The Ultimate Travel Bucket List: 40+ Ideas & Lists
Introduction
There’s something magical about writing down travel dreams—turning them from “someday” ideas into real adventures. Over the years, my list has grown to include breathtaking landscapes, historic wonders, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences (and it grows more every day). Whether you’re an adventure seeker, culture lover, or foodie, this epic bucket list will inspire you to dream big and start planning your next trip.
Outdoor Adventures
Climb Mt. Rainier, Washington – A challenging yet rewarding climb up one of the most iconic peaks in the U.S.
Circumnavigate Mt. Rainier via the Wonderland Trail – A 93-mile trek through stunning alpine scenery.
Visit all 63 U.S. National Parks – A lifelong goal for nature lovers.
See the wildflower blooms at Mt. Rainier – A seasonal spectacle of vibrant colors.
Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp, Nepal – A dream hike through the Himalayas.
Climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – Africa’s highest peak and a bucket list challenge.
Trek through Patagonia, Argentina & Chile – One of the world’s most breathtaking wilderness regions.
Explore the fjords of Norway – Cruise through towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, Australia – Explore one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems.
Experience wildlife in the Galapagos Islands
Hike every section of the Appalachian Trail from 0 to 2,200.
World Wonders & Historic Sites
See the 7 Wonders of the World:
Machu Picchu, Peru – Hike to the Lost City of the Incas.
Great Wall of China – Walk along this legendary ancient structure.
Petra, Jordan – Explore the rose-red city carved into rock.
Taj Mahal, India – Stand in awe of this architectural masterpiece.
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy – Imagine the gladiators in this ancient arena.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil – Take in the panoramic views from this iconic statue.
Chichen Itza, Mexico – Walk through this Mayan city.
Other iconic historic and cultural sites:
Stand in awe of the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt – One of the last surviving ancient wonders.
Visit Easter Island, Chile – Marvel at the mysterious Moai statues.
Explore Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia – The world’s largest religious monument.
See the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France – A famous attraction and symbol of love.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, New York – A must for first-time visitors to the city.
Visit Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe – One of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth.
Tour the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy – A place frozen in time by volcanic ash.
Stroll through Cinque Terre, Italy – Colorful villages perched on the Mediterranean coastline.
Travel Experiences
Safari in Tanzania – Witness the Great Migration and Africa’s incredible wildlife.
See the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) – Best viewed in Norway, Finland, or Iceland.
Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, Turkey – A magical sunrise experience.
Visit the cherry blossoms in Japan – A fleeting but breathtaking seasonal wonder.
See the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. – A stunning springtime tradition in the U.S.
Stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives – The ultimate tropical escape.
Attend Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – A vibrant music, dance, and culture celebration.
Visit the Santorini sunset in Greece – One of the most romantic views in the world.
Go skiing in the Swiss Alps – Hit the slopes in one of the world’s most picturesque winter destinations.
Tour the temples of Kyoto, Japan – Immerse yourself in history and culture.
Stay in a traditional ryokan in Japan – Experience Japanese hospitality and onsen baths.
Bucket List Road Trips
North America
Road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, California – One of the most scenic drives in the U.S.
Drive to Alaska – A road trip through some of North America's most remote and stunning landscapes.
Explore the main islands of Hawaii – From volcanic landscapes to white sand beaches..
Route 66, USA – Travel the "Mother Road" from Chicago to Santa Monica for a nostalgic journey through America’s heartland.
Blue Ridge Parkway, USA – A scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains, especially beautiful in the fall.
Big Sky Country Road Trip, Montana & Wyoming, USA – Visit Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and stunning mountain landscapes.
Europe
Amalfi Coast, Italy – A spectacular coastal drive with colorful villages and breathtaking views.
The Ring Road, Iceland – A journey through glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.
The Scottish Highlands, Scotland – Explore castles, lochs, and rugged landscapes.
The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland – A stunning coastal drive along Ireland’s west coast.
The Romantic Road, Germany – Travel through medieval towns, castles, and picturesque countryside.
The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania – One of Europe’s most scenic mountain roads.
The French Riviera, France – A glamorous road trip through Nice, Cannes, and Monaco.
Asia & Oceania
Great Ocean Road, Australia – See the Twelve Apostles, stunning cliffs, and coastal views.
New Zealand’s South Island Road Trip – Explore fjords, mountains, and lakes.
Japan’s Golden Route – Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, passing Mount Fuji and historic sites.
The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan & China – One of the highest paved roads in the world through dramatic mountain landscapes.
South America & Africa
Patagonia Road Trip, Argentina & Chile – Drive through Torres del Paine and the Andes.
The Pan-American Highway, Multiple Countries – The longest road trip in the world, stretching from Alaska to Argentina.
Garden Route, South Africa – A scenic drive along the southern coast of South Africa.
Namibia’s Skeleton Coast – A remote and hauntingly beautiful desert road trip.
