Most of us have a bucket list of some kind! It’s a list of experiences or achievements we want to accomplish within our lifetime.
Bucket lists can be written on paper, on the big WWW, or kept in our heads! Some of our bucket list items are modest and some outlandish… either way they are reminders to live life as wildly as possible and with no regrets!
I’ve read a lot of people’s bucket lists on the web, many just listing pages of countries that they want to visit with no explanations.
Not that there needs to be… but for me, I love to know the reasons why these destinations get a spot on the list. Is it the scenery? Is it a culture? Traditional cuisine? The hospitality of the people? Or is it just because it’s Instagram worthy? Maybe its a mixture of everything!
It’s good to dream big! However, when you have about 50 – 100 items on your bucket list, you risk spending precious time on experiences you feel obligated to complete. In short, people change and their travel goals change (mine certainly have). Therefore, I’ve only listed my current 10 bucket list destinations which I plan on visiting within the next 5 – 10 years…
1. Alaska
Over the last 2-3 years, I’ve booked on several group tours to Alaska but they’ve all fallen through due to not getting enough numbers to confirm departure!
Maybe it wasn’t meant to be… but the staggering mountains, glaciers, unspoiled nature, authentic native culture, and wildlife are just a number of reasons why I’m so eager to visit Alaska.
Its famous National Parks such as Denali and Kenai are some of the world’s truly great wildernesses stretching untouched for hundreds of miles.
For me, this place really lives up to its name as being one of the last frontiers as well as bypassing the usual travel cliches!
This is why this unique place sits firmly at number 1 on my destination bucket list.
2. Morroco
This country has it all in terms of paradise beaches, mountains, deserts, rural villages, and big cities.
It’s a country that sits on the border of Europe and the Middle East making for an assault on your senses as its rich in colour and culture!
It’s not just the thriving city of Marrakech which appeals! Its picturesque Chefchaouen, historical Fes, the grand Atlas mountains, and finally the Sahara desert which will make for an interesting and well-rounded experience!
3. Japan
Again another country that attacks your senses and makes you feel like you’ve entered a surreal world.
I want to visit this country because of the ancient Japanese culture which has been around for thousands of years!
Japanese architectural such as castles, temples, shrines have always appealed to me, as well as making this country eternally photogenic and memorable.
4. Albania
Not on everyone’s travel bucket lists, but an undiscovered hidden gem none the less!
Albania borders several well known European countries such as Italy, Greece, and Montenegro giving them a run for their money in terms of pristine beaches, cultural experiences, and natural beauty.
This place is also known to be cheaper than Asia, allowing me to spend a week here without breaking the bank!
Tirana, the capital city described as the ‘beacon of a new Albania’ growing in terms of popularity due to new construction projects, traditional restaurants, and trendy bars.
I’m super eager to visit this country before it gets overrun with tourists in the coming years.
5. Hawaii – Maui, and Kauai
I visited the Hawaiian islands of Oahu and the Big Island back in October 2019 and had the best time! I loved the fact these islands were poles apart in personality and geography making me desperate to visit the other surrounding islands.
Hawaii really is a paradise with its tropical climate, volcanoes, luscious green scenery, picture-perfect beaches, and wildlife!
The Aloaha spirit and it’s laid back pace of life had me reminiscing for weeks after I got back to England. Hawaii I’ll be snorkeling in your crystal clear waters again soon!
6. America – Utah National Parks
America offers some of the best road trip adventures in the world with its diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and National Parks!
Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches National Parks, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands are collectively known as the Mightly five and have been on my bucket list for a while now!
2 friends of mine travelled around these National Parks back in October 2019. Their videos and pictures had me pretty envious as the landscape just seemed like something from another planet!
When I’ve saved up some dollars, it won’t be long until I’ll be planning a National Park trip to Utah!
7. New Zealand
I don’t think I’ve seen a bucket list where New Zealand doesn’t feature!
New Zealand has always seemed like a tucked away dreamland that’s stayed in my imagination! Mainly because it’s so bloody far away and I would need to use the majority of my holiday allowance to make it worthwhile.
Nonetheless, it has everything I love about a country wrapped into one! Towering snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, glaciers the list goes on…
If it’s good enough for the cast of Lord of the Rings then it’s more than good enough for me!
8. Patagonia
I think I’m developing a pattern in the types of places I like to visit… I’m sure you can guess but another destination full of crazy beautiful scenery, untrodden paths, and majestic lakes!
It’s no exaggeration to say that Patagonia is definitely a contender for the most beautiful place in the world!
With endless opportunities for adventures and exploration, this place deserves a spot on my bucket list!
9. Italy – Matera
There is so much more to Italy than the popular cities of Rome, Venice, and Florence to the North.
Voted European Capital of Culture in 2019, Matera is slowly creeping up on people’s bucket lists and for a good reason!
Famous for its cave dwellings which form a truly special landscape; Matera is fascinating because of its one of the oldest cities in the world making it breathtakingly beautiful.
Again, another destination that sits on my must-see list and one my mother goose will love as well – perfect!
10. Germany – Castle Road
For those who don’t know the Castle Road stretches over 600 miles from Mannheim in Germany to Prague.
This route connects you not just to castles and palaces but also valleys, mountains and medieval towns making for a diverse road trip – arghh wonderful!
I would love to know what your top bucket list destinations are? Do we have any places in common?