Banner image courtesy of Hendrik Cornelissen
From icy frontiers to sun-soaked deserts, the world is full of incredible destinations, each offering a unique blend of adventure, culture, and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or someone dreaming of their next big escape, having a bucket list helps focus your travel goals.
The destinations featured here are more than just popular holiday spots – they’re transformative experiences that offer something truly special. From witnessing the wild majesty of Africa on safari to sailing through icy Arctic waters, these locations will spark your sense of discovery.
Each has been selected not only for its beauty but also for the unforgettable experiences it offers. So if you’re looking to make your next journey extraordinary, read on. Here are five destinations that deserve a place at the top of your travel bucket list.
The Temples of Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan, an ancient city in Myanmar, is a hauntingly beautiful landscape dotted with thousands of temples, pagodas, and stupas. Rising from the misty plains at dawn, these centuries-old structures form a surreal skyline that evokes a deep sense of wonder.
Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, Bagan was once the heart of a mighty empire and remains a spiritual centre for Burmese Buddhists today. While the sheer number of temples – over 2,000 – can be overwhelming, exploring by bike or hot-air balloon offers breathtaking views and intimate encounters with this sacred site. Many temples contain elaborate murals and carvings that tell stories of Buddha’s life.
Though Myanmar has faced political turmoil, Bagan stands as a symbol of resilience and cultural pride. Travelling here requires sensitivity and respect, but for those seeking a destination steeped in history and spirituality, Bagan is a deeply moving place that belongs on every traveller’s bucket list.
Please check any travel advice before visiting the country.
Safaris in Tanzania
An incredible safari experience in Tanzania is something every nature enthusiast should enjoy at least once. Home to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife encounters on the planet. Witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the plains in search of greener pastures, a spectacle that is both humbling and exhilarating.
You’ll also have the chance to spot the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – in their natural habitat. The landscape is as diverse as the wildlife, from sweeping savannahs to volcanic craters and acacia-dotted hills.
Many lodges and camps offer eco-friendly options with local guides, adding cultural depth to your trip. Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Tanzania’s safaris offer an unforgettable connection to the wild that few other destinations can match.
Patagonia, Chile and Argentina
Patagonia, spanning southern Chile and Argentina, is a rugged wilderness where nature reigns supreme. Towering granite peaks, glacial lakes, and vast steppe landscapes define this remote region, making it a paradise for hikers, photographers, and adventurers.
The iconic Torres del Paine National Park in Chile offers challenging treks with spectacular scenery, while Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park boasts the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. Wildlife is equally enthralling – you might spot guanacos, condors, and even elusive pumas. Patagonia’s raw beauty lies in its extremes, from the windswept plains to snow-covered summits.
It’s also a region rich in culture, home to hardy ranchers and indigenous peoples with fascinating traditions. Despite its remoteness, the infrastructure for eco-tourism has improved, allowing more visitors to explore responsibly. Travelling through Patagonia is not just a physical journey – it’s a mental and emotional reset. Few places on Earth feel as pure, untouched, and awe-inspiring as this southern frontier.
Cruises in the Arctic
Cruise expeditions in the Arctic are the epitome of remote travel. Venturing into the Earth’s northernmost regions offers a profound sense of isolation, beauty, and wonder. As your ship glides past massive icebergs and through narrow fjords, you’ll experience scenery that few ever see. Wildlife encounters are equally extraordinary – look out for polar bears prowling across ice floes, whales breaching in icy waters, and colonies of seabirds soaring overhead.
Arctic cruises often include stops in remote settlements in Greenland, Svalbard, or even parts of northern Canada, where you can meet indigenous communities and learn about life in such extreme environments. The Midnight Sun in summer offers endless daylight for exploration, while winter voyages offer the hauntingly beautiful Northern Lights.
With climate change making this region more accessible yet more vulnerable, travelling responsibly here is vital. These cruises offer not just adventure, but a powerful reminder of our planet’s fragility.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is a city where tradition and tranquillity harmoniously coexist. With its stunning temples, serene gardens, and historic wooden teahouses, Kyoto feels like a living museum. Over 1,000 temples dot the city, including the golden splendour of Kinkaku-ji and the sprawling Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji.
Springtime sees cherry blossoms blanket the city in soft pink hues, while autumn paints it in fiery reds and golds. The historic district of Gion offers a chance to glimpse geishas in traditional attire, while Kyoto’s culinary scene – think kaiseki dinners and matcha treats – delights all senses.
Despite being a modern city, Kyoto has preserved its cultural soul, making it ideal for travellers seeking meaningful, introspective experiences. Whether you’re wandering through bamboo groves in Arashiyama or participating in a tea ceremony, Kyoto provides a peaceful escape into a more contemplative world. It’s a destination that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Final Thoughts…
Travelling is about more than ticking places off a list – it’s about collecting moments that change how you see the world. From the incredible safari experience in Tanzania to cruise expeditions in the Arctic, each destination featured here offers something truly unforgettable. Whether it’s the spiritual aura of Bagan, the raw wilderness of Patagonia, or the timeless grace of Kyoto, these journeys invite you to connect deeply with nature, culture, and yourself.
These five destinations are more than just scenic wonders, they are places that challenge, inspire, and transform. Add them to your bucket list not just for the memories you’ll make, but for the new perspectives you’ll gain. After all, the best journeys are those that leave you a little different from when you started.