Lisbon rewards visitors with a warm climate, jaw-dropping hilltop views, world-class seafood and a thriving contemporary arts scene that sits comfortably alongside centuries of Moorish and maritime history. Wander the cobbled lanes of Alfama, ride the famous Tram 28 and save plenty of room for a custard tart (or five) at the legendary Pastéis de Belém. The cost of living is lower than many Western European cities, which means your dollar stretches that little bit further. It’s a destination worth visiting year round, but the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) has pleasant weather and fewer crowds than peak summertime.

Madagascar is unlike anywhere else on earth, and its capital Antananarivo makes for a fascinating base from which to explore one of the world's most biodiverse islands. Beyond the city's colourful markets and excellent restaurants lies vast wilderness where you might be lucky enough to spot lemurs, chameleons and the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. The Masoala National Park is a must for wildlife lovers, while the island of Île Sainte Marie offers turquoise waters and white sand beaches that rival the best of Australia. Madagascar isn't the easiest destination to reach, but a slow journey via Johannesburg or Mauritius is certainly worth it.

Few cities in the world are positioned quite as spectacularly as Mendoza, with the snow-capped Andes forming a dramatic backdrop to one of South America's finest wine regions. The restaurants here serve some of the best steak on the planet, and the local Malbec needs no introduction. Venture beyond the city and the rewards multiply with glacial lakes in shades of aquamarine, ancient Patagonian forests and the chance to spot pumas, armadillos and guanacos roaming wild. Mendoza is a bucket list travel essential for anyone who loves adventure paired with exceptional food and wine.

Sometimes a dream destination is about finding a place where you can indulge in fine dining, dance in bumping clubs, see cultural sites and engage in some serious retail therapy. Well, you can find all of this in South Korea’s fantastic capital Seoul. The city has not one but five grand palaces, as well as warren-like heritage neighbourhoods, and more museums than you could possibly fit into your itinerary, certainly enough for keen culture vultures. Meanwhile, the shopping here covers all bases, from clothes to makeup to gadgets.

Oh, hello, Scotland. This gorgeous country at the tip of the UK has everything from city living to the remote wilderness and that certainly makes up for its lack of sunshine. In the capital, you’ll find an extinct volcano and the iconic Edinburgh castle, as well as too many heritage buildings and sites to count. It also plays host to world-renowned festivals every summer. You’ll also be in a good position to explore the Highlands, where you’ll discover glittering lochs, soaring munros, and ancient forts. On the islands, meanwhile, you’ll find distilleries, white sand beaches, and Michelin-starred restaurants. This is a dream destination for anyone that loves history, whisky, castles, oh, and Outlander.

Japan consistently tops the list of best places to travel for Australians, and Osaka is arguably the country's most exciting city for first-timers and returnees alike. Known as Japan's kitchen, Osaka is where you eat takoyaki and ramen at street stalls, dine on conveyor belt sushi that could still top your best-bites list and end the night in the neon-lit madness of Dotonbori. The city is also a brilliant base for day trips to Kyoto's temples and Nara's famously friendly deer. Osaka's energy is infectious and fun no matter how long you’re there for.

Hanoi is one of Asia's most atmospheric cities, a place where the chaos of motorbike-filled streets somehow coexists with ancient temples, tranquil lakes and elegant French colonial architecture. The food scene is the stuff of legend — from bowls of steaming pho eaten on a plastic stool at dawn to craft beer in the buzzing Old Quarter come evening. Hanoi also serves as the gateway to some of Vietnam's most spectacular landscapes, including the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay and the terraced rice fields of Sapa. It's affordable, endlessly fascinating and well within reach from Australia. Oh, and bring an empty suitcase. Hanoi’s tailors are top-tier and you could return back home with a new, well-fitting wardrobe.

Stepping into Marrakech's medina is like stepping into another century entirely. The ancient walled city is a labyrinth of souks, riads, mosques and spice-laden alleyways that rewards slow, aimless wandering. Beyond the shopping and the sensory theatre of Djemaa el-Fna square, Marrakech has a sophisticated culinary scene, with rooftop restaurants and garden restaurants serving exceptional Moroccan cuisine. A day trip to the Atlas Mountains or the rose-filled Dades Valley adds real adventure to what's already one of the most memorable dream holiday destinations in the world.

No bucket list travel article is complete without Queenstown, and for good reason. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Remarkables, this South Island city is visually spectacular before you even factor in the activities. Bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating and world-class ski fields are all on the menu, as are some seriously good restaurants and a wine region — Central Otago — that produces outstanding Pinot Noir. The best part? It's just a short flight from Australia, making it one of the most accessible bucket list destinations on the planet.

Tanzania is the ultimate dream holiday destination for anyone who has ever wanted to witness nature at its most raw and extraordinary. The Serengeti is home to the Great Migration, one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth, while the Ngorongoro Crater offers some of the most concentrated game viewing anywhere in Africa. Climb Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, or unwind on the spice island of Zanzibar — where white sand beaches and clear Indian Ocean waters provide the perfect reward after time on safari. Tanzania belongs on every serious traveller's bucket list.