Ask anyone what they want to do before they die, and chances are they’ll have at least half a dozen bucket list destinations they want to visit.   Places from all over the globe where culture, beauty, and adventure abound.

But, with so many incredible sights to see, where should you start?!

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but here are a few bucket list destinations that you may want to consider.

1.  Antarctica

The white continent.  At the southernmost tip of the world, Antarctica is a bucket list destination for just about anyone with a sense of wanderlust.  Not only is it one of the most stunningly beautiful places on earth, but it’s often the last place people need to visit to see all seven continents.

Antarctica is accessible to outsiders for only a few short months during the southern hemisphere’s summer between November and March.  At that time, wildlife is abundant and visitors can marvel at nearly 24 hours of daylight (and some of the most spectacular sunsets on the planet!)  Plus, you benefit from warmer temperatures of around 32°F (or 0°C), which is much better than the winter months when it can get as low as -76°F (or -60°C)!

I was fortunate to visit Antarctica with the person who inspired me to travel in the first place – my dad.  And, for a week we explored the Antarctic peninsula where we met curious penguins, playful whales, and scientists who live at one of the continent’s research stations during the warmer months.  We kayaked past glaciers, hiked snowy mountain sides, and even took the polar plunge (a literally breathtaking experience!)

Though difficult to get to, Antarctica is well worth the effort and a must for anyone’s travel bucket list!

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2.  Singapore

Singapore should be on the shortlist of anyone who loves a tropical destination with innovative design and delectable food.  Even the airport is something to marvel at!  Featuring the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a swimming pool, a movie theater, a garden walk, and multiple shops and restaurants, the Changi Airport is just as jaw-dropping as the rest of the small island nation.  It’s no wonder why it’s been voted the #1 airport in the world!

Singapore’s allure doesn’t stop there though!  The city also features one of the world’s tallest ferris wheels, a catwalk through the avatar-esque Supertree Grove, an indoor rainforest at the Cloud Forest, the world’s highest infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands, and the interactive exhibits at the ArtScience Museum.

But, what Singapore is truly known for is its delicious food!  With signature dishes like chili crabs and laksa, it’s an appetizing reason to visit!  Plus, Singapore is one of the only places in the world where street food vendors actually earn Michelin stars.  Some of the best food markets (or hawker centers) include Changi Village Food Center, Chinatown Food Center, Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, and East Coast Lagoon Food Village.

My mouth is watering just thinking about them!

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3.  Paris, France

Ah, Paris.  The romance of strolling along the Seine past the Eiffel Tower with a fresh baguette in your hand is pure magic!

While it may seem cliche to say Paris is one of my favorite bucket list destinations, its rich history, alluring architecture, and tasty treats beg to differ.  It has some of the most impressive museums in the world, like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.  There, you can view masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.  Or, marvel at the gorgeous stained glass in Paris’ many cathedrals like Sainte Chapelle, the Sacre Coeur, and Notre Dame (when it reopens, of course).

But, perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Paris is simply strolling through its enchanting cobblestone streets.  Duck into quaint cafes for a latte and some macarons while you watch the day pass by.  Or, grab a bottle of wine and some cheese to indulge in a Parisian picnic at one of the city’s many parks like Jardin des Tuileries.

If you’re intimidated about feeling like an outsider in the city of sophistication, don’t be!  By making even a marginal effort to greet locals in their native tongue, I found the people of Paris to be extremely welcoming and friendly.  Use the time on the flight over to learn a few key phrases and you’ll be set!

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4.  Venice, Italy

Another one of the most romantic bucket list destinations in the world is Venice, Italy.  With its maze of canals, gondoliers in striped shirts, and flower-filled window sills, a visit here feels as though you’re stepping into a postcard.

For a really entertaining experience, head to Venice during the Carnival festival.  The celebration runs for a couple of weeks in January and February every year and features revelers in elaborate masks and ornate costumes.  It’s a sight to behold (and a whole lot of fun to participate in!)  And if you want to indulge in a colorful escape, venture to nearby Burano for prismatic fishing houses and casual cuisine.  It’s a perfect day trip on a Venetian vacation.

