30 Best Bucket List Trips for Your Lifetime

You finally have some time to travel and want to make the most of the experience. But where do you go? 

Seven continents, a million things you could do, and even more places you could visit. 

Don't pull your hair out yet.

At Skyhook, we did the legwork for you and can confidently narrow the list to the top 30 best bucket lists for your lifetime. 

Curious? Here's a list of hikes, natural wonders, and experiences you should absolutely try out!

Ever dreamed of standing on the roof of the Americas?

If you want to hike, Aconcagua is one of the best mountains to climb in South America.

It's one of the seven summits of the world and the highest mountain outside of Asia. 

Ready with your boots?

Head out to Argentina, prepared to hike 6,962 metres (22,841 feet). We recommend trekking with a guide, so book a trip with Skyhook through the Aconcagua Normal Route for a well-planned itinerary. 

Patagonia is calling, and trust us; it's a call you want to answer! 

This slice of wilderness heaven straddling Chile and Argentina will blow your mind at every turn.

You can hike across windswept steppes that make you feel like you're on another planet. 

You'll walk on the surface of the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier (how cool is that?). And if you're lucky, you might even spot a puma prowling through the underbrush.

Ready to go to South America? Book our Torres del Paine Guided W Tre or Guided Torres del Paine O Circuit. 

Or, if you want a self-guided experience, you can still book Skyhook's Torres del Paine W Trek Self-Guided or Torres del Paine O Circuit Self-Guided, and we'll help you plan a good itinerary.

Yellowstone National Park is nature's playground, and it's time for you to come out and play!

And lucky for you, we offer two incredible ways to experience the geothermal wonderland:

First, the Grand Teton & Yellowstone: Hiking, Camping & Glamping trip - think stunning national parks, exhilarating outdoor activities, and the ultimate glamping experience. 

Or, for the more adventurous souls, try Backpacking in Yellowstone's Shoshone Geyser Basin. This four-day trip takes you off the beaten path with an expert hiking guide.

Love birds? Or wait - do you love big birds? If so, we bet you have heard of or want to see the albatross. This beautiful bird has the largest wingspans of all birds ((8.2–11.5 ft), and it can coast for kilometres on a single flap. 

What's more? An albatross can fly for thousands of kilometres (weeks) without landing. According to Reuters, they can even go for six years without touching land, only landing in water to find prey! 

Seeing an albatross up close is as rare as it is special. So, for the best chance to snap a photo of one, head over to the Galápagos Islands. Here, you can spot the Waved Albatrosses from April to December and observe how they survive. 

The Ecuadorian islands are also a living laboratory of evolution if you want to explore. 

Take the chance to snorkel with playful sea lions, watch giant tortoises lumbering across the landscape, and step over marine iguanas sunning on the beach.

Here's another one of the world's seven summits and the highest mountain in Africa. The good thing about hiking Kilimanjaro is you don't need to be a technical climbing whiz, and you can combine the tip with an African safari still in Tanzania (more on this below!)

You can book a trip with Skyhhok and take the scenic Kilimanjaro Machame. Alternatively, you can opt for the Kilimanjaro Lemosho for a more secluded hike! 

Fancy island-hopping in style? Set sail on a Greek Island adventure and prepare for a slice of Mediterranean paradise! 

You'll feast on fresh seafood in tiny tavernas, explore ancient ruins steeped in myth and legend, and dance the night away in some of the world's most famous beach clubs.

Still want to hike? 

Calling all cheese lovers and chocolate enthusiasts! (Oh, and hiking fans, too, of course.) Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best European trekking adventures.

You'll travel through France, Italy, and Switzerland—three countries, cultures, and cuisines in one epic trip!

With Skyhook's Tour du Mont Blanc (4 days) or the longer Tour du Mont Blanc 10-day hikes, you'll experience the best Alpine life as you trek through picture-perfect mountain villages and cosy up in charming mountain huts. 

This is one of the best trips to experience the greatest light show on Earth! Destinations? Iceland or Norway!

The best time to visit Iceland for the Northern Lights is September and April. You can also plan your Norwegian fjords Northern Lights trip for Spring or Autumn. 

Ready to channel your inner Indiana Jones? Machu Picchu is waiting for you! 

This ancient Incan citadel is perched high in the Andes and is every bit as magical as you've imagined.

You can book a Machu Picchu trip with Skyhook, or, if you're short on time (or just love a scenic train ride), hop aboard the Vistadome train for a journey through the Sacred Valley.

Ever wanted to get up close and personal with the world's highest mountain? The Everest Base Camp is one way to test if you can climb to the top of the world. 

Going only half the distance of the world's highest mountain, you'll trek through rhododendron forests, cross swaying suspension bridges, and gaze in awe at some of the highest peaks on the planet.

An African safari is your ultimate bucket list adventure! You'll love the roar of lions, watch elephants splash in a watering hole, and hold your breath as a leopard stalks its prey. This isn't a nature documentary – it's your real-life safari experience!

If you are in Tanzania, we offer the 3-day Classic Safari Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara National Park, which takes you through three of Tanzania's most popular parks. The 7-Day Ultimate Tanzania Safari is hard to beat for those with a bit more time. 

Want to extend your African trip? Book a short flight to neighbouring Kenya, and we'll take you on the Ol Pejeta safari right on the slopes of Africa's second-highest mountain, Mount Kenya!

Love underwater adventures? It's time to dive into the world's most extensive coral reef system!

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is like an underwater city, teeming with vibrant coral, tropical fish, and all shapes and sizes of marine life. Whether you're an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeler, there's something here for everyone.

