Ukraine is a 1.8 mile long train tunnel. Lovers visit this tunnel to make a wish and even for photo shoots. If you are in Ukraine, then don’t miss this stunning passageway.

36 Trolltunga, Norway

Trolltunga is a one of the most stunning cliffs situated around 1100 meters above the sea level in Norway. You can visit this place and enjoy the surreal views in the surrounding or you can even do camping on the edge of the rock formation.

37 Mendenhall Ice Caves of Juneau, Alaska

Mendenhall Ice Caves are inside the Mendenhall Glacier which is around 12 mile long. The stunning ice caves are only accessible through kayaking.

38 Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Eilean Castle is one of the most spectacular castles in Scotland. It is located on an island surrounded by the mountains. If you are into historical castles, then mention this place in your list of places to visit before you die.

39 Mount Roraima, Venezuela

Mount Roraima in Venezuela is one of the oldest mountains of earth dating back to more than billion years ago. This magnificent mountain is situated 1200 feet above the floor and includes the borders of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana.

40 Skaftafell Ice Cave, Iceland

Iceland is a land full of breathtaking locations attracting millions of people each year. Located in Vatnajokull Glacier region, Skaftafell Ice Cave should be on your travel list of places to visit before you die. Book your tour in advance and enjoy the most beautiful experience inside the cave. For more information on Iceland visit our blog

41 Basil’s Cathedral, Russia

Located in Moscow, Russia, Saint Basil’s Cathedral is the most popular colorful Cathedral. If you plan to visit Russia, than you should visit this place before you die. Make sure to take your camera with you as this cathedral is too beautiful to not take photos.

42 Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is the most famous geothermal spa in Iceland. Located in the breathtaking setting, this place is the major highlight of Iceland attractions.

43 Waterfall Castle, Poland

This stunning waterfall castle is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Poland. If you are a traveler who loves to visit new places, then this should be on your bucket list.

44 Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands is my current favorite place which I also want to visit before I die and you should visit it too. You should visit this place and experience its breathtaking beauty.

45 Udaipur, India

Udaipur is known for its artificial lakes and royal residence which you will find all around the city. It is also known as “Venice of East” due to its beauty and historical monuments.

46 Kakslauttanen Glass Igloos, Finland

Do you want to spend a night in igloos? Then make your dream come true as Finland offers you this memorable experience which you should definitely avail before you die.

47 Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen in Morocco is a beautiful town famous for its white and blue buildings. Book your tickets now and witness the beauty of Morocco with your loved ones.

48 Pamukkale, Turkey

Your trip to Turkey is incomplete without visiting its Cotton Castle known as Pamukkale. Founded in around 190 B.C., Pamukkale is famous for its thermal waters and white terraces.

49 Lake Louise, Canada

If you are writing down the list of places to visit before  you die, then do mention Lake Louise in Canada. Located in the most famous Banff National Park, this lake definitely needs a place on the list of places to visit before you die.

50 Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand is no short of places for its visitors who travel from all over the world. One of the major highlights of New Zealand is its stunning Queenstown which features many adventurous activities to its tourists including scenic helicopter flights over snowy mountains, bungee jumping, gondola rides, shotover jet, Lord of the Rings filming location and the most famous Milford Sound.

51 Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska features the famous Denali Mountain. In addition to that, it also contains lush green parks and many wild animals who wander around in this area.

The list is never ending but I have summarized the best places to visit before you die. Do let us know in comments if you have a favorite place missing from the list!

Happy travels.

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• Travel Inspiration
• Amalfi Coast

Virtual Bucket-List Destinations that Are Streaming: The Ultimate Trips to Take

See recent posts by Megan Wood

These days, inspiration is more powerful and necessary than ever. And we can't think of anything more inspiring than dreaming about the kinds of trips that change you — the trips that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Some of our suggestions will take you a little further outside of your comfort zone than you're used to, while others fall into the "I can't believe I haven't already made time for Disney World" range. And until it's safe to travel again, we've provided ways that you can virtually explore every bucket-list trip on our list — from seeing the Northern Lights live on a webcam to trekking the Grand Canyon, we've found them all. Read on and get inspired to see where you'll go next, once the world is open to explore again.

*Additional reporting by Kyle Valenta

Want to hit the open road when it's safe? Here are the best bucket-list drives you have to take in your lifetime . 

1. See the Northern Lights in Iceland

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights , is a natural phenomenon that occurs when charged sun particles collide with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. The spectacular and elusive light show is most likely to happen near the North Pole — and often in the middle of the night. Nature’s most revered light show draws travelers out of their beds and into Iceland’s frosty landscape.

Since traveling isn’t safe for the time being, you can stream the Northern Lights to get yourself inspired to see them in real life. Keep in mind that this surreal display is visible from lots of different places within the Arctic Circle. Check out this streaming live cam of the Northern Lights from Manitoba, Canada , to get a taste.

Where to Stay: Frost and Fire Hotel

Frost and Fire Hotel provides an excellent outpost for watching the lights. An outdoor pool and geothermal heated hot tubs take the chill off. You’re well off-grid here, and you’ll need a 4×4 to access the hotel.

Pricing for Frost and Fire Hotel

2. Sleep in an Overwater Bungalow in the Maldives

You may have heard of them once or twice: The Maldives . The name alone is enough to conjure images of neon blue seas, blazing white beaches, and underwater wildlife in mind-boggling abundance. It’s also home to some of the world’s most famous overwater bungalows. The Maldives is very much a romantic honeymooners destinations (or a place to celebrate special occasions), but it also draws plenty of families and even has a place for solo travelers too. ( Check out our guide to everything you need to know about the Maldives for our best tips .)

To get yourself inspired for a trip to the Maldives, you can check out any of our in-depth photos of overwater bungalows, like those found at the posh Gili Lankanfushi . You can also opt for a virtual tour of the new Muraka villa at the Conrad Rangali Island , which has underwater and overwater sections (and which we also hope to visit someday).

Where to Stay: Gili Lankanfushi

Quite possibly one of the most famous resorts in all of the Maldives, Gili Lankanfushi was badly damaged by fire in 2019, but reopened in early 2020. It’s hard to overstate how nice this place is, and its only-overwater-bungalow layout draws devoted travelers year after year.

Pricing for Gili Lankanfushi

3. Tour the Pyramids in Egypt (But Don’t Skip Luxor)

The only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still exists, the pyramids in Giza are absolutely worth braving all of the tour buses and hawkers that come along with it. Go first thing in the morning to beat crowds and heat. You only need a day, but keep in mind that a guide providing transportation and information, and who navigates the tickets and crowds, makes your life easier. For a real treat, find a hotels with a sunset view of the pyramids and the Sphinx, where you can sit on your balcony listening to the call to prayer and clip-clop of horses and goat herds going home for the day.

While the pyramids are doable as a long layover, we strongly recommend making time for a trip to Luxor. In contrast to the noise and dust of Giza and Cairo , Luxor is a quieter city on the Nile. Arrive by overnight train and you’ll see the sunrise over sugarcane fields as you come into the city. Famous for enormous temples like Karnak and Luxor, as well as the Valley of the Kings, there’s plenty to explore for several days.

To explore the pyramids virtually, Google Maps provides a cool virtual tour , which includes the experience of walking up to the pyramids. You can visit Luxor and the Valley of the Kings virtually as well , with options for VR headsets and Oculus Rift experiences.

Where to Stay: Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah

Situated relatively close to Cairo’s main central districts — and a 35-minute drive from the pyramids — the Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah is a popular choice. Rooms are attractive, and the hotel has a beautiful pool and spa.

Pricing for Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah

4. Spot Wildlife in the Galapagos

The Galapagos ‘ isolated terrain and unique ecosystems make it home to diverse plant and animal species that can’t be found anywhere else on earth. Here, humans’ needs take a backseat to animals. Turtle reserves, lava tunnels, nesting grounds, and dive sites peacefully coexist with a small development of island towns that provide the basics for nature lovers. A trip to the Galapagos Islands is expensive — there’s no denying that — but it’s something even the most casual nature lover should have on their bucket list.

Spotting a giant Galapagos tortoise is at the top of most travelers lists to this archipelago. While you can’t get to the islands right now, you can still catch these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Check out this live cam from Isla Santa Cruz — we spotted a tortoise eating between 5 and 6 PM ET.

Where to Stay in the Galapagos Islands: The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel provides all-inclusive packages that can include snorkel equipment and kayaks. It’s the only beachfront property in Puerto Ayora, but be sure to watch out for nesting iguanas — they have the right of way. 

Pricing for Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

5. Trek Machu Picchu in Peru

Built in the 1450s during the reign of Incan emperor Pachacuti, Machu Picchu was either a country estate for the emperor, or an important place of worship. Either way, hiking Machu Picchu is an unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Trekkers can traverse the Inca Trail or take an alternate route . Either way, you’ll encounter awe-inspiring views, diverse plant and animal life, and rich cultural heritage.

Note that as Machu Picchu has become more and more popular (and accessible), you must make advance arrangements to visit the site and there are strict caps on the numbers of tourists allowed to visit on any given day. You’ll also need a guide if you plan on hiking the Inca Trail (that’s not a recommendation, but a requirement).

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, you can take a cool virtual tour of Machu Picchu until it’s safe to travel again. With 360-degree imagery and narration about Machu Picchu, YouVisit.com offers a great virtual tour of Machu Picchu .

Where to Stay in Cusco: Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Amid the otherworldly history of this region, there are plenty of charming hotels that transport you to another time. The Belmond Hotel Monasterio is one of the more lavish in town, and its 16th-century setting certainly makes this a romantic spot.

Pricing for Belmond Hotel Monasterio

6. Visit the Gods in Athens

Athens is a modern and cosmopolitan city that still embraces its past. It’s home to dozens of ancient monuments that honor Greek gods and all hail from at least the 5th century B.C. The Acropolis and Parthenon are easily accessible in the center of the city, and teem with ancient ruins begging to be photographed. A trip to the Acropolis Museum is also a must, for access to some of the most amazing relics and antiquities on the planet. You’ll also find the Theatre of Dionysus behind the walls of the Acropolis.

While it may not be the same as an up-close-and-personal encounter with ancient ruins, there are some ways to explore Athens’ historic sights to keep you inspired. Virtual tours of the Parthenon and Acropolis are both available, and you can even virtually explore the collections of the Acropolis Museum, which has partnered with Google Arts & Culture . Need more? Check out a sunset behind the Acropolis on this live cam .

Where to Stay: Electra Palace Athens

Electra Palace Athens has some of the most stunning views of the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant and pool. Seriously, even Athena would be jealous of how beautiful this hotel is.  

Pricing for Electra Palace Athens

7. Visit the Sistine Chapel in Rome

Rome is filled with some of the most famous and beautiful Renaissance art and ancient architecture in the world. From the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum to Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and other incredible sights, the city is packed with history. It also has tons of Old World charm around nearly every corner (despite often being overwhelmed with tourists). Roman food — the good stuff, not what you’ll find in the tourist trattorias around Trevi — is also some of the best there is in Italy.

However, atop many travelers’ lists when they get to Rome is a visit to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s a jaw-dropping spectacle, as the museums are filled with all manner of ancient and Renaissance treasures. However, the Sistine Chapel is considered by many to be the crown jewel of the Vatican collection (if not in all of Rome). You’ll need to book your tickets well in advance to avoid long lines, and you can easily spend an entire day making your way through the museums and chapel.

While you can’t enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel right now, you can still take a virtual tour. The Vatican Museums have posted 360-degree imagery of their most famous rooms, including the Sistine Chapel , to help immerse you in the spectacle.

Where to Stay in Rome: Elizabeth Unique Hotel

With a prime location in Campo Marzio — close to tons of sights, shopping, and dining — as well as chic art-inspired interiors (and luxe perks), Elizabeth Unique Hotel is one of our favorite boutique hotels in Rome.

Pricing for Elizabeth Unique Hotel

8. Eat Sushi in Tokyo

Tokyo has one of the best restaurant scenes in the world and it’s entirely possible to eat very well in the city without sampling any raw fish, but why would you want to? There are over 5,000 sushi restaurants in Tokyo and sushi consumption is an art form, found everywhere from conveyor belt joints (which don’t require any Japanese language skills for ordering) to three-star Michelin restaurants presided over by kimono-clad servers who attend to diners’ every need.

The Tsukiji Fish Market is no longer, though what’s known as the Tsukiji Outer Market still bustles with countless kitchenware and dining vendors. We suggest trying sushi at any of the nearby restaurants. If you want to see the auction itself, you’ll need to head out into Tokyo Bay, to the Toyosu Fish Market.

Where to Stay in Tokyo: Park Hyatt Tokyo

Possibly the most famous hotel in Tokyo, and featured in the film “Lost in Translation,” the Park Hyatt Tokyo is an elegant, exclusive hotel that has broad appeal. It’s also in the bustling Shinjuku district, putting all sorts of amazing food, shopping, and nightlife nearby.

Pricing for Park Hyatt Tokyo

9. Take a Selfie With Mickey Mouse in Orlando

Walt Disney World is the largest theme park attraction in the world and draws kids of all ages who want to experience “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Whether you’re coming to ride the legendary rides like Space Mountain, to lose yourself among the cultures of the world in Epcot Center, to check out Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, or to simply snap as many pictures as you can of yourself and your family with Disney’s famous characters — Disney is packed with bucket-list potential.

These days, you’ll have to settle with exploring the park virtually. Our sister site Family Vacation Critic has compiled a list of all 13 Disney attractions that you can experience from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Where to Stay: Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge

A stay at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge comes with free shuttles and extended hours to access the parks — making it easier to meet Mickey Mouse. 

Pricing for Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

10. Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro

Let’s be clear: Rio is a great idea at any time of year. This stunning city packs an insane cultural scene, amazing nightlife, beautiful beaches, jaw-dropping mountains, and modernist architecture into one of the most dazzling urban landscapes in the world. Of course, Rio comes even more alive during its annual Carnaval, which takes place in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday. The entire nation joins in on these festivities, but Rio’s samba schools and street parties are some of the most legendary in the world.

A trip to Rio during Carnaval is incredibly expensive, and tickets to the official Sambadromo sell out early. Since we can’t travel right now, though, get familiar with the mind-blowing spectacle of sights and sounds with highlights from 2019’s samba parades at this Samba Schools Perform at Brazil Carnival Parades Video . The Atlantic also has excellent photos from 2020’s festivities .

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro: Belmond Copacabana Palace

For a taste of Rio’s stunning Art Deco architectural history and a convenient address right in famous Copacabana, the Belmond Copacabana Palace is the spot. You’re right near the beach and there’s a fun pool right on-site.

Pricing for Belmond Copacabana Palace

11. Dive or Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is so big that it can be seen from outer space. It also happens to be one of the most endangered destinations on this list, as climate change fuels mass coral bleaching events. The underwater ecosystem is home to countless sharks, dolphins, turtles, sea plants, and colorful fish, making the reef a magnet for professional and amateur divers. Excursions to Great Barrier Reef dive and snorkel sights can be arranged from many towns along the coast of Queensland. Cairns and Townsville are both popular home bases for overnight or multi-day tours of the reef.

To safely tour the reef now — along with expert insight into its ecosystems and wildlife — we recommend the legendary historian David Attenborough’s interactive reef journey . It tracks your mileage and location as you navigate about the reef learning about the habitat.

Where to Stay near the Great Barrier Reef: Qualia Resort

When you’re not out on the open water, you’ll want to bed down in style. It’s hard to top the adults-only Qualia Resort on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, which has beautiful landscaped grounds and a seaside infinity pool.

Pricing for Qualia Resort

12. Drive the Amalfi Coast in Italy

The Amalfi Coast has been dubbed the “femme-fatale” of Italy. The stretch of coastal road from the shoreline in Sorrento south to Salerno is curvy, gorgeous, and not for the faint of heart. Hairpin turns and steep cliffs make for some white-knuckle driving. However, that precise landscape — steep cliffs and azure seas below — are what make this entire region so magical. Well, the landscape and the impossibly charming towns tucked in between, like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi.

The best sunset views are had out toward Sorrento or on the Island of Capri (though sunset cruises are also incredibly popular). You can get a nice dose of this gorgeous stretch of Italy by checking out the webcams set up in numerous towns, like Positano and Amalfi , and overlooking the beach.

Where to Stay in the Amalfi Coast: Santa Caterina Hotel

We suggest making a pitstop at the Santa Caterina Hotel for uninterrupted sea views and a super-chic pool built into the cliffs. Oh, and there’s a free shuttle to Amalfi town if you can’t stomach getting behind the wheel again. 

Pricing for Santa Caterina Hotel

13. Smoke a Cigar in Havana

Cuba has exerted a magnetic pull on the world’s imagination for decades now, and the island’s colonial architecture, incredible music scene, and white-sand beaches are not to be missed. Some of the favorite tourist pastimes are a bit cliche, but we’re not going to blame you for taking pics of vintage cars and smoking cigars. Keep in mind that for travelers from the United States, you must adhere to specific rules in order to visit the country, so check well in advance before planning your trip.

For a quick virtual introduction to Havana, check out this narrated Havana tour with 360-degree capabilities to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the city.

Where to Stay: Hotel Telegrafo

The historic Hotel Telegrafo is within walking distance to Old Havana attractions and you can buy rum and cigars on-site. 

Pricing for Hotel Telegrafo

14. Pay Homage to Frida Kahlo in Mexico City

For many art lovers and travelers, the work of Frida Kahlo is a main reason to visit Mexico City . Visitors can (and should) pay homage to her life and art at her former home — La Casa Azul — which is now a museum. The striking blue house (that she shared with partner Diego Rivera) showcases (some of) her paintings, studio, bedroom, gardens, and her iconic twists on traditional Mexican garments and textiles. When you’ve had your fill, the Coyoacan neighborhood is a beautiful part of town to stroll for an afternoon (or check out the museum devoted to Frida’s friend and Coyoacan neighbor, Leon Trotsky).

While we all curb our traveling for the time being, there are still several ways to explore Frida Kahlo’s house and work. Casa Azul is offering virtual tours of the Frida Kahlo Museum , while Google Arts and Culture is providing a Face of Frida virtual exhibition .

Where to Stay in Mexico City: Las Alcobas

For modern creature comforts like designer rooms and a spa that uses local products, it’s hard to top Las Alcobas in posh Polanco. We like to think Frida would have approved of the exquisite traditional Mexican food at the hotel’s Dulce Patria. 

Pricing for Las Alcobas

15. Walk the Great Wall of China in Beijing

You’re going to need a good night’s sleep and a big, hearty breakfast buffet (heavy on the noodles) before fighting the crowds and tackling the steps and steep terrain of the Great Wall outside of Beijing . Keep in mind that this section — Mutianyu — is the most easily accessible and popular part of the wall to visit (in fact, travelers with long layovers in Beijing often make it a day trip between connecting flights). If you’re willing to go a bit farther afield, the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall is incredibly scenic and situated next to a lake for amazing pictures.

If you’d like a preview of what awaits you when you’re finally able to visit the Great Wall of China, check out this virtual tour at The China Guide .

Where to Stay: Rosewood Beijing

The Rosewood Beijing hotel provides just the ticket, along with a chic pool and luxe rooms that are soundproofed against the constant hustle and bustle of the city. And, if finding a reputable tour guide or accurate information on how to access the wall is proving too difficult with China’s notoriously restricted internet, the concierge staff is available to lend a hand. 

Pricing for Rosewood Beijing

16. Sleep in a Castle in England

Unless you were born a royal, chances are you haven’t spent the night in a castle . Across Ireland, England, and Scotland, castles dot the landscape, creating magical portals to another time and place in history. Many of the most famous castle hotels in the world are open to tourists during the day, offering all sorts of activities from falconry to traditional high teas complete with scones and clotted cream.

And while Windsor Castle — home to the Queen of the United Kingdom — isn’t something most of us will see in our lifetime, you can take a virtual tour of many of its interiors on the Royal Family’s official website .

Where to Stay: Langley Castle Hotel

The upscale Langley Castle Hotel is housed in a genuine 14th-century fortress complete with numerous medieval features, such as seven-foot thick fortress walls and suits of medieval armor. Four-poster beds and cavernous bathrooms will make anyone feel like a royal for the night. 

Pricing for Langley Castle Hotel

17. Hike a Volcano in Hawaii

Hawaii  is likely on your bucket list for a lot of reasons — surfing, snorkeling with turtles, and swimming under waterfalls — but one of the more unusual opportunities that Hawaii affords is volcano hiking and seeing lava flow. As of 2018, large eruptions on the Big Island’s Kilauea Volcano — inside of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — significantly altered the landscape and caused serious damage to nearby communities. There are other less-active volcanoes throughout the state, though, including the dormant summit at Haleakala National Park.

Many of the national parks in the U.S. have changed their hours or are closed, and the situation in Hawaii is no different during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are numerous live cams operated by the National Parks Service throughout Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that provide a cool virtual way to explore the landscape until it’s safe to travel again.

Where to Stay in Hawaii: Fairmont Orchid

One of the most popular hotels on the Big Island, the Fairmont Orchid is a great upmarket pick. The grounds are beautiful, the rooms are spacious, and there’s even a private beach area.

Pricing for Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

18. Eat Way Too Much Street Food in Bangkok

There are too many reasons why a trip to Bangkok is bucket-list worthy. From its historic temples to its dizzying mall scene, insane nightlife, and the incomparable Chatuchak Weekend Market. However, one thing Bangkok does better than almost any other city in the world is street food. From pungent green papaya salads to noodles thrown together in almost any and every combination (all with a sky-high spice quotient), the city’s street-food vendors are almost unmatched in the world.

For an excellent introduction to Bangkok’s street food (which is threatened by current government attempts at regulation), it’s worth checking out episode one of Netflix’s “Street Food” series, Bangkok .

Where to Stay in Bangkok: SO Sofitel Bangkok

With a rooftop pool overlooking Lumpini Park and great destination dining and drinking right on-site, the SO Sofitel is a lovely oasis in the midst of this completely chaotic city. Attractive, contemporary decor seals the deal.

Pricing for SO Sofitel Bangkok

19. Climb to the Top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

A magnet for millions of tourists every year (yes, we said millions), perhaps no other landmark so readily signifies any city in the world as the Eiffel Tower does for Paris. The iconic structure is very much a part of the Paris experience and provides sweeping views of the City of Love. The observation deck all the way at the top of the tower is unrivaled in its views of Paris (make sure you book your tickets well in advance). Visit twice — go to the top once in the daytime and then return to the base of the tower again at night when 20,000 lightbulbs twinkle.

This most inspiring of landmarks just might be the perfect remedy for this socially distanced and uncertain era — when experienced virtually. We recommend checking out the panoramic 360-degree view from the top and then heading to the Eiffel Tower’s official site to brush up on its history .

Where to Stay: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

The Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel is just one block from the landmark and offers balcony views from some of its rooms. 

Pricing for Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

20. Go on a Safari in Africa

With their sky-high price tags and large amount of logistical wrangling necessary, African safaris are truly once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list adventures. Whether you’re exploring the Masai Mara and Serengetti in Kenya and Tanzania, or heading to Rwanda to spot mountain gorillas, a trip to these unique (and threatened) ecosystems is always jaw-dropping. That’s especially true in East Africa if you time your visit to the great migration of wildebeest and other hoofed animals.

To get your fill of African wildlife right now, there are several ways to virtually explore the continent’s wildlife from your home. Explore.org offers live cams on several African watering holes that draw an insane collection of animal. You can also get into some of Kenya’s national parks by webcam, including Aberdare National Park .

Where to Stay for an African Safari: anBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

Luxury and safari aren’t two words that usually go together, but the andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp manages to combine glamorous tents and access to wild elephants, lions, leopards hippos, buffalo, hyenas, zebras, cheetahs, crocodiles, and giraffes. It’s located in Botswana’s Okavango Delta region.

Pricing for andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

21. Tour the Ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia

If exploring some of the most magnificent temples ever built sounds like a dream to you, then a trip to Angkor Wat must be on your list. Located to the north of Siem Reap, Cambodia , the collection of dozens of ancient Khmer sites sprawls across the flat jungle landscape.

While Angkor Wat itself is the star of the show (at sunrise, all day long, and again at sunset), other highlights include the Bayon temple and its massive Buddha faces as well as Ta Prohm (made extra-famous in “Tomb Raider”). Pro tip? Opt for a bike ride to Angkor Wat on at least one morning and make sure you visit the Bayon around sunset for a truly atmospheric wonder.

Until it’s safe to travel again, we suggest whetting your appetite for a visit to Angkor Wat by taking the Virtual Angkor tour , which offers extensive 360-degree imagery of the main temple.

Where to Stay near Angkor Wat: The Moon Residence & Spa

About a 10-minute walk from Pub Street in central Siem Reap, The Moon Residence is a sharp boutique option in a town with more than its share. The outdoor pool is a welcome perk after a long, hot day touring the ancient Angkor Wat sites.

Pricing for The Moon Residence & Spa

22. Get Lost in a Souk in Morocco

Marrakech offers a feast for all five senses and there’s no better way to see, hear, taste, touch, or smell the city than by getting lost in its winding maze of shops, restaurants, and people that make up the souks. You’ll likely spend almost all of your time in Marrakech in the Medina, which is the ancient part of the city (though still very much thrives today). Narrow alleyways zig this way and that, and getting lost is all part of the fun. You’ll also need to make time to visit Jemaa El Fna, the city’s main market.

