200+ Exciting Ideas You Have Add To Your Travel Bucket List

Looking for your next adventure but not sure where to start? Here are some iconic travel bucket list ideas for your next trip!

Featuring bucket list travel destinations from all around the world, including North America, Europa, Asia, and more!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Jump To Travel Bucket List Ideas

Are you looking for bucket list ideas for specific continent? Jump to an area here!

• Europe Travel Bucket List
• North America Bucket List Travels
• Caribbean Travel Ideas
• South America
• Asia Travel Bucket List
• Australia & New Zealand Bucket List Travel
• Africa Bucket List
• Middle East Bucket List Travels
• Antartica Bucket List
• General Travel Bucket List Ideas

Travel Bucket List Ideas For Europe

Heading to Europe and wondering what to do? These are some quintessential travel ideas to add to your European travel bucket list.

P.S. Check off Europe travel bucket list adventures as you do them with my printable and digital European bucket list. Shop Etsy here.

Have An Espresso In Italy

An espresso at home is not the same as having an espresso at an Italian cafe… in Italy. There it’s all about a quick caffeine boost, you don’t even need to sit down. Have an espresso shot at the bar, and then get back right to your day!

Visit Ancient Roman Ruins In Rome

Get transported back in time in the middle of Rome at the Roman Colosseum – the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, and still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world. Plus don’t forget to tour the Roman Forum while you’re there!

Go Wine Tasting In Tuscany

Wine tasting in the Tuscan mountains, while watching the sunset… can it get more dreamy than that!?

Toss A Coin & Make A Wish In The Trevi Fountain In Rome

Tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain is tradition after all, and you must do it properly. The theory goes that if you turn your back to the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin in above your head, you will one day return to Rome!

Get Serenaded On A Gondola Ride In Venice

I’ll admit, it’s definitely a bit of a tourists trap – and an overpriced one at that, but you definitely can’t experience being serenaded like this anywhere else!

Rent A Scooter On The Amalfi Coast

Visiting the Amalfi Coast in Italy should be a travel bucket list item on its own, but once you’re there, make the most of an iconic Italian experience by renting a scooter to drive through the winding road!

Try To Push The Leaning Tower Of Pisa Back Up!

There’s not much else in Pisa, Italy, other than that simple bell tower. Although it’s adjacent to a grand Cathedral, that 4 degree lean is what made taking a photo trying to push it back up a top travel bucket list item!

See The Tulips In Bloom In The Netherlands

The Netherlands are known for the beautiful tulip season in the Spring. See all the bright colourful fields in full bloom!

Bike Around Amsterdam

Biking and the Netherlands go hand it hand. So feel like a local by biking through the streets of Amsterdam. We biked to the windmills just outside of the city and had a wonderful half day adventure… read more about it here.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea At Fortnum and Mason In London

The Brits are the kings and queens of afternoon tea. A quintessential spot for tea in London is Fortnum and Mason. They are among the leaders in the art of English tea and offer two spots to enjoy this tradition. Find out more here.

Hear Big Ben Ring In London

Big Ben is not the tower in London, but rather the bell inside the clock tower attached to the Palace of Westminster. It chimes every hour on the hour and if you’re in London, you have to go hear his chimes!

See The Changing Of The Guard At Buckingham Palace

The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is a ceremonial parade of when the guards change… literally. It’s when one group goes off duty and welcomes in the next. It’s a parade down the Mall in London and becomes quite the spectacle.

Ride A Double Decker Bus In London

You’ve seen it in TV shows and movies, so add riding a double decker bus in London to your travel bucket list!

Ponder At Stonehenge At Sunset

Stonehenge is prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire – and there’s really not much else in the area.

But it’s still a travel bucket list item to see at least once. We still don’t know why it was built, so maybe you can figure it out while you’re there! Watching the sunset between the rock structures is a true sight!

Have A Baguette In Paris

France is all about the fresh bakeries and there’s nothing more French than a Baguette. Pick up a fresh baguette and bring it to have a picnic in the park in front of the Eiffel Tower!

Add A Lock To Love Lock Bridge In Paris

Lock your love on the original love lock bridge in Paris, The Pont des Arts. Just remember that it isn’t actually forever, they cut all of them off every few months otherwise the bridge will collapse under the weight of so many locks.

But it’s a fun travel bucket list idea to do with that special someone in your life!

Smile Back At The Mona Lisa In Paris

The Mona Lisa is a classic painting by Leonardo da Vinci, and a real travel bucket list item to see it in person.

It is on public display at the Louvre in Paris.

See A Fashion Show In Paris (Or Milan)

Why not head to one of the fashion capitals of the world (Paris, or even Milan) and see a fashion show!? It doesn’t have to be a fancy show either, they have smaller shows that are still just as much an experience to see.

In Paris, a popular fashion show to see is at Galerie Lafayette – check it out here.

Have a Glass Of Champagne… In Champagne!

Having a glass of Champagne in Champagne, c’mon, does it get any better than that!?

Relax On The Beach On The Côte D’Azur

The Côte D’Azur in the South of France is the epitome of a summer beach vacation in Europe. Hit up one of the main beaches in Cannes or Nice. Or head to a smaller more hidden gem like Ezes or Menton.

Walk Through Lavender Fields In Provence

Provence in the South of France is all about the lavender fields. Don’t forget to pick up some dried lavender to bring back home while you’re there!

Book a tour to the lavender fields on Viator here.

Sleep In A Glass Igloo In Finland

How many people can say they slept under the stars in the arctic and didn’t freeze!? Well, make it happen in a glass igloo in Finland for a memory of a lifetime! Maybe you’ll even get a chance to see the northern lights when you’re here too! Book your glass igloo at Kakslauttanen here.

See The Northern Lights In Tromso, Norway

Seeing the Northern Lights are on everyone’s travel bucket list – so why not see them in one of the best places, in Tromso Norway!? Tromso is the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic, which makes it an ideal place to see them!

