Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

TOPSHOT - Black smoke rises from a military airport in Chuguyev near Kharkiv  on February 24, 2022. - Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine today with explosions heard soon after across the country and its foreign minister warning a "full-scale invasion" was underway. (Photo by Aris Messinis / AFP) (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping

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The Complete Travel Packing Checklist for 2024 & the Best Packing Tips [Printable]

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The Complete Travel Packing Checklist for 2024 & the Best Packing Tips [Printable]

Before you even take your suitcase out of the closet

When you’ve done your prep and you’re almost ready to pack, apps for packing assistance, apps for itinerary management, before leaving the house.

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When it comes down to it, packing for a trip (domestic or international) can be stressful. Do you wait until the last minute? Put off researching what you’ll need for certain activities or weather at your destination? Get distracted easily, or have young kiddos that need attention? It happens to the best of us!

On one hand, if you under-pack you might not be prepared. But if you over-pack, you run the risk of incurring hefty baggage fees or missing out on space to bring home that lovely souvenir. If you forget an essential travel document, you could even miss your trip altogether! We get stressed just thinking about it!

That’s why Upgraded Points is bringing you a guide full of packing tips and tricks, a printable travel checklist, a list of apps to help you out, and reminders for to-do’s around the house before you leave.

We’re here to assuage your anxieties and make sure you’ve got what you need, you’ve cut what you don’t, and there’s no wallet/phone/swimsuit/teddy bear left behind!

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to also check out our “Carry-On Travel Essentials” guide where we’ve compiled a “His” and “Hers” list of some great products that we simply can’t do without when we travel!

📋  Click To View Our Printable Travel Packing List >>  📋

Printable Travel Packing List

General Packing Tips & Tricks

Check the weather at your destination.

This seems intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people are stuck traveling in rainy season without a raincoat.

Note how many days/nights you will be away.

This will help you decide the number of necessary outfits. Obviously, how often you prefer to wear the same clothes plays a part in this as well.

Note any special activities/events you may partake in.

Traveling for a birthday? You don’t want to forget that heartfelt gift you bought weeks in advance. Going to a wedding? It’d be a shame if you showed up without your suit. Hiking in Hawaii? Your water-shoes won’t get much use if you leave them behind.

Packing List

Make a packing list early and review it at least twice. (Yes, twice.)

You can easily find printable vacation packing lists online (like ours above), or you can write out your own. There are also a number of apps you can utilize if you prefer something more tech-based. Read about several of these below!

Timing is key here. If you jot things down or review your printed list in advance, it gives you the opportunity to take a second look with a fresh mind. All too often you’ll remember something you didn’t yesterday when your brain was thinking about pizza instead of packing.

If you’re printing a list that’s not trip specific, review it first and immediately cross off items you won’t need. Why bring a winter coat to the beach?

Take items you can grab at your destination off the list.

If you’re planning to travel with only a carry-on, this tip is especially important as it will save space (at least for your outgoing journey!).

Most times when traveling, your hotel will provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc.; why waste space packing them? If you’re a little picky about your toiletries or you’re not staying at a hotel, you’ll probably still encounter a drugstore where you can buy anything you might need.

Purchase travel-sized containers or toiletries if you plan on bringing your own.

Remember regulations for the amount of liquids you can bring in a carry-on for a flight. You’ll want travel-sized containers if you plan on carrying liquids this way.

Even if you’re flying with a checked bag and are allowed more liquids, do you really need that 16oz bottle of shampoo for a weeklong trip? Cutting it will save you room for other essential items.

Choose the right luggage.

Luggage Choice

Yes, different airlines have different restrictions on sizes for carry-ons and checked bags but stick to some general guidelines and you should be safe.

For carry-ons, you’re generally accepted at/under max linear dimensions of 155cm/45in. For checked bags, you’re generally safe under 158cm/62in max linear dimensions. However, be sure to check the airline you’re flying with prior to packing, as some can be stingy!

You also want to seriously consider the type of bag you enjoy traveling with – shoulder bag , backpack , roller bag, hard shell , soft shell, etc. There are definitely loads of options so just remember, your bag shouldn’t stress you out, it should make traveling easier.

Hot Tip:  We’ve done tons of research on this topic so don’t miss our articles on the best carry-on bags and the best checked luggage bags for any type of traveler. 