Until it’s safe to travel the globe again, there are some cool ways to explore the city. We love this 360-degree virtual tour of Marrakech that Samsung did in 2019.

Where to Stay: Riad Tamarrakecht

The Riad Tamarrakecht provides a nearby respite from the occasionally overwhelming city with a colorful courtyard and small plunge pool, plus a rooftop terrace with a Berber tent. 

Pricing for Riad Tamarrakecht

23. Visit the Grand Canyon

Do we even need to tell you about the Grand Canyon? Perhaps the most famous natural wonders of the entire world, the Grand Canyon is worthy of almost every superlative that exists. Tucked in the extreme northwest of Arizona, the canyon frames the Colorado River and is home to too many jaw-dropping hikes to count. The South Rim is the most famous and where you’ll find the most popular viewpoints, but venturing to the North Rim rewards with fewer crowds and more pristine natural landscapes.

The National Parks Service offers numerous virtual tours through many of the Grand Canyon’s most famous trails — including the South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail.

Where to Stay near the Grand Canyon: Yavapai Lodge

Set right inside of Grand Canyon National Park. Yavapai Lodge puts you close to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and offers clean, comfortable rooms.

Pricing for Yavapai Lodge

24. Sail Ha Long Bay in Vietnam

You’ve likely seen pictures of Vietnam’s stunning Ha Long Bay ever before you knew what it was. The image of thousands of dramatic karst islands jutting out of the sea, criss-crossed by junk-boat, is the definition of iconic. Located about four hours southeast of Hanoi , Ha Long Bay is best toured by boat. And by boat, we mean a luxury cruise. This allows you to get away from the extremely crowded waters near the shoreline that are filled with daytrippers and budget overnighters. You get what you pay for here, and the prices are high, but shelling out for a Ha Long Bay cruise is unlikely to be a trip you’ll forget once you’ve explored hidden caves and gone swimming in the bay itself.

For some inspiration to visit when it’s safe to travel again, check out this video from National Geographic , which provides some background on the legend of Ha Long Bay.

25. Tour the Taj Mahal in Agra, India

The crown jewel of Mughal architecture in India — and a building so famous it has captured the hearts and minds of travelers, romantics, and artists almost anywhere in the world — the Taj Mahal is as beautiful to behold as the hype. Should you fly all the way to India to see this building alone? No. There are thousands of amazing destinations in India to add to your itinerary. But a day in Agra touring the grounds of this marble beauty is something you won’t soon forget. Make sure to hop across the Yamuna River to watch the sun go down as well (and be sure to devote some time exploring Agra’s Red Fort too).

Since the Taj Mahal is closed during the global COVID-19 outbreak, you’ll have to settle for a virtual tour (don’t worry — it won’t ruin the impression the building makes in real life). Google Streetview has a curated experience around the Taj Mahal grounds that’s worth checking out.

Where to Stay near the Taj Mahal: ITC Mughal, Agra

If you’re after a lovely property with tons of perks (including an on-site astrologer), you’d do well at the ITC Mughal . It’s not within walking distance of the Taj Mahal, but the hotel makes for a welcome respite from the busy center of Agra.

Pricing for ITC Mughal, Agra- a Luxury Collection Hotel

Now, watch our video on bucket-list trips to take before you die.

You’ll Also Like:

• 8 Bucket-List Hikes That Will Transform You
• 11 Gorgeous Walled Cities to Add to Your Bucket List
• 10 Amazing Hotels in Africa to Add to Your Bucket List

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Travel bucket list ideas:

100 Bucket list destinations & places to visit

Multiple countries

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

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

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

Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

Destination guide

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

Ile-de-France, France

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

Provence, France

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

French Riviera

Cote d'Azur, France

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

Tuscany, Italy

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

Veneto, Italy

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

Marmara Region, Turkey

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

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

India's Golden Triangle

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

Lazio, Italy

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

New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

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

Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona, United States of America (USA)

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

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Bucket List Experience

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

Good for age: 4+

Catalonia, Spain

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

Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta, Botswana

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

Masai Mara & Serengeti

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

Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Islands

Dalmatia, Croatia

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

Central Greece, Greece

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

Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

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

Madrid Region, Spain

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

North Holland, Netherlands

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

Andalusia, Spain

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

Loire Valley

Loire Valley, France

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

Greek Islands

Greek Islands, Greece

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

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

Western Cape, South Africa

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

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

New South Wales, Australia

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

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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

Central Thailand, Thailand

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

Rio de Janeiro

Southeastern Region, Brazil

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

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

Turkey's Turquoise Coast

Turquoise Coast, Turkey

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

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

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

Mayan Riviera

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

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

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

Kanto, Japan

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

Los Angeles

California, United States of America (USA)

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

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

New Zealand's South Island

South Islands, New Zealand

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

Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

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

San Francisco

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

San Sebastian

Basque Country, Spain

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

Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)

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

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Northern Territory, Australia

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

Port Douglas

Queensland, Australia

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

Kansai, Japan

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

Central Anatolia, Turkey

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

St Petersburg

Northwestern Region, Russia

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

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

Finnish Lapland, Finland

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

Amazon, Peru

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

Campania, Italy

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

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

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

Central Hungary, Hungary

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

Sicily, Italy

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

Nevada, United States of America (USA)

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

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

Bavaria, Germany

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

Lisbon Region, Portugal

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

Uppland, Sweden

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

Miami's South Beach

Florida, United States of America (USA)

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

Bergen (& Fjordland)

Western Norway, Norway

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

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, Brazil

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

Krong Siem Reap

Northwestern Region, Cambodia

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

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

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

Zanzibar, Tanzania

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

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

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

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

Hawaii, United States of America (USA)

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

Myanmar (formerly Burma)

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

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

Antarctica, Argentina

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

Adult price Varies

Good for age: 13+

Duration: Min 10 days

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

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

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

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

Amalfi Coast

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

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

New Orleans

Louisianan, United States of America (USA)

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

Bali, Indonesia

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

Patagonia, Argentina

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

Washington DC

Washington DC, United States of America (USA)

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

Banff National Park

Alberta, Canada

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

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming, United States of America (USA)

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

Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China

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

Adult price 17

Good for age: 8+

Frequently asked questions

What is a bucket list.

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

Why is it called bucket list?

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

What is a bucket list trip?

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

What is a travel bucket list?

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

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

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

GoNOMAD Travel

Inspiration and links to plan your trip.

1000 Places to See Before You Die: A Travel Cheat-Sheet

Patricia Schultz Presents A New, Special Edition of the Popular Book, 1000 Places

When 1,000 Places to See Before You Die was first published in 2003, it pioneered the concept of the travel book as both a wish list and practical guide, inventing what we now know as bucket list travel and becoming the world’s bestselling travel book of all time with more than 3.5 million copies in print.

Iconic and oversize, weighing in at over six pounds with over 1,000 color photographs and 544 pages, the book is designed to be a mesmerizing showcase of the best the world has to offer, inspiring joy, curiosity, and awe in every traveler and in any dreamer whose Instagram feed is filled with pictures of places near and far.

While retaining the scope of Schultz’s vision and journalistic authority, this deluxe edition has been totally reconceived for the photographic format and features 100% new material. Whereas the original book included practical information such as where to stay and dine, this new book focuses on immersing the reader in gorgeous scenery—Patricia chose more than 1,000 color photos to express what it’s like to visit each location—and shares the must-do activities and must-visit sites for every destination.

From the Metéora of Greece to the Mergui Archipelago of Myanmar and 998 other places across the planet, the deluxe edition of 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE is a transporting read for travelers and armchair travelers of all ages.

Excerpt: Thailand’s Idyllic Islands

Floating Gems:

Thailand is blessed with a bevy of beach-fringed islands—each distinct from the next. Phuket(right) and Samui were some of the original Thai sensations to arrive on the scene in the 1970s, followed by Koh Phi Phi Leh (and the larger Koh Phi Phi Don; Koh means “island”) when it was used as the setting for The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Those islands originally known for inexpensive digs and full-moon parties have grown up and now boast beaches lined with exclusive resorts and first-class spas, although others have retained something of their early kick-back vibe. Those with airports (Phuket, Samui) facilitate travel time, while many can be reached via ferry from Krabi or Samui. However you arrive, you most likely won’t want to leave.

The backpacker brigade first stumbled upon Koh Samui in the 1970s and the island changed considerably once word got out. An airport was built in 1989, and Western tourists, drawn by talk of dazzling beaches, started to frequent a growing number of upscale hotels.

Now Koh Samui continues to develop as one of Thailand’s most cosmopolitan island getaways. But it’s an exceedingly versatile slice of holiday heaven, with luxury villas, hip yoga and meditation retreats, and laid-back beach bars that still exclude Samui’s original counterculture vibe.

Nestled on the west coast is the Inter-Continental Samui Baan Tailing Ngam Resort , which opened during Koh Samui’s pre-airport days on some of the island’s best real estate and is still the island’s ritziest property (its privileged with great sunsets). From its terraced guest rooms and seven pools, the resort offers uncommonly lovely views of some of the small islands and jungle-clad outcroppings scattered across the Gulf of Thailand.

They are part of the Ang Thong Nationa Marine Park, a popular destination for world-class diving and snorkeling that encompasses 42 islands. The largest uninhabited key, Koh Pha Ngan (7 miles north and accessible by daily boat runs), continues to draw budget travelers and scuba lovers the way Samui once did, though it’s also showing signs of a more upmarket future.

Farther north, tiny Koh Tan offers the best approximation of Koh Samui’s former gays as a shoestring travelers haven.

Long sweeps of white beaches encircle Koh Samui, while the middle of the island remains dense with coconut plantations. Coconuts were once a mainstay of the local economy when 2 million fruits were shipped to Bangkok every month. The trade is now greatly reduced, but the coconut is still used widely in Koh Samui’s increasingly sophisticated restaurants.

The elegant Zazen on Bo Phut Beach combines ocean views, a romantic ambiance, and European-Thai fusion food. Try the crispy sea bass in a green curry cream or silky smooth lemongrass creme brulee. The restaurant’s accompanying Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa features Asian minimalist decor and a beachfront location.

Where: 300 Miles/480 km southwest of Bangkok

Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort: Tel 66/77-420-9100; www.samuizazen.com .  Cost: from from $245; dinner $75

Best Time: Dec.-Apr. to avoid monsoon rains

Phuket is the country’s biggest and busiest with the ultimate list of options

Koh Tao attracts those who come to dive—newbies can get certified—and won’t break the bank

Koh Pha Ngan is still the place for partygoers, but a low-key vibe can still be found on the other side of the island

Koh Yao Yai and its little sister, Koh Yao Noi, promise a more quiet and idyllic setting with stunning views.

About the Author

Patricia Schultz is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die. A veteran travel journalist with over 30 years of experience, she’s written for Frommer’s, Berlitz, and Access travel guides, as well as the Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast Traveler, and Travel Weekly, where she is a contributing editor. Her new book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die (Deluxe Edition): The World as You’ve Never Seen It Before , was published by Artisan Books on October 29, 2019. Her home base is in New York City, but good luck finding her there!

Follow along on Patricia’s travels by following her on Facebook and Instagram at @1000placestoseebeforeyoudie.

For more information, visit 1000places.com .

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2 thoughts on “ 1000 Places to See Before You Die: A Travel Cheat-Sheet ”

is there a list form of the ‘1000 places’ so that we can track our travel places? thank you..

Patricia Schultz told us that they no longer have that because it’s too hard to keep it up to date and they add and subtract places on an ongoing basis.

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The Smithsonian Life List: 43 Places to See Before You Die

From wonders of the world to thrills for adventure seekers, we’ve compiled a list of sites that any true world traveler cannot miss

Smithsonian magazine

Go to http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/content/lifelist/

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• INTELLIGENT TRAVEL

Editor’s Letter: 50 Places of a Lifetime

Every curious traveler should visit these treasures.

Our November/December issue is a special collector’s edition, “50 Places of a Lifetime,” and it’s heading to a mailbox or newsstand near you. Here’s the introduction to the package from the pages of the magazine; the complete list of all of our Places of a Lifetime can be found after the jump.

A decade ago, Traveler published a landmark issue– “50 Places of a Lifetime”–that in subsequent years has become something of a hallmark of the magazine, spawning related books, podcasts, special issues, web content, games, mobile apps–even a round-the-world jet trip from National Geographic Expeditions to lift off in October 2010. Long before The Bucket List and 1,000 Places to See Before You Die , we sought to showcase those treasured destinations that every curious traveler should visit in a lifetime.

Now, in Traveler’s 25th-anniversary year, we recognize the first 50 places and offer another 50 that speak to the transformation of travel since 1999–how we travel, where we travel, why we travel. Ten years ago, we could see the emerging signs of a new kind of journeying–one that puts a premium on sense of place, authenticity, culture, sustainability, and experience rather than mere sightseeing.

These elements became the compass we use to steer you to destinations that are more than just numbers in a hot list. Our first 50 picks were icons the world collectively recognizes as superlative. What we offer in the following pages is what sets this magazine apart. We go beyond the obvious. You’ll see that we’ve picked locations of character–and asked those with a personal connection to them to tell us why they are important, unique, compelling. Some are places you may know but haven’t seen the way we view them here. Others, we hope, are surprises that may seduce you to explore them firsthand. We address what makes a destination special, what will reward the traveler, why you should come here rather than go somewhere else. We are more sensitive than ever to the fact that many places we love most are deeply threatened–and our challenge is to preserve them for future generations. When they travel, I want my children to know the same joy I feel every time I discover somewhere new and different. We all begin that journey by finding a place that sings to us. We hope you find many destinations in these pages that do just that. –Keith Bellows, Editor in Chief

The following is a list of all of the Places of a Lifetime we’ve featured in the magazine, from both 1999 and 2009; the newer selections are in bold, and are also featured on an interactive map here . To see a photo gallery of many of the places featured in this year’s issue, click here . And to hear music selections inspired by each of the places from our current issue, click here . How many have you visited?

URBAN SPACES

• Athens, Greece
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Barcelona, Spain
• Berlin, Germany
• Delhi, India
• Dublin, Ireland
• Florence, Italy
• Hong Kong, China
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Jerusalem, Israel
• London, England
• Mexico City, Mexico
• New York, New York
• Paris, France
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• San Francisco, California
• St. Petersburg, Russia
• Tokyo, Japan
• Vancouver, Canada
• Venice, Italy

WILD PLACES

• Aleutian Islands, Alaska
• Amazon Forest
• Arnhem Land, Australia
• Australian Outback
• Auyuittuq National Park, Canada  
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda  
• Canadian Rockies
• Coast Redwoods, California
• Galápagos Islands
• Grand Canyon
• Lake Baikal, Russia
• Madidi National Park, Bolivia
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Papua New Guinea’s Coral Reefs
• Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal  
• South Georgia Island, South Atlantic Ocean
• Venezuela’s Tepuis

PARADISE FOUND

• Aitutaki, Cook Islands
• Amalfi Coast, Italy
• Boundary Waters, Minnesota
• British Virgin Islands
• Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil
• Greek Islands
• Hawaiian Islands
• Japanese Ryokan
• Kerala, India
• Lord Howe Island, Australia
• Mayreau, St. Vincent and the Grenadines  
• Molokai, Hawaii
• Mount Rigi, Switzerland
• Pacific Islands
• Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
• Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
• Salina, Italy
• Torres del Paine, Chile
• Yap’s Outer Islands, Micronesia

COUNTRY UNBOUND

• Nat Geo Expeditions
• Asturias, Spain
• Azure Coast, Turkey
• Big Sur, California
• Canadian Maritimes
• Cordillera Terraces, Philippines
• Danang to Hue, Vietnam
• Gaspé Peninsula, Canada
• Gobi desert, China and Mongolia  
• Lake District, England
• Loire Valley, France
• Mendoza, Argentina
• North Island, New Zealand
• Norway’s Coast
• Piedmont region, Virginia
• Rif Mountains, Morocco
• Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

WORLD WONDERS

• Acropolis, Greece
• Angkor, Cambodia
• Easter Island, Chile
• Fatehpur Sikri, India
• Great Wall, China
• Karnak, Egypt  
• Kuelap, Peru  
• Leptis Magna, Libya
• Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
• Machu Picchu, Peru
• Mesa Verde, Colorado
• Petra, Jordan
• Potala Palace, Tibe t
• Pyramids, Egypt
• Sagrada Família, Spain
• Samarkand and Bukhara, Uzbekistan  
• Terra Cotta Army, China  
• Taj Mahal, India
• Vatican City  

51st Place of a Lifetime

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Travel Bucket List Ideas: Places To Visit Before You Die

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• best-bucket-list-travel-experiences

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written by Helen Fanthorpe

updated 14.12.2023

Read through our ultimate travel bucket list, with not just the top places to see, but the unique experiences that you can have when you visit these amazing locations around the world.

1. Get lost for words at the Grand Canyon

2. walk the siq to petra, jordan.

• 3. Relish the cheap seats at Shakespeare's Globe

4. Get blown away by the Great Wall of China

5. save a place in your travel bucket list for sailing the whitsundays, australia, 6. visit the taj mahal by moonlight, india, 6. see the floral wave of cherry blossoms, japan, 8. traverse the salar de uyuni, bolivia, 9. explore the galápagos islands, ecuador, 10. take a train journey through the scottish highlands, 11. bed down in an igloo, canada, 12. climb mont st-michel, france, 13. rage wine war in la rioja, spain, 14. spot puffins in the faroes, 15. solve the mysteries of pompeii, italy, 16. get in high spirits on the bourbon trail, usa, 17. come eye-to-eye with africa’s mountain gorillas, rwanda, 18. follow the oyster trail in galway, ireland, 19. meet sun bears in borneo, malaysia, 20. see the blackpool illuminations, england, 21. down a stein at oktoberfest, germany, 22. explore the land of the fairy chimneys, turkey, 23. marvel at the pyramids of giza, egypt, 24. take a hot air balloon over the savannah, kenya, 25. climb table mountain, south africa, 26. eat barbecue in texas hill country, usa, 27. explore mystical sintra, 28. hike the pennine way, england & scotland, 29. have a beer in brussels, belgium, 30. eat gelato in rome, 31. feel the heat in a finnish sauna.

• 32. Brave the Devil's Throat at Iguazú, Argentina and Brazil

33. Paint the town red at La Tomatina, Spain

34. kayak milford sound, new zealand, 35. celebrate the loy krathong festival of light, thailand, 36. down caipirinhas in rio de janeiro, brazil, 37. climb kilimanjaro, tanzania, 38. spend the day at tivoli, denmark.

• 39. Crank up the volume on King's Day, the Netherlands

40. Marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, Spain

• 41. Float down Norway's Geirangerfjord

42. Hike Half Dome in Yosemite, USA

43. relive the wild west at the calgary stampede, canada, 44. watch the sunrise at tikal, guatemala, 45. fall under the spell of luang prabang, laos, 46. get away from it all in the gilis, indonesia, 47. take the polar plunge, antarctica, 48. hit the streets for notting hill carnival, england, 49. drop in on the churches of lalibela, ethiopia, 50. celebrate the biennale in venice, italy, 51. experience bhutan - a tiny country leading the way in sustainable tourism.

• 52. Discover Tbilisi's reignited cultural scene
• 53. Hike in Gorges du Verdon - the 'alternative Grand Canyon'

54. Admire Victoria Falls - the world’s widest curtain of water

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.

Whether it’s adrenaline based adventures or sampling a unique local delicacy for the first time, these experiences will give you unforgettable memories and stories to return home with.

If you're travelling with kids, you might also want to discover magical places to visit with children before they grow up .

After pondering the Grand Canyon for the first time most visitors are stunned into silence. The problem isn’t lack of words. It’s just that the canyon is so vast and so deep, that the vista stretches so far across your line of vision.

The facts are similarly mind-boggling: it is around 277 miles long and one mile deep. Think of it this way: the Grand Canyon is like a mountain range upside down. The abruptness of the drop is bizarre and unnerving. But this is what makes it one the top places to see. Once you return, you’ll never see scenes like it ever again.

Where to stay:

• Best for great value and location to the Grand Canyon: Red Canyon Cabins . Situated in Kanab, Red Canyon Cabins features accommodation with free WiFi, barbecue facilities and mountain views.
• Best for celebrity treatment: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon . Featuring a bar, The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon is located in Tusayan in the Arizona region, 11 km from Grand Canyon Village and 29 km from Grand Canyon South Rim.

What to do:

• Fly over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter and see the North and South Rim from above. Add a Hummer tour at sunrise or sunset and get a closer look at the Grand Canyon's landscape.

The Grand Canyon is like that: it picks you up and takes you out of your comfort zone, dropping you back just that little bit changed.

Visiting the Grand Canyon should be on your travel bucket list

Tucked away between parallel rocky ranges in southern Jordan, the fabled site of Petra is simply awe-inspiring and worthy to visit befor you die. Popular but rarely crowded, this rock-carved Nabataean city has entranced travellers for centuries with its ornate facades and classical architecture. Perhaps the most magical view lies at the end of the Siq, a dramatic natural gorge that’s still the main entrance.

Here, you emerge from the bizarrely eroded cliffs onto an extraordinary view: the famous facade of Petra’s Treasury looming before you. Carved directly into the cliff face and standing 40m tall, it’s no wonder that this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see on any Middle Eastern bucket list.

• Best for budget: Nomads Hotel Petra . Located in Wadi Musa, less than 1 km from Petra, Nomads Hotel Petra provides accommodation with a bar, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hostel features family rooms.
• See the main sights of Petra in a few hours on a full-day tour from Amman . Transfer by modern vehicle along the desert highway to Wadi Mousa. Visit the rock-carved Treasury and stunning Monastery.

Tailor-made trip:

• Discover Jordan highlights with relaxing activities and meeting locals. Visit peaceful spots with breathtaking landscapes and practice true relaxation on our tailor-made mind body and soul tour to Jordan .

Walk the Siq to Petra - one of the places to visit befor you die

3. Relish the cheap seats at Shakespeare's Globe

It’s standing-room only in ‘the pit’ at Shakespeare’s Globe. This London institution is an open-air reconstruction of the original theatre a few hundred metres away, where Shakespeare’s theatre company performed in 1599. Here in “this wooden O”, as Henry V calls it, hard wooden seats encircle the ‘thrust’ stage.

But it’s in the pit, standing in the footsteps of Elizabethan and Jacobean ‘groundlings’ who paid a penny apiece, where you get the best atmosphere. This close up, Shakespeare cannot be dusty or distant. The performances are energized, physical and exhilarating. This is a participatory, democratic theatre experience.

There’s a terrific camaraderie between actors and audience, and a real intimacy in those iconic moments when Shakespeare lays bare the inner sinews of human emotion. That's why this place is worth to be on your travel bucket list.

• Best for modern architecture and river views: Sea Containers . This huge modern hotel is located on the banks of the River Thames, close to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe.
• Best for value: YHA London St Paul’s . Just a 5-minute walk from St Paul’s Cathedral, this youth hostel offers great value rooms in a historic building, set in the beating heart of the city.
• This unique Shakespeare tour has been designed for lovers of the world's greatest playwright and for anyone interested in Elizabethan London. Enjoy the official in-house Globe Theatre tour and visit Southwark Cathedral to admire its Shakespeare window.

Only here do you have the chance to eyeball Hamlet as he contemplates 'self-slaughter', or Lady Macbeth as she tries to wash the imagined blood from her hands.

The Shakespeare's Globe

Snaking across the dusty hills of northeast China , the Great Wall is an unforgettable sight and a mandatory item in your travel bucket list. It’s impossible not to be blown away by this 7m-high, 7m-thick fortification.

Take at least a day to walk between its battlements, shunning hawkers and tourists for less-visited sections where you clamber up unrestored stairs and through crumbling towers. Yet even after you’ve seen, touched and walked the wall, it’s still hard to believe this was built by simple human endeavour.

• Best for great value and location to surrounding activities: Crowne Plaza Beijing Badaling . Crowne Plaza Beijing Badaling is located in Yanqing is also one of the three major competition areas of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. The hotel has 3 restaurants combining Eastern and Western cuisine and 2 lobby bars. The Great Wall Museum of China is 14 km away.
• Best for being on a budget: The Great Wall Courtyard Hostel . The Great Wall Courtyard Hostel is just 500 m from the Badaling Great Wall. It offers a business centre with fax and photocopying services, and free on-site parking.
• This hiking trip of Great Wall will show you both Simatai and Jinshanling sections of the wall within 3 hours. You will experience both original and restored Wall on a less-visited sections.

Tailor-made tour:

• Follow the Great Wall through the mountains, lakes, and ancient villages in our Beijing and The Great Wall of China trip .

The Great Wall in China

Related articles from the blog

There’s a distinct feeling of déjà vu cruising in a sailboat among the Whitsunday Islands . Presently it comes to you: you’ve been here many times, in your lottery fantasies.

