Some vacations are simply relaxing. Others become lifelong memories—the kind of journeys travelers dream about for years and continue talking about long after returning home.
From wildlife encounters and ancient landmarks to remote islands and once-in-a-lifetime cruises, these ten destinations deserve a place on nearly every traveler’s bucket list.
Few travel experiences compare to seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife roaming freely across the African landscape.
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
Kruger National Park in South Africa
Chobe National Park in Botswana
Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
Travelers may experience sunrise game drives, luxury safari lodges, guided bush walks and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Tanzania and Kenya are especially popular for travelers hoping to witness the Great Migration.
The ideal timing depends on the country and the wildlife experience you want. The Serengeti’s dry season, generally from late June through October, offers excellent wildlife viewing and possible river crossings. Calving season normally occurs between approximately December and March in the southern Serengeti. (Serengeti)
Wildlife lovers, photographers, adventurous couples, families with older children and luxury travelers.
Antarctica is one of the most remote and extraordinary destinations on Earth. Most travelers visit aboard a small expedition ship sailing from South America.
Walking near penguin colonies
Watching whales and seals
Cruising past enormous icebergs
Riding Zodiac boats through icy waterways
Visiting scientific or historic expedition sites
Crossing the legendary Drake Passage
Antarctica offers landscapes and wildlife that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. Every itinerary is influenced by weather, ice and wildlife conditions, making each voyage truly unique.
The primary Antarctic expedition season runs during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, generally from November through March. December and January bring long daylight hours and active penguin colonies, while February is often especially attractive for whale watching. (Cruise Critic)
Choose an experienced expedition operator and understand that landings are never guaranteed. Weather and ice conditions determine the daily schedule.
Adventure travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and experienced cruisers looking for something completely different.
Italy combines ancient history, legendary cuisine, beautiful coastlines, world-famous art and romantic countryside.
Rome
Florence
Venice
Tuscany
The Amalfi Coast
Pompeii
Cinque Terre
Sicily
In one vacation, travelers can tour the Colosseum, visit Vatican City, admire Renaissance masterpieces, explore medieval villages, taste regional wines and sail along the Mediterranean coast.
A first-time visitor may combine Rome, Florence and Venice on a land itinerary. Travelers interested in coastal destinations can add the Amalfi Coast or take a Mediterranean cruise that visits several Italian ports.
April through May and September through October often provide pleasant sightseeing weather with fewer crowds than the busiest summer months.
Couples, honeymooners, food lovers, history enthusiasts, art lovers and first-time European travelers.
French Polynesia is the picture of a South Pacific paradise. Bora Bora may be the most famous island, but Tahiti, Moorea, Taha’a, Raiatea and the Tuamotu Islands are also worth exploring.
Staying in an overwater bungalow
Snorkeling in turquoise lagoons
Swimming near rays and reef sharks
Taking a private motu picnic
Exploring Polynesian villages and sacred sites
Cruising between multiple islands
The lagoons, mountain scenery and marine life are extraordinary. Travelers can choose a luxury resort stay, a small-ship cruise or a combination of both.
May through October is generally the drier and more popular season. November through April can bring greater humidity and rainfall but may offer better pricing.
Honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, luxury travelers and anyone dreaming of a tropical escape.
Watching the aurora borealis move across a dark night sky is one of the world’s most unforgettable natural experiences.
Northern Norway
Iceland
Finnish Lapland
Swedish Lapland
Alaska
Northern Canada
Greenland
Travelers can combine aurora viewing with glass-roof cabins, dog sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer encounters, hot springs or winter cruises.
Northern Lights trips are generally planned between September and March, when nights are longer and darker. However, the aurora is a natural event and can never be guaranteed.
Stay several nights in the viewing region rather than relying on a single evening. More nights create more opportunities for favorable skies and solar activity.
Couples, photographers, winter travelers, families and nature lovers.
Japan blends modern cities, ancient traditions, peaceful temples, exceptional dining and beautiful natural scenery.
Exploring Tokyo
Visiting Kyoto’s temples and gardens
Seeing Mount Fuji
Riding the bullet train
Attending a tea ceremony
Walking through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Visiting Osaka, Hiroshima or Nara
Experiencing cherry blossom season
Japan offers a fascinating contrast between futuristic city life and centuries-old cultural traditions. Cherry blossoms make spring especially memorable, but autumn foliage is another excellent reason to visit.
Cherry blossom timing changes every year and varies by region. Blooms commonly move across Japan from late March into early May, with Tokyo and Kyoto frequently blooming around late March or early April. The peak period in each location can be brief, so flexible planning is important. (JAL｜国内線/国際線の航空券・飛行機チケット予約)
Cultural travelers, food lovers, families, couples, photographers and travelers seeking a highly organized destination.
Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are famous for unique wildlife and volcanic landscapes.
