The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

We’ve all heard the saying ‘it’s a small world’ - well, actually, I beg to differ. The world is HUGE. And there is so much to see! With so many different countries, each with its own culture, climate and landmarks, we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a travel destination. 

Plus, now that we can pretty much book a ticket instantly and fly to almost anywhere in the world, it can be really difficult to choose where you should go first. I’ve put together this ‘Ultimate Travel Bucket List’ to give you some ideas on where to go and what to do, so you can start ticking some of them (once COVID-19 is all over, obviously)!

1. Spend the night in Jordan’s Wadi Rum Desert

The desert is a pretty uninhabitable place, so it’s pretty amazing that humans have managed to survive out there! Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert is a spectacle to behold, comprising 720 square km of stunning desert landscape. Ride a camel through the hot dry desert and meet the Bedouin people who still live in the area. 

And if you’re worried about roughing it - don’t be. There are now luxury campsites meaning you can stay in the middle of the desert with all the creature comforts - amazing!

Recommendation: Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp 

2. Walk along the Great Wall of China

One of the great wonders of the world, this should definitely be on any traveller’s bucket list. The wall is over 13,000 miles long, so you definitely won’t be able to see it all! But even visiting a section of the wall is extremely impressive. 

There are five main sections most people visit as they are the most well-preserved and close to Beijing. Either walk or cycle along the wall by yourself or jump on a private tour if you want to learn more.

Recommendation: Get Your Guide Mutianyu Great Wall Day Trip

3. Swim with the swimming pigs of Exuma

You definitely will have seen photos of these awesome swimming pigs floating around on social media. If you needed another reason to visit the Bahamas - this it it! No one actually knows how the pigs first ended up on an island in Exuma but they are thriving there and will happily have a play and pose for some photos with you. A one-of-a-kind experience and so cute!

Recommendation: Swimming Pigs Adventure Tour 

4. Visit the Pyramids of Giza

Another one of the ‘wonders’ - the Pyramids of Giza are a must-see! Egypt is fascinating with such a rich history and the pyramids have been traced all the way back to 2613-2498 BC. It’s unimaginable to think how humans built such massive yet precise monuments. Definitely one to tick off the bucket list!

Recommendation: Get Your Guide Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Half-day Private Tour 

5. Stay in an over-water hut in Bora Bora

I find the French Polynesian islands absolutely fascinating - there is so much to learn about the history and culture there! With pure white sand, crystal blue waters and palm trees galore, it looks like paradise. Staying in an over-water hut in Bora Bora is definitely not one to miss out - imagine waking up to that view!

Recommendation: Four Seasons Overwater Bungalow Suites 

6. Explore the white maze of Santorini

A popular holiday destination in Greece, you definitely will have seen photos of Santorini’s many stunning white and blue buildings. Wander around this beautiful maze, soaking in the culture and eating amazing food! It’s known to be one of the more expensive places to stay in Greece, but it will be well worth it!

Recommendation: Perivolas Hotel 

7. Go on an overnight boat cruise along Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is easily one of the most beautiful places in the world. Situated in Northeast Vietnam it is known for it’s emerald waters and 1,600 limestone islands each topped with its own rainforest. Enjoy a gentle cruise and explore the area by canoe! You won't be disappointed. 

Recommendation: Stellar of the Seas Overnight Cruise 

8. Stay in an ice hotel in Sweden

The first ever ice hotel was created in Sweden in 1989 and it has since become a popular attraction for tourists from all over the world. It might sound a bit strange but it will be a surprisingly comfortable and luxurious experience - and you definitely will never forget it! This would be one to tell the grandkids. 

Recommendation: IceHotel 

9. See the Taj Mahal

I think India should be on everyone’s bucket list anyway, as it truly is like nowhere else in the world and it has so much to offer. But the Taj Mahal in particular, is something everyone should try and see! The ivory white mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna River was built by Shah Jahan in 1632 to house the body of his favorite wife. 

It is famous for its accentuated symmetry that is unlike any other building in the world. 

