Ever dreamed of exploring the world, one breathtaking destination at a time? Traveling is about fun, adventure, self-discovery, cultural immersion, and personal growth. It can be overwhelming to decide where to go next because of the many beautiful places to choose from. Not to forget what things you want to experience in those places. So, to fire up your wanderlust, here are the top 23 bucket list travel destinations around the world. From the ancient wonders to the stunning beaches, you can surely find a place that will satisfy your dream vacation.
1. Maldives
The Maldives must earn a spot on your bucket list of travel destinations. It’s a luxury travel that is a favorite of many big personalities worldwide. The Maldives is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where the turquoise water is as clear as crystal. Just imagine how snorkeling will be a lot different here, considering the magnificent beauty of the ocean. Staying in this stunning place gives a peaceful retreat.
2. Iceland
If you want adventure and want to explore nature, Iceland is one of the best places to travel. It is surrounded by natural beauty, such as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights. Iceland has a colorful history where Viking’s cultural heritage is still very visible today. One more interesting thing about Iceland is how pristine its environment contributes to a high quality of life for its people.
3. Japan
The Japanese way of living through Ikigai has been gaining popularity. For this reason, Japan is considered one of the top travel destinations for those who are looking for cultural travel. You can try traditional arts like ikebana and calligraphy for a new experience. At the same time, you can admire and embrace the awesome natural beauty of mountain landscapes and the surrounding greenery that is known only in Japanese culture. For a bustling experience of the city, Japan has many locations to explore, like Tokyo. With its perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations, Japan offers an experience that will make you want to return.
4. Italy
Are you looking forward to experiencing Southern Europe? Italy should be on your bucket list of travel destinations. It will end your longing for artistic brilliance and ancient history with a mix of good food. Italy has a lot of beautiful cities that need to be explored. There’s Rome, where you can see the remnants of the Roman Empire. There’s also a very romantic place in Florence, adorned with galleries and churches. Not to forget the city that was built on water, Venice. If you want the fashion capital, you should also check out Milan.
5. Greece
To the tip of South Eastern Europe is the beautiful country of Greece, where Western Civilization all started, so it’s rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The places you only read about in books, you can already explore once you get to Greece: the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Poseidon. If you want to experience their paradise, you can visit the Aegean Sea, which has its unique charm. There is also the famous Mykonos, where you can see the whitewashed buildings with blue-domed churches.
6. Australia
Thinking of visiting the land down under? Australia is one country you should not miss. A huge continent on its own located in the Southern Hemisphere, it is a place of unique wildlife, a laid-back lifestyle, and natural beauty. Australia is known for its diverse landscapes. It has the Outback, a desert region where you can see the iconic koalas, kangaroos, and wombats. There’s also the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the world’s natural wonders. And, of course, the Tropical North, where you can explore the lush rainforests and beautiful beaches.
7. New Zealand
Another dream vacation for nature lovers is New Zealand, also known as the Land of the Long White Cloud, which helped the ancient Polynesian navigators discover this land. New Zealand is surrounded by natural beauty that can capture the heart of anyone. Experience outdoor activities like skiing and hiking in the Southern Alps that dominate the South Island. There’s also the Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning fjords, mountains, and wilderness. Among the must-see places in New Zealand are the bustling city of Auckland, the adventure capital of Queenstown, and the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Make sure you don’t miss these when you plan your trip.
8. South Africa
If you are looking for another cultural trip to a different continent, don’t forget to include South Africa. It has a rich culture of indigenous Africans, Asian immigrants, and European settlers. It’s also known as a paradise for wildlife where you can see the iconic “Big Five:” lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes. If you want to experience these animals, you must visit Kruger National Park, which is a world-class safari. Visit also the beautiful city of Cape Town, where you can witness the colorful cultural scene of the Africans. For the unique blend of culture and adventure, South Africa must be on your bucket list of travel destinations.
9. Peru
The breathtaking landscapes of Peru are located on the west coast of South America. This awe-inspiring country is where the most advanced civilization of the Inca Empire started. This pre-Columbian American tribe left behind iconic places like Machu Picchu. You can find this great Incan citadel perched high in the Andes, giving you an experience like no other. Visit the historic capital, Cusco, adorned with colonial architecture and fascinating indigenous culture.
