Travel
Top 10 Most Rated Bucket List Destinations
Have you ever met anyone who didn’t have a bucket list? You know, that record you keep of all the places you have to see before you die? Or maybe it’s a list of the spots you need to visit in the next few years. Whatever your time span, heading on a bucket list trip is even more thrilling than taking a normal vacation. At the end of your holiday, you can cross that location off your “must-sees” and add a new one to the mix.
Whether you’re hoping to go on safari in Africa, visit one of the world’s greatest natural wonders (i.e. The Pyramids of Giza, Grand Canyon, or Niagara Falls), or tour a historic city like Rome or Paris, the world is your proverbial oyster — all you need to do is open it and explore.
Can’t decide where to head next? Plan your sightseeing with our list of the best bucket list destinations in the world.
The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
View of Old Town Dubrovnik
Taking a cruise along Croatia’s captivating Dalmatian Coast is a must-do for any traveler. From atop the Adriatic Sea’s translucent, azure water, visitors can catch the most picturesque views of the coast’s phenomenal attributes. From jagged limestone cliffs to ancient walled towns to hilltop palaces and spectacular ports, there’s so much to see from the water.
On land, you’ll find an endless list of things to do, such as, visiting charming island villages, dining on fresh food along the Stradun in Dubrovnik, or exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Diocletian’s Palace in Split or the Stari Grad plain on lovely Hvar.
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza
Cairo plays host to one of the world’s most recognizable World Heritage Sites, the iconic Pyramids of Giza. While the most famous of these incredible structures include the Sphinx, Pyramid of Khafre, Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the site is peppered with other archeological masterpieces you won’t want to miss.
The farther you wander, the more interesting things you’ll find at what is now the sole example of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These unique marvels include tombs, mini pyramids, and The Solar Boat museum, which boasts a remarkably preserved ceremonial solar barque.
Those who favor adventure (and don’t suffer from claustrophobia) will enjoy an intimate journey into the bowels of the Great Pyramid of Khufu.
Africa on a Safari
Elephants in front of Mount Kilimanjaro
Who hasn’t added an African safari to the top of their bucket list vacations? Guaranteed to be a trip of a lifetime, it’s no wonder so many people crave this incredible experience. A safari is thrilling, awe-inspiring, and picturesque, especially when conducted in one of the world’s most phenomenal landscapes.
Whether you’re hoping to catch sight of the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos) in Kenya, bounce along in a jeep through Kruger National Park, or soar through the air in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti National Park, an African safari won’t disappoint.
With so many fantastic game reserves (including many in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania), you’ll have plenty of places to choose from when booking your trip.
Not a fan of sleeping rough? Ramp up the luxury at one of these stellar safari lodges in South Africa.
The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal was built in the mid-1600s by Shah Jahan in memorial to his third wife — it’s said she made him a deathbed promise to build her the most beautiful of structures. He definitely fulfilled his duty! Well, over 20,000 workmen finished this duty for him, and it took them over 17 years to complete.
Today, this magical marble mausoleum is one of the most recognizable (and captivating) buildings on the planet. The Taj Mahal is also one of the most famous sites in all of India. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, this ornate masterpiece lies amid almost 17 hectares of an immensely gorgeous Mughal garden, on the banks of the sparkling Yamuna River.
Not surprisingly, it’s been deemed one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
The Amazon River and rainforest in Brazil
All becomes right with the world when you putter down the mystical Amazon River in Brazil. Beside you towers the incredible Amazon Rainforest, chock full of wildlife so beautiful, it will take your breath away. A chorus of birdsong guides you along, while monkeys swing from nearby vines and sloths slowly climb their way to a better view. Snakes, turtles, and jaguars are also set to make an appearance, if you’re patient enough to spot them.
To experience the Amazon’s splendor first-hand, you’ll need to board a boat from Manaus to the Encontro das Aguas (the point at which the Rio Solimões meets the Rio Negro). From here, you can join a boat tour through the heart of the rain forest.
