These are the places I’ve been dreaming about and can’t wait to go back to ASAP! It’s the perfect time to start adding new places to your bucket list and this list of 10 Bucket List Destinations will definitely help!
Whether it’s seeing an actual Geisha in real-life or hiking to Everest Base Camp, these adventures are just what you need to look forward to and plan your next big trip!
1. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Searching for a sun-drenched trip with tons of incredible food while also staying on budget? Mexico is the PERFECT place! There is so much do to in this area of Mexico and it’s one of the places I always plan to go back to. Also, there are freaking whale sharks there!
A few more places definitely worth a visit in this area of Mexico are:
- Tulum
- Isla Holbox
- Cozumel
2. Everest Base Camp, Nepal
For all those looking for something a bit (or A LOT) more challenging, hiking to Everest Base Camp is exactly what you need to add to your bucket list! And honestly, if I can do it I think most people could do it!
A few weeks of hiking, no showers or hot water, only one change of clothes and altitude sickness will be rewarded with incredible mountain views AND actually being able to see Mount Everest itself!
3. Uluwatu, Bali
Yes, I know, Bali is on everyone’s list! But I really mean it, since we lived there for 6 months in 2017 and went again just last year in 2019.
Although there are a lot of tourists there, I can honestly tell you that Bali is NOT ruined and there is still plenty of areas with no tourists at all.
All of the best beaches in Bali can be found in Uluwatu, in the South of Bali. In fact, the picture above is where Eat, Pray, Love was filmed!
Check out this itinerary of everything you need to see in Uluwatu so you can get planning!
4. South of France
I love this one so much, I actually moved here! (Truth is I had never been here before we moved here, but I figured it was a pretty safe bet lol). The South of France is a summer paradise and really not as expensive as everyone makes it seem.
Other places you need to visit in this area:
- Ville-Franche-Sur-Mer
- Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat
- Monaco
- Antibes
- Marseille
- Cassis
5. Genoa, Italy
Not a place you hear about often, but it’s always one of the first places that I recommend to anyone planning a trip to Europe. Genoa, Italy is a food-heaven (it’s where pesto is from!) and an incredible base to visit some areas very closeby like Cinque Terre and Positano.
More places in this area that I’m obsessed with:
- Boccadasse
- Camogli
- Nervi
- Santa Margherita
6. Halong Bay, Vietnam
Ahh, Vietnam!! There is just so much to love about this country. In fact, if you are considering living abroad at all, Vietnam is the absolute best place to start out.
Of course, there are so many bucket list places in Vietnam, but some of the most mind-blowing views I’ve ever seen were in Halong Bay.
One of the best parts about Vietnam is that everything becomes an adventure. Including getting to the viewpoint above Halong Bay on Bai Tho Mountain, which was one of the crazier experiences we had in Vietnam!
Some other incredibly beautiful places you need to visit near Halong Bay:
- Hanoi
- Ninh Binh
- SaPa Valley
- Mai Chau
7. Kyoto, Japan
Did you know that Geishas still exist? That sushi doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg? Or that there are friendly deer that let you pet them? Welcome to Kyoto, Japan!
8. Railay Beach, Thailand
Thailand should be on every person’s bucket list because there is literally something for everyone in this country: gorgeous beaches, incredible food, sacred temples, cheap accommodation and plenty of adventure!
Although Railay Beach and the other beaches on this “island” are super beautiful (did you know that this is just a peninsula, but it is only accessible by boat?) there are a few islands nearby that are some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen!
More places to add nearby:
- Phuket
- Krabi
- Koh Phi Phi
9. El Nido, Philippines
There are few things better than going on a boat tour, in my honest opinion, and this part of the Philippines is the land of perfect boat tours that will blow your mind.
Don’t miss a trip to nearby Coron, which is just as beautiful and has some incredible views and island hopping!
10. Munich, Germany & Neuschwanstein castle
Munich, Germany is probably on a lot of bucket lists… but maybe not for this reason! Have you ever heard of Krampus? The evil version of Santa Claus that comes and walks through the city whipping people with sticks?
Yes, this exists and it also HURTS when they whip you… but it was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had! Hundreds of people dressed up as “Krampus” stomp through the city in early December all over Austria and Germany.
Not to mention, Munich is a stunning city and has amazing Christmas Markets!
This one is pretty obvious and I’m sure you’ve seen it all over Instagram! But if you plan to go in the winter, you need to read this first to make sure you get to the viewpoints that may be closed during this time of year.
I hope this helps you get your dream bucket list started! This is just barely scratching the surface of the world, of course, so I may need to make a part two!
Dayna Brockbank is a travel and language-learning blogger who has lived around the world but has now settled in Nice, France. She speaks 3 languages at varying levels of fluency: Spanish, Italian, and French, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Spanish Education. She and her husband focus on making travel part of life by living cheaply and traveling on a budget.