Everyone has a travel bucket list of ideal places to visit at least once in a lifetime, ranging from tropical beaches to awe-inspiring monuments to bustling big cities. The world is filled with places to discover rich cultures and have life-changing experiences during your getaway. Update your vacation goals with these go-to travel bucket list ideas for 2023.

 

One of the top travel bucket list cities for having a tropical vacation, Bali is known for its lush landscape including impressive volcanoes and stunning beaches. You can even hitch a ride atop an elephant for a unique experience in this Indonesian paradise.

One of the Seven Wonders of the world, the pyramids of Giza sit alongside the Sphinx to rank high on many travelers’ bucket lists. Take in the beauty of these incomparable structures still standing after thousands of years.

This Tahitian island in French Polynesia is the perfect travel bucket list destination, famous for its luxurious, overwater bungalows and variety of tropical activities.

Paris is the perfect bucket list destination for those who appreciate fine architecture from every artistic period. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Arc de Triomphe are just a few of the iconic monuments worth visiting in this French capital.

Known as the Red City, visit Morocco’s Marrakech to experience its rich cultural history through exploring palaces, ornate mosques and even touring the dunes of the Sahara desert.

There’s no other city in the world that can compete with Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival festivities each February. With vibrant costumes, parades and events, visit Carnival at least once to witness the Brazilian way to celebrate the holiday.

The isolated geographic location of the Galápagos has made it a focal point for wildlife research, housing some of the rarest species of animals in the world. This stunning group of islands in Ecuador should be at the top of any animal lover’s travel bucket list.

With travel from the US recently opening to Cuba, visitors now get to experience Havana’s uniquely nostalgic culture that includes taking a drive in a vintage convertible along with salsa dancing the night away at local bars.

This lost city is one of the best places in the world to hike, with the Inca’s ruins still standing more than 2,000 meters above sea level in the mountains of Peru.

The Big Apple is a bustling hub known for its diversity of cultures that come together to form a lively, American metropolis. Broadway shows, Madison Square Garden concerts and picnics in Central Park are just a few of the endless ways to spend time in this busy city.

Any nightlife lover’s travel bucket list should include the island of Ibiza, one of Spain’s premier destinations for partying. Lounge along the dazzling beaches by day and dance through the night at the array of energetic nightclubs.

Look up into the night sky to witness the glimmering aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. This natural light show is a one-of-a-kind experience that can be only be crossed off bucket lists in cities like Reykjavik, Iceland.

Arizona’s natural landscapes draw visitors each year to explore the other-worldly caverns of Antelope Canyon, along with the expansive Grand Canyon, a worthy bucket list addition.

View the stark white buildings of Mykonos, a waterside locale with the sparkling blue Indian Ocean as the backdrop to your vacation. You can also sail to the nearby island of Santorini for a well-rounded Greek getaway.

Head to Tokyo for the travel bucket list experience of “hanami”–the Japanese tradition of witnessing the beautiful, pink cherry blossoms as they bloom each spring. Walk through Asukayama Park or along Meguro River for a prime view of the cherry trees.

This luxurious island in the Caribbean offers numerous white, sandy beaches and sparkling, turquoise waters. The natural Colombier Beach and busy Saint-Jean Beach are just a few of the many enclaves for beautiful photos and perfect weather.

Possibly one of the most Instagrammed spots in the world, the boutique hotel Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya lets guests wake up to the majestic animals wandering the property and even peeking into windows to say ‘hello,’ making it an ultimate travel bucket list destination.

There’s something for everyone in Nevada’s city of Las Vegas, known for its flashy Strip filled with casinos, nightclubs, restaurants and luxury hotels. Indulge to your heart’s content at this glittering travel destination for going big or going home.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland, and is the largest coral reef system in the world. Grab a snorkel and discover the beauty of this underwater majesty for an ideal travel bucket list experience.

Made up of over 1,000 islands, this tropical destination is teeming with marine wildlife alongside pristine beaches that create an unforgettable travel experience.