What destinations are at the top of your vacation wish list? If you are like the majority of individuals, the more you travel, the more locations you add to your list of “must-see” locations. As a result, when the editors of the website Big 7 Travel announced the list of the world’s top 50 bucket list locations, we came to a complete stop and immediately began crossing places off of our lists.
This website conducted a poll among its social audience of 1.5 million people in order to discover the top bucket list destinations located all over the world. According to Sarah Clayton-Lea, who serves as head of content for Big 7 Travel, this is the very first time the website has compiled a list of destinations. According to Clayton-Lea, “bucket list travel was a trend that popped up again and again in previous surveys when asking our readers what sort of travel content they most enjoyed consuming.” [Clayton-Lea] “Bucket list travel was a trend that popped up again and again in previous surveys when asking our readers what “So, because our natural inquisitiveness got the better of us, we decided to find out which places people are most excited about visiting in 2019 and 2020.”
The results of the global poll to determine the top 50 bucket list destinations include some of the most breathtaking locations in the world. “White sandy beaches are still a must-visit for many, with dynamic cities also making an appearance on the bucket lists of a lot of people,” adds Clayton-Lea. “White sandy beaches are still a must-visit for many.” The top-ranked places on this list are in nations that feature breathtaking landscapes and well-known attractions from all over the world. Twenty-two percent of the locations on this list are beaches with white sand, and fifty-two percent are iconic cities.
According to the findings of the study conducted by Big 7 Travel, people are also more inclined to add a location to their list if they have seen it on social media, and the study also indicated that 33% of people conduct research on vacation destinations by looking at their Instagram feed. “With more than one-third of our readers saying they look to Instagram for travel inspiration, it is not surprising that cities with colorful neighborhoods (such as Cape Town’s Bo Kaap) made the cut,” says Clayton-Lea. “It makes sense that cities with colorful neighborhoods (such as Cape Town’s Bo Kaap) made the cut.”
The island of Bali was at the top of the list of the 50 most popular bucket list destinations on the planet, but some of the other options were more surprising. “On the list of the top ten dream locations, there are several places that might not be on anyone’s radar, including the following: For instance, Paro Valley in Bhutan or Virunga National Park in the Congo, both of which are located in Africa “says Clayton-Lea. “I believe this demonstrates a strong thirst for a need to be off the grid, and I can only presume that social media (and Netflix, in the case of Virunga!) is responsible for spreading the word of these fantastic places,” said the researcher.
An intriguing nugget of information emerged from the research, and that is the finding that the majority of people had a bucket list consisting, on average, of merely 11 sites, with the goal of visiting seven of those areas within their lifetime. This rating will start you daydreaming about places both close and far, regardless of how many locations are currently on your bucket list. Continue reading for a list of the top 50 bucket list destinations throughout the world, as well as Big 7 Travel’s commentary on each location.
1. Bali, Indonesia: “You’ll come across jungles that are home to elephants, orangutans, and tigers in addition to Komodo dragons, beaches, and volcanoes. To put it simply, it’s a paradise. Due to the fact that Bali is such a popular bucket list destination for 2019, it is probable that you have come across at least one picture of the island on social media within the previous week.”
2. The city of New Orleans “The trip is well worth it in order to experience the vibrant city that is famous for its street music, festive attitude, and melting pot of French, African, and American cultures. It should be on everyone’s bucket list to go to New Orleans because the city is jam-packed with exciting opportunities at every turn.”
3. The Irish county of Kerry: “One of the most beautiful counties in Ireland can be found all the way in the west of the island. Even without the inclusion of Killarney National Park, the mountains, lakes, and coastlines of Kerry make for picture-perfect postcard settings. Its allure is enhanced by the singular character of its many quaint little villages, such as Dingle.”
4. The city of Marrakesh in Morocco: “This old city is surrounded by walls and is home to a number of mosques, palaces, and gardens. Because of the color of the brick walls that encircle the city, it is commonly referred to as “The Red City.” UNESCO has designated the medina as a World Heritage Centre.”
