The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
1000+ Ideas From Around the Globe
All my life, I’ve been obsessed with travel. I was never content to stay in one place very long, always planning my next weekend getaway or rare weeklong expedition, usually to national parks scattered around the Western United States, where I call home.
I started this blog to showcase the world’s beauty and inspire others to find their confidence to see the world. I do this by focusing on holistic travel, which emphasizes creating connections, nourishing your soul and reconnecting with the wonder and joy that’s within all of us.
The idea of not being able to see all that this world has to offer breaks my heart, and I knew that I wanted to do everything in my power to see as much as I could. I started to compile the ultimate bucket list with holistic travel in mind - to travel to the most wonderful places and immerse myself in incredibly rich and diverse cultures around the world. It took months, but I’ve finally come up with my list: everything I want to see, from far-flung cities to nature reserves to historical monuments.
With over 1000 ideas, this list is not for the faint of heart. It’s also not finished: as I grow and learn, it will evolve with me. I've already started italicizing the things I've done, but I know it will take years - probably decades - for me to cross off everything on this list. I couldn’t be more excited.
My hope is that it serves as a jumping-off point for you to create your own list! Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a specific country or are looking to create your own global bucket list, feel free to add, pick and choose, or just take the whole list as-is (and reach out to me if you see something missing that should be added!)
Let’s see where we’ll go:
I started this blog to showcase the world’s beauty and inspire others to find their confidence to see the world. I do this by focusing on holistic travel, which emphasizes creating connections, nourishing your soul and reconnecting with the wonder and joy that’s within all of us.
The idea of not being able to see all that this world has to offer breaks my heart, and I knew that I wanted to do everything in my power to see as much as I could. I started to compile the ultimate bucket list with holistic travel in mind - to travel to the most wonderful places and immerse myself in incredibly rich and diverse cultures around the world. It took months, but I’ve finally come up with my list: everything I want to see, from far-flung cities to nature reserves to historical monuments.
With over 1000 ideas, this list is not for the faint of heart. It’s also not finished: as I grow and learn, it will evolve with me. I've already started italicizing the things I've done, but I know it will take years - probably decades - for me to cross off everything on this list. I couldn’t be more excited.
My hope is that it serves as a jumping-off point for you to create your own list! Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a specific country or are looking to create your own global bucket list, feel free to add, pick and choose, or just take the whole list as-is (and reach out to me if you see something missing that should be added!)
Let’s see where we’ll go:
Source: Pixabay
The United States
While most of this list is organized by continent, the United States, my home country, is the exception. With 114 ideas, it has more ideas than some continents - partly because it’s where I spend most of my time!
The United States features every type of ecosystem you could want to explore, from deserts to rainforests, beaches and grasslands, mountains and more. Featuring vibrant cities and some of the most beautiful national parks on the planet (not to mention quite a few road trip ideas), check out some of the best this country has to offer:
The United States features every type of ecosystem you could want to explore, from deserts to rainforests, beaches and grasslands, mountains and more. Featuring vibrant cities and some of the most beautiful national parks on the planet (not to mention quite a few road trip ideas), check out some of the best this country has to offer:
General Road Trip Ideas (5)
- Ultimate Lower 48 Road Trip
- Mississippi River road trip in Autumn
- New England & Blue Ridge Parkway in Autumn
- The Great Lakes
- Appalachian Mountains, Georgia Coastline, and Savannah to Asheville road trip
- Explore Denali National Park
- See glaciers at Kenai Fjords National Park
- Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
- Admire Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
- Look for bears around Katmai National Park and Preserve,
- Get cold at Mendenhall Glacier Caves
- See Horseshoe Bend and Superstition Mountains
- Check out the cacti at Organ Pipe Cactus NM and Saguaro NP
- Visit Monument Valley
- Explore Sedona
- Explore Picacho Peak State Park
- Visit the Phoenix Art Museum
- Hike the Grand Canyon
- Visit Point Reyes National Seashore and see the lighthouse and Cypress Tree Tunnel
- Admire the waterfalls at Mcarthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park/Burney Falls State Park
- See the wildflowers at Anza Borrego Desert State Park
- Kayak Tomales Bay to see bioluminescent plankton
- Explore Lake Tahoe
- See Devil’s Postpile National Monument
- Kayak the Channel Islands
- Camp at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Kayak in La Jolla, San Diego
- Take a road trip around Big Sur
- Spend time in San Francisco
- Explore the beachside towns of Monterey, Carmel and Half Moon Bay
- Wander in the Redwoods
- Spelunk in Lava Beds National Monument
- See Joshua Tree and Salvation Mountain
- Explore Mono Lake and the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada range
- Visit Yosemite
- See Rocky Mountain National Park
- Hike the Garden of the Gods
- Visit the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
- Explore the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- Admire the colors at Paint Mines Interpretive Park
- Check out Disneyworld and Universal Studios
- Visit Miami
- Snorkel at Biscayne National Park
- See manatees at Blue Springs Park
- Scuba dive at Devils Spring System
- Explore Everglades National Park
- Photograph the abandoned Everglades Gatorland
- Kayak Florida’s mangroves
- Explore the haunts of Savannah
- Visit Atlanta
- Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- Snorkel at Kiholo Bay on the Kona Coast
- Look for waterfalls at Akaka Falls State Park
- Hike the Na Pali Coast, Kauai
- Celebrate the Floating Lantern Festival
- Craters of the Moon National Monument
- City of Rocks National Reserve
- See Chicago (Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago)
- Visit Galena and the Mississippi River
- Explore Kaskaskia Canyon (Starved Rock State Park)
- Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans
- Cruise Caddo Lake SP
- Visit Acadia National Park
- Explore Salem
- Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston
- Wander the Ozark National Forest
- Wander Glacier National Park
- Explore Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Hike in Flathead National Forest
- Explore Valley of Fire State Park
- Check out Lake Tahoe
- Celebrate Burning Man Festival
- See the Lakes of the Clouds in the White Mountains
- Explore Santa Fe (Georgia O’Keeffe Museum)
- Visit White Sands National Monument
- Hike Bisti / De-Na-Zin Badlands
- Visit Chaco Culture National Historic Park
- See Cave Homes in Bandelier National Monument
- Visit Taos Pueblo
- Check out the caves in Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area
- Explore Carlsbad Caverns
- Visit museums in New York City (the Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and Cooper Hewitt Museum)
- Admire waterfalls at Letchworth State Park and Watkins Glen State Park
- Look for waterfalls at Hocking Hills State Park
- Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Autumn
- Take the ultimate Oregon Coastal Road Trip
- Hike around Natural Bridges Viewpoint and Secret Beach
- Soak in Umpqua Hot Springs
- Go waterfall hunting (Abiqua falls, Toketee falls, Silver Falls State Park, Oneonta Falls, Multnomah Falls)
- Hike Columbia River Gorge
- Admire the colors at Painted Hills
- Visit the cities of Portland and Bend
- Explore Skylight Cave
- Explore Philadelphia
- Visit Penn’s Cave
- Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Walk around Memphis
- Hike Big Bend National Park
- Dive into Jacob’s Well in Wimberly
- Check out the art scene in Marfa
- Check out the arches in Arches National Park
- Photograph the Bonneville Salt Flats
- Drive around Castle Valley and Valley of the Gods
- Hike the slot canyons at Grand Staircase-Escalante
- Explore Bryce Canyon
- Experience the waters of Zion
- Hike Shenandoah National Park in Autumn
- Admire waterfalls Great Falls Park
- Visit Olympic National Park
- Hike around Mt Rainier
- Visit the Smithsonian
- Hike Dolly Sods Wilderness and Bear Rocks Preserve in the Allegheny Highlands in Autumn
- Visit Yellowstone National Park
Source: Oleg Magni
Africa
With 173 ideas, Africa has the third most bucket list ideas of any continent, but the highest number of countries (54!!) Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s less interesting - it has some of the most interesting places in the world, from the stunning Serengeti to the ancient pyramids of Egypt.
