What bucket list trips are on your wish list?
After visiting 52 countries (so far), everyone always asks about my favorites. There’s honestly no easy answer to this question because each place is so different. And sometimes, it’s not necessarily the country itself that stands out in my memory, but the experiences or the people I met.
But in this list, I’ve tried to put down my top 10 bucket list trips so far in the hopes of inspiring your next trip.
Whether you’re searching for breathtaking landscapes, culture, history, wildlife sightings or adventure, these destinations will have you searching for flights and (hopefully!) packing your bags.
1. Banff & the Canadian Rockies – Stunning Beauty
The Canadian Rockies are absolutely stunning. If you love mountain views, turquoise lakes, and the kind of scenery that you can’t take your eyes off of, add Banff, Jasper, the Icefields Parkway, and the Canadian Rockies to your bucket list.
On my first trip to Banff in summer, I arrived at night, completely unaware of the dramatic mountain landscape around me. One glimpse outside once the sun came up and I was in love. So much so, that I returned during the winter to ski and snowshoe on and among the snow-covered peaks and skate on the frozen lakes.
Besides the natural beauty, what stood out to me about this destination was how accessible it was. You don’t need to be a mountaineer or avid hiker to enjoy the Canadian Rockies.
You can drive the scenic roads through Banff National Park, to Lake Louise, and along the 144-mile bucket list-worthy Icefields Parkway, just to name a few. Hop out to take some photos, spot some wildlife, or to do a short walk.
And if hiking and outdoor adventures speak to your soul, you’ve got plenty of options across not just the Banff-Lake Louise area, but in nearby Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks, too.
Check out my Banff & Icefields Parkway guides for more info!
2. Galapagos Islands – Wildlife Galore
I’d always been fascinated by the Galapagos Islands because I love wildlife. But, I’m not a scuba diver and I wasn’t sure it made the most sense to plan a trip there. I can’t tell you how wrong I was!
The Galapagos Islands are a wildlife lover’s dream come true. This remote archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is one of the most protected ecosystems on the planet. On land, you can see giant tortoises, sea lions, lizards, and beautiful birds like the blue-footed boobie…not to mention some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world.
Underwater, another world awaits! And the best part is you just need to snorkel to see it.
Snorkeling here is unforgettable. You’ll swim alongside sea turtles, sea lions, and all types of colorful fish and marine life. You might even see a few sharks!
I took this trip with my 10-year-old niece. Neither one of us was a snorkeling expert but, after some jitters on the first day, we couldn’t wait to get back in the water the next day to see what we might discover.
This is the exact Galapagos trip we took and loved!
3. Patagonia – Remote and Spectacularly Wild
Patagonia has my heart forever. It was my first solo trip. (Yes, I’m a go big or go home kind of person!) And Patagonia’s raw, remote landscape is spectacular.
I spent time in Torres del Paine National Park hiking and driving along the park’s scenic road. I trekked on Perito Moreno Glacier and then later watched from afar with my lunch as chunks of ice continually calved off the face and crashed into the water.
The hiking trails around El Chalten were incredible and sometimes challenging, like the iconic Laguna de los Tres trek with stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy. My visit was timed perfectly during Patagonia’s fall season to see the landscape covered in reds, oranges, and yellows. I even got to see a pair of huemul deer, which are native to the area but endangered.
And from Ushuia, I took a boat out to the Beagle Channel and explored a bit of the Tierra del Fuego.
Getting to Patagonia takes effort. Given its far-off location it definitely falls into the once-in-a-lifetime destination for most people who want to visit. But it’s well worth the planning it takes to see and experience this special and amazing place!
Click here to see my original guide for planning a trip to Patagonia!
4. Finnish Lapland – See What It’s Like from Inside the Snow Globe
I could never put together this list of bucket list trips without including Finnish Lapland!
From start to finish, visiting this part of the world is a trip like no other. Chase the Northern Lights, and hopefully, get lucky enough to spot them like I did.
Feed reindeer and visit Santa. Go dog sledding through the evergreen forests and across frozen lakes preferably first thing to watch as the sun comes up over the Arctic Circle.
Take sleigh rides or go snowmobiling to see parts of the landscape that you can’t see from popular points like Rovaniemi. Stay at or visit the Ice Hotel. Sleep in an igloo or rent a cabin with its own sauna inside. It’s perfect after a few hours of snowshoeing.
And definitely give snowshoeing a try! It’s amazing to be in the untouched snow-covered forests with only the sounds of your shoes crunching the snow.
Finnish Lapland in winter is a bucket list trip where you can be as adventurous as you like or not. But either way, it’ll be unforgettable.
Read this guide to plan your trip to Finnish Lapland.
5. Iceland – Otherworldly Travel
Iceland feels like another planet. One moment, you’re soaking in a hidden hot spring and the next, you’re driving past lava fields or feeling the mist of a towering waterfall.
Driving the Ring Road is the ultimate road trip and one of the most incredible adventures. You’ll pass by famous waterfalls, landmarks, and beaches along the more-traveled southern coast before looping to the lesser-known parts of the eastern and northern parts of the country.
One of my favorite waterfalls of all time, Godafoss, is in the northern part of Iceland.
Plus, there are smaller loops and scenic drives that stem off of the main Ring Road. I loved driving the Diamond Circle and going whale-watching in Husavik.
