20 Must-Visit Destinations for Your Travel Bucket List
From world-famous cities to tropical islands, these are some of the most remarkable places on the planet
~
A travel bucket list is a record of all the places you simply must see before you die. These could be big, epic destinations full of outdoor adventures, or perhaps they're somewhere filled with history, culture, and delicious food. Whatever your cup of tea is, there’s something satisfying about crossing off a destination from your list (and maybe even adding a new one to the mix). If you're wondering how to actually make a travel bucket list, don’t worry - you’re in good hands with us here at Plum Guide - we are travel experts, after all. With our travel experience, we will share all you need to know about jet-setting around the world. Here are our top picks of destinations that you simply have to visit at some point in your lifetime.
Los Angeles, USA
Tall palm trees lining a road in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, USA
With so many world-famous sites and attractions, LA is one of the most popular bucket list destinations on the planet. There are endless things to do in the city - you can spend several lifetimes here and still not see everything. Enjoy hanging out at the beaches of Malibu, dining in the trendy Arts District, or museum hopping along Miracle Mile - and you could do all this before even making it to Hollywood.
Glittering Waterfalls, Plum Guide home in Los Angeles, USA
Himalayas, Nepal
The snow-capped peak of Mount Everest in the Himalayas, Nepal
Hiking in the Himalayas is one of the most epic bucket list trips to take. There are countless trails ranging from easy, self-guided day hikes to challenging, multi-week adventures. Whichever trek you choose, you’re guaranteed unforgettable views of the planet’s highest peaks. After your hike, be sure to spend some time relaxing in Pokhara - there are yoga centres and restaurants in the city’s relaxing Lakeside district.
Barcelona, Spain
A view of La Sagrada Familia from across a lake behind pink flowers in spring, Barcelona, Spain
Combining old and new, Barcelona is a beautiful city that unquestionably deserves a place on your bucket list. This thriving cultural capital offers brilliant museums, trendy restaurants, cutting-edge nightlife venues, and historic buildings - including the famous Sagrada Famillia. Take a break from all the sightseeing with some downtime at the city’s golden beaches, and find a spot at one of the beach bars (chiringuitos) where you can order a cocktail and a snack.
Sea Of Green, Plum Guide home in Barcelona, Spain
Bali, Indonesia
The Gates of Pura Lempuyang Temple by green grass and large white clouds, Bali, Indonesia
Bali is the definition of a tropical paradise. With its broad sandy beaches, blue waters, lush jungles, and majestic volcanoes, it’s no surprise that this island is such a popular holiday hotspot. Whether you want to practise yoga, try surfing, or join a silver jewellery-making workshop, there’s something for everyone here. Each area of Bali has its own distinct vibe, and there are plenty of places to escape the crowds altogether.
Sydney, Australia
A view of the Sydney Opera House lit up at night, Sydney, Australia
Few cities in the world can match Sydney’s creative, culinary, and cultural offerings. Take in the city’s famous sights from the Manly Ferry, where you can glide under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the Sydney Opera House (it’s definitely worth catching a show here, too). To be in with the trendy kids, spend the day chilling or surfing at the famous Bondi Beach, or cool off in the Bondi Icebergs Pool. Fuel up at the Unicorn Hotel pub, a true Aussie institution.
London, UK
A red telephone box in front of Big Ben and the River Thames, London, England, UK
London is the most visited city in Europe, attracting almost 19.6 million visitors per year to its iconic sites - think Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, all of which are must-sees for first-timers. If you want to scratch under the surface, there are plenty of ways to see the city as a local, from eating your way around the markets and relaxing on Primrose Hill, to admiring the amazing street art in Shoreditch.
On Langthorne, Plum Guide home in London, England, UK
Reykjavik, Iceland
An aerial view of buildings in front of a large, distant, snow-capped mountain, Reykjavik, Iceland
The capital of the Land of Fire and Ice is a young, lively city, with vibrant art, music, and food scenes - find restaurants serving up local Icelandic specialties. Come evening, discover all kinds of live entertainment including stand-up comedy, theatre, opera, jazz, drag shows, cabaret performances, musicals, and even poetry clubs. Once you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, head out on an adventure to explore the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
Zermatt, Switzerland
A red train driving over a bridge between mountains in Zermatt, Switzerland
Lying below the iconic Matterhorn peak, the mountain resort town of Zermatt is renowned for skiing, hiking, and climbing. One of the best ways to see the majestic peak is at sunrise at Lake Stellisee - the mountain is bathed in a warm golden glow, reflected in the still waters of the lake. Not an early riser? Hike the Five Lake Trail for views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains, blue lakes, and lush green valleys.
The Rocky Raccoon, Plum Guide home in Switzerland
Mumbai, India
A view of the Bandra Worli Sea Link Bridge at sunset, Mumbai, India
Mumbai is a city that will awaken your senses. Overflowing with street food, historic buildings, and mesmerising culture, there’s a lot to experience - and the best place to start is Crawford Market. Pick up some local food before heading to the eye-catching Mumbai Taj and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, getting a taste of the city’s incredible architecture. Once the heat of the midday sun has disappeared, head to the Gateway of India for a picturesque place to watch the sun go down.