Tanzania (13) and Namibia (12) have the most ideas of all the countries in Africa, followed closely by Ethiopia and Morocco (10 each). With all of the incredible things to see and cultures to visit here, Africa is definitely a place I can’t wait to visit!
Tanzania (13) and Namibia (12) have the most ideas of all the countries in Africa, followed closely by Ethiopia and Morocco (10 each). With all of the incredible things to see and cultures to visit here, Africa is definitely a place I can’t wait to visit!
General (1)
- Take the Great African Road Trip
- Visit Algiers (Basilique Notre-Dame d’Afrique, Le Jardin d’Essai du Hamma, Casbah neighborhood UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Djémila (UNESCO WHS)
- Hike the M’Zab Valley (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the ancient Roman city of Timgad (UNESCO WHS)
- Experience the Kalandula Waterfalls
- See the Tundavala gap
- Visit Miradouro da Lua
- Take a safari in Pendjari National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit Grand Popo
- Pay my respects at the Gate of No Return in Ouidah
- See the Royal Palaces of Abomey (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the wildlife around the Okavango Delta (UNESCO WHS)
- See the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan
- Visit the Khama Rhino Sanctuary
- See the Baobabs on Kubu Island
- Meet the Kalahari Bushmen
- Make a donation to the CARACAL Biodiversity Center
- See the Ekom-Nkam Waterfalls
- Visit the Gorges de Kola canyon
- Look for a Mandrill in The Dja Faunal Reserve (UNSECO WHS)
- See Sangha Tri National forest
- Hatch some turtles at Santa Maria
- See the Boali waterfalls
- Visit elephants in Dzanga-sangha reserve
- Check out the wildlife in Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (UNSECO WHS)
- See mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park (UNESCO WHS) and visit Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
- Watch the inferno inside the crater of Mount Nyiragongo
- Admire Zongo Falls
- See Okapis at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Cairo (Historic Cairo (UNESCO WHS), Cairo Museum)
- See the Great Sphinx & Pyramids of Giza (UNESCO WHS)
- Snorkel and dive in Ras Muhammad NP, the Red Sea and the lost city of Heracleion
- Visit the Valley of the Kings
- See the emple of Abu Simbel (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Luxor
- Get hot at the Danakil depression, the hottest place on Earth
- Check out Lalibela (UNESCO WHS rock-cut churches, Ben Abeba Restaurant)
- See Gondar (the Camelot of Africa)
- Visit the rock churches in the Tigray region (Abuna Yemata Guh)
- Meet the locals in the Omo Valley (UNESCO WHS)
- See the Ark’s guardian in Aksum (UNESCO WHS)
- Marvel at the Blue Nile Falls
- Sail through Lake Chamo’s ‘Crocodile Market’
- See the lava lakes on top of Erta Ale
- Meet Lucy, the 3 million year old skeleton, at the National Museum of Ethiopia
- Visit Libreville
- Explore some of Gabon’s 13 national parks, such as Loango National Park (Africa’s Last Eden)
- Learn about leatherback turtles at Pongara National Park
- Visit waterfalls in Ivindo National Park
- Explore Minkébé National Park
- Walk through the trees at Kakum Canopy Walk
- Pay my respects at the dungeons of Cape Coast Castle (UNESCO WHS)
- Admire the Wli Waterfalls
- See Asante Traditional Buildings (UNESCO WHS)
- Spot some of the endangered wildlife around Mount Nimba (UNESCO WHS)
- Admire the Voile de la Mariee waterfalls
- Visit Taï National Park
- See Grand Bassam (UNESCO WHS)
- Admire the bamboo forest and Les Cascades de Man (Cascades Waterfall near Man)
- Explore Nairobi
- Visit Tsavo East & West National Parks to see animals
- Have breakfast with giraffes at Giraffe Manor
- Have dinner at the 180,000 years old Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant in Diani
- Hike through Hell’s Gate (Hell’s Gate NP)
- Go on safari at Maasai Mara National Reserve and observe the Great Migration
- Visit Elephants and Mt Kilimanjaro at Amboseli National Reserve
- See Lamu Old Town (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the Kayas in the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit Tsehlanyane National Park
- Admire Maletsunyane Falls
- Visit the Ha Kome cave houses
- Hike Maloti-Drakensberg Park (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the Avenue of the Baobabs
- See the pools of Isalo NP
- Explore Tsingy de Bemaraha (Stone Forest, UNESCO WHS)
- Dive with whale sharks at Nosy Be
- Witness the annual humpback whale migration at the island of Nosy Boraha (Île Sainte-Marie)
- Stay at Ankazoberavina resort - scuba diving and chance to see sea turtle nesting ethically
- Spot some wild lemurs at Andasibe National Park
- Support the charity Akany Avoko Faravohitra in Antananarivo
- Check out Timbuktu (UNESCO WHS)
- See the Great Mud Mosque of Djenne (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the Cliff Villages in Bandiagara (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit Le Morne Cultural Landscape (UNESCO WHS)
- See the Seven Coloured Earths sand dunes
- Dive at the Grand Baie
- Find some giant tortoises in La Vallée de Ferney
- Zip line at La Vallee des Couleurs (The Valley of Colors)
- See the Atlas Mountains (Todgha Gorge)
- Visit the blue city of Chefchaouen
- Explore Fes
- Walk along the beach at Legzira Plage
- Visit Marrakech (Jardin Majorelle, the Medina (UNESCO WHS), Saadian Tomb, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Observe the night transformation of the Jemaa el-Fna Square)
- Camp in the Sahara Desert
- Visit Volubilis
- Spend the night in a traditional riad
- See Tin Mal Mosque
- Find a Goat Tree!
