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How to plan a bucket list vacation
A bucket list vacation is not a normal holiday. Travelers will be undertaking this getaway with a specific goal in mind, whether it’s seeing a lion in their natural habitat or taking a photo outside the Taj Mahal. When planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, they’ll want to pull out all the stops, and that starts with nailing an itinerary and making the right accommodation choices.
The good news is that thousands – if not millions – of people visit these destinations every year, and there are plenty of detailed travel guides to read and YouTube videos to watch as part of your research.
21 bucket list travel destinations to visit in 2026
Everyone travels differently, and what you consider a bucket list destination might not be somewhere your best friend or clients would want to visit. Whether you’ve already got a special place in mind for your customers or you’re setting your own travel goals for 2026, we’re spotlighting 21 places everyone should visit at least once. Every location offers something different, from the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations to seeing famous works of art like the Mona Lisa.
1. Stand under Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is unique as a destination that technically bridges between Canada and the United States. It attracts millions of visitors annually, many of whom travel across the border to experience the Niagara Falls from both sides. Your clients will want to bring home the story of getting splashed standing under the Niagara Falls, although there are several viewpoints available, including at the three different cascades, known as the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. They can also get a little closer with a boat tour if they’ve packed their waterproof clothes!
You’ll want to bring home the story of getting splashed standing under the Niagara Falls.
Photo by Stephen Crane on Unsplash
If they’re only able to visit one side of the falls, we recommend heading to The Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls, as it’s the largest at over 164 feet tall, making it North America’s most powerful waterfall. Most visitors to the Canadian side will fly to Toronto Pearson International Airport, or they could also fly into Niagara Falls International Airport in New York and drive or take the shuttle – though they’ll need to bring their passport!
2. See the Mona Lisa in Paris
Almost 50 million people visit Paris every year, and most of them arrive in the City of Love to meet one very special lady, the Mona Lisa. The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world and is home to the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Napoleon III Apartments, and the Apollo Gallery.
The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world.
Photo by The Free Birds on Unsplash
Travelers will want to dedicate a full day to visiting the Louvre, especially if they’re an art or history fan, as it’s easy to spend several hours in just one section of the museum. We recommend buying tickets in advance as reservations are often required for peak seasons, including over the Christmas holidays. Visitors can enhance their visit by adding on access to the Louvre’s current exhibition or signing up for one of the shows or talks offered by the museum.
3. The Maldives
It’s impossible to escape the hype of the Maldives, and if your clients are looking to visit one of the world’s most exclusive island resorts, then there’s nowhere better to add to their bucket list. The Maldives feel like stepping into a tropical paradise with its stunning sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and soft white sands. This archipelagic country is home to over 1,190 islands, although over 200 are inhabited.
The Maldives feel like stepping into a tropical paradise with its stunning sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and soft white sands.
Photo by David Anderson on Unsplash
This popular honeymoon destination is famous for its overwater bungalows and vibrant marine life. Nature lovers will be happy to know that most resorts have their own conservation programs. They can also fill their itinerary with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including snorkeling with turtles, spotting whale sharks, and even eating at an underwater restaurant.
4. Visit a place frozen in time at Pompeii
For history fans, there’s nothing better than visiting an archaeological site, and nowhere else in the world is like Pompeii, a place that’s been frozen in time. Pompeii was famously destroyed during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, burying the ancient Roman city under ash. Pompeii offers unique insights into daily life during the Roman Empire.
If you’re a history fan, there’s nothing better than visiting an archaeological site, and nowhere else in the world is like Pompeii, a place that’s been frozen in time.
Photo by Cole Ciarlello on Unsplash
Before the visit, it’s important to know that around one-third of the city is still waiting to be unearthed, meaning that it is still a working archaeological site. If they consider Pompeii a bucket list destination, they’ll want to spend at least one day at the site and book tickets online to skip the queues and maximize their time inside.
5. Explore India’s Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered to be one of the world’s most iconic architectural designs. The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan to memorialize his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. It took over 8 years and more than 20,000 people to build just the marble mausoleum section, taking another 14 years for the complex to be finished in its entirety.
The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered to be one of the world’s most iconic architectural designs.
Photo by Bilal Ahmad on Unsplash
Located in Agra, the Taj Mahal welcomes an estimated 8 million visitors annually, making it India’s most popular tourist destination. The Taj Mahal is seen as a symbol of eternal love, making it a popular choice for couples planning a romantic getaway. Like most attractions, you’ll want to buy tickets in advance, with tickets for international visitors costing just $13 online. You can also pay an additional $2.30 to enter the mausoleum.
