If you’re looking for some dream destinations to add to your bucket list, I hope this post helps!
A whopping 91% of us have a personal bucket list nowadays.
And one thing crops up on them more than any other…
Can you guess what it is?
Yup, travel.
80% of people list travelling to their dream destinations as one of their biggest goals in life!
With that in mind, the next question I have for you is this:
Which dream vacation destination is at the top of your bucket list?
If you’re still hunting for the ultimate dream trip, I’ve got you covered.
Keep reading for 18 of the most amazing dream vacation spots on the planet.
Ready to learn all about some dream places around the world? There’s no better place to start than the Grand Canyon!
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Dream Destinations in North America
Let’s begin with some of the ultimate dream vacation spots in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
1. The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
This natural wonder of the world was carved over six million years from water and wind erosion. The result?
A canyon that’s nearly 450km long and 1.6km 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, New Brunswick/Nova Scotia, Canada
Did you know there’s a place where you can traverse over 5km of exposed sea floor?
To experience this phenomenon, head to the Bay of Fundy — home to the world’s highest tides
At low tide, 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.
All you need to do is visit Havana, Cuba, to fully 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 its beautiful beaches, vibrant colonial architecture, and its narrow streets filled with vintage American cars.
It’s also the birthplace of the mojito, so don’t forget to order this sweet, minty rum concoction while you’re there.
Destinations in South America don’t get much dreamier than Iguazu Falls.
Dream Places in South America
Now that you’ve explored North America, let’s venture below the equator and see what the continent of South America has to offer.
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 waterfalls form along the Iguazu River in a place the locals (rightly) 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!
To get a clear picture of just how enormous these falls are, be sure to visit them from both sides.
5. Cusco, Peru
Once the capital of the ancient Incan empire, the city of Cusco sits high (3400m) in the Peruvian Andes.
Enjoy the breathtaking mountain vistas while locals dressed in colourful native garb herd llamas in the fields.
History lovers will enjoy learning about the Incan civilization while exploring the Sacred Valley with its various stone ruins.
And Cusco is the 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.
Explore more than 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 trip destination — Antarctica!
One of my dream holidays in the UK is to visit the stunning island of Skye in Scotland.
Dream Holidays in Europe
With the Americas ticked off our bucket list, let’s travel ‘across the pond’ for some dream holidays in the UK and Europe.
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 stunning Isle of Skye.
You’ll recognize the unique landscape from some of your favourite 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.
Hike to remote waterfalls, sail through a glacier lagoon, and take a 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
It’s impossible not to be captivated by this crumbling city that’s (quite literally) sinking into the sea.
Founded in 421AD, the lagoon city recently celebrated its 1600th birthday!
Even more remarkably, 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.
Dream travel destinations don’t get much more famous than the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Enjoying these dream destinations? Check out these posts too:
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- 40 Different Types of Tourism
- Best Jobs for Adventurers
- 75 Essential Things to Pack for Travel
Dream Places to Go in Africa
From Europe, sail across the Mediterranean to discover these dream destinations on the “Dark Continent.”
10. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
For over 4,000 years (until the Eiffel Tower was completed), the Great Pyramid of Giza was the largest manmade structure on earth.
In fact, it’s so big that astronauts can see it from space!
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
Here’s one of the best dream travel destinations you’ve never heard of — Zanzibar.
Surrounded by white sand beaches and the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, this gem of an archipelago is the ultimate tropical holiday.
This series of islands boast some of the best beaches in the world, and they’re not nearly as crowded as their Caribbean or South Pacific counterparts.
And thanks to the tradewinds, you’ll find an eclectic mix of Indian, Arab, and Persian influences mixed in 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!
For anyone who’s ever dreamed of going on safari, this belongs at the top of their dream holidays list.
The park is home to the “Big 5” (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo), as well as 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.
The next dream vacation destination I have for you is Pokhara, Nepal.
Dream Travel Destinations in Asia
Journeying further east, consider adding some of these dream places to go in Asia to your travel bucket list.
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 the cultures and customs of the Nepalese people.
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 728 square km, what Singapore lacks in size it makes up for in cultural and culinary diversity.
Chinese and Indian merchants sailed through it for centuries before the Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonised the area.
Located at the southernmost tip of the continent of Asia, Singapore boasts all the best of both western and Asian culture.
It’s one of the most modern cities on earth, with dazzling high-rises and a foodie culture that rivals culinary powerhouses, such as New York City, London, and Paris.
Just be sure to stay hydrated while you explore, as Singapore consistently ranks among the hottest countries on earth.
15. Siem Reap, Cambodia
This Cambodia province is home to a lively town on the backpacker trail — Siem Reap — as well as the famous temple ruins of Angkor.
Mingle with the Khmer locals in town while you get a fish massage and enjoy cheap cocktails on Pub Street.
But save plenty of energy for the main highlight, which is a tour of Angkor Wat and surrounding temples.
Lost in the jungle for nearly 1,000 years, the ancient temple complex was only “rediscovered” in 1840.
Plan a sunrise visit to avoid the heat (and the crowds) and tap into your inner Lara Croft.
Last but not least, here are a few dream places to go in Oceania, starting with Easter Island.
Dream Vacation Spots in Oceania
Congratulations — we’ve travelled almost all the way around the world!
Complete your dream trip bucket list with these exotic destinations in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
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.
It was settled by Polynesian explorers in the 8th century AD and was unknown to the outside world until Dutch sailors arrived in the 1700s.
The main draw to Easter Island (as you likely already know) is the 900 enormous stone figures that litter the landscape.
These Easter Island “heads” (some as large as 14 tons) were clearly made by master craftsmen, but no one knows why they were made, how they were moved, or what they were used for.
Add Easter Island to your list of dream destinations and form your own opinion about those mysterious stone figures.
17. The 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 or enjoy a wine tasting at one of the region’s many vineyards.
18. Queenstown, New Zealand
This stunning alpine town near the bottom of New Zealand’s south island has something for everyone.
Adrenaline junkies can get their fill of skiing, jet boating, horseback riding, or glacier trekking.
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 truly is a remarkable dream trip.
What’s Your Dream Vacation Destination?
Our beautiful planet is full of incredible places to explore.
From the soaring peaks of the Himalayas to the white sand beaches of Zanzibar to the thundering waterfalls in the Amazon rainforest — and all points in between — there are more dream destinations than you could ever see in a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for?!
Use this article to create your own “My Dream Destination” bucket list and then get busy ticking off each item!
For more inspirational bucket list ideas, check out my list of 120 seriously crazy bucket list ideas to try at least once in your life.