Essentials first.

Gather your most important items first. This includes all travel documents such as your passport, ID/driver’s license, boarding passes, hotel reservations, etc. This also includes anything you’ll seriously regret forgetting and can’t purchase while traveling: wallet , credit cards , camera , cell phone, etc.

This being said, there are a number of apps that can assist with itinerary management and decrease the number of printed documents you’ll need to carry. See our list of helpful packing apps at the end of this post.

Choose an appropriately sized suitcase.

If you only have 1 suitcase, then you’re set. If you’ve got more options, attempt to use the smaller one – most people tend to overpack when their suitcase is too large for their trip. You don’t really need an extra sweater, 2 more t-shirts, and another pair of boots just because they fit! Plus, your baggage will be a lot easier to handle if it’s smaller and lighter, which will cut your stress level significantly.

Lay everything out.

Lay out Clothes

Laying all of your items out allows you to plan outfits and account for your days/nights away. When everything’s laid out, you can clearly see how much you’re bringing and spot missing items easier. This also includes shoes, accessories, toiletries, etc.

Dividing items into sections based on where they’ll be packed is also helpful.

Lastly, don’t forget to lay out your plane/travel day outfit and consider it with your other pieces.

Pick simple mix-and-match pieces to prevent overpacking.

In general, choose simple tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits. Did you know that just 3 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt, etc.), 4 tops (tee, tank, etc.), and 2 outer layers (sweater, coat, or cardigan) can make up to 24 different outfits??

Depending on the reason for your trip, you might need to pack a special item that can only be worn once (suit, bridesmaid dress, etc.), but try to keep these to a minimum! This step is key if you’re pressed for space.

PUT STUFF BACK!

Once you’ve laid out all your items, really consider the number of days you’ll be on your trip. Chances are you could stand to put a few things back in the closet in order to pack more efficiently. Remember, no one wants to pay a fee for overweight baggage or lug around extra clothes for no reason!

Pack it up.

You never thought we’d actually get to this step, did you? There are a number of recommended packing tips when it comes to getting everything neatly in the suitcase. This can be overwhelming, but if you pick up the right habits packing will seem much less stressful.

Check, double-check, and triple-check your essentials.

Put a checkmark next to each item you’ve packed and DON’T TAKE IT OUT OF YOUR BAG. If you’re not ready to pack an item, do NOT check the box! That’s exactly how you leave your phone at home on the charger next to your bed. “But the box was checked!!!” you’ll say…

(Note: this rule actually goes for everything, not just essentials.)

If you’re notorious for leaving essentials at home, print an extra travel checklist just for those items and tape it to your front door the night before you leave. Make a promise that you can’t walk out without reviewing the list one final time.

Fold, Interfold, Bundle, or Roll?

Fold or roll

By now you’ve probably heard that old-fashioned folding isn’t the best method to use when it comes to packing, especially in tight cases. If you have the room to spare, virtually any of these methods will do.

Interfolding involves layering clothes on top of each other in a top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top format, then interweaving them as you fold them together. If you fold the items in accordance with the size of your suitcase, you’re left with a neat little bundle that will fit right in. Additionally, this style of folding will leave your clothing virtually wrinkle-free.

Bundle packing is very similar to interfolding, but you are tightly folding or wrapping your clothing items around a soft core (like a dopp kit , stack of underwear, cloth zippered jewelry bag , etc.). Bundle packing is also said to reduce wrinkles and save space.

Many people also recommend rolling when packing your clothes – at least for softer items and jeans. Again, this method tends to save room and reduce creasing in the process.

If none of the above methods are doing the trick and you don’t have the option of a hanging garment bag , it may be beneficial to learn the proper way to fold nicer items (like a dress shirt or suit coat ) for the best results.

Pack liquids in secure bags.

Toiletries that can leak will leak. These should be placed in a plastic zippered bag or another secure bag of your choosing. Some travelers even encourage cutting small squares of plastic wrap to cover the opening between bottles and their lids in attempts to prevent further seepage.

Utilize shoe space when you can.

Rolled-up socks, belts, gloves, stocking caps, and other small items can easily fit into shoes (as long as they’re relatively clean and not smelly!). This also helps the shoe hold its shape throughout your travels. Rolled-up belts can also be used to keep a shirt collar stiff if needed.