However, Venice may not be around forever.  With rising sea levels and the city sinking a little more each year, it’s projected that the city may be completely underwater by 2100 if measures aren’t taken to keep it afloat.  So, get there sooner rather than later!

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5.  Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Antelope Canyon is one of those bucket list destinations that anyone with an appreciation for nature will love.  Its otherworldly light beams and maze of twists and turns are an awe-inspiring sight unlike anything else.

Located on Navajo land, the canyon only became accessible to outsiders in 1997 and only through guided tours.  Because the canyon is world-famous, these tours are crowded!  Consequently, you should book a photography tour for any hope of capturing its beauty without hoards of people in your way.

The canyon is split into two sides, the Upper Antelope Canyon (or sé bighánílíní, which means the place where water runs through rocks) and Lower Antelope Canyon (or Hasdestwazi, which means spiral rock arches).  The upper section is the one visited most by tourists since the entrance and entire length of the passage are at ground level.  By contrast, the lower section has five sets of stairs and the ground is uneven throughout much of the trek.  However, the added difficulty makes it less crowded, so it’s a favorite among photographers.

As an added bonus, located just a few miles away you’ll find Horseshoe Bend.  This dramatic canyon overlook is an easy 1.5-mile roundtrip hike from the trailhead parking lot and offers stunning sunset views.  It’s a must while you’re in the Page, Arizona area!

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6.  Havana, Cuba

Despite being a favorite travel destination for many around the world, America and Cuba have long suffered from an on-again-off-again relationship.  For years, Cuba was one of those bucket list destinations that many never thought they’d be allowed to experience.  So, when travel bans were lifted and Americans could legally visit the communist nation, a new wave of tourism hit.

I was part of that swell when I traveled to Cuba in 2016, almost immediately after Americans were allowed to go.  And, stepping off the plane felt like stepping back in time.  Immaculate classic cars in every color raced down the roadways.  Propaganda from the Cold War still clung to the sides of buildings.  And, a slower pace of life saw locals watching sunsets along the Malecón rather than videos on their iPhones.

Welcoming locals invite visitors into their homes for strong espresso and engaging conversation.  And, it’s easy to find shop owners eager to sell you coveted Cuban cigars and rum (yes, please!)

So, while getting there may require some political sidestepping and a few more logistics, visiting Cuba is well worth the effort!

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7.  New York City, New York

The Big Apple was a bucket list destination long before Sex and the City made it popular in 1998.  And, while exploring the concrete jungle in Manolo Blahniks may be a bit impractical, there are countless things to see and do in the city.

Of course, there are the obvious NYC sights that are worth a stop on your big city tour:

• Time’s Square
• The Brooklyn Bridge
• The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• Broadway
• Central Park
• The Empire State Building
• 5th Avenue
• The Rockefeller Center
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum

But, there’s so much more to see off the beaten path!  One of my favorite things to do is to stroll along the High Line.  The 1.45-mile-long abandoned freight rail on Manhattan’s West End was repurposed in 2009 when it became an elevated public park.  With intriguing architecture, plenty of perennials, and a smattering of benches, it’s a fun way to see the city from a different point of view.

New York City also happens to be a food mecca, so make sure to check out some of the city’s renowned food halls and neighborhood eateries during your stay.  A few I highly recommend include:

• Chelsea’s Market (food hall)
• Essex Market (food hall)
• The Bowery Market (food hall)
• Gotham West Market (food hall)
• Le District (French food hall)
• Little Italy (neighborhood Italian eateries)
• Chinatown (neighborhood Chinese eateries)

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing museums found all over New York City.  Whether you want to marvel at art, science, or history, you could spend weeks here and still not see it all!  So, to help you narrow it down, here are the museums you should add to your shortlist:

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• The Guggenheim
• American Museum of Natural History
• The New York Historical Society
• The New York Hall of Science

New York City has so much to offer, it’s simply impossible to see it all.  But, that doesn’t mean you can’t check off a few of your big city bucket list experiences during your next visit!

