The Top Bucket-List Locations You Should Travel To Right Now
How long is your bucket list of places you’d like to travel to around the world? For many of us, these lists only seem to be getting longer and longer. While it may not be feasible to visit everywhere you dream of, The Culture Trip has put together a list of our favorite destinations you should not go another day without seeing.
Budapest, Hungary
Did you know that Budapest is one of the most historical cities on the planet? This sometimes-forgotten eastern European city provides a great mix of art, history, entertainment and relaxation at a much more affordable price than some of its nearby counterparts. Situated on the banks of the Danube River, Budapest is known for its thermal baths, so be sure to check out the many different types of bath houses the city has to offer.
If you are a history buff, you might want to see the Hungarian parliament building, the royal palace or state opera house, each rich in Hungarian history. If you’re looking to learn even more about the country’s history, be sure to visit the House of Terror. This museum takes visitors through Hungary’s struggle against Nazi occupation and communism to where it is today.
Galápagos Islands
The birthplace of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is an increasingly popular travel destination. The group of approximately 19 islands is home to several native species, making it one of the world’s most famous wildlife-watching destinations. When you witness such a thing, it is something extra spectacular. The lava formations, turquoise bays, forests of cacti and amazing wildlife surround these beautiful islands.
Visitors are only allowed to tour the islands with a guide licensed by the Galápagos National Park. The best way to see all of the islands and the most wildlife is through booking a cruise around the islands. Cruises are usually restricted to 100 people and allow passengers to disembark to observe wildlife. Snorkeling, kayaking and hiking are the ideal ways to see native species, such as the giant tortoise, blue-footed booby and marine iguana. Many cruise companies allow for these excursions within their trips.
Glacier National Park, Montana
A trip to Glacier National Park in Montana should be on the top of everyone’s list of places to visit, and is definitely a location to head to more than once in your lifetime. Nicknamed the ‘crown of the continent’, Glacier National Park’s sprawling lakes, waterfalls and mountains offer some of the most incomparable landscapes in the world. The best way to see all of Glacier National Park’s beauty is to hike. The park contains more than 700 miles of trails, with many hikes led by park guides. If you are looking for a more relaxing way to see the park, Glacier National Park also offers boat tours and tours on horseback. The National Park Service provides all the resources needed for any type of trip you’d like to make during your stay at Glacier National Park.
Sydney, Australia
Australia offers something for travelers with virtually any interest. Its vast coastline offers miles of beaches and natural sights, like the Great Barrier Reef. There are also the sprawling landscapes of the outback, among other spectacular scenery options for the adventurous traveler.
Major metropolises such as Sydney, Perth and Melbourne also offer visitors a more cosmopolitan experience. There are plenty of shopping, arts, entertainment and dining options in these cities. If you’re looking to try authentic Australian cuisine, you can’t go wrong with emu, iced VoVo or Balmain bugs (don’t panic – it’s actually a species of lobster). With so many things to see and do, Australia is a unique destination for any type of traveler.
If you are a looking to ‘go bush’, as the Aussies say, and experience the more unexplored areas of Australia, you might consider driving along the Stuart Highway. One of the world’s fastest roads, the Stuart Highway runs through Australia’s Northern Territory and is an excellent way to see the country’s rural scenery.
Croatia
Croatia’s location on the shores of the Adriatic Sea offers visitors a number of seaside and island activities with a rich European history. A must-see in the country is Dubrovnik — a walled city on the coast of Croatia that has retained its historic and medieval charm over the years.
Vineyards are also increasingly popular in the country. The region of Istria, in particular, is said to rival Tuscany. Aside from its growing wine industry and beautiful coastal towns, Croatia also contains magnificent natural beauty. Parks and preserves, such as Plitvice Lakes National Park, are worth visiting to experience all the country has to offer.
Redwood National Park, California
The massive Redwood trees in Redwood National Park in California are a magnificent site to behold. Some of the tallest and largest trees in the world, the Redwoods preserved in this park have outlasted major development in the surrounding area.
If you are just passing through, the park contains multiple scenic drive routes to optimize your travel time. Located on the Pacific Coast, the park contains several coastal trails for visitors looking to take in the ocean views.
Thailand Islands
The islands off the coast of Thailand are extremely famous and particularly known for their extraordinary beaches, tremendous views, luscious scenery and party atmosphere. Thailand has three main set of islands, ranging from Phuket, which is the country’s largest and most developed island, Ko Phi Phi, which is famous for the movie The Beach and Ko Tao, which is Thailand’s favorite spot for diving.
No trip to Thailand would be complete without experiencing the food, which is central to Thai culture. Perhaps most well-known is the curry, a delectable dish infused with a variety of spices both from India and Thailand.
If you’re looking to learn more about Thailand’s history during your visit, you might consider taking a ride on the Thai-Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway. This grimly named railroad was built by POWs in the Second World War and takes riders on a scenic route through Thailand. To get a glimpse at more of Thailand’s ancient history, check out the ruins of its former 13th-century capital, Sukhothai.
Scottish Highlands
Scotland’s Highlands region contains some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. With a number of different trails through the mountains and lakes, the Highlands is a must-see if you are planning a trip to Scotland.
Within the Highlands, the Great Glen is a must-visit. The Great Glen is a natural fault line within the Highlands that runs from the southwest to the northeast of the region. There are trails that take visitors along the Great Glen and some of the region’s most famous sights, including Loch Ness.
Reykjavik, Iceland
With its large variety of natural wonders, Iceland might be the most unique travel destination in the world. While Iceland is known for its natural beauty, it is also contains a universally literate population, and in the capital city of Reykjavik, you’ll find a wide variety of art galleries and other cultural gems.
One natural must-see in Iceland is the Great Geysir, the namesake for geysers around the world. The Great Geysir is situated among several hot springs, another one of Iceland’s natural wonders. A semi-natural favorite site to visit is Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. This unique, geothermal spa combines the best of Iceland’s culture.
If you find you can make it to any of these locations sometime soon, great! If not, try to not waste another day without planning a trip to these unique, inspiring and beautiful places. Bon voyage.