Prevent dirty shoes from soiling clothes.

Pack them in a separate space or utilize plastic bags/shower caps to cover the bottoms and prevent dirtying the rest of your clothing. Have a delicate pair of dress shoes or heels? Pack them in their own bags if possible, or clean the bottoms and wrap with a durable garment.

Toss a dryer sheet into your suitcase to keep things smelling fresh.

While you’re at it, grab a stain pen or stain wipes for your carry-on. If you happen to spill on one of the only tops you’ve brought and don’t have laundry facilities, you’re cutting your number of outfits drastically. If you know you’ll have laundry facilities or need to wash your clothes by hand, you can purchase individual detergent packets.

Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.

Change of clothes

By packing a change of clothes and undergarments in your carry-on , you’re covered for at least a day if your baggage gets delayed or lost. Some travelers may want to pack an extra pair of shoes just in case.

Similarly, if you’re heading to a beach locale, pack a swimsuit and sandals . If you have to wait to check into your hotel, you can head to the pool while the concierge keeps your luggage.

Keep expensive/irreplaceable items on your person.

As a general rule of thumb, you should leave irreplaceable items at home. This includes objects such as expensive jewelry and heirlooms. If you must travel with them, these items should be kept with you at all times. Do not trust them to be safe when placed in checked baggage; if your suitcase is lost, delayed, or stolen, you’re out of luck.

Similarly, if you must travel with official documents such as birth certificates or social security cards, check to see if a certified copy will suffice. Or maybe take a photo on your phone for less hassle. Otherwise, the same rule applies to these irreplaceable documents.

Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on baggage.

3 – Travelers may carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4oz (100ml) or smaller.

1 – These items must fit into 1 clear plastic quart-sized bag.

1 – Only 1 bag per passenger is allowed.

Remove this bag from your carry-on and place it separately in the screening bin. This is meant to slightly expedite passing through security .

Packpoint

The following apps can be ultra helpful for those who prefer a mobile device to the standard pen and paper methods.

Evernote: While Evernote isn’t technically travel-oriented, it’s all about lists and can be a big help for packing. With Evernote, you can sync your packing list across all your devices, making it easy to keep track of things no matter where you are…even out at the store buying items from your list!

Evernote also enables sharing notes with others, which is especially helpful for group trips. Need reminders? No problem, you can set alerts in Evernote to keep you on top of your game.

Packing Pro: This app is everything you ever wanted if you’re a list maker, and everything you didn’t know you needed if you’re a forgetful person. Packing Pro helps travelers get organized via packing lists. From templates and suggestions to customizable designs, Packing Pro has options for every type of traveler. Users are allowed an unlimited number of packing lists of an unlimited length, and you can even add images, alerts, and mark “need to buy” items.

It also has iCloud support and the ability to share your lists via email, AirDrop, Dropbox, etc. You can also export and edit your lists with Excel, Numbers, or Google Docs. If you’re the type that physically needs to cross things off, you can send directly to a printer too.

The Expert List-Making Assistant is a cool feature if you’re low-maintenance: it will take your parameters (number of people, destination, weather, etc.) and automatically create lists for you.

PackPoint: PackPoint’s purpose is to take the guesswork out of packing. The app pretty much tells you what to pack based on how long you’re traveling, where you’re going, the weather when you get there, and any activities you have planned (chosen from a pre-defined list in the app). With PackPoint Premium, users can connect to TripIt, share their lists across devices, and add customizable packing items/activities.

Travel List: Travel List seems to have fewer bells and whistles. You can do many of the same things as with Packing Pro and PackPoint: create customizable packing lists, sync across your devices, share with other people, and create alerts/reminders. One nice component is their calendar view, which gives a different type of visualization that some people really prefer. And this one is compatible with Apple Watch, which can be a huge organizational perk.

Lists To Do: This app keeps things simple for general to-do lists and is super easy to use. See your list’s percentage progress for a clear visual on how much you have left to do/pack before jetting off and set yourself reminders and share lists with your travel companions.

Tripit

The following apps are helpful for keeping all your travel information in one place. From flight itineraries to hotel confirmation, event tickets to dinner reservations, they’ve got you covered. Plus, this means fewer printed travel documents you need to worry about carrying with you.

