15 Incredible Experiences to Add to Your Travel Bucket List
Your guide to the globe’s most unforgettable must-do adventures.
Itching to get out and discover the globe? After all, our beautiful world is teeming with spectacular wonders just waiting to be explored. From breathtaking natural landscapes to unique architecture and ancient landmarks, here are 15 incredible experiences to add to your travel bucket list.
1. See the Cherry Blossoms in Japan
From the vibrant neighbourhoods of Tokyo to the centuries-old shrines of Kyoto, Japan is overflowing with breathtaking sights and attractions. However, there is nothing like Japan during Cherry Blossom Season. Between March and May, the country comes alive with these picturesque pink flowers and travellers from across the globe flock to Japan to catch a glimpse of this Japanese symbol and celebrate the spring season with the locals.
2. Camp in the Sahara Desert in Morocco
Few places on earth can compare to the vast and barren landscapes of the Sahara Desert. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, why not spend a night camping in the world’s largest sand desert? Visit the Saharan town of Merzouga in southern Morocco to ride camels between enormous sand dunes, sip endless cups of Moroccan mint tea and sleep under an expansive sea of stars.
3. Hike the Canadian Rockies
Stretching 180,000 square kilometres across the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies are a nature lover’s dream. Here, you’ll find turquoise alpine lakes, deep emerald forests, pristine snow-capped mountains and incredibly diverse wildlife. Hike your way through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park for endless outdoor adventure and some of the best viewpoints in North America.
4. Visit the Lost City of Petra in Jordan
If you want to be transported to a time of ancient civilisation, add the Lost City of Petra to your bucket list. One of the most notorious archaeological sites in the world, Petra was built in the 3rd century BC by the Nabatean people, who carved palaces, temples and tombs into sandstone cliffs. Although lost to the Western world for hundreds of years, today Petra is a World Heritage Site visited by thousands every year.
5. Watch the Sunset on Cable Beach, Western Australia
The ancient landscapes of the Kimberley should be on every Australian bucket list. Of course, no trip to this spectacular region is complete without visiting the iconic Cable Beach, renowned for its sugar-soft white sand and crystalline blue waters. Be sure to join a leisurely camel caravan along Cable Beach – the perfect vantage point to witness the tangerine sunsets Broome is renowned for.
6. See the Northern Lights in Norway
Boasting rich Viking history and magnificent misty fjords, there are so many good reasons to visit Norway. But, as one of the best places to witness the extraordinary Northern Lights, it may be time to make this beautiful country a priority on your bucket list. The best time to catch the Aurora Borealis in Norway is, of course, during the winter months – be sure to pack lots of warm layers!
7. Cruise Halong Bay in Vietnam
Just three hours from the bustling Vietnamese capital of Hanoi lies peaceful Halong Bay, a collection of 1,900 limestone islands and islets. The best way to see this UNESCO World Heritage site is on a traditional junk boat, where you can spend a night (or a few) cruising through the clear emerald waters, visiting hidden beaches, secret caves and stunning kayak spots along the way.
8. Watch otherworldly wildlife in the Galapagos Islands
Anyone with a sense of adventure should add the Galapagos Islands to their bucket list. Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a natural paradise, with beautiful beaches, spectacular dive sites and unique wildlife found nowhere else on the planet, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. Visit to walk in the steps of Charles Darwin, who perfected his theory of natural selection here.
9. Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Every bucket list should include the Great Pyramid of Giza. Built over 5000 years ago, this iconic relic is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one to remain intact today. With nine pyramids to explore, a trip to Giza invites you to learn more about the fascinating history of the ancient Egyptians – be sure to check out the Great Sphinx of Giza while you’re at it!
10. Ride a gondola in Venice, Italy
Is there any city dreamier than Venice? Famed for its winding canals, no visit to Venice is complete without embarking on a gondola ride. As you drift along the dreamy waterways, pass by postcard-perfect bridges, churches and palazzos – plus you’ll discover corners of Venice accessibly only by water. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a must on any European bucket list.
11. Go on safari at Kruger National Park, South Africa
Spotting the African Big 5 on safari is the ultimate bucket list moment. For an adventure holiday like no other, head to Kruger National Park, the oldest and largest national park in South Africa, and one of the world’s greatest safari destinations. Once here, jump in a 4×4 and set off on an epic game drive, keeping your eye out for extraordinary wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards and buffaloes.
12. Ride a hot air balloon at sunrise in Cappadocia, Turkey
The picturesque region of Cappadocia has to be seen to be believed. And what better way to admire the whimsical fairy chimneys, peculiar rock formations and otherworldly valleys of Cappadocia than by flying on a hot air balloon at sunrise? Known as one of the most beautiful places to ride a hot air balloon worldwide, trust us when we say that the views of Cappadocia from above are well worth the early wake-up!
13. Witness Machu Picchu in Peru
South America’s most famous attraction should be on every traveller’s bucket list. Mysterious Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel that stands 2,430 metres above sea level, in Peru’s mountainous forests. Also known as the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu can be reached via train or bus, although those with a taste for adventure should challenge themselves to the four-day trek along the same paths as the ancient Incas, visiting other ruins along the way.
14. Marvel at the Taj Mahal in India
You simply cannot visit India without marvelling at the Taj Mahal. This impressive mausoleum was ordered by then-Emperor Shan Jahan as a burial tomb for his favourite wife after her death in the 17th century. Built from white marble and detailed with semi-precious stones, this monument took over 10 years to construct and today attracts over three million visitors each year.
15. Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in Sri Lanka
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka and a must on any adventurer’s bucket list. Also known as Lion Rock, Sigiriya is an ancient palace built sixteen hundred years ago atop a 200-metre rock. Climb 1,200 steps to the top to explore the fortress complex and for truly breathtaking views over the surrounding jungle – you’ll quickly realise why they call this the ‘eighth wonder of the world’!
Tick epic experiences off your bucket list on a cruise holiday
Feeling inspired? If you’re ready to tick some epic experiences off your bucket list, there’s no better way than on a cruise holiday.
When you book one of Cruise Club UK’s cruises, you’ll travel with an all-inclusive airline, stay in centrally-located accommodation and see more of every destination you visit. Sounds like a pretty good way to travel to us!
Find your next bucket list holiday by viewing our collections.
Tags: Africa, Asia, Australia, Destinations, Europe, Experiences, Middle East, North America, South America
Categories : Cruise
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