The pandemic of the past few years showed how dangerous it is to take travel for granted. With restrictions fully lifted in 2023 (touch wood), let’s make up for lost time and tick off some travel bucket list places to visit. Not sure where to start? Here are some of the most popular bucket list destinations.
1. Dive the Great Barrier Reef
You don’t have to go far to see one of the world’s best natural features, Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef is in our backyard after all. Most visitors make their trip out from Cairns, but there are also cruises leaving from Airlie Beach, Port Douglas and Townsville. Or, catch those blues of every hue by making your way to one of the small islands near the reef with a flight from many of Queensland’s airports.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s best diving and snorkelling spots. Plunge underwater to see a wide range of colourful reef fish as well as large creatures like manta rays, turtles and reef sharks.
- How to get there: The most popular option is to fly to Cairns and book a cruise
- Where to stay: Book at an apartment at Sea Point on Trinity Beach or, for a more budget-friendly option, have a look at the Cairns Holiday Park
2. Visit the old temples of Bagan
Word is slowly getting out about the beauty of Myanmar and now is the time to go if you want to beat the crowds. Still something of an undiscovered gem, the country reveals Southeast Asia without the crowds. One of the best examples can be found in Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its millennia-old temples.
To double up on your bucket list holiday, consider running the Bagan Temple Marathon while you’re there.
- How to get there: Book a flight to Yangon
- Where to stay: Stay at the Bagan View Hotel or splash out and go to Tharabar Gate
3. Take a cruise to Antarctica
One of the most popular travel bucket list destinations is Antarctica, and it doesn’t need to take up too much time. The easiest way to see Antarctica is from the air. Antarctica Flights are available from four Australian cities. Each flight takes around twelve hours and involves a seat rotation policy so everyone gets a good look out of the window.
While these flights take you over Antarctica, it’s important to note that they don’t land there. If you want to feel the snow under your boots and see penguins up close, you’re better off flying to South America and joining a cruise. Pack a pair of binoculars and look out for penguins, humpback whales, sea lions, elephant seals and more blubbery creatures. If you’re brave, spend a night camping on the ice or go for a polar plunge.
- How to get there: Get a flight to Ushuaia (generally via Buenos Aires) and then cruise from Argentina’s southern point
- Where to stay: Book a charming stay at Vuelta al Mundo B&B or a high value room at Departamento los Fueguinos
4. Ride on a gondola through the canals of Venice
There are many amazing cities in the world, but there’s none quite like Venice. Even Woy Woy, which once marketed itself as the Venice of Australia, pales in comparison. The Italian city is best known for the canals between its houses. Once a powerhouse of the trading world, Venice’s architecture is a sight to behold. And what better way than relaxing in a gondola as you’re taken through the maze-like waterways?
Once you’re in Venice, it’s very tempting to see what else Italy and Europe has to offer, so you may well be able to tick off two (or more) bucket list destinations this year. Rome and Athens, here we come!
- How to get there: Book a flight to Venice, picking a connecting airport that suits your travel needs
- Where to stay: Enjoy canal views at the Corte dei Santi or save money by booking into Venice Rooms
5. Snorkel to your heart’s content in the Maldives
The Maldives are a bucket list destination for many (and for good reason). The remote island group is a paradise and it’s particularly popular with honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries. Maybe it’s the white sand, the warm waters and luxurious rooms that make it easy to forget the worries of day to day life.
Loved up travellers can (and should) stay in an overwater bungalow where crystal waters are just a quick ladder climb away from a private balcony. Lounge in your room or book a boat trip to one of the many islands and lounge on the stunning beaches instead.
- How to get there: Book a flight to Male and then take a private plane or boat to your hotel
- Where to stay: Enjoy luxury at Ayada Maldives or reduce your bucket list holiday spending at Sun Shine View
6. Go on safari in Kenya
An African safari, and the chance to see the big five, is an incredible way to spend your next bucket list holiday. Although rhinos can be incredibly rare to spot, the other four (lion, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes) are common to see in the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya.
Once you arrive, you have a few options for how you can explore the natural wonderland. A guided tour by Jeep is generally the best way to see the animals, but a hot air balloon gives another perspective on the Kenyan landscape. With such diverse and majestic wildlife on show, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular travel bucket list item.
- How to get there: Book a flight to Nairobi (1+ stop required)
- Where to stay: Enjoy a stay at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge or save money by staying at Dolfran Guest House in Nairobi itself
7. Drive along Route 66
Route 66 is a road trip like no other. The original route runs from Chicago in the north-east to Santa Monica in the south-west. All up, it’s 3,940 km long and it’s generally recommended that you take around three weeks to soak in the sights.
This bucket list holiday takes you through eight states and you’ll experience a lot more of American life than you would by staying in one city. Starting in Illinois, you’ll visit Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before ending in California.
Route 66 is a great way to see the countryside and the national parks of America. It’s also a way to see the ‘real USA’ and support some old fashioned diners and mom and pop stores.
- How to get there: Start your road trip with a flight to Chicago
- Where to stay: Stay at The Polo Inn or push the boat out and stay at The Langham
Skyscanner is the world’s travel search engine, helping your money go further on flights, hotels and car hire.
Want to read more?
- Want to avoid the crowds? Visit these 11 lesser-known alternatives to popular places
- Looking to make your holiday a bit more special? Read about the best stopover destinations between here and Europe.
- Save money on your next trip by downloading the best budgeting apps for travellers