This tropical idyll of turquoise seas lapping ivory sands against a backdrop of dense green foliage is ingrained in our imagination. Life on board here becomes simple. A shower is as easy as diving into the surrounding water, and your bed is the deck of the boat or the sand on the beach.

• Best for views of the ocean: Freedom Shores has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a garden and bar in Cannon Valley. Among the various facilities are a private beach area and a terrace with a sea view.
• Best for staying on your own island: Daydream Island Resort . This stylish and tranquil retreat is located in the heart of Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands. The resort features modern rooms, outdoor pools and three bars and restaurants.
• For a different angle on the Whitsundays, think about taking a scenic flight from Airlie Beach . If you prefer sailing adventures, there are many one-day to multi-day catamaran trips available to explore the azure waters.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Simply the world’s greatest building, Shah Jahan’s monument to love does not disappoint. Volumes have been written on its perfection, and its image adorns countless glossy brochures and guidebooks; nonetheless, the reality never fails to overwhelm all who see it, and few words can do it justice.

A workforce of some twenty thousand men from all over Asia completed the Taj Mahal in 1653 after twenty years of toil, and it is undoubtedly the zenith of Mughal architecture in India .

Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore described the Taj Mahal as “a teardrop on the face of eternity”, and though its layout follows a distinctly Islamic theme, representing Paradise, it is above all a monument to romantic love.

Shah Jahan built the Taj to enshrine the body of his favourite wife, Arjumand Bann Begum, better known by her official palace title, Mumtaz Mahal (“Chosen One of the Palace”). The emperor was devastated by her death, and set out to create an unsurpassed monument to her memory – the result is sublime.

• Best for stunning views: Tajview . Spread over 9 acres of landscaped gardens, Tajview – IHCL SeleQtions enjoys beautiful views of the Taj Mahal. Aside from 24-hour room service, the hotel also provides outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a pampering spa.
• Best for luxury: Grand Imperial - Heritage Hotel . Situated in the heart of medieval Agra, Grand Imperial, a heritage hotel offers luxury accommodation with spa facilities, conference facilities and beautiful gardens, ideal for business and leisure travellers.
• If you prefer to organise and book yourself, consider taking a private Taj Mahal tour from Agra - your private guide will take you to explore the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Tailor-made travel:

• Explore the Golden Triangle and beyond with one of our Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips, like the Essential Golden Triangle trip. As with all of our trips - they're 100% customisable in collaboration with your local expert.

The magical Taj Mahal

In Japan , spring sees the country gradually coated in a light pink shade, soft petals slowly clustering on their branches as if puffed through by some benevolent underground spirit.

The sakura-zensen, or cherry blossom front, flushes like a floral wave that laps the country from south to north and is followed ardently by the Japanese. Among the best places to see it are Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto , Tokyo ’s Ueno Park or the castles in Osaka or Himeji, all of which are lent a dreamlike air by the arrival of the blossom each spring.

• Best for great value in the heart of Kyoto: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma . Nishiki Market is a 10-minute stroll away, while Nijo Castle is a 15-minute bus ride away. Popular with travellers interested in temples, sightseeing and history.
• Best for staying in Osaka: Hotel Hyllarys . Set in Osaka and within 1,650 feet of Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade. Chuo Ward is a great choice for travellers interested in shopping, street food and shopping for food.
• Best for location to Ueno Park: Nohga Hotel Ueno . Situated in Tokyo, 1,650 feet from Choen-ji Temple. Nearby Taito City is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, city trips and city walks.
• Explore a whimsical Tokyo dipped in pastel pink . Spend time with a local host who will take you out picnicking under the local cherry blossoms throughout your very own cherry-blossom-viewing party.
• From Tokyo to Osaka, this Japan tailor-made trip features fantastic experiences. View a sumo session, visit ancient temples, and climb the Tokyo Skytree tower. Explore the resort town of Hakone in Mt Fuji’s shadow, savor a tea ceremony in Kyoto, and see cherry blossoms, in season, to complete a wonderful trip.

A lesson about fragile beauty that must be treasured and contemplated.

Cherry blossom season in Japan - one of the things you should see before you die

The immaculate white expanse of the Salar de Uyuni is one of Bolivia ’s most extraordinary attractions to include in your travel bucket list. This is the largest salt lake in the world, capped by a thick, hard crust of salt, easily capable of supporting the weight of a car.

It’s perhaps best seen after a heavy rainfall, when the Salar transforms into an immense mirror, reflecting the sky and the surrounding snowcapped peaks so pristinely that at times the horizon disappears and the mountains seem like islands floating in the sky.

• Best for value and location: Casa de Sal - Salt Hotel . Set in Uyuni's city centre, rooms at Casa de Sal - Salt Hotel are built with salt blocks and feature details of Andean décor.
• Best for 5 star salt treatment: Hotel Palacio de Sal . Built out of salt bricks and also featuring salt furniture, Palacio de Sal offers guests accommodation with free WiFi and a complimentary buffet breakfast in Potosí.
• Take a day-tour to explore the Salar de Uyuni before enjoying a Bolivian wine tasting at sunset. Or head out in the middle of the night, for a stargazing tour of this unique landscape.
• With our tailor-made tour you will experince the highlights of every Peru and Bolivia trip: the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, followed by a trip to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Afterwards, continue via La Paz to the Salar de Uyuni, the incredible salt flats.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The utter indifference that most of the animals of the Galápagos Islands show to humans suggests that they knew all along they’d be the ones to change humanity’s perception of itself for ever. It was, after all, this famous menagerie that started the cogs turning in Charles Darwin’s mind.

With each island, new animal oddities reveal themselves – giant tortoises, canoodling waved albatrosses, lumbering land iguanas and Darwin’s finches, to name but a few – each a key player in the world’s most celebrated workshop of evolution.

• Best for staying on Isla Isabela: Hotel La Jungla . Located in Puerto Villamil, Hotel La Jungla features a garden, bar, shared lounge and great views. The area is popular for snorkelling, and bike hire is available at the hotel.
• Best for a luxurious stay: Royal Palm Galapagos . Boasting an outdoor swimming pool and impressive lava tunnels inside the property, Royal Palm offers chic rooms in Santa Cruz, Galápagos Island.
• Discover the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands with a multi-day tour . Visit scenic landmarks, see animals in their natural habitat, and learn about the history of the islands, with accommodation included.

Tailor-made trips:

• Explore the islands on a 6-day trip Galápagos Islands Explored or go on an Amazon adventure first before heading out to the islands . As with all of our tailor-made trips, these itineraries are just showcase samples and 100% modifiable to your taste and preferences.

You feel like a privileged gatecrasher, one who’s allowed an up-close look at a long-kept secret: the mechanics of life on Earth.

Iguanas in the Galapagos Islands

Even in a country as beautiful as Scotland , you might not expect to combine train travel with classic highland views. The scenery along the West Highland Railway is both epic in its breadth and compelling in its imagery, so probably you should write this item down in your travel bucket list.

Travel from the centre of Glasgow, all the way to Mallaig, through famous sites such as the 21-arch viaduct at Glenfinnan (of Harry Potter fame) and the mighty Ben Nevis mountain. Whilst you might have to crane your neck to get the full view, you won’t have to worry about keeping your eyes on the road.

• Best for views of the Lochs and visiting Ben Nevis: Cruachan Hotel . Situated 5 minutes from Fort William, the Cruachan Hotel offers bedroom views of Loch Linnhe and easy access to Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
• Best for visiting the Glenfinnian viaduct: The Prince’s House Hotel . This traditional Scottish hotel is an easy walk from the iconic Glenfinnian viaduct and the train station.
• Sit back and relax on this hour long trip on what is known as the Queen of Scottish Lochs. Enjoy spectacular views of the magnificent Ben Lomond and the highland boundary fault line as you enter into the Scottish Highlands from the Lowlands.
• If you prefer cars over trains, check out this self-drive itinerary through the Scottish Highlands with our local expert in Scotland. A train journey can of course be added to your personalised trip!

The West Highland Railway

This might not be the most common contender on a travel bucket list, but it’s certainly a one-of-a-kind experience to have. Tucked away between rolling hills and vast stretches of tundra in northern Québec lies a series of igloos. These domed shelters were built by Inuit elders, who carved snowblocks from windswept snowdrifts, using skills passed on from their ancestors.

Today, they continue to safeguard hunters as well as welcome adventure seekers. Visitors can feast on caribou stew and frozen Arctic char before falling asleep to the sounds of kids throat-singing and the gentle flicker of the seal-blubber-fuelled qulliq (lamp).

• Best for location: Hotel Manoir Morgan . Boasting a bar, terrace and views of city, Hotel Manoir Morgan is situated in Quebec City, 100 m from Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
• Best for grand heritage: Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac . Situated in Old Quebec in a beautiful European chateau. This Unesco heritage property boasts great views of the St. Lawrence River and city.
• Enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating thermal experience at Strøm Nordic Spa Old Quebec , located by the picturesque Saint Lawrence River. Take a moment to recharge your batteries before your next adventure.

Igloo in tundra, northern Québec

Wondrously unique yet as recognizable as the Eiffel Tower, Mont St-Michel , with its harmonious blend of natural and man-made beauty, has been drawing tourists and pilgrims alike to the Normandy coast for centuries.

Soaring some 80m up from the bay that bears its name, this glowering granite islet has an entire commune clinging improbably to its steep boulders, its tiers of buildings topped by a magnificent Benedictine abbey. It’s an aesthetic delight yet also a place of serenity: less than a third of the 3.5 million tourists that flock here each year actually climb all the way up.

• Best for location on Mont St-Michel: Les Terrasses Poulard . Composed of 2 different buildings, Les Terrasses Poulard is a historical property in the heart of Mont Saint-Michel and offers views of the bay, the village and the street.
• Best for views of Mont St-Michel: Le Relais Saint Michel . This hotel faces the bay of Mont Saint-Michel. All guest rooms ( except Twin Room Saint-Michel with interior view) offer a private terrace and some have panoramic views of Mont Saint-Michel.
• Discover Mont-Saint-Michel abbey , one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore this spectacular historical site at your own pace and take advantage of an information booklet to learn about the rich history of the site.
• Experience the best of Northern France with our tailor-made tour . Visit Brittany and Normandy for pretty port towns and sombre historic sights. Discover galleries and gourmet restaurants, and explore the beaches and scenery of the wild Atlantic coastline.

Looking out from Mont St-Michel, the tides rolling in around its base, is a panorama to be savoured.

Mont St-Michel Abbey, France

Each year several villages in La Rioja spend an entire day soaking each other in red wine. One of the truly great events of the Spanish summer, the Wine War ( La Batalla del Vino ) is a wine-fight of epic – and historic – proportions.

In theory, the townsfolk of Haro are battling it out with those of neighbouring Miranda de Ebro, but in the good-humoured but frantic battle that rages, there are no obvious sides, and no winners or losers. Instead, the object is perfectly straightforward: to squirt, hose, blast or throw some 25,000 litres over as many people as possible.

• Best for Haro Wine Festival: Hotel Plaza De La Paz . The hotel offers a terrace and views of the plaza. Great location for hiking, skiing and cycling.
• Best on a budget: Tinto Dreams Hostel . The accommodation features a private room, shared kitchen, a shared lounge and organises tours for guests.
• Discover why this Spanish region is famous for high quality wines . Explore our wine cellar (bodega), take a relaxing walk through the vineyard, and enjoy a delicious lunch with wines from our own collection.
• Our tailor-made trip to the lands of wine allows you to explore two famous regions: Ribera del Duero and La Rioja. Or you can choose this luxury tailor made tour through the Vineyards of La Rioja .

You won’t be spared as a spectator, so you may as well join in.

Wineyards in La Rioja, Spain

On the unspoilt Faroe Islands, about 300km north of Scotland in the windswept, weather-tossed North Atlantic, heavy waves batter tall, chalky cliffs. But there’s more than just geological beauty here.

Come spring, pairs of puffins, their feathers ruffled from the raging sea, wash up on the island, standing proud and rubbing their beaks together in displays of matrimony. The show has just begun. For the next four months, these curious seabirds will mate, nest and raise their offspring – all of which makes for including this destination to your travel bucket list.

• Best for views of the beach and ocean: Boat house in Hósvik . A great location in the centre of the Faroe Islands (Hósvik) providing a perfect base to explore all the islands. This beachfront property offers access to a patio with stunning views.
• Best for Puffin watching: The View . The View is set in Bøur. Located on the beach front and close to the Island Mykines, renowned for high volume of Atlantic Puffins in breeding season.
• Explore the beautiful fjord of Árnafjørður . Sail close to the magnificent seashore with steep cliffs, gorges and grottoes, and try your hand at sea angling.

Adorable puffins on Faroes

Pompeii was famously buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD, and the result is perhaps the best-preserved Roman town anywhere, with a street plan that is easy to discern – not to mention wander – and a number of palatial villas that are still largely intact.

While crowded, not surprisingly, it's a large site, and it’s quite possible to escape the hordes and experience the strangely still quality of Pompeii, sitting around ancient swimming pools, peering at frescoes and mosaics still standing behind the counters of ancient shops. The city’s story still speaks loud and clear.

• Best for great value and location to Pompeii: Hotel del Sole . Located right in front of the Pompeii archeological site. Some of the rooms come with a panoramic balcony.
• Best for a little luxury: Hotel Forum . Opposite the entrance to the Pompeii excavations, this hotel is situated in the heart of the town, just a 5-minute walk away from the main Piazza.
• Discover Pompeii with an archaeologist on a small-group or private tour . Skip the ticket line and explore the excavations while listening to anecdotes.
• Explore Southern Italy on a tailor-made trip: Rome, Naples (including a day trip to Pompeii), Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast await.

Pompeii, Italy

Bourbon is the United States ’ sole native spirit. And while bourbon can be produced elsewhere, the spirit of the spirit resides in Kentucky, which is not only home to the finest distilleries, but also, according to local legend, its birthplace.

The best place to find out more is along the Bourbon Trail , a meandering route through the rolling hills of central Kentucky that links several distilleries and historic towns.

Where to stay

• Best for Wild Turkey Distillery: Best Western Lawrenceburg Inn . Guests staying at this Lawrenceburg hotel are within 4 minutes’ drive of the local Bourbon distilleries Wild Turkey Distillery and Four Roses Distillery.
• Best for basing yourself in Louisville: Aloft Louisville Downtown . Located on the historic Whiskey Row, Aloft Louisville Downtown offers great views of Ohio River and a good value location to visit nearby Whiskey distilleries.
• Immerse yourself in Kentucky bourbon on this all-inclusive weekend experience in Bardston. Meet some of Bardston's master distillers, learn how bourbon is made, sample some of the region's very best bourbon, and enjoy a range of farm-to-table meals.

Bourbon barrels near the distillery

A face-to-face encounter with a mountain gorilla in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences to add to your travel bucket list. And locating the apes in their tangled and misty forest home is part of the thrill.

A close-up encounter is practically guaranteed, but be warned – it can get tough. Any exhaustion dissipates immediately, however, when you look into the liquid brown eyes of one of the magnificent bamboo-munching beasts – these are the archetypal “gentle giants”.

• Best for the mountain views: Go Lux Lodge . With mountain views, Go Lux Lodge is situated in Kinigi and has a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, bar, garden and terrace. Both WiFi and private parking are accessible at the lodge free of charge.
• Best for gateway to Volcanoes National Park: Ingagi Park View Lodge . Set in Kinigi, 4.9 km from Kinigi, Ingagi Park View Lodge offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers room service, a concierge service and free WiFi.
• Combine Rwanda with neighboring Uganda and Tanzania to make the most of your adventure in East Africa.

Mountain gorilla in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

The Galway International Oyster Festival is Ireland ’s longest-running and greatest gourmet extravaganza, celebrating the new oyster season in the finest way possible: a three-day furore of drinking, dancing and crustacean guzzling.

The traditional objective is to down a pint and a couple of oysters in every pub along the Oyster Trail over three days – that’s around thirty pints and up to a hundred oysters. If you can do this and still make it down for breakfast on the Sunday morning, you need never prove yourself again.

• Best for being in the heart of Galway: Skeffington Arms Hotel . Overlooking Eyre Square in the heart of Galway, The Skeffington Arms offers bright, modern rooms, a vibrant bar and restaurant, and Galway's largest cocktail bar.
• Best for a little luxury: Salthill Hotel . Overlooking the famous Salthill Promenade, Galway Bay and the Clare Hills. The Hotel is just 0.6 miles from Galway city centre, set in Galway’s beautiful countryside on the scenic route to Connemara National Park. It has a swimming pool and gym.
• Explore Ireland’s scenic landscapes on a trip to the Cliffs of Moher on a day trip by bus . Visit Galway and the Burren, and see the monastic ruins of Kilmacduagh.
• Take some time off with your family and friends and discover the most spectacular places that Ireland has to offer with a 4-day tailor-made trip to Galway , the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren National Park.

Galway oysters

Though it easily rivals the panda in the cuteness stakes, little is known about the world’s smallest bear, named for the distinctive white mark on its chest that resembles the sun. Seriously endangered, sun bears live throughout Asia, but Borneo is their last stronghold.

See them at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok , the first of its kind, which aims to educate people about these wonderful animals. There can be no doubt that the efforts directed towards their survival are more crucial than ever.

• Best for location to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre: Sepilok B&B . Clean and simple accommodation situated close to Rainforest Discovery Centre and The Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
• Best for including some beach time: The Aru Hotel . Situated in Kota Kinabalu, 1.5 km from Tanjung Aru Beach, The Aru Hotel features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a terrace.
• Snorkel the tropical waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park near Kota Kinabalu and see a host of colorful reef fish and coral gardens. Chill out on sandy beaches, and relax over a full a la carte lunch at an island café.
• Experience Sabah, a true nature's paradise on this 7-day trip from Kota Kinabalu. Remember, as with all of our trips, this itinerary is fully customisable.

Baby sun bear in Borneo forest

When autumn knocks, the temperature drops and other resorts have shut up shop, one seaside town switches on. From the end of August until early November, the Blackpool Illuminations light up the seafront – and if you’ve a penchant for gaudy, nostalgic, none-too-highbrow fun, you should get your coat on and come.

Comprising around a million lights, the glittering display stretches six miles – and amazingly, the whole experience is free. All you’ll need to buy is a tram ticket, a bag of chips and a novelty stick of rock. And never mind if it rains – the lights look even more gorgeous shimmering in the puddles.

• Best for location to the illuminations: Ruskin Hotel . The Ruskin Hotel offers central accommodation in Blackpool and is situated close to the Blackpool Tower.
• Best for great value by the sea: Lyndene Hotel . This a great seafront location on Blackpool's sea promenade. Hotel Lyndene is a 15-minute walk from the famous Pleasure Beach and just 1,650 feet from Blackpool Stadium.
• Journey underground through Blackpool’s darkest history in the Blackpool Dungeon, using live actors, theatrical sets, and thrilling rides.

Blackpool illuminations, England

The world’s largest public festival, the Munich Oktoberfest, kicks off on the penultimate Saturday in September and keeps pumping for a full two weeks. An unadulterated celebration of beer and Bavarian life, it attracts almost six million visitors and sees as many million litres of beer disappear in sixteen days.

At the heart of the festival are fourteen enormous beer tents where boisterous crowds sit at long benches draining one huge litre-capacity glass or stein after another. If you’re up for annihilation, head to the Hofbrau tent, go for the ten-stein challenge and join in with the thousands of young bloods braying for beer. Prost ! And if you happen to be in town outside of Oktoberfest season, fear not.

• Best on a budget: MEININGER Hotel . This hotel is a great affordable option, with clean dorm and private rooms and a lovely social space complete with table football and pool.
• Best for good clean fun: Aloft München . Situated right next to the train station for convenience, and has excellent, comfortable rooms and a great courtyard.
• There's plenty of breweries to discover, like the world-famous Hofbräuhaus on this guided tour.
• Enjoy October fest with our tailor-made tour to Oktoberfest in Germany & Beer culture in Austria & Czechia .

Oktoberfest, Germany

An expanse of undulating, cave-pocked, tunnel-riddled rock at the centre of Turkey, Cappadocia is a landscape like no other. It’s one of those rare places that can draw quality snaps from even the most slapdash photographer, with a rocky palette that shifts from terracotta through pink and honey to dazzling white, the orange fires of sunrise and sunset adding their own hues to the mix.

From Uçhisar’s castle to the cliff-hewn churches of Çavusin, there are heavenly views at every turn.

• Best for views of the landscape: Zen Cappadocia . Offering a garden and a terrace with a bar, Zen Cappadocia Boutique Hotel is set in Nevsehir, 9.9 miles from the Urgup Museum.
• Best for an historical stay: Monte Cappa Cave House . Monte Cappa Cave House is situated in a beautifully restored historical building made of stone masonry. It offers a terrace with stunning views and friendly staff who can provide local information.
• Take a hot air balloon ride or a sunset ATV ride to take in the spectacular scenery.
• 3 different modes of transportation to explore Cappadocia - by hot air balloon, on the back of a camel as well as on an ATV quad. Why choose if you can have it all? Four days filled with fun and adventure in the volcanic valleys around Cappadocia make an unforgettable trip .

Hot air baloons with tourists in Cappadocia

The Pyramids at Giza were built at the very beginning of recorded human history, and for nearly five millennia they have stood on the edge of the desert plateau in magnificent communion with the sky.

The overwhelming impression is due not only to the magnitude of their age and size but also to their elemental form, their simple but compelling triangular silhouettes. Seen at prime times – dawn, sunset and after dark – they form as much a part of the natural order as the sun, the moon and the stars.

• Best for views of the Giza Pyramids: Hayat Pyramids View Hotel . Giza Pyramids are 350 feet from the accommodation, while Great Sphinx is less than 0.6 miles from the property.
• Best for resort style travel: Helnan Dreamland Hotel . A luxurious choice for business or leisure travellers, the Helnan Dream Land Hotel is located within the self-sustained community of Dreamland in 6th of October City, only 8 km from the Pyramids of Giza and 30 km from Cairo city centre.
• Marvel at the pyramids from your own Quad - a one-hour quad ride through the desert is an exciting way to explore the Valley Temple and pyramids. If you prefer to learn more about the Egyptian culture, we recommend a private tour to go inside the pyramids and visit the Mummies room .
• Explore Egypt at a leisurely pace on board a dahabieh, a traditional sailing ship with our tailor-made tour to Cairo .

Visiting the piramids of Giza probably is already in your travel bucket list

With the sun breaking over the horizon and warming chilly faces, the perfect serenity of this mode of transport is hard to beat. Below, hippos cavort in the muddy river and vervet monkeys watch the balloon’s passage from their treetop vantage points.

Once it’s over the plain, the balloon is ignored by the grazing herds of zebra and gazelle – but they flee its shadow and the whoosh of the burner when it flies too low. For wildlife photography, a balloon safari can’t equal patient observation on the ground, but few experiences can match this one for sheer unforgettability.

• Best for getting close to nature: Mara Intrepids Tented Camp . Facing the Talek River, Mara offers elegantly furnished tents on raised platforms, and a terrace with a bar for spotting animals.
• Best for the luxury camping experience: Fairmont Mara Safari Club . Overlooking the Mara River, home to hippos and crocodiles, all tents at Fairmont Mara have a private veranda for viewing wildlife.
• Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage , stop at the Giraffe Center, see Rothschild giraffes, and visit the Kazuri Bead Factory. Enjoy all park fees already included in the price.
• The Kenya Family Trip with plenty of game drives and fun activities for the whole family. Take your (grand)children and embark on the adventure of a (family) lifetime: 7 days in Kenya, with up-close animal encounters, game drives to see the Big 5 and plenty of fun day activities.

Hot air balloon over the savannah, Kenya

If the skies are clear on your first day in Cape Town , drop everything and head straight for Table Mountain. It’s an ecological marvel, and a powerful icon for the entire African continent. What’s more, the views from the top are unmissable – as long as the celebrated “tablecloth” of cloud stays away.

The obvious, and most popular, route to the top is to take the aerial cableway, but if you’d rather work a little harder, you can tackle one of the hiking trails that snake their way up the cliffs.

• Best for travelling on a budget: Mojo Hotel/Hostel & Market is located in the suburb of Sea Point, just 3.1 miles from Cape Town's city centre. The beach and Sea Point Promenade is 350 feet away.
• Best for views: The Verge Aparthotel offers self-catering accommodation in the suburb of Sea Point in Cape Town and just 5 minutes' walk away from the Sea Point Promenade. Free WiFi is offered and free private parking is available on site.
• Hike the table mountain along one of the most popular paths in the Platteklip Gorge, as a half day tour from Cape Town.
• Discover the natural beauty all around Cape Town with our tailor-made tour to Complete Cape Town: Wildlife, Wine and Whales .

Gaze out over the city to the ocean beyond and you’ll feel like you’re standing on top of the world.

Table Mountain, South Africa

If you think barbecue is a sloppy pulled-pork sandwich or a platter of ribs drowned in a sticky, sweet sauce, a Texan will happily correct you. In the rolling hills around Austin – where pecan trees provide shade, pick-up trucks rule the road and the radio is devoted to Waylon, Willie and Merle – you’ll find barbecue as it should be: nothing but pure, succulent, unadulterated meat, smoked for hours over a low wood fire.