New York, USA
An aerial view of Central Park surrounded by buildings and skyscrapers, New York, USA
It won't come as a surprise to see that New York has made it onto this list. First-timers may visit for the iconic sites of Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park, but you’ll quickly see that there’s much more to the city. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie looking for international street food at the Queens Night Market, a culture vulture wanting to catch art installations at Summit One Vanderbilt, or an outdoor lover taking a day trip to Governors Island.
Buddha's Stable, Plum Guide home in New York, USA
Phuket, Thailand
A wooden bridge and a pergola over the clear sea in Phuket, Thailand
If you fancy connecting with a tropical paradise, Thailand’s largest island is the place to be. It’s packed with so much cultural heritage - visit temples, shrines, and museums, or indulge in Thai and Peranakan cuisine. There’s plenty of opportunity to get out in nature too, with water activities, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. Just feel like lying on the sand? Each beach offers something different, from the upmarket Surin to the mellow Rawai.
Lisbon, Portugal
An aerial view of rooftops and colourful buildings across the Alfama District, Lisbon, Portugal
The hilly, coastal capital of Portugal is a picturesque metropolis packed with things to see and do. History is rife here, with heritage districts and palaces telling stories of Roman imperialists and Berber pirates. If you’re into art, take in the latest exhibition at the Berardo Collection Museum, or enjoy a stroll through the Alfama District. Remember to pick up a pastel de nata or two at the famed Pastéis de Belém.
Hipster 'Stache, Plum Guide home in Lisbon, Portugal
Tokyo, Japan
A path covered in pink leaves from the overhanging trees next to green bushes, Tokyo, Japan
Japan’s capital is the ultimate city break. It’s a place that’s guaranteed to enchant anyone who visits - explore areas with futuristic, sleek buildings, and the seemingly-lost-in-time neighbourhoods filled with wooden buildings and glowing lanterns. Centuries-old art forms are still performed on-stage, and sumo tournaments draw swathes of visitors. When it comes to food, Tokyo’s culinary scene is second to none. Indulge in a top-class sushi restaurant one day, and pop into a casual noodle joint the next.
Rome, Italy
St Peter's Basilica behind a large fountain, The Vatican, Rome, Italy
One of the most famous places in the world, the Eternal City should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. Spanning over 2,500 years, Rome’s history is told through buildings such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Can’t get enough history? There's also an array of museums, such as the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. While we highly recommend admiring the views by wandering Rome’s cobbled streets, Gianicolo is the highest point in Rome, and an alternative vantage point for breathtaking views.
La Stanza Verde, Plum Guide home in Rome, Italy
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
An aerial view of the Christ Redeemer statue on a tall green mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Known for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, its nickname alone - Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City) - makes Rio irresistible. Make like a local and surf, drink, and relax on Rio’s sandy strips, stopping only for a lunch of traditional feijoada. For an outdoor adventure, hike in the Tijuca rainforest, or sail across Guanabara Bay for incredible views of the urban landscape. Still have energy? Dance the night away in the city’s live music venues, where you can listen to everything from samba to old-school bossa nova.
Berlin, Germany
The turquoise-domed Berlin Cathedral by the River Spree and a white boat, Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a city that manages to be effortlessly cool and gritty, while being undeniably chic and glamorous at the same time. It’s a place where you can visit elegant palaces in the morning, see contemporary art in the afternoon, and party in an abandoned warehouse in the evening. Whether your tastes are punk or posh, Berlin’s vibrant culture, impressive food scene, bold architecture, and laid-back vibe offer something for everyone.
Melomania, Plum Guide home in Berlin, Germany
Cairo, Egypt
A view of the Great Pyramids of Giza in the desert at sunset, Cairo, Egypt
If you’ve always wanted to see the world's most famous sites, then Cairo should be one of your bucket list destinations. But don’t just go for the pyramids - this magnificent city is rich in history and culture, and is packed with things to do. There's an impressive collection of museums here, where you can find mummies and other Egyptian artefacts, as well as ancient mosques and relics. Shop ‘til you drop at the Khan el-Khalili souq, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways lined with shops and stalls - you'll see people selling everything from antiques to locally woven textiles.
Paris, France
An aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe and the surrounding roads and buildings, Paris, France
If you’re into romantic cities, it would be a crime not to include Paris as a destination on your bucket list. In fact, the chances are that Paris is number one on your list, and rightly so. The City of Love is synonymous with history, culture, art, food, drink, and just about everything else. From the cobbled streets of Montmartre to the arthouse cinemas in the Latin Quarter, you’ll find something to fall in love with in the famous French capital.
Napoleon's Neighbour, Plum Guide home in Paris
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
A group of Zebra in long brown grass in front of the sun at sunset in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti is one of the most well-known safari destinations in Africa. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is guaranteed to be unforgettable - witness nature’s most remarkable event, the Great Migration. Elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, lions, and leopards are amongst some of the animals you may spot on your safari through the grassland plains and riverine forest.
Santorini, Greece
Blue-domed churches and clustered buildings on a the side of a mountain by bougainvillea, Santorini, Greece
With its whitewashed houses contrasting against azure waters, Santorini is a dream destination for sun-seekers. This windswept, volcanic island offers charming towns and villages decked with colourful bougainvillaea, picturesque crumbling cliffs, delicious local food and wine, remarkable beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. If Santorini doesn’t qualify as one of your bucket list destinations, then we don’t know what will.
Soothe My Soul, Plum Guide home in Santorini, Greece
