Top 10 Bucket List Holiday Destinations

Whether it’s a saved on your phone, a crumpled page hidden in a teenage diary or just a mental note, we’ve all got that list of dream holiday destinations. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie, a nature-loving naturalist, or relish cultural immersion, planning bucket list holidays is about so much more than just booking annual leave; it’s about creating life-defining out-of-this-world memories.

So, what is the number one bucket list destination in the world? While the answer depends on your taste, these ten trips to take before you die offer the perfect balance of wonder and rarity.

The breathtaking Northern Lights illuminating the icy peaks and tranquil waters of Iceland.

1. Iceland & Norway: Witnessing the Northern Lights

Few experiences compare to witnessing the Northern Lights first-hand. With the current Solar Maximum increasing the intensity of the elusive Aurora Borealis, there is no better time to head to the Arctic Circle. The perfect northern-lights-spotting window is generally from September to March, which offers the dark, clear skies necessary to see the colourful lights dance above the glaciers.

A breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel set amidst lush mountains.

2. Peru: Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

If you have an appetite for high-altitude history, trekking in Peru is a bucket list essential. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu between May and September allows you to follow the footsteps of the ancient civilisations through the infamous Sun Gate. It remains one of the most spiritually rewarding places to visit in the world.

A close-up of a silverback gorilla munching on leaves.

3. Rwanda: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Follow in the footsteps of Dame Jane Goodall for a truly intimate wildlife encounter and go Gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Navigating the lush, misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park between June and September might bring you face-to-face with handsome silverbacks in their natural habitat, a profound experience that tops many bucket list holiday destinations.

Gentoo penguins standing on an ice shelf in Antarctica.

4. Antarctica: Last-Chance Tourism Expedition

Antarctica is the final frontier of travel, often categorised under last-chance tourism due to its fragile ecosystem. Booking an expedition between November and March offers a rare glimpse of towering icebergs and penguin colonies in an environment that remains one of the most pristine yet threatened on Earth.

A scenic aerial view of turquoise waters in Okinawa.

5. Japan: Cultural Immersion in Tokyo & Okinawa

From the neon-soaked streets of Tokyo to the turquoise waters of Okinawa, Japan is a land of contrasts. The spring window of March to May is the ideal time to visit, allowing you to catch the cherry blossoms in the north before heading south for a subtropical retreat.

Sea lions basking on the pristine beaches of the Galapagos Islands.

6. Ecuador: Galapagos Island-Hopping & Amazon Adventure

Experience the ultimate biodiversity trifecta on an Ecuadorian odyssey. Begin by exploring the colonial charm of Quito before embarking on a world-famous island-hopping tour of the Galápagos. You’ll snorkel with sea lions at Loberia Beach on San Cristóbal and discover the unique highlands of Santa Cruz. Journey into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest for a dreamy stay in a jungle lodge. This combination of visiting the Galapagos Islands and the deep jungle is a definitive entry for any list of trips to take before you die.

Wildebeests make a dramatic leap into the river during the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti.

7. Tanzania: The Great Migration in the Serengeti

Witnessing over two million wildebeests thunder across the African plains is a sight and sound to behold. For those lucky enough to witness it, it’s consistently considered among the top bucket list holidays, particularly if perfectly timed to coincide with the dramatic Mara River crossings.

The iconic Treasury at Petra, Jordan, is carved into stunning red sandstone cliffs.

8. Jordan: The Rose City of Petra

Carved directly into vibrant red sandstone cliffs, Petra in Jordan is an archaeological marvel. Walking through the narrow Siq to emerge before the gasp-worthy Treasury is a moment that justifies its place on every list of places to visit in the world.

9. Australia: Diving the Great Barrier Reef

As another iconic site for last-chance tourism, the world’s largest coral reef system is a must-see. The vibrant marine life and kaleidoscopic coral gardens offer an underwater experience that is as beautiful as it is fragile.

A ring-tailed lemur perched on a branch surrounded by vibrant flowers in Madagascar.

10. Madagascar: The Land of Wonders

For a truly unique wildlife experience, Madagascar is the definitive “land of wonders” and a must for any bucket list holiday. Travel across the fourth-largest island in the world, starting in the vibrant capital of Antananarivo before diving into the biodiversity of the Andasibe and Ranomafana National Parks. Explore Jurassic rock formations in Isalo National Park and get up close to endemic species like the famous ring-tailed lemur and the elusive fossa. Madagascar has to be one of the most fascinating trips to take before you die.

Planning a Bucket List Holiday in 2026? Here’s What You Should Know:

What Is the Number One Bucket List Destination in the World?

Based on travel booking searches, this is generally considered to be the Maldives, but this really all comes down to personal taste and preference.

What Is the Hardest Bucket List Trip to Plan?

A trip to Antarctica is often considered one of the most complex to plan due to its extreme logistics, strictly limited vessel permits and high demand.

Is It Too Late to See the Northern Lights?

It’s definitely not too late to see the Northern Lights. In fact, 2026 is actually the final peak of the 11-year solar maximum, which has offered some of the most intense aurora displays in a decade.

How Much Does a Permit for the Inca Trail Cost in 2026?

The Peruvian Government sets official fees for Inca Trail treks, but you cannot book them directly. They must be included as part of an official tour package and generally range between £500 and £2,000+ per person. Prices depend on the level and length of the tour you take.

Discover Secret Escapes’ Ultimate Bucket List Holidays

So you’ve decided to put that annual leave to good use? Good choice. From Northern Lights-spotting tours to jungle-trekking in Costa Rica and unforgettable Galapagos Island holidays, create your bucket list of dreams with Secret Escapes.

For more travel advice and inspiration, deep dive further into the Escapist magazine, and for any assistance booking the Malta escape of your dreams, get in touch with us.

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