What’s next on your travel bucket list? With so many places worth visiting, it can be difficult to narrow down your list to your top places to visit.
Sometimes it’s the famous attractions, delicious cuisine, and stunning hotels that draw us to a certain destination, and other times it’s the bragging rights that come with visiting every continent, country, or state. Whatever your motivation, we’ve rounded up 24 incredible trips, with unique experiences and iconic landmarks you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
So what makes a trip truly life-changing? The answer varies from traveler to traveler, but one thing is for sure: from African safaris to classic road trips, this list will get you excited to plan your next big adventure.
Italy
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Choosing between the historic cities of Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence for the best destination to visit in Italy seems impossible, which is why the entire country deserves a spot on your list. Start in the Eternal City and head north through the rolling hills of Tuscany to visit Florence, followed by Milan or Venice, or head south to the beaches of the beautiful Amalfi Coast and Sicily.
New York, New York State
Visit the Statue of libertyStanding on top of the Empire State Building, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: these are just a few of the things you can only do in New York City. Whether you dream of visiting every place you’ve seen on screen, seeing a Broadway show, or making your way through the city’s different neighborhoods, there’s no doubt that New York deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Tokyo, Japan
Old meets new in Japan's vibrant capital. Historic temples and shrines, bustling shopping districts, delicious cuisine, a huge music scene and some of the world's best theme parks and attractions: whatever your interests, there's something for you. Tokyo.
Paris, France
Paris, France
Looking at the The Eiffel Tower sparkles Whether you want to discover the most beautiful cities in France or simply soak up the atmosphere of a trendy neighborhood, Paris is an ideal place for you. Other dream destinations like Mont-Saint-Michel, Chamonix and the Côte d'Azur are also worth a visit.
Morocco
Bustling medinas, intricate architecture, and a unique combination of cultural influences make Morocco a country unlike any other in the world. Whether you travel to the bustling city of Marrakech, pretty coastal towns, or remote desert cities (or hopefully all three), a trip to Morocco is sure to be unforgettable.
Greece
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From the whitewashed houses of Santorini to the party scene of Ios and the laid-back atmosphere of Milos, there’s a Greek island perfect for every type of traveler. Island hopping gives you the chance to experience more of what the country has to offer, but plan ahead spend a few days in Athens at the beginning and/or end of your trip.
Machu Picchu
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Seeing the historic ruins of the Inca Empire in the heart of the breathtaking Andes at Machu Picchu is an undeniably life-changing experience. The ruins of the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu are worth the trip. For some travelers, this journey, often done by train or on foot as a multi-day hike, is a large part of the experience.
African Safari
Seeing majestic animals like lions, elephants and rhinos in the wild is a dream that is best realized with a African SafariSouth Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya are among the most popular safari destinations – and in each of these countries you will find amazing lodges and tour operators which can help you spot these creatures in their natural habitat.
Egypt
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Whether you dream of sailing on the famous Nile, of seeing the pyramids of gizaor visiting the ancient Valley of the Kings, Egypt's historical wonders make this destination one of a kind (and worthy of a spot on your travel bucket list).
Maldives
Unlike many of the action-packed trips on this list, Maldives is synonymous with relaxation, luxury and romance. A stay in an overwater bungalow perched over turquoise waters is the ultimate getaway that is well worth the long-haul flight and often expensive accommodations.
Antarctica Cruise
Want to visit all seven continents? Cross Antarctica off your list with a cruise. Several major cruise lines offer trips to Antarctic, offering incredible views of the ice and wildlife from the comfort and safety of a ship. Travelers typically land and depart from Buenos Aires en route to Ushuaia (where most cruises depart from); we recommend spending a few days in the fascinating Argentine city before your shipment.
Australia
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Dubbed one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see for many wildlife lovers. Of course, Australia’s stunning coastline, iconic Sydney Opera House and furry creatures like kangaroos and koalas are also reasons to visit. Fly into Sydney and spend a few days there before heading out to explore this vast country full of natural beauty.
Galapagos Islands
Incredible and diverse plant and animal species make up the Galapagos Islands Another must-see for nature-loving travelers. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is best explored by cruise, so you can take in as many breathtaking landscapes and wildlife as possible during your trip.
India
Like the other countries on this list, India has countless destinations worth exploring, but one of the most famous attractions that travelers dream of seeing for themselves is the Taj Mahal. This 17th-century white marble mausoleum has been drawing visitors to Agra for years. Luxury travelers might consider a train ride on the Maharajas' Express (with a stop at the Taj Mahal) as the ultimate experience. Travelers planning to visit the Taj Mahal or take a luxury train ride will want to fly to Delhi, India's capital territory.
Petra, Jordan
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The stunning ancient city of Petra is made up of several impressive structures carved into sandstone rock faces, including the famous Al-Khazneh. The city dates back thousands of years, making it a remarkable site UNESCO World Heritage Site a must-see for history buffs.
The Himalayas
Spanning India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan and Nepal, the Himalayas are home to some of the world’s highest peaks, which also means breathtaking mountain views. For adventurous and active travellers, trekking to Everest Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Road trip in American national parks
THE classic american road trip is a must-see on many travelers' bucket lists — and for good reason. The incredible national parksincluding the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, are best explored on road trips with stops at charming little towns and kitsch roadside attractions.
Great Wall of China
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Stretching across China for thousands of miles, with sections dating back nearly 2,000 years, the Great Wall is considered one of the The New Seven Wonders of the WorldVisitors can hike along parts of the wall – some areas are located just a short drive from Beijing, so it's a perfect day trip from the city.
Easter Island
The hundreds of monolithic moai statues have attracted curiosity Visitors to Easter Island for years. This remote Polynesian island is worth the detour for travelers hoping to see these impressive human figures while enjoying incredible coastal views.
Journey to the Northern Lights
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The elusive Northern Lights can be seen in several destinations near the Arctic Circle, including Alaska, Iceland, Canada, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. All of these locations offer incredible viewpoints (and even hotels where you can observe the phenomenon from your bed), plus a stunning winter landscape. (The lights are best seen from late fall to early spring.)
Thailand and Vietnam
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A trip to Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street food. While you could spend weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired together for an exciting trip filled with lush landscapes, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Got some free time? Add Cambodia to the mix and include a visit to the vast Angkor Wat.
Cappadocia, Türkiye
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Many travelers dream of experiencing this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the air, aboard a hot air balloon. From this vantage point, you can truly admire the unique rock topography, dotted with fairy chimneys and pillars, river valleys, and cliffs. As the central region of Turkey can experience snowy winters, it is best to book your hot air balloon experience between April and November.
Namibia
One of the least populated countries, the beauty of Namibia can be enjoyed with panoramic views of desolate and otherworldly landscapes. This country in southwest Africa is home to (and named after) the world's oldest desert, the Namib Desert, and the coast is also where you can see some of the world's largest sand dunes and incredible views of the desert meeting the Atlantic Ocean.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
With eye-catching architecture, huge shopping malls, desert excursions and plenty of beaches, Dubai offers diverse attractions for a wide range of travelers. The most temperate time to visit the hot city, which enjoys 300 days of sunshine, is from November to February, and winter is also the most suitable time for relaxation. Dubai Shopping Festival takes place.