Thankfully, this austerity applies only to the substance – not the quantity – of the meat. Gut-busting excess is what makes barbecue truly American , after all.

• Best for location: Hyatt Place Austin Downtown offers air-conditioned accommodation in Austin. The property is set 300 m from Austin Convention Center, an 11-minute walk from Capitol Building and a 20-minute walk from Frank Erwin Center - University of Texas.
• Best for rooftop view: Hilton Garden Inn features a restaurant, fitness centre, a bar and shared lounge in Austin. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and free WiFi. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.
• Explore the music scene in Austin, discover the wineries of Texas Hill Country or go on a craft beer tour .

Don’t ever forget: it’s all about the meat.

Enjoy a meaty luxury in Kentucky

One of Europe’s finest UNESCO World Heritage sites, Sintra , the former summer retreat of Portugal's monarchs, is dotted with palaces and surrounded by a series of shaded wooded ravines.

It has been a centre for cult worship for centuries: the early Celts named it Mountain of the Moon after one of their gods, and the hills are scattered with ley lines, mysterious tombs and house-sized boulders that litter the landscape as if thrown by giants.

The fairy-tale Palácio da Pena on the heights above town, with its dizzy views over the surrounding woodlands, looks like something from Shrek, complete with domes and drawbridges.

• Best for gardens: Quinta Das Murtas . This rustic 19th-century manor house is set within peaceful gardens in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Quinta Das Murtas features an outdoor pool, a hot tub and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
• Best for unique experience: Chalet Saudade . Located in the centre of Sintra but away from the touristic venues, Chalet Saudade dates back to 19th century and offers scenic views of the surroundings. Free WiFi is available.
• Marvel at Pena Palace , one of the most magnificent and recognisable tourist attractions of Portugal. The palace exemplifies the 19th century Romanticism style of architecture and stands atop a rocky peak, which is the second highest point in Sintra Hills.
• Travel south from the beautiful cities of Porto and Lisbon, down Portugal's stunning coast, as far as the charming resort town of Albufeira. On this tailor-made trip , you will also visit the historic coastal towns of Estoril, Sintra, Lagos and Sagres.

The fairy-tale Pena Palace - one of the places you should visit before you die

The Pennine Way, Britain’s oldest and longest long-distance footpath, meanders 270 miles through some of England’s most beautiful and least crowded countryside.

This is Brontë country, grim on a dank, misty day but bleakly inspiring when the cloud lifts.
 In between walking the wilds, you can stay in pretty villages along the way. Again and again you’ll find yourself transported back to a bygone rural idyll of village shops, church bells and, of course, pubs.

• Best for location: Pennine Hotel . Boasting a restaurant, bar and free WiFi, Pennine Hotel is situated in Kirkby Stephen, 37 km from Askham Hall and 6.8 km from Brough Castle. The property is around 32 km from Whinfell Forest, 33 km from Bowes Museum and 35 km from Brougham Castle.
• Best for atmosphere: Slaley Hall Hotel is an Edwardian mansion house with a modern twist set in 1000 acres of Northumberland countryside, just 38.6 km from Newcastle. It has a luxury spa, 2 PGA Championship golf courses, 3 restaurants and wonderful views.
• If day-long hikes aren't your thing, try a day tour from Manchester to the Peak District and Derbyshire .
• Take a hired car and explore the countryside on a self-drive trip, like this one including England's Historical Highlights.

The Pennine Way, England & Scotland

If you just ask for a beer in Belgium , your request will be met with a blank stare. Because no one produces such a wide range of beers as they do here: there are lagers, wheat beers, dark amber ales and strong beers brewed by Trappist monks. Quickly write this point down to your travel bucket list.

Brussels is the best place to try them all, including its own beery speciality, Lambic, a flattish concoction not much changed from the stuff they drank in Bruegel’s time. A few glasses is enough to have you behaving like one of the peasants in his paintings.

• Best for budget: Motel One Brussels . Motel One Brussels is centrally located in Brussels, a 10-minute walk away from the Grand-Place, the Manneken Pis Statue, the Rue Neuve Shopping District and Brussels-Central Train Station. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire accommodation.
• Best for hotel bar: Warwick Brussels . This luxurious hotel in the heart of Brussels is a 2-minute walk from the Grand-Place and Brussels Central Station. It features free access to the fitness centre and sauna. A brand newly installed air conditioning system is now fully operational for your satisfaction and comfort.
• To make the most of your time in Brussels, join a guided beer tasting tour . Sample a selection of 6 different beers and learn about the history behind. If you're more of a sweet tooth, consider taking a Belgian chocolate making workshop .
• This tailor-made trip will bring you the best of two countries: the Netherlands and Belgium. From the quaint streets, canals and windmills of Holland to beer and Belgium chocolate tasting in three beautiful Belgium cities. This trip has it all.

Belgium beer with a cheese plate

This is definitely one for the foodie travel bucket list. A quiet revolution in that time-honoured Italian favourite – ice cream – has taken place in Rome over the last few years.

Gelaterias have upped their game, ordering the finest ingredients – lemons from Amalfi, pistachios from Sicily – and vying to create the city’s tastiest ices, in the most outlandish flavours. Order a suitably kooky combo – wasabi and chocolate, say, or basil, walnuts and honey– and hit the streets for the passeggiata .

• Best for modern stays: SM Vatican Relais . Situated in Rome, near Piazza Navona, Castel Sant'Angelo and Lepanto Metro Station, SM Vatican Relais features free WiFi. An Italian breakfast is available each morning at the bed and breakfast.
• Best for comfort: San Pietro Grand Suite . Located in Rome, 300 m from Ottaviano Metro Station and 600 m from Vatican Museums, San Pietro Grand Suite provides city views and free WiFi. The bed and breakfast offers an Italian or vegetarian breakfast.
• Welcome to this tailor-made whirlwind tour of Rome , also known as the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most photogenic cities on earth, so make sure you pack your camera.

A variety of gelato in Rome

There are two million saunas in Finland – that’s 4 for every ten Finns – and they have played an integral part in Finnish life for centuries. Finns believe the sauna to be an exorcism of all ills, and there’s certainly nothing quite like it for inducing a feeling of serenity.

Traditionally, Finns end their sauna by mercilessly plunging straight into the nearest lake or, in winter, by rolling in the icy snow outside – the intense searing cold that follows the sweltering heat creating a compelling, addictive rush at the boundary of pleasure and pain.

• Best for sunset views: Clarion Hotel Helsinki is situated along the waterfront in the district Jätkäsaari, 600 m from the West Ferry Terminal. Set in two 16-storey towers, this modern hotel offers a rooftop swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre. Free WiFi is available.
• Best for sauna: Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa . This waterfront hotel is in a quiet, green district, 10 minutes’ drive from central Helsinki. It offers free access to WiFi, gym, sauna and pool. There's also an à la carte restaurant and a private beach.
• Discover a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a Finnish snow sauna . Explore spectacular ice sculptures, beautiful rooms, and dine at a charming Lappish restaurant.

Ever heard of a sauna cruise? Talk to our local expert in Finland and check out our sample itinerary to explore Helsinki, Rovaniemi (the Santa village) and beyond .

32. Brave the Devil's Throat at Iguazú, Argentina and Brazil

Every year, tens of thousands of visitors from around the world try to evaluate the sheer dimension of this natural miracle – around 275 individual cascades, the highest with a drop of over 80m – and usually fail.

However you spell it – Iguazú, Iguaçu or Iguassu – there’s little doubt that these are the most spectacular falls in the world and they should be on your travel bucket list. Get right into the heart of the action on a boat trip up to the ominously named Devil’s Throat, one of the most impressive cascades.

No matter if you decide to visit from the Argentinean side or the Brazilian one , our tailor-made trips experts are at your fingertips to help you with your ideal trip.

• Best for gardens: Hotel Saint George boasts a lush garden with 2 pools and spa facilities. It is located 300 m from Puerto Iguazu city centre, and 17 km from the Iguazu Waterfalls.
• Best for luxury stays: Hotel das Cataratas . Facing the spectacular Iguaçu Falls inside Iguaçu National Park, the 5-star Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls allows guests to enjoy a cocktail by the swimming pool or play a game of tennis on the provided court, and also provides free WiFi
• Enjoy a memorable boat ride on the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls . Take a privileged view of the incredible cascades of water as you are energized by water spraying your skin. Get close to the water as you walk along the lower boardwalks.
• With our tailor-made tour visit two of the most fascinating parts of Argentina: First, the electrifying capital of Buenos Aires in all of its glory before heading out to Puerto Iguazu to discover the majestic Iguazu waterfalls.

Iguazu Waterfall, Argentina © sharptoyou/Shutterstock

If you want to indulge your childhood fantasies, there’s only one place to go. On the last Wednesday in August, tomato-throwing madness takes over the tiny town of Buñol . This enormous public tomato fight sees 130,000 kilos of over-ripe tomatoes hurled until the streets are ankle deep in squishy red fruit. All in all, it only lasts about an hour, but it’ll go down in memory as one of the messiest, most fun days you’ll ever have.

• Best for location: Casa Rural en el Pueblo . Situated in Buñol, 40 km from Bioparc Valencia, 41 km from Church of Saint Nicolás and 41 km from Norte Train Station, Casa Rural en el Pueblo features accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. Guests benefit from a balcony and a terrace.
• If you're in town any other time, check out our weekend getaway to Valencia to explore the town.

La Tomatina, Spain © Shutterstock

Dwarfed beneath the forest-clad mountains that soar to either side, it’s hard to comprehend just how tiny you are in comparison to the sheer size of Milford Sound . That the fiord makes even the most cumbersome and colossal cruise ship look small is an indication of just how impressive the scale is here.

But only getting out on the water will give you a true sense of its majestic beauty – to really get up close, and access spots that no cruise ship could ever reach, head out on a kayak.

• Best for overnight cruise: Milford Sound Overnight Cruise . Fiordland Discovery offers a scenic overnight boat cruise around New Zealand's iconic Milford Sound. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the towering peaks and waterfalls, and spot local wildlife, including seals and penguins, from the boat. Each luxury cabin has an en suite bathroom and is individually climate controlled with both heating and air-conditioning.
• Best for nature: Milford Sound Lodge . With garden views, Milford Sound Lodge is located in Milford Sound and has a restaurant, room service, bar and garden. Both WiFi and private parking are available at the lodge free of charge.
• If you prefer to just sit back and relax, consider taking a small group cruise instead to explore the fiord.
• The larger of the two major island in New Zealand, South Island is best to be explored at your own pace in a rental car. From massive mountains to beaches, panoramic waterfalls to challenging hiking trails, this itinerary shows you the best of South Island .

There’s something undeniably exhilarating about exploring somewhere so immense from so close to the water.

Milford Sound, New Zealand © Shutterstock

In the days leading up to Thailand ’s annual Loy Krathong Festival of Light , pretty little baskets fashioned from banana leaves and filled with orchids, marigolds, candles and incense sticks begin to appear at market stalls across the country.

On festival night, these are lit and set afloat with prayers of thanks to the water goddess, in whose honour this festival is held. The sight of hundreds of bobbing lights drifting away on the breeze, taking with them any bad luck accrued over the past year, is beautiful.

Find your perfect accommodation options in Thailand

Thailand is always worth a visit, so even if you're visiting outside of Loy Krathong, Northern Thailand and the islands make for a spectacular holiday any time of the year. Check our sample itineraries linked or contact our local experts today to create your own personalised trip.

Loy Krathong Festival of Light, Thailand

What could be simpler than a caipirinha? Made with just cachaça (a rum-like spirit distilled from fermented sugar-cane juice), fresh lime, sugar and ice, the caipirinha (literally “little peasant girl”) is served at nearly every bar and restaurant in Brazil . Neither insipidly sweet nor jarringly alcoholic, it’s one of the easiest and most pleasant cocktails to drink. And on a hot, sticky night in Rio , the perfection of a caipirinha is undebatable.

• Best for families: Emiliano Rio . Boasting an outdoor infinity pool, Emiliano Rio is set in a privileged location in Rio de Janeiro, beachfront to Copacabana Beach. The contemporary architecture values the natural light and the sea view, offering guests a special and unique connection with the city. Free WiFi is provided, and private parking is available on site.
• Best for nightlife fans : YOO2 Rio . Located in front of Botafogo Beach, and offering amazing view to Sugarloaf and Corcovado Mountains, Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro boasts an outdoor pool. Guests can also enjoy drinks at the rooftop bar.
• Enjoy your Caipirinha on a sunset cruise .
• Go on a hang gliding tandem flight to see Rio from a bird's eye view.
• As with all of our tailor-made trips, these itineraries can be modified to fit your preferences and tastes. The Brazilian Beaches itinerary includes Iguassu and the beaches of Rio.

Enjoy caipirinhas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The statistics are impressive. Measuring some 40km across and rising 5895m above sea level, Kilimanjaro is easily Africa’s highest mountain. But such bald facts fail to capture the thrill of actually climbing it: the days spent tramping from muggy montane forest to snowy summit.

It’s hard to match the exhilaration of watching the sunrise from the Roof of Africa, with an entire continent seemingly spread out beneath you. The sense of fulfilment will stay with you, long after you’ve finally said goodbye to Kili.

• Best for backpacking: Arusha Safari Hostel . Located in Arusha, 5.8 km from Uhuru monument, Arusha Safari Hostel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a shared lounge and barbecue facilities.
• Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on its most popular route - Marangu . Hike all the way to Uhuru Peak while spending the nights in comfortable huts.
• Add a Kili trekking to any of our Tanzania trips: The Big 5 & Beaches on Zanzibar or the Classic Serengeti . Contact our local expert to tailor your perfect trip today.

A view of the Kilimanjaro mountain, Tanzania

Not many cities have a roller coaster, a pirate ship and an 80m-high carousel slap bang in their centre, but Copenhagen is home to Tivoli – probably the best fairground in the world.

The famous pleasure gardens have dished out fun and thrills to a bewitched public since 1843. But the rides are just the icing on the cake – there are forty or so restaurants, jazz bandstands and, in the weeks around Christmas, spectacular lighting displays and a Christmas Market. Even if fairs usually leave you cold, you can’t fail to be won over by the innocent pleasures of Tivoli.

• Best Boutique Hotel close to Tivoli: Ascot Hotel . Set in a charming 19th-century building, this hotel is 3 minutes’ walk from City Hall Square and Tivoli Gardens. It offers free WiFi, free gym access and a popular breakfast buffet. Copenhagen Central Station is 500 m away.
• Best Family Hotel close to Tivoli: Absalon Hotel . This family-run hotel is in the vibrant Vesterbro district, within 5 minutes’ walk of Copenhagen Central Station and Tivoli Gardens. It offers bicycle rentals and a popular Scandinavian breakfast buffet.

Save yourself the time and skip the lines at Tivoli so you can use the remainder of the day cruising the canals of Copenhagen.

On a fine summer’s night it’s nothing short of magical.

Amazing Tivoli must be on your travel bucket list

39. Crank up the volume on King's Day, the Netherlands You’ll find enough beer-chugging, pill-popping and red-hot partying to satisfy the most voracious of appetites.

At the end of April each year, Amsterdam , a city famed for its easy-going, fun-loving population, manages to crank the party volume a few notches higher in a street party that blasts away for a full 24 hours.

On King’s Day, there are only two rules: you must dress as ridiculously as possible, preferably in orange, the Dutch national colour, which adorns virtually every building, boat and body on the day; and you must drink enough beer not to care.

If you're planning to travel to the next King's Day, book cheap flights to Amsterdam, The Netherlands .

• For one-star excellence: Hotel Prinsenhof is a small one-star which has been offering bed and board since 1813. Its 11 rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, making it one of Amsterdam’s top budget options, but booking ahead is essential.
• For no-limits luxury: elegant old-timer, De L’Europe Amsterdam , has plenty of fin-de-siècle charm and a central riverside location. The rooms are large and opulent, and there’s also a two-Michelin-star restaurant, Bord’eau, as well as a spa and the glamorous, Freddy’s Bar.

Or find more accommodation options in our guide to the best areas to stay in Amsterdam

The King's Day, the Netherlands

Antoni Gaudí i Cornet’s pièce de résistance is famously still under construction more than a century after he took the project on: “My client is not in a hurry” was his jocular riposte to the epic timescale.

Conceived as a riposte to secular radicalism, the Temple Expiatiori de la Sagrada Família consumed the final decade and a half of a life that had become increasingly reclusive. Gaudí couldn’t have imagined that a new millennium would find his creation feted as a wonder of the postmodern world, symbolic of a Barcelona reborn and the single most popular tourist attraction in Spain .

• Best for families: Gaudi Sagrada Familia . Just 100 m from La Sagrada Família, the stylish Gaudi Sagrada Familia apartments offer balconies and free Wi-Fi. They are situated within a 2-minute walk of Sagrada Familia Metro Station.
• Best budget stay: Hostemplo Sagrada Familia . This design guest house has an excellent location just 200 m from Gaudí’s world-famous Sagrada Familia. There is free Wi-Fi throughout.
• Explore Barcelona on a small-group tour on a regular bike or e-bike, cycling through the Gothic Quarter, Olympic Port, and Gaudi sites like the iconic Sagrada Familia.
• With our tailor-made tour to the tale of two cities explore the capital of Spain Madrid with a unique city tour before heading about an hour outside of the city, to visit Europe's longest zip-line in historic Toledo. Afterwards, board a train to explore the second-largest city of Spain, Barcelona.

Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain © R.M. Nunes/Shutterstock

41. Float down Norway's Geirangerfjord

Everything about the Geirangerfjord is dramatic, even the approach: zigzagging up through the mountains from Åndalsnes before throwing yourself round a series of hair-raising bends as you descend the aptly named Ørnevegen, or Eagle’s Highway, the fjord glittering like a precious gem below.

A great slice of deep blue carved into the crystalline rock walls and snaking out in an “S” shape as it weaves west, it might be one of the region’s smallest fjords, but it’s undoubtedly one of its most beautiful.

• Best hotel and spa: Hotel Union Geiranger Bad and Spa . Overlooking the Geiranger Fjord, this spa hotel offers a rooftop garden, free parking and rooms with free Wi-Fi access, a minibar and a TV. The Flydalsjuvet viewing point is 4 km away.
• Best view: Hotel Utsikten - by Classic Norway Hotels . Located in Møre og Romsdal County, this hotel offers Norwegian cuisine and panoramic views of the Geiranger Fjord. Guests can enjoy free WiFi access and free private parking.
• Enjoy a tour of Norway's most picturesque locations including Ålesund, Hellesylt, Stranda, Sykkylven, Geirangerfjord, and Eidsdal.
• This tailor-made tour is perfect for people who want to explore the Arctic. Begin your journey from the southern part of Finland via Sweden up to the northern part of Norway. Most importantly, you will be hunting for the Northern Lights in the best locations! From Nov to March.

Norway's Geirangerfjord

Half Dome’s looming, truncated form (“like it had been sliced with a knife”) makes it one of the most iconic mountains in North America. It’s also an exhilarating hike. From the top, nearly 9000ft up, the dramatic views of Yosemite National Park will render you speechless.

Those who dare can edge toward Half Dome’s lip and dangle their feet over the side, while the very brave (or very foolish) may inch out along a projecting finger of rock for a vertiginous look straight down the near-vertical face.

• Best Autocamp: AutoCamp Yosemite . Set in Midpines, 42 km from Yosemite Arch Rock Entrance, AutoCamp Yosemite offers accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar.
• Best located hotel: The Ahwahnee . Situated in Yosemite Village, 3.9 km from El Capitan, The Ahwahnee features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar.
• Experience the incredible scenery of Yosemite National Park and a Giant Sequoia Walk all in 1 day on this tour . You'll have hours to explore, marveling at the Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and amazing Giant Sequoia trees before returning to San Francisco.

Sit back, take a deep breath and enjoy the view.

Yosemite in the setting sun

Every July the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” – the Calgary Stampede – causes a usually conservative city to go wild. Everything suddenly becomes, well, more western – which for Calgary means shifting gears into serious cowboy overdrive – expect white Stetsons, blue jeans, bolo ties and handmade leather boots.

For those who live on isolated farms or in small communities, this is their chance to bring the cowboy culture into the big city and really let rip. For the half-million visitors, it’s a chance to join in the ultimate Wild West carnival, often given the accolade of North America’s roughest rodeo.

• Best for location: Hotel Arts . Offering an outdoor pool and bar with a retractable roof and a fitness centre, Hotel Arts is located in Calgary city centre. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property. Calgary Stampede is just 1 km away.
• Best for budget: HI Calgary City Centre . Located in the heart of Calgary, a daily breakfast and continuous free coffee and tea is provided at HI-Calgary City Centre. The City Hall transit stop is 2 minutes away and offers free transport within the city centre. Free WiFi is included.
• Join the only walking tour that is endorsed by the Calgary Stampede . Learn the story of Western Canada, the origins of the Calgary Stampede, and the history of the First Nations in the Calgary area while viewing public art located in Stampede Park.

The Calgary Stampede

Tikal was arguably the greatest of all Guatemala ’s Maya cities, controlling an empire of vassal states and trade routes between the southern highlands and the Caribbean. And the symbols of its dominance – six great temples – still stand. Impressive at any time of day, Tikal shows itself to full advantage in the hours around sunrise.

As the ruins of this Maya city come to life around you, and the forest’s denizens gradually begin to emerge from their night-time resting places, dawn is a magical time.

• Best for staying in the park: Hotel Tikal Inn . Stay at location right inside Tikal National Park, enjoy the refreshing jungle experience and Ancient Maya History. Relax in their outdoor pool watching spider monkey play in trees outside your room. They boast a tropical rustic style decor with beautiful thatched cottages and restaurant.
• Best for staying in jungle: Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostal . Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostal is located in Tikal, just 1 km from the main square. It features free WiFi and beautiful tropical gardens.

If you prefer day tours, check out this guided day tour from Flores to Tikal .

Take a tailor-made trip to Guatemala, like this sample itinerary off-the-beaten track in Guatemala and Belize .

The sunrise at Tikal, Guatemala

The pace of life is deliciously slow in Luang Prabang . Though it has the air of a rather grand village, this is the ancient Lao capital, the most cultured town in Laos and one of the best preserved in Southeast Asia.

You’ll find a captivating scene whichever way you turn: saffron-robed monks emerging from their temple-monasteries to collect alms, temple roofs peeping out from the groves and streets still lined with wood-shuttered shophouses and French-colonial mansions.

• Best for luxury: Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel . Set in the centre of AVANI Luang Prabang, AVANI Luang Prabang boasts a central garden and a 25 m long swimming pool. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.
• Best Boutique Riverview: The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel . Located along Mekong River, The Belle Rive features comfortable rooms with air conditioning and free minibar. It boasts a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi, which is available in all areas.
• Embark on a shared or private cruise to Pak Ou Caves with a stop to taste rice whiskey and explore a cave. After lunch in an elephant camp, travel by car to Kuang Si Falls.
• One of Southeast Asia’s lesser-known countries, Laos is definitely off the beaten track, but it has retained its culture, charm and traditional village life, wild jungle and stunning countryside. Come here for tradition and mystery and a unique adventure .

Luang Prabang, Laos

Collectively referred to as the Gilis , the trio of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air each has its own characteristic charm. The smallest and most tranquil of the three, Gili Meno, is perhaps the most picturesque, with pure white-sand beaches framed against the warm turquoise waters, while Trawangan, the largest, is well known for its party atmosphere. A bit of both can be found on Gili Air.

All three offer powdery beaches, snorkelling and diving opportunities and unlimited time under the tropical sun. What are you waiting for?

• Best for a romantic getaway: Samata Village Gili Air . Welcoming guests with breeze and greenery, Samata Village Gili air is located in Gili Air in the Lombok Region, 6 km from Gili Trawangan. The property features a year-round outdoor pool with a sun deck where you can relax.
• Best for Instagram shootings: Flamingo . Boasting an outdoor swimming pool, bar, garden and free WiFi, Flamingo is situated in Gili Trawangan, 700 m from North East Beach and 800 m from North West Beach. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, room service and luggage storage for guests.

Tailor-made trips

• Explore Bali & Lombok before heading to the Gilis or go even further to the island paradise of Flores and Sumba .

Tropical beach in Gilis

A cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula throws up more giddying thrills than you could hope to count. What with the glaciers and the whales, the mountains and the million-strong penguin colonies, the scale and beauty of the place can be genuinely overwhelming. Literally the most breathtaking tradition of all, however, has to be the opportunity to dunk yourself into the Southern Ocean.

If you’ve never taken a dip in sub-zero Antarctic waters, rest assured that it’s a bracing experience, not so much about rising to a challenge as giving yourself a short, sharp shock that enables you to appreciate the fullness of your surroundings.

You’ll have new respect for the hardy penguins that dart around beneath the chilly waves all day.

Penguins dive off an iceberg in Antarctica

In August, the familiar streets of Notting Hill are transformed into a wash of colour, sound, movement and pure, unadulterated joy. This huge street festival is the highlight of London’s party calendar and an item to be included in your travel bucket list.

