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USA Travel Bucket List: 50 Places to Visit Before You Die

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See recent posts by Megan Johnson

While we’re often daydreaming of beaches in the Maldives and vineyards in Tuscany, there are plenty of amazing destinations in our own backyard. To help you with your bucket list, we’ve rounded up 50 places you must visit in the United States before you die — in no particular order.

1. New York City

Central Park aerial view, Manhattan, New York; Park is surrounded

One of the most-visited places in the world, New York City has numerous attractions, a multicultural population, and something for all types of travelers. Tourists should be sure to fit in a trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. Central Park offers a respite from the crowds, museums are impressive, and a show on Broadway followed by a slice of pizza is an ideal night out.

2. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Majestic Vista of the Grand Canyon at Dusk

The second-most popular national park in the U.S., the Grand Canyon in Arizona wows with its Colorado River-formed canyon, which stretches 277 miles long and over a mile deep. Visitors can see the park from scenic lookout points, via a stunning helicopter ride , during whitewater rafting, while riding a mule, or by hiking down and back.

3. Disney World, Florida

Orlando, FL, USA - November 5 2022 : Magic Kingdom Park. The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration.

One of the most magical places for people of all ages, the massive Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando has four fun theme parks. Magic Kingdom has the breathtaking Cinderella Castle and nightly fireworks shows, while Epcot allows park-goers to travel around the globe by showcasing 11 different countries — think a pagoda in Japan, a biergarten in Germany, and Eiffel Tower views in France.

 4. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans Jackson square

Vibrant, historic, and downright fun, New Orleans is a popular city throughout the year. While most people know about the city’s rambunctious Mardi Gras celebrations, NOLA also offers world-class jazz music, delicious Creole and Cajun cuisines, art galleries, ghost tours, and notable buildings such as the 18th-century St. Louis Cathedral. The French Quarter is best explored with a coffee and beignet or a frozen cocktail in hand.

5. San Antonio Missions, Texas

The Alamo in San Antonio Texas during golden sunset. Historic Texas Mission and battle site in the Texas Revolution against Mexico

Sure, you probably know about The Alamo in San Antonio, but it’s actually one of five Spanish missions found across the city. The oldest is Mission Espada , which was built in 1690; original frescoes are still visible inside Mission Concepcion ; and the largest is Mission San José . Visitors can bike or drive between the missions, and park rangers provide free tours.

6. Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls

While we’d argue that Niagara Falls is more impressive from the Canadian side , you can still witness the three stunning waterfalls without a passport. Head to Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park for a stellar vantage point, or consider a Maid of the Mist boat tour for a more up-close-and-personal view. Also worth a visit is Cave of the Winds , which is set behind Bridal Veil Falls and offers visitors a sensational view of the falls, often accompanied by a beautiful rainbow.

7. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Golden Gate, San Francisco, California, USA.

Opened in 1937, the famous Golden Gate Bridge is an orange-colored suspension bridge that impresses with its main span of 4,200 feet and a total height of 746 feet. It connects San Francisco to Marin County, where the Golden Gate National Recreation Area has hiking, historical attractions, and lovely vistas of the bridge and San Francisco. After snapping a photo on land, travelers can bike or walk across the bridge for more picturesque views.

8. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains, autumn sunrise Tennessee

Both a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Smoky Mountains is the most frequented national park in America. The gorgeous park is located in both Tennessee and North Carolina, and it has tons of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and water tubing. Fall also offers striking foliage.

9. Washington, D.C.

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is a must-visit for anyone who wants to see where the government is run. From the White House to the Capitol to the Supreme Court Building, all three branches of government are found here, in addition to historical monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial , the Washington Monument , and World War II Memorial . Visitors can also spend hours touring the various Smithsonian museums within the National Mall .

10. Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

a bison grazes near the steaming old faithful geyser in yellowstone national park

One of the most well-known geological features in the country, Old Faithful , is a cone geyser within Yellowstone National Park . It was discovered in 1870 and got its name from its frequent and generally predictable eruptions, which occur about every 60 to 110 minutes. An average eruption is 130 to 140 feet high, expelling 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of water (depending on the length of the eruption).

Related: The 6 Best National Parks for Winter Wildlife Spotting

11. South Beach, Miami

Miami Florida USA

South Beach is Miami‘s trendy hot spot, home to one of the prettiest beaches in America, gorgeous Art Deco architecture, tasty Cuban fare, and popular nightlife spots. A Latin American influence pervades the city at large, and in South Beach, tourists can shop at fancy boutiques, eat cheap Cuban sandwiches, and lounge at posh beach clubs . A beachside boardwalk is great for strolling or biking and, of course, people-watching.

12. The Narrows, Zion National Park

Orange glow hits the canyon walls in The Narrows of Zion National Park

Within Utah’s Zion National Park , The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. It’s the park’s most popular hike due to its striking setting within a gorge, where the river acts as the trail. Hikers must wade in water that varies from ankle- to waist-deep. It’s particularly pleasant in the hot summer months, but visitors should stay on top of weather conditions, as it’s known for dangerous flash flooding.

13. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Cityscape view in Santa Fe, New Mexico mountains of road street through community neighborhood with green plants summer and adobe traditional houses

Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is a charming artsy town with a strong Native American influence. Pueblo-style architecture, a central plaza where vendors sell various handicrafts, and historic sights such as Loretto Chapel give the city a unique feel, plus there’s plenty to keep busy throughout the year. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine are additional highlights.

14. Pacific Coast Highway, California

Bixby Creek Bridge Big Sur California

Whether you choose to drive the entire 659 miles of the Pacific Coast Highway or just a fraction thereof, you’ll be rewarded with sensational vistas. Certain routes can be done in a day, but we recommend taking your time by starting in San Francisco and slowly making your way to Orange County. The best views are arguably in Big Sur, where you’ll find rugged cliffs against the ocean on one side and redwood forests on the other.

15. Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Just outside of Washington, D.C., is Arlington National Cemetery , which spans 624 acres and houses the graves of 400,000 active duty service members, veterans, and their families. The graves of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis are frequently visited, as is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is a monument dedicated to deceased U.S. service members whose remains haven’t been identified. The moving Changing of the Guard can be witnessed every 30 or 60 minutes while the cemetery is open, depending on the time of year.

16. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee, December 6, 2022: Broadway Street on a rainy night.

Even those who don’t love country music will likely be enamored with Nashville, Tennessee. Excellent restaurants and hip bars make for a thriving nightlife scene, and the live music — much of which is country — on Broadway is not to be missed. Top attractions include Centennial Park for its full-size replica of Greece’s Parthenon, the Grand Ole Opry concert hall, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum .

17. Freedom Trail, Boston

Freedom Trail in Boston

Boston played a large part in America’s independence, and the city’s Freedom Trail passes through 16 historically significant locations. The two-and-a-half-mile trail takes visitors to Boston Common (America’s oldest public park), the site of the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s House , and the USS Constitution (the oldest commissioned ship that acts as a museum today).

18. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Purple sunset and rising moon in Joshua Tree National Park, USA

Located in southern California, east of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a dreamy destination known for its distinctive-looking namesake trees, big boulders that are ideal for rock climbing, and stellar stargazing opportunities . Visitors can drive through, hike around, camp, or ride horseback through the desert landscape.

19. Road to Hana, Maui

Road to Hana: The Hana Highway turns to cross a one lane bridge beside a waterfall on the north coast of Maui.

The top attraction in Maui on TripAdvisor, the Road to Hana (Hana Highway) is a 64.4-mile drive that connects Kahului, where the airport is located, to the town of Hana on Maui’s more rugged east coast. The drive is not for the faint of heart, as it has over 600 switchbacks and 56 one-lane bridges, but the speed limit never surpasses 25 miles per hour. Travelers who hit the road are rewarded with spectacular lush greenery, stunning black-sand beaches, multiple waterfalls, and spots to buy banana bread.

20. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Colorado

Red Rocks at sunrise, near Denver Colorado

Located about a 30-minute drive outside of Denver, the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is an open-air concert and entertainment venue. The entire theater, including the seating, was built into the red rocks, which make for a phenomenal acoustic experience. Tourists can run up and down the steps in the morning and see big-name acts at night. Past performers include The Beatles, U2, Coldplay, and John Denver.

Related: Maui vs. Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Is Better for You?

21. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

amazing sundown at horseshoe bend, arizona

Horseshoe Bend is where the Colorado River takes a horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon. Visitors to Horseshoe Bend have skyrocketed since it gained recognition through Instagram. It’s easily accessible, as travelers can hike a one-and-a-half-mile round-trip trail from a parking lot off the highway.

22. Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, USA cityscape on the river and walkway.

The capital of Texas, Austin, is a hip, youthful city where low-frills barbecue joints and big-name tech corporations coexist. From stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Austin to topless sunbathing at Barton Springs Pool , there are a lot of ways to beat the daytime heat. Nights can be spent at upscale restaurants, Sixth Street bars with live music, or watching bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Buy a University of Texas T-shirt and some cowboy boots while you’re there.

23. Space Needle, Seattle

Amazing View of Seattle From Far Away with mountain tops on the horizon

An iconic landmark in Seattle, the Space Needle is an observation tower that was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. With its antenna, it rises 604 feet, allowing for panoramic views of Seattle and the surrounding water. A 100-million-dollar renovation included the creation of the Loupe, the world’s first and only rotating glass floor. A cafe and wine bar entice visitors to linger.

24. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

American flag waiving in front of Mount Rushmore

Located in South Dakota, this famous landmark depicts four American presidents carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore . Constructed between 1927 and 1941, the sculpture features the 60-foot heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

25. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascension at Sunrise, Hot Air Balloons

Every year since 1972, Albuquerque hosts the International Balloon Fiesta, in which the sky is filled with colorful hot air balloons. For nine days in October, families and friends gather to watch the largest balloon festival in the world.

26. Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park

The Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park (the largest hot spring in the United States, and the third largest in the world)

Another top attraction (and the most-photographed) within Yellowstone National Park is the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the largest hot spring in the United States, measuring 370 feet in diameter. It’s best viewed from above, as the spring has vibrant bands of rainbow colors.

27. Griffith Observatory, California

Los Angeles Griffith Observatory sunset

Situated on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory is a popular observatory with free admission. It has stellar views of the Hollywood Sign and Los Angeles, and visitors can use telescopes, the planetarium, various events, and a cafe.

28. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park

Biker on the Going-to-the-Sun Road with mountain background, Glacier National Park, Montana

Completed in 1932, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a two-lane highway that allows visitors to traverse the 50-mile width of Glacier National Park . Various scenic lookouts and noteworthy hikes can be found off the road, and it crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Due to weather conditions, it generally doesn’t open until late June or early July.

29. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Skyline

Whether for a bachelorette party, Celine Dion concert, or business conference, there’s a good chance you’ve at least thought about going to Las Vegas. Sin City is renowned for its world-class casinos, nightlife, and celebrity-chef-helmed restaurants, not to mention rowdy pool parties with famous DJs. It’s not all debauchery, though, and many kid-friendly activities dot the city.

30. Acadia National Park, Maine

Bass Harbor Head lighthouse at sunset. Bass Harbor Head Light is a lighthouse located within Acadia National Park, Maine, marking the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay

Maine‘s beauty is undeniable, and that’s perhaps best displayed at Acadia National Park . Located near Bar Harbor, the 47,000-acre park sits along the coast and offers ample wildlife, such as moose and peregrine falcons, beaches, lush forests, and granite ridges formed by glaciers. While summer is a popular time to visit, the fall foliage makes for great autumn hiking.

Related: Top 9 Las Vegas Hotels on the Strip for Every Type of Traveler

31. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Girls on vacation hiking trip. Friends standing next to Thor's Hammer hoodoo on top of mountain looking at beautiful view. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

Located a four-hour drive south of Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon is a national park best known for having the largest concentration of hoodoos (irregular rock columns) in the world. The park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2019 due to the great nighttime visibility and many astronomy-related programs on offer.

32. Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philadelphia

Liberty Bell old symbol of American freedom in Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Often considered a symbol of America’s independence, the iconic Liberty Bell in Philadelphia was ordered by Pennsylvania Assembly in 1751. It was previously housed in Independence Hall, the building where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were adopted. It has since been moved to the Liberty Bell Center within the Independence National Historical Park .

33. Charleston, South Carolina

Broad Street Panorama in Charleston, South Carolina, USA

The 1670-founded Charleston is South Carolina’s oldest city, Today, it offers a lovely mix of old-fashioned Southern charm and contemporary style. Cobblestone streets filled with horse-drawn carriages and striking mansions can be found in its well-preserved Historic District, while notable wartime places, like Fort Sumter and Patriots Point , sit nearby. Cute boutique shops and traditional Southern comfort food appeal to visitors, as does Folly Beach , located a 25-minute drive south of the city.

34. Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs National Park

Hot springs may conjure images of Iceland or Costa Rica, but the aptly named city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers U.S. travelers ample opportunities to soak in naturally heated springs. The town is located in the Ouachita Mountains, about one hour from Little Rock. Bathhouse Row has several bathhouse options, including places for coed or gender-segregated experiences. A few dispensers around the city let people obtain cold spring water straight from the mountain.

35. Redwood National and State Parks, California

Hiker in Sequoia National Park, California, USA

Roughly equidistant from Portland and San Francisco, the Redwood National and State Parks encompass 139,000 acres and three state parks. Visitors here will find stunning redwood trees, which are some of the largest, tallest, and oldest trees in the world. On average, redwoods live between 500 and 700 years, and a typical redwood here measures 300 feet tall and 16 to 20 feet in diameter.

36. Oahu, Hawaii

Beautiful day at world famous and popular snorkeling spot Hanauma bay in Honolulu on Oahu, Hawaii

The most popular of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu provides picture-perfect beaches, hiking opportunities, and the conveniences of a city — think budget-friendly hotels, chain restaurants, and an international eatery. Top attractions include Waikiki Beach in Honolulu , Diamond Head — a dormant volcano crater that can be hiked — and North Shore, a beach with huge waves that make it a frequent host of international surfing competitions in the winter. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is also worth a visit.

Girl watching Aurora borealis in Fairbanks, Alaska

The 49th state of Alaska is stunning, with greenery-filled forests, tons of wildlife (think bears, humpback whales, and moose), and massive glaciers. However, it’s not the easiest place to explore, as even the capital of Juneau has no roads leading out of the city. Arguably the best way to see Alaska is on a cruise , stopping at ports like Ketchikan , which has a strong native culture and renowned salmon fishing.

38. Sonoma, California

Sunset at Sonoma California patchwork vineyard at harvest. Vista of Sonoma Valley wine country, with patches of yellow and green vines in autumn. Sunbeams shine on mountains and valleys.

