25 Top Rated Travel Bucket List Ideas

People tend to ask others, what is on your bucket list? It is that list of places you have been to or have a list of places you want to go. These items must be done before you “kick the bucket” or pass away. For instance, your number one bucket list place might be Antarctica.

You can be young or even older trying to accomplish these things. Whatever your period may be, you have items to check off. There can be plenty of bucket list ideas to help you create the right one. Know that these are not just regular vacations like a cruise around some islands; at the end of the trip, you feel fulfilled that you checked another item off that bucket list.

These can be places like hiking the Inca Trail in Peru to see Machu Picchu or going to Egypt to see the Pyramids of Giza. Any of these items can be bucket list ideas. All you have to do is make that list and start traveling to see those items.

Need help figuring out where to go or what to see? Come along and start adventuring. We have created a fantastic list of bucket list ideas.

Bucket List Ideas

There are so many places to see and visit, but if we had to list some of the top sites, here is just a short list of bucket list ideas to help you figure out your next adventure.

So write these down and hop on a flight to see them.

1. Great Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza are on everyone’s bucket list. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it boasts many great Pyramids and the Sphinx. It is an archaeological phenomenon that was built over 5000 years ago. It is the pinnacle of the Ancient Egyptian world.

Be amazed as this last Ancient Wonder of the World that stands today still puzzles many on how they were created. It is another item to add to that bucket list.

2. Machu Picchu

Situated in the Andes mountains, this 15th-16th century-old lost city of the Inca Empire brings tourists from all over to marvel at the walls and architecture of the town. It is the most visited site in Peru, bringing tourism to a beautiful country full of wonder.

Most people come to Machu Picchu via a train from Cusco, and others can trek the Inca trail and enter the entrance early in the morning before the crowds overtake the city.

3. Walk Along the Great Wall of China

Hailed as one of the largest man-made structures in the world, the Great Wall of China is something that amazes so many people. The Great Wall has stood time after time through centuries of building walls, fortifications, and bridges.

If traveling through China, stop to see the Great Wall. It is not just one wall but many walls spread across China’s northern border. The most accessible sections stem from Beijing. The Great Wall of China usually tops most people’s bucket list ideas.

4. The Colosseum, Rome Italy

Before you die, you must see one of the largest amphitheaters ever built. The Colosseum was built to hold up to 80,000 spectators.

Sitting in the middle of Rome, the Colosseum is an iconic site where they cheer and watch many events such as fighting, races, and other things. It is a gorgeous region of Italy.

5. Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is a symbol of India and one of the most recognized mausoleums ever built. This enormous white marble mausoleum was built between 1631-1648 for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Janan. It is considered one of the most beautiful art pieces of the Muslim world and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

6. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Considered the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat boasts 400 square kilometers of temples. Designated as a UNESCO site in 1992, Angkor Wat, located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, has hundreds of temples and ruins to admire as you visit this fantastic site. You may have heard many things about this site, but it is more impressive than you will ever see.

7. Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza is a new one that many people have yet to hear of. Yet, it is the most extensive Pre-Columbian Mayan Civilization Archaeological discovery in the Yucatan. In the center of this archaeological city sits a colossal pyramid, El Castillo.

Looking for something different, travel to Mexico to see these Mayan ruins. It is another item to add to your travel bucket list.

8. Explore Petra, Jordan

The Middle East has much to offer, but Petra, Jordan, offers much more than you would expect. Sitting between the Dead Sea and the Arabian desert is Petra, which is surrounded by sandstone mountains. Many archaeological discoveries will be chiseled in these sandstone mountains, such as tombs, temples, and more.

You must visit Petra if you are visiting the Middle East and want to stop by Jordan. Rose-colored sandstone mountains give Petra the name “The Rose City.” It is something you cannot miss to see.

9. Sail in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Near Hanoi, Vietnam, is Halong Bay. Halong Bay is known for its emerald waters, rainforest-covered islands, and beauty, known on some lists as one of the world’s top natural wonders. If you are in Vietnam or want to visit, Halong Bay is a must-stop place to explore. The beauty of the site is breathtaking.

10. Visit the Acropolis of Athens

Visiting one of the most ancient cities in the world, the Acropolis of Athens, should be on your bucket list. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel situated on top of a hill that overlooks Athens. It is full of ancient ruins, buildings such as the Parthenon, and even the temple of Athena.

Not only is the Acropolis a UNESCO site, but it is a symbol of Greek history, culture, and architecture, and it should be on everyone’s bucket list to go and see.

11. See the Stunning Rocky Mountains

The Canadian Rockies are a sight to be seen, and there’s no better place to see them than Banff National Park. Stay at the historic Fairmont Banff Hotel, take a stroll downtown Banff, and visit the iconic Lake Louise while surrounded by the Rocky Mountains.

12. Make a Trip to Easter Island

The remote island of Rapa Nui, or Easter Island as most people call it, sits just 2300 miles off the coast of Chile. Who wouldn’t want to travel to see a mysterious island with massive heads sticking out of it? Come and see the volcano cones, old stone villages, and enormous Moai stone figures on this little adventure. The island offers other attractions for learning about the indigenous peoples of this island.

13. Go Diving in the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Australia in Queensland. It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, boasting its most extensive reef system.

The natural beauty of this reef has attracted tourists from far and wide to dive, snorkel and explore this beautiful place. No wonder it is considered one of the World’s Natural Wonders.

14. Vacation in the Maldives

One of the most romantic archipelagos in the world is the Maldives. Boasting over 1000 different islands set off the coast of Sri Lanka, and is named a top honeymoon destination for couples with turquoise waters, snow-white sandy beaches, and luxurious resorts to make the mood just right. Come and vacation in the marvelous Maldives.