Fragrant smoke wafts from jerk chicken stalls, bass lines tremble through the air, streets lined by mansion blocks become canyons of sound, and all you can see is a moving sea of people, jumping and blowing whistles as wave after wave of music ripples through the air.

Where to stay in Notting Hill:

• Best for families: Blue Bells Hotel . This 18th-century Victorian building has a superb central location in Notting Hill. The famous Portobello Road and market are around 15 minutes’ walk away.
• Best hostel: Hostel One Notting Hill provides accommodation in London near Portobello Road Market and Royal Albert Hall. This is a social party hostel designed for young backpackers and solo travellers. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, and free daily activities and evening events.
• Discover the real Notting Hill with a local expert guide . Visit the Portobello Road market, see the famous blue door and music studios, and more.

For two days, the only thing that matters is the delicious, anarchic freedom of dancing on the London streets.

Notting Hill carnival © Shutterstock

An enigmatic and utterly beguiling country, Ethiopia has endless intrigue. From its unique, highly sociable cuisine – the basis of which is injera , a spongy sourdough pancake, piled high with piquant curries and stews and shared between friends – to its ancient language and curly Amharic script, there’s very little that’s familiar about this place, and your trip will be all the better for it.

Lalibela , in Ethiopia ’s highlands, is a quiet, rural place. Yet in the thirteenth century it was the capital of the great Zagwe dynasty, one of whose last rulers, King Lalibela, embarked on a quest to build a Holy Land on Ethiopian soil.

Historians say he was inspired to build the town’s famous rock-hewn churches after a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, while the devout claim that he was instructed by angels during a poison-induced sleep. Whatever the real reason, the town of Lalibela, built as a “new Jerusalem”, leaves pilgrims and visitors alike humbled by the elegance of its churches.

• Best for a river view: Sora Lodge Lalibela . With river views, Sora Lodge Lalibela is set in Lalībela and has a restaurant, room service, bar, garden and terrace. Both WiFi and private parking are available at the lodge free of charge.
• Best for budget: Top Twelve Hotel . Set in Lalībela, 1.2 km from Bet Medhane Alem, Top Twelve Hotel - Lalibela offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a terrace.
• Discover the monolithic, semi-monolithic, and cave-like churches of Lalibela on a full-day private tour . Learn the history behind these impressive structures and join in a traditional coffee ceremony.

Abbandoned church in Lalibela

Several European cities hold major contemporary art fairs, but Venice Biennale has more glamour, prestige and news value than any other cultural jamboree. The main site is in the Giardini Pubblici, where there are permanent pavilions for about 40 countries that participate at every festival.

In addition, various sites host fringe exhibitions, installations and performances. With artists, critics and collectors swarming around the bars and restaurants, the art world buzz of the Biennale penetrates every corner of the city – it’s unforgettable.

• Best budget option: Generator Venice . offers stylish rooms and dormitories on Giudecca Island, with views of Saint Mark's Square in the distance. It is a 10-minute ride by water bus to San Marco district with lines 4.1, 4.2 and 2. The property has free WiFi, a 24-hour reception, a cafè and views of the Grand Canal.
• Best for a romantic getaway: Hotel Bucintoro . Right on the waterfront in the heart of Venice and next to San Biagio Church, Hotel Bucintoro offers elegant rooms and suites with panoramic views over the Venice Lagoon.
• Head straight inside the Doge's Palace in Venice with your admission ticket . Explore the site that was the head of a thousand-year republic and marvel at its art and architecture. Walk across the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
• Enjoy a weekend getaway in the most romantic of cities. This compact tailor-made trip features a pleasant walking tour, which provides a unique insight into the history, art and architecture of Venice, and a gondola ride.

Venice during Biennale © avphotosales/Shutterstock

Hidden in the Himalayas, with all the matchless scenery you’d expect, the tiny country of Bhutan is staggeringly beautiful. Piercing peaks and plunging valleys fold into its borders, where you can climb to mountaintop monasteries, hike through ancient forests and horseback ride over lush green plains, while local guides give a real insight into the country’s living spirituality.

Bhutan has been quietly forging its own path for centuries. Now, it’s leading the way in sustainable tourism. With at least sixty percent forest cover, Bhutan takes environmental conservation seriously. It’s already carbon negative, and while the target to become the world’s first fully organic nation by 2020 has been pushed back, they are still actively working on it.

Preservation is priceless, and travellers to this enchanting nation will leave with a real sense of what a privilege it is to experience Bhutan’s natural, cultural and spiritual riches.

• Best for comfort: Nirvana Inn . Located in Paro, 3.4 km from Paro Airport, Nirvana Inn provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. Providing a shared lounge, the property is located within 13 km of Drugyel Dzong. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
• Best for luxury: Taj Tashi Bhutan . Five-star luxury awaits at Taj Tashi Bhutan, set in the heart of Bhutan’s Thimphu Valley. Featuring elaborate Bhutanese architecture, the hotel offers a fitness centre and luxurious spa. 4 dining options are provided in the hotel.
• Come explore the rich culture, customs, traditions, history of Bhutan, an untouched land on the lap of the Himalayas with this 10-day tour .
• From the spectacular views at Paro Taktsang Monastery to a thrilling white water raft ride along the Pho Chu River, get an exhilarating taste of the Dragon Kingdom on this tailor-made grand family adventure to Bhutan .

Monks in Bhutan

52. Discover Tbilisi's reignited cultural scene

While the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, has long lured visionary types to its bohemian neighbourhoods, it’s slipped under the tourist radar for years. That may have something to do with its turbulent recent history: although Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, there followed a period of civil war, violence and ethnic tensions.

Over the past decade, however, a new generation has reignited Tbilisi’s cultural scene through a mix of local art galleries, exhibition spaces, music venues, concept stores and creative hubs. A growing crop of industrial- style hotels is springing up across the city, many set in Soviet-era factories and publishing houses.

The food scene is thriving, too – innovative chefs have taken the helm in the kitchens of new restaurants, where they reimagine traditional Georgian cuisine with a modern twist. The revolution is underway.

Read more about why Georgia is the ultimate adventure destination .

• Best for comfort: Terrace Boutique Hotel . Featuring a tour desk, ticket service and 24-hour front desk, The Terrace Hotel is situated in Tbilisi, 1 km from Rustaveli metro Station. Free WiFi and free private parking are available on site.
• Best for a stunning view: Hotisi Hotel . Located in Tbilisi City and with Freedom Square reachable within 1.9 km, Hotisi Hotel provides express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property and a garden. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace.
• Discover the wine region on a full-day tour from Tbilisi . Visit beautiful towns, taste plenty of Georgian wine and find out more about the traditional winemaking process.

Tbilisi in Georgia

53. Hike in Gorges du Verdon - the 'alternative Grand Canyon'

The breathtaking beauty and majesty of the Gorges du Verdon – also known as the Grand Canyon du Verdon – almost matches that of its American cousin, albeit on a much smaller scale. Peppered with spectacular viewpoints, plunging crevices up to 700m deep, and glorious azure-blue lakes, this area of Provence in France is absolutely irresistible.

The river falls from Rougon at the top of the gorge, disappearing into tunnels, decelerating for shallow, languid moments and finally exiting in full, steady flow at the Pont du Galetas at the western end of the canyon. Alongside is the huge artificial Lac de Sainte-Croix, which is great for swimming when the water levels are high.

Moustiers-Ste-Marie is the loveliest village on the fringes of the gorge, occupying a magnificent site near its western end. Set high on a hillside, just out of sight of both canyon and lake, it straddles a plummeting stream that cascades between two golden cliffs. A star slung between them on a chain, originally suspended by a returning Crusader, just adds to its charms.

• Best for terrace: Hotel La Bonne Auberge . Set in the Verdon Regional Park, this hotel features a swimming pool and a shaded terrace in the garden. Regional dishes are served in the hotel’s restaurant.
• Best for lake: La Clorinde . Located in the heart of an olive grove, 800 m from the village of Moustiers, La Clorinde is ideally situated to discover the Gorges du Verdon (1.5Km) and to appreciate the beauty of the lake of Sainte Croix (3Km) and the lavender fields.
• Witness the incredible natural beauty of Provence on this picturesque tour and experience the breathtaking views of the Verdon Gorge.

Gorges du Verdon in France

Along with Mount Everest and the Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls – or Mosioa-Tunya (“the smoke that thunders”) – ranks as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. No matter how many pictures you’ve seen beforehand, nothing can prepare you for the awe-inspiring sight and deafening sound of the falls.

The world’s widest curtain of water crashes down a huge precipice, producing clouds of spray visible from afar, before squeezing into a zigzag of sheer-sided gorges as a torrent of turbulent rapids, carving its way to the Indian Ocean well over 1000km away.

Their dramatic setting on the Zambezi river – on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border – has also made Victoria Falls the undisputed adventure capital of Africa. There’s an array of adrenaline-fuelled activities on offer, from whitewater rafting and bungee jumping to zip-lining and bodyboarding.

Read more in our First-timer's Guide to the Victoria Falls .

• Best for location: Ilala Lodge is your best bet if you want to be as close to the Falls as possible. Occupying lovely grounds, the lodge has stylish rooms, a small pool and an excellent restaurant. Best of all, though, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the park’s entrance; from the hotel’s terrace, you can see clouds of spray rising from the Falls.
• Best for views: Victoria Falls Safari Club . Victoria Falls Safari Club is a premium boutique hotel located 6 km from the Victoria Falls bridge. This property features a viewing deck overlooking the game corridor to the Zambezi River.
• Embark on the Zambezi River with a dinner cruise and take in the glorious sunset color palette, surrounded by a wildlife paradise. Savor a unique 4-course meal on board as you admire the beauty of the setting sun.

Victoria Falls

Looking for more travel ideas? Also read our guide to unique travel experience around the world .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

Discover more of the world’s best travel experiences with The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places on Earth 2022 . Every single one is a personal recommendation from a Rough Guides writer, chosen to inspire you to get away from established routes and to seek something that little bit more special and authentic. We hope that they truly inspire you to make the most of your time on Earth.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Helen worked as a Senior Travel Editor at Rough Guides and Insight Guides, based in the London office. Among her favourite projects to work on are inspirational guides like Make the most of your time on Earth , the ultimate travel bucket list.

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List of 50 Places YOU Need to Visit Before You Die

by Jasmine | Sep 29, 2022 | Destinations , Travel Bucket Lists

Life is short. Better start traveling! 

The world is filled with so many beautiful places that, realistically, it’s impossible to cover all of the earth within your lifetime, or who knows. Maybe you can make that happen! This is why we have created a list of 50 places you need to visit before you die, and trust me. It’s worth doing. 

Places to Visit Before You Die – The 50 Ultimate List

50. machu picchu, peru.

 49. Petra, Jordan

A famous archaeological site in the desert of Jordan dates back to around 300 B.C.

48. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The largest coral reef in the world off the coast of Queensland. 

 47. Northern Lights in Lapland

Spectate the northern lights in Lapland, Finland . 

46. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the largest pyramid complex can be found in Egypt. 

45. Nine Arches Bridge, Sri Lanka

Explore the Nine Arches Bridge in Sri Lanka for a great photo opportunity.

 44. Trang An, Vietnam

Take a boat tour through this UNESCO world heritage site in Vietnam.  

 43. Lofoten, Norway

Experience the land of Scandinavian pirates in beautiful Norway . 

42. Table Mountain, South Africa

This flat-topped Table Mountain is one of the most photographed landmarks in South Africa.

 41. The Blue City, Morocco 

The people of Chefchaouen repaint the blue buildings every 2 years to maintain the bright blue color in Morocco. 

 40. Azores, Portugal 

The European island paradise for nature lovers . 

39. Nazca Lines, Peru 

The famous Nazca lines of Peru are now a UNESCO world heritage site. 

38. The Amazon, South America 

The mother of all rainforests, the Amazon.

 37. Keukenhof, Tulip season in the Netherlands

Visit the Netherlands during the tulip season to see fields and fields of tulips laid in front of you. 

36. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

All black beach! 

 35. Berlin Wall, Germany

The famous Berlin Wall holds much history. 

34. Nyatapola Temple, Nepal

The tallest temple in Nepal wa s built in the early 18th century by the late King Bhupatindra Malla.

33. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

The agricultural area of Malaysia with a number of tea plantations and farms. 

 32. Uluwatu, Indonesia

The perfect place to spend your time visiting temples and enjoying this beautiful view of Uluwatu. 

31. Møns Klint, Denmark

White limestone cliffs were found 2 hours away from Copenhagen . 

 30. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand

An over 100 years old floating market in Bangkok, Thailand . 

29. Roman Forum, Italy

A major archaeological site in Italy . 

28. Ometepe, Nicaragua

The island of Ometepe in Nicaragua is home to two volcanoes. 

27. Meteora, Greece

Explore the stunning rock structures and monasteries in Greece . 

26. Krabi, Thailand

Thailand’ s most beautiful islands with limestone cliffs and hundreds of offshore islands to explore. 

 25. Saharan Desert, Morocco 

Spend some time in the magic of the Saharan Desert.

24. Mount Robson Provincial Park, Canada

One of British Columbia’s most beautiful provincial parks.

 23. Mount Fuji, Japan

One of the highest mountains in the world lies beautifully in Japan . 

22. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, USA

Witness the lava oozing into the pacific ocean. 

 21. Masada National Park, Israel

An ancient fortress in the Israelian desert with a cable car dating back to 30 B.C.

Want to go traveling with friends you haven’t met yet and share travel costs? Check out  JoinMyTrip , the world’s largest community of trustworthy travelers to start traveling with  like-minded travelers  today. Share costs and memories while you just sit back and have fun! 

20. La Fortuna’s waterfalls, Costa Rica

The wonderful waterfall is up to 75 meters high in the middle of the forest of Costa Rica . 

19. Sagrada Familia, Spain 

This Spanish church has been in progress of building since 1882 and the construction of the church is expected to continue until 2026. 

18. Great Ocean Road, Australia

An Australian national heritage found on the southeastern coast. 

 17. Morschach, Switzerland

With such a breathtaking view of the Swiss mountains and blue waters, who can ignore it? 

 16. Antelope Canyon, USA

An illusion of red rock patterns. 

 15. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia 

Discover the blood of the gods in Bolivia. 

 14. Pamukkale, Turkey

Also known as the cotton castle is a 17-tiered pool filled with mineral-rich thermal water.

 13. Wulingyuan, China 

 Thousands of sandstone pillars stand tall, some can even be higher than the  Empire State Building ! 

 12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia 

The largest religious structure in the world was built by King Suryavarman II.

 11. Taj Mahal, India 

The jewel of India and one of the world’s most iconic monuments. 

 10. Death Valley, USA

One of the hottest yet most beautiful places on earth.

 9. Bagan, Myanmar

Watch as hot air balloons fly above this ancient city of Bagan. 

 8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE

One of the most beautiful Mosques in the world where locals come to worship daily. 

7. Antarctica

The ice kingdom of Antarctica ! 

 6. The Faroe Islands

Europe’s best-kept secret with stunning views. 

 5. St. Basil’s Cathedral , Russia

One of the most popular cultural symbols in Russia . 

 4. Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

The Indonesian archipelago compromising of jungle-covered islands. 

 3. Iguazú Falls , Argentina

The largest waterfall system in the world! 

 2. Palawan, Philippines 

Have we entered heaven? 

 1. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

This natural beauty is one of the oldest and largest parks in Croatia. 

Those destinations look spectacular, right? That’s why there are the BEST places you need to visit before you die!

So, better start planning to see them! No trips planned yet? Check out JoinMyTrip  to kick-start your incredible adventure! Here you will find like-minded  travel mates and many cool yet unique group trips. Join  already planned trips or  lead  your very own trip.

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By chelsea with

25 Breathtaking Places To Visit Before You Die

Best Destinations Multi Destination

As you already know: the world is a beautiful place. There are so many exceptional places to visit before you die!

Remember, that often the best surprises lurk in the simple pleasures , so do not always look for the most “popular”, but rather get off the beaten tourist track and really explore!

Here are the 25 most spectacular places to visit before you die . Put them on your travel bucket list, or just enjoy the ride in pictures…

1. Walk along the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is 21 thousand kilometres long, so you might not want to walk it ALL ! The most beautiful section of the Great Wall of China to walk is from Jinshanling to Simatai. This walk takes about 3-4 hours.

Find cheap flights to Beijing .

2. Stand on top of Preacher’s Pulpit Preikestolen, Norway

There’s a beautiful, moderately demanding 6km hike to reach the Pulpit rock. For an even more spectacular experience  start the hike at night to see the sunrise once you get to the top. The best time to go is during the warmer months of May to October.

Find cheap flights to Oslo.

3. Take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru

Hike through picturesque ever-changing environments including cloud forest and alpine tundra. The Classic Inca Trail takes 4 days but you can do longer or shorter treks to suit you.

Look for Machu Picchu flights .

4. Wander among the temples at Petra, Jordan

The temples of Petra in Jordan are a must-see place to visit before you die. Discover for yourself why it is one of the New7Wonders of the World .

Check cheap flights to Jordan

5. Take a pilgrimage route along the Camino de Santiago in Spain

Whatever your faith, the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage should be on your travel bucket list . Some set out on the Camino for spiritual reasons; many find spiritual reasons along the way. 

See flights to Spain

6. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth , often visible from outer space! 

Flights to Australia

7. Camp on the Island of Mozambique

Clear white sand and turquoise sea, Mozambique is a destination of dreams.

Book your Mozambique flight

8. See a sunrise on Mount Bromo, Indonesia

You’ll have to get up early to reach the top before sunrise, but trust us – it’s worth it. 

Flights to Surabaya, Indonesia

9. Feel small before the power of the Iguazu Falls, Argentina-Brazil

The Argentinian side has arguably the best place to see the Falls from – called the Devil’s Throat. Hang over the most powerful section of the Falls for an invigorating experience.

See flights to Argentina , if you dare!

10. Take a walk through the baobab trees in Madagascar

Live out your childhood Lion King fantasies with the fantastic variety of wildlife and nature in Madagascar! 

11. Experience the magic of Cappadocia, Turkey

Find your flight to Nevsehir and enjoy the balloons in Cappadocia.

12. Get lost at the temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

If you’re a culture buff , Angkor Wat should be at the top of your list of places to see before you die.

13. Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina

Purchase your flight to Perito Moreno and explore this huge glacier.

14. Swim in the Verdon Gorge, France

Put Europes most beautiful Canyon on your list of places to see before you die. Come for the striking turquoise water and stay for the fantastic climbing. 

Search flights to France

15. Admire the spectacle of the Northern Lights in Scandinavia

A classic winter getaway , the Northern Lights are a truly wonderous sight.

16. Wonder before the mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza

Explore Cairo and its pyramids.

17. Explore the incredible Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The largest salt flat in the world, but the real starts of the show here are the pink flamingos !

Spot a flamingo, book a flight to Bolivia  

18. Spend a few days sunbathing in magical Bora Bora, French Polynesia

You know you want to.

19. Immerse yourself in the splendor of nature at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Visit this national park in the Spring for a tranquil time . July and August get very crowded!

20. Go for a swim in the Ik Kil Cenote, Yucatan, Mexico

And hang like tarzan from the vines…

21. Visit the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, India

See how spirituality, bright colors and extravagant decorations come together.

Purchase your flight to Madurai with eDreams.

22. Float in the beauty of the Dead Sea

The mud of the dead sea is said to have a range of benefits for your skin. Free spa anyone?

23. Stop and admire the Laguna de Los Siete Colores, Bacalar, Mexico

24. Watch the Uluru rocks (Ayers Rock) change color throughout the day, Australia

25. Get a glimpse of the Quilotoa Lagoon, Ecuador

Fly to Ecuador to discover this lagoon.

Which would you like to do out of this list of places to visit before you die? Have you written your own bucket list? Tell us!

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9 responses to “ 25 Breathtaking Places To Visit Before You Die ”

Great destinations Indeed. this goes straight to my bucket list

nice click. I enjoyed the picture which you click but you should add some text of the pic.

• Pingback: The Most Incredible Photos of Earth Shot from Space - eDreams Travel Blog

Would love to go as well!!

• Pingback: 100 Places to Visit Before you Die {Part 4} - eDreams Travel Blog
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Yes! Wouldn’t it be great to go!?

The pictures are incredible. We like the natural geyser in Yellowstone.

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Travel Goals: 100 Things to Do Before You Die!

If you love to travel you probably have an endless travel bucket list of places you want to visit and things you want to see and do before you die. Sometimes it can be hard to narrow down where to go so to help you decide on your travel goals I’ve put together the ultimate travel bucket list with the top 100 things to do before you die . Why 100? Partly because 100 is a goal worthy (but feasible) number to aim for – not too few destinations that you will check off the list in a few years but not so many things that would make the list impossible.

Travel Goals: 100 Things to Do Before You Die

• Visit all 7 continents.
• Visit Antarctica.
• Step foot on the North Pole.
• Travel to over 100 countries. Some people want to visit every country but I think 100 is a more feasible goal.
• Visit all 50 states in the United States.
• Take a great American road trip.
• See Niagara Falls.
• View the beautiful Northern Lights. Even better if you can see them from inside a glass igloo hotel.
• Stay in an overwater villa.

• Watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu, Peru, a must on any South America bucket list .
• See the Taj Mahal in India.
• Hike the Great Wall of China.
• Soak in the iconic Blue Lagoon in Iceland .
• See the fjords in Norway.
• Ride a gondola in Venice, Italy.

• Go island hopping in Greece. Read: Most Beautiful Greek Islands You Need to Visit
• See the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
• Take part in the La Tomatina festival in Spain where locals and tourists throw tomatoes at each other.
• Visit Munich, Germany during Oktoberfest , the world’s largest beer festival.
• Visit one of the many Christmas markets in Europe .
• Visit one or more of Europe’s fairytale towns .
• Admire the beautiful Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica  at the Vatican.
• See Michelangelo’s David and other great art in Florence, Italy.

• Explore the Cinque Terre, Italy, made up of five colorful seaside villages.
• See the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy.
• Visit the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
• See the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
• Visit the beautiful and famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.
• Explore London , England, visiting some of its must-see sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.
• See Stonehenge in England.
• Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland.
• Ride in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey.
• Admire the view from the top of Burj Khalifa  (the world’s tallest building) in Dubai .
• Float in the Dead Sea, Jordan.
• Explore the ancient city of Petra, Jordan.
• Travel the Silk Road .
• Take an epic train journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway .
• Swim with thousands of stingless jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake, Palau .

• Watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
• Take a junk boat cruise in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
• Spot a Komodo dragon (the largest lizard in the world) at Komodo Island, Indonesia.
• Party on the beach at a Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan, Thailand.
• Celebrate  Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) in Thailand.
• Volunteer with elephants at a responsible and ethical sanctuary like Elephant Nature Park in Thailand.
• Walk through beautiful green rice terraces in Asia. You can find them in several countries including Bali, China, Vietnam and the Philippines .

• Take a hot air balloon ride over the temples at sunrise in Bagan, Myanmar.
• Swim in the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore .
• Admire the Hong Kong skyline from the top of Victoria’s Peak.
• See giant pandas in Chengdu, China.
• Enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan .
• Visit Tokyo , Japan one of the most unique cities in the world.
• Stay in a ryokan in Japan.
• Stay at an ice hotel.
• Eat at an undersea restaurant like this one in the Maldives.
• Visit North Korea.
• Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
• Explore spectacular glow worms caves in New Zealand.
• Visit the Sydney Opera House, in Sydney , Australia.
• See Uluru, Australia (also known as Ayer’s Rock) a must on any Australia bucket list .
• Scuba dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
• Hike or take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, which overlooks Cape Town, South Africa.
• Visit the pyramids in Egypt.
• Wander around the colorful souks (open air markets) in Marrakesh, Morocco.
• Go on an African safari.
• See the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, Africa.
• Eat breakfast with giraffes at Giraffe Manor , a bucket list worthy hotel in Kenya.
• Trek mountain gorillas in Africa. You can mountain gorillas in 3 African countries ( Rwanda,   Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo ).
• Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
• Climb the beautiful red-sand dunes of Sossusvlei  in Namibia.
• See Victoria Falls (from both Zambia and Zimbabwe).
• Visit Iguazu Falls in South America.
• See unique wildlife in the Galapagos Islands.
• Hike to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and enjoy spectacular views.
• Celebrate Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Dance the tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Visit the photogenic Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia.
• Road trip across the  Atacama Desert , Chile, the driest desert in the world.
• Hike in Patagonia.
• Explore the Amazon jungle and river in South America.

• Marvel at the famous monumental statues on Easter Island .
• Admire the enormous penguin population in the Falkland Islands.
• See Chichen Itza, Mexico voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Visit Cuba.

• Photograph Antelope Canyon in the American Southwest which is one of the most instagrammable places in the United States.
• Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
• Gamble, party, eat and have fun in Las Vegas .
• Celebrate New Year’s Eve in New York City’s Times Square.
• See the Statue of Liberty, USA.
• Enjoy beautiful NYC views from the top of the Empire State Building.   Read : Weekend In New York City Itinerary
• Visit the Grand Canyon – a must on any USA bucket list !

