According to research, a whopping 91% of people have a personal bucket list. From spending time with loved ones to doing daring activities, they contain a range of aspirations. However, one thing features on bucket lists more than any other:
The desire to travel.
Almost 80% of people say it’s one of their biggest dreams in life. They want to hit the road, go exploring, and have an adventure.
If you’re the same, the first step to making it happen is deciding where to go. Read on for a diverse set of dream destinations around the world that should give you some new ideas and/or narrow down the options…
1. The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Carved over six million years from water and wind erosion, the Grand Canyon is a wonder of the world that’s nearly 280 miles long and one mile deep. That’s bigger than the entire US state of Rhode Island.
Hike along the rim for breathtaking desert vistas or take a mule ride to the bottom of the canyon and spend the night in Phantom Ranch. If that’s not adventurous enough for you, sign up for an epic river rafting trip down the Colorado River.
2. The Bay of Fundy, Canada
Did you know there’s a place in Canada where you can walk across over three miles of seafloor? To experience this phenomenon, head to the Bay of Fundy — home to the world’s highest tides. At low tide, you can walk for miles along the exposed seabed in search of ancient dinosaur fossils.
During high tide, experience tidal rapids and whirlpools, and keep an eye out for a North Atlantic Right whale (the most endangered whale species on earth).
3. Havana, Cuba
If you want to experience life in the 1950s, you don’t need a time machine. Just visit Havana, Cuba, where you can immerse yourself in the world as it was 70 years ago.
Founded in the 16th century, Havana is one of the oldest settlements in North America. Today, it’s known for beautiful beaches, vibrant colonial architecture, and narrow streets filled with vintage American cars. Havana’s also the birthplace of the mojito, so don’t forget to order this sweet, minty rum concoction while you’re there.
4. Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
Deep in the rainforest, straddling the border of these two nations, you’ll find the world’s largest system of waterfalls. A whopping 275 different falls form along the Iguazu River in a place the locals call “Big Water.” Just how big are they?
You can hear the thunderous roar of the falls from more than a mile (1.6km) away. Be sure to visit both sides of the falls to get a clear picture of their enormity.
5. Cusco, Peru
Once the capital of the ancient Incan empire, Cusco sits high (3400m) in the Peruvian Andes. Enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas while locals dressed in colorful native garb herd llamas through the fields.
History lovers will enjoy learning about the Incan civilization while exploring the Sacred Valley with its various stone ruins. Cusco is also a perfect hopping-off point for your journey to Macchu Picchu, which rightfully belongs on everyone’s list of dream destinations.
6. Patagonia, Argentina/Chile
The world’s southernmost national parks are well worth the effort to get to. Patagonia encompasses both Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina and Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Once there, you can explore over 400,000 square km of turquoise glacial lakes, jagged alpine peaks, and enormous glaciers.
And if you make it as far south as Ushuaia, you’ve reached the jumping-off point for the ultimate dream destination for adventures — Antarctica.
7. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Historic castles? Check. Jaw-dropping seaside cliffs? Check. Picturesque fishing villages, enchanting waterfalls, and mysterious lochs? Check, check, and check.
It’s hard to pick just one dream trip destination in the UK, but you can’t go wrong with the beautiful Isle of Skye. Visiting is one of the best things you can do in Scotland. You may even recognize the landscape from some of your favorite films and shows, including Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Skyfall, and King Arthur.
8. The Ring Road, Iceland
Known as the “land of fire and ice,” Iceland is home to some of the most incredible natural wonders on earth. You can hike to remote waterfalls, sail through glacial lagoons, and soak in warm geothermal pools.
The best way to see the country is to rent a car or campervan and drive the ring road that loops the island. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to wander across volcanic craters, ride Icelandic ponies across the tundra, and maybe even see the Northern Lights.
9. Venice, Italy
This infamous medieval destination is one of Italy’s most captivating cities. Founded in 421 AD, Venice recently celebrated its 1600th birthday. Rising from the waters of a lagoon, its 117 islands are entirely artificial, made of clay and wooden stakes.
Venice ruled itself for more than 1,100 years and was the most powerful empire in the Mediterranean in the 14th century.
Today, its maze of canals and narrow alleyways are sure to enchant any visitor. Explore Piazza San Marco, visit the Doge’s Palace, see the Bridge of Sighs, and feel transported to the Middle Ages.
10. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
For over 4,000 years, the Great Pyramid of Giza was the largest manmade structure on earth. It’s so big that astronauts can see it from space.