- Hike Dune 45 at sunrise in Sossusvlei
- See the dead trees in Deadvlei
- Visit one of the indigenous tribes
- See the deserted houses of Kolmanskop
- Visit a rescued cheetah wildlife center
- Wander around Etosha National Park (giant salt lake, Okaukuejo waterhole)
- Admire Epupa Falls
- See the shipwrecks of the Skeleton Coast
- Spend a night in Ngepi Camp
- Find the Fairy Circles of Southern Africa
- See the Namib Sand Sea (UNESCO WHS)
- Spend some time stargazing
- Visit Obô Natural Park (Cão Grande Peak)
- See the São Nicolau Waterfall
- Explore Bom Bom Island
- Dive in the Lagoa Azul
- Try gorilla trekking
- Visit the city of Kigali (Kigali Genocide Museum)
- See Lakes Burera and Kivu
- Hike at Volcanoes National Park
- Experience a demonstration of traditional dance and music
- Visit Nyungwe Forest
- Visit the village of Joal-Fadiouth
- Swim in the pink waters of Lake Retba
- See the Sine-Saloum Delta (UNESCO WHS)
- Snorkel Aldabra Atoll (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the Vallée de Mai on Praslin (UNESCO WHS)
- Experience Spiagge di Anse Marron
- Check out the Turtle Islands
- Visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- See the apes on Tiwai Island
- Take a cross-country road trip (Sample Itinerary)
- Visit Addo Elephant NP
- See the waterfalls at Augrabies Falls NP
- Explore Cape Town (Table Mountain, Bo Kaap, see the penguins at Boulders Beach, Muizenberg Beach, See city views from Signal Hill, Camp in Beaverlac)
- See the Cango Caves
- Trek the Garden Route
- See the flowers at Namaqua NP
- Bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge
- See Bourke’s Luck Potholes at Moremela
- Visit the Nubian pyramids of Meroe (UNESCO WHS)
- See the El Kurru Tombs
- Snorkel Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island (UNESCO WHS)
- Go on safari in the Serengeti
- See the red Lake Natron
- Explore the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara (UNESCO WHS)
- Hike Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano to see its cold lava
- Swim in Kuza Cave
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- See the Chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park
- Visit a Masai Village
- Swim in Kikuletwa Hotsprings
- Explore the island of Zanzibar
- Experience Stone Town
- Visit Cheetah’s Rock Sanctuary
- Sleep in the underwater room at Manta Resort on Pemba Island
- Sleep at Sidi Driss (the Star Wars hotel)
- Check out the remains of the Star Wars sets near Tozeur
- Visit Ksar Ouled Soltane
- See the Amphitheatre of El Jem (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the Tunis medina (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit an abandoned Berber village in Zriba Olia’
- Try gorilla trekking and stay at the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (UNESCO WHS)
- See the source of Nile at Jinja
- Visit Murchison Falls National Park
- Visit the Batwa Pygmies (The First People of the Forest)
- Visit the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Tashkent (Chorsu Bazaar), Khiva
- Experience Victoria Falls and Devil’s Swimming Pool (UNESCO WHS)
- Try a Self-Drive Safari At South Luangwa National Park
- Cruise the Zambezi River
- Visit the Mukuni Village
- Experience Victoria Falls from a different country!
- See the world at Malindidzimu Hill (World’s View)
- Go on a canoe safari at the Mana Pools National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- Go on a walking safari to see Black Rhinos at Matobo National Park
Source: Pixabay
Asia
It’s only fitting that the world’s biggest continent has the biggest number of ideas. With 271 things to do, Asia’s 44 countries feature three with some of the largest idea counts yet (China, Japan and India).
Ranging from the tropics to the arid Middle East, there’s so much to experience here, from unique cultures, beautiful scenery, and some of the best food in the world!
Ranging from the tropics to the arid Middle East, there’s so much to experience here, from unique cultures, beautiful scenery, and some of the best food in the world!
General (1)
- Travel along the Trans-Siberian Railway (Varied Itineraries)
- Check out Ateshgah Fire Temple
- See the Mud Volcanoes at Gobustan National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Baku (Old City (UNESCO WHS), Flame Towers, Crystal Palace, Caspian Waterfront Mall, Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, Tower in Old Town, Museum of Miniature Books)
- Visit Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
- See Trongsa Dzong (the largest fortress in Bhutan)
- Practice archery and observe an archery tournament
- Visit Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
- Witness the dancing monks at a Tshechu festival
- Walk over the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan at Punakha
- Experience the sunrise over Old Bagan (UNESCO WHS)
- See the ruin of Inn Wa
- Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon (the oldest Buddhist pagoda in the world)
- Explore the Thanboddhay Pagoda near Monywa
- Walk over the U Bein Bridge (the oldest teak bridge in the world)
- Meet the holy snakes of Yadana Labamuni Hsu-Taung Pye Paya in Paleik
- Visit the Shwe Indein Pagoda at Indein
- See Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay
- Check out the fishermen of Inle Lake
- Experience sunrise at Angkor Wat (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the other temples at Siem Reap (Ta Prohm, East Mebon, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda, Ta Som, Banteay Kdei, Preah Khan, Angkor Thom and Bayon)
- Watch the sunset over the Battambang Bat Cave
- Experience Phnom Penh’s Central Market
- Go snorkeling in Phu Quoc
- Pay my respects at the Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau near Battambang
- Learn at the Pangolin Rehabilitation Center in Bati near Phnom Penh
- Experience the bioluminescent plankton around the Koh Rong Island
- Witness the Apsara Dance
- Visit the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Ming Tombs, Summer Palace)
- Sip tea in Hangzhou
- Visit the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi'an
- Climb to the Hanging Temple of Hengshan
- Experience the Red Seabeach in Dawa County
- Visit the Huanglong Travertine Pools (UNESCO WHS)
- Hike around the Three Natural Bridges near Chongqing
- Visit the incredible Hallelujah Mountain inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Hike the Shilin Stone Forest
- Visit the abandoned fishing village of Houtouwan
- Hear the Booming Dunes of Badain Jaran Desert
- See the waterfalls in autumn at Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- See the Leshan Giant Buddha (the biggest Buddha in the world)
- Visit the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (UNESCO WHS)
- Hike around Mount Sanqingshan National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit pandas at the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries
- See the Maijishan Grottoes
- Hike the colorful Danxia Landforms (UNESCO WHS)
- Walk over Haohan Qiao (“Brave Men’s Bridge”) and/or the East Taihang Glasswalk
- Dive to the underwater city of Shi Cheng
- Eat at the cliff-hanging restaurant of Fangweng
- Attend the Da Shuhua festival in Nuanquan
- Visit Guilin’s incredible hills
- See Deitan Falls (Ban Gioc) which straddles the border of China and Vietnam
- See the Taj Mahal
- Check out Chand Baori
- Walk over The Root Bridges of Cherrapunji
- See the monkeys at Hanuman’s Temple at Jaipur
- Visit Ellora Caves (UNESCO WHS)
- Admire Shatrunjaya Hill near Palitana
- See the Mahabat Maqbara in Junagadh
- Explore the single Great Banyan Tree forest near Calcutta
- Visit Rani Ki Vav in Patan (UNESCO WHS)
- Admire the Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh (UNESCO WHS)
- Sip tea in Kolukkumalai (the highest tea estate in the world)
- Experience Mayong (The city of black magic)
- Meet the Apatani Tribe in the village of Ziro
- Explore one of the wettest places on earth at Cherrapunji
- See the Akshardham Temple Complex at New Delhi
- Search for the world’s only surviving Asiatic lions in the Sasan Gir National Park
- Celebrate the Diwali and the Holi festivals
- Snorkel the Havelock Islands