Google Trips: In a nutshell, Google Trips seamlessly integrates reservations (flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.) from your Gmail and creates a specific “trip” in the app. These trips are like folders of information including some basic categories like Reservations, Things to Do, Saved Places, Day Plans, Food & Drink, Getting Around, and Need to Know.

It also provides opportunities for travel inspiration, traveler reviews, dining/drink options, and encyclopedic information on several hundred top cities and attractions around the globe.

Also good to note: when you download your trip, everything is available offline in case you’re stuck without WiFi or data.

Kayak Trips: Part of Kayak’s main app includes a platform called Trips, which acts as an itinerary management app to keep all your pertinent travel information together. With Trips, you can forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] , where your itinerary is managed for you in a nice timeline format with maps and important info all on one screen.

Kayak Trips gives you the ability to send other people access to your travel plans through sharing options, link to your calendar app for planning consistency, and receive SMS and email flight alerts.

TripIt: TripIt is one of the most popular travel organization apps on the market. The app automatically imports flight, hotel, rental car, and other booking confirmations ( concert tickets from StubHub, dinner reservations from OpenTable, etc.) from your e-mail. If you don’t appreciate the e-mail scan, you can always forward your emails to [email protected] or manually input all the information into the system.

TripIt then creates an itinerary in an easy-to-read format, including space for directions between airports, rental car pickup, and hotel details. TripIt also allows for calendar syncing and makes it easy to send your travel info to family/friends by sharing via text, Evernote, LinkedIn, Slack, or WhatsApp.

With TripIt Pro, users get real-time flight alerts, help to find alternative flights, an airline seat tracker for better seats, reward program points tracking, and interactive airport maps.

In this section, we list some steps you might forget to take when you’re in a hurry to leave for vacation.

Remember to:

  • Download your travel resources (guidebooks, language apps, etc.)
  • Notify credit card companies of upcoming travel if required (international trips)
  • Set an email auto-responder if necessary
  • Take out the garbage
  • Check the washing machine for wet clothes
  • Check the dishwasher for dirty dishes
  • Turn off all lights and electronics
  • Set lighting timers
  • Water the plants
  • Drip taps (in cold climates where pipes could freeze)
  • Close/lock all doors and windows; pull all curtains
  • Set alarm system

For longer trips, don’t forget to:

  • Empty the refrigerator/pantry of perishable food
  • Unplug electronics
  • Put a hold on your mail
  • Consider having a friend check on your house from time to time

The Upgraded Points team is always jetting off somewhere and even we  still have trouble packing sometimes!

Additionally, if you’re interested in “the best of the best” travel products to up your packing game, check out these posts:

  • All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place
  • The Best Checked Luggage Bags For Any Traveler
  • The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
  • The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market

Lastly, if you’re looking for the top travel-related gifts, we’ve got you covered with our Best Gifts for Travelers .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to fold or roll clothes in a suitcase.

Whether it’s better to fold or roll clothes for your suitcase may depend on a number of things. If you’ve no concern about saving space, folding could be just fine. However, if you’re trying to fit a lot of clothes into a small bag, there’s no shortage of youtube videos out there which prove rolling clothes can help with this task.

Additionally, interfolding and bundling are other techniques that could be helpful space savers. However, to save the most space, vacuum bags will be your best bet – just keep in mind your weight limit when packing a lot of things into one case!

Do packing cubes really save space?

Packing cubes don’t necessarily save space but they definitely help you stay organized when packing.

They can also help by keeping items separated — who wants smelly gym clothes next to their fancy dinner outfits?

How do I maximize space in my luggage?

To maximize space when packing, try using these methods for your contents: roll, bundle, or interfold (explanations above). Each has its own special technique but all can help you save space and fit more into your luggage of choice.

Another quick space-saving tip? Utilize typically unused space. For example, pack socks or belts inside your shoes.

How to I pack clothes without wrinkling them?

Here are a few quick tips to decrease wrinkling when packing your clothes into a suitcase: iron first, use a roll or interfold method, pack wrinkle-prone items in garment bags or utilize tissue paper between folds and layers, and/or choose fabrics that are less likely to wrinkle in the first place (wool, Tencel, knit, cashmere, polyester, nylon, spandex).