Enjoy A Quadruple Beer In Belgium

Belgian Beer opened my eyes to a world where beer doesn’t all taste like cleaning product or bubbly urine (not that I know what that tastes like!).

So a fun travel bucket list idea is to try beer in Belgium, and maybe even a quadruple beer! Let’s just say a quadruple beer is uniquely Belgian, and they don’t have a lot of guidelines as to what qualifies as a quadruple. The only hard rule is that it has to be above 10% in alcohol…

Try A Deep Fried Mars Bar In Edinburgh

Sure you’ll want to try Haggis in Scotland, but as it turns out, Haggis isn’t originally from Scotland. So instead, scout out a deep-fried Mars bar, which actually DID originate in Scotland!

It might not be on the menu, but you should be able to find it at most fish and chip shops… all you have to do is ask!

See The Hairy Cows of Scotland 

Highland cows were bred specifically to endure the harsh climate of the Scottish Highlands. They are built to last, with strong horns and absolutely beautiful long hair, hence where they got their nickname … the hairy coo!

Needless to say, they’ve become somewhat of a mascot for Scotland over the years. There are a few places to spot them in Scotland, and some can even be reached easily from Edinburgh… check out where in my posts here.

Drink Scotch In The Scottish Highlands

Is there anything more classic than drinking Scotch IN THE Scottish Highlands!? There are a few distilleries in the Scottish Highlands that you can visit, like Dalwhinnie, to try some Scotch whisky while you’re there.

Try To Find Nessie At Loch Ness (In The Scottish Highlands)

Everyone knows the story of the Loch Ness monster, right?

Well the Scotts have nicknamed her Nessie, and loch is Gaelic for lake. So, there’s only logical thing to do here… take a boat over Loch Ness in search of the infamous monster!

Sleep In An Ice Hotel In Sweden

Why stay in a regular hotel with heating when you can bundle up for the night and stay in an ice hotel!? The IceHotel in Sweden is the original hotel from 1989. Of course, every year they have to rebuild it every winter. Book your stay here.

P.S. You can also stay in an ice hotel in Quebec City, Canada

Eat Paella In Spain

There’s nothing like eating Paella in Spain! If you want to really honour the dish, try it in Valencia for a truly authentic taste.

A traditional Paella is actually made with chicken and or rabbit as the main protein. Seafood was only added to the mix later! A fun way to try it is at a market when you see them making it in a GIANT skillet.

Enjoy Pintxos in San Sebastián

Pintxos (or Pinchos) are small finger foods that are traditionally from Northern Spain – or the Basque Country. So go back to where you can find the best Pintxos in San Sebastián.

See a Castell (Human Tower) In Barcelona

A tradition in Catalonia is to build the tallest human tower (a Castell) at festivals. And yes, people are actually standing on top of each other. To cap it off, a child climbs all the way to the top!

You might get lucky and see teams practicing in the streets of Barcelona, or if you’re visiting during one of the many festivals throughout the year.

Learn Flamenco Dancing In Andalusia

Flamenco dancing is a solo dance of expression that originated in Southern Spain in Andalusia. See a traditional flamenco show, but also why not take part and try to learn some of the moves yourself!?

Hike Through Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps are something to be admired from afar, but why not also hike through the mountains to visit the small mountain towns, grab a beer, or take photos.

You should also add climbing to the top of the tallest of all the mountains, Mont Blanc, to your travel bucket list!

Relax At A Thermal Bath In Budapest

Budapest is all about the thermal baths. There are no shortage of thermal baths to choose from in Budapest, but the traditional one is the Szechenyi baths, which is over 100 years old!

Relax at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

A classic travel bucket list experience in Europe is to relax at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Of course, we all know it’s touristy, and man made but it’s still a geothermal heated pool in the lava rocks – which is pretty cool!

Check out the Blue Lagoon here. Or you can opt for a more traditional spa experience in Iceland at the Sky Lagoon here.

See A Geyser Explode In Iceland

Geyser’s are rare underground hot springs that explode with boiling hot water and steam. It’s no surprise that Iceland is filled with these wonders.

And they have what people call The Great Geysir, one of the first and largest ones ever discovered! And where we got the name from. It’s truly an experience to watch it erupt… although you migth be waiting a while since it hasnt exploded since 1980!

You can see it’s little brother explode next to it called Strokkur – that one errupts every 4-10 minutes!

Drive The Ring Road In Iceland

The Ring Road in Iceland takes you all the way around the country. Though the drive itself is only 17 hours, if you want enough time to stop and enjoy all the popular sights, you’ll need a good ten days to two weeks – but it’s worth it!

See A Peacock In Lokrum, Croatia

It turns out, there’s an entire island of Peacocks in Croatia. Take a boat to the island and then just wait to see your first peacock of many!

Chug A Beer At Oktoberfest In Munich

Oktoberfest is probably one of the most famous festivals, and actually is the largest Volksfest (a type of German festival), in the world!

It’s chaotic, and probably the most expensive time to visit Germany, but it’s just one of those experiences that every traveler needs to do at least once – so add it to your travel bucket list!

Visit Cologne During Carnival

After visiting Cologne (and falling absolutely in love!), all I want to do is to visit again during Cologne Carnival. Carnival is their centuries old festival that literally dates back to the Middle Ages. Of course, it’s changed over the centuries, but it’s still a celebration at its core.

Carnival a week long party where people dress up every February and ends with a parade on Ash Wednesday. Don’t forget to cheer “Kölle Alaaf” (Cologne is Everything!) while you’re there to fit in!

See Dracula’s Castle At Bran Castle In Transylvania

Although Dracula is very much a fictional character created by Bram Stoker (from Britain), there are some striking similarities to Bran Castle in Transylvania. Add a visit to Dracula’s Castle to your travel bucket list to discover some spooky historical realities!

Watch The Sunset In Santorini, Greece

An ultimate bucket list travels is to go to Santorini, Greece and watch the sunset. Just take a moment to appreciate the picture perfect view.