- Admire The Valley of Flowers NP at Uttarakhand (UNESCO WHS)
- Experience The Sundarbans (The largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world, UNESCO WHS)
- Bali
- Stay at Sal Secret Spot
- Watch a Kecak Dance
- See the underground Tukad Cepung waterfall
- See the Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Borneo
- Find Orangutans at Tanjung Puting National Park
- See the Proboscis Monkeys
- Kakaban
- Swim with stingless jellyfish in lake Kakaban
- Komodo
- Check out the dragons at Komodo NP
- Nusa Penida
- Visit Klinking beach
- West Papua
- Hike and snorkel at Raja Ampat
- Check out the Korowai Tree Houses
- Visit the cities of Isfahan, Abyaneh, and Shiraz (Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shah Cheragh Mosque)
- Admire beautiful Badab-e Surt
- Walk around the ancient underground city of Kariz-e-Kish
- See the Troglodyte Village of Kandovan
- Visit Bisotun (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the ancient city of Hatra (UNESCO WHS)
- See the Mudhif Houses in southern Iraq (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore the Rabban Hormizd Monastery in Kurdistan
- See the Beit Guvrin Caves
- Explore the Rosh HaNikra Grottoes
- See the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem
- Visit the Great Pyramid in Jerusalem
- Roam around the Old City of Jerusalem (UNESCO WHS)
- Dive to the ruins of Atlit Yam
- Swim in the Dead Sea
- Visit Bethlehem
- See the Sea of Galilee
- Explore Tokyo
- See the Itsukushima shrine
- Stay in a ryokan
- Visit the cat island of Tashirojima
- See the monkeys bathing at Jigokudani Monkey Park
- See Mt Fuji
- Admire Kochia Hill in Hitachi Seaside Park
- See the Great Buddha Hall in Nara
- Catch a glimpse of the Firefly Squid of Toyama Bay
- Visit Kyoto (Step inside the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, see the 700-year-old Nishiki Market)
- Walk the forest in Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine in Yakushima
- Dip in a pool of wine at the Yunessun Spa Resort in Hakone
- Admire art at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Visit Himeji-jo (UNESCO WHS)
- Witness the 1001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy at Sanjūsangen-dō
- Find a Key to Paradise inside Nagano’s Darkroom
- See Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (UNESCO WHS)
- See the Tatami Rocks
- Admire cherry blossoms at Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida
- Visit the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (UNESCO WHS)
- Spend a night in the Buddhist retreat on Mount Koya
- See the Dead Sea
- Visit Petra (the Monastery, the Treasury, UNESCO WHS)
- Explore the Wadi Rum Protected Area (UNESCO WHS)
- Sleep in a Bedouin Camp
- Visit the cities of Almaty and Nur-Sultan
- See Lake Big Almaty and Kolsai
- Visit The National Museum of Kazakhstan
- See the submerged trees in Kaindy Lake
- See the Valley of Balls at Shetpe
- Visit Charyn Canyon
- Eat an apple at the last wild apple forests in Almaty
- Visit Vat Phuo Hindu Temple
- Swim in the Kuang Si Waterfalls near Luang Prabang
- Check out Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre near Luang Prabang
- Visit Luang Prabang’s temples
- Eat at Utopia in Luang Prabang
- See the Buddhas in the Pac Ou Caves
- Do the Gibbon Experience
- Visit the Plain of Jars
- Hike the Bolaven Plateau
- Go Tubing in Vang Vieng
- See the world from Nong Khiaw’s viewpoint
- Experience Baatara Gorge Waterfall/Sinkhole (Tannourine)
- Visit Beirut (Mar Mikhael area, Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos, Balbeeck)
- Explore Tyre
- See the Beiteddine Palace
- Wander Baalbek (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore the Batu Caves
- Enjoy the fireflies of Kampung Kuantan
- See the Crystal Mosque at Kuala Terengganu
- Snorkel at the Perhertian and Redang Islands
- Explore Bako NP
- Wander Kuala Lumpur
- Visit Borneo
- See the Niah Caves
- Spot sea snakes at the Pulau Tiga Park Snake Island
- Find a Giant Malaysian Pitcher Plant at Kinabalu National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- Hike the Pinnacles of Gunung Mulu (UNESCO WHS)
- Dive and look for sea turtles in Sipadan National Park
- Eat at an undersea restaurant
- Sleep in an overwater bungalow
- Visit Khamriin Khiid monastery (the center of the world’s spiritual energy)
- Stay with a local nomadic family in a ger
- Explore the Gobi Desert
- See Bayanzag (the Flaming Cliffs)
- Visit Lake Khovsgol at sunset
- Celebrate the Naadam festival
- See the Swayambhunath Temple near Kathmandu city
- Visit the city of Pokhara
- Shop at Namche Bazaar (the highest bazaar in the world)
- Visit Lumbini (The Birthplace of Buddha, UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the Bimmah Sinkhole
- Snorkel the Daymaniyat Islands
- Swim in Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab
- See nesting turtles at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
- Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat at sunset
- Stay at the Official Desert Nights Camp
- Explore the city of Nizwa
- See the city of Lahore
- Explore the Chaukhandi Tombs in Karachi
- Visit the Derawar Fort
- Explore the Mazar-e-Quaid
- Visit Mazar-e-Quaid
- Check out the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore
- Relax at the Shangri-La Lake
- Hike the Hunza Valley
- Bohol
- See the Chocolate Hills
- Go on a Loboc River night cruise in search of Mother Trees (trees fireflies eat from)
- Coron
- Dive in Coron Bay/Kayangan Lake
- Take a trip out to Waling Waling (Bulog) Island
- Luzon
- See the Cagsawa Ruins/Mayon Volcano
- Eat at the Waterfall Restaurant (Villa Escudero)
- Visit the Banaue rice terraces (UNESCO WHS)
- Palawan
- Island hop in El Nido
- Visit the Puerto Princesa underground river
- Snorkel at Tubbataha Reef
- Explore Moscow’s Red Square
- Visit St. Petersburg (The Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood)
- See the Temple of All Religions in Kazan
- Explore the psychedelic salt mines of Yekaterinburg
- Check out the wooden churches of Kizhi Island (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore the Putorana Plateau (UNESCO WHS)
- Ride the trans-Siberian Railway
- See the City of the Dead (Village of Dargavs)
- Swim in the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands hotel
- Explore the Gardens by the Bay
- See the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
- Go treetop hiking at MacRitchie
- Spend some time in Seoul
- Check out the Naganeupseong Folk Village
- Visit the Vantablack Hyundai Pavilion in PyeongChang (the darkest building on earth)
- Visit the Blue room in DMZ and stand in both South Korea and North Korea at the same time
- Celebrate the Jinju Lantern Festival
- Celebrate the mud festival at Boryeong
- Climb Pidurangala Rock and photograph Sigiriya
- Go elephant spotting at Udawalawe National Park
- Climb Adam’s Peak and see the holy footprint claimed to belong to Adam, Buddha, and Shiva
- Snorkel at Shark Point Reef
- Visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla
- Spend the night at Helga’s Folly in Kandy
- Visit Colombo (Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid), Gangaramaya Temple)
- Hike in Sinharaja Forest Reserve (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth
- Ride the train from Kandy to Ella
- See the waterfalls and tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya
- Take a photo at the famous rope swing in Dalawella
- Spot leopards at Yala NP
- Help the turtles at the Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre Mahamodara
- Visit the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa
- Watch monks debate at the Sera Monastery near Lhasa
- Chiang Rai (Climb to Doi Suthep, Admire Wat Rong Khun, Visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, See elephants at an ethical sanctuary (ie. Elephant Nature Park/Inthanon Elephant Sanctuary))
- Experience Khao Luang Caves (Phetchaburi)
- Meet the Kayan people
- Snorkel at Koh Tao and Koh Lipe
- Attend the Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan
- Celebrate Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival)
- Eat a scorpion on a stick
- Visit the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya (UNESCO WHS)
- Try Durian!
