‘What are your best once in a lifetime travel destinations?’ is a question I got asked a lot. I have to say it is never an easy to question to answer as there are so many and everyone’s needs are so different.
However I’ve been asked enough times that I thought I would share the once in a lifetime trips that are pinned to my vision board. The ones that immediately jump to mind are the Zhangjiajie Mountains, China, French Polynesia , .
Some of these places I have visited some are still bucket list trips I need to plan.
So let’s both dream for a while as I take you on a journey of what I think are the best once in a lifetime vacations.
15 Once-In-A-Lifetime Travel Destinations For Your Bucket List
Iceland Road Trip
If you have followed me for any length of time you will know how much I love Iceland. I have visited so many times I have lost count. For me Iceland is one of those bucket list places to visit for everyone.
There is nowhere in the world quite like Iceland. It’s majestic, dramatic, enchanting and probably one of the most beautiful destinations I have seen.
I suggest for first time visitors they best way to see everything is to take a Iceland road trip. I recommend the Iceland Ring Road where you will get to see most of the main attractions such as the Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss Waterfall, Hrunalaug Hot Springs and my favorite Haifoss.
Also if you are there at the right time you might get a glimpse of the northern lights which is really special.
My vacations to Iceland are always such memorable trips and I can’t recommend a trip here enough.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Cambodia is somewhere I haven’t visited as of yet but it is moving further and further up my list. While there are many reason to go to Cambodia for me the ruins of Angkor Wat are what pull me towards this place.
For those that don’t know Angkor Wat is a huge Hindu-Buddhist temple complex . It is the eight wonder of the word, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest religious monument in the world.
The temple spans an area of approximately 500 acres and has a large moat surrounding its outer walls. It looks incredible at sunrise. This is just one of those great places in the world that we all need to see.
I can’t tell you how much I want to visit this magical looking place. Definitely one for your amazing trip ideas list.
Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is one of my bucket list places to visit. I have been to the UK many times but for some reason never quite made it up to Scotland.
Most people I talk to believe that the Scottish Highlands are some of the most beautiful and natural wilderness you can find in the U.K. If you love open spaces, wildlife and incredible vistas you will probably love it to.
For those that don’t know the Scottish Highlands are a mountainous region in northwest Scotland. The infamous Lock Ness sits in the regions center overlooked by the ruins of the medieval Urquhart Castle. The area also includes the UK highest peak with Ben Navis at a 1345 meters.
It’s all mountains, waterfalls and castles, what is not to love! I would be truly living out my ‘Outlander’ fantasies here.
I‘m also told that the best way to see this area is on a train that starts at the base of Ben Navis before travelling through the region.
This is one of the destinations for your next trip you won’t want to miss out on.
The Galapagos Islands
I have only ever known one person who has visited the Galapagos and its changed their life. After a visit here they saw the natural world in a different way and began to fight to save places like this.
I’m well aware of the difficult balance between preserving places like this and ensuring they have the money and resources to continue. For me this would be a trip of a lifetime destination and one I would plan very carefully to ensure I was been as responsible as I could.
The island are an isolated volcanic archipelago in the Pacific belonging to Ecuador. This is thought to have been where Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was born and offers all that visit an immersive wildlife experience.
Animals you can see here include marine iguanas, giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, whales and a host of others.
I’m also told that a trek in the Sierra Negra volcano is a once in a lifetime experience.
If you are looking for a once in a lifetime trips then make sure the Galapagos are on your list.
Antarctica
Antarctica is one of those once in a lifetime destinations for me. I’m also so conflicted because I would love to go but I also think I would not want to go at the last minute due to the remoteness.
But can you imagine how amazing a trip here would be? We can all dream!
It is one of the most remote destinations a traveler can visit, there are strict rules set by international law on visiting and you might have to sell you home but still.
There are a small group of companies that offer sustainable adventures here. If you do have the money and this is one of your bucket list places to visit then please do your research and travel as ethically as you can.
If you go please come back and tell me all about it.
Japan
I haven’t spent a lot of time in Asia I have to admit. As I write this my mum is on an Asian adventure and her travel diaries have made me more convinced I need to visit.
I feel like Japan has so much to offer with its historic temples, incredible cities, vegan friendly cuisines and of coarse the wonderful cherry blossom. There is a lot to tempt me.
Now I’m normally a car girl but when I think of Japan I think of travelling around by train. Their trains are known to be so reliable and you can literally get anywhere on them. Whether I go it alone or book a train tour I’m not sure yet , either way I think it will be one of the most fun trips to take.
You can get to Japan’s four major islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku by train. The idea of getting a rail pass and going off to explore is quite intoxicating.
A trip to Tokyo and Kyoto would be high on my list as would Hakone, Osaka and Nara.
I feel like this is one of those unique travel destinations we should all experience.
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Lofoten Islands, Norway
Mountainous island rising for the sea yes you bet Lofoten Islands made my list of bucket list trips. Situated north of the arctic circle in Norway these island are known for their mountain peaks, pristine fjords, and white sandy beaches.
If you love landscape photography like us the this place is pure heaven. It is also a great place to see the northern light in winter.
I feel like a trip here would be one of the best travel experiences as its fairly unknown yet incredible. The fishing villages of Reine, Nusfjord, Ballstad, Stamsund, and Kabelvåg are some of the prettiest small towns in Norway.
Lofoten Islands are a perfect balance of stunning natural beauty, culture and outdoor activities.
This is one of the great places in the world that I can’t wait to visit.