15. Take an African Safari

Africa is full of beauty and unique animals to see. In Kenya, you can see the “Big Five” (lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalo, and Rhinos). Take a visit to South Africa and see Kruger National Park. Going on an African Safari could be one of the best bucket list items if you go to Africa.

You can visit many places for an African Safari with all the animal reserves you have to book a trip and enjoy. There are also luxury camping options if you are not all about roughing it.

16. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Have you ever seen the show Game of Thrones? The Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia, is where many of the scenes from Kings Landing have been filmed. It is an old Medieval walled city with narrow streets, fabulous restaurants, the Adriatic sea glimmer, and beautifying Baroque buildings. What is not to like?

You can enjoy the city for a day and venture off to more of the Dalmatian coast, but Dubrovnik has so much to offer and explore. The city walls can keep you occupied for hours as you walk along.

Take a trip to the beautiful city of Dubrovnik.

17. Take a Boat Ride in Venice, Italy

Italy is full of beautiful places and delicious food. It is easier to visit Italy by eating pizza or having gelato for dessert. One place you cannot miss is Venice, Italy. What is not to like about Venice? It is compact and full of history, and the canals can make it a wonderful romantic getaway for you and a loved one.

Venice is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is created by connecting 118 islands by bridges. The narrow canals and Gothic and Renaissance architecture add to the beauty.

If you want things to add to your travel bucket list, add Venice, Italy.

18. Hike Through the Grand Canyon

The U.S. is famous for many natural attractions, but one attraction beats them all. That is the Grand Canyon. It is the largest canyon in the world, etched out by the Colorado River over many years.

A picture can show its beauty but does not do it justice for the sight of this fantastic natural beauty. It is no wonder tourists from all over flock to Arizona to take a look at this natural wonder.

19. Iguazu Falls

Are you looking for incredible natural waterfalls? Most people think of Niagra or even Victoria Falls as impressive falls, but Iguazu Falls is one of the largest networks of waterfalls in the world. As you walk across bridges to gaze up at the water falling, the crashing water blocks all other noises.

Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, you can visit the falls from either side. It is another beautiful place to add to your travel bucket list.

20. Paris, France

With cities and places worldwide, you may need to remember that one of the most popular cities people should see is Paris. The city of love boasts beauty, coffee, wine, and French cuisine.

Paris is also the host of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, a short drive from Versailles Palace. There is so much to see and do; you will not be bored on this trip to the city of a famous capital city like Paris.

21. Santorini, Greece

One of the most beautiful islands in Greece is Santorini, which is full of photogenic blue dome churches, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable sunsets. This volcanic island sits in the Cyclades.

Wine is plentiful, and a significant industry in Santorini, and one fantastic fact is that those blue-domed churches outnumber the number of houses on the island.

Come visit Santorini and take in the sights of pearl-white and blue-domed buildings as you gaze upon the beautiful sands of the beaches. The adventure is waiting, and Santorini will be ready for you.

22. Cinque Terre, Italy

The Italian Riviera is full of beautiful villages and towns as they wrap around the coastline, but nothing compares to the five villages that make up Cinque Terre. These tiny villages are full of colorful houses that will drive you to continue to take photo after photo.

Travelers from far and wide have started to flock to this little area on the Ligurian coast, and it is not just for Italian food. Cinque Terre is ranked as one of the most beautiful areas in Europe.

If you are looking for a place to add to your travel bucket list, then Cinque Terre should be added. You will not regret this decision.

23. Salar de Uyuni, Salt Flats of Bolivia

The Salt Flats of Bolivia is the largest in the world, being the size of Jamaica and giving everyone a sense of adventure. These salt flats offer not only beauty but many other photographic beauties. Just picture you seeing nothing but salt for miles and miles.

You can make optical illusions by using your camera phone and taking photos of people fighting off dinosaurs or even creating great photographs with massive reflections of the deep expanse of the sky.

Get lost in the world of salt, venturing to the Salt Flats of Bolivia. The world may seem small, but with these Salt Flats, anything is possible with your camera.

24. Cruise Down to Antarctica

Antarctica is an adventure in itself. People come from all over Ushuaia, Argentina, to cruise across the Drake Passage to set foot on this mysterious land. The last continent on most of everyone’s bucket list.

The waters are full of life, with pods of whales appearing out of nowhere, seals playing or even sleeping on the ice, and cute penguins living life on the shores. If you are adventurous enough, you can dive into the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean and know that you have survived the Antarctic polar plunge.

25. Viva Las Vegas

There is a reason why Las Vegas is known as “sin city.” Las Vegas never sleeps, and there are endless attractions on and off the strip to enjoy. The city is known for its lavish hotels, incredible restaurant buffets, gambling, shows, and desert heat. It is one city where you can explore Paris, New York, Egyptian pyramids, and Venice all in one day. You haven’t ticked off all your bucket list ideas until you have been to Las Vegas.

Bucket List Ideas

Traveling and seeing the world is something that you will never forget. Adventures and experiences are some of the best things that money can buy. Traveling can be affordable. You can travel the world much cheaper through travel hacking and using points from travel rewards cards.

As you make your travel bucket list, make sure to put things you would be interested in. May it be adventurous, or to see beaches and cities, make your list your own and enjoy the journey. These 23 travel bucket list ideas are here to help you to create the best list possible.

This article originally appeared on Savoteur.

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Cummings is the founder of the personal finance blog The Frugal Expat. As a traveler and expat, he has learned a lot about how to save money, live frugally, and invest for the future. His mission is to help people in saving, investing, and reaching financial independence.