- Go boating along the Lotus Lake in Tambon Chiang
- Explore Bangkok (Visit Grand Palace and The Temple of Emerald Buddha at Bangkok, See the Temple of Dawn at dawn, Explore Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), See the famous floating market, Shop Chatuchak weekend market, Explore nearby Ancient Siam park)
- Cruise Phang Nga Bay
- Island hop in Krabi
- Celebrate Songkran Water Festival
- Taipei (Night market, Elephant Mountain, Modern Toilet Restaurant)
- Visit the colorful Rainbow Family Village
- Pet the cats at Houtong Cat Village
- Hike Taroko Gorge
- Explore Taichung forest
- Visit Cappadocia (Spend a night at a cave hotel at Sultan Caves Suites, Ride a hot air balloon over the city)
- Explore Istanbul (See the Blue Mosque, Go underground at Basilica Cistern, Explore the Hagia Sophia museum, Shop at the Grand Bazaar)
- Take a dip at Pamukkale’s’ water terraces (UNESCO WHS)
- See the Lycian Rock Tombs
- Explore the Myra Necropolis in Demre
- Get underground at Derinkuyu Underground City
- See the ruins of Nemrut Dağ
- Explore Ephesus (UNESCO WHS)
- Don’t back down at the Gates of Hell ;)
- Hike the “fire fortresses” of Yangikala Canyon
- Celebrate Melon Day and taste Turkmen melons
- Explore Dubai (Check out Dubai’s Miracle Garden, See the world from the tallest building (Burj Khalifa), Get wet at Aquaventure Waterpark)
- See Abu Dhabi (Admire Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi)
- Kayak Mangrove National Park
- Walk over the Golden Bridge near Da Nang
- Spelunk at Hang Son Doong (the world’s largest cave)
- Admire the Cham Temples
- See the Fairy Stream (Mũi Né)
- Visit Ha Long Bay (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Con Dao Island
- See Deitan Falls (Ban Gioc) which straddles the border of China and Vietnam
Source: Pixabay
Europe
259 ideas makes Europe the second most interesting continent on this list, and also features the country with the second most things to do: at a whopping 31 ideas, Ireland has more than twice as many ideas as any other European country, mostly due to my undying love of stone circles and megalithic monuments. It’s followed by Italy and Scotland, at 15 ideas each.
Excluding North America, it’s the continent I’ve visited the most often, and for good reason! Europe is a hotspot for idyllic towns, iconic architecture, and some of the best art museums in the world (which makes up for it being one of the most expensive continents to visit!)
Excluding North America, it’s the continent I’ve visited the most often, and for good reason! Europe is a hotspot for idyllic towns, iconic architecture, and some of the best art museums in the world (which makes up for it being one of the most expensive continents to visit!)
Armenia (5)
- See the Monastery of Geghard in Goght (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the capital city of Yerevan
- Explore the monasteries of Noravank, Sanahin and Haghpat
- Visit the last remaining pagan temple in Armenia (Garni Temple)
- See Lake Sevan
- Visit Vienna (Austrian National Library, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the historic center of Vienna (UNESCO WHS), Kunsthistorisches Museum, See the Republic of Kugelmugel)
- Take a dip in the Starkenbergers Beer Pools
- Visit the historic centers of Graz and Salzburg (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore the colorful city of Innsbruck
- Scuba at the Green Lake in Tal
- Explore the largest ice cave in the world (Eisriesenwelt)
- Kick back at the Aqua Dome Langenfeld
- Admire the mountain village of Hallstatt (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore the Hallerbos (the Blue Forest)
- See Reading Between The Lines artwork in Borgloon
- Admire the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
- Visit Bruges (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore the doomed city of Doel
- Taste authentic Belgium waffles & chocolate
- See the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai
- Eat at Den Engel (a café located right on top of the Belgium-Netherlands border)
- See Stari Most in Mostar (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Sarajevo
- Visit the Kravice Waterfall
- See the Rila Monastery (UNESCO WHS)
- Check out the Eyes of God Cave
- Photograph Devil’s Bridge in Ardino
- See the frescoes of Bachkovo Monastery
- Wander the old town of Plovdiv
- Explore Nessebar (UNESCO WHS)
- See the Rose Valley
- Experience a Kukeri festival
- Wander Dubrovnik (UNESCO WHS)
- Swim in the Blue Cave of Bisevo
- Check out the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes (UNESCO WHS)
- Sail the islands
- Explore old town Zadar
- Explore Prague (Charles Bridge, Old Town Square/historic center, the National Gallery, the Idiom Installation, St. Vitus Cathedral)
- Visit the historic center of Telč (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore the Sedlec Ossuary “Bone Church” in Kutna Hora
- See the historic center of Český Krumlov (UNESCO WHS)
- See Copenhagen (Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens)
- Admire ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
- Visit Greenland’s Icefjords (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore the Standing Stones: Avebury and Stonehenge, Castlerigg (Cumbria), Swinside (Cumbria)
- See the Seven Sisters cliffs
- Drive the Jurassic Coast (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore London
- Visit Cornwall in extreme southwest England
- Catch a Shakespeare play
- Chill in Brighton
- Explore Seurasaari Open Air Museum in Helsinki
- Sleep under the stars in a glass igloo
- See Santa Claus Village at the city of Rovaniemi
- Meet reindeers at Salla Reindeer Park
- Explore Paris (Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, walk the banks of the Seine (UNESCO WHS), the catacombs, take a photo at Rue Crémieux, visit Disneyland, see a show at Moulin Rouge)
- Visit Mont Saint-Michel (UNESCO WHS)
- Experience the Filitosa standing stones in Corsica
- Spend the night at Attrap’Rêves Bubble Hotel, Allauch
- See 17,000 year old rock paintings in the Cave of Lascaux at Montignac
- Visit Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny
- Explore the provincial village of Bormes Les Mimosas
- Admire the colors of Menton
- Enjoy the sea views in Nice
- Wander lavender fields in Provance
- Visit Las Calanques de Cassis
- Explore Alsace Villages
- See the Etretat Cliffs
- Explore the capital city of Tbilisi (Narikala Fortress)
- Wander the Svaneti region
- Visit Gergeti Trinity Church
- Check out Vardzia cave monastery
- Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
- Celebrate Oktoberfest
- Explore Berlin and see the remains of the Berlin wall
- Check out Burg Eltz castle in Rhineland-Palatinate
- Visit the old town of Quedlinburg (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore the Black Forest
- Visit Nuremberg’s Christmas Market
- Take a road trip down the Romantic Road in Bavaria
- Take a photo of Rakotzbrücke Devil’s Bridge
- Explore Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel (UNESCO WHS)
- Experience Athens (The Acropolis of Athens (UNESCO WHS), Acropolis Museum)
- Check out Porto Katsiki (popular beach - visit on off-season)
- Visit Mykonos (Stay at Cavo Tagoo cave suite)
- Check out Milos and try cliff jumping
- Explore Santorini (Stay at Astarte Suites)
- See Crete (the pink sands of Elafonissi and Balos Beaches, the colorful Venetian Harbor in Chania)
- Visit the monasteries of Meteora (UNESCO WHS)
- Experience the ruins of Delphi (UNESCO WHS)
- Check out the cliffs above Navagio beach in Zakynthos
- Explore Melissani cave on Kefalonia island
- Explore Budapest (Szèchenyi Thermal bath, Gellèrt Hill for views, Vajdahunyad Castle, the For Sale Pub, Fisherman’s Bastion, admire the Hungarian Parliament Building)
- Celebrate the Busójárás festival in Mohács
- Spelunk the Caves of Aggtelek Karst (UNESCO WHS)
- Drive Ring Road
- Hike the Laugavegur trail
- Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park
- See some incredible waterfalls (Dynjandi, Svartifoss, Seljalandsfoss, Gullfoss)
- Hike around Þingvellir and dive the Silfra fissure
- Explore the ice cave at Vatnajökull glacier
- Swim in the Blue Lagoon
- Visit Strandagaldur (The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft)
- Walk the black sands of Djúpalón Beach
- Check out Lake Myvatn Geothermal Area
- Hike Langjokull Glacier
- Swim in Seljavallalaug Pool
- Visit Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
- See Ireland’s standing stones, megaliths and spiritual monuments
- Ballynoe Tree Tunnel & Stone Circle
- Drombeg stone circle
- Finvarra's Castle in Cnoc Meadha
- Newgrange passage tomb
- Knowth passage tomb
- Hill of Tara & Lia Fail
- Dowth (“Fairy Mound of Darkness”)
- Loughcrew Cairns
- Beaghmore Stone Circles
- Skellig Michael
- Lough Gur stone circle
- Beltany Stone Circle
- Grianan of Aileach fairy fort
- Knockainey fairy Hill
- Benbulbin
- Explore Dublin (The Old Library & Book of Kells, Howth Cliff Walk, take a ghost tour, walk around temple bar)
- Visit some epic cities (Killarney, Cork, Belfast, Connemara, Galway)
- Walk Giant’s Causeway
- Visit the Rock of Cashel
- Have a pint at the oldest bar in Ireland (Sean’s bar at Athlone)
- Drive the Wild Atlantic Causeway to see the Cliffs of Moher and Dingle Peninsula
- Visit the Waterfall of the Gods
- Walk the carrick-a-rede rope bridge
- Check out the Dunluce Castle
- View the Northern Lights over the Inishowen Peninsula
- Hike Killarney NP (Torc Waterfall)
- Celebrate Lughnasadh at Brigid’s Well
- Walk along the Bray Cliffs
- Drive the Ring of Kerry
- Speak Irish with the locals in Connemara
- See where my ancestors used to live!