10. Egypt
Who wouldn’t want to visit Egypt? A land of ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes, it attracts everyone for a visit and adventure. Explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Then there’s the Great Sphinx of Giza and the Valley of the Kings. If you’re up for temple explorations, there’s the Karnak Temple Complex and the Luxor Temple. Outside the pyramids, experience also the lifeblood of Egypt, which is the Nile River. The Red Sea Coast also offers a stunning coastline that’s perfect for diving and snorkeling.
11. Thailand
Are you planning to explore the beautiful Asian continent? One of the best places to travel in Asia is Thailand, also known as the “Land of Smiles.” Explore the vibrant capital city of Bangkok, where you can see ancient temples, night markets, and lively nightlife. Check out the Grand Palace, where the royal family used to live. For the beautiful beaches where you can try water sports, visit Phuket. Don’t forget that Thai cuisine is also worth experiencing with their signature Thai massage. Throughout the year, Thailand has lots of colorful festivals that you can witness to immerse yourself in Thai culture fully.
12. France
Nestled in Western Europe is the fascinating country of France. This is another one not to be missed when you make your bucket list of travel destinations. France is historically rich with ancient Roman ruins, Renaissance places, and medieval castles, which is just perfect for someone looking to travel in a luxury that boasts history. Experience arts, literature, and music when you visit France. Satisfy your fashionista vibe too, as the French are known for luxury fashion and elegance. If you’re up for some wine tasting, don’t forget that France is a leading wine producer that will give you the finest wine experience.
13. Morocco
Morocco is a charming North African country with an exciting mix of culture, landscapes, and history. Visit Morocco during the spring or autumn seasons, when the weather is pleasant, and it’s perfect for experiencing diverse attractions. Explore the must-visit places like Marrakech. It’s a bustling city with nice-looking palaces and lively souks. For the famous ceramic workshops, you can visit the historic city of Fes, known for ancient medicine and traditional tanneries. To experience the camel treks, you can try the Merzouga, the Sahara Desert gateway. Then there’s Casablanca, the biggest city in Morocco, which is famous for its Art Deco architecture.
14. Antarctica
Antarctica’s last frontier is found at the southernmost tip of the world. It can only be reached in one of two ways: through Argentina’s city of Ushuaia. From there, the trek is about 48 hours through a ship departing from the city all summer. It’s no easy feat because getting to Antarctica requires a permit, and the price is not high enough for everyone. Once in Antarctica, you’ll see amazing wildlife, ice formations, and tour the scientific bases. It should be remembered that the island of ice is not a country but a region where nearby countries govern it. So it is best to arrange package tours when you’re in this territory to experience kayaking between ice formations and even do scuba diving and see marine life.
15. Bhutan
Bhutan is for you if you’re into high-altitude trekking and experiencing unique cultural travel experiences. The small Himalayan kingdom boasts of the challenging Snowman Trek. It is a 25-day trek that starts from Lunana through the northern part of the country. The trek offers breathtaking views of Bhutan’s highest mountains, including Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gangkar Puensum. You should also attend its colorful festivals called “Tsechus,” which are founded to celebrate its founder, Guru Rinpoche. Their national food is one for the books, as you should try their chili cheese stew called Ema Datshi.”
16. Costa Rica
Let your hair down, and be free to let it all hang loose. This is Costa Rica. This is where you leave everything behind, including all your cares. Disconnect from your worries and let nature travel its course in all the places you will enjoy, from hiking through the lava fields of Arenal Volcano National Park to the jungles of Monteverde, where the longest zipline is located in the whole of Southern America. This is the place to be. Soak up in the refreshing waters of Rio Celeste in Guanacaste while kayaking too in the wilderness of Osa Peninsula. Treat yourself to a trip down a cacao farm to appreciate the chocolates of the land. This is Costa Rica, where you enjoy it far away from it all.