While we love Napa Valley in California, Sonoma provides a slightly less touristy wine-country experience. Sonoma is set among beautiful rolling hills, and many of the over 400 wineries within Sonoma County have a laid-back atmosphere that will put visitors at ease. Like Napa, Sonoma has tons of top-notch restaurants, relaxing spas, bike rentals, and charming bed-and-breakfasts to choose from.

39. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Man on hilltop viewing Crater Lake with full moon

A four-hour drive south of Portland, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is 183,224 acres and home to America’s deepest lake. Crater Lake, a caldera formed by the eruption of Mount Mazama volcano, is 1,943 feet deep at its deepest point and has a striking deep blue hue. Swimming and fishing are permitted, plus park-goers can hike, bike, ski, and stargaze.

40. Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

Taos Pueblo; Taos, New Mexico

Located 90 minutes north of Santa Fe, Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage site. An active Native American community resides on Taos Pueblo lands, both within the Pueblo and in surrounding areas. The present buildings, which are made of adobe, are believed to have been constructed between 1000 and 1450 A.D. Guided tours are available of the site.

Related: Best Destinations for Adult-Only Vacations

41. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Antelope canyon, Arizona

Another Instagram darling, Antelope Canyon , is a magnificent, awe-inspiring slot canyon near Horseshoe Bend in Arizona, formed by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone. It’s located on Navajo tribal lands, and the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons can only be accessed with a guide licensed by the tribe.

42. Minnesota Lakes

Yellow canoe on shore of beautiful lake with island in northern Minnesota at dawn

Minnesota is considered the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” though it actually has nearly 12,000, and many are fantastic spots for a summer vacation. Whether you choose to dip your toes in the chilly Lake Superior — one of the Great Lakes — or go full-on swimming in Mille Lacs Lake (which is large but shallow), there’s a lake in Minnesota for you.

43. Arches National Park, Utah

Jubilation at Delicate Arch, Moab Utah

Just outside of Moab is Arches National Park , famous for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches — the largest concentration of them on Earth. The most photographed is the 52-foot-tall, freestanding Delicate Arch, plus the park has many other striking geological formations.

44. Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, KY, USA - October 25, 2017: The exterior of Churchill Downs while it was closed to the public and under construction. A gift shop is open and tours of the inside are available.

Since 1865, the Kentucky Derby horse race has been taking place at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. Women wear elaborate hats, while gentlemen don seersucker suits in pastel hues. Visitors come to watch the 20 three-year-old Thoroughbred horses race 1.25 miles — often with a mint julep in hand.

45. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island view from Fort Mackinac in Michigan

Located in Michigan’s Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is a charming 1780-founded island with a population of just around 1,000 (though it sees many tourists during its peak season). A majority of the island is a state park, which has forests, wildlife, and hiking trails. The use of motor vehicles has been outlawed here since 1898, so expect to ride around on bikes or in horse-drawn carriages and buggies.

46. Santa Monica, California

View of Santa Monica beach and Pacific Coast highway in southern California.

Santa Monica sits due west of Los Angeles, and the town lures travelers with its postcard-worthy beach, pier with amusement park rides, and boulevard lined by shops and eateries. A 22-mile paved bike trail is a great way to see the city, plus the famous Muscle Beach , an outdoor gym dating back to the 1930s, is not to be missed.

47. Space Center, Houston

HOUSTON, TEXAS, USA - JUNE 9, 2018: The NASA Space Shuttle Independence and NASA 905 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Independence Plaza, Space Center Houston, Texas.

The Space Center in Houston is the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and home of NASA Mission Control and astronaut training. It allows visitors to view more than 400 space artifacts, as well as traveling and permanent exhibits related to space travel.

48. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Picture Lake Reflection of Mount Shuksan

About a 90-minute drive from Denver is Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park , which attracts millions of visitors each year with its 355 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives to more than 12,000 feet in elevation, and over 50 lakes and streams for fishing. Year-round activities abound, and travelers can either camp within the park or stay at a nearby hotel such as the Stanley Hotel (the inspiration for “The Shining”).

49. Fenway Park, Boston

Fenway Park - home of the Boston Red Sox - BOSTON , MASSACHUSETTS

Long considered America’s pastime, baseball is something every U.S. citizen and traveler should witness at least once. There are 30 Major League Baseball teams, and while Wrigley Field in Chicago, Yankee Stadium in New York, and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles are all suitable spots, we love Fenway Park in Boston for its easy-to-reach location. Plus, the many die-hard Red Sox fans make for a fun experience.

50. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco

Alcatraz Island Sail Boats San Francisco California

Located in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island is a fascinating tourist attraction that was developed as a Civil War fortress, followed by a military prison and federal prison (until 1963). Ferries shuttle visitors to the island, where guided tours showcase the complex history of the site and its prison.

How many destinations can you check off the list? Find out down below:

USA Travel Bucket List Checklist

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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.

Grand Canyon - South Rim Trail Monument Creek Vista

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

Northern Lights Rovaniemi

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

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland, 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

Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon

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

Upper Canyon Antelope Canyon Page Arizona

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

Reynisdrangar 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

California Road Trip - Yosemite

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

The Dead Sea.

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

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

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

Chichen Itza

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

Machu Picchu at Sunrise

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

Camels Pyramids of Giza Cairo, 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

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

Colosseum

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

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

Taj Mahal

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

Great Wall of 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

West-End-London

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

Paris Eiffel

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

Florence Cathedral

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

Les Étoiles

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

Vienna

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

Aerial view of Oxford

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

Havana

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 Sugar Loaf Mountain

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 at Sunset

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

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

Niagara Falls 

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

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

Gullfoss

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

Julia Pfeiffer beach, Big Sur, California, 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

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

Sunset in Oia

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

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

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

Fernando de Noronha

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

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 - West Coast 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

Koh Samui island, 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

Railay Beach Viewpoin t

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

Atacama Basin, Atacama Desert, Chile-7

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

3-Days Tour to the Uyuni Salt Flat and Coloured Lagoons and Sunset

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

Los Cuernos

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

Walking in the Lake District

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

Namibia, Sossusvlei

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

Paro Taktsang (Tiger Nest) in Upper 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

Julianna Barnaby in Volterra

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 Ayers Rock, 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

Vernazza

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

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Tuscany-6

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

Golden Gate Bridge

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

Eiffel Tower

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

Christ The Redeemer

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 Cathedral Red Square

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

What to See in Sydney, Sydney Opera House

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

Statue of Liberty

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

cropped-Houses-of-Parliament-and-Big-Ben-Westminster.jpg

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

Empire State Building

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

Everest

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

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

Matterhorn

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

Fitzroy

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

Hiking Table Mountain, Cape Town

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

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

Atlas Mountains Photo Essay

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

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 National Park

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

Vesuvius

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, 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

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

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

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

Masai Mara

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

Amazon Rainforest

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

Serengeti National Park

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

Penguin in the Galapagos Islands

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

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 islands, Flores, 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

Elephant in Addo Game Reserve

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

Orangutan Borneo4

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

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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50 places to travel before you die

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50 places to travel before you die

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.

Machu Picchu, Peru

 49. Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan.

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

48. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The great barrier reef, australia.

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

 47. Northern Lights in Lapland

The Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland.

Spectate the northern lights in Lapland, Finland . 

46. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt with a camel.

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

Nine Arches Bridge, Sri Lanka.

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

 44. Trang An, Vietnam

Trang An in Vietnam.

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

 43. Lofoten, Norway

Lofoten, Norway.

Experience the land of Scandinavian pirates in beautiful Norway . 

42. Table Mountain, South Africa

Table Mountain in South Africa.

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

 41. The Blue City, Morocco 

The blue city in Morocco.

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

 40. Azores, Portugal 

The Azores, Portugal.

The European island paradise for nature lovers . 

39. Nazca Lines, Peru 

Nazca lines, Peru.

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

38. The Amazon, South America 

andres-medina-JVUCzgbTjDE-unsplash

The mother of all rainforests, the Amazon.

 37. Keukenhof, Tulip season in the Netherlands

Keukenhof in netherlands with tulips.

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

36. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland

All black beach! 

 35. Berlin Wall, Germany

Berlin Wall, Germany.

The famous Berlin Wall holds much history. 

34. Nyatapola Temple, Nepal

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

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.

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

 32. Uluwatu, Indonesia

Uluwatu, Indonesia.

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

31. Møns Klint, Denmark

Møns Klint, Denmark.

White limestone cliffs were found 2 hours away from Copenhagen . 

 30. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand

places to visit before you die thailand

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

29. Roman Forum, Italy

Roman Forum, Italy.

A major archaeological site in Italy . 

28. Ometepe, Nicaragua

Ometepe, Nicaragua.

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

27. Meteora, Greece

Meteora, Greece.

Explore the stunning rock structures and monasteries in Greece . 

26. Krabi, Thailand

Krabi, Thailand

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

 25. Saharan Desert, Morocco 

Saharan Desert, Morocco.

Spend some time in the magic of the Saharan Desert.

24. Mount Robson Provincial Park, Canada

joost-broeker-PoTHRvnjjzY-unsplash

One of British Columbia’s most beautiful provincial parks.

 23. Mount Fuji, Japan

Mount Fuji, Japan.

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

22. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, USA

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Witness the lava oozing into the pacific ocean. 

 21. Masada National Park, Israel

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

La Fortuna’s waterfalls in Costa Rica.

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

19. Sagrada Familia, Spain 

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

Great Ocean Road, Australia.

An Australian national heritage found on the southeastern coast. 

 17. Morschach, Switzerland

Morschach, Switzerland.

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

 16. Antelope Canyon, USA

Antelope Canyon, USA.

An illusion of red rock patterns. 

 15. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia 

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia.

Discover the blood of the gods in Bolivia. 

 14. Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale, Turkey.

Also known as the cotton castle is a 17-tiered pool filled with mineral-rich thermal water.

 13. Wulingyuan, China 

Wulingyuan best places to visit before you die

 Thousands of sandstone pillars stand tall, some can even be higher than the  Empire State Building ! 

 12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia 

Angkor Wat Cambodia places to visit

The largest religious structure in the world was built by King Suryavarman II.

 11. Taj Mahal, India 

Taj Mahal, India. places to visit before you die

The jewel of India and one of the world’s most iconic monuments. 

 10. Death Valley, USA

Death Valley, USA.

One of the hottest yet most beautiful places on earth.

 9. Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan, Myanmar.

Watch as hot air balloons fly above this ancient city of Bagan. 

 8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE.

One of the most beautiful Mosques in the world where locals come to worship daily. 

7. Antarctica

Antarctica.

The ice kingdom of Antarctica ! 

 6. The Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands.

Europe’s best-kept secret with stunning views. 

 5. St. Basil’s Cathedral , Russia

St. Basil's Cathedral, Russia.

One of the most popular cultural symbols in Russia . 

 4. Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia.

The Indonesian archipelago compromising of jungle-covered islands. 

 3. Iguazú Falls , Argentina

iguazu falls places to visit before you die

The largest waterfall system in the world! 

 2. Palawan, Philippines 

places to visit before you die

Have we entered heaven? 

 1. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

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!

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51 Breathtaking Places To Visit Before You Die

50 places to travel 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.

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

6 Istanbul, Turkey

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

13 Grand Canyon National Park, USA

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

30 Tianzi Mountain, China

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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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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

For Hungry Minds

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Travel Bucket List Ideas: Places To Visit Before You Die

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Helen Fanthorpe

written by Helen Fanthorpe

updated 06.05.2024

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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 .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Spain, created by local experts

Andalucía Explored

9 days  / from 2468 USD

Andalucía Explored

Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.

A culinary experience in Seville

4 days  / from 643 USD

A culinary experience in Seville

Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.

Spanish Honeymoon

10 days  / from 3791 USD

Spanish Honeymoon

Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!

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.

Black-Canyon-Gunnison-colorado-shutterstock_357854195

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 .

petra-jordan-shutterstock_1030695769

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.

SHAKESPEARE-GLOBE-shutterstock_378757225

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 .

shutterstock_275490581

The Great Wall in China

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Silom Area in Bangkok © Shutterstock

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.

shutterstock_365843741

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.

shutterstock_400068991

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.

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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.

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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 best time to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos in particular.
  • 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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

Tailor-made trips:

  • 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.

San Vicente de la Sonsierra vineyard, La Rioja, Spain © Alberto Loyo/Shutterstock

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 .

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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 .

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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 .

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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.
  • To add comfort to your journey, also read our guide on when is the best time to travel to Kenya and explore our Kenya itineraries for inspiration.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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.

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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.

Sunrise on Half Dome in the Forest, Yosemite National Park, California ©  Stephen Moehle/Shutterstock

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.

 Brett Holmes/Shutterstock

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 .

Editor's tips: When planning your trip familiarise yourself with all the nuances of the country's weather with our guide to the best time to visit Guatemala .

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

 Jonas Andreae/Shutterstock

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

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 .

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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.

19 places for a digital detox: Penguins, Antarctica.

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

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.

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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.

Biennale, Venice ©  avphotosales/Shutterstock

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 .

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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-georigia-shutterstock_633064421

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.

Gorge of Verdon

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 waterfall Zambezi river

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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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)

view of houses of parliament at night

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

Aerial view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in frame against a beautiful golden sunset

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

Field of bright purple lavender in front of an old church

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

View of boating marina and the town on hills behind

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

Tuscany

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

Venice

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

Large illuminated mosque at night with sea in background

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.

Peru

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 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

Rome

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)

New York City

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)

Grand Canyon National Park

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

Aerial close up view

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

Close up of the spires of La Sagrada Familia

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

Okavango Delta

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

game vehicle driving along a path through savannah

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

Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Islands

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

Athens parthenon lit up at night

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

Ornate, tiled doorway with round door

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

Exterior of La Almudena Cathedral in the late afternoon.

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

Rows of houses near a canal in daytime

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

Andalusia

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

Exterior of the front of the chateau, with a tree-lined driveway in foreground

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

Oia Orthodox churches on the island of Santorini, 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.

Florence

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

Aerial view of the whole city at dusk

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.

Colorful colonial buildings, Havana, Cuba

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

Sydney opera house at night

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

Victoria Falls

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

Man walking through golden Buddha road

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

Christ redeemer

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 …

Carved lion statue outside a temple

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 Turquoise Coast

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.

Costa Rica

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

Close up of rooftops of the Beautiful red and blue coloured Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing

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

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)

Burj Khalifa rising above Dubai downtown cityscape high angle view view at sunset. United Arab Emirates modern architecture and travel abstract

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

Tokyo

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)

Los Angeles

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.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland

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

New Zealand's South Island

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

Copenhagen

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

Early morning low fog at Golden Gate Bridge

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

Concha beach with beachfront hotels

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)

Ruins of Kilchurn Castle on the edge of Loch Awe with brown hills behind

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 large red flat mountain at sunset.

