Life is an epic journey, and the planet is full of breathtaking locations that are just begging to be visited. Whether you’ve traveled extensively before or are just beginning to scratch your bucket list of dream destinations, having a bucket list of top destinations can fuel your desire for travel. From natural treasures to design marvels, below are some amazing places you should visit once in your lifetime.
1. Santorini, Greece – The Jewel of the Aegean Sea
Wake up each morning to the view of whitewashed houses tumbling down volcanic cliffs, with the blue expanse of the Aegean Sea extending all the way to the horizon. That’s Santorini—a place that mixes breathtaking landscapes, storied history, and delicious food.
Do not miss the opportunity to see sunset at Oia, visit ancient Akrotiri ruins, and indulge in the island’s distinctive wines. Greece has never been easier to visit, and with booking flight tickets without convenience fee, it is an even better getaway option.
2. Kyoto, Japan – Where Tradition Meets Tranquility
If you seek peace, beauty, and rich cultural experience, Kyoto cannot be avoided. Formerly the capital of Japan, Kyoto is filled with more than 1,600 temples, tranquil gardens, and ancient wooden cottages.
Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, attend a tea ceremony, or visit in spring for cherry blossom viewing for a visual treat that you will never forget. Planning a trip to Japan may cost you less than you imagine, particularly if you book flight tickets without convenience fee in the proper channels.
3. Machu Picchu, Peru – The Lost City of the Incas
Perched high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is a place of mystery that offers history, adventure, and natural splendor. This UNESCO World Heritage Site remains endlessly fascinating to visitors with its unexplained beginnings and awe-inspiring location.
You can trek the Inca Trail to access the site, which provides an intimate experience and spectacular views en route. The ancient citadel is a testament to the genius of the Inca civilization and is a destination that is remarkably otherworldly.
4. Cape Town, South Africa – Nature’s Playground
Cape Town is a place where towering mountains touch turquoise seas. From the legendary Table Mountain to the pulsating V&A Waterfront, there is something for everybody in this cosmopolitan city.
Travel to the Cape of Good Hope, stroll through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or do a day trip to the Winelands nearby. Don’t miss a trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. The cherry on the top? You can book flight tickets without convenience fee to Cape Town and save money for these fabulous activities.
5. Petra, Jordan – The Rose-Red City
Carved into pink-hued cliffs, Petra is one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological wonders. A once-prosperous trading hub and capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, this ancient city continues to awe visitors today.
Walk along the Siq to the treasured Treasury, visit tombs and temples, and ascend to the Monastery for panoramic desert vistas. Petra’s enchantment rests in its mystique and sheer magnitude—it’s more than a location; it’s an experience.
6. Banff National Park, Canada – A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a breathtaking mosaic of turquoise lakes, snowy peaks, and profuse wildlife. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the most photographed places on the globe—and for good reason.
Whether you hike, canoe, or simply soak in natural hot springs, Banff has something to do every season. Winter provides world-class skiing, with summer offering some of the most beautiful hikes on earth.
7. Dubai, UAE – The City of Superlatives
Dubai is where innovation meets excess. With its ultra-modern architecture, high-end shopping malls, and vibrant food scene, Dubai has reinvented itself as a destination city to see.
Explore the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, – It is possible to shop at the Dubai Mall or dune bashing in the endless Arabian desert. – It is a city that consistently redefines what can be done.
8. Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland provides a dreamlike combination of nature’s wonders—from crashing waterfalls and churning geysers to black sand beaches and glaciers. The Northern Lights are a big attraction, and are best viewed from September to April.
Take the stunning Ring Road on a road trip you’ll never forget. Along the way, stop to soak in the Blue Lagoon, hike over ice caves, and be awed by the sweeping landscapes that make Iceland a photographer’s paradise.
9. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia – A Marine Wonderland
Since it’s the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is home to an incredible array of marine life and colored coral outcrops. Diving or snorkeling here is stepping into another world.
With increasing climate change concerns, a trip to the reef has become a timely bucket list destination. Visit while promoting sustainable tourism that benefits efforts to protect this delicate ecosystem.
10. Rome, Italy – The Eternal City
No bucket list is complete without Rome. Home to more than 2,000 years of history, Rome is an outdoor museum with ancient ruins, renaissance art, and good food.
See the Colosseum, toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain, and enjoy authentic Italian pasta in a small trattoria. Rome is history and hospitality at its best, as few cities are.
Final Thoughts
Travel is about more than visiting new locations—it’s about finding yourself along the way. Every location on this list has something different to offer, from ancient history and cultural heritage to breathtaking natural landscapes.
When you plan your trips, don’t forget that smart budgeting enables you to explore the world more. And one easy way to do this is to book flights without convenience fee so that you have more space in your budget for experiences, local food, and souvenirs.
Life’s short, and the world’s big. Begin marking off your travel bucket list and make memories to last a lifetime. Adventure awaits!
