Explore 15 must-visit destinations for your travel bucket list, from Paris and Machu Picchu to Bora Bora. Get tips, facts, and planning advice for each spot.
If you have ever dreamed of exploring breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, or historic landmarks, creating a travel bucket list is a perfect way to start planning your adventures.
From ancient wonders to tropical escapes, the world offers endless destinations that inspire awe and curiosity. Below, we explore some of the most popular bucket list (or, alternatively, a 30 by 30 list) destinations across continents, sharing interesting facts and tips to help you plan your travels.
1. Paris, France: The City of Lights
Paris is one of the most iconic destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city is famous for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and its romantic streets lined with cafés.
Travel Tips:
- Visit popular sites like the Eiffel Tower early in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
- Purchase a Paris Museum Pass if you plan to visit multiple museums.
- Consider exploring beyond the city center to neighborhoods like Montmartre for local charm.
Fun Fact: The Louvre is the most-visited museum in the world, with over 7 million visitors annually.
2. Kyoto, Japan: Temples and Tradition
Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, is home to over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. Known for its stunning gardens, historic tea houses, and seasonal cherry blossoms, Kyoto offers a deep dive into Japanese heritage.
Travel Tips:
- Visit during spring (March to April) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October to November) for vibrant foliage.
- Purchase a one-day bus pass to easily navigate the city’s many temples.
- Dress modestly when visiting shrines and temples.
Fun Fact: Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years before Tokyo took its place.
3. Rome, Italy: The Eternal City
Rome is a dream destination for history lovers. The city’s streets are lined with ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City.
Travel Tips:
- Book tickets to the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in advance to skip long lines.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as much of the city is best explored on foot.
- Be prepared for midday closures at some shops and restaurants, especially outside tourist zones.
Fun Fact: Rome has more fountains than any other city in the world, with over 1,500 scattered throughout the city.
4. Santorini, Greece: Aegean Island Paradise
Santorini is a volcanic island known for its whitewashed buildings with blue domes, stunning sunsets, and crystal-clear waters. It is a top destination for honeymooners and travelers seeking relaxation.
Travel Tips:
- Visit in late spring or early fall to avoid peak summer crowds and heat.
- Stay in Oia or Fira for easy access to views and restaurants.
- Rent a scooter or ATV to explore the island at your own pace.
Fun Fact: The island’s crescent shape is the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago.
5. New York City, USA: The City That Never Sleeps
New York City is a cultural capital, home to Broadway, (probably my favorite part of the city) the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park. It offers a mix of iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods.
Travel Tips:
- Purchase a CityPASS for discounted entry to popular attractions.
- Explore beyond Manhattan, visiting Brooklyn and Queens for authentic local experiences.
- Use the subway to save time and money while getting around.
Fun Fact: Times Square is named after The New York Times, which moved its headquarters there in 1904.
6. Sydney, Australia: Harbor City Wonders
Sydney is famous for its stunning harbor, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach. It combines modern city life with outdoor adventures.
Travel Tips:
- Take a ferry ride to Manly for stunning views of the harbor.
- Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail for one of Australia’s best seaside hikes.
- Use sunscreen and stay hydrated; Australia’s sun is strong.
Fun Fact: The Sydney Opera House took 14 years to build and was completed in 1973.
7. Machu Picchu, Peru: The Lost City of the Incas
Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Built in the 15th century, it remains a mystery as to why the Incas abandoned it.
Travel Tips:
- Book your entrance tickets months in advance, especially during high season (May to September).
- Consider taking the train from Cusco or hiking the Inca Trail for a more immersive experience.
- Acclimate to the altitude before visiting to avoid altitude sickness.
Fun Fact: Machu Picchu was largely unknown to the outside world until 1911, when American explorer Hiram Bingham brought attention to it.
8. Banff National Park, Canada: Rocky Mountain Beauty
Located in Alberta, Banff National Park is known for its turquoise lakes, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of its most photographed spots.
Travel Tips:
- Visit during summer for hiking or winter for skiing.
- Start your days early, as parking near major lakes fills quickly.
- Purchase a Parks Canada pass in advance to streamline entry.
Fun Fact: Banff is Canada’s first national park, established in 1885.
9. Cape Town, South Africa: Mountains and Coastlines
Cape Town is a vibrant city set between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its beaches, wine country, and cultural diversity.
Travel Tips:
- Take the cable car or hike up Table Mountain for panoramic views.
- Visit the Cape Winelands for wine tasting tours.
- Be mindful of safety by sticking to well-traveled areas and guided tours.
Fun Fact: Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world, estimated to be over 260 million years old.
10. Reykjavik, Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice
Reykjavik serves as the gateway to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, including glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and the Northern Lights.
Travel Tips:
- Visit between September and April for the best chance to see the Northern Lights.
- Rent a car to explore the Golden Circle and other natural wonders.
- Dress in layers; Iceland’s weather changes quickly.
Fun Fact: Around 11 percent of Iceland is covered by glaciers.
11. Cairo, Egypt: Home of the Pyramids
Cairo is the starting point for exploring the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is also rich in Islamic architecture and vibrant markets.
Travel Tips:
- Hire a licensed guide for historical insight when visiting the pyramids.
- Dress modestly, especially at religious sites.
- Visit the Egyptian Museum to see artifacts, including treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Fun Fact: The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
12. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Beaches and Carnival
Rio de Janeiro is known for its beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, the Christ the Redeemer statue, and its world-famous Carnival.
Travel Tips:
- Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views.
- Visit during Carnival season (February or March) for a vibrant experience, but book well in advance.
- Be cautious with valuables and stay in safe neighborhoods.
Fun Fact: Christ the Redeemer is 98 feet tall and weighs 635 metric tons.
13. Petra, Jordan: The Rose City
Petra is an ancient city carved into red sandstone cliffs, famous for the Treasury and Monastery structures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Travel Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the site covers a large area.
- Visit early or late in the day to avoid the midday heat.
- Consider the Petra by Night experience, where the Treasury is illuminated by candles.
Fun Fact: Petra was a thriving trading hub around 300 BCE and was rediscovered by Western explorers in the early 19th century.
14. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Tropical Escape
Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island known for its turquoise lagoon, overwater bungalows, and lush mountains.
Travel Tips:
- Visit during the dry season (May to October) for the best weather.
- Book accommodations early, as overwater bungalows are in high demand.
- Snorkeling and lagoon tours are must-do activities.
Fun Fact: Bora Bora’s lagoon is protected by a barrier reef, making it ideal for water activities.
15. London, England: History and Modernity Combined
London is a city where history meets modern attractions. From Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to the London Eye and West End theaters, there is something for everyone.
Travel Tips:
- Use an Oyster Card for affordable public transportation.
- Many museums, including the British Museum, are free to enter.
- Book West End theater tickets in advance for the best shows.
Fun Fact: London has more than 170 museums, many of which are free.
Final Thoughts on Building Your Travel Bucket List
Your travel bucket list can be as unique as you are. While these destinations are among the most popular worldwide, your personal list might include hidden gems or culturally rich experiences that are less touristy.
Whether you are chasing natural beauty, historic landmarks, or cultural immersion, researching each destination and planning ahead can make your dream trips both memorable and budget-friendly.