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

an aerial view of Port Douglas

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

Geisha woman with white face paint

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 snowy mountain in the flow of the sun.

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

Shining domed towers of orthodox cathedral

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 .

Berlin

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

Lapland

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

Three tiny amazon milk frog on branch, Panda Bear Tree Frog

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

Naples

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.

landscape of the bay at night with lighted skyscrapers

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 .

Sunflower halva (Oriental Sweets) with different flavors and fillings on Oriental Carmel Market, Tel Aviv, Israel

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

Budapest

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

Landscape of a small church with Mount Etna rising behind

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)

Las Vegas

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.

Namibia

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

Munich

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

Lisbon

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

A view of Stockholm's gamla stan region from across the frozen river in winter time.

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)

Miami's South Beach

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

Bergen (& Fjordland)

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

viewing platforms next to Iguazu Falls

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

Close up of a Buddhist statue

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.

Close up of a replica of Tutankhamun's funeral mask

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 .

Prague Castle complex with gothic St Vitus Cathedral, Hradcany, Prague

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

Zanzibar

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.

Jordan

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 .

Interior of a cave covered in paintings and full of rows of Buddhas

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.

Vienna's State Opera house lit up at night

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)

Hawaii

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)

Myanmar

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.

Vendors sell snacks on street in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city), Vietnam. Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam and the former capital of the Republic of Vietnam.

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

Guests observing South Goergia's Risting Glacier from the deck.

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

striking close up of a bird head with yellow eyes

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.

Buddhist temple built into a ledge on a cliff, surrounded by forested valleys

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.

Three black and white striped lemurs huddled together

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

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 .

Maldives

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)

New Orleans

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

Bali

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

Patagonia

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)

Exterior facade showing the circular front housing the president's office

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

View of Lake loiuse in Banff National Park

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)

The Upper Geyser Basin at Yellowstone National Park, where a herd of bison grazes between the Firehole River and the Old Faithful Inn, and a small geyser erupts with bubbles and steam.

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

Close up of a soldeir's head

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 .

Introducing Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travel List

We've all got a list of places that we want to see for ourselves: places friends have enthused about, places we've read about, dreamed about. This is our list. It's the 500 most thrilling, memorable, downright interesting places on this planet ranked in order of their brilliance. COVID-19 has resulted in travel restrictions that may have clipped your wings through 2020, but now is the perfect time to plan ahead so you're ready for your next adventure when it's safe to hit the road again. These are the places we think you should experience; there are sights that will humble you, amaze you and surprise you. They'll provoke thoughts, emotions or just an urgent need to tell someone about them.

Here are the top 10 travel experiences from Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travel List . We hope this will inspire many more travel wish lists of your own. 

Order your copy of the book to see all 500 incredible destinations.

1. Explore the enigmatic ‘lost city’ of Petra

The treasured Unesco Heritage Site of Petra is the must-see ultimate experience on our list. Once nearly lost to the outside world, the sandstone city is now one of the most loved places on the planet, voted in as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World by popular ballot in 2007. Spread over some 102 sq miles (264 sq km), Petra was constructed by the ancient Nabataeans, a civilisation of crafters and merchants, and made for a grand trade route stop-off between Arabian oases. But generations later, after the city was abandoned, it was known only to the Bedouin who made the caves their home. The iconic Treasury, looming 128ft (39m) high is most visitors' first sight of the city, reached after a winding journey through a narrow water-etched slot canyon. Rediscover the city's eternal air of mystery in the early morning or the hours before closing when it's at its most atmospheric.

50 places to travel before you die

2. See the islands that changed the course of science - the Galápagos

A thousand kilometres from mainland South America, life on the Galápagos follows different rules. Cormorants can't fly. Iguanas can swim. Tortoises live nearly 200 years. The islands are famed, of course, as the place where Charles Darwin developed his ideas on evolution by natural selection. The process is more obvious here than elsewhere on Earth, since animals that otherwise look alike diverge subtly from island to island, depending on their environment. You'll find blue-footed boobies performing cartoonish mating dances, creeping colonies of iguanas, penguins zooming underwater, and fur seals lounging on volcanic rocks. Even 200 years after Darwin's journey on the HMS Beagle, visitors continue to be astonished by the archipelago's stunning diversity. Ecotourism is central to everything on the 17 islands of the Galápagos National Park - the airport is made from mostly recycled materials and runs on wind and solar power, and each municipality has a strict sustainability plan.

50 places to travel before you die

3. Take some life lessons from the Aṉangu at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

At sunset, when its wavy walls blaze gold, Uluru looks like a ship on fire in a desert sea. Rising to 1142ft (348m), the sandstone monolith seizes your eyes from miles away. It's easy to see why it's a sacred site. The Aṉangu people, the area's original inhabitants, believe it's still home to spirit ancestors like the python woman Kuniya and the hare-wallaby people, the Mala. But it's become an icon to all Australians, a symbolic heart beating in the country's Red Centre. Until 2017, visitors were allowed to summit Uluru, which went against the wishes of the Aṉangu, who worried about degradation and climber injuries. There are dozens of far more rewarding things to do - join a ranger-guided walk past sacred waterholes; spot kangaroos hopping through the spinifex; and learn about the Aṉangu at the cultural center, where there is a fantastic display on tjukurpa, the creation period.

50 places to travel before you die

4. Experience life in the slow lane on the Okavango Delta

AThis beautiful wilderness is one of Africa's most compelling safari destinations. Each year, the floodwaters of the Okavango River arrive from the Angolan highlands and expand this unique ecosystem to almost 7722 sq miles (20,000 sq km), sustaining vast quantities of wildlife. Along with 4WD safaris, visitors can explore by powerboat and traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). As the mokoro is poled silently through the shallow reed-lined channels you are immersed in the environment, hearing every bird and animal call, witnessing the mightiest of elephants crossing your path and the smallest of frogs clinging to the grass. With development and visitor numbers in the delta strictly regulated to protect the environment, the Okavango is one of the most exclusive destinations on the planet. But for adventurous souls who can handle a 4WD and don't mind camping, there are affordable options within the delta's Moremi Game Reserve.

50 places to travel before you die

5. Sniff out geysers and grizzlies at Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone stinks. And it has no manners at all. The rotten-egg whiff taunts your nostrils; your ears are assaulted by a vulgarity of belches, burps and farts. But then, what do you expect when you're exploring the largest geothermal area in the world? More than 500 active geysers spout in Yellowstone's enormous, steaming landscape - Old Faithful being the most famous. And there are hot springs to visit - from the bloodshot eyeball of Grand Prismatic to the travertine shelves at Mammoth. The wildlife is perhaps an even bigger draw. This is like North America's answer to an African safari, although here the Big Five creatures are bison, bighorn sheep, elk, bear and wolf. Watching shaggy bison warming up by a thermal pool, catching sight of a grizzly bear across a meadow, or visiting in winter to glimpse wolf prints in the snow - all are quintessential Yellowstone experiences.

50 places to travel before you die

6. Emulate a pilgrim's journey to astonishing Lake Bled

It started with the pilgrims from afar who came to worship at the photogenic island church, it continued with the lakeside sojourns of 19th-century royalty and then of former Yugoslav President Tito who had a villa on the shores - and today, tourism to Slovenia's Lake Bled shows no signs of slowing. This blue-green body of water with a white church on a green island, abutted by a terracotta-roofed castle and backed by snow-daubed Julian Alps, is Slovenia's premier crowd-puller. The lake measures just 1.2 by 0.9 miles (2km by 1.4km), so walking or cycling around it is an easy 4 miles (6km). Hire a pletna (gondola), dive beneath the glass-like surface and stay over in one of many beautiful shoreside properties. Slovenia has won praise for eco-initiatives like ecologically designed Garden Village Bled, where a stream snakes through a collection of tree houses and glamping tents.

50 places to travel before you die

7. Marvel at the astounding power of Iguazú Falls

Marking the boundary between Argentina and Brazil, the Río Iguazú flows languidly through the jungle before plunging over a basalt ledge with such sudden, furious force that the planet's most awe-inspiring waterfalls are the result. On the Argentinian side, a boardwalk leads through jungle vegetation replete with butterflies and squawking parrots, passing a series of increasingly impressive falls until finally the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) comes into view. A visit is a jaw-dropping, visceral experience, and the power and noise of the cascades - a chain of hundreds of waterfalls nearly 2 miles (3km) in extension - live forever in the memory. Sunlight shines through the spray, creating multiple rainbows as the falling water ricochets up off the river below. The exhilarating cool mist, the high decibel roar and the thundering vibrations of crashing water remind you in no uncertain terms of the power and splendor of nature.

50 places to travel before you die

8. Find Hindu heaven at the temples of Angkor

A monument to human ingenuity and devotion, the temples of Angkor have an ability to inspire awe that rivals many of nature's contributions to this list's top 10. And so they should - Angkor Wat, the most famous of Angkor's sites, is a representation of Mt Meru, center of the universe and abode of Hindu gods. Imagine the wonderment of the ancient Khmer as they entered Angkor Wat for the first time: crossing the vast moat, peering up at the 180ft (55m) central tower, gazing at intricately carved bas-reliefs. Beyond Angkor Wat are more than 1000 temples and shrines, including Ta Prohm, its towers gripped by the jungle, and Bayon with its giant stone faces. The temples are the perfect fusion of creative ambition and spiritual devotion, and a point of pilgrimage for all Cambodians. Avoid the crowds with a visit in the wet season for (hopefully) that perfect Angkor sunrise.

50 places to travel before you die

9. Strike out on the salt of the earth at Salar de Uyuni

Imagine this: you're standing in the middle of the sky. Clouds above. Clouds below. Blue all around. That's what it's like at Salar de Uyuni, the world's biggest salt lake, after rain. The thin layer of water turns the utterly flat salt surface into a vast mirror. The horizon disappears and you seem to float. That's only one of the brain-bending experiences you'll have visiting these 4085 sq miles (10,582 sq km) of salt, high in the Bolivian altiplano. When the lake's dry, the white cracked immensity feels like a desolate, sun-scorched post-apocalyptic landscape. In the dry season you can visit the lake's two islands - Isla Incahuasi and Isla del Pescado - craggy husks of land sprouting with cacti. See too the geyser fields with boiling mud and sulfur steam. Several of the eerie high-altitude lakes, turned aquamarine from high mineral content, are home to flocks of flamingos.

50 places to travel before you die

10. Take a classic teahouse trek around Nepal's Annapurna Circuit

Nepal offers golden temples, charming hill villages, jungle wildlife watching, and the incredible walk around Nepal's Annapurna massif, which has long been considered one of the world's great treks. The scenery is mesmerising and the sense of journey is psychologically satisfying, starting in rice paddies and climbing through yak pastures before crossing the mighty snow-bound Thorung La pass. It's everything a good trek should be - challenging, majestic and inspirational. And at the end of the day some of Nepal's best lodges offer hot meals, apple pie and pots of milky tea. However, it's the side trips that make this a truly great trek, notably up to high-altitude Tilicho Lake or to the village of Ngawal, where terraces offer views of snowcapped peaks just across the valley. Build in a couple of extra days, shake off the crowds, and take your time - this is not scenery to rush through.

50 places to travel before you die

Discover 490 more ultimate travel experiences

The second edition of Lonely Planet's bestseller presents an all-new ranking of the greatest places to visit on Earth, reflecting the travel tastes and trends of today's world. Decided by our global family of writers, editors and industry experts, and packed with insightful commentary, awe-inspiring photos and over 200 new entries, this is a must-have coffee table book for explorers and armchair travelers.

50 places to travel before you die

Bucket List Journey | Travel + Lifestyle Blog

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.

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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.

50 places to travel before you die

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.

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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!

50 places to travel before you die

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!

50 places to travel before you die

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!

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel: Sleeping Amongst Ice in Northern Norway

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!

Day 3: Peru’s Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike

15. ✦ Stand in Front of the Taj Mahal in India

50 places to travel before you die

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!

50 places to travel before you die

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.

50 places to travel before you die

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!

50 places to travel before you 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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

Hiking Mt. Nokogiri in the Chiba Prefecture

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 .

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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.

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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.

Jetpack flight in Cancun Mexico

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

50 places to travel before you die

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.

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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)

50 places to travel before you die

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 .

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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.

Hike Between the Towns of Cinque Terre in Italy

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

YouTube video

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

Golden Gai: A top Tokyo thing to do

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

Sumo Wrestling Practice: Top Thing to Do in Tokyo

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

Alcatraz ER themed Restaurant in Tokyo Japan

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

Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Serengeti National Park

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

the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

YouTube video

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 .

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

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

50 places to travel before you die

What’s on your 100 things to do before you die list?

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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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50 places to travel before you die

Hey Bucket Listers! I'm Annette .

I’m a goal obsessed mid-lifer, traveler, experience collector, fear crusher, digital marketer and author with big bucket list dreams. Let's Connect!

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Bucket list ideas travel facing fear & anxiety.

28 Places to See Before You Die—the Taj Mahal, Grand Canyon and More

We’ve traveled the globe and compiled a “life list” of places to visit before taking the ultimate trip to the great beyond

Smithsonian Magazine Staff

50 places to travel before you die

Editor’s Note: We’ve since expanded our life list to 43 sites around the world for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers and those seeking just a respite from their busy schedules.

"We are all of us resigned to death: it's life we aren't resigned to," novelist Graham Greene once wrote. A growing number of Americans of all ages are embracing that idea by renewing a resolve to live life to its fullest.

Exhibit A is the recent popularity of "life lists"—itineraries of things to do and places to go before taking the ultimate trip to the Great Beyond. Bookstores brim with titles such as 1,000 Places to See Before You Die , 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die and—for the high-minded— Fifty Places to Go Birding Before You Die . A cottage industry of Web sites has also popped up, enabling life list enthusiasts to exchange ideas ranging from learning Japanese to getting a tattoo. Now even Hollywood has gotten into the act, with the release this month of the film The Bucket List , in which two cancer patients, played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, break out of their medical ward and embark on a life list road trip that includes dining on expensive caviar and gambling in Monte Carlo.

Life list experts (yes, there are such beings) advise people not to set themselves up for disappointment by trying to accomplish too much. (When's the last time you completed your daily to-do list?) With the entire world to choose from, the maxim "so much to do, so little time" takes on added meaning.

To that end, the staff of Smithsonian —as diverse a group of travelers as you're likely to meet—put their heads together to come up with an exclusive list of 28 places the Smithsonian reader might wish to visit before ...it's too late. Some of the sites are portals into the past—ancient cities so well preserved that visiting them is like stepping into a previous century. Others feature feats of engineering or sublime works of art—or, in the cases of the Taj Mahal and Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, both. Travelers can visit temples and churches so breathtaking they must have been built with divine inspiration. For the more adventurous, we offer rewards beyond mere sightseeing—from a three-day hike across the Grand Canyon to a ride along China's Yangtze River.