How should I pack toiletries in my suitcase?

When packing toiletries, you’ll want to be sure they’re kept separate from your clothes in a special bag or case. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — a Ziplock baggie will do — but this will prevent the leaking of liquid onto your clothing items.

Additionally, you can place a small piece of cling-wrap between the bottles and lids of your liquids to prevent leakage.

If you’re bringing them in your carry-on, you’ll want to be sure you’re adhering to the 3-1-1 rule (use 3 oz containers max, in 1 quart-sized bag, with one bag per traveler) in order to pass easily through security.

Should I pack valuable items in my suitcase?

Always keep valuable items on your person while traveling. This includes identification cards, passports, visas, money, credit cards, jewelry, important medications, etc.

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About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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The Ultimate Packing List

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Christine Sarkis

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Ashley Rossi

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis .

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times , Conde Nast Traveler , and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008 . She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : The Trtl Pillow . It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto : Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at [email protected] .

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Packing mishaps range from inconvenient (heading to the Caribbean without a swimsuit) to disastrous (discovering you left the country without your wallet), but most are preventable. We’ve created this ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time.

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

To see the ultimate packing list, scroll down the page or click here for an editable PDF version that you can save or print out. To customize the list, simply download or print it, then edit for your specific needs. You can also download the editable, mobile-friendly checklist here .

Clothes to Pack

  • Dress Shirts
  • Casual Shirts
  • Sweatshirts
  • Laundry Kit
  • Leisure Shoes
  • Hiking Boots
  • Dress Shoes
  • Collapsible Tote

Shop Our Clothing Packing List

Toiletries to Pack

  • Dental Floss
  • Conditioner
  • Styling Tools
  • Facial Cleanser
  • Face Lotion
  • Moisturizer
  • Contact Lenses
  • Contact Solution
  • Shaving Supplies
  • Makeup Remover
  • Menstrual Products
  • Birth Control/Medication
  • Nail Clippers
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • First-Aid Ointment
  • Insect Repellent
  • Pain Relievers

Shop Our Toiletries Packing List

Miscellaneous Items

  • Laptop/Tablet
  • Film/Memory Card
  • List of Medications
  • Banking Contacts/Information
  • Electronic Chargers
  • Emergency Contacts
  • Copy of Passport
  • Plug Adapter

Shop Our Miscellaneous Items List

What to Pack in Your Carry-on

  • Books or E-Books
  • Travel Blanket
  • Travel Pillow
  • Disinfecting Wipes
  • Change of Clothes
  • Empty Water Bottle
  • In-Flight Medications
  • Passport/Visa/ID
  • Credit/ATM cards
  • Insurance Cards
  • Maps/Directions

Shop Our Carry-On Essentials List

Packing Tips for Clothes and Other Items

Close up of person reading the SmarterTravel Ultimate Packing List on their phone while packing a suitcase

When packing for a vacation the most important things to keep in mind are the length of your trip, the weather, and any non-standard clothing or gear you might need.

Your first step when packing is to decide if you’ll be checking a bag or only taking a carry-on and then curate the amount of clothing you’ll need based on that decision. Typically, you should avoid checking a bag in situations where you have a layover since the likelihood of your bag going missing goes up with every connection . You might also want to avoid checking a bag if you absolutely need items in your bag on arrival—for example, if you’re going on a cruise.

If you’re packing more minimally, focus on packing layering clothes in more neutral colors. That’s not because we don’t like fun colors and patterns; it just means that neutral-colored clothing is more versatile, so you can wear these items more than once when you’re tight on space.

How to Pack in Just a Personal Item Sized Bag

Also invest in clothing that does double duty, like multi-use wraps , crushable hats , self-cooling and heating fabrics like merino wool layers , bug-repellent clothing , wrinkle-resistant shirts, quick-drying activewear and undergarments, casual sneakers, UPF-proof clothing , and compressible jackets … just to name a few. Look toward popular athleisure brands like Lululemon , prAna , and Athleta for comfortable yet stylish travel clothing.

When curating your packing list, you should keep in mind the length of your trip and decide on quantities from there. For a shorter trip (three to five days), you can probably manage with the following: one pair of underwear and socks per day, one pair of pajamas, one to two dressier outfits, one to two activewear or athleisure outfits, one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes. For a longer trip (over a week), you can manage with one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two activewear or athleisure outfits.