Go Island Hopping In Greece

Greece is compromised of the mainland, Greece (Athens), but it’s also made up of over 200 Cycladic Islands. Santorini and Mykonos are among the most popular to visit. Add it to your travel bucket list to take a ferry (or plane) to the different islands in Greece!

Spend St. Patty’s Day In Dublin, Ireland

St. Patty’s day is celebrated worldwide, but make it really special one year and celebrate it where it all started – Dublin, Ireland. Party all night long and seeing the River Liffey turn are just part of the celebrations!

Kiss The Blarney Stone In Ireland For The “Gift Of The Gab”

Its tradition to climb up to the top of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. But! You can’t just bend down and kiss it!

You must first wait in a long line, and when it’s finally your turn, you must lie on your back, and then, and only then, may you kiss the Blarney Stone. Now you have been gifted the gab (to speak with eloquence and persuasion!).

Try Guinness In Ireland

These days, you can get Guinness worldwide. But the Guinness in Ireland is not the same as Guinness you’ve had anywhere else. You can actually get it on tap there, and there’s no better place to try it than at the Gravity Bar with a view!

Walk On The Giants Causeway In Ireland

The Giants Causeway in Ireland is unlike anything you’ve seen before. It’s about 40, 000 basalt pillars jutting out from the coastline that you can walk on.

Sip Port In Portugal With Dessert

Port is Portugal’s fortified red wine that is often paired with dessert. Fortified wine is when a distilled spirit is added to wine. For Port, it is typically Brandy that’s added. It’s a must to try Port in it’s place of origin, Porto!

Ride A Cable Car In Lisbon, Portugal

If you’ve seen any images of Lisbon, then you know about those iconic yellow cable cars climbing up the hilly city roads. And that’s why you need to add this experience to your travel bucket list. You need the picture, and the experience of riding the traditional cable car in Portugal!

Attend An Opera At The Vienna Operahouse

You have to add going to an opera at the Vienna Operahouse (Wiener Staatsoper) to your travel bucket list, stat!

Even if you aren’t a fan of opera or classic music, this is the only place in the world where you need to listen to it – and the best way to do that is to experience standing at the opera house in Vienna so you don’t even have to break the bank for tickets!

Jump Off Mostar Bridge In Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar Bridge (also known as Stari Most) is the Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia. This bridge was actually rebuilt in 2004 based on the 16th Century Ottoman bridge that was destroyed in the Croat-Bosniak war in 1993.

Jumping off the bridge is actually a century old tradition from when the original bridge stood there. Dating back to 1664, 16-year old boys would jump off as a rite of passage.

A travel bucket list item is to actually become an official member of the Mostar Dive Club by jumping off the Mostar bridge today. The bridge is 20-27 metres high depending on the height of the river (that’s around 65 to 89 feet).

P.S. diving boards in the Olympics are 3 or 10 metres high…

Do not try this without taking lessons firs though. To jump off safely, you have to take lessons from divers for how to jump and land safely in the river below. Find out more here.

Watch The Grand Prix In Monaco

The Grand Prix is a Formula One car racing event that takes place in the country every year. The city is transformed into a race course for the drivers, and it’s one of the hardest courses to drive.

Say Hi To The Monkeys Of Gibraltar

Monkeys along the border of Spain in the UK!? No one knows exactly how these little fellas got here, but they’ve now made Upper Rock their home bringing millions of tourists a year.

Tour Castle Ruins In Europe

Europe is all about castle ruins and delving deeper into history. Scotland and Ireland are filled with castle ruins, but you can find them all throughout the continent! Cross off visiting some castle ruins from your travel bucket list!

See my guide to Scottish castle ruins from Edinburgh here.

Go On A River Cruise In Europe

Another quintessential experience in Europe to cross off your bucket list is to go on a river cruise in a city.

European cities were typically built up along rivers, so most have one running through it – and luckily for you, today they often run cruises along them!

River cruises give you a different perspective and view of the city, and often offer some extra history! Popular river cruises are the Bateau Mouche along the River Seine in Paris, or along the Danube river in Budapest.

Drink Mulled Wine At A Christmas Market In Europe

Christmas Markets have blown up in the last few years. But, don’t just go to pick up some locally made Christmas gifts, try some traditional mulled wine as well. Mulled wine is a hot and spiced wine to enjoy.

Bucket List Travels In North America

From driving down Route 66 to seeing the White House in Washington, here are some travel ideas in North America to add to your bucket list.

P.S. Don’t miss a classic North American experience. Shop my North American travel bucket list to make the most of your travels! Shop Etsy here.

Try Smoked BBQ In Texas

Nothing compares to the barbecue in Texas. They slow smoke their meat using only post oak wood. They’ve really mastered it over the years, and it’s reached the ultimate. To try the best of the best in Texas, head to Austin for Franklin’s Barbecue to really cross of this travel bucket list!

Read more about BBQ in Texas!

Go To A Rodeo In Wyoming

Although the first rodeo was in Texas, Wyoming has created a name for itself in the rodeo world. Today, the rodeo in Cheyenne Wyoming is known as the “Daddy of ’em All”.

Cheyenne Frontier Days claims to be the “world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western Celebration”. And it’s not that new either, dating back to 1897! Find out more here.

But, you can also go to a rodeo in Texas – it is their national sport after all!

See The Bison Of Yellowstone National Park

It’s a sight to see the bison roam free in Yellowstone National Park, just make sure to not get too close!

Tailgate At A Football Game In The U.S.

Get the full American experience and don’t just go to a football game in the States, but tailgate one. This is when you go a few hours before the game even starts to eat some food and drink some beer by your car with your parking lot neighbours.

Attend Burning Man Festival in Nevada

The Burning Man festival takes places every year in Nevada. It’s a festival about artistic freedom and self expression. They build up a community and leave no trace of it at the end of the festival.

And, the most defining characteristics – the festival ends with them burning a large wooden effigy – signifying, the man!

Test Your Luck In Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is one of the most unique cities in the country, there’s no other place like it. Gamble, go to a Cirque de Soleil or magic show.