While all of these destinations beckon year-round, there are places where timing matters: many travelers are at a loss for words after witnessing the sun rise over Machu Picchu or seeing Iguazu Falls by the light of a full moon. And, appropriately, some of our sites now confront their own mortality—endangered by pollution or just worn down, like a few of us, by the passage of time.

Whether you visit only a couple of these destinations or all 28, your life will be enriched by the experience. And if along the way you want to gorge on caviar or get a tattoo, that's entirely up to you.

Portals into the Past Walk the timeless streets and byways of ancient cities on three continents – Mesa Verde – Pompeii – Tikal – Petra

Feats of Engineering The world's surviving architectural wonders hewed from stone and mortar beckon as ever – Pyramids of Giza – Taj Mahal – Easter Island – The Great Wall

A Matter of Timing Choosing the right year, month or even moment can make all the difference – Aurora Borealis – Serengeti – Iguazu Falls – Machu Picchu

Triumphs of Vision Come face to face with history's finest works of art and design – The Louvre – Zen Garden of Kyoto – Uffizi Gallery – Fallingwater

Scale New Heights Don't just see nature's most spectacular sites—experience them – Yangtze River – Antarctica – Mount Kilimanjaro – Grand Canyon

In the Presence of Gods Encounter temples so magnificent then could only have been built by divine inspiration – Bagan – Parthenon – Angkor Wat – Ephesus

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow? Visit these deteriorating or threatened destinations before they disappear – Venice – Amazon Rain Forest – Great Barrier Reef – Galápagos Islands

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World of Wanderlust

101 Cities to Visit Before you Die (PART ONE)

Out of all the places I have been in the world as a full time travel blogger, “where is your favourite place?” is a question I have never been able to answer definitively. Thus I present to you my series of “101 Places to Visit Before you Die”, covering the very best cities, towns, hotels, experiences, and everything travel related to make your bucket list complete. The first in this series highlights the absolute best cities to visit before you die, from the clichés through to the best kept secrets this world has to offer!

A Guide to the Hermitage Museum St Petersburg

The best cities to visit before you die

1. st petersburg, russia.

The history and sheer opulence of Russia’s imperial capital will leave you speechless. Made great by Peter the Great himself, St Petersburg was the beating heart of Russia un till 1918, when the government bodies moved to Moscow. To this day the city presents itself as a time capsule, showing insight into Russia’s imperial past – complete with palaces, nobility residences and iconic monuments. Be sure to step inside the Hermitage Museum (pictured) for a glimpse in to the legacy of Russian royalty and aristocratic culture.

New York City | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

2. New York, USA

A world in itself, there is no city in the world that will ever come close to New York . Whether you’re eating pasta in  Little Italy,  celebrating New Year in  China Town  or cafe hunting your way through Brooklyn, you can most certainly be forgiven for forgetting your place in the world. Bright lights, yellow cabs and art deco architecture are just the beginning of your New York Minute.

Paris Photo Diary | World of Wanderlust

3. Paris, France

What would any list of the best cities in the world be without my favourite city of all;  Paris . Known also as the city of light, Paris is a hopeless romantic’s dream (myself included). Be it cruising down the Seine with a croissant and glass of bubbles in hand or kicking back at the Eiffel Tower for sunset (also with some variety of pastry and bubbles in hand), there really isn’t any way you cannot enjoy yourself in Paree!

4. Istanbul, Turkey

Formerly Byzantium and later Constantinople, the modern-day Istanbul  is an eclectic mix of old meets new you cannot find elsewhere in the world (well, you can, but believe me… not like this!!!) This city is unlike any other in the way it captures all of your senses at once – in streams of colour, wafting spices, beautiful textures, delicious Turkish street food and of course the call to prayer.

5. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Colourful in every sense of the world,  Rio De Janeiro is a party city regardless of the day of the week or hour in the day! This city also has hands-down one of the most mesmerising sunsets you will ever experience in a life time (hint: its on top of sugarloaf mountain).

The Best Secret Spots in Rome | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

6. Rome, Italy

All roads lead to  Rome!  There’s no city in the world as impressive and imperial as ancient Rome, so if you haven’t ticked it off your bucket list yet, you know you’ve gotta put it at the forefront of your travel list. Not only are there incredible sights to see, but there’s also an abundance of atmosphere to soak up, from the passionate sporting crowds to the alfresco dining scene.

7. Tallinn, Estonia

Medieval and mysterious,   Tallinn is by far one of the most underrated cities in all of Europe (though rapidly gaining in popularity!) Located just a short two-hour ferry ride from the Finnish capital of Helsinki, Tallinn is easy to discover in a day, particularly if you plan to visit the Old Town. Estonia has much more to offer beyond the capital, so if you’re looking for an off the beaten path exploration, be sure venture beyond Tallinn itself.

8. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver  is a strong contender for the coolest city in Canada (if you ask me, it is!) Many hit tv shows and movies are filmed here, so you should be able to find plenty of inspiration to visit! Gastown is arguably where its at [whatever “it” is]. But seriously, this is one city stopover that cannot be beat.

9. Prague, Czech Republic

As a top choice on any traveller’s first European tour, I’m sure you’ve heard many friends boast of  Prague  or have even visited or yourself (if you haven’t, you absolutely should!) This is by far one of the most mesmerising cities in the entire world, especially at dusk and down with the eery baroque statues on Charles Bridge lingering in the shadows. Be sure to allow at least a few days if not four to explore Prague as there is plenty to discover beyond the Old Town and it is a great start to exploring the rest of Czech Republic.

10. Vienna, Austria

Perhaps my favourite city in Central Europe (though Budapest is a strong contender), you can’t skip out on a visit to  Vienna . The capital of Austria is imperial, imposing, and most of all, down right impressive. There are oodles of cultural activities on offer to keep you busy for at least a few days, starting with the Belvedere Art Museum, through to a visit to the Opera and the colourful creation that is Hundertwasserhaus.

Day trip to Bruges | World of Wanderlust

11. Brugges, Belgium

Brugges is hands down one of the most romantic towns in all of Europe  (and doesn’t everyone know it!?) As one of the most talked about small cities in Europe, Brugges has become a major drawcard for travellers to Belgium, but this is one of few instances where the crowds are worth dealing with. The better the weather, the bigger the crowds… but if you don’t mind getting a bit wet, a visit outside of the tourist season will allow you to enjoy the city almost all to yourself!

How to Spend Four Days in Barcelona | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

12. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has a well-earned reputation as the most vibrant city in Spain, introducing travellers to Catalonian culture, heritage and of course, food! Throughout the city you will be spoiled with Gaudi architecture, presenting itself as a mini treasure hunt as you walk from one intriguing exterior to another. Gaudi park is, of course, the crowning jewel of said treasure hunt, perched high over the city and offering one of the best views from above.

13. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is particularly inspiring to me, as I’m sure it is for other fellow  Harry Potter fans . Not only is this where J. K. Rowling wrote much of the Harry Potter series, but it is also where she sourced much of the inspiration for the books. As a result, there are iconic locations dotted throughout the city for you to discover and let your imagination run wild.

50 places to travel before you die

14. Budapest, Hungary

A few years ago I named  Budapest the most underrated city in all of Europe and while I stand by what I said at the time, Budapest has most certainly become “rated” and incredibly popular over the last few years (and with good reason!) Budapest has the architectural beauty of the likes of Paris, however, a dark past through WWII gives it a raw edge and presents many different pockets throughout the city.

50 places to travel before you die

15. Stockholm, Sweden

Effortlessly stylish and with one of the most quaint old towns you will find in Europe,  Stockholm  is hands down my favourite city in Northern Europe (though the next city on this list gives it a run for its money!) Gamla Stan (old town) is a fairy tail in itself, with postcard-worthy door entrances, colourful building exteriors and an endless supply of charming boutiques to discover. Elsewhere in Stockholm, there is much more to discover, with the cities’ notorious fashion and design-centric population, appealing particularly to a younger crowd of up and coming designers, entrepreneurs and tech innovations. Oh, and the coffee is good!

16. Copenhagen, Denmark

My other favourite city in Northern Europe is the equally picturesque capital of Denmark;  Copenhagen . Although this city has a reputation for being incredibly expensive (which is no exaggeration), a few days to explore Copenhagen is well worth the length your dollar will stretch.

Cape Town Clifton Beach

17. Cape Town, South Africa

Back in the Southern hemisphere is a city that captures hearts like it is nobodies business… the iconic city of Cape Town , with its’ colonial harbour front, Table Cape backdrop, and a reputation for up and coming boutiques, designers, coffee shops and more. Cape Town is also a great base to explore the more romantic side to South Africa, with the Cape Winelands just a short drive away and the impressive peninsula waiting to be explored.

18. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is by far and large the most romantic city in the world for me, especially before sunrise when you can enjoy the streets almost all to yourself. With its canal waterways, wonky houses and bike culture, there really is no city in the world that competes.

Mostar Bosnia | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

19. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Visiting Mostar might not be on top of your travel list, but as soon as you discover the hidden treasure that is Bosnia and Herzegovina you’ll be so glad you did. One of the best-kept secrets in Europe, B&H has an emerging tourism culture that is better experienced now, before the crowds outweigh the localised experience still on offer. The best way to visit Mostar is to spend a couple of days here, combined with a tour around the country. That way you can beat the “day crowds” that emerge from neighbouring Dubrovnik and experience this small city that has a lot to offer, particularly on the fringe of the summer season when crowds are limited.

50 places to travel before you die

20. London, United Kingdom

La la la  London ! With its red phone booths, black cabs and double-decker buses, no city is quite as iconic as frequently the “most visited city in the world”, London. Beyond the monopoly board, there is much to discover, particularly when venturing into central London to enjoy the likes of Shoreditch and its’ quirky weekend markets. My personal favourite city for a stopover, there’s always something happening to be it a new theatre show on West End, a new exhibition at one of the many free-to-enter museums, or an endless list of concerts to attend being such a popular, international hub.

21. Jerusalem, Israel

My visit to Jerusalem was not without controversy, but politics aside a visit to the Holy Land is truly a once in a lifetime experience that will be incomparable to all others. What struck me on my visit to Jerusalem was to see biblical references in the flesh and walk on the very same pavement I thought could only be read about. This eye-opening experience offered a unique insight into much more than my own religion, with a visit to the Western Wall and the sounds of the call to prayer providing a humbling understanding of what can hopefully one day be harmony.

22. Lisbon, Portugal

The sleepy seaside image gets a shake up when you meet  Lisbon . Colourful and full of vibrancy, there are so many reasons that Lisbon has become one of my favourite European cities and I’m sure will make your list of faves, too. Begin with a half day visit to Belem, where you can enjoy the famous Portuguese Tarts, so famous in fact that they arrive in your hands warm and fresh from the oven due to such high demand! From there make your way through Alfama, the most instagrammable neighbourhood in town with its colourful doors, pot plants and incredible views of the city. If you have more time, be sure to rent a car and make your way South to the Algarve, one of my favourite seaside vacation spots in all of Europe.

La Mamounia Marrakesh | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

23. Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is another world. With a unique culture unlike any other, the smells, sights and sounds of Morocco are best on display in Marrakesh, where the hustle and bustle of travellers and locals collide. Be sure to grab yourself a freshly squeezed orange juice from the Medina, before making your way inside the Souks (and prepare to get lost, this place is nuts!)

Salzburg Austria

24. Salzburg, Austria

Romantic and renowned for its’ Sound of Music  claim to fame,  Salzburg is a must-visit city in Austria that deserves much more than a day trip from Vienna. Each time I have visited Salzburg I have allowed myself a few days to discover its little pockets of magic, especially if you can time yourself a visit here in winter. The Christmas Markets here are my favourite in all of Europe, complete with light snowfall, an ice skating rink and horse-drawn sleighs (seriously, this place is a fairytale come to life!)

Dubrovnik Croatia | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

25. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Game of Thrones fans rejoice, Dubrovnik is one pitstop on your European adventure that cannot be missed! This seaside city is renowned for its role in the series, but before the time of GOT was quickly gaining popularity for its iconic terracotta rooftops, fortified city walls and unique geographic location as part of a larger Croatian yachting itinerary. There are many incredible things to see and do in Croatia so be sure to allow a week or more to explore!

Milan | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

26. Milan, Italy

Milan is far from my favourite city in Italy, but it is not without its own beauty! Home to one of the most impressive cathedrals in the entire world, Milan is a great stopover city for a day visit or overnight, particularly if travelling en route to the likes of Lake Como or beginning a journey through the length of Italy.

Kiev Ukraine | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

27. Kiev, Ukraine

It was at seventeen years of age when I visited Kiev, the capital of the Ukraine and one of the most unique cities I have ever visited. Back then (now 9 years ago) very few travellers were venturing East throughout Europe, and if they were, they were headed for the likes of St Petersburg or Moscow, not the likes of Kiev. But the beauty of this city is just that – not many foreigners flock here, giving travellers a unique insight in to the former USSR, with insightful museums and Orthodox cathedrals. It is sort of like visiting a place that time forgot and in many ways these are my favourite destinations.

Belgrade Serbia

28. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is another favourite city of mine that offers itself in a time capsule to visitors. After the 1990’s fallout, Serbia has been overlooked by travellers for quite some time, however I chose to visit after a friend assured me Belgrade was “one of the most beautiful cities in the most surreal of ways”. Right he was. Belgrade is best visited in the Spring or Summer, when locals make use of their al fresco dining culture, flocking to the river for a range of pop-up restaurants and bars.

29. Melbourne, Australia

My personal favourite city in my home country Australia,  Melbourne is a city that should not be missed off any first time traveller’s visit to Oz. Not only does Melbourne have the best coffee in the world (if you ask me which yes, is riddled with bias), but it also has a great cultural appreciation for great coffee, food and the atmosphere in which it is enjoyed. Besides, who can resists a city that meets the sea!?

30. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich  first took my heart at 20 years of age, when I visited solo as my first introduction to Switzerland (and boy, what an intro!) Known as one of the prettiest cities in Switzerland, Zurich is beautiful any time of year (even in winter!)

31. Muscat, Oman

Muscat offers an insight into Middle Eastern culture in a more realistic sense that international hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The souks offer trinkets like old compasses, magic lamps and all sorts of trinkets I have not discovered elsewhere in the world (it is akin to stepping back through history to ancient trade routes). If you’re a solo female traveller (like me) and a bit iffy on travelling throughout the Middle East on your own, I found cruising through the Arabian Peninsula a great way to experience the ports with ease and peace of mind.

32. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is my second favourite city in Australia (Melbourne has my heart) and a must see for any traveller to Oz. With the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge within reach of one another, the sights are easy to explore in just a couple of days, giving you more time to enjoy Australia beyond the major cities (hint: travel North for some incredible beaches and much less crowds).

33. Cusco, Peru

Travelling through the Sacred Valley almost always starts with a visit to Cusco , the base for exploring the valley and of course, Machu Picchu. Cusco itself is worthy of a few days to visit and experience the Peruvian Andes culture, especially if you don’t mind exploring on foot.

34. Bergen, Norway

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to visit the picture-perfect city of Bergen , which appears more like a small seaside village than it does a large city in Norway. The colourful harbour was just as picturesque as I had imagined, however, the real beauty of Bergen lies in the residential neighbourhood lying behind the harbour, providing hours of exploration!

Warsaw | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

35. Warsaw, Poland

It took me two visits to Poland before I visited the capital, Warsaw , and I had no idea what I was missing out on! Warsaw has experienced a turbulent past, however, the reconstruction of the Old Town will transport you to another time in history, with its well-preserved buildings and public squares. Beyond the old town there is much to learn about the history of communism, starting with Stalin’s “gift” to the city and venturing further to the communist museum, which showcases life during the height of communism.

36. Venice, Italy

Venice is a city like no other. Built on canals and with a renaissance history that trickles in to every aspect of the city, there is so much to discover beyond the impressive architecture and behind closed doors. To make the most of a visit to Venice you will need a good four days to explore, before making your way to neighbouring cities like Verona (which I would also highly recommend!)

37. San Antonio, Texas

It was out of the blue when I decided to travel to San Antonio, having been encouraged by a couple I met in New Zealand that I “absolutely must visit” if I was already travelling to Texas. Right they were. The Pearl neighbourhood was a standout for me, especially if you chance your visit with a weekend when the markets are in full swing.

38. Moscow, Russia

The capital of Russia is one of the cities that surprised me most.  Moscow  is unlike any other, with a history and intricacies to keep you asking questions at every turn. Underneath the city is where the magic continues, with some of the world’s most decorated subway stations.

39. San Francisco, USA

Back over on the West Coast is a city that celebrates Californian culture at its best – colourful, quirky and completely unique are just a few words to describe  San Francisco . Although rents in San Francisco have surpassed those in Manhattan, the city is still relatively affordable to tourists and if you’re willing to seek out various neighbourhoods and their hot spots, you’ll find the SF you’re looking for.

40. Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest is a calendar event you’ll want to experience once in your lifetime, however Munich has so much more to offer beyond the event if you visit any other time of year. Located in Bavaria, Munich is one of he most picturesque cities in Germany… plus it also has one of Europe’s dreamiest castles nearby!

41. Riga, Latvia

Riga  is another European city that surprised me and to be honest, I’m still in shock this little gem in the Baltics isn’t written about more often! Although I only had 24 hours to explore Riga, it left me wanting more and to explore more of Riga, a country that had not previously been on my radar. If you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten path and especially if you find yourself on a budget, the Baltics are a great place to start.

42. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is often overlooked by travellers for being off the popular train routes (its funny what a little bit of water will do to people), but believe me when I say the gateway to Europe is quite possibly one of my favourite cities to enjoy! If you’re up for a bit of fun (think pubs and lots of them), Dublin is a great weekend destination, or can be enjoyed in 24 hours if you’re beginning a larger Irish adventure.

43. The Vatican, Vatican City

Visitors to Rome should be sure not to miss a visit to the Pope’s very own state; The Vatican. Regardless of your beliefs (or non-beliefs), the centre of the Catholic Church is a world in itself and offers a genuine insight in to views that have shaped our world today.

44. Alesund, Norway

I was a little bit more than a little bit obsessed with Alesund , a small seaside city on the coast of Norway. Complete with Art Nouveau architecture and a postcard-like appeal, Alesund quickly became my top pick as the prettiest Norwegian destination on my 10 day cruise through the fjords.

45. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Chances are you haven’t heard of Ljubljana , my current pick for the most underrated city in all of Europe. The capital of Slovenia has the charming appeal of the likes of Paris, albeit in a much smaller, condensed space that is in all seriousness walkable within the hour. Throughout summer this city really comes to life, with riverside al fresco dining a plenty and tourists are at a minimum in comparison to other European capitals.

46. Los Angeles, USA

Love it or hate it (personally I’m a lover), Los Angeles is still one of the cities in the world you absolutely must visit once in your lifetime. You’ll soon discover Hollyweird isn’t quite what it is cracked up to be, but fear not, nearby West Hollywood is a great place to base yourself for explorations. Don’t miss a visit to Downtown LA, Santa Monica and Venice Beach for an overall insight into the Californian culture.

47. Hong Kong

Hong Kong was the first international city I ever visited and has become the city I have visited most. Each visit brings something new: higher skyscrapers, expanding neighbourhoods, new restaurants and a continually evolving social scene. If you’re looking for an accurate depiction of East meets West, there’s no better city to stopover in for a few days than Hong Kong.

48. La Paz, Bolivia

5 things you must experience in Iceland

I could not believe my luck when the plane touched down in La Paz , the capital of Bolivia that is also the highest city in the world to fly in to. La Paz is the kind of city you have to pinch yourself to know is real, because every aspect is still so untouched, non-Westernised and completely foreign. No, there are no McDonalds.

49. Reykjavik, Iceland

The beginning of any Iceland adventure almost always begins in Reykjavik , the land of Vikings and mysterious tales that will let your imagination run wild. But this city is best visited as a first port of call for a larger Icelandic adventure, for there is so much to see in what has rapidly become one of the world’s biggest hot spot tourist destinations.

50. Tokyo, Japan

It is hard to imagine a list of the best cities to visit before you die without including Tokyo . With plenty of quirk on offer, Tokyo is the kind of city that will never bore you with the likes of Robot restaurants, cat cafes and so much more.

Where are your favourite cities in the world? Sound off below or follow my adventures on Instagram.

Brooke Saward

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

guest

I have been to 7 cities on top 10, 10 cities on top 20, and 19 cities on top 50 so I am a world traveler seeing different places and cultures. I agreed with some cities ranking but I think the author overlooked the beauty from Asia. i.e. Bangkok in Thailand and Beijing in China each presenting its unique architecture and culture. Although the following cities are beautiful but due to their small sizes (I have not been to but I watched videos) 7. Tallinn, Estonia 11. Brugges, Belgium 13. Edinburgh, England 19. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina I don’t think …  Read more »

Emma

Will you maybe one day make a part 2

A few snapshots from Island life in Koh Samui 🥹🌴 just shared my blog posts from this trip in Thailand and now craving mango sticky rice pudding, the kindness and hospitality of Thai people and those buffet breakfast spreads (the kinda ones that keep you full til dinner). My stay at @fskohsamui was like something out of a story book. Especially that last photo - that night was one to remember 🫶🏼 #kohsamui #thailand #travel #travelblog #thailandtravel

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50 things to do in Europe before you die

By CNT Editors

Things to do in Europe before you die Climb Arthur's Seat

There's no shortage of things to do in Europe . The continent is as vast as it is lush with a diversity of offerings – the luckiest among us will make multiple trips in a lifetime just trying to see it all. Who doesn't dream of driving the Golden Circle of Iceland over a stretch of long summer days, or skiing the slopes of the Italian Dolomites (home to some of the world’s finest snow, we might add). You can hit multiple countries in one trip with ease, thanks to stretches of high-speed rail and solid flight stopover programs, and you're sure to find endless surprises along the way.

But as for where to start – or where to go next? We have a few ideas. Below, Condé Nast Traveller editors and contributors converge to round up 50 things every traveller needs to experience in Europe before they die. The usual suspects are there for a reason – go shopping in Paris , take a sleeper train through the Swiss countryside, soak up some sun in Capri – but we’ve also got less-expected recommendations that are just as sure to float you up to cloud nine. here are 50 things to do in Europe before you die. We promise they're worth it.

View of the waters of Santorini.

Go island-hopping on a speedboat in Greece’s windy Cyclades

You haven’t been to Greece until you’ve zipped around the Cycladic islands – both big and small – for another view of those iconic coastlines, and remote fishing villages that feel like stepping back in time. And I’m not talking about simply joining the ferry crowds moseying like cattle from island hub to island hub; staying on one for a while and hiring a local to take you out on a speedboat tour is the only way to reach some of the most storied islands, like Santorini’s tiny Thirasia for old-school tavernas and black-sand beaches in the shadow of millennia-old volcanoes, or Paros’s Antiparos for golden-sand coastlines you’ll have all to yourself. Going with a guide who can expertly navigate the famously windy region plus share the local lore, take you to the best boat-up seafood restaurants, and pour the onboard wine, is the best way to do it – and guide-matching services like ToursByLocals has plenty of options around Santorini. Shannon McMahon

A wine window.

Order wine from a Florence wine window

Florence ’s medieval wine windows have been reopening for the past couple of years, and they are easily the most fun way to tap into the city’s ancient history. What was once a means for wealthy families to sell wine out of their homes, these portals closed in the early 1900s due to new laws. But they’re back in action – use this interactive map to find those that have been identified hundreds of years after they first closed shop. Some are merely relics, fun to spot like easter eggs in the old streets but still long out of operation, while others (like the ones at Babae , or Cantina de’ Pucci ) are back in service. Just walk up, ring the bell, and buy your wine through the wooden window like Leonardo da Vinci used to. It’s a novelty you’ll only find in Tuscany. Megan Spurrell

View of an old town.

Climb the Minaret of the Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque in Mostar

Everywhere you look in Bosnia and Herzegovina, from the slopes of its forested mountains to the banks of winding streams to the cobblestoned streets of historic villages, the skyline is pierced with the slender minarets of its majestic Ottoman-style mosques. More than 600 of these structures were destroyed during the Bosnian war in the 1990s, but many have since been rebuilt — including Mostar ’s 17th-century Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, on the banks of the Neretva River. I love visiting mosques wherever I travel, and in a bid to escape the crowds (Mostar has become more popular with day-trippers in recent years because of its proximity to Dubrovnik), I set my sights on its minaret. Clambering up 100-odd steps in the claustrophobia-inducing stairwell was well worth it: I emerged at a balcony with 360-degree views over the river and red-roofed town surrounding it. I’d been entranced by the idea of visiting Mostar ever since I first glimpsed a picture of its atmospheric Stari Most, a rainbow-arched bridge which was originally built in the 1500s, and this was the ultimate vantage point to soak it all in, in solitude. Sarah Khan

A landscape of mountains.

Rent a car in Iceland and drive the Golden Circle

Spanning 190 miles and kicking off from the capital Reykjavik (where you're almost certain to fly into), the Golden Circle is a fantastic way to explore southwest Iceland 's incredible geography and natural wonders. From towering waterfalls to geothermal geysers and so much in between, you'll give yourself the freedom to explore on your own time and – my personal favourite built-in feature – the ability to detour at a moment's notice. And definitely plan for a few detours, most specifically for stops along any number of roads where you can pet wild Icelandic horses. Lara Kramer

Tivoli Gardens

Ride a rollercoaster in Copenhagen's magical Tivoli Gardens

There’s a long list of must-dos when you visit the city of Copenhagen . I recently stopped by for the first time, and after cramming in as many iconic stops as I could, still felt an intense need to return to see more. One thing’s for sure: you'll want to go on a roller coaster in Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world. This for-all-ages park feels magical – both nostalgic and unlike any theme park I’ve ever been to. I made sure to go on the steel roller coaster Dæmonen (The Demon) and definitely let out a few screams while also getting a gorgeous view of the whole park and city as the ride took off. Meaghan Kenny

A garden.

Wander Munich's English Garden

At approximately 900 acres, Munich ’s English Garden is larger than Central Park and accordingly contains within its vast premises treasures untold. There’s the matter of the river surfers, who shred rain or shine – find them at the so-called Eisbachwelle, a surge at the garden’s southern tip. It’s all too easy to kill a few hours watching them go, but once you’ve had your fill, go deeper into the greenery. Just about any path you choose will take you somewhere interesting – along the river towards the Monopteros, a beautiful hilltop temple around which locals lounge on sunny days, or into the woods and towards the city’s second-largest biergarten, Chinesicher Turm (so-called for its odd, towering Chinese pagoda), for a drink. Charlie Hobbs

A sauna.

Sweat like a local in a Helsinki sauna

In Finland , the sauna culture is akin to religion, so if you find yourself in Helsinki , you may as well join the faithful. You’ll, in fact, be spoiled for choice in the Finnish capital. Do you pick the sleek, minimalistic Löyly with its sustainable Finish restaurant and lovely terrace? Or head to the charming Uunisaari , a short ferry ride away from Helsinki’s pier on Uunisaari island with its little beach and a cafe that serves local delicacies. Then, there’s Kulttuurisauna , a modernist homage to design legend Alvar Aalto and comes with a peaceful sea-facing courtyard for communing with locals. Wherever you decide to go, and whatever the weather, if there’s a body of water nearby, make sure you do as the Finns do and plunge in after – consider it your baptism. Arati Menon

Surfers entering into the ocean.

Go surfing in Portugal

For a bucket list surfing experience, a lot of people head to Costa Rica or Hawaii. But Portugal has some of the best surfing in Europe, with charming little seaside villages to use as a home base. Just an hour’s drive north of Lisbon , Ericeira is home to the second World Surfing Reserve – meaning the waves are consistently great, and there are breaks for both beginners and experienced (even pro) surfers – which spans nearly five miles of coast. Even the poshest hotels in the area, like the new, design-forward Aethos and tranquil Immerso , have guests unloading surfboards at check-in; and beachfront bars, like the Ribeira d’Ilhas Surf Restaurant , are perfectly positioned for watching surfers in the water. Closer to Lisbon, you’ll find smooth waves in Cascais, or, drive further up the coast to Nazaré to see experts ride the “ 100-foot-wave ” – the largest in the world. MS

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Take a walk on London's Primrose Hill

London is famous for its royal parks, but there’s something particularly special about a stroll on Primrose Hill. On the way up, look out for "Shakespeare’s Tree," an oak that was first planted in 1864 to honor Shakespeare’s birth centuries before (it’s ceremoniously replaced by a new one every 100 years); and, if you can, save turning around to see the skyline until you get to the very top – it’ll be worth it. Time your walk for sunset and watch the sky grow orange over landmarks like Canary Wharf, the Millennium Wheel, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. It’s a view that moves even the most cynical of Londoners. Lale Arikoglu

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Enjoy pintxos and surf in San Sebastián

San Sebastián has been dubbed the greatest food city on earth for its clever approach to pintxos, or local tapas, with a 'grab and eat what you want' style all its own. Belly up to a pintxos bar, get a beer and load up on snacks the size of your head, made with fresh seafood, vegetables, and cheese, surrounded by surf beaches. Stay for five minutes or an hour – anything goes. It's Michelin-worthy food, with flip-flops and beach hair vibes. Erin Florio

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Bike along Amsterdam's canals

Amsterdam is a city on two wheels – for the city's residents, getting around by bike is a way of life. Rent a bicycle and ride along famous canals, like the Prinsengracht, where you'll get a glimpse of the 17th-century canal houses and waterways. Or take a more serene ride through the Vondelpark, which is especially beautiful in the spring and autumn. Whatever you do, remember to use your hands as turn signals when you're on the road, and don't stop in the middle of the bike lanes. Should you forget, locals will quickly remind you of the rules of the road. MS

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Soak in a thermal bath in Budapest

One of the greatest pleasures of Budapest is the city’s spectacular thermal baths: The architectural gems surround a labyrinthine network of saunas, steam rooms, and naturally warm pools whose mineral-infused water springs straight from the ground. Though the city is awash with these thermal spas, must-visits include the world-famous Gellert, and the Turkish-built 16th century Király and Rudas Baths. Natalie Holmes

View of a city on a bay and mountains.