It’s hard not to feel nature’s pulse here, providing life to the planet through its essential ecosystem. Known as the “planet’s lungs,” the Amazon Rainforest is responsible for 20 percent of the world’s oxygen.
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
There’s something magical about Venice. Between the intricate canal system, beautiful stone bridges, and harmonious singing of the gondoliers, there’s a unique vibe in this Italian city that can’t be found elsewhere.
A boat ride along the aptly named Grand Canal rewards visitors with an intimate look at the highlights of Venetian architecture lining its banks — from historic churches to ornate palaces.
Piazza San Marco is one of the main attractions in Venice and serves as a meeting place for locals, but mainly tourists. It’s home to the famous and intricate St. Mark’s Basilica, but it’s so crowded (and filled with pigeons) that you won’t get a true glimpse of the city’s heart.
Perhaps the best way to tour Venice is by getting lost, which is easy to do. Only then will you stumble upon some of the local’s favorite haunts, as well as the small, winding alleyways that present so much charm.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The remarkable Angkor Wat is so vast, you’ll need more than one (or even several) visits to see it all. This massive Hindu temple is surrounded by a large moat, adding to its impressive stature. Built in the 12th century by the Khmers, this World Heritage Site serves as the veritable heart of Cambodia. It’s also the largest religious structure in the world.
Set upon over 400 acres of land within a jungle, the temple was dedicated to the gods Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Angkor Wat’s main towers were created to symbolize the peaks of Mount Meru (a place Hindus believe to be home to the gods).
Niagara Falls, Canada
Niagara Falls
One of the Natural Wonders of the World (it’s often referred to as the “New 8th Wonder of the World), Niagara Falls is impressive even if you aren’t a fan of waterfalls. Over 3,100 tons of water crash over the falls every second, creating a mist that covers visitors who board the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower Cruise to get a closer look.
The small Canadian town of Niagara Falls provides the best viewing spot. As a result of its heavy visitor population, the town is quite touristy. It boasts carnival-type arcades, an aquarium, sky wheel, Odditorium, wax museum, and Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum. You’ll also find a ton of restaurants and plenty of hotels to choose from.
Grand Canyon, USA
Hopi Point at sunset, Grand Canyon National Park
An area of immense natural beauty, it’s no wonder the Grand Canyon tops so many vacation bucket lists. No photograph can do this spectacular place justice. You just can’t fathom the landscape’s innate beauty, the deep orange of the rock, or the canyon’s immense size without seeing it in real life. No wonder it’s one of the most famous attractions in the United States.
Touring the Grand Canyon can be done from multiple locations, but the most popular is by entering the Grand Canyon National Park‘s South Rim. This is also where you’ll find many of the park’s best hikes.
You can get here quite easily from nearby cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Once you’re here, you’ll be amazed, and we guarantee you’ll snap about a zillion pictures. Catch the canyon in the light of the sunrise or sunset, and you’ll swear you’ve witnessed the most gorgeous spectacle of your life.
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is generally the spring and fall, but this is a year-round attraction that you can work into your itinerary any time of year.
Australia to Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Snorkeling Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the most incredible experiences you’ll ever have. A magical underwater world welcomes adventurers to this incredible locale. Bursting with color and teeming with life, this impressive coral reef spans 2,300 kilometers from the tip of Queensland to the southern town of Bundaberg.
A World Heritage-listed area, the Great Barrier Reef is home to a rich ecosystem filled with everything from the smallest zooplankton to tropical fish to marine mammals like dugongs and dolphins.
A truly peaceful experience, swimming around the magical reef is a gift. Whether you choose to scuba dive or snorkel, you’ll experience only the quiet sound of fish nibbling on coral as you roam about this vast marine playground, being constantly amazed by the beauty on display before you.
Sadly, global warming has been bleaching (and killing) large sections of this reef (especially in the north), so if you’re planning to go, you should book a trip to this popular bucket list travel destination soon. And whatever you do, don’t touch the coral.
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