P.S. See my top tips for saving money on your next trip to Vegas here.

Surf The Waves In Hawaii

Live the real surfer lifestyle and learn how to surf the waves in Hawaii!

Hike A Volcano In Hawaii

Hawaii is an amazing geological land, as many of the islands are home to active and dormant volcanoes. Cross it off your travel bucket list and climb one – safely of course!

Drive On Route 66 In The U.S. 

Route 66 is a historical route that goes from Chicago to Santa Monica, Los Angeles. This was one of the original highways in the United States and you can still drive on parts of it today. It was mainly used by traveling salesmen in the 60’s.

We drove on part of it on our road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

Try Lobster In Maine

If you’re looking to try fresh lobster, Maine is the place to go. Lobster season is all year round there!

Kayak On The Emerald Waters Of Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a wonder in Banff, Alberta with crystal emerald water from the melting glaciers!

See The Red Sand Beaches Of Prince Edward Island 

Prince Edward Island (the smallest Canadian province) is known for its unique red dirt and red sand beaches (and also the red headed Anne of Green Gables!). See magnificent red rock formations before they disappear over time from erosion and weather.

Kayak With Beluga Whales In Manitoba

From June to September, Belugas visit the Churchill River in Manitoba to breed.

See A Hockey Game In Canada

Canadians LIVE AND BREATHE hockey. They play it all winter and always root for their home team.

Be part of the culture and go see a hockey game in a Canadian city. If you want to see the depths of this rivalry, head to a Toronto Maple Leaf Vs. Montreal Canadiens game.

Eat A Fresh Bagel On The Streets Of Montreal

There’s nothing better than a fresh warm Montreal bagel!

One of the best ways to enjoy one is to pick it up from one of the oldest shops in the city (St. Viator or Fairmont) and just enjoy it on your walk back home as a snack!

P.S. Montreal has the best bagels in the world, don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise…

Experience Winter In Quebec City

Quebec City is the last fortified city in North America – and it’s really something to see on it’s own. But, there’s something so magical about seeing the Old Town under a blanket of freshly fallen snow! Keep in mind, this is easier said than done! Winter in Quebec is not always so magical…

Ski (Or Snowboard) Down Whistler Blackcomb Mountain 

If you’re in to winter sports, then you already know an iconic mountain is Whistler Blackomb in British Columbia Canada. These are two twin peaks – Whistler, and Blackcomb.

Take A Train Through The Canadian Rockies

One of the best (and actually most authentic) wat to see the Canadian Rockies is to take a train. Sit back, order a drink, and take in the views all around you.

See the Rocky Mountaineer!

See Mount Rushmore In South Dakota

Mount Rushmore is a mountain side with the heads of the famous presidents carved out of it!

Gaze In Awe At The Grand Canyon In Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world. A deep canyon with rivers flowing through it, hike down, or just be in awe at the jaw dropping views from above!

Hike Through Antelope Canyon In Arizona

Antelope Canyon is the most epic natural rock sculpture you can walk through in Northern Arizona.

Go To A Music Concert In Nashville

Nashville is where country music legends are born! It’s home to the famous music venue The Grand Ole Opry House. Add going to a concert there to your travel bucket list!

Rock Out At Coachella 

The music festival to rule all music festivals – attend Coachella in California one year! See who’s performing this year.

Drive Along The Pacific Coast Highway In California In A Convertible

You have mountains on one side, and the ocean on the other. Why not add to this travel bucket list experience by driving down in a convertible and feeling the wind in your hair!?

Take A Boat To See The Statue Of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty in New York City stands tall on Ellis Island. You can see it from the city, but take a boat to see it up close and how tall she really stands!

See A Broadway Musical In NYC

There’s nothing like a live performance and the Broadway musical does not compare to anything else! See one of the long time running shows, like Wicked, or catch a new musical! See what’s playing on Broadway here.

See The View From The Top Of The Empire State Building

Go to the top of one of the most iconic buildings in New York City – featured in almost every rom com imaginable!

Bet On A Horse At The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is one of the largest horses races of the year! Bet on a horse and hope you win big!

Take A Photo With Mickey Mouse At DisneyWorld

Orlando, Florida is home to the DisneyWorld theme parks, made up of four epic parks to visit (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios). Just be sure to find Mickey Mouse and Cinderella’s castle for the ultimate photo op!

Get Soaked By Niagara Falls In Ontario, Canada

Niagara Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in North America, spanning across the Canadian and U.S. border. You can go behind the falls, or opt to get soaked on the maid of the mist!

P.S. it’s better to see them from the Canadian side, so bring your passport if you need it.

Go Dog Sledding In Alaska

How about a mode of transportation you’ve probably never tried before: dogs! bundle up and let the dogs of Alaska pull you through forests in the winter snow!

Question Whether You’re Driving Up Or Down Magnetic Hill

The many wonders of the world can be found in a small town in New Brunswick Canada. There’s a hill where you think you’re going down, but you’re actually going up.. or wait, is it the opposite… we’ll never know!

Walk Along The Ocean Floor At Hopewell Rocks

Walk along the ocean floor during low tide in New Brunswick, with giant rock formations towering above you. Or, opt to wait for the tide to kayak through the rocks instead.

Swim In The Atlantic Ocean In Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is a hook shaped peninsula with the Cape Cod bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other! Swim in the cold ocean water and just relax on the beach all day long!

Try To Escape From Alcatraz 

Alcatraz was the most secure prison in the U.S. at one point. Add it to your travel bucket list to visit and see if you can escape? Tickets sell out months in advance, book a ferry and tour of the prison here.

Ride A Cable Car In San Fransisco

San Fransisco is a hilly city and is most famous for their traditional cable cars taking you up and down the hills.

Skate On The Rideau Canal In Ottawa

The Rideau Canal in Ottawa is the longest, naturally frozen, skateway in the world. 2023 was the first year that it was never able to open at all.

Vendors set up stalls right on the ice, so make sure to grab a locally made Beaver Tail (don’t worry, it’s not what you think!).