Drive through Montenegro

The road that zig-zags up the mountains from the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro is remarkably scenic and totally adrenaline-inducing. But if you have a steady hand, rent a car to explore this tiny Balkan country on four wheels. On the way up from that famous bay, you’ll find roadside stands selling Njegusi prosciutto with views of the fjord-like formation below. Get a little higher and head inland, and the road will smooth out, or snake along the coast for endless sea views straight out of a Bond film. This charming little country has much of the appeal of neighbouring Croatia with fewer crowds, but these views make that feel like a matter of time. MS

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Visit Istanbul's Princes' Islands

Just a short ferry ride from Istanbul 's Kabataş ferry dock lies a cluster of little-known islands that feel like stepping into a time warp. On Büyükada, the largest of the nine, you’ll find horse-drawn carriages, grand old mansions hidden behind trailing wisteria, coves to swim in, and markets to peruse. A walk up to Büyükada's highest peak, Yücetepe, will reward you with brilliant views – the hubbub of Istanbul far away on the horizon. It’s easy to see why an exiled Leon Trotsky once chose this island as his refuge. LA

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Hit the slopes of the Italian Dolomites

Spend a few days skiing down Cortina's groomed slopes – and make sure to break for a few Aperols on the Rifugio Averau terrace – followed by nights on the town with great food and drink. Unlike French ski resorts , where you'll likely spot ski boots under the table, Cortina implores you to ski home, shower, and step into something smart each evening. Start at Cafe La Suite, then move onto P126, and make sure to take in the cavalcade of dolce vita glamour parading down Corso Italia, the winter scene warmed by soft amber lights and large glasses of red wine. Rosalyn Wikeley

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Have M'dina all to yourself at night

Between Gozo and Valletta, there's plenty of reason to stick to the coasts in Malta . But the most enchanting spot anywhere on this Mediterranean island is smack in the middle in the walled city of M'dina. Founded by the Phoenicians and then conquered by the Romans, it's a maze of secret passageways, palaces, and hidden doors. Visit at night, when any lingering day crowds have returned to the shores, and the entire stone village is bathed in a soft light. The pedestrian alleys are silent, the squares are empty, and you can almost feel the hundreds of years of history all around you. EF

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Go skinny dipping in Sweden

When the sun rises at 3am in summer and Swedes wander home from a night on the town, post-club skinny dipping is considered perfectly lagom (acceptable). Favourite places to neatly fold your party gear and take the plunge? Of the 14+ islands that comprise the city of Stockholm , we'd pick the tiny coves west of Västerbron Bridge at the tip of Långholmen and off the small wooden jetties along Norr Mälarstrand on the southern shores of Kungsholmen. They’re both private and safe. The clean, clear, cool water is sure to tingle and recharge you for your journey home or that first-morning fika (coffee). David Jefferys

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Drive the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland

Driving the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland , from Malin Head in the north to Mizenhead in the south, is an epic and beautiful drive along some of the most spectacular coastlines in Europe. Make sure to check out the Giant's Causeway and The Dark Hedges in County Antrim, and pull over to eat at Wild Honey Inn in County Clare, and Ballynahinch Castle in Galway. There are some great beaches along the way, too, like Lough Swilly Beach near Rathmullen House in Donegal and Gurteen Beach in Connemara. Matt Buck

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Marvel at glaciers in Norway

Norway’s Svalbard is a beautiful archipelago deep inside the Arctic Circle. Book a stay on an expedition ship, such as Quark Expeditions’ Ocean Adventurer , to get up close to epic glaciers, see giant-tusked walruses, and spot mighty polar bears against the white-on-white expanse. Speaking to the onboard scientists and naturalists, you also hear about – and witness – the stark reality of climate change. The takeaway lesson is that if we all make one change for good, the ripple effect could help to save this extraordinary region. Grainne McBride

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Experience Prague's Christmas markets

Head to Prague in winter to explore its wonderfully kitsch and in-your-face-festive Christmas markets, stopping for pretty iced biscuits and warming glühwein at stalls right in front of the medieval Astronomical Clock. In the icy evenings, Old Town Square is illuminated with sparkling lights, its impossibly big, adorned tree gleaming in the night. After hours, wind through the city’s storybook streets to grab a stool at speakeasy Tretter's, or hole-in-the-wall absinthe bar Green Devil's, whose doorway glows green like a witch’s cauldron. Leah Craig

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Take a scenic boat ride in the French Riviera

Rent a small motor boat with a guide in Cassis Harbor, and take a ride over to Calanque d'En-Vau National Park for a secret swim. (You can also get there on foot, but the hike will take two hours.) Then, head over to Hôtel Les Roches Blanches for a rosé-filled lunch overlooking the Cote D’Azur. KS

View of a canal and bridge.

Get the best views of Venice from the rooftop at the Fondaco dei Tedeschi

A bird’s-eye view of Venice can be challenging because, for one, high-rises don’t exist, and also because it’s incredibly easy to get swallowed by its street-level maze. But the terrace atop the luxury shopping mall Fondaco dei Tedeschi changes that. While serious temptation awaits on every floor (made worse on my last trip by a very attractive exchange rate), this place is worth going to just for the views from the rooftop terrace alone, for which free tickets for 15-minute slots are available on iPads on the third and fourth floors. Time it to just before sunset for maximum pleasure, and, if possible, on the hour to have a chorus of church bells drown out the collective gasp. After, head to Narazaria by the Rialto and grab a table near the canal for a Campari, plates of Cicchetti, and endless people-watching. AM

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Spend a day at Roman Beach outside Budapest 

To do Budapest like a local in the summertime, head to this ramshackle promenade of food and drinks vendors in the woods along the Danube in North Buda, where the vibe is one part Fellini, one part Jersey Shore. You'll sit on beach chairs on the pebbly banks eating fried fish and langos, those distinctly Hungarian hubcap-sized discs of fried bread, drinking Aperol spritzes or the local speciality, froccs, a mixture of wine and soda water. The return by riverboat ferry, with the wind in your hair and Parliament glowing in the late afternoon light, is one of the city's greatest pleasures. Jesse Ashlock

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See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland – or at least get pulled around a frozen lake in a sleigh by reindeer as you try to look for them. Be sure you have a camera ready, too (no one warns you that you can only see their swirling colours in photographs, and, pro tip, most cell phones will turn off in the cold). No matter your luck, warm up by trying out the world's only sauna-gondola at Yllästo ski resort afterwards. BL

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Enjoy art on the island of Varmdo

There are around 30,000 islands in Stockholm's archipelago, but only one has an art gallery like Artipelag on Varmdo. Crafted from pine and partially stained with black tar, it blends into the woodland. Alongside exhibitions – from William Wegman Edmund de Waal – guests can forest bathe, play outdoor chess, and follow a boardwalk halfway around the island. The journey here by boat is a central part of an experience, as well, with Scandinavian sensitivities, including an appreciation of the great outdoors, contemporary architecture, and thought-provoking creativity on display. RJ

A sunset view of a mountain and city.

See Edinburgh from above by hiking Arthur's Seat

I’ve hiked Arthur’s Seat twice now. My first time up was in 2017, right after my high school graduation, on a big family tour of Scotland – I was vegan at the time, and we made a big to-do about planning the whole excursion, finding a restaurant where we could all eat afterwards, and the like. That’s one way to do it. My second ascent came on the eve of my final day studying abroad in the city (it was March 2020, and, yes, my time there was cut short). My friends and I had yet to do the climb – we were waiting for warmer weather, we thought we had more time, yada yada. When we knew we’d soon be sent home, we took to the hills and spent our last day taking in an incomparable view of what is, in my mind, Europe’s most beautiful city . It’s not an easy walk, steep and muddy and uneven as it is, but a well-deserved rest at the top makes it all worthwhile. CH

View of a historic neighborhood.

Discover old-school Italian craftsmanship in Florence’s San Niccolo

San Niccolo, a neighbourhood in Florence’s Oltrarno (meaning the other side of the river Arno), is the city’s oldest district. Its medieval past echoes through the twisting old cobblestone streets, and it’s a peaceful reprieve from the more touristed areas. It’s the type of place you can reliably meet for coffee with a friend without having to fight for a seat at the bar, even in the high season like the month of June . But what’s most special about San Niccolo is how the ethic of Florence’s artists and artisans lives on in the neighbourhood’s studios, galleries, and workshops. This is where you go to buy an authentic leather jacket that you can’t get anywhere else, watch a jeweller or mosaic-maker at work, or visit Carla Bruttini’s Studio, where you will find street art showcasing the younger side of the city. Alex Erdekian

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Go to a 24-hour churro shop in Madrid

The appeal of a 24-hour churro shop is, of course, that you can eat them no matter what time your plane gets into Madrid . Chocolateria San Gines has been around since 1894, serving some of the city's absolute best churros. They're always fresh and hot since they're fried to order – and yes, you need the chocolate dipping sauce on the side. It's a great break in the middle of a day of sightseeing (they also serve coffee if you need a pick-me-up) or an ideal after-dinner stop or midnight snack. Stephanie Wu

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Watch the sun rise over the Charles Bridge

The historic Charles Bridge in Prague joins Old Town with Mala Strana over the Vltava River. While it’s stunning at all times of day, it is truly magic at sunrise. Whether you’re an early riser, or your evening somehow dissolved into dawn (after perhaps one too many absinthe cocktails at the Black Angel’s Bar in Old Town), watching the sunrise over the City of a Hundred Spires is a can’t-miss experience and one of the few times you’ll see the popular tourist site nearly empty. Mercedes Bleth

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Snack – and sail – on the Bosphorus

Eat bread rolls crammed with fresh mackerel for a few lire in Istanbul’s Eminönü area. Local fishermen have allegedly been serving balık ekmek (‘fish bread’) direct from the water for two centuries. In 2019, when the boats were threatened with closure by city authorities, their popularity helped ensure they remained. Follow your fish feast with a boat ride across the Bosphorus from the European part of town to the Asian side. BL

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See art in Stockholm's metro stations

The Stockholm metro system is said to be the world's longest art gallery, spanning 60-plus miles with 90 of its 100 stations decked out with murals, tilework, mosaics, sculptures, and more. You can spend hours hopping from one station to the next – but it’s best to tour outside of peak commuting times. Some must-see stations include T-Centralen and Kungsträdgården on the Blue Line; Stadion, Mörby Centrum, and Tekniska Högskolan on the red line. It’s the perfect rainy day activity. MB

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Have a meal in Ariccia

The biggest mystery about this hilltop village 30 minutes south of Rome is how it has managed to stay so widely off tourists' radars. But the food here is why you travel to Italy in the first place: In summer, huge communal tables pack the central square, covered with platters of porchetta, vegetables, local cheeses, and heaping bowls of wild boar bolognese and carbonara (all Lazian specialities). The wine flows freely, the locals are always happy to share the tables, and, best of all, once you brag it upon returning home, even that obnoxious Italophile you work with who swears to know the boot better than anyone will be steaming with jealousy. EF

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Cliff jump in Croatia

While this side of the Adriatic can’t lay claim to many sandy beaches, what it does have in abundance is an incredible array of craggy karst cliffs – perfect for leaping off of into the warm sea below. There are many locally loved spots to launch from: Sacred Rock and Kamenjak Cape near Pula, Sveta Nedilja on Hvar, Odysseus cave on Mljet Island, and even the terrace of Buza Bar, along Dubrovnik’s city walls. RJ

Image may contain Path Trail Plant Tree Vehicle Transportation Mountain Bike Bike and Bicycle

Hike the Samaria Gorge in Crete

Hiking the Samaria Gorge in Crete , said to be the longest in Europe, is all downhill, so pretty much anyone can do it. But it's more than 10 miles from the fragrant pine and cypress forests at the island's highest elevation, past long-abandoned villages and castles, and through sheer rock walls that narrow to less than a dozen feet before you reach a wide black-sand beach on the Libyan Sea. This is your reward: a dip in the clean buoyant waters, followed by octopus, revithada, and cold Mythos beer at a nearby taverna. JA

Image may contain Nature Outdoors Mountain Range Mountain Countryside Peak Weather Hill Scenery Sky and Cumulus

Hike the Caucasus in Georgia

Whether you’re a day hiker or a seasoned alpinist, there’s no better way to take in Georgia ’s topography – and get a glimpse of local life, unfiltered – than by trekking through it. In Svaneti, the remote northwesterly province where locals get around on horseback and prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage guard towers dot the horizon, you can embark on a four-day walk from Mestia to Ushguli – the highest continually inhabited settlement in Europe – overnighting in family-run guest houses along the way. Benjamin Kemper

Image may contain Nature Water Outdoors Shoreline Sea Ocean Land Mountain Range Mountain Lake Coast and Scenery

Swim in Slovenia's Lake Bled

Tucked into the very north-west corner of Slovenia , Lake Bled is a fairytale come to life. Surrounded by the blue rolling mountains of the Julian Alps, the crystal clear water is punctuated only by the tiny central island, topped with its landmark medieval castle. Though many will hop on the traditional pletna boats, the best thing is to dive in: The water is Blue Flag level pristine, warm in the summer, and even in high season, it feels secluded. Charlotte Davey

Image may contain Building Urban Neighborhood Town City Office Building Downtown High Rise Architecture and Hotel

Witness Zaandam's quirky architecture

When in Amsterdam, make the easy day trip to the nearby town of Zaandam. It's less than a 30-minute drive from the city, but home to whimsical architecture and a quaint downtown drag right on the bank of the Zaan River. Plus, the town has plenty of bars, restaurants , and shops to explore. (Pro tip: Stay at the Zaan Hotel for a superb breakfast and even more superb in-room walk-in shower.) LK

