- London, England. Thousands of years of history are readily on display just walking this spectacular city. In between tours of castles, remember to enjoy afternoon tea, a West End play, and one of the many London markets.
- Paris, France. Deliciously decadent food and a city that sparkles with beauty, what more could you want? The architecture, art, and culture are things everyone should experience.
- Kauai, Hawaii. If you are looking for a lush green tropical paradise perfect for hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing, then Kauai is the perfect place for you.
- Vancouver, Canada. Vancouver offers both the serene and thrilling aspects of nature. From whale watching to breakfast with bears to towering high above the forest canopy as you cross the world’s longest suspension bridges - adventure awaits in Vancouver.
- Tahiti, French Polynesia. French Polynesia is a chain of islands, of which Tahiti is the largest island. The islands are well known for their thatched bungalows that reside directly above the crystal clear ocean waters. With climate change threatening this tropical getaway, make sure you check this breathtaking destination off your list before it’s too late.
- Guadalajara, Mexico. For a vacation filled with vibrantly colorful street art and plenty of savory foods to fill your appetite, Guadalajara offers a lively escape from the monotony of everyday life. If you have time for a day trip, try nearby Tlaquepaque with it’s artisan pottery and instagramable umbrella decor or the city of Tequila for a tour of how the alcohol is made.
- Abacos Islands, Bahamas. For a unique adventure amongst the sandy beaches, try swimming with adorable pigs. The clear blue water is home to sea turtles and stingrays and various other ocean life that you can swim alongside.
- Las Vegas, Nevada. While gambling may be the first thing to come to mind when thinking of Las Vegas, you should save some of your money for the gorgeous views and delicious food at the Top of the World restaurant. A concert and an excursion to the Grand Canyon would also make fantastic additions to your itinerary.
- Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo is the perfect place to visit if you want a versatile destination. If amusement parks are a top attraction for you, Tokyo Disneyland or Disney Sea offer both the familiarity of traditional Disney or a uniquely nautical Disney experience. If museums and temples are more your speed, check out the TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum, Sensoji Temple, or Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to name just a few. Enjoy shopping, eating, real life Mario Kart: Go Kart racing - yeah that’s a thing! - and let’s be honest, more eating. Probably somewhere with a fun theme you never expected.
- Edinburgh, Scotland. When touring Scotland, be sure to visit Castle Rock, for the ancient volcanic rock itself, the historic castle that sits upon it, or the breathtaking view of the city that you can only get atop the rocky castle hilltop. You can also hike up the hills to Arthur’s Seat, stroll the streets of the Royal Mile, and soak up the beauty of the Royal Botanical Gardens all for free.
- Venice, Italy. Venice is known for its canals that traverse the city and it’s buildings which have sunk into the water. Spend your days eating gelato, taking in the romantic watery views, and touring historical sights.
- Zurich, Switzerland. If you are a cheese and chocolate lover, then a trip to Zurich is like a trip to heaven. Delicious melted cheese fondue is available all throughout Zurich and is a special Swiss treat you should definitely try. Be sure to also walk through Old Town to explore the brightly colored historic buildings at the center of this amazing city.
- Barcelona, Spain. This is the city to go when architecture is your main interest. Famed architect Antoni Gaudi created several buildings in Barcelona, most notably the church - La Sagrada Familia and Cascada Fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella. But Gaudi’s isn’t the only artitecture to appreciate, the Catedral de Barcelona is a gothic style masterpiece too. Explore the city and you’ll find plenty of sights worth visiting in Barcelona.
- New York City, New York. See a Broadway Play or catch a free taping of a show like Saturday Night Live, visit some of the many museums, take a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, explore Central Park, Prospect Park, Rockefeller Center, and City Hall. In between it all, remember to eat because New York City is known for being a melting pot of culture, but most importantly a melting pot of yummy food.
- South Island, New Zealand. If having an active vacation is what you find thrilling, then New Zealand has plenty of adventures to offer. Hiking, exploring glaciers, skydiving, bungee jumping, kayaking, and swimming with dolphins are just some of the experiences you can look forward to on the South Island. On top of all that, you can also explore many of the shooting locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
- Shanghai, China. Shanghai, like most of the destinations on our list has its share of historic structures, but don’t let that fool you; China is incredibly modern. In fact, it’s downright futuristic in many ways compared to Europe or the United States. Take in dazzlingly lit skyscrapers and open air malls but be warned that some things on your itinerary may be limited by China’s shift away from the use of cash and toward Chinese bank cards, so make sure you’re prepared when you go.
- Singapore. A tiny nation island, Singapore doesn’t so much have cities as it does neighborhoods. Check out Chinatown’s temples, the Civic District’s more modern buildings and the high end tourist spots of Marina Bay Sands. For a uniquely stunning experience, explore the Gardens by the Bay to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the massive Supertrees that loom overhead as high as sixteen stories up.
- Reykjavik, Iceland. If you go from October to February, bundle up and enjoy the wonder of the night’s sky that is the Northern Lights. Soak in the mineral rich, geothermal heated waters of the Blue Lagoon. Then walk the streets to explore the brightly colored houses and street art murals. Just remember to prepare for Iceland’s shifting weather and pack for wind and rain, even on an otherwise sunny day.
- Havana, Cuba. Havana is a place rich in atmosphere; in fact, it often feels like a destination frozen in time. The 1958 US embargo means most things in Cuba haven’t been replaced with the more modern things that the rest of the world has. This is most evident in Cuba’s well loved classic 50’s cars, which you can tour when visiting Havana. The atmosphere extends on to the vibrant food, the lively nightlife with Salsa dancing, and those touches of history that remind us why Hemingway loved Havana.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina. El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore is a palatial 1919 theater that has been made into a massive bookstore. Browse the shelves, admire the architecture and check this off the must-do list in Argentina. Buenos Aires also offers plenty to do, including museum and church tours, a visit to Eva Peron’s grave at Recoleta Cemetery, a walk through a Zen garden at Jardin Japones, Tango performances to see, and much more.
- Los Angeles, California. We might be biased after years of living in Los Angeles, but L.A. is a fantastic place to visit. L.A. might not be perfect - traffic and cost are no small thing in the city of angels - but it’s worth putting up with all those inconveniences. From the beach to the museums to the sparkling skyline and Hollywood magic, not to mention the deliciously innovative and international food scene - L.A. is still a destination worthy of traveling.
Tell us about the destinations you are hoping to check off your bucketlist, or any helpful tips on what you found fun to do when traveling to a place we’ve suggested.