5. Sydney: “The city of Sydney is widely regarded as one of the world’s most impressive and well-known urban centers everywhere in the world. Amazing things to do are not hard to locate in the city; the city has stunning beaches, amazing cafes, and entertainment that is on par with the best in the world available everywhere you turn.”
6. The Republic of Maldives: “More than a thousand different coral islands make up this tropical republic in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It is home to some of the most luxury hotel resorts in the world, and it features beaches covered in white sand, underwater villas and restaurants, and clear blue waters.”
7. Paris, France: “Paris, being one of the most famous cities in the world, is at the top of the “bucket list” for many individuals. You’ll be able to see so many iconic sites here, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame church, to name just a few of the many that are located here.”
8. Cape Town, South Africa: “Cape Town is a fantastic spot to visit: pastel pink suburbs and blue waters, limitless natural beauty, and clifftop views.”
9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: “The high-flying capital of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is one of the most glamorous destinations you’ll ever visit, and it is particularly popular with readers of Big 7 Travel.”
Bora Bora, which is located in French Polynesia: “The island of Bora Bora is considered to be Tahiti’s crown jewel. What comes to mind when you think about overwater villas and underwater adventures? We consider it to be the perfect example of a place that should be on everyone’s “bucket list.””
11. The Big Apple: “One of the most exciting states in the United States is New York. With picturesque landscapes in the state’s interior, cuisine and culture that are among the best in the world, and more things to do than could possibly be accomplished in a single lifetime. It is quite difficult to pick a favorite among the city’s five boroughs because they each have unique characteristics.”
12. Dubrovnik, Croatia: “According to a quote attributed to George Bernard Shaw, “Those who seek heaven on Earth should come to Dubrovnik.” [Citation needed] It should come as no surprise that Dubrovnik is such a popular destination, considering the city’s twisting streets, cliffside beach bars, and Old Town’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
13. Edinburgh, Scotland: “With the old Edinburgh castle looming over the city, culture in plenty, and extremely friendly natives, this is one of the world’s greatest city breaks.” (From Lonely Planet)
14. Rome, Italy: “Whether it’s your first time in Rome or your 50th time, the finest thing about this city is that you’ll always discover something new each time you stroll the gorgeous streets. This is the nicest thing about this city. “
15. The monasteries, fortresses (also known as dzongs), and breathtaking scenery of Paro Valley in Bhutan are what make this region of Bhutan so famous. Bhutan is a mystery country that takes pride in its environmentally friendly tourism and may be found tucked away between China and India. You’ll find the Buddhist holy place of Paro Taktsang, which is located in the Himalayas, here.”
16. Jaipur, India: “Because of its predominantly terracotta architecture, Jaipur is commonly referred to as the “Pink City.” On the orders of the Maharaja, this was initially done in 1876 while Prince Albert was touring India. The goal was to make a good impression on him (Sawai Ram Singh). Even in modern times, it is against the law to paint buildings a color other than white.”
17. Waikato, New Zealand: “The region of Waikato on the North Island of New Zealand is home to a number of notable natural features, including expansive cave systems, verdant rainforest, and the lively metropolis of Hamilton. But what is the most popular thing to do in the region? An adventure set in Middle-earth that takes place on the set of Lord of the Rings. The Hobbiton Movie Set still contains the authentic Hobbit tunnels that were used throughout filming of the movies.”
18. Havana, Cuba: “The vibrant and nearly 500-year-old city of Havana serves as the capital of Cuba. Havana is a photographer’s paradise thanks to its brightly colored buildings and vintage automobiles.”
19. Tokyo, Japan: “Experiencing Tokyo is like visiting the future—flashing neon lights, tremendous technology—yet there is still a strong feeling of culture and history.” [Citation needed] [Citation needed]
20. Antarctica: “Antarctica, which is the southernmost continent on Earth, is a location that only comes around once in a lifetime. This frigid location is so far off from civilization that there is nowhere else on earth that even comes close. The journey is not an easy one to make, but the payoff is well worth the effort in the form of stunning vistas of the snowy wilderness, icy sea kayaking, and sightings of whales.”
21. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: “Vancouver is surrounded by sea yet close to the mountains. It also offers restaurants and art that are among the best in the world.”
22. Los Angeles: “In a city like Los Angeles, where there is sunshine all year long, glam bars, beaches, and hiking trails, there are an infinite number of amazing things to enjoy. It should come as no surprise that there are approximately 50 million posts on Instagram using the hashtag ‘LA.'”
Kruger National Park in South Africa is ranked number 23 “The Kruger National Park is located in the northeastern part of South Africa and is a massive area that is home to a diverse collection of animals. The park offers a variety of different safari experiences, giving you the chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature.”
24. Santorini, Greece: “In reality, Santorini is comprised of several different islands, including Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea, and Nea Kaméni. This location is perfect for vacations thanks to its beaches that include red or black volcanic sand and clear blue sea. It should come as no surprise that one of the most sought-after locations on bucket lists is Santorini, with its world-famous sunsets.”
25. The Russian capital of Moscow: “Moscow, the cosmopolitan capital of Russia, is a stunning location to visit throughout any time of the year. There are almost 600 churches in the city, each with their own distinctive dome and bell chime, and the city exudes an amazing feeling of history. Museums and the ballet are sure to impress those who have an appreciation for culture.”
26. Singapore: “A little island city-state located off the coast of southern Malaysia, Singapore is a global powerhouse despite its relatively insignificant size. It is a contemporary metropolis that features brightly colored buildings, futuristic bridges, and even a cloud forest.”
27. London, in the United Kingdom: “Some of the things that we enjoy most about London include the city’s pretty pink eateries, its futuristic space-age restrooms, and its views of the rainforest skyline. In addition to that, there are all the traditional attractions, such as Big Ben, red phone booths, and world-class museums and galleries.”
28. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: “Rio de Janeiro has traditionally been one of the most iconic cities in the world with instantly recognizable landscapes and landmarks.” [Citation needed]
29. Petra, Jordan: “Petra, a city that dates back to the Nabataean civilization and is located in southern Jordan, is encircled by stunning red rocks and deep valleys. The world wonder is unquestionably Jordan’s most priceless gem and the country’s most popular place to visit for tourists.”
30. Hong Kong: “The majority of people are unaware that mountains and lush parks make up 70% of Hong Kong, despite the city’s notoriety for its skylines and its thriving food scene. HK’s desirable edge comes from its futuristic apartment buildings and brightly colored playgrounds.”
31. Barbabos: “The Caribbean island nation of Barbados is one of those enchanted vacation spots that everyone daydreams about going to someday. Who wouldn’t put this on their list of things to do before they die? It is the ideal location for unwinding as it is situated in the southern part of the Caribbean, and it is home to spectacular natural beauty as well as amazing local culture.”
32. Amsterdam: “Put out of your mind the stereotypical pictures of smoke shops and garish red lights. This city offers everything, from floating flower marketplaces to bohemian areas and everything in between.”
33. Santiago, Chile: “Santiago is a cosmopolitan city that features the most prominent aspects of Chilean culture, such as art galleries, design boutiques, and handcraft markets, in addition to a vibrant Latino nightlife scene. You will have a leisurely stroll through ancient neighborhoods that feature picturesque streets that swirl around corners as well as charming taverns and cafés.”
34. Cairo, Egypt: “Cairo is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the entire globe. It is an excellent place to take a vacation because it is located on the Nile river and it has wonderful museums, active culture, and friendly residents.”
35. Copenhagen, Denmark: “The rustic fishing ports, the futuristic graffiti, and the twisting red brick streets are just a few of the many things that make Copenhagen such a stunning location for a bucket list. It exudes Scandinavian style from every nook and cranny, with high-quality cuisine, chic interior design, and a consistently fun vibe.”
36. Seoul, Korea: “Pop culture (K-Pop!) may be found coexisting with Buddhist temples in Seoul, which is a bustling metropolis where the ancient and the new coexist.