If the Taj Mahal is somewhere that you’ve always wanted to visit, you’ll want to plan your travel dates carefully! Night viewings of the Taj Mahal happen five days every month, on the night of the full moon and the two nights before and after it. A small number of visitors are permitted to spend 30 minutes at the main gateway between 8 pm and midnight to see the Taj Mahal bathed in moonlight.
6. Take a road trip around Ireland
Ireland welcomes over 6 million visitors annually, and TV shows like “Derry Girls”, “Game of Thrones”, and “House of Guinness” are making the Emerald Isles an even more popular destination. What makes Ireland unique is that it’s a country you can easily plan a road trip for, especially if you’re arriving in Dublin and want to drive the famous Wild Atlantic Way. You can curate an Ireland itinerary to suit your (or your client’s!) interests, whether you want to explore Cong in County Mayo, where The Quiet Man was filmed, or if you want to split the G at the Guinness Factory in Dublin.
What makes Ireland unique is that it’s a country you can easily plan a road trip for, especially if you’re arriving in Dublin and want to drive the famous Wild Atlantic Way.
Photo by MNStudio on Shutterstock
7. Celebrate Gaudi’s centenary at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia
2026 is a landmark year for Barcelona and the perfect time to visit if your social media feed has been full of videos of the Sagrada Familia. This basilica is famous for taking over 140 years to be built, with over five generations of people waiting to see its completion. Once it’s officially finished, the Sagrada Familia will become the world’s tallest church.
This basilica is famous for taking over 140 years to be built, with over five generations of people waiting to see its completion.
Photo by AB_Production on Shutterstock
The Sagrada Familia was designed by Antoni Gaudi, whose work you’ll find throughout Barcelona, and 2026 marks the centenary of his death. This anniversary coincides with the planned completion of the tower of Jesus Christ, meaning the main structure of the basilica will be finished. However, smaller parts of the construction will continue until 2034.
We’ve ranked Barcelona as one of the top 21 summer vacation ideas for 2026, and it’s a destination you can expect to hear a lot more about in the next few years.
8. Experience the Northern Lights in Iceland
Did you know that this year is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights? Millions of us dream of seeing the Northern Lights, and if you’re one of those people, you can increase your odds of seeing this natural phenomenon by planning a bucket list trip to Iceland.
Millions of us dream of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Photo by Smit on Shutterstock
This country has quickly started making its way up the rankings of must-visit destinations, seeing an influx of travelers in recent years as more budget airlines, including Wizz Air and EasyJet, are offering cheap flights from Europe. If you’re a travel agent, you can expect to see growing demand for packages to Iceland, including from wellness enthusiasts planning a visit to the famous geothermal spa at the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
9. See the ancient city of Petra, Jordan
What makes a bucket list destination special? How are they different from taking a beach vacation to somewhere like Sydney? What makes these places so famous is that they’re awe-inspiring, capable of making you stop in your tracks and get a different perspective on life. Nowhere encapsulates this more than the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, one of the country’s largest tourist attractions.
Petra was named as one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World” in 2007.
Photo by Merch Hub on Shutterstock
Petra is famous for its rock-cut architecture and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site as a Nabataean city, nestled between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. It sits at a crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia, and is considered one of the world’s largest archaeological sites with its red sandstone architecture. Petra was named as one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World” in 2007.
10. Walk the Great Wall of China
Some places capture our imagination as children, making us dream of visiting them, even as adults. Whether you grew up watching Mulan or reading National Geographic, the Great Wall of China was somewhere you probably wanted to walk as a child – and now is the perfect time to visit. East Asia is seeing a tourism boom, and the Chinese government has extended visa-free access for a 10-day visit to the country when eligible travelers arrive at any of the 65 designated ports with valid travel documents showing return travel plans.
Whether you grew up watching Mulan or reading National Geographic, the Great Wall of China was somewhere you probably wanted to walk as a child – and now is the perfect time to visit.
Photo by ABCDstock on Shutterstock
However, if you’re planning a trip for a hiking enthusiast, other areas like Jinshanling and Simatai might be more to their speed. Winter is generally the quietest time to visit, though it can be harder to navigate the walking paths, while spring and autumn are best for visitors who want to explore the unrestored sections before the vegetation sets in during the colder months.
11. Swim in the Dead Sea, the world’s saltiest body of water
Another place that likely captured your imagination as a child is the Dead Sea. It’s famous for being the Earth’s lowest point and one of the saltiest bodies of water, making it popular with nature lovers and wellness enthusiasts. For generations, people have traveled to the Dead Sea for its healing properties, and even today, many brands use salt from the Dead Sea in skincare and beauty products for its therapeutic properties.
It’s famous for being the Earth’s lowest point and one of the saltiest bodies of water, making it popular with nature lovers and wellness enthusiasts.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
The Dead Sea is landlocked between Jordan and Israel, making it a great add-on for clients visiting Petra, and it is the perfect bucket list experience for anyone who wants to do a digital detox and reconnect with themselves spiritually.
12. Explore the best of New York City
Not every bucket list destination is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; some places are cities we’ve seen in movies and TV shows, capturing our imagination, and representing something more than just a weekend getaway. New York City is one of those places, welcoming an estimated 65 million tourists annually. Some people come to the Big Apple to see the Statue of Liberty or follow in their family’s footsteps with a visit to Ellis Island.
NYC has earned itself the nickname of being “The Crossroads of the World”, as a melting pot for lots of different cultures.
Photo by Jason Krieger on Unsplash
NYC has earned itself the nickname of being “The Crossroads of the World”, as a melting pot for lots of different cultures, whether you want to sample authentic Asian cuisine, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in an Irish bar, or learn how to make pasta in Little Italy. Don’t forget that NYC is one of the main host cities for the 2026 World Cup, including hosting the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
13. Learn about California’s darker side at Alcatraz
Sometimes a bucket list destination is inspired by a niche historical interest, like some of the most famous criminals in American history. Alcatraz Island, often called “The Rock”, was once home to some of the country’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, and became famous for the many dramatic escapes attempted by its inmates. This remote island prison was closed in 1963 and has since become a tourist attraction and National Park.
Alcatraz Island, often called “The Rock”, was once home to some of the country’s most notorious criminals.
Photo by Mauro Lima on Unsplash
You can take a ferry tour to the island and explore the prison with an audio tour, learning about the history of American incarceration and significant events like the Native American occupation of the island. It’s a great add-on to recommend to any client visiting San Francisco to enhance their itinerary.
14. Take a photo with Big Ben in London
Just like NYC, London is another city that many people put at the top of their bucket list. Big Ben is synonymous with British culture and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, even though most visitors don’t go inside.
There are lots of misconceptions around Big Ben, and many visitors don’t know that the bell itself is called “Big Ben“, while the building is known as Elizabeth Tower. If you’re able to walk up the narrow 334-step spiral stairwell, you can book a guided tour of Elizabeth Tower through the UK Parliament website.
15. Discover inner peace at Yosemite
If you ask a nature lover about where they dream of visiting, most of them will say Yosemite. This National Park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and is famous for its stunning views, from the cliffs of El Capitan to Yosemite Falls and the stunning valleys with their glaciers. Before any visit to Yosemite, you’ll want to check out the National Park Service website for real-time information about park closures, including temporary diversions.
If you ask a nature lover about where they dream of visiting, most of them will say Yosemite.
Photo by cb_travel on Shutterstock
Yosemite covers almost 1,200 square miles, and there are lots of accommodation options available, depending on your client’s preferences. There are several cabins and hotels available inside the park, while some travelers also prefer to stay in gateway towns, such as Mariposa and Oakhurst, for more affordable stays and to explore the wider area beyond Yosemite.
16. Travel through Europe on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Travel routes can be a bucket list experience in themselves, and whether you’re a fan of luxury travel or you’re a train nerd, we’ve all heard of the Orient-Express. This luxury passenger train service was immortalized in Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient-Express” and is romanticized for its glamour. While the original route traveled between Paris and Istanbul, the new Dolce Vita Orient-Express route has been upgraded with Italian-themed trains.
This luxury passenger train service was immortalized in Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient-Express” and is romanticized for its glamour.
Photo by Roberto Sorin on Shutterstock
This is the most luxurious way to experience Italy with the train’s updated aesthetics inspired by the beauty of the 1960s, while the dining experience is curated by a Michelin-starred chef as a celebration of Italian cuisine. Guests can choose between deluxe and suite cabins on this route and indulge in old-world glamour as they take in the sights of Italy on board one of the world’s most famous trains.