P.S. travelling to Ottawa in the winter? Read more about visiting in the snow here.

Have A Deep Dish Pizza In Chicago

Chicago has put its own spin on pizza which is cooked in a pan. It’s high crust allows for more cheese and chunkier sauce!

Visit The White House In Washington

See where the current, and past Presidents of the United States have lived and worked. It’s probably one of the most famous buildings in the world.

See A Baseball Game At Fenway Park In Boston

One of the original baseball teams are the Boston Red Sox in the U.S.. Their field at Fenway Park is famous for the Green Monster – a tall wall that the ball can barely get over. It’s a real feat if someone hits a home run here!

See The Leaves Change Colour In New England

Every year from around September until October the leaves change colours from green to yellow, to orange, and sometimes even red before completely falling off for winter.

New England is one of the best places to witness the changing the leaves. There’s such a short time frame to see them at their peak that a visit has to be perfectly timed.

New England includes: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Visit Salem On Halloween

Salem, Massachusetts is famous for the horrendous witch trials that took place in 1692. Today, it’s become a go-to place to visit over Halloween.

It’s very busy on Halloween itself, but festivities began as of October 1! Find out more here.

See The Liberty Bell In Philadelphia

The Liberty Bell symbolizes freedom in the United States. But its defining characteristics is that it’s actually cracked. But before being retired, it actually cracked two more times!

Have A Philly Cheesesteak In Philadelphia

Sure, you can get a Philly cheesesteak in most States these days, but there’s something to be said for trying one in Philadelphia where it originated from! Thinly sliced pieces of beef, melted cheese, in a roll… yes please!

Try Tire Sur La Neige In Quebec

Tire sur la neige is a winter treat in Quebec – and a must add to any serious travel bucket list! Maple syrup is poured onto fresh snow and instantly cooled. It becomes a maple popsicle and it’s delicious!

Try Gumbo In New Orleans

The official state dish of Louisiana – a seafood stew!

Drive Through Death Valley National Park

Hit up this national park in the California and Nevada desert. Featuring canyons, salt flats, and ghost towns!

Go Wine Tasting In Napa Valley

Napa Valley is the renowned wine country of the United States. Set up on rolling hills, spend a day going from vineyard to vineyard.

Walk The Hollywood Walk Of Fame In Los Angeles

See the stars! On the ground that is! Find your favourite celebrities and walk where they walked!

Go On A Road Trip Through The U.S. 

An iconic family road trip through the United States, anyone? Rent a car and drive to different cities, stopping at all the unique attractions on the way! Drive from East to West, North to South, or make up your own unique route!

Admire The Chichén Itzà in Mexico

The Chichén Itzà is one of the seven wonders of the modern world! The highlight is a centuries old temple built by the Mayans.

Travel Bucket List Ideas in The Caribbean

Head to the Caribbean for some tropical and paradise bucket list travel ideas!

P.S. Don’t miss a classic travel bucket list adventure. Shop my travel bucket list to make the most of your travels! Shop Etsy here.

Tour Havana Cuba In A Brightly Coloured Car

If you visit Havana, have a bit of fun and show off your inner rainbow with a brightly coloured car! It’s the perfect way to vibe with the city!

Snorkel At A Coral Reef In The Caribbean

Get a glimpse of some of the underwater life in the Caribbean Sea!

Swim With Sting Rays In The Cayman Islands

Observe and swim with wild stingrays. They are actually quite curious and friendly animals but you should still respect their space!

Visit Multiple Islands On A Caribbean Cruise

Why commit to one beach in the Caribbean when you can take a cruise to a different one every day?

Take a relaxing beach vacation through the many Caribbean islands!

Swim With Pigs At Pig Beach In The Bahamas

You can actually swim with cute pink pigs in the Bahamas at Pig Beach. These are free roaming pigs that just live here.

Bucket List Travel Ideas In South America

Travelling to South America? Here are some must-do activities to add to your travel bucket list!

P.S. Don’t miss a classic travel bucket list adventure. Shop my travel bucket list to make the most of your travels! Shop Etsy here.

Hike To Machu Picchu In Peru

Another wonder of the modern world: Machu Picchu. Although it’s not easy to get up there, it will pay off when you reach these ancient village ruins high up in the mountains!

Attend Carnaval Festival In Rio

Don’t just visit Rio, visit during the Carnaval Festival. One of the oldest Carnival’s, and THE biggest in the world! This is the travel bucket list item of a life time!

Hike To Christ The Redeemer In Rio

Christ the Redeemer is one of the largest statues of Jesus and the tallest art deco statue in the world. It’s so impressive it was voted to be one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Spot Unique Wildlife In The Galápagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a series of islands off the coast of Ecuador and are home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world. Try to spot the Galapagos giant tortoise, land iguana and lava lizard.

See The Monolithic Moai Statues Of Easter Island

Easter Island is home to almost 900 statues known as Moai. They’re carved human figures with oversized heads dating back to the 13th–16th centuries. Easter Island is a remote volcanic island in Chile.

Surround Yourself By The Iguazu Falls Between Brazil, Argentina, & Paraguay 

Iguazu is surreal place to be as it borders three countries: Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. But the best place to see the falls is in Argentina!

Drink Coffee In Colombia

Colombia is among the world leaders in the coffee industry. The only catch? They drink what’s known as Tinto, which is the Colombian term for black coffee… better start trying forgoing any milk or sugar now to prepare!

See The Penguins Of Magdalena Island

Magdalena Island has the largest penguin colony in entire South America. This is where they come to breed from September to March. You might even get lucky and see a baby chick if you plan you visit for February!

Zip-Line Through Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

This is THE place to zip-line through the trees! Maybe you’ll even spot some local wildlife life on your way down!

Hike Rainbow Mountain In Peru

Who said a sand mountain had to be yellow? Thanks to the minerals in this mountain range, you can see a rainbow of colours from turquoise to purple to gold and more!

