25 Bucket List Holidays From Around The World
From the Maldives to Machu Picchu, the Amalfi Coast to Antarctica, check out my top bucket list holidays to inspire your next big trip.
Have you have reached an important milestone in your life, or have a special occasion coming up? Why not swap your summer vacation for bucket list holidays in some of the world’s best holiday destinations. I’ve hand picked some of my personal favourite holidays along with amazing bucket list ideas to satisfy your wanderlust!
When it comes to bucket list holidays, no one size fits all. For some, bucket lists are about challenging themselves to do something they have never done before, whether that is reaching Everest Base Camp or walking the Camino, for others it could be stepping inside the Sistine Chapel or seeing the Taj Mahal. Right now I would love to be lying on a beach in Bora Bora, but if I was planning a bucket list family holiday for next year, I would probably choose a Western Canada road trip, or a tour of Vietnam.
This year, I had the incredible opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Rwanda, this has been on the top of my bucket list for many years! It was an incredible experience and it has inspired me to seek out more bucket list experiences. Hopefully this holiday bucket list will inspire you too, and it will help plan a trip of a lifetime.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ― Mark Twain
1. Bora Bora
Bora Bora has been on my bucket list for years. Many celebrities have holidayed here and it is regarded as one of the world’s top bucket list holidays. As well as incredible beaches and secluded lagoons, you can swim with turtles and even climb its two mountain peaks.
It is also one of the few destinations, other than the Maldives, that have over water bungalows – check out the Four Seasons Resort for the ultimate bucket list experience! Located in French Polynesia, most combine Bora Bora with a trip to either Australasia or California.
2. Maldives
I count myself extremely lucky to have visited three islands in the Maldives. No pictures or words can actually do it justice – it really does live up to the hype! Each resort is on its own island, so you have to arrive at your hotel by seaplane or speed boat. The laid back atmosphere means that even in deluxe hotels, the dress code is casual.
I travelled alone and as a family and loved both experiences. As well having romantic over water bungalows and deluxe beach villas, there was a large amount of families and couples who were there to enjoy the activities. We loved chatting to fellow islanders about what fish they had seen that day, or activities they had tried. The Maldives is not only for honeymooners…
Read: My review of Kuramathi Island Resort, Maldives
3. The Galapagos Islands
In the age of sustainable tourism, the Galápagos Islands is the holy grail. Some of its creatures are found nowhere else in the world and visitor numbers are restricted, giving it even more appeal.
Located off the coast of Equador, the best way to visit is by cruise ship. Many cruise companies have expedition ships, including luxury cruise line, Celebrity Cruises. Small group tour specialists G Adventures have introduced a new ship to their portfolio this year. The Reina Silva Voyager holds a maximum of 16, allowing you get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of these incredible islands.
Read: The best adventure holidays around the world
4. Hawaii
This multicultural paradise is vastly different from the paradise islands of the Indian Ccean or South Pacific. You will see college students on gap years, mingling with honeymoon couples in five-star resorts. There are six main islands, each offering something different.
Touring the Battleships of World War II in Pearl Harbour is a popular attraction, while the rugged landscapes, superb beaches, and relaxed vibe, ensures a holiday in Hawaii will leave you wanting to come back for more.
5. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
My trips around Australia led me to some pretty spectacular places, but the one place that stands out in my mind is Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands. It is still probably the best beach I have ever seen. The sand is amongst the purest in the world, it is so fine, it is used to polish jewellery!
Sailing boats leave from Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, and you can fly there directly from most Australian cities.
Don’t forget that for some of these destinations you will need to apply for a visa.
6. Sri Lanka
I fell in love with Sri Lanka when I visited a few years ago, and have vowed to go back with my family to show them why. Although located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka offers so much more than white sandy beaches and year round sunshine.
There are a staggering eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. I climbed the 660-feet tall rock fortress of Sigiriya and it was incredible. Sri Lanka has great wildlife too. It is home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world and it is one of the best places to see elephants – there are almost 6,000 of them in Sri Lanka.
I also stayed in the Ceylon Tea Trails Hotel – that is one of the world’s top bucket list holidays in its own right! Sri Lanka is the perfect destination if you want to mix adventure, culture and precious beach time.
Read: My top 10 things to do in Sri Lanka
7. The Amalfi Coast
When we think of bucket list holidays, we usually think of far flung destinations. However, sometimes what we are looking for is right on our doorstep. The Amalfi Coast is one of Europe’s most stunning coastlines. Each resort is nicer than the next and the views across the Bay of Naples are breathtaking.
