World Travel: Top 15 Bucket List Items

Top 15 List Ideas

We’ve compiled our top bucket-list ideas to help you check off your bucket list destinations.

We have made the Maldives a top choice for our bucket list. It is a paradise for snorkeling and diving.
1. The Maldives

The Maldives is a paradise island with its white-sand beaches and overwaters bungalows. These stunning islands make the ideal destination for honeymoons, weddings, and romantic getaways.

The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean and contains nearly 1,200 islands. It also has more than 150 resorts on its private islands.

These stunning islands are an unforgettable experience. There are so many places to stay in the Maldives, but these are our top picks.

For adventurers, add Scuba Diving in the Maldives to your list. Many resorts boast world-class reefs just offshore.

You can find more outdoor adventure and island tours in the Maldives.

2. Hawaii (USA)

The United States is a great place to visit if you’re looking for exotic destinations. Hawaii is the ideal tropical destination for everyone. It has beautiful beaches, surf and sand, romantic sunsets, and endless activities.

Even in the bustling capital city of Honolulu life is slow and travelers can “hang loose” like the locals. Celebrate Hawaii’s unique culture & history.

Couples choose Kauai because of its beauty, solitude, and adventures. This creates romance at every turn.

This Hawaiian island is popular with families for family-friendly activities such as whale watching, ziplining, and surfing. Even teens can name Kauai their favorite family vacation.

The Big Island of Hawaii is another must-see for everyone. You’ll find five national parks and many volcanoes here.

Find family-friendly activities in Hawaii and expert guides to the Hawaiian islands.

3. Italy

Visit Italy to discover its beauty, history, and culture. Italy’s long Mediterranean coastline and rich history have had a profound impact on the world.

Its capital, Rome is home to the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilicas, St. Peter’s Forum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon.

Other notable cities include Florence with Renaissance masterpieces like Michelangelo’s “David” and Brunelleschi’s Duomo; Venice; Milan which is Italy’s fashion capital.

You should also not miss lesser-known towns such as Torino, Salento Sojourns, and Italy’s hidden gems, Umbria (Tuscany), and the Dolomites

GetYourGuide offers the best tours of Italy. You can see the most stunning sights, visit historic cathedrals, and take a culinary tour through Italy. You can find their top-rated tours and exclusive activities in Italy right here.

The French town of Rochefort en Terre, Brittany. Photo by Rich Grant
4. France

Many travelers have made France a top choice for their bucket lists. France is a unique combination of modern and quaint cities that makes it easy for people to fall in love.

It’s easy to see how France is one of the most visited countries in the world. From the delicious French cuisine to historical landmarks to the stunning vineyards in the Loire Valley to the Bordeaux region, it’s clear why.

Paris, also known as the City of Light, is a top destination on your bucket list. It is home to famous landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Versailles and Notre Dame. Top Twenty Things to Do In Paris

Paris is a good place to start. However, the French/Parisians should also consider the following: Nice; Cote d’Azur; Marseille; and Cannes, which borders the country of Monaco.

Southern France has hidden gems such as the Rhone wine area and Claude Monet’s home in Giverny (Normandy). There is also stunning scenery. Start your search with our France Travel Guide.

5. Ireland

Ireland is still my top choice for a perfect world travel destination. Did you know Ireland has the third-largest European island? My favorite memory is the Wild Atlantic Way, from Donegal’s beautiful beaches to West Cork’s stunning coastline.

The Guinness beer and pubs of this Atlantic country are well-known worldwide. Ireland is also known for its St. Patrick’s Day festivities, novels, Irish music and dancing, and the finest whiskey.

Are you unsure where to begin your exploration of Ireland? These top ten things to do in Ireland will inspire you to go.

Start planning using our Ireland Vacation Guide.

Are you ready to spend the day at the beach, then visit the museum for Irish writers and end the evening with a tour of a pub? All these top-rated tours are available.

