The top 15 bucket list travel destinations

Touted as one of the most wave-rich places to travel to in the world, catching a wave in Indonesia is ranked 15 on travellers’ dream adventures.

Built in the 12th century, Angkor Wat in Cambodia is an architectural masterpiece and is also the largest religious monument in the world. Travellers unanimously agree that this is a site that is not to be missed in your travels.

Travellers agree that one of the most majestic experiences is to ride in a hot air balloon above Cappadocia, Turkey. Soaring above the Turkish city, you’ll be kept company by tens of other stunning hot air balloons as you drift over fairy chimneys and unique architecture.

The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world and according to travellers, one of the best places to travel to. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, if the sheer size of the Grand Canyon isn’t enough to take your breath away, then the abundance of stunning views, hiking trails as well as rafting and camping opportunities will be enough to inspire adventure within you.

Gorilla trekking is a humbling experience that emphasises the importance of wildlife conservation. Taking place in the dense, mountainous regions of Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, a gorilla trek is a rare opportunity to witness these majestical and endangered creatures up close.

Space is the final frontier. From The Jetsons to Star Trek, humans have been dreaming about the commercialisation of space travel forever. When we’ve finished travelling the earth, perhaps one day it might be possible to take a space shuttle to Venus or Mars.

You don’t need to leave the country to experience a magical travel adventure. Diving in the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular bucket list experiences among travellers. Luckily for us, it’s in our own backyard.

Another travel experience that ranks highly on jet setters’ bucket lists is embarking on an African safari. Whether it’s on a river boat on the Chobe River or in an open-air buggy in Cape Town, an African safari is bound to be an unforgettable immersion into the world’s most exquisite pockets of wilderness and wildlife.

The Everest Base Camp trek is not only iconic, it’s a testament to willpower and adventure, which is why it’s no surprise that it’s the seventh most popular journey on travellers’ bucket lists. Starting in Lukla, Nepal, this twelve-day trek will take you through picturesque villages and Buddhist monasteries, finishing at the base of the world’s highest mountain peak.

Known as the ‘Rose City’, Petra in Jordan is a city steeped in archeological wonders and history. Carved into rose-coloured sandstone cliffs, Petra is a well-preserved maze of tombs, temples, and ancient structures that are remnants of the ancient Nabatean civilisation.

Untouched by the hustle and bustle of urbanisation is the dreamy, icy continent known as Antarctica. From towering icebergs and dramatic glaciers to penguins and seals, travellers agree that one of the most rewarding travel experiences would be taking a cruise to Antarctica.

Another trek on travellers’ bucket lists is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing tall and stoic in the African country of Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the seven summits around the world, it’s also Africa’s tallest mountain. The mountain takes around five to nine days to reach the summit and is even said to be beginner-friendly, making it the perfect bucket list adventure for avid climbers and rookies alike.

Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands come in at number three on people’s travel bucket lists. From volcanic formations to unique wildlife and crystal blue waters, the Galapagos Islands are home to a swathe of biodiversity and picturesque landscapes.

Trekking the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is no small feat. It’s four days of arduous climbing and walking as you ascend Andean landscapes. But nonetheless, it’s an unforgettably satisfying travel experience which is why it’s no surprise that it’s the second most popular bucket list travel adventure.

It’s official, one of the best places to travel to is the Northern Lights. According to survey participants, catching a glimpse at Aurora Borealis in person is at the top of their bucket list. The Northern Lights can be spotted in high-latitude countries like Norway, Iceland, and northern parts of Canada where greens, blues and pinks light up the night sky.