I’ve always been someone who loves making plans—and naturally, creating a list of my bucket-list travel destinations was inevitable.
There’s something exciting about dreaming up incredible places to explore, from remote hiking trails to must-see city landmarks, festivals and incredible views. Some of these destinations I’ve been lucky enough to visit (and you can find my experiences linked throughout in italics!), while others are adventures just waiting to happen.
Whether you’re building your own bucket-list or just seeking travel inspiration, I hope this list sparks new ideas and helps ignite your curiosity for new destinations.
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My bucket-list travel destinations
Embark on an epic road trip through the United States.Explore the beauty of Bali.- Explore and adventure in Hawaii, specifically to hike, and experience the local culture.
- Surely, the above also includes a doors-off helicopter tour of Kauai.
- Embark on a safari in South Africa, and therefore, connect with the incredible wildlife.
- Journey through the breathtaking British Columbia, Canada, particularly for its great lakes.
Soar above Cappadocia, Turkey, in a hot air balloon.Step into the bustling and vibrant Grand Bazaar of Istanbul.- Witness the northern lights in Norway, especially in the thick of winter.
- Rekindle childhood memories in Fiji.
- Road-trip through the Scottish Highlands.
- For a luxurious experience, stay at the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore–even if just for a night.
- Join the celebration of ‘La Tomatina,’ the tomato throwing festival in Spain.
- Witness the beauty of Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, particularly at sunrise.
- Road-trip the scenic west coast of Australia, specifically to experience all the coastal landscapes and great beaches.
- Stand in front of the ancient Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
- Explore Japan in Spring, or, otherwise, in Autumn.
Adventure around the Komodo Islands, especially to see the wildlife and incredible views.Visit the iconic Times Square in New York.- Hike to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru.
Delve into history at the ruins of Pompeii, Italy.- Set sights on the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flats in Bolivia.
- Visit the stunning limestone formations of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
Experience the ultimate glamping experience under the starry skies of the Sahara Desert.- Get in the festive spirit during a holiday celebration in another country.
- Conquer the Everest Base Camp trek in the Himalayas.
- Journey to Easter Island and see the ancient moai statues.
- Wander through the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre in Italy, simultaneously indulging in my weight in pasta.
- Hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, also known as Africa’s highest peak.
Explore Gallipoli in Turkey, especially since it has so much New Zealand significance.Embrace the life-changing experience of living abroad.- Visit Harry Potter World in London.
Indulge in Rome, and in doing so, see all the historic sites.- Discover the Batu Cave in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Stand in the architectural masterpiece, the Taj Mahal, in India.
- Visit the Dolomites–especially to hike the dramatic mountain ranges.
- Feel the adrenaline rush riding a quad bike through the desert, especially at sunset.
- Uncover the hidden gems of the Greek Islands, specifically exploring the lesser-known.
- Visit the iconic John Lennon Wall in Prague.
Explore the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA.- Soar above the ancient temples and pagodas of Bagan, Myanmar, in a hot air balloon.
- Explore the plains of Bagan, Myanmar.
Wander through the fairytale-like landscapes of Sintra, Portugal, specifically for its colourful palaces.Embark on a road trip through the captivating South Island of New Zealand.- Experience the blend of pristine beaches and rich culture in Tulum, Mexico.
- Plunge into the crystal-clear waters of a cenote.
- Explore the coast and journey from Lisbon to Porto, Portugal, following one of Europes most scenic routes.
Walk through the fragrant lavender fields of Provence, France, particularly during peak bloom.- Train ride from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka.
- Get up close and personal with majestic elephants in Sri Lanka.
- Visit Chiang Mai, Thailand, during the lantern festival, ‘Loi Krathong’, when thousands of lanterns light up the sky.
- Experience the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain in Peru.
- Road-trip through Ireland.
- Visit the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral, particularly the historic Red Square in Moscow, Russia.
- Road trip through the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany, Italy, explicitly to savour the regions finest wines.
- Visit the enchanting Bahamas for a week, because relaxing should definitely be included on a bucket-list.
- Experience ultimate bliss by staying in the Maldives, particularly an all-inclusive resort.
Rough it with an overnight stay in the mountains.- Visit the Al-Khazneh, known as ‘The Treasury,’ in Petra, Jordan.
- Hike the trail to Panorama Ridge in Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia.
- See the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Helicopter above Mount Cook in New Zealand.- Experience the buoyancy of the Dead Sea.
Step into Antelope Canyon, USA.Alongside the above, also witness Horseshoe Bend, USA.- And, lastly–spend a night under the stars on the iconic Great Wall of China.

A bucket-list is not just a collection of far-off places and distant dreams—it’s a reminder to embrace the incredible possibilities that travel offers. In addition to this, it’s about seeking new experiences, immersing yourself in different cultures, and creating some incredible memories.
While my own bucket list is ever-evolving, take this as an encouragement to create your own, one that reflects your passions. Whether it’s conquering a insanely high peak, exploring ancient ruins, or savouring authentic local dishes—go for it.
Keep exploring, keep discovering, and never stop adding to your own.
If your bucket-list happens to include Aotearoa, I have a list of numerous ultimate New Zealand destinations, alongside many other comprehensive travel guides that may help you on planning your journey.