The Ultimate Travel Bucket List: 19 Amazing Destinations

We all have a travel bucket list that we’d love to tick off.

The trouble is, there are so many unique places to visit, which means our travel bucket list keeps growing. 

At Skyhook, we’ve experienced some of the most unique adventures in the world.

From the many exciting tours we’ve provided, we’ve put together what we believe is the ultimate travel bucket list. 

So, if you’re ready for adventure, here’s the travel bucket list we think you should try to tick off.

Patagonia, the wild region between Argentina and Chile, is a top destination for nature lovers. 

This remote region offers some of the most dramatic landscapes possible, including the towering peaks of the Andes, sprawling glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. 

Our pro tip?

Trekking through Torres del Paine National Park is a must. 

The park is known for its iconic peaks, glaciers, and turquoise lakes—a hiker’s paradise. Visitors can also see some South American wildlife.

While various hiking routes exist in Torres del Paine, the W Trek and the O Circuit are the best options. These routes let you experience the best of Patagonia’s wild beauty over five to seven days.

For the adventurous, visit the Perito Moreno Glacier to witness one of the world’s most impressive ice fields. 

Patagonia is a bucket list destination for those seeking pristine nature and adventure. It’s one of the great wild places on the earth.

No travel bucket list should be complete without mentioning Kilimanjaro. 

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something any keen hiker dreams of.

As Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro offers breathtaking views and a challenging adventure. 

The trek to the summit takes you through five distinct climate zones, from tropical rainforest to arctic ice. 

Reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak is an achievement to be proud of, giving you a sense of accomplishment you’ll carry for life. 

It’s a top bucket list travel destination for avid hikers and adventure seekers. 

Of course, it’s not only about the mountain but also the surrounding national park in Tanzania. Its wildlife and unspoiled African landscapes make it a dream destination for bucket-list world travel.

Inspired? Check out our guided options for climbing Kilimanjaro.

If you’re looking for unique travel bucket list ideas, then the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan should be on your list.

Wadi Rum is a mesmerising landscape of red sand and towering rock formations.

Known as the “Valley of the Moon,” it offers a surreal experience for visitors who want to explore a genuinely otherworldly destination.

You can explore the desert by jeep, camel, or on foot to witness ancient rock carvings and stunning natural arches. 

The starry night sky is a highlight of this desert, so you’ll definitely want to do some Wadi Rum camping.

If you want to do a Wadi Rum bucket list trip, consider hiking the Jordan Trail. 

Not only does this let you experience the magic of the Wadi Rum Desert, but you’ll also visit the ancient Petra and the Dead Seas, which are on many people’s bucket list vacations.

Ask anyone, and Iceland will always be one of the top bucket list destinations.

The land of fire and ice, with its dramatic landscapes and natural wonders, offers much for travellers to explore. 

Witnessing the Northern Lights, exploring volcanic landscapes, and soaking in geothermal hot springs are just a few of the incredible experiences Iceland has to offer.

While the Golden Circle’s usual tourist route is spectacular, we recommend straying off the main tourist path and exploring some of the island’s lesser-known gems.

The remote and less-visited Westfjords region, including Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, offers some of Iceland’s most pristine hiking and kayaking opportunities. This area is perfect for travellers seeking solitude and untouched nature. 

If you’re interested in exploring the more remote and beautiful parts of this travel bucket list destination, then consider the following trips:

Guatemala is a hidden gem for adventure enthusiasts, and it should definitely be on your bucket list. 

Beyond the beautiful tropical beaches and vibrant towns, we’d recommend trying volcano hiking in Guatemala. 

Pacaya and Acatenango volcanoes are the top choices. The latter offers a challenging trek with the reward of watching eruptions from nearby Fuego volcano. 

Beyond volcanoes, Guatemala’s rich Mayan heritage, vibrant markets, and stunning Lake Atitlán make it a diverse and exciting bucket list vacation spot.

If you’d like to discover this world bucket list destination, consider our eight-day adventure tour, which showcases the best of Guatemala.

The Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal is a bucket list trip for many trekkers. 

This iconic trek takes you through picturesque Sherpa villages, lush forests, and up to the awe-inspiring base of the world’s highest mountain. 

There’s really nothing else quite like the magic of trekking through the Himalayas. The journey is challenging but rewarding, offering endless views of the Himalayas. 

Throughout the trek, you can immerse yourself in the local culture while staying at some famous Everest Base Camp tea houses.

It’s an unforgettable adventure and a highlight on any travel bucket list.

When it comes to bucket list travel, we can’t leave out the iconic Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. No matter how many photos you might have seen of the place, being there and experiencing it up close is incomparable. 

This ancient Incan city set high in the Andes, offers incredible mountain views and a glimpse into a fascinating past. 

While you can always take the regular tourist train to the site, hiking the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu is among the best bucket list trips. This trek offers a great sense of accomplishment and stunning scenery. It’s a must-see on any bucket list for travel enthusiasts.

Various Machu Picchu trek options range from easy two-day treks to adventures that last over a week.

Slovakia is an underrated European destination that should be on your travel bucket list. It’s exhilarating for hiking enthusiasts! 

The High Tatras in Slovakia offer rugged trails with beautiful alpine scenery.

At the same time, Slovak Paradise National Park features unique gorge hikes and waterfalls. 

These areas provide some of the best hiking experiences in Europe, making Slovakia a hidden gem on the travel destination bucket list.

Check out our long weekend hiking adventure in Slovakia if you’d like to explore this remarkable place.