Yes, we said to visit Machu Picchu above, but the Inca trail to Machu Picchu is just phenomenal if you're really interested in Incan history and learning about their way of life.

You'll follow in the footsteps of the Incas, climbing ancient stone stairs, passing through cloud forests, and camping beneath star-filled skies. Each day brings new wonders, from hidden ruins to breathtaking mountain vistas.

Get your kicks on Route 66! This iconic highway stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, offering a slice of Americana that's hard to beat.

Cruise past quirky roadside attractions, dine in retro diners and stay in classic motels that seem frozen in time. Every mile tells a story from the urban buzz of Chicago to the stark beauty of the Southwest.

The Great Migration in the Serengeti is a wildlife spectacle unlike any other. Over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands, driven by ancient instincts and seasonal rains.

The best times to witness the migration are from December to July, with peak moments occurring from June to August during dramatic river crossings.

Plan your visit around these times to see the most action as the animals move from the southern plains to the northern reaches and into Kenya's Maasai Mara!

Ready for a journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth? A Norwegian fjord cruise is calling your name!

Pick your best Norwegian fjords, then book a tour with Skyhook for a safe, guided trip.

The best time to go to Norwegian Fjords will depend on your preference, but summer months are ideal!

Step back in time to one of humanity's greatest architectural achievements! Walking the Great Wall of China is like travelling the spine of Chinese history.

While you can only walk part of the 21,000+ km (that would take a while!), even a day hike along this ancient wonder is an unforgettable experience.

This ancient Nabataean capital, carved into the very cliffs of southern Jordan, is a testament to human ingenuity and artistry.

As you walk through the narrow Siq, the anticipation builds. And then, suddenly, you're face-to-face with the Treasury, its intricate façade glowing in the desert sun.

But that's just the beginning—Petra is full of hidden tombs, sacrificial altars, and even a 3000-seat amphitheatre. Book our Dana to Petra trek to get started!

All aboard for the world's greatest train journey! The Trans-Siberian Railway is a 9,289 km odyssey across Russia, from Moscow to Vladivostok.

Watch the landscape change from your cosy compartment as you roll through the Ural Mountains, across the Siberian plains, and along the shore of Lake Baikal. 

You'll stop in fascinating cities, sample local cuisines, and meet fellow travellers worldwide.

Prepare to be awestruck by one of the world's most beautiful buildings. The Taj Mahal is a monument to love; seeing it at sunrise is an experience you'll never forget.

As the first rays of dawn hit the marble dome, watch it change from soft grey and pink to a dazzling white. The play of light, the symmetry of the gardens, the intricate inlay work – it's all simply breathtaking.

Iceland's Ring Road circles the island, showcasing the best Icelandic landscapes.

You'll drive past thundering waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacial lagoons, and otherworldly lava fields. 

Stop to soak in natural hot springs, explore ice caves, and maybe even catch the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

Often called the finest walk in the world, the Milford Track is 53 km of pure New Zealand magic.

You'll journey through ancient rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and over alpine passes with jaw-dropping views. 

The highlight? The iconic Milford Sound stretches out before you emerge from the forest.

The temples of Angkor in Cambodia are a testament to the power and glory of the Khmer Empire. From the iconic faces of Bayon to the tree-root-embraced Ta Prohm (yes, the one from Tomb Raider!), each temple has its own unique charm. 

And, of course, there's Angkor Wat itself - the largest religious monument in the world!

A cruise down the Amazon River is like stepping into a living nature documentary.

You'll glide past dense rainforest, spot exotic wildlife like pink river dolphins and sloths, and visit Indigenous communities to learn about life in the Amazon. 

By night, the jungle comes alive with a chorus of sounds - an experience that will awaken all your senses.

The Great Blue Hole off the coast of Belize is one of the world's most unique diving spots. 

This massive marine sinkhole is over 300 metres wide and 125 metres deep. As you descend into the dark blue depths, you'll see stunning stalactites and maybe even a few reef sharks. It's like diving into the centre of the Earth!

There's something magical about Japan during cherry blossom season. As the country erupts in delicate pink blooms, you'll feel like you're stepping into a living painting.

Join the hanami (flower viewing) parties in local parks and experience the joyous atmosphere sweeping the nation.

Island hop your way through the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is a sun-soaked paradise of historic towns, hidden coves, and inviting beaches.

Want to take to the skies? A hot air balloon ride over the pixie chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey, is like floating through a dream.

As you drift silently over the otherworldly landscape at sunrise, you'll see hundreds of other colourful balloons dotting the sky. The unique rock formations, cave houses, and ancient churches of Cappadocia unfold beneath you like a living map.

Fancy camping under the Milky Way? Spitzkoppe in Namibia offers an out-of-this-world stargazing experience where the stars light up the sky like a celestial canvas. 

Its ancient granite formations and vast open landscapes make it a perfect escape when you want to unwind under the stars. 

As night falls, the skies come alive with countless stars and visible planets, turning every evening into a truly unforgettable cosmic display.

For the last bucket-list idea, let's push the limits a little. How about a journey to Antarctica? 

The remote wilderness is filled with dramatic ice formations and abundant wildlife. Antarctica provides an unparalleled experience of nature at its most raw and powerful, from witnessing the superb march of penguins to spotting seals and whales. 

There are 30 incredible bucket list trips to inspire your wanderlust! The world is full of unique experiences waiting to be discovered. So what are you waiting for? Start with these ideas, and as you travel more, you'll find more experiences for the next time.