• Cross the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
• See the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles , California.
• Take an architecture river cruise in Chicago (my hometown).
• Visit Albuquerque, New Mexico during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.
• Explore Yellowstone National Park , America’s first national park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore beautiful Banff National Park in Canada.
• See polar bears in the wild in Churchill, Canada or Svalbard in the Arctic.

• Take a river cruise.
• Spend a night in a desert camp.
• Fly in first or business class. (Find out how I do it for almost free here ).

So there you have it – the ultimate travel bucket list of 100 things to do before you die.  If there is an experience or place I should include let me know in the comments below!

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

• USA Travel Bucket List: 100+ Best Places to Visit in the United States
• European Bucket List: 100+ Things to Do in Europe
• Africa Bucket List: 50 Things to Do and Places to Visit
• South America Bucket List: 50+ Things to Do and Places to Visit
• Southeast Asia Bucket List: 100+ Things to Do
• Australia Bucket List: 50 Best Places to Visit in Australia

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

I’ve done nine of those so far. Hoping for more this year!

9 is really good for one year! Enjoy your travels this year.

20 down, 80 to go! I love this list. ?

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100 Unforgettable Things To Do Before You Die

Float in Jordan’s Dead Sea , see a broadway musical, stand in front of the Taj Mahal or trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu -what’s on your ultimate life list? It’s never too early to start a list of incredible things to do before you die, and here are 100 of my favorite.

A Crazy Long Life List of the Best 100 Things To Do Before You Die

1. ✦ volunteer at a elephant rescue in thailand.

In Northern Thailand, 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.

This isn’t the only places to volunteer in the area, you can see choose from 5 of the Best Rescues in or Near Chiang Mai .

Other articles about Thailand that you might enjoy:

• Bathe Elephants at a Rescue in Thailand
• Bucket List of 18 Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

2. ✧ Sunbathe Topless on the French Riviera

3. ✧ dogsled through the alaskan forest.

Alaska is home to the strenuous Iditarod Sled Dog Race, a journey that spans 1,150 miles across the rugged wilderness from Anchorage to Nome. With this life list goal, you will be able to experience the thrill of this sport first hand by meeting Iditarod racers and their powerful pooches, plus sledding along some of the mountainous terrain that their dogs train on. Read  Dog Sledding in Alaska  for more information.

4. ✦ 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 crazy 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.

5. ✦ Explore the Acropolis in Greece

6. ✧ 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 .

7. ✦ Volunteer at an Orphanage

There are orphanages all over the world to volunteer at, but I accomplished this “thing to do before you die” in Tanzania. Kibowa Orphanage is on the outskirts of downtown Arusha, hidden down a bumpy dirt road and painted in a friendly pale blue. There are 48 children that call it home and, after four days on an African safari in Tanzania, I spent a fun-filled afternoon with them.

I chose to bring colorful balloons, which could be turned into animals or creative hats. It was a joy to watch the children smile as they each made their favorite shapes.

Read More: Visit an Orphanage in Tanzania

8. ✦ CRUISE ON A JUNK BOAT THROUGH HALONG BAY

A 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.

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

9. ✦ 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 Pacaya Volcano . What makes this experience even more bucket list worthy is that once you’re at the top, you can toast marshmallows with the heat from the volcano!

10. ✦ Take a Christmas Market Cruise Through Europe

There’s nothing that can get you into the holiday spirit quite like the Christmas markets in Europe. Between the lighted cathedrals, festive markets and a simple glass of glühwein , it would be hard not to feel festive!

Viking River Cruises invited me to cruise along the Rhine River to visit almost a dozen Christmas markets throughout Germany, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands. This Christmas market river cruise was definitely one of my favorites on the 100 things to do before you die list!

11. ✦ Sleep in an Ice Hotel

Each year in different chilly locations around the world, hotels are built from natural ice and snow. The IceHotel in the village of Jukkasjärvi, in northern Sweden and The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel that is nestled in the wilderness of Northern Norway are two of the best. They both are art exhibitions as much as hotels, 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 either location!

12. ✧ Get a Henna Tattoo in India

13. ✧ spend the night in a treehouse, 14. ✦ 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  classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu Hike  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. It will not be a simple feat, but it will be worth it!

15. ✦ Stand in Front of the Taj Mahal in India

16. ✦ See the Changing of the Guard in London

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a mesmerizing spectacle where the Old Guard hands over the security responsibility to the New Guard.The guards arrive by marching pass Victoria Monument, directly in front of Buckingham Palace, and then entering through the ornate front gates of the palace. This is combined with synchronized marching, precision drills, and the band playing. It’s a show like no other, but get there early!

17. ✧ 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 vine- yards, and troglodyte dwellings that are best seen from three thousand feet in the air. This top rated balloon tour can take you up up and away.

18. ✦ Hear the Pope Speak at the Vatican in Italy

If you’re visiting Rome and want to cross off the ultimate bucket list experience, you’ll absolutely want to be a part of the Papal Audience at the Vatican with the Pope.

The service will begin with a ride around in his Popemobile, kissing some babies who are lucky to be close enough. Then he gives a themed speech in several different languages, followed by a homily and prayers. After an hour or an hour and a half, the Pope will conclude the Mass and bless families, children, and religious items like rosaries and bibles.

19. ✦ Release Baby Turtles into the Ocean

There are many hotels around the world that work with conservation groups to allow visitors to be a part of the baby sea turtle experience ( here are 10 places! ) While on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, I spent a memorable afternoon at Osa Turtle Conservation to help with releasing baby turtles into the ocean .

Not only is it incredible knowing you are helping with these endangered animals survival, but they are adorable too! Definitely top on the list of 100 things to do before your die!

20. ✧ Walk the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China winds up and down a series of fortifications, stretching from Shanhaiguan to Lop Lake in the Gobi Desert. The wall is one of the most recognizable and extensive construction projects built to prevent attacks of the Chinese Empire. Take a walk along a portion of the 13,170-mile-long wall, stopping at scenic spots that overlook flowing rivers and to view precious historical relics. See the Travel China Guide for more info.

21. ✦ Make a Wish in the Trevi Fountain in Italy

22. ✦ Get a Fish Pedicure

Fish pedicures are popping up all around the world, but mine was done in Spain. For €15,00 I had my feet nibbled on by Garra Rufa fish in the tiny Spanish beach town of Sitges, just forty minutes from Barcelona. This crazy technique became popular as a relief for eczema and other skin disorders, but is now a trend around the world and one of the weirdest things to do before you die.

23. ✧ Drive Route 66 in the United States

Get your kicks on Route 66 , the iconic 2,400-mile route from Chicago to Santa Monica. Also, known as the Main Street of America, it was one of the original US highways, a means for the nation to move about for work or pleasure. Today it keeps old traditions alive with neon-signed motels, mom-and-pop diners, and kitschy roadside attractions.

24. ✦ 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.

Book a Tour: Private Tour: Petra Day Trip including Little Petra from Amman

25. ✦ Hike Mt. Nokogiri in the Chiba Prefecture of Japan

It will be easy to spend quite a few hours of your day hiking and exploring the sites at Mt. Nokogiri (also called Sawtooth Mountain). The 1,079 foot Mt. Nokogiri has a natural beauty on it’s own, so take your time exploring it, but it also home three major attractions not to miss.

• Hell Peek Point // This lookout is situated on a jagged rock that protrudes from the mountain. So, when you look down from above, all you can see is the deep plunge to the mountain floor below with nothing in between.
• Hyaku-Shaku Kannon // Carved right into the cliffside in a deep gorge is the 30-meter tall Hyaku-Shaku Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The carving was created in the 60s and is dedicated to those who have had unfortunate deaths.
• Nihonji Daibutsu (Big Buddha) // One of the main attractions at Mt. Nokogiri, is Nihonji Daibutsu, Japan’s largest sitting buddha. It was founded during the Nara Period, is 31 meters high and was built over 1300 years ago in 1783.

Read More: 4 of the Best Day Trips from Tokyo

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. ✧ Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Cave in New Zealand

28. ✦ give blood.

Thanks to my fear of needles, my heart beated uncontrollably when I decided to give blood. But my mother, who had given blood many times before, convinced me that the feeling of saving lives would far outweigh the fear of that needle piercing my poor, unscathed arm. And she was right. A little pinch in the arm is worth knowing your blood donation can possibly save three lives!

You can find a blood donation near you at the American Red Cross , but first read about my giving blood-what to expect & benefits of donating .

29. ✧ 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 goals on the “100 Things to do Before You Die” list.

30. ✦ Visit Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

31. ✦ Castle Hop in Ireland

From Northern to the Republic of Ireland, the stunning landscapes, forest green shades and melodic nature have rightfully earned the country the nickname ‘the Emerald Isle’. The country has a rich heritage in the form of prehistoric monuments, ancient ruins, fortified palaces and, of course, spectacular Irish castles to make you feel like a princess.

While there is no official count (rumor has it that there’s over 30,000!), there are thousands of castles in Ireland entwined with strange myths and legends, the beauty of rumbling ruins and towering fortresses. Whether you wish to explore on your own, take a tour or stay the night in a castle hotel, there are plenty of castles to choose from!

Read More: 15 Captivating Castles in Ireland to Tour or Stay on Holiday

32. ✦ Eat at the French Laundry in Napa

The French Laundry is arguably the most well-known French restaurant in the world. A meal for two at this Michelin three-starred eatery will set you back close to a thousand bucks, but your taste buds will be dazzled. In order to indulge in the nine-course dining experience the chefs create, you’ll need to get a reservation at Napa’s French Laundry -and that’s the tricky part.

33. ✧ Run With the Bulls in Pamplona in Spain

34. ✧ adopt an animal from a shelter, 35. ✧ travel the trans-siberian railway.

For those that believe getting there is half the fun, travel the legendary Trans-Siberian railway , an epic train journey that spans from Moscow to Vladivostok. Traverse one third of the globe, enjoying the scenery from the window of your train car, plus make stops to different cities along the way.

36. ✦ 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

37. ✧ Drink Steins of Beer at Ocktoberfest in Germany

When I found out about a festival that was entirely based on drinking beer and eating good food, I knew I had to go – and you should too! Put on your traditional Bavarian outfit and drink a stein (or two) at the world’s largest beer festival,  Ocktoberfest  held in Munich. Each year this sixteen-day festival draws over six million people from around the world.

38. ✦ Take a Flyboarding Jetpack Flight

Flyboarding is an adventurous sport where your feet will be slipped into boots that are attached to a board, much like a snow board. A tube attached from your feet to the jet ski pushes water and propels you into the air. I took a flyboarding jetpack flight in Cancun and it was beyond challenging. For this fun adventure you will definitely need to use every ounce of balance you have, but worth a spot on your list of things to do before you die.

39. ✧ See an Opera at the Sydney Opera House in Australia

There is nothing quite like the Sydney Opera House overlooking the harbor, its exterior an iconic vision from all angles. Don’t just admire one of Australia’s most recognized buildings from afar, step inside to spend a magical evening at one of their acclaimed operas.

40. ✧ Attend a Music Festival

41. ✧ helicopter over a volcano in hawaii.

Feel the heat radiate when you fly over an active Hawaiian volcano in an open-door helicopter ride . Your ride will cross the Kilauea Volcano that has been continuously erupting for the last thirty years. With the doors off, there’s nothing but five hundred feet between you and this hot natural wonder of the world.

42. ✧ Soak in Pamukkale Hot Springs in Turkey

43. ✦ marvel at guyana’s kaieteur falls.

While Niagara Falls, Iguazu Falls and Victoria Falls are all more popular on things to do before you die lists, Kaieteur Falls in Guyana is off-the beaten-track but just as amazing. It is the world’s widest single-drop waterfall and 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.

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

44. ✧ 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 .

45. ✦ Go to a Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica

Blue Osa Yoga Retreat + Spa in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica is known for practicing morning silence, exercising sustainable tourism, having a secluded beachfront property, healthy farm-to-table meals and as being a place to nourish the body, mind and spirit. Those are all reasons that it made this place the perfect one for my very first yoga retreat.

46. ✧ Take the Walk of Faith at Tianmen Mountain 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.

47. ✦ Hike to the Top of Bartolome Island in Galapagos

The peak of Bartolome Island was known to have the most perfect view of the famous Galapagos Pinnacle Rock. There was no way that the avid bucket lister in me would miss scaling the 374 steps of this volcanic cone to see a unique perspective of one of the most photographed natural structures in the Galapagos.

Read More: Hike to the Top of Bartolome Island in Galapagos

48. ✧ Throw Tomatoes at La Tomatina in Spain

La Tomatina is a weeklong festival in the town of Buñol thats highlight is on the last Wednesday in August, when thousands of people fight in an innocent battle using tons of over-ripe tomatoes. Trucks come to the city hauling more than one hundred metric tons of ammunition and the world’s biggest food fight begins with the throw of a single squished tomato.

49. ✦ 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.

Read More: Swim with Whale Sharks in Cancun

50. ✧ 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.

51. ✦ 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

52. ✧ 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.”

53. ✦ Attend Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

You don’t have to speak French or be religious to be blown away by a powerful mass at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The sound of the preacher’s voice will billow through the cavernous cathedral and into your body. It may not be the largest Catholic cathedral in the world, but it is one of the most beautiful and famous with an estimated 14 million visitors a year.

Read More: Attend Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

54. ✦ Feed the Swimming Pigs of Exuma

Somewhere out there in the Outer Exuma Islands is Big Major Cay, a small Bahamas 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 (FYI it starts from Nassau)

55. ✦ 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 .

56. ✧ Relax in the Blue Lagoon Hot Springs in Iceland

The warm geothermal, milky-blue waters of the  Blue Lagoon  draws visitors worldwide. Many float in the mineral-rich waters for the reputed skin benefits, while others go there for the relaxation, ducking into a grotto with a beverage in hand from the float-up bar. Those who decide to visit Iceland may also want to take in the scenery.

57. ✦ Stay in a Tuscan Villa in Italy

This “things to do before you die” 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 Related: Florence Bucket List: 40 of the Best Things to Do

58. ✧ GO VOLCANO BOARDING IN NICARAGUA

The adventure starts with a rocky forty-five-minute hike up the 2,388-foot Cerro Negro (Black Hill), an active volcano just outside of León, Nicaragua. Once at the top you will sit on plywood boards, and go racing down at speeds up to 30 mph.

59. ✧ Be a Part of a Flash Mob

60. ✧ 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.

61. ✦ Take a Helicopter Ride into the Grand Canyon

After having traveled to Las Vegas a half a dozen times in the past couple years, on this current trip I was looking for something more than sparkling lights, feathered girls and dancing water fountains. I wanted a unique “Things to do Before You Die” experience. A helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon fit the bill.

Sundance Helicopters took us 45 minutes from Las Vegas and landed us right into the Grand Canyon where we had time to explore and have a picnic. If helicopters are not your thing than consider g etting a thrilling perspective of the Grand Canyon by white water rafting it from the Colorado River. In your raft, you will navigate the greatest whitewater in North America while marveling at the multicolored layers of the eroded rocks.

Read More: Take a Helicopter Ride into the Grand Canyon Related: US National Parks Bucket List: 61 Beauties to Visit in America

62. ✧ Kayak Through Icebergs in Greenland

Lose contact with civilization while paddling your kayak through a labyrinth of icebergs along the pristine Greenland waters. You may encounter a curious seal or giant whale, but the real treat is the peacefulness of listening to the crumbling of the icebergs in the distance.

63. ✧ Visit All 7 Continents

64. ✧ hike between the towns of cinque terre in italy.

Cinque Terre is a collection of five charming villages that are linked by a network of picturesque hiking trails. The trails go through each town, giving you a chance to peruse through the quaint shops, drink a glass of Chianti at a café, or both.

65. ✦ See the Blue Footed Booby Mating Dance in Galapagos

There are 3 types of boobies on the Galápagos Islands : Blue-footed, Red-footed and Nazca. Though we did see them all, my real bucket list goal was to witness a Blue-footed Booby mating dance. This dance was their unique courting ritual, which included rocking side-to-side while lifting their eye-catching baby blue feet.

On our last day of exploring the Galapagos Islands , on North Seymour, we saw one very popular female bird surrounded by a few male Boobies who were strutting their stuff trying to impress this desirable lady.

Read More: See the Blue Footed Booby Mating Dance in Galapagos

66. ✧ Tour the Hanging Temple of Mount Hengshan in China

The Hanging Temple is an architectural wonder, built into a cliff of Hengshan Mountain. It is said to have been built by a monk during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD). Inside is a labyrinth of passageways connecting forty pavilions and halls, plus more than eighty bronze, iron, and clay statues.

67. ✦ Drink in a Shinjuku Golden Gai Bar in Tokyo

Golden Gai is a neighborhood in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo that squeezes in over 200 miniature bars into a network of six narrow alleys, made only for pedestrians. Most bars in this section of town seat less than ten drinkers and cater to the locals. But, it is possible to find somewhere the travelers are welcome and will flock to. I ended up doing most of my Golden Gai drinking at Nessun Dorma, which means None Shall Sleep.

Read More: Shinjuku Nightlife: A Guide to Tokyo’s Best Golden Gai Bars Book a Tour: Kabukicho and Shinjuku Golden Gai Night Tour Related: Tokyo Bucket List: 44 Top Things To Do in Japan’s Coolest City

68. ✧ Let Go of a Floating Lantern in Taiwan

Watch the sky ablaze as over a hundred thousand luminous lanterns are simultaneously released at the Pingxi Lantern Festival. The launching began as a means to signal refugees of the town’s safety; today participants decorate them with their wishes and release them into the moonlit sky.

69. ✦ Get Spooked at the Catacombs in Paris

The  Catacombs in Paris  is a labyrinth of caves underneath the heart of the city and the resting place for the bones of six million Parisians. Starting in the late eighteenth century, remains were transferred to the ossuary as overcrowded graveyards were closing due to the risk to the public. Though the underground maze is extensive, the portion that is open to the public is an eerie two-kilometer-long walk filled with skulls, bones, and stones.

Read More: Get Spooked at the Catacombs in Paris Get Tickets: Paris Catacombs Skip-the-Line Ticket

70. ✦ 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.

71. ✧ Ride in a Gondola in Venice

72. ✧ watch the grand prix in monaco.

Each year the ritzy streets of Monaco are turned into a challenging Formula 1 circuit for one of the most prestigious races in the world, the  Monaco Grand Prix . It’s one of the slowest tracks, but probably the most glamorous, bordering the yacht-filled harbor and studded with movie stars.

73. ✦ Visit a Maasai Tribe in Tanzania

On the massive continent of Africa, there are several different tribes of people, many of which are still living in a way that’s loyal to its own traditional customs. One of these is the Maasai tribe and when you go on an African safari in Tanzania it’s possible to pay a visit to their land to have a firsthand peek at their lifestyle.

Along the safari routes on my trips to Tanzania with Shadows of Africa , I saw the Maasai people dozens of times. Their blue and red frocks gave them away every time. Not only are they scattered throughout the main roads, mostly herding their cattle. Their villages are also sporadically spread on the long stretches of land. But, what is Maasai culture all about?

Read More: Africa’s Maasai Tribe: The Culture & Traditions of The People

74. ✧ Attend Burning Man in Nevada

For one week each year over sixty thousand dreamers, artists, and partygoers converge at Black Rock City in Nevada for the ultimate desert art festival- Burning Man . This bash is not for idle spectators, it is expected that you participate by creating art, performing, volunteering, and dressing up. The hedonistic homemade community centers around “The Man,” the sixty-foot-tall mascot who is burned to the ground on the final days.

75. ✦ Skydive

76. ✦ zip line through the rain forest of costa rica.

Imagine the thrill of gliding along the treetops in the Costa Rican rain forest attached to cables. The zip lines bring you to different height platforms, crossing an extraordinary landscape on the way. You will find adrenaline-pumping zip lines all across the country that will fly you next to a waterfall and through the forest with the monkeys, giving you a different perspective from the air.

77. ✦ Visit All 50 States

78. ✧ 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, hospitality of the village people, and spectacular glimpse of its peak will take you aback.

79. ✦ 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

80. ✧ Attend the Palio Horse Race in Siena

Twice a year, the central piazza (Il Campo) of Siena is turned into a track for the most important event in the city- Palio . The Italian town is stuffed to the brim as ten of the neighborhoods (contrades) each compete in a bareback battle of the best racehorse. The event is just as much about the thrill of the seventy-five-second race as it is about the pageantry and pride.

81. ✦ Explore the Depths of a Cava Cave in Spain

The cava caves of Spain feature dark narrow tunnels, steep spiral staircases, a labyrinth that would challenge anyone’s sense of direction, and are filled to the stone ceiling with a winemaker’s dream. Some cava caves would make the perfect location to film a horror flick, while others could be used as a skilled mathematicians puzzle. Exploring the seemingly endless channels can only be topped by tasting the bubbly at the end.

Read More: Explore the Depths of a Cava Cave in Spain

82. ✦ Drive Maui’s Road to Hana

With flowing waterfalls, picturesque hiking, and a black sand beach, the fifty-three-mile Road to Hana drive is one of the most popular in the world. Most travelers will take the road to the town Hana, then turn around and head back the same route they came. For the more adventurous traveler, do the continuous loop, which takes you over the unpaved, bumpy part of the road with the zigzagging turns that tour books warn you about.

Read More: The 17 Best Road to Hana Stops on the Hawaiian Island of Maui

83. ✦ Watch Wrestling Practice at a Sumo Stable in Tokyo

You can’t fully understand the intensity of this sport unless you are up close and personal at a sumo wrestling practice to witness the panting, grunting and dripping sweat. The practices are not attractions created for tourists, they are serious and you need to show respect while you are there.

Though there are several other stables to visit, at Hakkaku Sumo Stable in Tokyo you can spend the morning watching an intense Sumo wrestlers practice. This was one of my favorites on the things to do before you die list!

Read More: Watch Wrestling Practice at a Sumo Stable in Tokyo Read More: Tokyo Bucket List: 44 Top Things To Do in Japan’s Coolest City Book a Tour: Watch a Morning Sumo Training See: More Sumo Related Experiences

84. ✧ Wear a Mask at Carnival in Venice

Each year the Venice canals come alive as roughly three million visitors flock to this colossal masquerade party. The  Carnival in Venice  is one of the biggest celebrations in Italy that starts two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday. Partygoers parade through the city donning elaborate bejeweled masks and costumes while enjoying an array of festival events.

85. ✦ Eat at a Themed Restaurant in Tokyo

At the Alcatraz ER themed restaurant, you can eat a plate of beef shaped like a brain on the floor of a jail cell while sipping cocktails out of a dummy’s head, which is exactly what I did. If a gothic cathedral environment is more your thing, try Christon Cafe or opt for The Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku that takes dinner and a show to another level. There will be loud music, dancing and robots fighting, plus a little sushi to dine on if you should choose.

Read More: Tokyo Food: 13 Themed (& Slightly Weird) Cafe & Restaurant Experiences Read More: Tokyo Bucket List: 44 Top Things To Do in Japan’s Coolest City

86. ✧ Go Truffle Hunting in Tuscany

Traveling to Italy is absolutely about the pasta and the wine, but it’s also about the truffles. Walk through the Tuscan forests with a Lagotto Romagnalo breed of dog sniffing out a culinary treasure-the white truffle. Though there are over sixty varieties of truffles worldwide, this is the most coveted, at times bringing in over $800 per 100 grams. Giulio the Truffle Hunter will help you find your prize.

87. ✦ Go on an African Safari

We are all familiar with the term “once-in-a-lifetime’. Right? It is reserved for those epic bucket list experiences that you feel so fortunate to have even once during your life, that you can’t even imagine being blessed enough to be able to do it a second time. An African safari in Tanzania is one of those experiences-and I was blessed twice.

There are plenty of places in Africa to go on safari, but both of mine were done in Tanzania with the Shadows of Africa tour team. For four days we explored the surreal Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks. And a bonus “things to do before you die” was spotting the big five !

Related: African Safari in Tanzania: The Ultimate Itinerary and Tour

88. ✧ GET SCRUBBED AT A HAMAM IN TURKEY

The hamam has been popular in Turkey for thousands of years, not only as a relaxing bathing ritual but also as a social center. Today the healthy hot steam bath, followed by a body scrub and massage, is still a major part of the Turkish culture.

89. ✦ Eat Insects at Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market

While exploring the plentiful booths of Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market, there was one stall that caught my attention. It had all sorts of varieties of edible bugs; crickets, cicada, mealworms and whirligig beetles. How do I choose? I opted for the insect sampler pack for 20 baht ($0.65 usd), a little of each. I like variety.

Read More: Eat Insects at Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market Read More:  Edible Bugs Bucket List: 25 Insects People Eat Around the World Read More: Bucket List of 18 Things to Do in Chiang Mai

90. ✦ 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

91. ✦ 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

92. ✦ Visit Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania, Romania

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

93. ✦ Eat at the Cheapest Michelin Starred Restaurant

Tim Ho Wan is a hole-in-the-wall dim sum restaurant in Hong Kong that gained recognition after receiving a coveted Michelin star and therefore being known as one of the cheapest Michelin starred restaurants in the world. And it is cheap. Really cheap. Though they are well known for their pork buns, all their food is quite tasty, especially their chicken feet.