Japan’s cherry blossoms are a very popular spring event. They are colorful and fragrant.
6. Japan

For a rich, rewarding experience, travel to Japan

Japan is an island country east of the Asian mainland. It stretches 1,864 miles (3,090 kilometers) from north to south and is one of the most densely populated nations in the world. The five large islands that make up Japan’s largest island chain are Hokkaido (Honshu), Kyushu, and Shikoku.

Its capital city, Tokyo is the most visited by tourists. There are many tourist areas like Shibuya and Asakusa.

You should not miss the cherry blossoms if you visit Japan in spring. They are a popular sight that attracts a lot of tourists every year.

There are many Shinto shrines, and Buddhist temples worth seeing throughout the country. Manga museums and Geisha performance art will be a hit with art lovers.

Prepare for your Japan trip with, our Japan travel guide.

GetYourGuide offers a local guide to help you immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Get Your Adventures in Japan Here.

Amazing sunsets over the skies of Scotland’s Shetland Islands
7. Scotland

Scotland is a top choice for me as a U.K. tourist since I am a huge fan of Harry Potter and Outlander.

You will find plenty to write about in Scotland, including the blaring bagpipes and tartan kilts.

Start with 24 Hours in Edinburgh. Outdoor adventurers should consider hiking in the Scottish Highlands.

These top activities in Scotland will inspire you to make a trip to Scotland.

You can explore the beauty of Scotland on your schedule.

8. Iceland

Iceland’s stunning landscape, glaciers, and breathtaking national parks make it a top-notch destination on any bucket list.

Iceland is known as the Land of Ice and Fire. You’ll see why when you drive it’s on Golden Circle Road. You can relax by taking a hot bath in the Blue Lagoon, before you head off to see Iceland’s many waterfalls.

To plan your trip, start with our Iceland Trip Guide. Next, visit these Top Ten Things to Do In Iceland. For a memorable trip that you will never forget.

GetYourGuide allows you to see everything, from breathtaking waterfalls to tickets to the Blue Lagoon. Browse tours and book dates in advance

London, England is a place you should add to your bucket list.
9. England

As a child, I dreamed of going to England and London. I was a little girl who wanted to be a princess. Isn’t this where all princesses and princes, queens, and kings lived?

Although it may have been a mistake, I was just nine years old! London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. (Hypertext0_ driving in England can have unexpected twists.

Its central feature, and perhaps its most well-known, is the Houses of Parliament, the famous Big Ben clock tower, and Westminster Abbey.

No matter what age, everyone wants to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

Take a ride on the London Eye observation wheel to get panoramic views of the South Bank cultural center and the whole city.

You can read more about Top Ten Things to Do in London.

Find out more fun activities for your London trip here.

Telluride, Colorado is a great place to add to your bucket list.
10. Colorado (USA)

You will find clear skies, open spaces, and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Colorado has so much to offer. The four-season destination is a popular choice for travelers from all over the globe. For more information, visit our Colorado Travel Guide. Then, see our 10 Top Things to Do in Colorado. (It’s home, and we love sharing it!

If you enjoy being outside, then consider heading to the high country. Colorado’s mountain communities provide more memorable getaways. Colorado’s Rocky Mountains offer world-class snowboarding and skiing as well as other snowy-themed activities. Our top winter destinations include Vail and Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, and Telluride.

Don’t forget summer escapes to Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. Colorado has many outdoor activities, including hiking and biking.

Our small towns and cities are great for dining out, concerts, and other fun activities. They range from Denver to Colorado Springs. Home to American’s Mountain Pikes Peak. Another hotspot in the area is Glenwood Springs. This hotspot is known for its hot springs.

A national park should be included in any bucket list adventure. You can see four Colorado national parks: Rocky Mountain and Mesa Verde. Great Sand Dunes is also available. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

If you are looking for an adventure in the Old West, consider a Colorado Dude Ranch vacation.

You can explore Colorado’s ghost-towns and hikes by following the call of nature. All your favorite activities are here.

Quebec City, Canada is proud of its French roots. It has a European feel.
11. Canada

Canada Canada is a beautiful land in the northern half of North America. We love to visit Canada. It is the second-largest country in terms of total area. Its 10 provinces, three territories, and a third territory extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northwards into the Arctic Ocean.