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8.  Machu Picchu, Peru

When you think of South American bucket list destinations, Machu Picchu is often the first place that comes to mind.  Believed to have been built around 1450–1460, at the height of the Incan empire, the archaeological site’s sweeping panoramic views of Peru’s Sacred Valley are awe-inspiring.

But, what’s even more impressive is that Machu Picchu was built without the use of draft animals, iron tools, or wheels!  A marvel accomplished by advanced architecture and engineering techniques for its time.  The Incans even intentionally built it along fault lines to reduce the energy needed to carve the rocks.  And, their system of hundreds of terraces and water channels kept drainage from degrading the buildings over time.

If you’re one of the first to visit, you may have a chance to climb the neighboring Huayna Picchu peak.  Only 400 people are permitted to ascend it each day, and its bird’s eye view of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba River is truly spectacular!  It’s also where you can find the Temple of the Moon, located at the far side of the peak across a hair-raising trail.  The ceremonial shrine built into a cave has impressive stonework and most likely held mummies!

There are a couple of ways to get to Machu Picchu.  You can access the ruins by train from Cusco and then a bus to the entrance, or you can opt for a strenuous 90-minute hike from the Aguas Calientes station.  And, if you’re up for a little adventure, then you can also partake in the 4-day Inca Trail trek.  However, space is limited to no more than 500 people per day (including guides, which are mandatory) and permits sell out months in advance.  So plan accordingly!

9.  The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

Another incredible engineering achievement is the last of the seven ancient wonders of the world – the Great Pyramid of Giza.  Rising to 479 feet (146 meters) and with a base of 754 feet (230 meters), the pyramid is made up of over 2 million blocks of stone.  And, if you think that’s impressive, consider that the average stone weighed around 2.5 tons!  Seemingly impossible to move into position without the use of modern machinery, it’s still a mystery as to how the Egyptians were able to build it.  Especially considering they used no mortar, so each piece had to fit together seamlessly (and that precision is why the structure has stood for over 4,000 years).

To get the most of your ancient wonders experience, I recommend staying in Giza rather than nearby Cairo so you can get to the pyramids right when they open (read: before the crowds).  And, avoid going on a Friday or Saturday since these two days are considered holidays and the pyramids are swarming with school children.

Once inside the complex with your ticket in hand, know that you’ll be hassled a bit by locals trying to sell you goods and services.  It can get a little irritating, but just ignore them and go about your business.  It’s also important to note that tipping is customary in Egypt for just about everything (camel rides, guides, waiters, etc).  So when someone helps you, plan to give them a few Egyptian pounds (I recommend 20-50 EGP).

And, while travel in Egypt is pretty safe (despite what the media would have you believe), I do suggest paying for a guided tour for a more enjoyable experience.

10.  Taj Mahal, India

Located on the right bank of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal is an immense mausoleum of white marble built in honor of emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This gleaming jewel of Muslim architecture took over 16 years to build and includes marble inlays and precious/semi-precious stone accents.

Take note guys: you may want to step it up on that anniversary present.

The Taj Mahal opens at 6:00 a.m. and costs 750 rupees for foreigners to enter (that price gets you water and shoe coverings, which are required).  As you can imagine, it’s extremely crowded with tourists from all over the world clamoring to see the Taj Mahal’s iconic beauty.  So, if you want any hope of a zen experience, I suggest getting there right when it opens.

Now the obvious question everyone asks – when is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal?

If you can handle the heat, visiting during the off-season will help you avoid mobs of sightseers.  And, skip the winter months because fog makes it hard to see the brilliant facade clearly.  It’s also important to note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for prayer and weekends/holidays tend to be prohibitively crowded.  So, your best bet is to visit in the summer between Monday – Thursday and during the early morning hours to beat the crowds and heat.

These are just a few bucket list destinations you may want to visit before you die.  But, the world is filled with places that will leave you awestruck and amazed, so there are certainly many more to see!

What are some of the places on your bucket list?  Comment below, I’d love to hear about them!

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