Traveling allows us to experience new cultures, foods, landscapes, and activities. Some destinations simply take your breath away with their beauty, history or adventures. In this blog post, I’ll highlight some of the best travel experiences the world has to offer across popular destinations. From natural wonders to manmade marvels, cultural experiences to once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, read on for the ultimate global travel bucket list.
Marvel at Machu Picchu in Peru
One of the new seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu in Peru tops many travelers‘ bucket lists. This impressive 15th century Incan citadel sits high in the Andes mountains, surrounded by lush green peaks. Some highlights of visiting include:
Taking in spectacular views of the ruins and landscape from popular lookout points like the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge
Learning about Incan history and culture from the well-preserved temples, palaces, and residences
Hiking the famous Inca Trail to access Machu Picchu for an unforgettable arrival experience
Exploring other archaeological wonders nearby like Ollantaytambo, Moray or Písac
Machu Picchu manages to be one of the most breathtaking manmade wonders in South America against a backdrop of natural beauty.
Safari through Africa’s incredible wildlife
Few travel experiences compare to going on safari in Africa. Coming close to elephants, spotting lions hunting their prey or watching millions of wildebeest migrate across the plains in Kenya or Tanzania is truly magnificent. Must visit spots include:
Masai Mara National Reserve or Serengeti National Park to see the Great Migration between July and October
Kruger National Park in South Africa, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, to spot the Big 5
Okavango Delta in Botswana to find lions, rhinos, hippos and more in a unique wetland habitat
A good safari guide makes all the difference in tracking down incredible wildlife moments. Most lodges offer early morning and evening safaris when animals are most active. Capturing that perfect photo of a pride of lions or herd of elephants is one for the memory books!
Be awed by the Taj Mahal in India
Perhaps India’s most iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal in Agra is a stunning white marble mausoleum built in the 17th century. Visiting the Taj Mahal is about more than just the main attraction. You can:
Catch a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard ceremony on full moons
Marvel at the intricate Islamic architecture, inlaid gemstones and calligraphy
Stroll through the intricate gardens lined with cypress trees and flowering plants
Discover Agra Fort, Fatepur Sikri and other architectural masterpieces nearby
Seeing the gleaming Taj Mahal majestically reflect the light of dawn or dusk is an easy contender for the highlight of any visit to India.
Uncover history in mystical Angkor Wat temples
In northern Cambodia lies the impressive Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. This 12th century Hindu-turned-Buddhist temple complex was built by the Khmer Empire across 155 square miles. Highlights include:
Sunrise at Angkor Wat itself, the best preserved temple with iconic lotus-topped towers
Discover jungle-encroached ruins like the mysterious Bayon or tree entwined Ta Prohm, famous today as the Tomb Raider temple
Admire detailed bas reliefs depicting myths, wars and Khmer royalty Take a tuk tuk or bicycle around the park to find hidden temples like Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea
The sprawling Angkor Wat complexes reveal the incredible sophistication of the ancient Khmer civilization through their architectural feats.
Be wowed by natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef
Stretching 1,400 miles along Australia’s northeast coast, the Great Barrier Reef is the only living structure visible from space. Snorkeling or scuba diving the reef’s vibrant corals, diverse marine life from tiny clown fish to giant manta rays is mesmerizing. Must visit spots include:
Cairns and Port Douglas gateways, with islands like Fitzroy and Norman offering great visibility
Whitsundays Islands like Whitehaven Beach for island hopping, sailing or snorkeling multi-day trips
Far North Queensland for advanced divers looking for ribbon reefs and migrating Minke whales from June to July
With endless islands and 2,900 individual reefs to explore, there’s something for every level. No matter where you visit, you’ll be captivated by the colors and creatures of Australia’s natural wonder.
Be awestruck by Iguazu Falls spanning Argentina and Brazil
For sheer wow factor, few waterfalls match the mighty Iguazu Falls spanning Argentina and Brazil. This 1.7 mile wide waterfall system consists of 275 individual falls divided by islands, offering panoramic views from multiple angles. Fun things to see and do here include:
Approach Devil’s Throat lookout for deafening roar and clouds of spray
Cross borders and compare views from both Argentinian and Brazilian sides
Take heart-pumping boat rides under the falls for a fun soaking
Spot rainbows, colorful birds like parrots and hummingbirds and coatis wandering everywhere
The extensive Iguazu Falls invokes a scene from the movie Avatar’s Pandora. You simply can’t look away from the relentless cascades endlessly gushing over the cliffs.
Conclusion
Certainly this list just scratches the surface of the amazing travel experiences out there across the seven continents. From incredible food and cultural festivals in Asia to world famous European capitals steeped in history to desert safaris in the Middle East, there’s something for every travel passion. I hope these highlights inspire your own global travel bucket list. What destinations top yours?