Fiji’s Laucala Island Resort, ranked 37th: “A private island in Fiji, Laucala Island Resort is located in an area that can only be described as paradise. It is one of three small islands located just off the coast of Taveuni in Fiji’s northeastern corner. There are also coral reefs, picture-perfect beaches, and a lush rainforest on the island, in addition to coconut trees, a sustainable farm, and kilometers of beachfront property.”
38. Providencia, Colombia: “Providencia, an island off the coast of Colombia, strikes the ideal balance between the Caribbean and South American cultures. It is most famous for its pristine tiny island called Crab Cay, where the only activities available are snorkeling and lounging on the beach.”
39. Machu Picchu, Peru: “What is the most expedient method to get here? Take the luxurious 360° Train to Machu Picchu, which will transport you through the beautiful landscape of Peru on the way to the mysterious lost city. In addition to the magnificent scenery, passengers can have a refreshing Pisco Sour while taking in the scenery through the ship’s enormous, panoramic windows.”
Virunga National Park is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and features: “Virunga National Park is both one of the most biologically varied regions on the planet and the only place on the earth where mountain gorillas may be found in their natural habitat. Since the release of the documentary “Virunga,” it has garnered even more attention due to its abundance of verdant jungle.”
41. Lisbon, Portugal: “Lisbon, the hilltop capital of Portugal, is postcard-perfect with its cobblestone alleys, gorgeous waterways, and nearby Atlantic beaches,” is how the city is described.
42. Hanoi, Vietnam: “The city of Hanoi, which serves as the capital of Vietnam, is well-known for its extensive history, vibrant street life, and centuries’ worth of French, Asian, and Chinese influences, all of which have been mingled together to create one lively city. It is an excellent location from which to visit the Northern region of Vietnam, including Halong Bay and Sapa, while also enjoying the conveniences of a contemporary and bustling metropolis.”
43. Hawaii: “From the buzz and bustle of Oahu to the romanticism of Maui and the off-the-beaten-path experiences of Lanai and Molokai, Hawaii has a little bit of everything. The Hawaiian Islands are unquestionably a utopia. Discover beautiful valleys and waterfalls while you stuff your face with as much fresh poke as you can.”
44. Ibiza, Spain: “Ibiza is one of the most beautiful islands in Spain, and despite the fact that it is home to some of the best techno clubs in the world, it is also home to a charming Old Town and some stunning beaches. You can lounge on the beach during the day and hit up some of the most legendary clubs in the world at night.”
45. Beijing, China: “Beijing is the political, economic, and cultural heart of China, and the city itself is home to six sites that are listed on the Unesco World Heritage List. Explore the Forbidden City, enjoy some Peking duck as a snack on the street, and, of course, visit the Great Wall of China.”
46. Budapest, Hungary: “A city straight out of a fairytale, Budapest serves as the nation’s capital and is located in Eastern Europe. The name Budapest comes from the fact that the city proper is split in two by the Chain Bridge, which was built in the 19th century and connects the hilly Buda district with the flat Pest district.”
Cinque Terre, Italy — 47 “Is there anything more picturesque than this stretch of the Italian Riviera’s shoreline, which is dotted with beach communities that date back centuries? These five towns—Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare—should be on everyone’s “places to visit before you die” list.”
48. Buenos Aires, Argentina: “Brightly painted districts, tango dancing in the streets, and bookstores housed in opulent theaters are some of the highlights of this city. These are just a few of the things that give Buenos Aires its stunning beauty.”
49. Las Vegas: “It should come as no surprise that Las Vegas has become a shining hub for tourism on a global scale given its dazzling array of neon lights, lively environment, and never-ending supply of things to see and do. Try your luck in the casinos till the wee hours of the morning, or enjoy some entertainment of the highest kind.”
50. Matterhorn, Switzerland: “The Matterhorn is one of the world’s most famous peaks—the pyramid-shaped mountain, which has a reputation for being extremely challenging to climb, is claimed to be the most-photographed mountain in the world.”