Recommendation: Day Trip to the Taj Mahal with Driver India Private Tours 

10. Ride a gondola in Venice

Gondolas are one of the most iconic symbols of Venice in Italy. The entire world can recognize these elegant boats rowed by the renowned gondoliers. A truly romantic experience that will transport you back in time, it’s one you’ll never forget. 

Recommendation: Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride with Viator 

11. Watch the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur

There are many beautiful mountains in Indonesia, but the sunrise hike to the top of Mount Batur in Bali is the most popular and iconic. If you want to make it for sunrise, it means a 2.30am wake up call and a 2 hour trek to the top of the active volcano. 

But you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful sunrises you’ve ever seen! 

Recommendation: Bali Sunrise Trekking and Tours 

12. Witness Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Famous for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, and huge granite cliffs, it really is an awesome landscape well worth travelling to the US for. It was recently made even more famous by Alex Honnold who free climbed the southwest face of El Capitan. 

He climbed the 3,000-foot granite wall in less than 4 hours! Check out the documentary Free Solo about him to get inspired.

Recommendation: Wildland Trekking 

13. Salsa dance in Cuba

The birthplace of salsa, visiting this lively country and getting a real salsa dance class should 100% be on your bucket list! Expect tasty food, energetic people, beautiful beaches and amazing architecture. 

Recommendation: Salsa Bora Dance School 

14. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

Off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Get yourself on one of the many boat tours and snorkel to your heart’s content. You’ll feel like you’ve jumped into a scene from ‘Finding Nemo’, it’s magical!

Recommendation: Calypso Reef Cruises

15. Whale watch in Manitoba

Witnessing whales in the wild should be something everyone should do at least once in their lives! These amazing creatures are so intelligent and majestic. Head to Manitoba in Canada during the summer to see thousands of beluga whales migrating southwards to Churchill. 

Recommendation: Sea North Tours 

16. Eat real Mexican food

Head to Mexico City for your fill of authentic Mexican culture. You may think you’ve had Mexican food before, but trust me, there is nothing like REAL Mexican food. Hand-made tortillas and fresh guacamole will make a taco the best taco of your life. And be sure to follow it up with a hot and sugary churro dipped in dulce de leche of course! 

Recommendation: Tasty Bites Food Tours 

17. Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks, not just in Paris, but in the world. The iron tower is both an amazing feat of engineering and an inspiring symbol of the City of Lights. It’s a must see for all visitors to Paris. As it is such an iconic destination, it will usually be pretty packed with tourists, but it will be an experience you remember forever!

Recommendation: Get Your Guide Eiffel Tower Day Tour 

18. See the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the one-mile-wide strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Although it can be tempting to drive, its well-worth taking the extra time to bike or walk across it. This way you get to really take in the views, plus, you can stop for as many pictures as you like along the way! 

Recommendation: Free Tours By Foot 

19. Witness the Northern Lights in Iceland

The elusive Northern Lights should be on everyone’s bucket list in my opinion. The hugely popular Icelandic capital is still one of the cheapest and most accessible places to see the lights perform, but if they don’t there are plenty of other natural wonders to discover - geysers, volcanoes and its famous Blue Lagoon. 

You’ll need to venture out of the city for darker skies, and there are countless Northern Light tours from Reykjavik. Admire the sweeping colors in all their glory from the water with a boat cruise or join a super jeep tour for an adrenaline-fueled aurora chase.

Recommendation: Northern Lights Hunt Super Jeep Tour 

20. Get up close and personal with elephants in Chiang Mai

Northern Thailand is an absolute gem and should be on every traveler's list of places to see anyway, but one of things that makes it so special is the opportunity to get up close and personal with the gentle giant that is the elephant! 

There are many elephant sanctuaries to choose from in Chiang Mai (make sure you pick an ethical one where the elephants are not ridden) and most will pick you up directly from your hotel or hostel. A magical experience not to be missed! 

Recommendation: Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary