Everyone has their own personal travel bucket list, whether it involves a road trip across the US, island hopping in the South Pacific or seeing the Northern Lights. Of course, these lists can always use updating. We've rounded up the best of the best bucket list travel experiences for 2024, if you need some inspiration.
Visiting Machu Picchu is no doubt a bucket list item. One of many across South America. But it can be difficult to get to, which is where a guided small group tour is a perfect option.
Inspiring Vacations actually offer a 19-day , full-escorted tour that takes you through Argentina, Brazil and Peru. This trip ticks off plenty of bucket list items – spectacular Iguazu Falls, the Incan treasure Machu Picchu and a two-night Amazon rainforest adventure in the comfort of an eco-friendly, community-owned jungle lodge. Even better, right now 9Travel readers will get $100 off the trip.
Click here for the deal. Nine may receive a commission from some of the links on the site. No wildlife experience can quite compare to swimming with majestic humpback whales.
Though it's possible in a few places around the world, your best option is to join a trip in the South Pacific, where the water is a lot warmer and enjoyable to swim in - Majestic Whale Encounters offer tours in Tonga, which is conveniently close to Australia! Of course, always make sure you're going with a reputable tour operater that puts the safety and wellbeing of the wild animals first. Surely, this one needs no explanation. Staying in an overwater bungalow on an island with some of the clearest, bright blue water on earth is a no-brainer addition to any bucket list.
But it's not all just luxuriating by the pool. The Islands of Tahiti has 118 islands that offer a range of bucket-list experiences and many of them can be completed in a single day. Think snorkelling, diving, hiking, horseback riding, off-road 4WD adventures, tours of local pineapple and vanilla plantations and even skydiving high above turquoise lagoons.
Launching next June, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will travel to the Ligurian coast for the very first time in its four-decade history, connecting the two iconic destinations of Paris and Portofino. Though the route usually travels between Venice and London, this new, annual overnight journey will see the train winding through the French countryside and along the coastline of the Mediterranean Riviera. Guests will then spend two nights at a luxury hotel where the legendary train's renowned Michelin-starred chef will host a special culinary evening with a bespoke tasting menu.
One of the last unspoiled places left on earth, a trip to Antarctica is definitely bucket list worthy. Make it especially worth it with a small group tour - the smaller the boat, the more likely you are to be able to get close to the wildlife without bothering them. This is how to lose yourself in the Outback without.
.. actually getting lost.
Bamurru Plains in the NT is an eco-friendly, safari lodge set on 300 km2 of pristine floodplains, forests, wetlands and woodlands. Bamurru offers the perfect digital detox with no phone and Wi-Fi reception and instead, a range of incredible guided wilderness safaris that showcase Kakadu's natural beauty and wildlife. Mariposa County in the US is the western gateway to the world-famous national park, and a great place to base yourself for an action-packed trip.
All four Yosemite highways travel through the county to the park's iconic granite peaks, pristine waterways, picturesque meadows, giant sequoias, and cascading waterfalls. The mountains, lakes and rivers provide an endless array of kid-friendly outdoor fun, and the county's towns are full of entertainment and attractions perfect for solo or group travel! You can sign up for anything from all-day hikes, mountain stargazing, or skiing and snowboarding at Badger Pass Ski area. If you're a keen hiker, the Swiss Alps is one of those must-visit spots.
You can pretty easily organise it on your own, there are plenty of Swiss and French towns that make the perfect base for exploring. Otherwise, join a pre-arranged tour that'll help you navigate the trails and transportation. To see tigers in the wild, your best bet is taking a trip to India.
Here, there are a number of national parks where you can head out on safaris with the hope of seeing one of these big cats with your own eyes. For the best experience, there are organised tours that will take you to a bunch of different parks, seeing the sights and sounds of India along the way. Remember to look for tour operators who value conservation and sustainability.
You've heard of river cruising, but what about hotel barging? Hotel barging is a much more scaled-back way to see Europe by water, focusing upon the culture, history, fine wine, and gourmet cuisine of the cruise regions. European Waterways, one of the largest luxury barging companies, has boats ranging from a six- to 20-person capacity, so you're avoiding the overcrowding that can come when cruising. Italy is on everyone's bucket list, but you can really elevate that experience by spending a couple of nights in your own private Tuscan villa , overlooking vineyards and picturesque countryside.
Picture yourself sipping wine in the outdoor pool, preparing market veggies in the modernised kitchen, and spending afternoons wandering around sleepy Italian villages. Combine it with a wine and walking tour , and that's a perfect holiday. Sounds like heaven, right? Did you know that there are reindeer herds living in Mongolia? Though its not a particularly common holiday destination, it's a truly spectacular place to visit.
Crooked Compass offers a tour that also helps to support the area's rural communities. Travel on horseback to reach the remote settlement, sleep in teepees like a local and journey through mountains and lush forests to arrive at the turquoise waters of Lake Khuvsgul. Japan is currently top of the holiday wish list for many Aussie travellers, with a ton of us making our way there in 2024.
Take your trip up a level by not just hiking Mt. Fuji, but paragliding with it as your backdrop. For adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers, there's no experience quite like it.
Once you've had the initial rush, you can enjoy the slow descent, taking in the wonderful view of Mt. Fuji below and the stunning Asagiri Plateau in front of you. Upi Bay, the world's largest UNESCO heritage-listed lagoon is best seen from the water - specifically, from an outrigger canoe.
You might catch a glimpse of turtles, rays and playful dolphins on your way to the Isle of Pines, where you can hop in the water and get right up amongst the marine life. Just a few hours' flight from Australia, New Caledonia is a French island with stunning South Pacific beaches, delectable French food, and Jurassic Park -esque scenery, making it a perfect holiday spot. .
