Ultimate Bucket List: 52 Must-See Destinations for Your Lifetime

We have put together the ultimate travel bucket list to spark your imagination. In 2006, we created a dream list of travels, and we fulfilled every single adventure. Now, we want to help your dreams come true by sharing the best bucket list travels we’ve experienced.

These are 52 destinations that you should visit at least once in your lifetime—one idea for every week of the year!

This guide is designed to inspire your wanderlust and provide you with authentic travel experiences that shouldn’t be missed.

Travel Bucket List Ideas

Let’s look at some of the most amazing destinations in the world. Notably, these are experiences we’ve undertaken ourselves, not just random internet suggestions.

1. Iguazu Falls

Staying at the Belmont Hotel Das Cataratas in the heart of Iguazú National Park was nothing short of magical. Experiencing this natural wonder in solitude during the morning felt like stepping into a fairytale. We walked from our hotel to a long platform that leads to the heart of the massive cascade, surrounded by the powerful sound of thundering waters.

A helicopter tour over the falls and a thrilling jet boat experience that takes you right under the waterfalls are must-do activities. If there is one item to prioritize on your travel bucket list, this should be it!

2. Amalfi Coast

While we thought we had seen the height of Italian beauty in Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast surpassed our expectations. The picturesque coastal towns along the Gulf of Salerno captivated us at every bend. Renting a car to drive along this famous highway that hugs the sea cliffs is a romantic adventure. Be sure to indulge in a room with a view overlooking Positano and its stunning beach.

3. Maldives

Experiencing an over-the-water bungalow in the Maldives is a dream come true. Surrounded by turquoise waters and featuring a glass floor to watch the vibrant marine life below, we felt as if we were in paradise. The pristine white sandy beaches here are unlike anywhere on earth.

4. Petra Jordan

Upon our visit to Petra, we were neither prepared for the grandeur nor the hidden beauty of this ancient city. It took our breath away! The hidden city is nestled within a 1.2 km rock corridor, culminating in awe-inspiring views of The Petra Treasury, a spectacular structure carved directly into the stone.

5. African Safari

An African safari is like nothing else. With adventures in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, and Botswana, we were continually amazed by majestic lions and elephants traversing the savanna. Every visit to Africa is profound—it’s easy to understand why one would say, “I left my heart in Africa.”

6. Churchill Polar Bears

For a unique safari experience, consider visiting Canada’s polar bears. Walking with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. We traveled to the Arctic tundra in the summer, witnessing polar bears in a stunning new light. Our visits to Churchill with Churchill Wild, both in winter and summer, were phenomenal.

7. Santorini Greece

Having seen Santorini featured in advertisements for years, our arrival exceeded all expectations. Upon standing at the caldera’s edge, the striking views seemed surreal. Whitewashed buildings adorned with blue domes cascade down the cliffs, showcasing the vibrancy of Greece.

8. Kayak and Camp in Antarctica

Antarctica ranks as one of our most thrilling bucket list experiences. Venturing into Antarctica with Quark Expeditions allowed us to fulfill every adventurous dream, from camping on the icy terrain to kayaking amongst the majestic icebergs.

9. Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp

The ultimate trek to Everest Base Camp is possible for everyone, regardless of climbing expertise. Follow in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and witness magnificent sights like the Khumbu Ice Fall and Tengboche Monastery. Achieve ultimate bragging rights by embarking on this impressive journey.

10. Cappadocia, Turkey

The enchanting landscape of Cappadocia, with its hot air balloons floating gracefully over rock formations, fulfilled a long-held bucket list dream. A morning ride offers stunning views over this fairytale setting.

11. Himalayas of Bhutan

Dubbed the happiest country in the world, Bhutan offers breathtaking scenery and a warm cultural embrace. Hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a must, presenting iconic views that leave travelers awestruck.

12. Great Wall of China

Our experiences visiting the Great Wall of China were unforgettable, with both the Mutianyu and Badaling sections delivering their unique beauty and historical significance.

13. Machu Picchu

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu deserves its spot on your bucket list. The breathtaking hike along the Inca Trail and the stunning view of the ancient city in the Andes Mountains is truly awe-inspiring.

14. Great Barrier Reef

This UNESCO World Heritage Site off Australia is the largest coral reef system globally, attracting travelers for diving and snorkeling adventures. Witnessing its beauty from the air through a helicopter or from the sea is an experience not to be missed.

15. Pyramids of Giza

Spotting the Great Pyramids of Giza for the first time was surreal. Their presence towering over the desert has captivated our imaginations time and time again.