Enjoy Some Yerba Mate With Friends In Paraguay 

Yerba Mate is a smoked tisane that is actually caffeinated. This traditional drink is commonly enjoyed from a gourd (a dried and hollowed out squash) with a bombila (a straw). It’s often shared with friends and family.

P.S. Learn more about what Yerba Mate is here.

Go Sand Boarding In Huacachina

You’ve heard of snowboarding, so why not try sand boarding? It’s the same idea only on sand instead of snow!

Walk On The Salar De Uyuni Salt Flats In Bolivia

You can look like you’re walking on water at the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia. This is an experience like no other to add to your bucket list!

Attend The Festival Of The Flowers (Feria de las Flores) In Colombia

Some of the best travel bucket list ideas are festivals – and the Feria de las Flores in Colombia is no exception! It takes place every August in Medellín, Colombia, celebrating flowers!

Hike The W Trek In Torres del Paine National Park In Chile

If you love hiking through surreal landscapes, add the Torres del Plaine to your travel bucket list. The W Trek is the ultimate hike – taking you to the most beautiful spots in the park.

See The Flamingos At Laguna Colorada Lake In Bolivia

Laguna Colorada is a shallow salt lake that’s home to a rare species of flamingo. The flamingos are something, but the lake is a sight to see as well. It’s actually red from red sediments and the pigmentation of some algae.

Take A Boat To The Marble Caves In Chile

The marble caves in Chile will definitely take your breath away! They’re not actually marble, just nature at work eroding calcium carbonate cliffs. The best way to see them is to kayak through this natural wonder!

Walk On A Glacier In Argentina

The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world – and you can walk on it. You can hike to a view point on the top, or take a boat right up close to the glacier wall!

Bucket List Of Travels In Asia

There are so many travel bucket list ideas in Asia – here’s just a few ideas to add to your travel list!

P.S. Don’t miss a classic travel bucket list adventure. Shop my travel bucket list to make the most of your travels! Shop Etsy here.

Go Horseback Riding In Mongolia

Mongolian horses are a rugged and beautiful breed of horse that are only found in Mongolia. Experience some of the best of Mongolia on horseback by taking a trail ride through the Mongolian wilderness!

Trek The Trans Bhutan Trail

This is a newly restored trail that takes you through the Himalayan mountains in Bhutan. It’s perhaps the best way to see the country – passing through monasteries, villages, and temples in the mountains. It takes 36 days to complete the entire hike.

One of the most jaw dropping monasteries of them all – Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), on the mountain’s edge.

Visit The Taj Mahal In India

Your travel bucket list needs every seven wonders of the modern world, and the list would not be complete without the Taj Mahal in India. Although it looks like a palace, it’s actually a shrine. It’s just so impressive that this was built in the 1600s!

Get A Henna Tattoo In India 

Don’t worry – henna tattoos aren’t permanent (although you might end up wishing it was!). Henna is called mehndi in India. And these are works of art that are hand painted on your hands or even feet.

Get Colourful At Holi Festival In Mathura India

Holi – the festival of colours – is celebrated all throughout India, but one of the largest, and supposedly best, celebration is in Mathura, which is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Read more here.

Let Go Of A Lantern At The Pingxi Lantern Festival In Taiwan

Talk about a magical experience! The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival takes place every February when people light a lantern and send it off to the dark night sky in the hillside village of Shifen. This traditional is rooted in history where farmers would release lanterns with wishes asking for a good harvest for the coming year.

Feel At Peace At The Mahabodhi Temple In India

The Mahabodhi Temple is said to be where Buddha attained enlightenment. Come here to meditate and fine inner peace.

See The Cherry Blossoms In Bloom In Japan

The cherry blossoms are beautiful pink flowers that populate Japan every Spring in April/ beginning of May.

See Sumo Wrestling Match In Tokyo

Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport with a long history, it’s only natural to see a professional sumo wrestling match in Tokyo!

P.S. Read my full guide on going to a sumo tournament in Tokyo here.

Enjoy A Traditional Matcha Tea Ceremony In Japan

Although it seems like a new fad in America, Matcha has been enjoyed for centuries in Japan as part of a traditional ceremony. Have matcha made for you in the traditional way, while being served traditional desserts along with it.

Go On A Ramen Frenzy In Japan

Go on the search for the best ramen you’ve ever had in Japan! Try new flavours, or enjoy some of your favourites to see if they’re better in Japan!

See All Of Mount Fuji

It’s more of a feat to see all of Mount Fuji than to hike it. It’s often covered by haze and clouds. And, apparently, it’s also prettier from far than close – so I guess no need to work up a sweat here!

Try Sushi In Japan

Some of the best sushi can be found where you least expect it. Japan undoubtedly has some of the best sushi in the world, even if it’s in a subway station (although good luck getting a reservation!).

Walk Through Bamboo Forests Of Kyoto

Another travel bucket list item unique to Japan are the bamboo forests you can walk through. Bamboo shoots grow tall and are unlike typical trees you might be used to seeing.

Stay In A Pod Hotel In Tokyo 

In an attempt to save space (and money), Japan has created the pod hotel – quite different than your typical hotel room. This is just big enough to fit a bed. If you’re lucky you’ll have room to even sit or stand inside. There’s no denying that this is quite the unique travel bucket list experience!

P.S. Read about my stay in a pod hotel in Amsterdam here.

Stay In A Traditional Japanese Ryokan

Quite the opposite of a pod hotel in Japan, which is the modern way to stay, a Ryokan is a traditional inn. It offers guests a place to rest with dining options. The rooms usually feature a tatami floor with sliding doors, and the bed is a simple futon.

Walk The Great Wall Of China

Walk on ancient world wonder that is over 2,000 years old and spans approximately 13,170 miles long.

The sections were built throughout different centuries, but the most popular part to walk on is Badaling – it’s close to Beijing and is in good condition!

See The Terracotta Warriors Of Xi’an

Although kind of creepy, The Terracotta Warriors Of Xi’an are quite the sight. They depict the army of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. It was meant to protect him in the afterlife.