Image may contain Landscape Outdoors Nature Scenery Promontory Shoreline Water Ocean Sea Land and Vehicle

Sail into Capri's shimmering Blue Grotto

An unmatched southern Italy travel experience is a dip inside Capri’s legendary blue grotto. Ride a rowboat into the mouth of the rocky cave carved into the cliff face of the island, and you’ll be immersed in un-earthly, dazzling, fluorescent blue light. The grotto is one of the few in the world that has the correct dimensions for the light to strike the water at the perfect angle to refract a brilliant display of blues. Follow the experience with a boat ride around the island, then hop on land for limoncello drinking and celebrity spotting. AE

Image may contain Water Waterfront Transportation Vehicle Watercraft Vessel Dock Port Pier Glass and Goblet

Do a food-inspired road trip through Portugal

There's so much to see and eat in Portugal, from inhaling egg tarts in Belem and sipping on Port in Porto to dining on 10 euro piri piri chicken meals on the streets of Lisbon. But the good news? In a small European country, it's easy to hop from one city to another in a matter of hours. Rent a car and guide yourself through the country on a food- and drink-inspired road trip. At the end of it all, make sure to stock up on tinned fish, like olive-oil-soaked sardines, to take home with you – you'll even find them for sale in the airport. MS

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Tour the Tower of London

The bloodshed! The beheadings! The Tower of London is a favourite site in all of Europe – and you don't have to be a history geek to be totally blown away by it. That is in part thanks to the Beefeaters, who give the tours and guard the grounds: They are an encyclopedia of knowledge on all the happenings of this infamous London attraction , delivered with classic British wit that will leave you utterly charmed, even when examining the spikes that once displayed human heads just near the prison cells. EF

Image may contain Vessel Vehicle Transportation Watercraft Human Person Water Nature Outdoors Land Boat and Ocean

Take a pedal boat out on Lake Annecy

Located in a picturesque French town seemingly plucked straight out of a Disney movie, Lake Annecy is France's third-largest lake and a must-visit. Explore the crystal-clean water via pedal boat, which you can rent from a local vendor on the shores, and pedal yourself out to take in the stunning views. Afterwards, be sure to explore the town of Annecy, and wander through the cobblestoned streets, and along the twisting canals. LK

Image may contain Nature Outdoors Building Housing Countryside Rural Hut Water Shack Mountain and House

Enjoy a restorative dip in Lake Altaussee

This is wholesome Austrian countryside and a wellness mecca for its restorative alpine air. While winter is made of off-piste skiing and skating along frozen lakes, Altaussee’s lesser-known season is perhaps its most alluring: Come in summer for rambling Alpine hikes through meadows carpeted in wild flowers and dizzying valley views, rewarded with an invigorating plunge into Austria’s Lake Altaussee (and maybe a cool local brew overlooking that glassy lake). RW

Image may contain Human Person Market Bazaar and Shop

Shop for vintage treasure in Berlin

Set on the former no-man’s-land between East and West Berlin, this chaotic Sunday flea market now welcomes a melting pot of locals and visitors. The seemingly endless lanes of stalls sell everything from attic junk to collectable figures, vinyl and clubwear while busking musicians provide the soundtrack. (It’s a bit like a scene from Mad Max but with fewer flamethrowers for sale.) When it gets to be too much, head to the amphitheatre for the regular 3pm Bearpit Karaoke session, when anyone can clamber up and showcase their favourite sing-a-longs, egged on by organiser Joe Hatchiban. It's raw, impulsive, and so much better than The Voice . RJ

Gordon's Wine Bar London

Spend a rainy London day inside a 19th-century wine bar

Gordon's is the type of place that makes you pray for a rainy day while visiting London (good news: you'll probably get it). The oldest wine bar in the city, it's just off the Thames in Embankment next to the tourist-friendly Covent Garden . But this place is a local favourite – the hard-to-find staircase keeps tourists away. Inside, cavernous rooms with wooden tables are lit by single candles, forming warm, cosy dens; and making it exactly the type of place you want to hole up inside with a bottle of, say, cabernet and plate of Brie and camembert. Luckily, this place has all three, and the cheese comes with crusty bread, pickles, and spreads. On summer evenings, when that rain lets up, the string of tables hugging the outdoor wall along the river become the only ones in town that matter. It beats a pub, hand's down, every time. EF

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See Paris's other great museum

If the snaking line at The Louvre makes you want to run in the other direction, we have good news: it's not the only world-class art experience in the city. Instead, head to the Musée Picasso. The museum spans the entirety of a 17th-century historic home in the Marais, and when you're not walking down baroque staircases or sitting in the sun-drenched cobblestone courtyard, you're gawking at Picasso's iconic ceramics, playful doodles, and greatest masterpieces – just a slice of the 5,000 works that make up the museum's beloved collection. LA

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Take a train high into the Swiss Alps

Take the train from Geneva up through the mountains to the beautiful, very glamorous Gstaad. You'll pass a shining luminescent lake before arriving at the station, high in the peaks and covered in snow. There is something incredibly transformative about the slow winding of the train up into the skies. Once there, walk into the centre of town to the centuries-old wooden chalet that is the Olden – there, dine on raclette and red wine where David Niven, Elizabeth Taylor, and Roger Moore used to hang out. Melinda Stevens

Baud et Millet Bordeaux France

Have dinner at an all-you-can-eat cheese cave in Bordeaux

Baud et Millet in Bordeaux is a restaurant with an attached cheese cellar featuring more than 100 cheeses to choose from. The all-you-can-eat cheese tasting gives you unlimited visits to the cheese cave and comes with a simple salad and chunks of bread. All you need to do is pick a bottle of wine from the adjoining wine shop, and this meal is as good as it gets. SW

A street in Malta.

Visit a local bar in Malta's capital city

I find many travellers are sceptical about visiting a country whose coastline you can walk in just one day. But, if you’re already in Europe, or thinking of indulging in a Euro-trip any time soon, trust me on this one. Malta is as charming as it is steeped in history. If you’re able to stay for a few days, visit each and every golden and medieval town by bus from Mdina to Cittadella. Dip in the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea, and check out local art shops, especially in Attard, for an impressive sight of traditional glass-making centres. At night, stargaze along the ports, wander through the alleyways and up the historic cathedral steps of St. Julien’s. But no matter what you do, when in Malta, check out hip hangout spot Gugar in the heart of the city capital, Valletta. Even the walk to the joint will make you swoon. Dance your heart out with strangers to street jazz performers. Chat with well-travelled artists outside cafes and bistros. Sit in or outside in a group-styled setting home to decorative gems, groovy jams, and great company. Their menu offers a wide array of tasty delights, but don’t miss out on their take on the classic Maltese Ftira sandwich. You will probably dream about it for the rest of time (I know I will). Jessica Chapel

The sky garden.

See London from its highest public garden

London has no shortage of beautiful viewpoints to take in every inch of the busy city. If you’re looking to get an amazing view on a budget, head 35 floors up to the Sky Garden . It’s the capital’s highest public garden and it’s free to enter (as long as you make a reservation). When I graduated from university, I took my entire family up here to give them an overview of the city that I lived in for four years. Not only does it give you a good layout of London’s skyline but there are also two restaurants and two bars so you can really take in the whole experience with friends, family, or on your own. Kayla Brock

Handling melting glass.

Visit the Murano glass factory in Venice

One of the stand-out activities from my first trip to Italy was a visit to the Murano Glass Factory. To reach the factory, visitors take a ferry to Murano Island (you can either grab a public boat, book a taxi through Murano , or book the activity as part of a tour ). Once there, you’ll watch a glassblowing demonstration – my family and I were mesmerised by this – and then walk around the showroom and shop to see the various art made, from a bowl of cherries to animal sculptures and chandeliers. Sure, you can purchase Murano art all around Venice (and beyond), but it feels even more special after seeing the delicate way in which it is made. Madison Flager

50 places to travel before you die

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50 Places To Visit Before You Die: A Traveller's Ultimate Bucket List

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50 Places To Visit Before You Die: A Traveller's Ultimate Bucket List Kindle Edition

Are you scratching your head, trying to create the perfect next adventure?

Perhaps you would count yourself as an avid traveller, but now that you've completed your first couple of dream locations, you need a little help as you spread your travel wings a little further afield.

Or maybe you have always dreamed of travelling, but this is the first time you have found the time and money to do so, and you need some help getting going.

Introducing 50 Places to Visit Before You Die, the ultimate bucket list for any traveller.

This book is packed with locations to discover and explore, broaden your horizons, and make lasting memories.

But it's also so much more than that, covering the importance of travel and how it can significantly improve all aspects of your life.

Inside 50 Places to Visit Before You Die , discover:

  • The concept of a travel bucket list.
  • How travel transforms and enriches your life.
  • The many natural wonders you can explore.
  • You can discover cultural gems to broaden your knowledge.
  • Travel spots that sit off the beaten path.

Don't spend another minute dreaming about travelling. It's time to make it happen.

Grab a copy of 50 Places to Visit Before You Die today!

  • Print length 137 pages
  • Language English
  • Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
  • Publication date January 9, 2024
  • File size 3733 KB
  • Page Flip Enabled
  • Word Wise Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting Enabled
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50 places to travel before you die

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50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

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  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CRYYGSFF
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 9, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3733 KB
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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

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

Preacher's Pulpit Preikestolen in 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

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

Petra in 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

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

Great Barrier Reef in 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

Mozambique Island

Clear white sand and turquoise sea, Mozambique is a destination of dreams.

Book your Mozambique flight

8. See a sunrise on Mount Bromo, Indonesia

50 places to travel before you die

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

Iguazu Falls

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

50 places to travel before you die

Live out your childhood Lion King fantasies with the fantastic variety of wildlife and nature in Madagascar! 

11. Experience the magic of Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia in Turkey

Find your flight to Nevsehir and enjoy the balloons in Cappadocia.

12. Get lost at the temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat temples in 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

Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina

Purchase your flight to Perito Moreno and explore this huge glacier.

14. Swim in the Verdon Gorge, France

Verdon Gorge in 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

Northern Lights

A classic winter getaway , the Northern Lights are a truly wonderous sight.

16. Wonder before the mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza

Egyptian pyramids

Explore Cairo and its pyramids.

17. Explore the incredible Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni in 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

Bora Bora

You know you want to.

19. Immerse yourself in the splendor of nature at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park in 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

Cenote Ik Kil in Mexico

And hang like tarzan from the vines…

21. Visit the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple - 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

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

Bacalar in Mexico

24. Watch the Uluru rocks (Ayers Rock) change color throughout the day, Australia

Uluru rocks - Australia

25. Get a glimpse of the Quilotoa Lagoon, Ecuador

Quilotoa Lagoon in 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
  • Pingback: 100 Places to Visit Before You Die {Part 3} - eDreams Travel Blog
  • Pingback: 100 Places to Visit Before You Die {Part 2} - eDreams Travel Blog

Yes! Wouldn’t it be great to go!?

The pictures are incredible. We like the natural geyser in Yellowstone.

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The 1800's city of Geneva is plagued by Darklings, cloaked figures who kidnap and murder it's impoverished residents during the night. While the rich hide safely behind their high stone walls the poor are forced to patrol their own borders to ward off the evil foes. When a nameless, deformed indentured servant comes of age he is commanded by law into the night to protect the city, he becomes an unlikely hero that saves the mayor's daughter from a Darkling attack. But the nameless boy realizes there is more to the Darklings than the city's residents have been told.

Captivating and entertaining

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Entendiendo La Presión Arterial Alta [Understanding High Blood Pressure] Audiobook By Dr. Ashley Sullivan PharmD cover

Entendiendo La Presión Arterial Alta [Understanding High Blood Pressure]

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By: Dr. Ashley Sullivan PharmD

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  • Overall 5 out of 5 stars 26
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¿Está cansado de vivir con presión arterial alta y sentir que se ha apoderado de su vida? Es hora de tomar el control y solucionar el problema de una vez por todas. Vivir con presión arterial alta es una experiencia abrumadora. Da la sensación de estar siempre caminando por la cuerda floja, preocupándose constantemente por los riesgos de complicaciones y luchando por encontrar los medicamentos adecuados y los cambios en el estilo de vida que funcionen para usted.

Tomando el Control de Tu Viaje de Presión Arterial

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Positive Affirmations for Black Kids, Volume 2 Audiobook By Nia Simone cover art

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By: Nia Simone

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Did you know every word, every thought, and every sentence you think and say aloud holds great power? Your words and thoughts are powerful, and they influence how you feel about yourself, how you see yourself, and how you project yourself to others. Fill your mind and body with nurturing, supportive thoughts, and cast away any negative thoughts that might creep in. This audiobook is a collection of affirmations designed to honor your strength, brilliance, and boundless potential.

Empowering Young Minds

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Intermittent Fasting Audiobook By Beckyleon Ehumadu cover art

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By: Beckyleon Ehumadu

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  • Overall 5 out of 5 stars 25
  • Performance 5 out of 5 stars 25
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Release the power of a diet that isn't a diet... and watch the weight melt away. The average person will try 126 diets over the course of their lifetime… and what that should tell you is that something isn’t working. If you’ve tried diet after diet, only to find yourself back at square one months down the line, then you’re probably used to feeling miserable, hungry, tired, and discouraged. You’ve tried cutting calories… You’ve tried depriving yourself of all the foods you love… Maybe you’ve even tried cutting out entire food groups.

Well-crafted!

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Fifty, Fit, and Fierce Audiobook By Cynthia Abbott cover art

Fifty, Fit, and Fierce

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By: Cynthia Abbott

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  • Overall 5 out of 5 stars 24
  • Performance 5 out of 5 stars 24
  • Story 5 out of 5 stars 24

Uncover the truth behind intermittent fasting and the health benefits it offers women in their 50s — follow these 5 steps to make it work for you! Are you a woman over 50 who wants to discover the health benefits of intermittent fasting? Or are you looking for ways to stay fit, energized, and feel confident about your body as you age? Perhaps you’ve heard about the many benefits of intermittent fasting and are curious if it could work for you.

EMBRACE YOUR BEAUTIFUL SELF!!

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The Simple Menopause Manual Audiobook By Max Hampton cover art

The Simple Menopause Manual

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By: Max Hampton

  • Narrated by: Lisa Brandt
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  • Overall 5 out of 5 stars 49
  • Performance 5 out of 5 stars 49
  • Story 5 out of 5 stars 49

Break free from the clutches of Menopause and take control of your body and life. Embark on a transformative journey with this comprehensive guide, designed to empower you in managing menopause symptoms naturally and effectively. Whether you're grappling with hot flashes, weight fluctuations, or emotional upheaval, our holistic strategies offer relief and resilience.