And if you’re able to do laundry on your vacation, you can probably manage with even fewer items. Just don’t forget to pack a travel laundry kit .

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Also make sure to bring along accessories like a money belt, scarf or sarong (can be used for things like an airplane blanket , coverup at the beach, or to throw over your dress on a cool evening), and a collapsible tote or day bag for any extra items you might acquire on your travels. If traveling to a city or destination that is prone to pickpocketing, make sure to pack some pickpocket-proof clothing and gear .

Depending on the type of trip you’re going on, you may need to invest in some special travel gear. We’ve tested out everything from waterproof baby carriers to interchangeable heels , so you can trust our recommendations. If you’re headed out on an organized group tour , you’ll most likely get a packing list from the tour provider, which should make your trip planning easier. If not, do your research online (one tip is to look at locations on Instagram and see what people are wearing) and consult this story for other handy lists of tips.

For more active trips, make sure you have a sturdy pair of hiking boots, quick-drying clothing, a day pack, snacks, and any necessary equipment. Check out our specific packing lists for hiking trips and camping trips .

The 5 Most Crowded National Parks (and Where to Go Instead)

Another type of trip that you may need to pack slightly specific items for is a cruise . Make sure you pack non-standard items like seasickness remedies, formal wear, dress shoes, and your bathing suit. Beach vacations also require different items like water shoes, towels, sunscreen, and maybe even snorkel gear. Luckily for you, we also have a specific cruise packing list and a beach vacation packing list .

Lastly, you need to consider the weather. For warm-weather destinations like jungles and Caribbean islands, you can obviously skip the coats and gloves, but if you’re headed out on a ski vacation then you’ll need a whole slew of things like goggles, a neck gaiter, snow boots, and more. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a specific Caribbean vacation packing list , a Mexico vacation packing list , and even a ski trip packing list .

The Best Ski Hotels in the US

To help keep things organized, we love using packing cubes and/or compression sacks. They’re especially useful for when you’re traveling to multiple destinations in one trip.

Wondering how to pack all of your items? Enter the great debate of the rolling vs. folding method! While this is definitely a personal preference, we put two editors to the test to find out which method is in fact, more space-saving. Watch the video below to see the answer.

How to Pack Toiletries and Medications

Whether it’s important medication or your favorite lipstick, forgetting any type of toiletry can range from being mildly inconvenient to becoming a serious problem. For toiletries, make sure to pack your essentials, like medication, contacts, and any other items that you might not be able to purchase or replace during your travels. (Put them in your carry-on bag, not your checked suitcase.) However, if you forget items like a toothbrush or razor, you can typically call the front desk at the hotel for a spare.

We also recommend traveling with some type of a travel first-aid kit , which includes items like tweezers, first-aid ointment, bandages, travel-sized hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Make sure to check TSA guidelines if you’re traveling with medication , as well as the policies and regulations at your destination.

Packing Tips for Everything Else …

Traveling without tech items like your phone, laptop, tablet, or camera can be a major bummer. For those traveling abroad, you’ll also want to remember to pack electronic adapters and converters . Other tech-related items for photographers to pack are a sturdy camera bag , backup batteries, and memory cards, as well as lens cleaner. And don’t forget smartphone essentials like a backup charger, waterproof case if you’re headed out on the water, and a phone stand or tripod for photos.

A travel packing tip we’ve learned the hard way? Travel with a copy of your passport, credit card, and bank contacts, as well as a list of medications and your emergency contacts.

If you are traveling abroad, we have an entire checklist for you, but the most important thing to note here is your passport and visas . Make sure that your passport is up to date, has as least six months of validity, and has enough blank pages for any stamps. Another tip for international travel? Give yourself plenty of time to apply for any visas that you might need and to arrange for a visit to a travel clinic if any special medications or vaccines are needed. You should also familiarize yourself with any remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions at your destination.

There are also some items that you may not think to pack, but should, like an electronic tracker , duct tape , toilet paper, a decoy wallet, or a whistle.

The 10 Best Expandable Suitcases

What to Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

In case you’re separated from your checked bag or other items, you should always make sure that you have your ID, wallet, house keys, medications, valuables, camera, phone, laptop, tablet, pen, cash and cards, glasses, and copy of your itinerary with you on the plane.