Be In Awe At The Giant Buddha In Leshan, China

See the largest Buddha in the world: The Leshan Giant Buddha which is actually carved into a mountainside!

Enjoy Tea In A Gaiwan In China

A gaiwan (a cup with a lid) is the traditional way of enjoying tea in China, and has been for centuries. Head to a teahouse and enjoy some tea the traditional way.

See The Temples Of Bagan In Myanmar

There are a whopping 2, 229 temples and pagodas in the ancient city of Bagan (although at one point there were believed to be 13,000!).

Hang Out At An Elephant Sanctuary In Thailand

Elephants in Thailand have become somewhat of celebrities. Help out at one of the ethical sanctuaries to get up close to one of these beasts and help care for them!

Go To A Floating Market In Thailand

Why go to a market on the ground when you can get on a boat and float to one on the river. The Damnoen Saduak floating market is one of the largest and most well known in Thailand.

Go Island Hopping In Thailand

Go island hopping to explore the best of Thailand. Take a boat through the Phi Phi Islands or focus on the large island of Phuket.

Visit A Royal Palace Dressed In A Traditional Hanbok In South Korea

It’s popular for locals to wear Hanbok (a traditional Korean dress) and even tourists when visiting Gyeongbokgung palace. As it turns out, entry is free when you wear one – so why not fit in and take some beautiful pictures while you’re there!?

Swim In An Infinity Pool In Singapore

Swimming in a rooftop pool is fun enough. But now make it an infinity pool… hell yes! The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore did just that and it’s EPIC!

The only problem is that you will have to book a room at the hotel to access the pool, but I think it’s worth it for this once in a lifetime bucket list experience!

Walk Through Gardens By The Bay In Singapore 

You’ve probably never see a garden like this. Jump ahead to the future in Singapore with these larger than life fake trees.

Watch The Sunrise Over Angkor Wat In Cambodia

Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world! If that’s not a reason to add it to your travel bucket list, I don’t know what is! Well there’s also that you get an incredible sunset views with a reflection of the temples in the moat in front!

Meet A Holy Monkey At The Monkey Temple In Kathmandu, Nepal

Swoyambhu Mahachaitya is the more traditional name for this Buddhist temple in Kathmandu. It’s an impressive temple to visit, and it’s probably the only temple in the world where monkeys roam free. They’re considered sacred monkeys and are cared for by the temple.

Cruise On Hạ Long Bay In Vietnam

Ha Long Bay reminds me of Pandora’s floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Home to dense rainforests, these limestone islands soar high above the emerald water. Cruise between the islands to be totally captivated by them!

Swim In The Puerto Princesa Underground River

This is an 8.2-km (5.1-mile) section of the 24-km (15-mile) St. Paul Underground River Cave.

It’s something that not too many people have done, making it a truly special travel bucket list item. Let’s just say that you’ll either need a permit or travel with a tour group. But apparently, it’s worth it.

Hang Out On The Kandy to Ella train in Sri Lanka

The train ride from Kandy to Ella is one of the most scenic (and possibly cheapest!) in the world. A 5 hours train ride can cost less than $10, and the views are spectacular! You pass by tea plantations, villages, and more on this route.

See The Forbidden City In Beijing

Although the Forbidden City was really less of a city and more of a palace for emperors and their servants. It served as a religious and political centre for over 500 years in China and it’s open for you to visit today!

Visit The Grand Palace In Bangkok

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is in the centre of the city as the kings house. It was surprisingly used until 1925!

Swing High Above The Trees In Bali

Step up your swinging game and soar through the trees in Bali. Plus, these rugged swings make for great photos ops too!

Go On A Yoga Retreat In Bali

There’s no denying that traveling can be exhausting. So make a point to go on a self care retreat in Bali and do some yoga on the beach for a change of pace!

Stay In An Overwater Bungalow In The Maldives

This has to be on every serious travellers travel bucket list as one of the most unique places you can stay. These little houses floating on the water are only connected to the mainland by a floating dock!

Bucket List Travels In Australia & New Zealand

Travel to Oceania and cross these items off your travel bucket list!

P.S. Don’t miss a classic travel bucket list adventure. Shop my travel bucket list to make the most of your travels! Shop Etsy here.

Climb The Sydney Harbour Bridge

Are you brave enough to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia!? It’s one of the world’s largest steel arch bridges in the world, and you can actually climb it! Find out more here.

Go To An Opera At The Sydney Opera House

One of the most unique pieces of architecture in the world is the Sydney Opera House in Australia. But don’t just look at this iconic skyline building, actually go inside and enjoy it for what it was meant to be – an opera house. See an opera, concert, ballet, or even play here.

Go Scuba Diving In The Great Barrier Reef In Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Scuba dive to get a sneak peak of a whole other underwater life!

Let Glowworms Light The Way In New Zealand Caves

Who needs fireflies when you have glow-worms lighting your way in the caves of New Zealand!?

See Where Hobbits Live In New Zealand

Any Lord of the Ring fans knows that most of the movie was filmed in New Zealand. But, a sheep farm actually turned into the Hobbits home and is now known as Hobbiton that you can tour.

See Uluru Rock In Australia

Uluru rock is a massive monolith in the middle of the flat desert. Learn about how it’s sacred to the indigenous and see this massive rock up close!

See The Twelve Apostles In Australia

The Twelve Apostles are rock formations along the coast in Port Campbell National Park in Victoria, Australia.

Swim At Bondi Beach In Sydney

If there’s any beach you have to go to in Australia, it’s Bondi Beach. Bondi Beach isn’t just a beach in Australia! You have the iconic beach of course, but then there’s the Icebergs swimming pool, trendy cafes, and more at this local hotspot.

Snap A Photo With A Koala In Australia

Australia is home to many unique species to the continent. Some of the cutest, and most popular though, the Koala! Give one a hug, or try to find one in it’s natural habitat sleeping in the trees!