Iceland is great for road-trippers, adventure-seekers, and ANYONE who loves to look at incredible natural beauty.
Click here to read more about the best waterfalls in Iceland.
6. Southern Africa & the Okavango Delta – Safari Dreams Come True
I’m pretty sure most people have a safari on their bucket lists. (And if you don’t, trust me and add one!)
I traveled through South Africa, Botswana, and to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and did safari game drives throughout the trip at national parks like Kruger and Chobe and in private reserves. I’ve wanted to go on another safari ever since.
Seeing the wildlife out in the open leaves you speechless. Not just for the sighting itself, but also because seeing unfiltered nature unfold before your eyes makes you feel alive!
Within this trip, I also had the chance to camp in the Okavango Delta. And before you say, I’m not a camper (because I wasn’t either), this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you should not pass up!
The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland river delta and has some of the purest wilderness you’ll find anywhere on the planet. Every day here is different, but one thing’s for sure. You’ll hear the calls of wildlife at dawn, see the most epic sunsets, be in awe over the most incredible views of the stars and the Milky Way, and fall asleep to the sounds of animals grunting and grazing nearby.
Read more about my Okavango Delta camping experience!
7. Paris – City of Love and Light
I’ve been to Paris 4 times (and counting). Each time I love it more.
Of course, we all know what an icon Paris is. But it truly lives up to the hype. The city’s famous sights from the Louvre to Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower are undoubtedly bucket list.
But Paris has 20 unique neighborhoods, or arrondissements. Each one has its own vibe, popular spots, and stories. You could simply go to Paris and walk for days without even going inside a museum and return home changed forever. (Seriously, I can walk 30,000 steps a day in Paris!)
I love walking through neighborhoods on the left bank like the Latin Quarter and St. Germain. The Marais and Montmartre shouldn’t be missed.
Paris and a few day trips can be a trip all on its own. Or pair it with other places in France like Normandy or Provence or connect it to a larger European itinerary. It’s easy to do with places like London or Amsterdam.
Check out my Paris Cheat Sheet for some travel inspo!
8. U.S. National Park Road Trip
Road-tripping through Utah, Arizona, and Colorado’s national parks is a total bucket list adventure.
My favorite of these was driving through Utah but no matter which one you start with there’s no denying that the western part of the U.S. is home to some of the most iconic and jaw-dropping landscapes in the world.
The sheer scale and beauty of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the endless red rock formations of Arches National Park, seeing the majestic Zion National Park and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado are unforgettable. Plus, road trips are the essence of true freedom which pairs perfectly with the wild, ruggedness of this part of the country.
All of these national parks have options, whether you want to hike, raft, climb or simply take in the breathtaking landscapes from the scenic overlooks and look for animals. It’s the kind of travel that leaves you feeling like you’ve truly experienced the heart of America.
Read more about my Utah Road Trip Itinerary here.
9. Italy – From North to South
Italy has my heart forever. As someone who calls it home for part of the year, I’m definitely biased.
But what I can positively confirm is that Italy is a country is full of stunning beaches, rolling hills of vineyards, history, art, culture, and small hilltop villages. And this is before you mention iconic places like Rome, Venice, and Florence.
Every region has its own character. You could spend days just wandering small towns, visiting ancient ruins and grand palaces, or beach-hopping along Italy’s incredible coastline.
It would also be possibly illegal if I didn’t mention the food. Italian food is so much more than pizza and famous-name pasta dishes. It’s regional, historic, authentic, and something to be experienced outside of the big cities!
Read more about the best places to visit in Northern Italy and one of my favorite regions in southern Italy, Puglia!
10a. Thailand – Cities, Beaches & Elephants
Thailand is a place of contrasts and fascination. I absolutely love it.
Bangkok is a nonstop assault on your senses, in the best way possible, with street food, markets, and temples around every corner. I’ve visited a couple of times and each trip I peel back another layer of this city and discover something new.
Head north to Chiang Mai where you can spend time with elephants, enjoy the mountains, and learn about cultural differences and customs. I particularly loved visiting some of the temples in this part of the country, especially seeing the Golden Chedi at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
All of this is before I mention the stunning beaches in Thailand’s southern areas.
Thailand is an electric destination for all types of travelers and the perfect gateway to Southeast Asia if you haven’t been yet.
Check out my Bangkok 5-Day Itinerary for planning your trip!
10b. Southern Spain
I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t leave off Andalucia in southern Spain. It’s an incredible place to visit in Europe whether you choose to stay in Seville and Granada or road trip like I did to see places like Cadiz, the white villages, Ronda, Tarifa, and Malaga.
The mixed history of this region is everywhere you look. The architecture, food, and culture is a mix of Spanish and Moorish, Christian and Islam.
I loved the intricate tile work at the Alhambra, the food and sights in Seville, and the absolutely jaw-dropping Mezquita in Cordoba. But go beyond these places and you’ll find incredible beaches, historic centers that have gone untouched, mountain landscapes, and a culture full of passion and energy.
Don’t miss the chance to explore this part of Spain!
Check out this Southern Spain inspiration to plan your trip.
Which Bucket List Trip Has Inspired You?
I hope you know how hard it was to write this! It’s not easy to make a top 10 list like this because every place I’ve been to holds a special place in my heart.
Perhaps that’s all the proof needed to just get out there and explore more.
If you have questions about any of these trips, let me know if the comments.
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