17. See Abu Dhabi’s newest tourist attractions
Abu Dhabi is a destination that’s becoming increasingly more accessible with a growing focus on attracting international guests. Recent years have seen the addition of major tourist attractions to the country, including the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and American theme parks are expanding their presence in the Middle East by investing heavily in Abu Dhabi.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is expanding with its own Harry Potter land, while Disney announced its intention to build “Disneyland Abu Dhabi” at Yas Island with an opening date expected to be as early as 2030.
Photo by rzulev on Shutterstock
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is expanding with its own Harry Potter land, while Disney announced its intention to build “Disneyland Abu Dhabi” at Yas Island with an opening date expected to be as early as 2030. For many travelers, Abu Dhabi is a gateway to the Middle East, offering a taste of Emirati culture with a backdrop of modern luxury. It also hosts a number of bucket list-worthy sporting events, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is traditionally the final race of the F1 season.
18. Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Some experiences are worth waiting for, and the GEM is one of them! The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) officially opened in 2025 as the world’s largest archaeological museum, hosting over 100,000 artefacts covering seven millennia of Egyptian history.
GEM opened in 2025 as the world’s largest archaeological museum, hosting over 100,000 artefacts covering seven millennia of Egyptian history.
Photo by Turkey Photo on Shutterstock
While the GEM is a bucket list experience itself, it’s also located right next to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Khufu of Giza. One of the main attractions to the GEM is the entire contents of Tutankhamun’s tomb, which is on display for the first time since the tomb’s discovery by Howard Carter over a century ago, including his gold mask and chariots.
19. Take an expedition cruise to Antarctica
There are places in the world that seem impossible to visit. For years, Antarctica was one of them. If your clients are nature lovers or have an affection for penguins, somewhere like Antarctica is likely to have a special place in their hearts. The region has become a recent focus for several major cruise lines, although it does require cruising over the Drake Passage, famous for its rough waters.
If your clients are nature lovers or have an affection for penguins, somewhere like Antarctica is likely to have a special place in their hearts.
Photo by AndTheyTravel on Shutterstock
It’s worth mentioning that not every cruise that advertises itself as an Antarctica experience actually takes you to Antarctica. Most cruises by major cruise lines will get you close enough to see Antarctica and take some stunning pictures with the ice in the background, but you won’t be able to get on land. If your dream is to see the penguins and walk across the ice, you’ll need to save a little extra for an expedition cruise with National Geographic or Seabourn.
20. See Uluru’s famous red rock
Heading down under to Australia is often a bucket list experience in itself, but you can elevate this itinerary with a trip to Uluru. This red sandstone monolith is sacred to the Aboriginal Anangu people and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru is best seen at sunrise and sunset, as this is when the stone is bathed in a golden glow.
This red sandstone monolith is sacred to the Aboriginal Anangu people and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Photo by Trevor McKinnon on Unsplash
Uluru is also known for being a home to a variety of rare plants and animals, along with important spiritual sites. There are several sunset viewing points available throughout the national park, along with guided walks, birdwatching experiences, and ranger-guided activities.
21. Support conservation with an African Safari
Our final bucket list experience is also one of the most popular. If your clients are interested in animal conservation or have dreamt of getting up close with lions and elephants in their natural habitat, then there’s no better opportunity than going on a safari. Ecotourism is one of the biggest trends for 2026, and Africa is leading the way with a focus on responsibly led safaris that maximize the positive contribution to wildlife and the surrounding communities, while minimizing any environmental impact from tourism.
Ecotourism is one of the biggest trends for 2026, and Africa is leading the way with a focus on responsibly led safaris that maximize the positive contribution to wildlife.
Photo by Karin Petersen on Unsplash
Botswana, Kenya, and Uganda are popular Safari destinations with most accommodation options contributing to conservation efforts, while reducing their own carbon footprint with sustainable operations. Babanango Game Reserve is an up-and-coming safari destination after a global conservation effort, but there are a variety of national parks and safari experiences that you can curate to suit your clients.
Join RateHawk to offer your clients their dream vacation
As a travel agent, you’re able to help your clients achieve their dream travel itineraries, whether it’s climbing Machu Picchu, visiting the penguins in Antarctica, or tracing their family tree through Italy. Whatever your business goals, RateHawk is here to help you grow your travel business this year.
When you join RateHawk, you’ll get instant access to over 2.9 million hotels from more than 320 suppliers internationally. You’ll have everything you need for vacation planning on one platform, from car rentals to transfers and airline tickets. Get started with RateHawk today to book travel experiences anywhere in the world in 2026.
Cover image: Photo by travelwild on Shutterstock