Sorrento is the liveliest of the resorts and also less expensive than some of its neighbours. However for the ultimate bucket list holiday choose Positano or Ravello. And if budget is not a concern, stay in the Caruso Hotel, Ravello or the Il San Pietro de Positano. Alternatively combine it with a few days on the Isle of Capri.
8. New Orleans, Nashville & Memphis Road Trip
New Orleans is the hometown of American music, whether it is Jazz, Soul, Blues or old fashioned Rock n Roll. There is a festival on every other week, and it is one of the world’s best party cities. Mardi Gras is the ultimate bucket list festival, but regardless of when you visit you are sure to experience a party atmosphere. If eat, drink and be merry was a city, it would be New Orleans.
Of course its close proximity to Graceland, Elvis’ hometown, and the towns of Memphis and Nashville make it a great stop on a Deep South Road Trip.
Read: Top 10 American tours and road trips for 2025
9. Machu Picchu, Peru
Watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu is on every travel bucket list I see, and it is also on mine. I would love to trek the Inca Trail, visit the Sacred Valley and see Lake Titicaca. However, you don’t have to take the strenuous trek, there is a train that brings you right to the magical city.
An escorted tour is probably the best way to ensure you see all the highlights. Travel Department and TDactive organise tours to Peru. Or why not tailor-make your perfect itinerary with Tropical Sky or Travel Counsellors, I think a stay in an eco lodge in the Amazon jungle would be the perfect ending to this trip…
Read: Special Offers on 2025 Escorted Tours with Travel Department
10. South Africa
South Africa is one of my favourite holiday destinations. I love the city of Cape Town, the Garden Route drive, and the numerous safari options that are available. I went on my honeymoon (a long time ago) and returned last year on a family holiday. I can honestly say that a holiday in South Africa is ideal for either situation.
There are plenty of romantic hideaways and wine estates for couples, but also plenty to keep the kids amused too. I have lots of posts on South Africa put this one connects them all together.
Read: How to plan the perfect South African road trip.
11. Alaska Cruise
An Alaska cruise seemed like a pipe dream for most of us a few years ago, but recently it has become much more affordable. With the introduction of direct flights from Dublin to Seattle, and the increase of cruise companies now cruising Alaska, this dream can now become a reality.
You will witness some of the world’s most dramatic scenery as well as some stunning wildlife, massive glaciers and National Parks. The race to see Alaska is on, it is melting at an extraordinary rate. Add it to your list of bucket list holidays and go see it before its too late.
Read: My Top 20 tips for First Time Cruisers
12. Combine Kenya and Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar
Combining safaris in Tanzania and Kenya with a stay in Zanzibar is the perfect multi-centre holiday. Myself and Cormac went on a similar holiday about 18 years ago and we still talk about it. We stayed in three different National Parks over a one week period, Amboseli, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. Why not add on a few nights in Giraffe Manor too, and experience the ultimate bucket list breakfast?
The game viewing was incredible and each reserve gave us a unique experience. The highlight was our stay in Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – an experience I will never forget. We rounded off a fabulous time in Tanzania with a short flight over to Zanzibar for a relaxing week on the beach.
Read about my safari in Tanzania here
13. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of the Europe’s top bucket list holidays. Its sunset’s are renowned as being some of the world’s best – although try to avoid peak summer months! You will find gorgeous white washed villages with stunning caldera views, but my advice is to stay in the lesser known Imerovigli rather than the busier towns of Oia or Fira. You can see lots more tips in my Santorini travel guide:
Read: Santorini travel guide – top things to do in Santorini and where to stay
Read: Top bucket list experiences in Europe
14. Road Trip through Western Canada
This is another trip that is high on my list of bucket list holidays. A few years ago we drove from San Francisco to San Diego on a family road trip, and ever since I have wanted to go back and drive in the opposite direction.
With direct flights from Dublin to Seattle, I would choose to fly to Seattle and drive to Alaska, taking in the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park, Lake Louse and Vancouver. Depending on your budget, a two-day trip on the Rocky Mountaineer would finish off this bucket list holiday nicely!
Read: Canada holidays in Alberta, Rocky Mountains, Lake Louise, Banff and more
15. Las Vegas and Grand Canyon
I hope to see the City of Lights and one of the seven natural wonders of the world very soon! Everyone I speak to who has seen the Grand Canyon say the same thing – the photos or social media images don’t prepare you for its beauty, or its immense size. Formed by millions of years of erosion, it is 227 miles long and averages over ten miles wide.
A helicopter ride offers you the best chance of seeing as much as possible, which can easily be booked from a stay in Las Vegas. I also love that the Grand Canyon looks completely different at various times during the day – to see it at sunrise or sunset is probably the ultimate bucket list experience.