It covers millions of miles (9.98mio km), which is a lot of bucket-list ideas in just one country.

Watch cowboys in Calgary and belugas in Manitoba. Kiss a fish! You can visit Newfoundland, or you can eat more lobsters than you ever imagined in Prince Edward Island.

Do you want to feel like you are in Europe but not have to leave North America? These are the top ten things to do in Quebec City.

Canada’s cultural diversity can be seen in Toronto, which has many neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Chinatown, and Little India. This city is located in Canada’s province of Ontario. It is like a journey around the globe.

Wine-lovers should visit the wineries in British Columbia or Ontario.

You can find unique activities in Canada and best-selling tours.

12. Mexico

Mexico has many bucket-list destinations.

Although travel Mexico this year is quite different, many visitors are already returning to their top Mexican destinations.

For fun in the sun, go to Cancun or Playa del Carmen. It offers miles of beaches, endless nightclubs, and luxurious shopping. There are also 13 top-rated golf courses and sumptuous spas. Accommodations for all price brackets.

For its 1.5-mile, 12-block Malecon, and hotel-lined large sandy beach, visit Puerto Vallarta.

Cabo Santa Lucas is a resort town at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. It is well-known for its beaches and water-based activities. Playa del Amor (the lover’s beach) and El Arco (the iconic arch-shaped rock formation on the sea cliffs) are two of the highlights.

Add swimming in the Sea of Cortez with whale sharks, or snorkeling in the Sea of Corte with sea lions in La Paz (the laid-back capital of Baja California Sur). This adventure is sure to be a highlight of your bucket list.

GetYourGuide offers expert-led tours to Mexico that take you to the most beautiful and intriguing sights. Book your dates now.

Traditional thatched-roof home in Germany’s Sylt island. Janna Graber
13. Germany

Germany should be on the top of everyone’s bucket list for those who love to travel around Europe. It’s most well-known for its fairytale castles, Bavarian Alps, and world-class cities. But there are German islands you can explore.

Many tourists plan their German vacations around annual events like Oktoberfest or Christmas markets.

Munich has a reputation for its Oktoberfest and beer halls. This includes the 16th-century Hofbrauhaus. The capital, Berlin, was founded in the 13th century. It is known for its turbulent past but also serves as a symbol of unification. There is so much to do and see in Berlin.

Our Germany Tourism Guide can help you get your head around the idea of visiting this country. The Top 10 Things You Can Do in Germany

You can find historical tours, holiday activities, and beer crawl all around Germany.

14. Australia

It’s a dream come true for many to visit Australia. The country is home to many attractions, including vibrant cities and endless golden beaches. It also boasts rugged outback bushland and impressive mountain ranges.

It would be almost impossible to visit Australia the sixth largest country in the world in one trip. These Australian road trips and train travel allow you to cover more territory.

These seven wonderful experiences are the top things you can do in Australia to get you started on your planning. Continue to discover more about Australia.

Outback Oz: Exploring Australia’s Heart; Snorkeling Australia’s Great Barrier Reef; Escape from Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia; Kangaroo Island. Family Friendly Sydney. Byron Bay. Or travel to Perth.

Explore Outback and discover exciting activities around Sydney.

15. Cambodia

The southeast Asian country of Cambodia is a must-see on your list. Its temples are breathtaking, and it’s fascinating for tourists to visit its low-lying plains and the Mekong River, which runs from North to South, majestic mountains, and the Gulf of Thailand coastline.

The ruins and massive stone temple complex of Angkor Wat are worth a visit in the north. This primeval site of Angkor wat is the Seventh Wonder of the World and should be on your bucket list.

You can experience a unique local treat by riding the Jungle Express, Cambodia’s Bamboo Train. It is known locally as the Norry Train. Travelers pay $2 for the ride, while locals trade for anything, from a pig for a month to a chicken for multiple rides. It runs for approximately 200 miles (320km) through the heartland of the country.

Continue reading: At The Killing Fields Revisit Camobdia’s Famous Past & Carving A Piece of Cambodia

Explore the beauty of Cambodia and discover unique cultural tours.

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