Sure, we all know about the popular UK tourist spots. But, if you’re looking for bucket list vacation ideas in the UK, you’ve got to experience the Three Peaks.

The Three Peaks Challenge in the UK is a must-do for avid hikers. This challenge involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales: Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon. 

It’s a fantastic way to experience the UK’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty. 

So, despite the UK being a popular tourist destination, these peaks offer a unique and lesser-known adventure and should undoubtedly be on your bucket list of places to visit.

Croatia is well-known for its stunning coastline and perfect islands. 

While it’s no secret that Croatia's beaches should be on your travel bucket list, the country also offers exciting activities like rafting and canyoning, which we’d highly recommend to any adventure traveller.

These adventures are a thrilling way to experience Croatia’s natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters and dramatic canyons on the Cetina River. 

Consider this rafting, kayaking and canyoning trip in Croatia for an adventure that most Croatian travellers miss out on.

Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance hikes, and it’s got to be on your travel bucket list.

This trek around Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland. 

The trail offers some of the most beautiful alpine scenery, charming villages, and a mix of cultures to experience as you pass through the different villages. 

It’s a challenging yet rewarding journey that should be on every hiker’s bucket list for travel - especially if you’re interested in Europe’s natural beauty.

Crete Island in Greece is a paradise for all kinds of travellers. The island’s unique blend of natural beauty and rich history makes it a top travel bucket list destination.

Crete offers a dreamy Greek coastline, blue waters, and whitewashed villages that look like they’re part of a movie set. 

Of course, the fantastic Greek food, wine, and laid-back island atmosphere will also charm you!

But if you want to experience Crete’s true natural beauty, we recommend trekking across the island. 

Crete’s diverse landscapes include rugged mountains, lush valleys, and beautiful coastlines. Trekking the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest gorges is a definite highlight. 

Consider this four-day hiking adventure in Crete if you want to tick this off your travel bucket list.

Thanks to the country's spectacular natural scenery, Norway should be on your bucket list.

While Norway offers much to see and experience, its fjords make it a world-famous travel destination.

These deep, glacially carved valleys offer some of the planet’s most impressive scenery. The fjords are also the ultimate playground for countless outdoor activities. 

Exploring the fjords by boat, hiking the mountains, and experiencing the midnight sun are just some of Norway’s unforgettable experiences.

It’s a must-visit on any world travel bucket list.

We recommend this four-day hiking, kayaking, and wild camping trip through Norway’s best fjords to experience the country at its best.

If you’re looking for the ultimate road trip, the Garden Route in South Africa is it. 

This scenic drive along the country’s southern coast takes you through some of South Africa’s prettiest coastal towns with all kinds of fun experiences.

The route offers diverse landscapes, from lush forests to pristine beaches. 

Highlights include whale watching in Hermanus, enjoying the beaches in Wilderness and Plett, exploring the Cango Caves, and bungee jumping from Bloukrans Bridge. It’s a fantastic addition to any travel bucket list.

You can also continue by visiting Addo Elephant Park for an unforgettable South African safari. 

If you want to experience the best of the Garden Route over six days, consider this guided tour.

The Sahara Desert in Morocco is an iconic travel bucket list destination. Many people are intimidated by this vast desert, which prevents them from visiting.

However, you can easily access the Sahara from Morocco to experience the surreal sandy landscape.

Witnessing the vast dunes, riding camels, and camping under the stars are unforgettable adventures.

The Sahara’s unique landscape and the opportunity to immerse yourself in Berber culture make it a place that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Inspired? Check out this tour of the Sahara Desert and Mount Toubkal.

We all know about the famous European Alps in France, Italy and Switzerland. 

While these are fantastic destinations for your travel bucket list, do you know about the other impressive Alps in Eastern Europe?

The Balkan mountain peaks in Albania offer rugged beauty and excellent hiking opportunities, giving any famous mountain range a run for its money. 

The Accursed Mountains, also known as the Albanian Alps, feature remote hiking trails, incredible views, and charming mountain villages. 

This off-the-beaten-path destination is perfect for adventure seekers looking to add unique places to their travel bucket list.

Few places in the world are as vibrant and culturally rich as Cuba. 

Exploring Havana’s colourful streets, dancing to live music, and relaxing on pristine beaches are just a few highlights. Cuba’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit on any vacation bucket list.

If you’re interested in adventure travel through Cuba, you could also take a multisport tour, which includes trekking, scuba diving, cycling, and more.

Cornwall in the UK is famous for its stunning coastline and excellent surfing. Newquay, in particular, is the top surfing destination in the UK, with various sandy beaches. 

Beyond the waves, though, Cornwall also offers historic fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and many beautiful hidden beaches. 

You can hike the famous South West Coastal Path to experience the coastline or take a road trip between villages.

And if you’re looking to disconnect, then joining a surf, yoga and wild camping retreat in Cornwall comes highly recommended.

Venturing further north in the UK, you’ll find Scotland’s Highlands, an area renowned for its rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes. 

Exploring the Highlands offers breathtaking views, ancient castles, and a chance to experience Scotland’s rich history and culture. 

Nowhere else in the UK offers this much vast open space and raw nature.

Hiking, wildlife watching, and visiting Loch Ness are just a few activities that make the Highlands a top travel bucket list destination. 

You could also canoe through the Highlands for another unique and unforgettable experience.

These destinations offer a variety of unique and unforgettable experiences - perfect for any travel bucket list. From hiking and climbing to exploring deserts and fjords, you’ll have adventures of a lifetime at any of these places.