- Explore Cinque Terre & Tropea
- Visit Rome’s (The Colosseum, the city’s historical center (UNESCO WHS), Santa Maria della Concezione Crypts)
- Pet some cats in Torre Argentina (Roman cat sanctuary)
- Celebrate the Venetian Carnival
- Explore Pompei (UNESCO WHS)
- See Lake Como
- Explore Florence (The historic center of Florence (UNESCO WHS), Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale Michelangelo)
- Visit Milan (View Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (UNESCO WHS), See the Duomo)
- Photograph the Blue Grotto in Capri
- Wander around the magical town of Alberobello (UNESCO WHS)
- Ride the Rhaetian Railway (UNESCO WHS)
- Admire the Rocchetta Mattei
- Dive to the sunken city of Baia
- Soak in the Saturnia hot springs in Tuscany
- See the Vatican (The Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica)
- Explore the capital city of Prishtina (National Library of Kosovo (once dubbed ‘the ugliest building in the world’), Help the bears at the Bear Sanctuary, Visit the Newborn monument (a symbol of Kosovo’s independence))
- See the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa (she had family roots in Kosovo and is much-beloved here)
- Visit the cities of Prizren, Gjakova (and their bazaar), and Peja
- Hike, white water raft, and zipline in Rugova Gorge
- Explore the old capital of Mdina and the new capital of Valletta (UNESCO WHS)
- Swim in the Blue Hole, Gozo
- Visit the ‘Three Cities’ of Cottonera
- Relax at Upper Barrakka Gardens
- Explore the city of Budva
- Visit Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
- Wander Kotor’s old town (UNESCO WHS)
- Admire Skadar Lake
- Hike and raft Tara Canyon
- Explore Durmitor National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Amsterdam (See the canals (UNESCO WHS), Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Electric Ladyland, Anne Frank House )
- See the windmills at Zaanse Schans
- Admire the tulips at Keukenhof (the Garden of Europe)
- See the fishing village of Volendam
- Wander Valkenburg
- Check out the Cube houses in Rotherham
- Eat at Pavarotti Dolce in Leidschendam
- Wander Bergen (old town, Mount Floyen, Fantoft Stave Church)
- Ride the Flam railway
- Cruise the Geirangerfjord region (UNESCO WHS)
- Drive the wild Atlantic Ocean Road
- Visit Trolltunga
- Sit on the scenic chair in Flydalsjuvet, Geiranger
- Hike Romsdalseggen, Venjesdalen
- Visit wolves at Polar Park near Bjerkvik
- Wander Warsaw Old Town (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit Malbork Castle
- See the Wieliczka Salt Mine (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore the historic centre of Krakow (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit colorful Gdansk
- See the Krakow Barbican
- Visit the cities of Fatima, Madeira and Porto
- Beach hop at Lagos
- Hike Sintra-Cascais NP
- Explore Sintra (Quinta da Regaleira (UNESCO WHS), Pena National Palace (UNESCO WHS))
- See the boulder village of Monsanto
- Try Pastel de Nata
- Experience Portugal’s Chapel of Bones in Evora
- Explore the Azores
- Visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar (UNESCO WHS)
- Walk through a cave in Algar do Carvão Natural Reserve
- Be amazed by the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary in Braga
- Experience Dracula’s Castle in Bran
- Visit Corvin Castle near Hunedoara
- Explore Pele’s castle in Sinaia
- See the small town of Sighisoara (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum in Bucharest
- Check out the Mud Volcanoes in Buzău
- See bears at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Brasov
- Admire the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
- Visit Bigar Waterfall in Caras-Severin
- Explore Edinburgh (The old town (UNESCO WHS), Edinburgh Castle)
- Visit Dunnottar Castle (Aberdeenshire)
- See Fingal's Cave/Cave of Melody
- Hike Glen Affric (Cannich)
- See the northern lights on the Shetland Islands
- Visit the Isle of Skye (& the Fairy Glen and Pools)
- Explore the Standing Stones
- Callanish (Isle of Lewis)
- Machrie Moor (Isle of Arran)
- Ring of Brodgar (Orkney)
- Stenness (Orkney)
- Tinkinswood Burial Chamber (Barry)
- Callanish (Isle of Lewis)
- Drive the North Coast 500
- Visit Inverness (Tour Loch Ness, Ness Islands, Clava Cairns)
- Get inspired at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Meet a Highland Cow (Like at The Camerons Tea Rooms and Farm Shop in Inverness!)
- Explore the old town of Bratislava and visit the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum
- Visit the Demanovska Cave of Liberty
- Check out the old town of Košice
- See Bojnice Castle
- Visit the ruins of Spis Castle (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Barcelona (Sagrada Familia (UNESCO WHS), Casa Batllo (UNESCO WHS))
- Celebrate La Tomatina festival
- Explore Valencia’s City of the Arts and Sciences
- Visit Madrid’s golden triangle of art – Prado, Reina Sophia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza
- Explore Ciudad de Ronda (Guadalevín, Puente Nuevo, Cueva del Gato)
- Learn flamenco dancing in Seville
- Photograph Seville’s Alcázar (UNESCO WHS)
- Check out the pink Torrevieja lake
- Visit Stockholm (Old town, Vasa Museum)
- See the Aurora Borealis at Abisko national park
- Spend a night at the Jukkasjärvi ice hotel
- Explore the oldest town in Sweden, Sigtuna
- Admire Lauterbrunnen Village
- Explore the old cities of Zurich and Berne (UNESCO WHS)
- Ride the Brienz Rothorn Bahn scenic railway
- Visit the Art Basel fair
- Walk the Blumental Panorama Trail in Murren
- Dine at Berggasthaus Aescher near Wasserauen
- Check out the Giger Museum in Gruyères
- See the Matterhorn
- Cross the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge in Randa
- Visit old Lviv (UNESCO WHS)
- Celebrate the Hot Air Balloon Festival at Kamianets-Podilskyi
- Explore the abandoned city of Pripyat
- Photograph the Tunnel of Love near Klevan
- Explore the Swallow’ Nest castle at Gaspra
- Hike Snowdonia National Park
- Explore Caernarfon Castle (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit Little Italy (Portmeirion)
- See The Secret Owl Garden in Haverfordwest
Source: Bhargava Marripati
North America
Excluding the United States, North America features 81 bucket list ideas. It features the thrilling expanses of Canada, the laid-back beauty of the Caribbean, and of course, the thriving cultures of Central America. Mexico is one of the largest countries, and definitely the richest in bucket list ideas, with a total of 16.