16. Antarctica
While this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it certainly is mine. Wouldn’t it be nice to follow in Tom Crean’s footsteps and see glaciers, icebergs and incredible wildlife in one of the world’s most unspoilt destinations? National Geographic have expedition ships that leave from Ushuaia in Argentina, another country that is worthy of a place on this list of bucket list holidays.
17. Milford Sound, New Zealand
Often described as the 8th wonder of the world, Milford Sound in New Zealand’s South Island is home to stunning mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls and magnificent fjords. Carved by glaciers, it is breathtaking at any time of year. Combine it with a visit to Christchurch and the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, for the ultimate bucket list experience.
18. Ride the Orient Express
The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the most famous train journey in the world. Step back in time to the 1920’s and enjoy top quality dining and superb service in a unique setting. London to Venice is the most iconic journey, but there are also plenty of one-night journeys available if you just want to live the dream for a day!
19. Turks & Caicos
I must confess, I knew little about Turks and Caicos until recently. I posed a question on my Facebook page asking followers to name their favourite bucket list destinations, and I was surprised at the number of people who named Turks and Caicos, a British Overseas Territory located close to the Bahamas. If you are looking for unspoilt bucket list holiday destinations then this might be the place for you!
20. Chase the Northern Lights in Iceland
There are many ways to see the Northern Lights, they have even been seen in the west of Ireland. However, Norway, Finland and Iceland probably offer some of the best opportunities to see them.
We were fortunate to see them in Iceland a few years ago. There is so much to see and do in Iceland, but a tour around The Golden Circle and a swim in the Blue Lagoon are are must. Iceland deserves its place on this list of bucket list holidays, even if you are not lucky enough to see the aurora borealis.
Another resort that promises the ultimate bucket list experience is Kakslauttanen in Finland, where you can see the Northern Lights through your own glass igloo!
Read: Top things to do in Iceland
21. California Road Trip
California offers so much for every type of traveller and is full of bucket list opportunities. You can drive the Pacific Coast highway in a convertible, bike the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco, sip wine in Napa Valley, or bring the kids to Universal Studios and DisneyWorld. It really is one of those rare holiday destinations that appeals to everyone – so add it to your list of bucket list holidays if you haven’t already visited.
Read the best places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway
Read: Top 10 American tours and road trips for 2025
22. Round the World Cruise
This may not be my personal choice at this stage of my life, but it is something that I might like to do when I retire. To travel the world in a luxury cruise ship, stopping off in some of the world’s greatest cities, with delicious food and world class entertainment every night, sounds pretty good to me!
Many mainstream cruise lines including MSC and Princess Cruises offer round the world cruises but you if you are looking for the ultra luxury experience, check out Regent Seven Seas, or Silversea for a more intimate cruise. Make sure you speak to a cruise specialist before booking, as they will advise you on the best ship to suit your needs.
Read: My Top 20 tips for First Time Cruisers
23. Vietnam and Cambodia
Both of these countries deserve a place on this list of bucket list holidays on their own, however, when combined I think they are a great two-centre holiday. I have planned this itinerary in my head many times, although I think it is probably best to ask a specialist tour operator or travel agent to book this for you.
I would fly to Vietnam first, spend a few nights in Hanoi and cruise Halong Bay. I would then fly to Da Nang and visit the riverside town of Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, before flying direct to Siem Reap in Cambodia to see Angkor Wat. Considered the world’s top attraction by Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor, it simply has to be included on this list of bucket list holidays.
Read: Special Offers on 2025 Escorted Tours with Travel Department
24. Visit Santa in Lapland
When it comes to bucket list holidays for families, Lapland is hard to beat! This is a magical family experience that will give you life long memories. Its been 10 years since we saw Santa in Lapland and we still remember it like yesterday! I I vividly recall my son Luke lying with his ear to the snowy ground, telling me he could hear the elves making toys. And as much as seeing Santa was the highlight, the husky rides, snow mobile through the forest and seeing reindeers in the snow were pretty magical too. If you can afford it, I highly recommend it for a family trip. You can read more about our experience here:
Read: Our trip to see Santa in Lapland
25. See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
Seeing mountain gorillas in Rwanda was an unforgettable travel experience that I would highly recommend. There are only 1063 mountain gorillas in the world and I really felt privileged to see them. Mountain gorillas are only located in the rainforests between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
600 of these mountain gorillas are in Rwanda and it is the country where I would recommend you see them. It is a fascinating country with amazing people, history and culture. You can read more about my unforgettable experience here:
Read: My Unforgettable experience gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.”
― Jack Kerouac
I hope you liked my post on bucket list holidays and it has inspired you to get planning your next big trip! Let me know if there are any destinations that you think I should include, by commenting below.