Read More: Nibble on Chicken Feet at the Cheapest Michelin Starred Restaurant Related: Bucket List of 17 Things to Do in Hong Kong

94. ✧ See a Broadway Musical in New York City

Along and nearby Broadway , in the heart of New York City, between Forty- second and Fifty-third, people have been dazzled by gleaming lights, powerful voices, and some of the world’s best theatrics. There’s nothing quite like a Broadway show. The theater district has also been called “The Great White Way,” because of its flashy marquees that light up the sky. Many Tony awards have been earned on these streets.

For a list of shows see our Broadway Musical Bucket List with 75+ of the best shows to see.

95. ✦ 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

96. ✧ Interact with the Penguins of Antarctica

A highlight to any trip to the chilly continent of Antarctica is interacting with the many penguin colonies; Adélies, emperors, chinstraps, and gentoos. Watch as they clumsily waddle to the sea, slide on their bellies and curiously approach you, sometimes coming so close they shuffle right over your feet.

97. ✦ 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 .

98. ✦ Walk through a Rice Terrace in Indonesia

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

99. ✦ Have a Home Stay in Norway with a Sami Reindeer Herder

In the Arctic tundra of Norway there’s a unique home stay waiting. A Sami reindeer herder in Finnmark welcomes you into his winter cabin, and his culture. The Sámi are indigenous people to the very north of Europe, in the arctic area of Sápmi, which spans the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula of Russia.

There are approximately 80,000 Sámi living in these four countries with a majority in Norway, and specifically in the Finnmark region where my homestay visit was. For many years, reindeer herding has been a popular way to earn a living amongst the Sámi through the selling of meat, milk and fur.

Read More: A Unique Home Stay in Norway with a Sámi Reindeer Herder

100. ✦ Participate in a Japanese Tea Ceremony

The refined Japanese Tea Ceremony is the ritual of preparing and serving the powdered green tea, matcha. This warm, thick beverage is served with sweets to balance the bitter taste of the tea. The host may spend years mastering this art, learning every detail from utensil placement to the perfect angle for the tea bowl.

In Tokyo, go to the Happo-en Japanese Garden that sits in Shirokanedai district. It is an exquisite example of natural beauty with its ancient bonsai, koi pond and blanket of cherry blossoms in the Springtime. Not only is it a beautiful representation of a Japanese garden, but you can schedule to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony where you will be drinking Matcha in their wooden Muan tea house.

Read More: Participate in a Japanese Tea Ceremony in Tokyo Related: Tokyo Bucket List: 44 Top Things To Do in Japan’s Coolest City Book Tour: Experience a tea ceremony or wearing kimono at Bonsai Museum

What’s on your 100 things to do before you die list?

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 ., you might also enjoy.

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92 thoughts on “100 Unforgettable Things To Do Before You Die”

Hi Annette What a beautiful experience you have ,awesome pics and nice blog post ,thanks for sharing i will definitely go there one time,

Thank you :)

Thanks for taking the time to create such a great list.

After having lived in a few countries, I have started creating lists on what I want to see there before moving on. I have found it too easy to ignore all the great stuff on my doorstep.

I agree! Sometimes we take for granted what is in our own backyards. I definitely need to work on making lists for things in the town I live in.

That’s an interesting list. Many of them are great. Just a question here: Can i just leave some of them to do after I die? I mean 12, 19, 39? They are beyond my imagination! You gotta be kidding.

Ha, ha! You can skip any ones you want :)

Don’t think I could create a better list. Great ideas! Those are some convincing photos.

Nice Information.Your content very nice but among those content I appreciate to see 3 or 4 number content.Can you give knowledge how can I help orphan?

Awesome post! I’ve managed to tick a few of these off but there’s plenty still to go… I would love to explore the Catacombs Indiana Jones style!

Now Indiana Jones style would be fun at the Catacombs!

I love this list ! i love the mix of culture, humanity and also adventure that you have combined in it ! The jetpack flyboard thing looks absolutely crazy but so much fun, i just can’t imagine what it would be like !!

Flyboarding was definitely a bucket list goal that challenged me. It not only took some strength, but a lot of balance!

This might sound crazy but out of those all…I think ‘eating work cakes’ resonated with me the most.

I didn’t know about them when I was in Hanoi but when I return, eating them will definitely be on my list.

It appears that you and I are similar in that way, the worm cakes was the street food I was truly excited to try!

I usually include sky diving in my bucket list but #14 Take a Flyboarding Jetpack Flight in Cancun is really cool. I want to try that. It really looks cool!

Thanks for sharing your list Annette!

I have skydived before and it was pretty incredible, but flyboarding my be a touch safer :)

Hi there. Nice blog ans such a long list of things to do. I would love to do at least 10 of those things you listed in here :)

I do hope trying flyboarding, skydiving, and snorkiling with turtles :)

Thanks Kris

Those are 3 really good choices!

You are one of the most luckiest person i know. Me and my bestfriend are preparing this bucketlist to do (we are 17). But we didnt know what we wanted. So thank you sooooooo much for helping us out. Your blog is an inspiration. All that apart is this affair costly, i mean how much did it cost you to do all this? Cheers :D

Excited to hear that you are starting a bucket list at such a young age!! There are so many amazing experiences to have in life and I hope you find some great ideas from my blog. The items completed on this list were done over several years, so the cost was spread out. With that said, I am fortunate enough that my blog has been pretty successful and helps with the financial part of much of my travel. Many times I am sponsored by companies/tourism boards around the world who help with financing my travel. Though I also save my money and would rather spend it on having memorable experiences instead of fancy shoes or expensive makeup, etc.

Wishing you and your friend the best adventures!

Just discovering your blog, and this is an incredibly awesome list!! I’ve actually managed to check off a few things on this list, like release baby turtles. I might be staying in Tuscany this summer (near Siena, too, I think!) Thanks for the wonderful inspiration xx Happy travels!

Wasn’t releasing baby turtles amazing!?! Tuscany is such a beautiful area in Italy, you’re gonna love it. Best adventures to you!

your awesome !!! you inspired me :) now im goona create my own bucket list !!! Big Thank You ….

You don’t know how happy hearing that makes me! Wishing you the best bucket list adventures!

Hi Annette, fellow Sonomad. I like your list and have been lucky to do some of them. Are you familiar with El Camino de Santiago, the walk across the north of Spain? I am intrigued about this and am considering the 500 mi journey. Darah

Hello, pretty lady! I have heard of El Camino de Santiago and that walk would be quite an incredible feat. If you end up doing it, I’d love to hear about your journey.

I would love to do at least 10 of those things you listed in here

I don’t think I would ever have courage to swim in a Jellyfish Lake after I got completely burn by them last spring in the Philippines. I know that these ones you’ve mentioned are harmless but still…no way I could watch them go around and don’t have a panic attack.

I completely understand. It is a fear of mine to be stung by a jellyfish, so jumping into a lake filled with them is slightly terrifying!!

Great experience Annette. I have done some stuff like your but in you list I have a ways to go. Just 5 /45. :) Keep up the good work

Thanks Marc! I am sure you could add some of your amazing experiences to this list that i haven’t done either!

I read the list of your bucket list with 869 items. And these 45 are the most amazing of them, indeed!

Why thank you! These 45 were quite and experience indeed!

I’m so inspired to travel more! I love your list! I’ll work hard to earn and do the things that I love and wish to do. Thank you for sharing gorgeous. Forwarding the link to my best friend/travel buddy now :)

It truly makes me happy to hear that I’ve inspired you to travel more! It’s an amazing world out there — enjoy.

What a crazy list! There are so many wonderful things we can do in this world …

Ain’t that the truth! The world has so much to offer, we just have to take the opportunities!

What are you making in the pan?

I’m just 12 years old and I started writing a bucket list. I needed ideas on what to put on my lifelong bucket list. These things are incredibly amazing and I really want to do all those things you did. You are inspiring to people like me and I would also way rather spend money on an adventure than on Victoria Secret Pink clothes or on fancy shoes. I especially want to release the baby turtles and bathe the elephants when I’m gonna be older. You are so inspiring and I wish to be like you.

I love that you are starting to think about all your dreams at such a young age!! I can confirm that no pair of shoes has ever made me as happy as bathing elephants :) I hope that your life is filled with many incredible adventures, you’re off to a good start!

Hi i’m 14 now and you will probably be 15 or 16 if you like we can be pen pals you seem interesting.

I’m just 12 years old and I started writing a bucket list. I needed ideas on what to put on my lifelong bucket list. These things are incredibly amazing and I really want to do all those things you did. You are inspiring to people like me and I would also way rather spend money on an adventure than on Victoria Secret Pink clothes. My friends aunt travels everywhere and has amazing stories to tell wherever she goes. However, she still lives with her parents and she’s in her 30s. But as my mom always tells her, all your pictures are yours and no one can take that from you.

Wow awesome bucket list. I kind of have a wish lost of my own but I am too young to fulfill those. Anyway why don’t you visit India. I am sure you are going to love my country.

I would love to visit India and hope to in the near future :)

Great post but I would like to add one more place – Swimming with Hector Dolphins in New Zealand that is one of the best adventure activity.

Thanks for the tip!

Great list! Many of these things I have done – swam with jellyfish (not on purpose!), Kentucky Derby (even got to visit the horses in Churchill Downs!), went skydiving (was great!). And, many I also want to do: volunteer while traveling, alaskan dogsled (Alaska is the last of the 50 states to see!), sleep in a tree house, your Italy adventures, Route 66…. So much to do! I think it’s great to keep a list – I live by lists! Mine is ever evolving as I reprioritize what I want out of life. Your site is great!

I am a big list lover too! They keep me organized and motivated, plus have led to me being able to do some really amazing things in my life.

It’s a list of 100 things I hope I never do in my lifetime! You can put that one on the books. This article should be titled, “Are you old, have shit tons of money and like to travel?”

I’ll consider that new title ;)

Nice Bucket, will try my best to do as much as I can from this bucket.But first of all, my aim is to travel the whole Europe before I take the last breath of my life.

hehe. some of the tasks are really thrilling. some are adventurous. some are missing for example mountain fishing, bull fighting, and many others. we do have some of the list regarding this. for more info follow us.

You’d have to be rich to do any of that. Just the plane trip alone is a few hundred and that doesn’t include lodging and food.

WHAT A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES Annette ,love the way u blogged the information ..can I know your fb profile please

Thank you Shaik! Here’s my social media information:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BucketListJourney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bucketlistjourney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bucketlistjrny

Why would you have Chianti in the Cinque Terre?!

Wow, I went through the list quickly and didn’t see Canada at all or maybe I missed it. I have a ton of bucket list things to do in Canada.

Maybe I need to update the list, because I LOVE Canada and recently went kayaking with beluga whales there. It was a definitive bucket list experience!

yes please update the list- I always am reading it and referring to it!

I’d like to see that too!

Thanks! It’s on my list of things to do, but the list is long :)

This list has just made me ‘check-myself’ so bad. In a good way of course. Floating in the dead sea has just been added and now I must continue to finish mine. Thanks for sharing.

You nailed the article. Awesome list, great images and wll organized. Thanks for sharing. Great List. Hope I could try these.

Another great list. I would love to see these. Really awesome things. I should at least try something.

Great list. Loved the list. Hope I will try at least some of these.

Great list. Well organized. How can even you think these things. Really loved the collection. You made my day. Thanks for beautiful article.

What a realtively dull list. Done a lot, can think of loads missing and way too many that involve animal cruelty or consumption. pleased I;m not your travel partner. No dives either.

I wanna Experience the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. Great collection of destination.

Great list !!!! I am planning to go there some of these one

Yoga invented in India and it is not for Cost rica. Come to India and explore the finest yoga.

I have another for your list: Visit New Mexico and go to Chaco Canyon for amazing ruins, visit Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, ride the tramway in Albuquerque, go to the balloon festival, and see Carlsbad Caverns. Also visit Santa Fe. And you don’t even have to travel that far.

Thank you so much for the ideas! Those are great!

This hundred bucket list inspires me to travel this amazing places.

Im going to try get all 100 done before i die!!! its never too late to fuful your dreams!!

This hundred bucket list inspires me to travel, im currenly only 28 but after this pandemic i feel like i need to see the world

I really enjoyed this! I’ve crossed off about a third…I’ll be adding some new ones to my personal list, including that Finnmark home stay!

No hate but it’s almost all just travelling things… it’s more of a travelling bucket list and not writing about other things that are worth doing liked the pictures!

I agree! I think I need to add 25 more that are not travel related!

Wow! this is great list. Some of them are surely in my bucket list. I am definitely going to do that. And funny thing is that among these 100 bucket list things to do, I have just done only one i.e. Number 78.

Thanks for sharing this great piece of information. Keep up the great work! Cheers!

You are the luckiest person ,I have ever saw ..like befor I thought that the pictures where from google but when i saw the comments and realised that you actually did all of those things !! I mean like what !! You are so lucky and your blog is just amazing …I loved this and the thing which will be top of my list is seeing northern lights once in my life , and the orphanage one !! Also I would love to do a zip line of Costa rica !! I still cant believe the you did all those things like the whales one is so risky but you did it !! Hats off to you

Thank you! I have worked hard to always be living my bucket list and have been fortunate enough to turn my passion into a career :)

I was just blank for a while and realized that Nature is so beautiful & amazing!! Hope so I get a chance to visit this wonderful places Thanks for sharing your great experience and piece of information!!

I hope you can visit all these places and have an adventure there. Once you did, we would love to hear it from you :)

Very beautiful and amazing natural scenery very clean without pollution…

Welcome to Uganda. the “Pearl of Africa”

Amazing blog, really interesting I loved it so much, it is so well written, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.

Your list is great. I have been traveling the world now for 50 years. The one thing I hope your young readers don’t overlook is a list is just that, don’t focus so much that you miss the many spectacular things that can come your way everyday where you are. Volunteer at a zoo or animal society, old folks in homes are really looking for company, orphans that need a friend are in every state and after traveling all 7 continents and 128 countries one of the most amazing, diversified and beautiful is the United States of America.

Beautiful nature view with well written blog love to read this kind of blog Thanks for sharing

It’s a very well done content. maybe the list could be longer

Very beautiful and amazing natural scenery very clean without pollution…

Mount Everest Trek is one of the most challenging treks for the beginner. You must have experience or be physically and mentally strong.

thanks for the article this is so good

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20 Breathtaking Places to Visit Before You Die

• March 22, 2024

From glorious historical monuments to brilliant architecture, thrilling wildlife adventures, and one-of-a-kind landscapes, our planet is a tapestry of wonders waiting to be discovered. As travelers and adventurers, we aspire to visit the most spectacular and awe-inspiring locations. And if you want to see the most incredible places on earth, you need to step out and visit some of the world’s remotest corners. To quote St. Augustine, “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

It’s a big, beautiful planet and one life is not enough to explore all the amazing destinations in the world. Nonetheless, few locations truly stand out as the ultimate must-visit places amidst this vast array of choices. These are places that will surprise, humble, and captivate you. Here is our choice of the world’s most beautiful destinations, which we believe you should visit before dying.

Table of Contents

1).  machu picchu, peru.

Machu Pichu, often referred to as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, was built in the 15th century but was forgotten by the Western world for centuries. The ancient Incan city is an archaeological marvel and the most iconic remains of the massive Incan Empire. Machu Picchu sits high among the clouds on the dramatic slopes of the Andes. Encircled by mist-shrouded peaks and verdant valleys, Machu Picchu offers visitors a glimpse into the mystical world of the Inca civilization. If you are up for the task, trek into the ruins. The breathtaking panoramas along the trail will make the multi-day hike worthwhile. The trek is immensely popular, and you must reserve your spot months in advance.

2). Venice, Italy

Built on a group of 126 islands that are separated by a network of canals, Venice is a living work of art and a place unlike any other. While Veneto’s capital is unquestionably gorgeous, it is also an actual city. Their winding alleys are lined with houses, cafés, gelaterias, and boutiques. The city’s characteristic Renaissance and Gothic architecture includes the famed St. Mark’s Basilica, Piazza San Marco, and other museums and art galleries. Nothing can beat the charm of riding a gondola across the maze of canals and waterways and admiring the romantic ambiance, eye-catching islands, ornate bridges, cobblestone lanes, and centuries-old architecture. A visit to the ‘floating city’ is truly an experience of a lifetime.

3).  Petra, Jordan

Petra’s raw beauty and timeless splendor have drawn tourists and historians for centuries. Carved into rose-red cliffs, Petra is an ancient city with striking archaeological ruins dating back to the 3rd century. After the city was abandoned, Petra was nearly lost to the world. The ‘Lost City’ was spotlighted when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt stumbled across it in 1812. The sandstone city is now a World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist destinations. Petra is a must-see for its intricate rock carvings and the maze of handcrafted tunnels, temples, and tombs sculpted from blush-pink sandstone. Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), the most famous structure, stands 39 meters tall and is a masterpiece of ancient engineering and architecture.

4).  Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Stretching over 4,050 square miles, Sala de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat. The huge expanse of white, gleaming salt sweeping across the Altiplano can even be seen from space. The natural wonder in Bolivia was organically caused by the transformations of several prehistoric lakes that evaporated long ago. The site is covered by unique hexagonal salt formations serving as a prime flamingo breeding ground. Salar de Uyuni is one of the world’s harshest and most spectacular landscapes. During monsoons, the rain and surrounding lakes flood the salt flats, leaving a thin layer of water that perfectly mirrors the blue sky. This is why the wet season ( December -April) is usually one of the busiest in Salar de Uyuni. Every year, millions of tourists visit the natural landmark and it should find a place on your list of places to visit before you die.

5).  Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most iconic and talked-about structures in history. The perfect symmetry and remarkable framework have generated multiple theories regarding their origins. It is the only one of the Ancient World’s Seven Wonders that has survived intact. The pyramids are built in a complex on the Giza plateau, near the city of Cairo. Standing in front of the Pyramids of Giza is an experience that no picture or video can recreate. According to popular ancient mythology, the three massive monuments were erected 4500 years ago to serve as the ultimate resting place for the three Pharaohs, Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza complex, which also includes the Great Sphinx and other cemeteries.

6).  Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal has been hailed as one of the most beautiful structures ever made. Situated on the Yamuna River’s right bank in Agra, the ivory-white marble monument symbolizes eternal love. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, built the magnificent monument in memory of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The tomb is the focal point of a 17-hectare complex that includes a mosque, lush gardens, riverfront terraces, and a breathtaking reflecting pool. The Taj Mahal is completely constructed of white stone, artistically carved, and inlaid with priceless stone. Its exquisite symmetry and aesthetics serve as an enduring reminder of the artistic and technological accomplishments of the Mughal Empire. It is often regarded as the finest example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India’s rich past.

7).  Niagara Falls, Canada

Niagara Falls is the collective name for the three waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, that tumble along the international border between the United States and Canada. The Falls are among the most accessible marvels of nature and that should encourage you to visit it at the earliest. Six million cubic feet of water rush over Niagara Falls every minute, creating one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the world. They plunge from a height of 51 meters near the southern end of the Niagara Gorge. 

Taking a boat ride beneath the blue-green-colored falls is the best way to fully experience Niagara Falls. You’ll be drenched in ever-present mist and hear gallons of water crashing down around you every second. During the winter, perpetual mist results in some unbelievable views. Mist freezes on almost everything, including trees, rocks, and built-up areas, creating amazing views rivaling the river’s tremendous might.

8).  Patagonia, Argentina

Patagonia is enigmatic, intriguing, and staggeringly beautiful. Straddling both Chile and Argentina , Patagonia has long enticed visitors to what is almost the end of the world.  The untamed grandeur of the snow-capped mountains, gigantic glaciers, glittering lakes, pristine wild rivers, and exotic wildlife set the backdrop for an exhilarating adventure. Patagonia’s vast expanse presents an abundance of experiences and awe-inspiring landscapes. You can trek through the legendary Torres del Plaine, marvel at the thunderous Perito Moreno Glacier, embark on the fabled Andean Lakes Crossing, stop by the penguin rookery in the Beagle Channel, and explore Martillo Island’s massive penguin colonies. Patagonia’s immense wilderness and lack of substantial infrastructure make travel through the region challenging. However, that should not stop you from vitiating it before you die.

9).  Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil

Iguazu Falls are located between Brazil and Argentina and can be accessed from both countries. The Iguaçu River flows through Brazil for most of its journey, but the majority of the waterfalls are on the Argentine side. The falls occur in a wide expanse where the Iguaçu River plunges over the rim of the Paraná Plateau with ferocious force. As millions of litters of water pour down the gorge with a deafening roar, around 275 individual cascades form a nearly 3-kilometer-long chain of falls. The sheer magnitude of this natural wonder will astound you. 

Iguazu Falls is set against an enchanting backdrop of lush, tropical surroundings. The best view of the Falls is from the Argentina side. Devil’s Throat, a U-shaped rock with 14 waterfalls cascading over 80 meters, is the most magnificent of the falls. The spectacular fall is easily accessible to people of all fitness levels. The refreshing mist, thunderous roar, and ferocious power of plummeting water all serve to remind you of nature’s splendor.

10).  Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island in French Polynesia, located northwest of Tahiti. It is one of the few spots on the globe that everyone wishes to visit in their lifetime. The stunning island boasts some of the most phenomenal vistas you’ll ever see. Surrounded by little islets, a gorgeous blue lagoon, and a ring of coral reef,  the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano. 

Bora Bora is loved for its lush landscapes, exquisite white beaches, turquoise waters, extravagant overwater bungalows, and crystal-clear lagoons brimming with marine life. This idyllic South Pacific gem is especially popular with luxury travelers, honeymooners, and romantics. The vibrant coral reefs and the clear waters also make it a dream destination for divers and snorkelers. Whether you enjoy adrenaline rushes or a quiet day at the beach, alternatives in Bora Bora are endless.

11).  Great Wall of China, China

Stretching over more than 13,000 miles in northern China, the Great Wall of China was inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The Great Wall is a series of fortifications rather than a single-structured wall. This iconic symbol of Chinese history and ingenuity was constructed over 2000 years ago to safeguard China from invaders. Snaking across the arid hills and plateaus, the fortification will surprise you with its size and historical significance. It is a testament to the excellent architectural skills of bygone civilizations. 

Visitors can explore parts of the wall, take in the panorama, and discover the fascinating tales of this remarkable man-made landmark. Although large portions of the wall are now in ruins or have vanished entirely, it remains one of the most outstanding structures on the Planet. Jinshanling to Simatai is one of the better hiking sections, with good amenities, well-preserved hiking trails, and wonderful views.

12).  Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Located in north-eastern Australia, The Great Barrier Reef is a living masterpiece unparalleled in its beauty and biodiversity  The Great Barrier Reef, which covers an area of around 350,000 square kilometers, is made up of 900 islands and over 2900 separate reefs. Despite its location deep in the Australian sea, the world’s largest reef can be seen from space, making it an ecological marvel. 

Under the cerulean depths of the Coral Sea, lurks a vast assortment of exotic aquatic species, as well as vivid coral formations. With over 400 species of vibrant coral, 1500 types of electric-colored fishes, and 4000 kinds of mollusks, the bio-diversity of this region is staggering. It comes as no surprise that the Great Barrier Reef is home to some of the world’s top diving and snorkeling experiences. The reef is also one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, providing yet another reason to visit the fantastic location. Global warming and negligence have caused extensive harm to the reef, marine life, and seafloor. Plan your trip to this colorful, biodiverse natural treasure before it disappears .

13).  Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is without a doubt the world’s best-known wildlife reserve. It offers a unique opportunity to go on a safari through the expansive savannas and acacia-dotted plains and soak up the raw, untamed beauty of the African wilderness. This enormous grassland is home to an unbelievable variety of animals, including the big five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros). 

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is an incredible wildlife spectacle that takes place each year. Around 1.5 million wildebeest, together with herds of zebras, gazelles, and impalas, migrate from Serengeti to Masai Mara (Kenya) in search of water and verdant meadows. Their motions attract predators such as lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles, who prey on a variety of mammals. The Wildebeest Migration is not only an unforgettable visual spectacle but also a complicated biological phenomenon that highlights the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems in the African Savannah.

14).  Santorini, Greece

Towering above the turquoise Aegean Sea, Santorini lives up to all the buzz it gets. The legendary sunsets, turquoise waters, colorful pebble beaches, well-preserved archaeological sites, and the dramatic volcanic caldera make this group of Greek Islands one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. Santorini is among the world’s top romantic places to travel, providing an idyllic background for some stunning clicks. The whitewashed houses, blue domes, and paved pathways blend well with the beautiful surroundings, creating picture-perfect panoramas. Highlights include the scenic towns of Fira and Oia, the smoking crater of Nea Kameni, the hot springs of Palia Kameni, and the Minoan ruins of Akrotiri. 

You can spend hours wandering the cobblestoned avenues, ascending the high pedestrian staircases, visiting the celebrated vineyards, having romantic dinners, browsing the charming boutiques, and witnessing one of the world’s most famous sunsets. Infinity pools, luxurious whitewashed villas, and 5-star amenities ensure a wonderful stay! You may have to deal with the crowds, but it is well worth it.