Cultural Experiences & Learning
Walk through the ancient city of Jerusalem – A place rich in history and religious significance.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world – Including Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia and the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in East Africa – A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Take a slow travel approach to exploring new destinations – Immerse yourself fully in different cultures.
Experience the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong – A vibrant mix of old and new.
Explore the historic souks of Marrakech, Morocco – A sensory overload of colors, spices, and culture.
Visit a Buddhist monastery in Bhutan – Discover the peaceful and spiritual way of life.
Take a gondola ride in Venice, Italy – A classic romantic experience on the canals.
Attend a traditional Flamenco show in Seville, Spain – A passionate performance of music and dance.
Witness a Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico – A unique cultural experience honoring ancestors.
Explore an ancient library, like the Library of Celsus in Turkey or Trinity College Library in Ireland – Perfect for history and book lovers.
Spend a night in the Sahara Desert with Berber nomads – Experience life in the dunes under the stars.
Watch a sumo wrestling match in Tokyo, Japan – A unique glimpse into Japan’s national sport.
Celebrate Holi in India – The festival of colors is one of the most vibrant cultural experiences.
Learn a new language in a foreign country – Immerse yourself in Spanish in Costa Rica, French in Paris, or Japanese in Tokyo.
Take a traditional cooking class – Make pasta in Italy, sushi in Japan, or tagine in Morocco.
Food & Wine Travel Goals
Drink wine in Tuscany, Italy – A dreamy experience for wine lovers.
Visit the vineyards of Bordeaux, France – Sip world-class wines in a stunning countryside setting.
Experience the delicious food of New Orleans, Louisiana – A blend of Cajun and Creole flavors.
Try fresh seafood in Costa Rica – A tropical destination known for its rich flavors.
Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in Japan – A beautiful cultural ritual.
Indulge in street food in Mexico City – Tacos, tamales, and more.
Explore the markets and street food of Southeast Asia – A foodie paradise.
Go wine tasting in South Africa – Some of the world’s best vineyards are here.
My National Park Bucket List:
1. Witnessing Old Faithful Erupt, Yellowstone
2. Hiking Angels Landing, Zion
3. Summiting Mt. Rainier
4. Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier
5. Kayaking Through the Mangroves, Everglades
6. Walking Among the Giant Sequoias in Sequoia National Park
7. Experiencing the Northern Lights in Denali
8. Snorkeling the Coral Reefs in Biscayne
9. Watch the Mountains Reflect on Snake River, Grand Tetons
10. Look Down at the Silent City, Bryce Canyon
Here is my National Park Checklist for more.
My Bucket List in one big Checklist
☐ Visit all 50 U.S. states
☐ Visit all 63 U.S. National Parks
☐ Road trip across the United States
☐ See the Grand Canyon, Arizona
☐ Experience fall foliage in New England
☐ Drive the Pacific Coast Highway, California
☐ Visit Hawaii’s volcanoes and beaches
☐ Explore Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife
☐ Visit all 7 continents
☐ See all 7 Wonders of the World
☐ Visit all UNESCO World Heritage Sites (or as many as possible!)
☐ Experience the Northern Lights
☐ Stand at the Equator
☐ Take a multi-country train journey (like the Eurostar, Trans-Siberian Railway, or Rocky Mountaineer)
☐ Cruise to Antarctica
☐ Walk the Great Wall of China
☐ Explore Machu Picchu, Peru
☐ Visit the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
☐ Attend Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
☐ Witness Japan’s cherry blossoms
☐ Take a safari in Africa
☐ Tour the ancient ruins of Rome
☐ Wander through Venice’s canals
☐ Explore the markets of Marrakech, Morocco
☐ Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
☐ Hike to Everest Base Camp, Nepal
☐ Scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
☐ Go dog sledding in Alaska or Norway
☐ Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
☐ See wildlife in the Galápagos Islands
☐ Walk on a glacier
☐ Drink wine in Tuscany, Italy
☐ Try street food in Bangkok, Thailand
☐ Have a Michelin-star dining experience
☐ Eat sushi in Tokyo, Japan
☐ Try a traditional Moroccan tagine
☐ Visit a vineyard in Bordeaux, France
☐ Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in London
NEW ADDITIONS:
☐ Hike the entire Appalachian Trail ( 38.5 / 2,200 miles COMPLETED)
☐ Run a marathon on every continent (3/7 COMPLETED)
Africa
Antarctica
Asia
Australia
Europe
North America
South America
☐ Complete the 6 Abbott World Major Marathons (5/6 COMPLETED)
Boston
NYC
Chicago
Berlin
Tokyo
London
Final Thoughts & Free Bucket List Template
Writing down your travel goals is the first step in achieving them. Whether it’s climbing mountains, exploring ancient wonders, or tasting incredible food, the world is full of unforgettable experiences waiting for you. I hope this helps you create your travel bucket list.
What’s at the top of your travel bucket list? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your dream destinations!