Giant tortoises
Marine iguanas
Blue-footed boobies
Sea lions
Penguins
Sea turtles
Rays and sharks
Many animals show little fear of humans, creating remarkable viewing and photography opportunities. Travelers explore through guided hikes, snorkeling excursions, kayaking and small-boat landings.
A small-ship expedition cruise allows travelers to visit multiple islands efficiently. A land-based itinerary may provide more flexibility and can sometimes be less expensive, but it usually reaches fewer remote locations.
The Galápagos can be visited throughout the year. December through May generally brings warmer water and air temperatures, while June through November often offers cooler, nutrient-rich water and increased marine activity. Peak travel periods should be booked well in advance. (Galápagos Conservancy)
Wildlife lovers, families, photographers, active travelers and expedition cruisers.
Norway’s fjords feature towering cliffs, waterfalls, scenic villages and some of Europe’s most dramatic coastal landscapes.
Geirangerfjord
Flåm
Bergen
Stavanger
Ålesund
Olden
Nordfjord
Lofoten Islands
Riding the Flåm Railway
Sailing through narrow fjords
Visiting mountain viewpoints
Hiking near waterfalls
Exploring colorful harbor towns
Traveling farther north toward the Arctic Circle
A cruise provides one of the easiest ways to experience multiple fjords without changing hotels or driving long mountain routes.
The primary cruise season runs from approximately May through September. June through August provides long daylight hours, while May and September may offer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Cruisers, nature lovers, photographers, active travelers and travelers who prefer mild summer weather.
Egypt allows travelers to walk through thousands of years of human history.
Seeing the Pyramids of Giza
Visiting the Great Sphinx
Exploring the Egyptian Museum
Cruising the Nile River
Touring Luxor and Karnak temples
Visiting the Valley of the Kings
Exploring Aswan
Adding Abu Simbel
Few destinations offer such a concentration of ancient monuments, archaeological treasures and historic sites.
A guided itinerary combining Cairo with a Nile River cruise is one of the easiest and most comfortable options. A knowledgeable Egyptologist can provide important historical context while assisting with transportation and site logistics.
October through April generally provides more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. December through February can be especially popular, so early reservations are recommended.
History lovers, cultural travelers, river cruisers, photographers and adventurous couples.
Australia and New Zealand are often combined into one extended bucket-list vacation, although each country easily deserves its own trip.
Sydney
The Great Barrier Reef
Melbourne
Uluru
Tasmania
The Whitsunday Islands
Queensland’s wildlife and rainforests
Auckland
Queenstown
Milford Sound
Rotorua
The Bay of Islands
New Zealand’s wine regions
The Southern Alps
Travelers can experience world-famous cities, tropical reefs, Māori culture, dramatic fjords, unique wildlife, beaches, mountains and wine country in one part of the world.
Options include escorted tours, independent road trips, luxury rail journeys and cruises between Australia and New Zealand. Because of the long international journey, travelers should allow at least two weeks whenever possible.
Australia and New Zealand are located in the Southern Hemisphere, so their seasons are opposite those in the United States. December through February is summer, while March through May often provides pleasant temperatures and fewer peak-season crowds.
Active travelers, cruisers, families, honeymooners, nature lovers and anyone planning a longer international vacation.
The best bucket-list destination depends on the experience the traveler values most.
Extraordinary wildlife and nature photography.
Dramatic scenery, expedition experiences and unforgettable cruising.
History, food, culture and iconic landmarks.
Romance, relaxation, luxury and beautiful tropical water.
A longer adventure offering cities, wildlife, scenery and cultural experiences.
Many of these destinations have short travel seasons, limited expedition cabins, specialty accommodations or highly desirable dates. Booking 12 to 24 months in advance can provide a better selection of rooms, cabins and itineraries.
Destinations such as Antarctica, Africa, French Polynesia, Australia and New Zealand usually require long flights and multiple connections. Build rest time into the itinerary.
Bucket-list trips can represent a substantial financial commitment. Travelers should strongly consider comprehensive travel insurance that may provide coverage for qualifying cancellation, interruption, delays, baggage problems and medical emergencies.
Refundable deposits and flexible cancellation terms may provide additional protection when planning far in advance.
The best month may depend on the traveler’s priorities. Someone seeking river crossings in Africa, cherry blossoms in Japan or whales in Antarctica may need a very different travel date than someone simply hoping for comfortable weather.
Complex international itineraries often involve flights, transfers, visas, insurance, tours, cruises and multiple accommodations. A knowledgeable travel advisor can help coordinate the entire trip and select an itinerary that matches the traveler’s budget, mobility, interests and comfort level.
A bucket-list trip does not have to remain a distant dream. With early planning, flexible payment options and expert guidance, travelers can begin turning a once-in-a-lifetime idea into a real departure date.
The hardest part may simply be deciding which unforgettable journey comes first.