17. Canada
Canada is best known for its destinations in Calgary and Montreal, where French culture is intertwined with the rich history of this giant nation. Its landscapes have vast farmlands, great lakes, and rocky mountains. One must be a nature lover to appreciate the cold country of Canada, where wildlife abounds, such as wild bears and elks. Canada is also famous for maple syrup, so its flag is a nod to its maple leaf. Maple syrup production can be found in Quebec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. You should visit the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount in Montreal, Quebec.
18. Norway
Magical things come to mind when Norway is mentioned. From majestic fjords to the Northern Lights, these wonders are best enjoyed during differing times of the year. To experience the wonder of the Northern Lights, it’s best to visit Norway between the winter months of December and March. The Fjords are best explored during May and September, which are shoulder months that can mean more for your budget. As a new traveler, it would be best to visit Oslo, Norway—its government center, where historical influences of old and modern times abound. List down the Akker Brygge, Munch Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Akershus Fortress as the places to visit. For food, Farikal (national dish), Pinnekjott (lamb dish), and Lefse are the ones you must experience.
19. Switzerland
Switzerland is one of those bucket list travel destinations you will write off, especially if you’re working on a budget. But that was before because you can now experience it all inexpensively. For one, visit the scenic lakes of Lucerne, Geneva, Zurich, and Lugano. Take train rides to those destinations and spend mostly your mobile phone’s power. Enjoy the breeze, take boat rides, and just spend a lot of time talking with your friends and family along the scenic route. You can also try the Glacier Express train, with its huge windows and comfortable seats will make the whole trip magical, seeing the snow-capped mountains, the gorges, and the glaciers. It’s one for the bucket list.
20. Brazil
Brazil is one of the must-see places on earth at the side of South America. Its Portuguese cultural backdrop makes for an exciting place to venture out into a world full of diverse ways of life and heritage. For one, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue found on Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro is one of the top destinations one must go to. It overlooks the famous Amazon forest, which is touted to be twice the land size of India. It’s that big. You can also soak up the sun along the stretches of Copacabana Beach and Ipanema, where you can also celebrate the colorful festivities of their Carnival celebrations with much fervor. There are a lot of sights, sounds, and scenes for those who want to experience the splendid color arrays of Brazil.
21. Spain
Spain is wrapped in history with all its military might and power from centuries past. The famous country has dominated much of the Americas and a part of Asia, and it’s no surprise to wander and be in awe of its places to visit. For one, the places to see for a first-timer are Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza, and Valencia, but strategically, start in Madrid and stay in hostels, which will provide you with budget travel stays like The Hat Madrid, The Newton Hostel, and Toc Hostel Madrid. These properties are right in the city center of Madrid. From there, visit historical sites like the ancient Roman Ruins, which include some of those charms from the nearby medieval towns and the Mediterranean coast. At night, make it a point to see live Flamenco performances at the Teatro Flamenco Madrid.
22. China
China has 5,000 years of culture under its belt. Unlike the Western world, this Asian destination is filled with history, culture, and flavors. First, head to Beijing, where not only is the seat of government found, but also historic places to see and visit. Start your adventure by choosing the right hostel for you. The Peking Yard Hostel is closest to the City Center, and it might be the right accommodation for you. To begin your journey, visit the Great Wall for a day tour. On your list are the Beijing Palace Museum, Tiananmen Square, and Jingshan Park. For your best street food experience, visit the Donghuamen Night Market and experience Chinese food like no other.
23. United States
There’s always something for everyone visiting the United States, but if it is your place to be, the best place to go is where everyone goes—where to experience culture, food, and nightlife. If you’re into culture and arts, the city centers of San Francisco, California, New York City, Chicago, and Seattle are your bet. For culture, we believe going to the mountain ranges of Montana State, the Texas farmlands, and the Tennessee music is your best bet to experience the life and journey of American culture. But do not forget to experience the best barbecue ribs in Texas and the southern charm of Louisiana, where the best Cajun cooking you’ll ever find.
Inspiring Your Wanderlust
There are so many awesome places to explore and experience that will give you the satisfaction you seek. And out of the 195 countries worldwide, these 23 countries are worth a meaningful exploration for a travel experience like no other. It doesn’t matter if you are an expert or a beginner in traveling. You’ll never regret putting these countries on your bucket list of travel destinations.