Zhangjiajie Mountains, China
Zhangjiajie Mountains have been on my best once in a lifetime travel destinations for as long as I can remember. Everyone knows how much I love dramatic scenery and they don’t get much better than this. A trip here is one of the bucket list trips I need to make happen soon.
If you are unfamiliar with the area this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its unique quartzite sandstone pillar-like formations. There are over 3000 of these pillars.
It’s one of those ‘Avatar’ type landscapes in fact they are often referred to as e “Avatar Mountains” due to their resemblance to the landscapes depicted in the movie.
The mountains are in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
Things to do here include a cable car ride up to Tianmen Mountain, The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge and taking thousands of pictures.
This is one of those amazing destinations around the world that I just have to visit.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is one of those lifetime destinations for most people. I am included in those most people, the closest I have got so far is the Disney Polynesian Resort, but a girl can dream.
Located in the South-Central Pacific Ocean French Polynesia makes up a collection of over 130 island spread across a vast area. I think that is one of the reason I haven’t gone yet is that I can’t decide exactly where to go.
The island are split into five smaller groups with the Society Islands been the most visited. While most people here are drawn to Bora Bora or Tahiti I feel more drawn to places like Tikehau which is more remote, or Moorea which tends to be more affordable.
Perhaps the best way to experience this bucket list destinations is by island hopping. And so the planning continue!
New Zealand
For many New Zealand is a travel bucket list ideas and I’m no exception. The location for the filming of ‘Lord of the Rings’, there really is something about New Zealand that feels other worldly.
What I love about New Zealand is you have stunning scenery coupled with friendly locals, a low crime rate and it is easy to navigate. The country is also so rich history and culture which I love.
Most of the scenery here is un-spoilt and you have everything from beaches and subtropical forests in the North to glaciers, lakes, and snow-covered mountains in the South.
Places I want to visit here include The Mackenzie region, Milford Sound which is a scenic fjord with towering cliffs and stunning waterfalls and Waiheke Island which just looks divine.
I would also love to see the the Aurora Australis which is the southern hemisphere equivalent of the Aurora Borealis.
I feel like this would be one of those memorable trips that leaves a lasting expression.
An African Safari
When it comes to some of the best travel ideas I think we all agree an African Safari is high on our list. Again this is something that I feel has been on my list forever and for me its all about choosing the most sustainable African experience I can.
Indagare is Kenya is my preferred location at the moment. It was the birthplace of the modern safari and seems to have lots to see and do.
Kenya has a lot more to offer than just the big five. Snow-capped mountains, arid deserts, lush coastlines create incredible scenery.
This is the trip of a lifetime destination for me but it is one I will book carefully to make sure I leave the place as good as I found it.
Alaska
When I was a child as a family we would often go road tripping to Alaska, my mum loves it there. For me Alaska was just another one of those places I got dragged to as a child, but when I think about Alaska ignited the travel bug in me.
Alaska is a hard destination to beat with hundreds of thousands of square miles of protected wilderness it really is rather special.
Glacier-capped mountain ranges meet the sea and forests meet rushing rivers. Nature is the main attraction here and I don’t think I have ever felt as small in the word as I do in Alaska. It really does remind you we are merely a part of something much bigger.
While I’m not particularly an outdoor girl, particularly in colder weather, those of you that are will love it here. And if you are all about wildlife there is no better palace that is so easily accessible.
Denali National Park, Katmai National Park and Brooks Falls, known for its famous bear viewing experiences, are all great places to visit. I also love Kenai Fjords National Park, Glacier Bay National and the towns of Anchorage and Stewart.
This should be one of your destinations for your next trip.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
If the Zhangjiajie Mountains is the set of ‘Avatar, then Halong Bay is the set of @Avator- Way Of The Water’. iconic UNESCO Heritage Site is known for its dreamy landscape of emerald waters and more than 1600 rugged karst limestone islands rising up in the natural bay and topped by rainforests.
If there was ever a place that didn’t feel real it would be this. It is known as the ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’ and was officially recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011.
In northern Vietnam it is definitely one of the bucket list places to visit. Sunsets here are said to be magnificent as is the hiking. Most people explore by cruises but there is so much to do here.
One of my top bucket list destinations.
Jordan
Jordan has gained a lot of popularity recently and it is one of the more unique travel destinations. Rich in culture and history Jordan has so much to offer, I’m not surprised people are discovering it.
There is so much on my list to see here including the desert scenery of Wadi Rum, floating in the dead sea and of coarse Petra the famous archaeological site in Jordan’s southwestern desert.
I’m also told the people here are so friendly. Jordan also ranks in the top ten for countries where people feel safe walking alone at night.
I feel like a trip here would be one of those life changing travel experiences.
Journey Through India
The thought of India has always been alluring to me. The rich and diverse culture, people and cuisines also make this country tempting.
What I love most about this destination is that it can be more affordable than some of the others mentioned. You also get a bit of everything here from the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan, dense jungles, and golden beaches. India offers a wide range of landscapes to explore.
Oh and did you know India has 36 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including of coarse the Taj Mahal but also places like Ajanta Caves, Kaziranga National Park and the Red Fort. I would also love to visit Varanasi and Jodhpur.
The list of things to do and see here is fascinating and endless which is perhaps why I am putting off going. I’m also so sensitive to stimulus and I don’t know if India will be a bit much for me personally.
However India is one of the best travel experiences and one I hope to embark on one day.
So there you have it, my list of best once in a lifetime travel destinations. These are the best once in a lifetime vacations in my opinion.
If you have anymore amazing trip ideas then please comment below so others can see. Lifechanging travel is something I think we all need to do as much as we able.
What are your bucket list trips?
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