16. Gobi Desert of Mongolia

Fascinating and diverse, Mongolia’s Gobi Desert is alive with colorful wild life and offers a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of its people.

17. Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a haven for biodiversity, home to unique wildlife species and stunning landscapes that are protected as a national park.

18. Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro, known as the Roof of Africa, offers spectacular climbing opportunities and is a must for adventurers looking for a challenge.

19. Bagan, Myanmar

A journey down the Irrawaddy River took us to Bagan, where the awe-inspiring pagodas and temples captivated our senses in a truly unforgettable experience.

20. See the Northern Lights

Witnessing the Aurora Borealis is a bucket list highlight. While we ventured in Iceland, our luck improved several times in Canada and Greenland, where the mesmerizing colors lit up the night sky.

21. Mexico Cenotes

Cenotes in Mexico offer fantastic diving experiences and breathtaking natural beauty. The underwater caves are incredible, with various activities available for both divers and explorers alike.

22. Rome’s Colosseum

Explore the historical heart of Rome through the iconic Colosseum. Seeing it in person leaves you awestruck by its grandeur and historical significance.

23. Christ the Redeemer – Brazil

A visit to Rio wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the grandeur of Christ the Redeemer, providing picturesque city views from the summit.

24. Ha Long Bay – Vietnam

Explore Vietnam’s scenic beauty through Ha Long Bay, replete with stunning limestone islands amid emerald waters—a true UNESCO marvel.

25. Have Champagne at the Eiffel Tower – France

No trip to Paris is complete without ascending the Eiffel Tower to savor a glass of champagne while enjoying the breathtaking skyline.

26. Helicopter Tour of Victoria Falls – Zambia

Victoria Falls is a breathtaking sight that should be viewed from the air. The powerful waterfall, surrounded by lush natural beauty, is a stunning experience.

27. Soak in the Blue Lagoon – Iceland

Visiting Iceland would be incomplete without a stop at the rejuvenating Blue Lagoon, known for its enchanting waters and stunning landscapes.

28. Explore the Canals of Venice – Italy

Venice is a dream destination. Our adventures in this beautiful city revealed quiet corners away from the typical tourist hustle.

29. Spy the Sun Stream at Antelope Canyon – USA

Antelope Canyon is a breathtaking slot canyon where shafts of light create an ethereal show among the sandstone walls.

30. Hike Through Meteora – Greece

The monasteries perched on rock formations are a magical sight, showcasing the stunning interplay of nature and spirituality in Greece.

31. Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland

The famed Giant’s Causeway features naturally formed basalt columns and is steeped in folklore, captivating visitors with its unique formation.

32. Leaning Tower of Pisa – Italy

Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa is awe-inspiring, as is exploring the charming city that surrounds it.

33. Stand in the Center of Times Square – New York

Times Square is a vibrant hub of energy and excitement, offering a quintessential New York experience filled with dazzling lights and digital billboards.

34. Go to the Top of the Burj Khalifa – Dubai

The Burj Khalifa boasts stunning views from the top, showcasing Dubai’s impressive skyline and the unique architectural accomplishments of the region.

35. Go Sandboarding in Huacachina – Peru

The exhilarating sand dunes found in Huacachina, Peru, offer thrilling experiences as you glide down on a sandboard.

36. Cross the Shibuya Scramble in Tokyo

Experiencing the frenetic energy of Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world, is a must-do in Tokyo.

37. Golden Temple – India

Amritsar’s Golden Temple offers a serene experience, inviting thousands of pilgrims every day to visit its spectacular grounds.

38. Road trip to the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon’s stunning landscapes will leave you in awe, serving as one of the U.S.’s most magnificent natural wonders.

39. Amazon River – Peru

Cruising along the Amazon River offers a glimpse into a world filled with exaggerated biodiversity and extensive natural beauty.

40. Marvel at the Glaciers of Greenland

Witness the majestic glaciers of Greenland and experience the overwhelming beauty of ice calving from these rapidly melting formations.

41. Swim with Whale Sharks

Swimming with whale sharks is an experience filled with serenity, as these gentle giants glide through crystal-clear waters.

42. Hornblower at Niagara Falls

Close encounters with the Horseshoe Falls aboard the Hornblower tour offer an exhilarating experience that showcases the power of nature.

These adventures represent some of the most remarkable bucket list travels we have experienced on earth. As we reflect on our journey from creating this dream list years ago to actualizing each experience, we feel immense gratitude. We look forward to adding more adventures to our list when we can travel again.