Informative

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Essential Life Skills for Teens & Young Adults

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By: Trudy C. Marsh

  • Narrated by: Miranda Fuller
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  • Overall 5 out of 5 stars 23
  • Performance 5 out of 5 stars 23
  • Story 5 out of 5 stars 23

The trick to moving from your teen years into adulthood isn't about having all the answers—it's knowing what questions to ask. This book is your go-to guide for all things grown-up and the handbook for those life questions you haven't even thought to ask.

The Only Life Skills Book Worth Buying!

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Building Your Barndominium Audiobook By BarnDream Builders cover art

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By: BarnDream Builders

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Transform your dream of a custom, budget-friendly barn home into reality with your own two hands! Envision a home that's more than just walls and a roof – a space that mirrors your dreams, resonates with your love for the countryside, and stands as a testament to your passion for creativity. This is the heart of a Barndominium, a concept that redefines rural living by blending the rustic allure of a barn with the comforts and conveniences of modern living.

  • 3 out of 5 stars

Helpful information

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The Big Book of Positive Affirmations for Black Kids: 2 Books in 1 Audiobook By Nia Simone cover art

The Big Book of Positive Affirmations for Black Kids: 2 Books in 1

  • Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
  • Overall 5 out of 5 stars 50
  • Performance 5 out of 5 stars 50
  • Story 5 out of 5 stars 50

This Big Book collection of positive affirmations is a nurturing embrace, a protective shield, and a guiding star seeking to ensure that every Black child listening to it feels seen, heard, and loved. The affirmations are carefully crafted, not just as repetitive statements but as statements of strength, each one aiming to fortify the self-esteem of the listener.

Wonderful messages

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Food Truck How to Start & Finance Your Business Audiobook By Brian Mahoney cover art

Food Truck How to Start & Finance Your Business

  • End Money Worries with This Amazing Business Book

By: Brian Mahoney

  • Narrated by: Brian Mahoney, Katie Johnson
  • Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins

Imagine you can have the knowledge you want to start your business and live the Hassle Free All-American Lifestyle of Independence, Prosperity and Peace of Mind. Discover.... How to reach a Billion customers with Social Media.

Comprehensive guide

  • By Alisha Kapani on 04-14-24

Effective Co-Parenting or Parallel Parenting with a Narcissist Audiobook By Claire Brown cover art

Effective Co-Parenting or Parallel Parenting with a Narcissist

  • Set Boundaries, Eliminate Conflict, Protect Yourself, and Raise Emotionally Secure Children

By: Claire Brown

  • Narrated by: Sera Chance
  • Length: 5 hrs and 1 min
  • Overall 5 out of 5 stars 52
  • Performance 5 out of 5 stars 52
  • Story 5 out of 5 stars 52

Learn how to effectively raise kids with a narcissistic ex and ensure your kids are emotionally secure, mentally strong, confident, and happy. It can be done, but you need to utilize specific strategies.

Excellent guide

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Publisher's summary

Are you scratching your head, trying to create the perfect next adventure?Perhaps you would count yourself as an avid traveller, but now that you've completed your first couple of dream locations, you need a little help as you spread your travel wings a little further afield.

Or maybe you have always dreamed of travelling, but this is the first time you have found the time and money to do so, and you need some help getting going.

Introducing 50 Places to Visit Before You Die, the ultimate bucket list for any traveller. This book is packed with locations to discover and explore, broaden your horizons, and make lasting memories. But it's also so much more than that, covering the importance of travel and how it can significantly improve all aspects of your life.

  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: Travel & Tourism

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  • 108 Powerful Prayers of Blessing, Comfort, and Encouragement for the Complexities and Challenges of Life
  • By: Strong Life Publishing, Scott Beeker, Linda Beeker, and others
  • Narrated by: Scott Beeker, Linda Beeker, Thomas Beeker, and others
  • Length: 1 hr and 47 mins

Experience daily comfort, encouragement, and empowerment by allowing us to pray for you with specific situational prayers and good night prayers. Our genuine and empathetic prayers are love-centered (no guilt) and biblically based. Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious? Have you considered the soothing power of prayer to calm your mind and lead your way? Are you battling loneliness or seeking a deeper connection? Can prayer become your steadfast companion in times of solitude and longing?

Topic much needed these days

  • By Susie Beaumont on 03-06-24

By: Strong Life Publishing , and others

Essential Life Skills for Teens Audiobook By Jordan Wize cover art

Essential Life Skills for Teens

  • The Ultimate Guide - Navigate Your Emotions, Build Relationships, Sharpen Decision-Making, Improve Time Management, Manage Finances and Unleash Your Greatness!

By: Jordan Wize

  • Narrated by: Peter Sours
  • Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins

Master the art of managing emotions, finances, and conflicts effectively with our comprehensive guide. Explore strategies to excel in school, balance chores, and enjoy personal time. Learn how to tackle academic stress and social challenges confidently.

Exactly what I needed

  • By Jordan Beckett on 02-15-24

Landlines Audiobook By Raynor Winn cover art

  • The Remarkable Story of a Thousand-Mile Journey Across Britain

By: Raynor Winn

  • Narrated by: Raynor Winn
  • Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins
  • Overall 5 out of 5 stars 3
  • Performance 5 out of 5 stars 3
  • Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 3

The Cape Wrath Trail is hundreds of miles of grueling terrain through Scotland's remotest mountains and lochs. But the lure of the wilderness and the beguiling beauty of the awaiting glens draw them northwards. Being one with nature saved them in their darkest hour years earlier—and their hope is that this experience can work its magic again.

Highly recommend

  • By Penny Tapp on 05-08-24

I Can See for Miles Audiobook By Hollie Stuart cover art

I Can See for Miles

  • Overcoming the Past and Running to My Future

By: Hollie Stuart

  • Narrated by: Hollie Stuart
  • Length: 5 hrs and 52 mins
  • Story 5 out of 5 stars 3

For the first time in her life, Hollie lets go of the past and really lives, embracing a life of adventure. She skydives from ten thousand feet. She scales Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. She runs international marathons. She takes a solo trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania. In the end, as Hollie stands atop all her triumphs and losses, she realizes she is not her depression or her traumas. An uplifting story of endurance, determination, and transformation, Hollie Stuart’s debut memoir I Can See for Miles is not to be missed.

Excellent storytelling! I look forward to her next book😊

  • By Samantha on 03-04-24

How to Be the Best Furniture Salesperson Audiobook By Leon Ehumadu cover art

How to Be the Best Furniture Salesperson

  • If You Want to Skyrocket Your Sales, Take Action and Read This Book Now.

By: Leon Ehumadu

  • Narrated by: KC Wayman
  • Length: 3 hrs

All the most well-known leaders in sales have one thing in common: They believe in continuous growth and learning from those who have walked the path before you. Leon Ehumadu has walked that path in exactly your trajectory. Not only does he know what works and what doesn’t work in sales he knows what works and what doesn’t work in furniture sales. Consistently successful salesmanship requires you to quickly understand any situation that lies before you and interpret the needs of your customer. It requires you to make that customer trust you…and then go forth and spread the word.

Time to Excel

  • By Gerald on 04-28-24

Urgent Calls from Distant Places Audiobook By Marc-David Munk cover art

Urgent Calls from Distant Places

  • An Emergency Doctor’s Notes About Life and Death on the Frontiers of East Africa

By: Marc-David Munk

  • Narrated by: Marc-David Munk
  • Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins
  • Overall 4 out of 5 stars 2
  • Performance 4 out of 5 stars 2
  • Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 2

From his unarmed air ambulance, Munk and his team treated patients suffering from severe trauma, possible Ebola hemorrhagic fever, elephantiasis, malaria, and gunshot wounds. In Urgent Calls from Distant Places , the missions described are real and compelling.

Fun listen for all and especially medically trained

  • By compe on 03-17-24

Around the World in 80 Trains Audiobook By Monisha Rajesh cover art

Around the World in 80 Trains

  • A 45,000-Mile Adventure

By: Monisha Rajesh

  • Narrated by: Monisha Rajesh
  • Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins
  • Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 101
  • Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 92
  • Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 91

When Monisha Rajesh announced plans to circumnavigate the globe in 80 train journeys, she was met with wide-eyed disbelief. But it wasn’t long before she was carefully plotting a route that would cover 45,000 miles - almost twice the circumference of the earth - coasting along the world’s most remarkable railways; from the cloud-skimming heights of Tibet’s Qinghai railway to silk-sheeted splendour on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Packing up her rucksack - and her fiancé, Jem, Monisha embarks on an unforgettable adventure.

Surprisingly negative

  • By Monica Leo on 08-13-21

Learn Spanish While You Sleep & Learn Spanish While Driving in Your Car Audiobook By Patrick Jackson cover art

Learn Spanish While You Sleep & Learn Spanish While Driving in Your Car

  • Over 50 Hours of Learning Spanish Lessons from Beginner or Basic Spanish to Intermediate Conversational Spanish

By: Patrick Jackson

  • Narrated by: Valentino Blanco, Diego Martinez, Liliana Sanchez
  • Length: 51 hrs and 51 mins
  • Overall 3 out of 5 stars 96
  • Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 52

Are you ready to "Learn Spanish While You Sleep" or "Learn Spanish While You Drive In Your Car"? This versatile 2-in-1 course is designed for the modern learner. Whether you're tucked in bed or on the move, this innovative program adapts to your lifestyle, making Spanish learning accessible, enjoyable, and remarkably effective.

My only gripe about this

  • By Reginald Clark on 12-14-23

What listeners say about 50 Places to Visit Before You Die

  • 5 out of 5 stars 5.0 out of 5.0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews, amazon reviews.

  • Overall 5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance 5 out of 5 stars
  • Story 5 out of 5 stars

Profile Image for Josh Miller

  • Josh Miller

You won't get this information anywhere else. Each destination was explained in great detail. This book will give you the excitement to visit some of these destinations. I love that it was nicely narrated as well. There are places in each part of the world for you to learn about. I highly suggest giving this a listen.

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  • David Perrotta

This is a fantastic book for increasing one's bucket list and inspiring future travel. This book is amazing; it really pulls you in with its eclectic array of locations. you can easily go through to get ideas for your next travels. The book offers a taste of what a place has to offer and covers both well-known and far-flung inaccessible locations. It has all the information need to have an amazing trip.

Profile Image for K G

Excellent destiantions!

Oh, this audiobook has totally given me the urge to go book a trip! I really like the way this audiobook is organized; for instance, it is grouped by natural wonders, culinary destinations, ethical destinations, etc. I found that very useful. My favorite section of the audiobook is chapter 5 Off the Beaten Path; the part on Bhutan completely captured my imagination!

Profile Image for Anonymous

A Must-Have for Every Wanderlust Soul

As someone with a relentless wanderlust, "50 Places to Visit Before You Die: A Traveller's Ultimate Bucket List" not only fueled my passion for travel but also provided an immersive auditory experience that was both enlightening and inspiring. The narrator’s engaging and clear voice takes you on a global journey, making each destination come alive as if you're already there. The selection of places included in this audiobook is wonderfully diverse, covering hidden gems and iconic landmarks across all continents. Each location is described with such vivid detail and intriguing historical and cultural insights that I often found myself completely absorbed in the narrative. The practical tips and anecdotes shared by the author add a personal touch, making the experience more relatable and realistic. What sets this audiobook apart is its ability to cater to a variety of travelers. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a lover of luxury, or someone who enjoys off-the-beaten-path explorations, there's something in here for you. The sound design, complete with subtle background music and ambient sounds, enhances the overall listening experience, making it easy to envision oneself in each of these amazing places. Additionally, the audiobook format is perfect for those who are always on the go. I found it to be a great companion during my commutes and while planning my next travel adventures. The chapters are well-organized, allowing listeners to easily revisit sections as they plot their own journeys. In summary, "50 Places to Visit Before You Die" is not just an audiobook; it's a global adventure packed into an auditory masterpiece. It's a must-listen for anyone with a deep love for travel, brimming with inspiration and information that will compel you to start packing your bags. A five-star journey in every sense!

Profile Image for Woman of a Thousand Laughs

  • Woman of a Thousand Laughs

Love this Bucket List!!

My husband and I are within 10 years of retirement and REALLY looking forward to it (we may retire a bit early). So we have begun in earnest to look at how to maximize everything before we lose out health (as many do). We would love to be super healthy into out 80's and 90's, but let's be realistic, we only have so much control over all that. That being said, my favorite chapter in this book is 7: Culinary Journey's. There is SO much great food out there and we have lived in just 3 places around the US and are looking forward to experiencing authentic food all around the globe. My husband's favorite chapter was 5: Off the Beaten Path. Thanks for getting us even more excited about retirement.

a thrilling journey

"50 Places to Visit Before You Die is a captivating travel companion that ignites wanderlust and fuels adventure. From exotic destinations to hidden gems, each recommendation offers a glimpse into the world's wonders. Listening to this book felt like embarking on a thrilling journey, inspiring me to dream big and explore the beauty our planet has to offer."

Profile Image for Carla

Globe-Trotting Unlocked

An inspiring listen that turns travel dreams into a tangible checklist. '50 Places to Visit Before You Die' is not just a travel guide; it's a passport to experiencing the vast beauty and diversity of our planet. From awe-inspiring natural wonders to hidden cultural treasures, this audiobook is a treasure trove of travel inspiration. A must-listen for both seasoned travelers and first-timers ready to embark on a life-changing journey. Start packing; adventure awaits!

Profile Image for Krista

So Many Wonderful Vacay Ideas

For passionate travelers seeking inspiration, this audiobook is a must-listen. It explores a diverse array of travel experiences, ensuring there's something to spark every listener's wanderlust. The book offers detailed insights into various destinations and activities, enriching your planning process. However, its value extends beyond mere travel inspiration. It examines travel's profound impact on enhancing our lives, from expanding our perspectives and fostering cultural understanding to boosting our mental health and overall wellness. The audiobook articulates the myriad ways travel contributes to our personal growth and happiness.

Profile Image for Bekah

Great to start your dream planning

This was such a fun audiobook. I have 3 small kids right now, but I love dreaming about the places I'll go when they get older. Some places I would like to take them with me once they are a little older and others I want to take an adults-only trip. This was such a fun book to daydream with and start planning my dream destinations. If you know you want to travel but don't know where you want to go yet, this is the book for you.

Profile Image for Drake

A Wanderlust's Dream Guide

"50 Places to Visit Before You Die" is the ultimate wanderlust's dream guide. This audiobook takes you on a captivating journey through some of the world's most stunning and culturally rich destinations. Each description is vividly detailed, offering a taste of the culture, history, and natural beauty of each place. Listening to this audiobook was like embarking on a virtual world tour from the comfort of my home. It's a must-listen for travel enthusiasts, and it has me excited to start checking off my own bucket list.

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