Incredible beaches and rainforests are the biggest highlights in the southern half of the continent, and boy is the food here great! No matter where you go, the culture and beautiful landscapes are going to be the biggest highlights!
Incredible beaches and rainforests are the biggest highlights in the southern half of the continent, and boy is the food here great! No matter where you go, the culture and beautiful landscapes are going to be the biggest highlights!
General (1)
- Drive the Pan-American Highway
- Swim with the swimming pigs of Major Cay
- Meet the nurse sharks of Compass Cay
- Dive to The Musician Statue
- Admire Pink Sands Beach
- Visit Bathsheba Beach and Bottom Bay beach
- Explore Bridgetown (UNESCO WHS)
- Smell the flowers at Hunte’s Gardens
- Tour the sacred cave Actun Tunichil Muknal
- Dive at the Great Blue Hole and Hol Chan Marine Reserve
- Check out the Xunantunich Ruins
- Visit jaguars at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve
- Snorkel at Smuggler’s Cove
- Visit The Baths
- Explore Anegada Island
- Swim at White Bay
- Dive at Rhone National Marine Park
- Hike Banff NP
- Marvel at Niagara Falls
- Go polar bear watching in Churchill, Manitoba
- Check out the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta
- Wander Old Quebec (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit Arenal Volcano National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park
- Check out the largest waterfall in Costa Rica at Catarata Del Toro
- Visit the Sloth Sanctuary at the Limon Province
- Go waterfall hunting at Bajos del Toro
- Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall in the Alajuela Province
- Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
- Explore Old Havana (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the town of Trinidad (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore peninsula de zapata
- Learn to Salsa dance
- Snorkel at Cayo Coco
- Hike Morne Trois Pitons National Park and visit the boiling lake
- Visit Kalinago Territory and meet Dominica’s indigenous Carib people
- Explore the city of Santo Domingo (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit Los Haitises National Park
- Swim in Hoyo Azul
- Visit the city of Punta Cana
- Hike around Lake Coatepeque
- Explore the archaeological sites of Tazumal and Joya de Ceren (UNESCO WHS)
- Watch the sunset and explore the caves at El Tunco Beach
- Cliff dive at the Tamanique waterfalls
- Explore the Tikal Ruins at Tikal National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit Colonial Antigua (UNESCO WHS)
- Hike around Lake Atitlan
- Swim in Semuc Champey
- Admire Santiaguito Volcano from a distance
- Witness the Northern lights
- Check out the Blue Hole at Ocho Rios
- Swim in the glowing waters of the Luminous Lagoon in Falmouth
- Unwind at the Pelican Bar – the bar in the middle of the ocean
- Yucatan Peninsula
- Explore Tulum (Paradise Beach, Cenote Calavera, Grand Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos, Tak Be Ha Cenote (like Sac Actun, but less crowded), Tulum Ruins)
- Visit even more Cenotes (Ik Kil, Suytun, Samula)
- See Bacalar & Bacalar Lagoon
- Visit the ruins of Chacchoben, Chichén Itzá (UNESCO WHS), and Dzibanche
- Scuba dive along the Santa Rosa Wall at Cozumel
- Isla Mujeres (MUSA Underwater Museum, Punta Sur, Pool del Rey)
- Visit the yellow city of Izamal
- Central & Southern Mexico Area
- Experience Mexico City (Historical center (UNESCO WHS), Blue House/The Frida Kahlo Museum, National Museum of Anthropology, Mercado Sonora (Witches Market), Museo de Arte Popular, Templo Mayor, Island of the Dolls)
- Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
- Hike to Oaxaca’s Hierve El Agua
- Unwind at Grutas Tolantongo
- Visit Teotihuacán Archeological complex & pyramids (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Las Pozas, Edward James’ Surrealist Garden
- Western Mexico
- Visit the cities of Guadalajara, Tequila, and Puerto Vallarta
- Road trip around Baja California
- Check out the Hidden Beach of Islas Marietas
- Check out the crater of the Masaya volcano
- Go volcano boarding on the Cerro Negro volcano
- Explore Ometepe Island
- Look for sea turtles at La Flor wildlife refuge reserve
- Visit the Panama Canal
- Snorkel at Bocas Del Toro
- Get inspired by local art at Karavan Gallery in Panama City
- Snorkel at Coiba Island National Park
- Admire the views from Ancon Hill
- Find the lost waterfalls in Boquete
- Explore old San Juan (UNESCO WHS)
- Swim in the Bioluminescent Bay on Vieques Island
- Snorkel in Culebra
Source: Nathan Cowley
Oceania
Oceania and South America are tied for the second least amount of bucket list ideas, at 77 each, because of the smaller number of countries.
Australia’s 16 and New Zealand’s 13 ideas are the most of any country in Oceania, with most of the other countries being smaller islands that have had less tourism (meaning there’s more bucket list destinations to explore!) And of course, I couldn’t write visit the beach on every country’s list, but trust me when I say it’s hard to find a bad beach in the area!
Australia’s 16 and New Zealand’s 13 ideas are the most of any country in Oceania, with most of the other countries being smaller islands that have had less tourism (meaning there’s more bucket list destinations to explore!) And of course, I couldn’t write visit the beach on every country’s list, but trust me when I say it’s hard to find a bad beach in the area!
Australia (16)
- See Sydney
- Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef
- Visit the Wooroonooran Rainforest
- Take the Great Australian Road Trip
- Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- Feed a Kangaroo at Kangaroo Island
- Explore Brisbane and the Australia Zoo
- Visit Tasmania (Cradle Mountain, Cape Pillar Sea Cliffs)
- Road trip The Great Ocean Road
- See the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park
- Visit Aboriginal-owned Arnhem Land
- Swim in Gippsland Lakes Bioluminescence in Raymond Island
- Visit the Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes
- See the Glowworm Tunnel in Helensburgh
- Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Visit Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island
- Visit Aitutaki (Hike the Needle and/or cross-island trek; go to the Muri night market)
- See Rarotonga (See Honeymoon Island and One Foot Island)
- Look for waterfalls at Bouma National Heritage Park
- Snorkel along Coral Coast
- Hike the Lavena Coastal Walk
- Dive with sharks at Beqa Lagoon
- Bora Bora
- Visit Matira beach
- Sleep in an overwater bungalow
- Swim with the rays in Leopard Rays Trench
- Visit Matira beach
- Moorea
- Hike Magic Mountain
- Visit Tiki Village Cultural Centre
- Hike Magic Mountain
- Nuku Hiva
- Hatiheu (Anahoe & Ha’ataive’a Bays)
- Hakatea Bay (Vaipō waterfall walk)
- Marquesas festival
- Hatiheu (Anahoe & Ha’ataive’a Bays)
- Dive at New Caledonia barrier reef – the world’s biggest lagoon (UNESCO WHS)
- Snorkel at Grande Terre
- Swim with sea turtles by the Isle of Pines
- Visit the Hobbiton movie set
- Experience the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Explore Auckland
- Hike Castle Hill
- Kayak and snorkel at Cathedral Cove/Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve
- Cruise the Milford Track (Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound)
- Visit the Mine Bay Māori rock carvings
- Hike Aoraki/Mount Cook NP
- Visit Rakiura/Stewart Island (kiwi birds, stargazing, & viewing the southern lights/aurora australis)
- Stargaze in Tekapo
- Hike Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Soak in the hot springs of Rotorua
- Visit the Tamaki Maori village
- Swim with the stingless jellyfish of the Jellyfish lake
- See the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (UNESCO WHS)
- Dive with mantas at the German Channel
- Swim in the Milky Way Lagoon
- See Ngardmau Falls
- Meet some of the many different tribes of Papua
- Explore Tufi
- Snorkel at the Louisiade Archipelago
- Visit Port Moresby Nature Park
- See Mount Tavurvur in Rabaul
- Visit Kitava Island
- Celebrate the Sing Sing festival
- Swim in To Sua Ocean Trench
- Visit Togitogiga Waterfall
- Slide at Papaseea Sliding Rocks
- See the Alofaaga Blowholes
- Learn at the Samoa Cultural Village
- Visit the Satoalepai Turtle Sanctuary on Savai’i
- Explore the Saleaula Lava Fields of Savai’i
- Sleep in a Fale on the Beach
- Explore the largest raised coral reef in the world at Lake Tegano on Rennell Island (UNESCO WHS)
- Snorkel in Marovo Lagoon
- Swim with whales in Vava’u
- Visit the Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes at Tongatapu
- Swim at the Matevulu Blue Hole in Espiritu Santo
- See the Land Divers of Pentecost
- Visit the Yakel tribe village at Tanna
- Climb the active volcano Mount Yasur at Tanna
- Send a postcard from Vanuatu’s underwater post office at Efate
- Stay at the Havannah Boat House and take pottery and weaving classes
South America
With only 12 countries here, it’s not surprising that South America is tied for the second least number of bucket list ideas (77), but it also features some of the most interesting places on the planet! Brazil, Colombia and Peru tie with 10 bucket list ideas each, with ideas ranging from experiencing Carnival to exploring the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
Argentina (6)
- Experience Iguazu Falls (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Patagonia (Glacier National Park (UNESCO WHS))
- Visit Buenos Aires (La Boca neighborhood, El Ateneo Grand Splendid)
- Learn to Tango
- Check out Quebrada de Humahuaca mountain in the villages of Salta and Jujuy (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit Ushuaia (“End of the World”)
- Experience the Salar de Uyuni salt flats
- Spot flamingos at Laguna Colorada
- Explore Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol
- Ride Mi Teleferico in La Paz, the highest cable car system in the world
- Check out the witches market in La Paz
- Visit the city of Sucre (UNESCO WHS)
- Go diving at Bonaire National Marine Park
- Visit the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire
- Explore Washington Slagbaai National Park
- Snorkel in Lac Bay
- Experience Iguazu Falls
- Explore Rio de Janiero (Christ the Redeemer, the Museum of Tomorrow)
- Celebrate Carnival in Rio
- Cruise the Amazon River
- Visit a tribe in the Amazon Rainforest
- Swim in a cave at Gruta do Lago Azul
- Snorkel at the Fernando de Noronha islands
- See the Glowing Termite Mounds of Emas National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- Admire biodiversity in Pantanal
- Wander Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
- Visit the Marble Caves/Cuevas de Mármol (Patagonia)
- Explore the Atacama Desert (Mano del Desierto and Valle de la Luna)
- Visit the Mo’ai on Easter Island
- Hike the W in Torres del Paine in Patagonia
- Spend a night in the Montana Magica Lodge at Panguipulli
- Explore the old city of Cartagena (UNESCO WHS)
- Check out the salt cathedral of Zipaquira
- Take a mud bath at Totumo Volcano near Cartagena
- Explore the Lost City (Ciudad de Perdida)
- Snorkel at the Rosario Archipelago and San Andrés and Providencia
- Paraglide through Chicamocha Canyon
- See Las Lajas Sanctuary near Narino
- Explore Tayrona National Park
- Visit Caño Cristales (The “river of five colors” aka “the river that ran away from paradise”)
- Explore Desierto de la Tatacoa
- Explore Christoffel National Park
- Wander around the Otrobanda and Punda areas at Willemstad
- Have fun at the Curaçao Carnival
- Visit the Galapagos Islands (UNESCO WHS)
- Hike Yasuni National Park (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Mindo Cloud Forest
- Wander around Cuenca (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the beachside town of Montañita
- Look for anacondas in the Ecuadorian Amazon
- Experience Baños de Agua Santa (El Pailón del Diablo, San Martín Adventure Park)
- Visit (Port) Stanley
- Spot penguins at Volunteer Point and Bluff Cove Lagoon
- Go stargazing
- Sail the Rupununi river and explore the savannah
- Visit Kaieteur Falls
- See Georgetown
- Walk through the treetops at Iwokrama walkway over the Iwokrama Rainforest canopy
- Travel to the Lost City of the Inca/Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Climb Vinicunca/Rainbow Mountain
- Take a river cruise at Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
- Visit Lima (Lima’s Historical Center (UNESCO WHS), Monastery of San Francisco and catacombs, Museo de la Nacion)
- Take a flight to see the mysterious Nazca Lines (UNESCO WHS)
- Visit the Aguas Turquesas Millpu in Ayacucho
- Admire Colca Canyon
- Visit the Boiling River of the Peruvian Amazon
- Check out the Maras Salt Mines
- Visit the knitting men of the Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca (UNESCO WHS)
- Explore Paramaribo (Suriname Mosque, Arya Dewaker temple)
- See sea turtles at Galibi Coppename Nature Reserve
- Go waterfall hunting at Brownsberg Nature Park
- Explore Central Suriname Nature Reserve (UNESCO WHS)
- See the never-ending "Relampago del Catatumbo" thunderstorm over Lake Maracaibo
- Admire Angel Falls
- Hike Mount Roraima
- Snorkel at Los Roques Archipelago and Morrocoy National Park
- Eat some of the 860 flavors of ice cream at Heladeria Coromoto in Merida
Source: Pixabay
Antarctica
With only 5 ideas, Antarctica has the smallest number of bucket list goals, but remains one of the wildest places on earth. Expensive and cold, it’s not an easy trek to make, but I have little doubt that it’s worth it in order to visit the coolest place on earth!
- Explore Deception Island
- Take a zodiac boat cruise
- Witness the Blood Falls
- See the King Penguins gathering at the South Georgia Island
- Admire the Lemaire Channel
There you have it! 1000+ places to see before you die. I hope you found something here to inspire you - and don't forget, if you think something needs to be added to this list, send me a message!
Keep updated on all my recent posts!
Growing relationships through this blog is very important to me, and although as online friends we can't actually meet up for an in-person coffee date (or in my case, tea), email is the next best thing.
Don’t worry, I won’t give out your information. I'll send you occasional emails chatting it up about all things life and travel, with all the blog posts you may have missed. You'll also get 10% off your first purchase in my online shop, and free lifetime access to my ever-growing resource library. Hope to see you there! |