The history of these ancient monuments is as impressive as their scale, though, and they instill a sense of intrigue in all who visit.
Book a flight to Cairo to see the only remaining wonder of the ancient world for yourself. Ride a horse or a camel across the sand dunes, tour the ancient crypt, and then enjoy the warm hospitality of the Egyptian people.
11. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is one of the best dream travel destinations you may have never considered visiting. Surrounded by white sand beaches and clear waters of the Indian Ocean, this gem of an archipelago is the ultimate tropical holiday.
This series of islands boasts some of the best beaches in the world, and they’re not nearly as crowded as their Caribbean or South Pacific counterparts. Thanks to the tradewinds, you’ll find an eclectic mix of Indian, Arab, and Persian influences mixed with the local East African culture.
12. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Africa’s oldest national park is also one of its largest — at 20,000 sq km, it’s only slightly smaller than Belgium! If you’ve ever dreamed of going on a safari, it belongs at the top of your dream destinations list.
Kruger National Park is home to the “Big 5” (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo), plus 500 species of birds and 2,000 species of plants. Book a stay at one of the opulent park lodges or, for the more adventurous, sleep in one of the (well-protected) campsites under the African stars.
13. Pokhara, Nepal
If you want to experience Nepal but don’t fancy trekking up to Everest base camp, why not plan your dream trip to the lovely town of Pokhara? Nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna range, this lakeside town is an ideal place to learn about Nepalese cultures and customs.
You can paddle across Phewa Lake or go paragliding off a nearby hilltop for unprecedented views of the Himalayas. Then unwind with a relaxing massage and a cup of spicy chai tea while you listen to chants from a nearby Hindu temple.
14. Singapore
At just over 730 square km, what Singapore lacks in size, it makes up for in architectural, cultural, and culinary diversity. Chinese and Indian merchants sailed through this place for centuries before the Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonized the area.
Located at the southernmost tip of the Asian continent, Singapore boasts the best of both Western and Asian cultures. It’s one of the world’s most modern cities, with dazzling high-rises and a foodie culture that rivals culinary powerhouses such as New York City, London, and Paris.
15. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is a lively city on Cambodia’s backpacker trail, and a gateway to the famous Angkor temple ruins. It’s a touristy place where you can mingle with fellow travelers, get a fish massage for your feet, and enjoy cheap cocktails on Pub Street.
However, the highlight is a tour of Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. Lost in the jungle for nearly 1,000 years, this ancient temple complex was only “rediscovered” in 1840. It’s a magical place steeped in history and intrigue. Plan a sunrise visit to avoid the heat and snap some epic photos.
16. Easter Island, Chile
Although technically it belongs to the country of Chile, this tiny island lies nearly 4,000 km to the west, in the middle of the South Pacific. Settled by Polynesian explorers in the 8th century AD, it was unknown to the outside world until Dutch sailors arrived in the 1700s.
Easter Island’s major attraction is the hundreds of iconic stone figures, called moai, which litter the landscape. These Easter Island “heads” can weigh up to 14 tons and were clearly made by master craftsmen. However, they remain enigmatic. Nobody knows for sure why they were made, how they were moved, or what they were used for.
Why not add Easter Island to your list of dream destinations and form your own opinion about those mysterious stone figures?
17. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Rent a car in Melbourne and head west to drive this iconic 240-km stretch of road on Australia’s southern coast. The landscape changes dramatically as you wind past soaring cliffs and waterfalls interspersed with tiny surf towns.
Along the way, you’ll pass the iconic 12 Apostles, a series of enormous limestone stacks just off the coast. You can also cuddle with koalas at nature reserves and enjoy a wine tasting at one of the region’s many vineyards.
18. Queenstown, New Zealand
This gorgeous alpine town near the bottom of New Zealand’s south island has something for everyone. Adrenaline junkies can get their fill of jet boating, bungee jumping, canyon swinging, mountain biking, and so much more.
When it’s time to slow down, take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu and explore the region’s vineyards, which boast some of the world’s best white wines. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is tailor-made for a dream vacation.
Remember These Dream Destinations
The world is jam-packed with incredible places. From the soaring peaks of the Himalayas to the white sand beaches of Zanzibar and the thundering waterfalls of the Amazon rainforest, there are more dream destinations than you could ever see in a lifetime.
This article barely scratches the surface of options. Still, I hope the ideas will help you take a step closer to deciding where to travel first. For more inspiration of this nature, you might like these 120 crazy bucket list ideas.
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