15).  Northern Lights, Scandinavia

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are nature’s most dazzling light show. The beauty of the flickering lights of different shapes and sizes swirling across the sky is something that everyone should see before they die. An aurora is formed when charged particles are hit with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. The Northern Lights we observe are bluish-green with periodic red or violet veils. The “auroral oval” – a rough ring around the Earth’s magnetic northern pole about 60 to 70 degrees latitude – is usually the best place to see the Northern Lights. So, this celestial extravaganza in the Earth’s sky is typically seen in high-latitude regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic. 

There are so many fantastic spots to observe the Northern Lights that it’s difficult to choose just one for the list. Scandinavian countries such as Norway , Sweden , and Finland are the ones that we have listed here. They are excellent locations for witnessing the Northern Lights because of the wide range of accommodations and tour companies, the ease of access, the excellent infrastructure, the wealth of thrilling outdoor activities, and the jaw-dropping, pristine terrain. Because of the anticipated peak in solar activity, 2024 is expected to be a fantastic year for viewing the Northern Lights.

16).  Antarctica

A trip to Antarctica is an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime. They say you should head to Antarctica after seeing everything else since nothing else can compare. Antarctica, a continent of ethereal beauty and stark wilderness, is located at the southernmost point of our planet. The “White Continent” is the closest you will come to visiting another planet. Antarctica , engulfed in a blanket of ice and snow, is a region of extremes, with the coldest temperatures on Earth, windswept landscapes, and a horizon that stretches to infinity. With no permanent human habitation and limited logistical access, it’s no surprise that is one of Earth’s most remote and unspoiled regions. 

Despite the extreme conditions, this pristine wilderness supports a diverse range of resilient wildlife, including seals, whales, and million-strong penguin colonies. Nothing beats the joy of viewing icebergs and glaciers up close, spotting penguin populations pedal down icy slopes, and watching whales emerge as you kayak through one of the most remote and phenomenal locations on the planet. Taking a cruise to Antarctica allows you to witness nature’s raw strength and pristine majesty in its purest form, making it a must-see location for everyone.

17).  Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands have attracted throngs of tourists due to their stark desolate beauty, rare biodiversity, gigantic sea tortoises, and playful sea lions. Scattered along the Pacific Ocean, off the west coast of Ecuador, this majestic archipelago of volcanic islands is globally renowned for its idyllic beaches, rugged volcanoes, lava stacks, and fearless wildlife. The islands are a living laboratory of natural wonders and inspired Charles Darwin’s famous theory of evolution in 1859. 

Until 1535, the world knew nothing about the islands. Without the influence of humans, the island’s flora and fauna flourished for thousands of years, evolving into unique species found nowhere else on the entire planet. These include the gigantic Galápagos tortoise, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galápagos penguins. So, take time to visit the intriguing island before you die. From nonstop shore adventures to island hopping cruises, you’ll never run out of things to do in the Galapagos. 

18).  Antelope Canyon, USA

Hidden in the heart of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a geological wonder unlike any other. The slot canyon, sculptured into the red-orange sandstone by centuries of wind and water erosion, is a testament to Earth’s sculpting powers. The sandstone walls, molded into undulating waves and fluid curves, create a surreal labyrinth of shadows and light. The canyon’s vivid reds, oranges, and golds are illuminated by sunlight peeking through the little crevices above, casting dreamy beams of light on every wall. Thanks to its surreal beauty, Antelope Canyon is the most photographed slot canyon in the southwestern United States. 

Antelope Canyon is referred to as one canyon, but it is made up of two distinct slot canyons: Upper Antelope (The Crack) and Lower Antelope (The Corkscrew). Both are breathtakingly gorgeous, with distinctive geographical features. The Slot Canyon can only be visited with a permit and a guide as it is a Native American tribal park. 

19).  Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan, Myanmar’s ancient city, is a fascinating tapestry of over 2,000 Buddhist temples, stupas, and pagodas scattered across a large plain along the Irrawaddy River. Dating back to the 9th to 13th centuries, these architectural marvels have been beautifully preserved and restored by UNESCO. As the sun rises or sets, casting a golden glow across the horizon, the haunting beauty and juxtaposition of the stupas and spires soaring above Bagan create an unforgettable panorama.  

The ‘Temple City’ stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the sacred landscape. Many ancient temples and pagodas are still in use today as places of worship in this country, where religion is the very essence of society. Although walking is the best way to explore these sites, taking a hot air balloon flight provides a unique opportunity to get a panoramic perspective of Bagan temples. Bagan is a must-visit destination for everyone, not just history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.

20).  Banff, Canada

Banff National Park covers 6,641 square kilometers of magnificent alpine terrain in the endless wildness of the Canadian Rockies. Established in 1885, Banff, Canada’s first national park, is a paradise for hikers, skiers, and nature enthusiasts. Soaring mountains, glacially-fed glaciers, idyllic waterfronts, raging river rapids, and pristine wilderness await you in Banff. The town of Banff has charming streets dotted with small shops, cozy cafes, and historical landmarks. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are the “Jewels of the Canadian Rockies”. Numerous hiking trails encircle vivid blue lakes, offering spectacular vistas at every turn. 

Millions of tourists visit Banff every year to take pictures of the brilliant green lakes, wander through the blooming fields of Sunshine Meadows, bathe in the tranquil waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs, and drive through the soaring mountain and sweeping valleys of the Icefields Parkway. The region’s incredible diversity and beauty allow you to stay busy all year – whether hiking through untamed forests and kayaking in aquamarine lakes in the summer, or skiing down the slopes and relaxing in steamy hot springs in the winter.

How many of these have you ticked off your bucket list? Would you like to add any more places to my list? Let me know in the comments.

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20 Bucket list trips to take before you die

As borders continually open up and the world returns to some kind of normal, many of us are ready for an adventure. And after two years of being locked up in our homes, it is little wonder we’re itching for an escape! So if you are looking for a destination that will change your trajectory and your mindset, these are the best bucket list trips to take before you die. They’re total game changers.

1. An African Safari

There’s no denying my most memorable “first” from all of my travel experiences was my first African safari. After growing up watching The Lion King (didn’t we all), I have always been mystified by the bushlands of Africa. And more importantly, the animals! There is nowhere in the world where I have been more humbled than in Africa. The land, the people, the animals and the incredible stories. This is a trip that will both humble you and leave you in awe.

2. Take a Road Trip through Countryside France

They say the best of France is outside of Paris, but many first time visitors to France fail to ever venture out of the capital. It’s totally normal, so don’t be alarmed if this is you! It took me at least a few visits to Paris before I ever ventured elsewhere in France. I was just completely enamoured with the French capital – the boulevards, the boulangeries, and the endless stream of activities. But when I did finally travel elsewhere in France, I had one of the most soul-defining moments of my travel career.

You see, I was already in love with France. I think I even was before I had ever visited. The culture and the history of France just completely fascinates me, so my love for the country runs deep. And when I finally ventured elsewhere – to the South of France, Provence, Burgundy and the Alsace region, I developed an even deeper connection with the countryside. There’s just something so effortlessly calming and natural about the French countryside, that grounds you and connects you to the land of which you are exploring.

3. A Spiritual Awakening in Bali

If it is a spiritual awakening you need, you won’t find anywhere more tranquil and serene than the island of Bali. And ever since Eat Pray Love was released in book form and later hit our screens with Julia Roberts at the helm, solo female travelers have been flocking to the island for an awakening of their own.

And even though Bali become what some would call too popular (myself included) as it was flooded with tourists, there are always new pockets to explore. The beauty of Indonesia can also be found in any of the 17,000+ islands that make up the country, so don’t be afraid to venture elsewhere after your time in Bali.

Read now: Beyond Bali: 7 Places in Indonesia

4. A road trip in New Zealand

If camping in a van and making your way around the country of New Zealand sounds appealing to you, then what are you waiting for!? New Zealand is the perfect location to embark on a solo journey by land, especially if you’re looking for epic scenery, endless nature hikes and great skiing in winter.

Read now: 20 Best Places in New Zealand you must visit

5. Travel by train throughout Europe

There’s nowhere I feel more at home than in Europe. It doesn’t matter whether I’m in the East or West, North or South, I just always feel at home there in a way that words can’t describe. And if you’re a lover of history, culture, museums and art galleries like me, then you’ll find plenty of things to see and do throughout Europe.

So, where should you visit for a life-changing trip?

Some of the best countries to explore by train include Italy, France, Germany and Switzerland. Of course there are many more countries to explore, but traveling by train throughout these countries is easy, efficient and stunning scenery.

6. Explore Morocco

Located in Northern Africa, Morocco is hands down one of my favourite countries to spend time in. There’s so much more to this country than initially meets the eye and indeed, much of the magic is to be found outside of popular Marrakech. So if you fancy an adventure like no other, then consider hiring a driver and making your way around the beautiful country of Morocco. Some highlights include Fes, Essaouria, Chefchaouen and of course, Marrakech. The Atlas Mountains are close enough to Marrakech for a day visit, but if you have more time I highly recommend spending a night or two out in the mountains for a life-changing calmness you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

7. Stay with Buddhist Monks in Japan

If your idea of getting away for a life-changing escape is more about isolation and looking inward, then there are many places in Japan where you can have just that. In fact, when I spent a few nights in the mountains staying with buddhist monks, I found a sense of calm I have never found elsewhere in life – abroad or otherwise.

So if you’re looking for a way to go off the grid, tune in to yourself, and fully immerse yourself in the locsl way of life – then make your way to Japan and get ready to experience something beyond yourself. From sleeping on tatami mats to eating a vegetarian bento box for breakfast, this is truly one of those experiences that will make and shake you.

8. Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey

If you’ve ever seen photographs of Cappadocia and pictured yourself gliding through a sea of hot air balloons as the sun rises, then why not make this year your year for an epic adventure. The hot air balloons in Cappadocia run year round, however can get cancelled due to weather implications. So if you’re coming all this way in search of flying in the balloons, be sure to stay a few days to ensure you get to enjoy an early morning take off.

9. Roadtripping through Alberta, Canada

As far as road tripping locations go, Alberta in the west of Canada has just about the best scenery you will find anywhere in the world. Especially during the winter! If you could see yourself passing through epic mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks, skating on ice on the glorious Lake Louise, or warming up by the fire after a day on the slops in Jasper, then look no further than Alberta in winter. The best way to get around is to rent a car and enjoy the freedom of the open road.

10. Road trip across the USA

While a road trip throughout the United States might not be as relaxing as a road trip through New Zealand or as soul-defining as a solo escape to the mythical island of Bali, it is still a life-changing trip (and I’ll tell you why!) The United States, especially for those of you not from there, is full of different cultures and people, especially as you cross each state line. There are so many different areas to explore, that you find yourself totally immersed in the present almost the entirety of the time. Some of my favourite states to discover include Arizona, California, and Rhode Island.

11. Trek to Machu Picchu

Chances are you have already seen an image somewhere on the internet of Machu Picchu. And for good reason! This is one of the world’s most scenic and photographed locations, thanks to its unique history and jaw-dropping background in Peru. And while you can visit on a day trip from the nearby village, the best way to immerse yourself in Machu Picchu is to embark on a multi-day trek. On the last day of the trek, the clouds part and the skies open, revealing the mythical ruins that draw in crowds year after year.

12. Go Island Hopping in Tahiti

If you’re looking for an escape for you and your significant other, then head on over to the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. There’s a unique island for everyone’s tastes – whether you’re into adventure (visit Mo’orea), spa and relaxation (visit Bora Bora) or epic adventures hiking (visit the Marquesas Islands). Then of course there are plenty of other islands to explore on day trips, surf trips, learning to make handicrafts with locals and visiting pearl farms.

13. Eat your way through Italy

I don’t think any bucket list would be complete without mention of Italy. There are so many reasons to fall in love with this country – from the people to the culture, food, language, scenery and of course, the ancient history. But what many first time visitors to Italy don’t understand before they visit, is that everything is regional, with regional specialties making up the entire Italian experience. The best way to experience Italy, I believe, is to eat it. Learn about the local dishes and delicacies, and base your adventures around food. And when you’ve had enough food, switch to wine.

14. Wellness and Wanderlust in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is quickly gaining momentum as one of South Asia’s most sought after locations to visit and for good reason. This beautiful island nation is a mecca for wellness lovers, with endless yoga retreats offering multi-day retreats to relax and unwind. And once you’re tuned in to you, be sure to make time to explore the country at great length. The coastlines that wraps around Sri Lanka is ever-changing, so there are endless beaches to discover.

15. Hiking in Patagonia

I’ll never forget my trip to Patagonia, for it was the first time I really got into hiking. And the rest is history! When it comes to multi-day treks, Patagonia offers some of the world’s best hiking trails. Quiet and serene, the epic mountain ranges contrast the serenity with sharp peaks and dangerous conditions, making this a stunning place to visit and unlike anywhere else in the world. You can visit Patagonia from both Argentina and Chile.

16. Witness the Taj Mahal in Person

The world is full of famous landmarks, but there is nowhere in the world more imposing yet somehow still tranquil and serene, than the Taj Mahal. As India’s most recognisable site, it is little wonder the Taj Mahal draws in millions of visitors each year, including both locals and visitors from all corners of the globe.

17. See the Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza, also called the Giza necropolis, is located in Greater Cairo, Egypt. Chances are you have seen references to the pyramids in films, documentaries, or perhaps even growing up as a kid. But what about seeing them up close? These mysterious pyramids are full of myths and legends, with many artefacts to see up close when inside the pyramids. It is truly one of the most ethereal places in the world you can visit and witness with your own eyes – so be sure to add Egypt to your bucket list, pronto!

18. Ring in the New Year in Sydney Harbour

Chances are you have at least once in your lifetime switched on the television and seen Sydney, Australia, ringing in the New Year. With their unique position on the equator and being one of the first nations to ring in the New Year, Australians and in particular Sydney Harbour Bridge has become synonymous with what we all think of when we consider New Year’s celebrations. So if you’re looking for an iconic bucket list trip around that time of year, consider celebrating the New Year in the summer sun in Sydney.

19. Explore South Africa’s Western Cape

After safari, South Africa’s Western Cape would have to be one of the most iconic places to visit and explore on the continent. And if you ask me, it is one of the best bucket list trips you can take in your lifetime. Whether you’re driving the dramatic Chapman’s Peak road or surfing in the waters of Camps Bay, the Western Cape is full of beautiful beaches. And thanks to its Western outlook, the Cape enjoys some of the best sunsets in the entire world. The weather in the Western Cape is changeable and goes through some pretty drastic seasons, so be sure to visit over summer for your best shot at weather (December, January and February are standouts).

20. Ride a Vespa through the Amalfi Coast

Last but not least, you can’t go through life without experience La Dolce Vita. And if you ask me, the best place to feel it in its entirety is to ride a Vespa through the Amalfi Coast. I have long been a fan of Italy and exploring its many regions, but nowhere was I more enamoured with than the Amalfi Coast. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers beautiful sunny skies in summer, and balmy evenings in the shoulder season with fewer crowds. To really experience the coast, be sure to rent a Vespa and drive along the dramatic cliff edges, stopping in small towns like Ravello, Amalfi and Positano as you go.

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Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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• Destinations

15 Amazing Places to Visit Before You Die

Destinations That Are Sure to Enrich Your Life

One planet, seven continents, almost 200 countries, and an endless list of places to visit in the course of a lifetime. The sheer number of natural phenomena, ancient marvels and modern wonders in the world can be overwhelming when trying to decide where to spend your money, vacation days and the years of your life.

While getting off the beaten track can be valuable, sometimes the more popular destinations are so for a reason. But which to visit? To make the decision process a little less daunting, here are 15 amazing places you need to add to your travel bucket list.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The sweeping scale and finesse of the details in this Khmer masterpiece is what makes this temple so incredible. Cambodia’s historical heart is unrivaled in its intricacy.

There are 3,000 celestial nymphs carved into the walls, each one entirely unique, and around the main temple stretches a series of carvings half a mile long. Getting lost in Angkor Wat’s beauty is an unmissable experience.

Petra, Jordan

Petra, meaning simply “rock” in Greek, is a city carved from cliffs. As rich in mystery as it is in rock-carving, the archways, boulevards and delicate facades make for a mesmerizing place to wander around.

The tombs and temples are carved from pink sandstone, giving this former capital of a bygone kingdom the nickname “The Rose City.” An apt name for somewhere shrouded in romance and beauty.

Become More Cultured by Visiting These 10 Museums in Mexico City

Sue King / January 21, 2022

We go over some of the best museums in Mexico City to show the ancient history, important historical figures and culture of the area.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Another of nature’s masterpieces, Plitvice Lakes is the kind of place that makes you want to believe in fairy tales. The strings of deep green pools connected by misty waterfalls will leave you mesmerized.

Winding around and across the lakes are a multitude of hiking trails and walkways, inviting you to spend a whole day getting lost in this water wonderland. It’s one of the many glorious places you should visit on your Croatia vacation .

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is the kind of place postcards are made of. Moon-like landscapes of arid valleys and bizarre rock formations are home to all sorts of curiosities.

Inside the “fairy chimneys,” tall, cone-shaped rocks, are the hollowed out remains of Bronze Age homes, which were carved directly from the rocks. There are entire underground cities, churches in rocks and distinctly phallic shaped formations rising out of the ground (the Love Valley is called that for a reason).

Whether by foot, horse or hot-air balloon, this is a region begging to be explored and marveled at making it a no-brainer when it comes to places to visit before you die.

Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Taking wild, raw beauty to a whole other level, the Torres del Paine National Park is a beautiful collision of the ragged granite massifs, deep valleys, turquoise lakes and slowly crawling glaciers. This can only be described as a dreamscape.

With so much nature, and so few people, this is the ideal destination for outdoor lovers and escapists, the perfect place to leave reality behind.

Marissa Evans / December 8, 2011

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Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Simply one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls exists right on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The sheer volume of the Zambezi River plunging down a series of basalt gorges is enough to take your breath away.

The iridescent mist thrown up by the falls, and the rainbows it creates, are visible from miles away.

Bagan, Myanmar

An ancient city famous for its Buddhist monuments rising up from green plains, Bagan pulls together all the things most loved by travelers: history, beauty, mystery and an element of the surreal. The many temples, pagodas and ruins comprise one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites, with a sacredness that is palpable to visitors.

Add this to the list of places that will leave you open-mouthed in awe.

The Taj Mahal, India

A monumental monument to love, the Taj Mahal is the world’s most famous mausoleum. Built by an emperor to immortalize his love for his princess wife, the Taj Mahal is an awe-inspiring feat of architecture.

The peerless elegance, beauty and romance of this structure will capture your heart and imagination.

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Rikki Damen / September 5, 2023

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Santorini, Greece

Even if you haven’t heard the name (unlikely), you have definitely seen photos of Santorini. The quintessentially Greek island is characterized by white buildings, rounded blue roofs and brilliant purple sunsets.

The flawless beauty of this place has enthralled visitors for years, and will continue to do so for years to come. A true Greek classic.

Galapagos Islands

Found off the coast of Ecuador, The Galapagos archipelago and surrounding waters are a carefully preserved national park. An infinitely precious and wholly unique environment is contained within the islands.

Insulated from the rest of the world, astounding species of animals have thrived here, including the likes of the giant tortoise, the blue-footed booby and the marine iguana. Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Giza Pyramids, Egypt

The most famous archaeological site in the world, simply laying eyes on the Giza Pyramids and the great Sphinx will make you feel a little bit like Indiana Jones. As well as feeling like an intrepid explorer, you will probably be more than a little awe-struck in the presence of the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.

Built thousands of years before we started counting years, beholding the pyramids is every bit a bucket list-worthy experience.

8 Ways to Experience History and Beauty in Antigua

Liana Minassian / February 21, 2019

From fascinating historical landmarks to stunning natural views, the following things to do in Antigua will make for an unforgettable vacation.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Under the sea lies one of the most spectacular sights of all. An underwater world with as much color, life and wonder as any above ground, the largest coral reef system on the planet is home to literally countless species of marine life.

Whether through a scuba or snorkel mask, this is a part of the world that must be seen at least once in your lifetime.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The world’s largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni is a natural phenomenon; a desert of salt that stretches as far as the eye can see. The savage beauty of this vast expanse of white will leave you dazzled.

The most unforgettable moments on the salt flats are at sunrise and sunset, when the colors of the sky are splashed all over the salt, creating a wildly colorful visual feast.

Serengeti National Park

If you are an animal lover, Serengeti National Park is your mecca. With the highest concentration of large mammals on the entire planet, a safari through Serengeti will bring you up close to the likes of lions, rhinoceroses and elephants.

Time it right, and you might be able to bear witness to the epic annual migration of hundreds of thousands of zebra, wildebeest and gazelles across the plains in search of water.

Treat Yourself to an Unforgettable Stay at These Hotels in Houston

Liana Minassian / December 11, 2018

From budget-friendly to luxurious to seriously unique, you'll love this list of the best hotels in Houston. Which of these will you book a stay at?

Fjords of Norway

Norway knows how to do natural beauty. Epic fjords gouge lines from a rugged coastline to an emerald interior, cliffs plunging straight into water, and waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

Whales, seals and eagles call the fjords their home, and in occasional hospitable pockets of green, villages and farming communities flourish. The spectacular beauty and drama of Norway’s fjords need to be seen to be believed.

Want more? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay up-to-date on all our latest guides, tips, and inspiration!

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• Inspiration

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Outdoor Yak

10 Places Travelers Say Are Must-Visits Before You Die

Posted: April 18, 2024 | Last updated: April 20, 2024

Are you an enthusiastic traveler looking to compile a bucket list of the world’s most breathtaking destinations? You don’t need to look any further! Here, I provide a definitive list of the places you must visit in your life. These magnificent locales will impact your heart and spirit, from beautiful natural wonders to compelling historical monuments and vibrant metropolis capitals. Pick up your passport and prepare for an exciting adventure around our planet’s must-see sights!

1. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist destination located in the southern part of Italy, along the coastline of the Salerno Gulf. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque cliffside towns, and rich cultural heritage.

2. The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a massive and iconic natural landmark located in the state of Arizona, United States. It is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Known for its breathtaking beauty and geological significance, the Grand Canyon attracts millions of visitors from around the world.

3. Havasu Falls, Arizona, USA

Havasu Falls is a stunning and iconic waterfall located in the Havasupai Indian Reservation, within the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, United States. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise blue waters, cascading over vivid red rock cliffs, creating a breathtaking sight.

4. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the icon of Japan, with a height of 3776 meters. It is considered as one of three sacred mountains by the Japanese people. This mountain is surrounded by five lakes which adds to its glory. Pink and purple flowers bloom in April near this beautiful mountain, which gives it a very aesthetic view. You can also climb Mount Fuji during the summer months.

5. Granada, Spain

Granada is a city located in the southern region of Spain known as Andalusia. It is situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, gastronomy, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Granada offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.

6. Iguazu Falls (Brazil / Argentina)

Iguazu Falls is a magnificent natural wonder located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. It is one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems in the world, known for its breathtaking beauty and awe-inspiring power. The Iguazu Falls consist of a collection of hundreds of individual cascades spread over nearly 2 miles (3 kilometers) along the Iguazu River.

7. The Red Sea (Egypt/Jordan)

The Red Sea is situated in the Middle East, bordered by Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. It is known for its vibrant and rich marine life, coral reefs, and unique geographical features. The pictures on the internet are not enough to define its beauty. The sunny noons, hot sandy beaches, and spectacular scenes are worth watching before leaving the Earth.

8. The Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are some of the most iconic and well-preserved structures from ancient times, attracting millions of visitors each year. These ancient structures continue to captivate the imagination of people around the world, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians. They are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

9. The Redwood Forest, California, USA

The Redwood Forest, also known as the Redwood National and State Parks, is a vast expanse of protected land located along the coast of Northern California, in the United States. It is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees on Earth, the magnificent coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). Visiting the Redwood Forest is an awe-inspiring experience that offers a chance to connect with nature and witness the grandeur of these ancient giants.

10. Northern Lights From Iceland

The Northern Lights are caused by solar particles colliding with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Iceland’s pristine landscapes, with minimal light pollution, offer excellent conditions for viewing this celestial spectacle. They are most commonly seen during the winter months from September to April when the nights are longest and darkest in Iceland.

Source: Reddit

12 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the United States According to Americans

Looking for breathtaking natural landscapes, stunning cities, and everything in between? Recently on an online platform, Americans have shared their favorite destinations, and here are the top picks for the most beautiful places to visit in America.

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12 of the Worst Places To Visit According to Travelers

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10 Not-So-Obvious Travel Tips People Must Know

The excursion is what everyone enjoys and cherishes. One should know these not-so-obvious but useful tips for a better traveling experience and the essence of a trip. Travelers recently shared some of these helpful tips on an online platform.

Read more: 10 Not-So-Obvious Travel Tips People Must Know

10 Things To Know Before Visiting Iguazu Falls

Everything you need to know before visiting the famous Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil.

Read more: 10 Things To Know Before Visiting Iguazu Falls

12 Cities Outside the United States That Americans Love

Recently on an online platform, Americans shared their favorite cities worldwide. So, let’s explore some amazing cities people love visiting outside the US!

Read more: 12 Cities Outside the United States That Americans Love

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