See The Kangaroos of Kangaroo Island

See the best of Australian wildlife in their natural habitat on Kangaroo Island. Most importantly, see the kangaroos who populate this island to warrant it being named after them.

Bucket List Travel Experiences In Africa

Going on a safari is a classic travel bucket list adventure in Africa, but there’s so much more! Here are some other travel ideas to explore!

P.S. Don’t miss a classic travel bucket list adventure. Shop my travel bucket list to make the most of your travels! Shop Etsy here.

Go On An African Safari

You can’t go to Africa and not go on an African Safari. It’s one of the best ways to safely see African wildlife in their natural habitat.

See The Largest Falls (Victoria Falls) In The World In Africa

Cross it off you travel bucket list to see Victoria Falls – the largest falls in the world. They measure 1,708 m wide.

Walk The Avenue of Baobabs in Madagascar

Baobas line the unpaved road leading you from Morondava to Belon’i Tsiribihina in Madagascar. These trees are so cool looking!

See Gorillas In Uganda

Marvel at gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda! Find out more here.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Although it’s not Mount Everest, it’s still an incredible feat to climb this dormant volcano in Tanzania.

Bucket List Travels In The Middle East

The Middle East is home to some of the craziest world wonders, historical sites, and unique experiences.

P.S. Don’t miss a classic travel bucket list adventure. Shop my travel bucket list to make the most of your travels! Shop Etsy here.

Ride A Hot Air Balloon In Cappadocia, Turkey

Have a dreamy night in Turkey floating in a hot air balloon high above the world!

Meet All The Cats In Istanbul, Turkey

Cats are treated like celebrities in Istanbul (as they always should be). There are so many street cats here that they practically run the city!

Find The Hidden World of Petra in Jordan

Hidden among the desert cliffs, you might miss it all together! This city was built into the mountainside by carving out the rock itself, and is incredible to see.

See The Great Pyramids Of Giza In Egypt

One of the only original wonders of the world are still standing in Egypt today – the Great Pyramids of Giza. See if for yourself up close – and maybe even go inside!

Ride A Camel In The Desert

Why go horseback riding when you can go camelback riding… through the desert!

Feel Spiritual At The Western Wall In Jerusalem 

See one of the most spiritual walls in the world. Also known as the “Wailing Wall” or the “Kotel”, it’s the last remaining outer wall of the ancient Jewish temple.

Shop At A Market In Marrakech, Morocco

The best way to shop local is at a market in Morocco. Shop anything from food, spices, tea, or home decor!

Go To The Top Of Burj Khalifa In Dubai

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world – so it’s only logically to take it upon yourself to make it to the top to cross off your travel bucket list!

Float In The Dead Sea In The Desert

The Dead Sea is quite possibly one of the most unique experiences in the world. You can literally float on the water here! There is such a high salt content in the Dead Sea that it exfoliates your skin and lifts you up! Find out more here.

Go On A Polar Plunge In Antarctica

A polar plunge is when you jump into the freezing cold waters of the Arctic Ocean. Don’t spend too long in there though! The best part is afterwards when you can cozy up right away in your bathrobe!

General Travel Bucket List Ideas

A travel bucket list isn’t just about specific destinations, sometimes it’s also about having new experiences and doing something you wouldn’t normally do at home.

Fly First Class (Or Business Class)

Splurge on yourself and fly first class at least once – if for no other reason than just to cross it off your travel bucket list!

It’s one of those travel ultimates that we all strive for. If this isn’t an experience of a lifetime, I don’t know what is!

And now I can tell you from first hand experience – it’s all worth it!

Go Back To Your Favourite Destination

Instead of exploring somewhere new, go back to a place you’ve already been. There’s something special about returning to a place you’ve already visited.

You feel more comfortable, there’s less stress to see it all, and you just focus on your favourites, or maybe something you missed your first time visiting.

Rent A Fun Car You Would Never Buy

Renting a car is usually practical, but just once, why not have some fun!? Rent a fun car you would never buy back home. Maybe a convertible, luxury car, or even a Jeep!

Eat At A Michelin Star Restaurant

Michelin Star restaurants are more about the experience than about the food itself.

This doesn’t even have to break the bank either, there are some pretty good 1-2 star Michelin restaurants that aren’t all about showing off how much you can spend on one meal!

Stay At A Fairmont Hotel

Fairmont hotels are often in old chateaus that have been turned into luxury hotels. They range from $150 to over $1000 / night.

You can sometimes get a deal on a small room at one of their historical hotels. Some of the most iconic Fairmont hotels to stay at are the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City or Lake Louise Fairmont in Alberta.

Go To An All Inclusive Resort

Add staying at an all inclusive resort to your travel bucket list. You don’t have to stay at a beach all inclusive resort either if that’s not your style of travel – although it is a different experience to relax and not have to think about anything while on vacation!

Visit All 7 Continents

Make it a goal for yourself to try to visit all 7 continents – North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and Antarctica! Antarctica should be very fun!

Visit All 50 U.S. States

Why not add visiting all 50 U.S. States to your travel bucket list while you’re at it!? Every state is so different and definitely worth visiting them all!

P.S. I have a U.S. State checklist included in my North American travel bucket list… check it out on Etsy here.

Visit all 13 Canadian Provinces & Territories

If all 50 U.S. States seems like a bit much of a task, start with visiting all 13 Canadian provinces and territories instead!

Visit all 46 European Countries

Or make it your goal to visit all 46 European countries. Start off with a summer and a Euro rail pass for 33 countries … check it out here.

P.S. I have a European country checklist included in my European travel bucket list… check it out on Etsy here

See All UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Good luck! As of January 2023, there are a total of 1,157 World Heritage Sites across 167 countries. But this is a good life time travel bucket list goal to have if you want one!

Quick Links – My Amazon Travel Favourites

Read More Related Posts

• My Top 11 Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without
• 5 Money Saving Tips For Booking Direct Flights Online
• How To Plan Your Vacation In 9 Simple Steps

Click Image To Share Or Save This Post

Last update on 2024-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API