Other items that you might want to have handy with you include entertainment for your flight, comfort-promoting items like a blanket or pillow, as well as an empty water bottle to fill up post-security (here is a list of our favorites ), a change of clothes (just in case your luggage is lost or delayed), snacks, and gum.

If you’re looking to pack carry-on only, you guessed it: We also have a separate packing list and tips for that, as well as the best bags to use for carry-on only .

What to Pack to Stay Healthy While Traveling

The pandemic has significantly changed the way we travel and, by extension, the items we prioritize in our luggage. While many destinations have loosened or entirely lifted COVID-19 restrictions, some venues and events may still require a mask or proof of vaccination/negative COVID test to enter. Plan ahead to see if any activities on your itinerary have restrictions in place.

Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer , while always a good idea to have on hand at the airport , have become absolute carry-on musts. Wiping down areas like your tray table, airplane seat armrest, and hotel television remote can spare you from a variety of common travel bugs.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ashley Rossi contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The Best Destinations in the World: The Gold List 2022

By CNT Editors

Goa India

There are three great lists annually in  Condé Nast Traveler,  all of which have changed due to the events of the last two years: the Readers’ Choice Awards , which you, our beloved audience, select; the Hot List , which compiles the new and notable of the previous year; and this one, which is ultimately about the places and experiences our editors carry in their hearts. This year, when we say  our editors,  we mean  CNT ’s entire global crew, working in locations from California to Beijing ; we’ve also expanded the parameters of the list to include not just the hotels and cruises you’ve seen in years past, but also the destinations we treasure. The Gold List is, more than ever, made by humans for other humans—something we need more than ever in this day and age. Here, our favorite destinations in the world.

Read the complete set of Gold List winners   here .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Cholula Puebla Mexico

Puebla, Mexico

I love when I can feel familiar with a new place in 48 hours. In Puebla , Mexico’s historic, fourth-largest city, all the spots you want to hit are walking distance within its center, itself a tidy sprawl of bright pink and yellow villas and small plazas. That includes food markets for a crispy cemita (a schnitzel-­style sandwich with all the fixings); the gilded Capilla del Rosario and the city’s famed talavera, or ceramic houses; I stayed for close to an hour watching the row of artisans hand-paint and hand-fire their mugs, plates, and vases at Uriarte Talavera. Before the pandemic, tourism was just starting to happen here, and the city was in that sweet spot of supporting a new breed of traveler, like with the artisanal-inspired Cartesiano hotel, but without muting any of its essence for international business. I liked that I had to use my shoddy Spanish with barkeeps and store owners. And that sitting in those plazas meant a front-row seat to daily Poblano life: vendors selling sliced cucumber spices with cayenne, old-timers playing dominos. Puebla felt like a special somewhere on the verge of discovery in a country with pockets already turned over to the masses. My guess with all that’s happened this past year is that it still does. —Erin Florio

Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

If you were to hook the city of Rio de Janeiro up to a cardiogram, the needle would swing off the page. The city thrums with live samba and bossa nova at all hours of the day; the bustling streets, bookended by the dramatic rise of granite monoliths on one end and the pounding waves of the Atlantic on the other, have a pulse all their own. It's easy to feel this when you're amid throngs of colorfully clad cariocas —I feel it most swaying to the live music at Pedra do Sal on Monday nights, or when, perched in the leafy hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa, I hear people in neighborhoods below lean out their windows to cheer when Flamengo scores a goal. It's a complicated city, with plenty of issues—insecurity, corruption, inequity, to name just a few—but there's a premium on joy and celebration that isn't reserved for Carnaval . There are few places in the world where you know you couldn't possibly be anywhere else, and whenever I hear the whole of Arpoador beach break into applause as the sun sets in summer, I'm reminded that Rio is one of them. —Megan Spurrell

Alentejo Vicente Coast

Alentejo, Portugal

I call the road to the sea through Portugal’s Alentejo region the place where the beatniks read Pessoa; you can imagine Kerouac breezing through its small hotels, surf camps, and villages scattered with craft shops, markets, and bohemian bars. For me it’s a place of happiness. There are boutique hotels like São Lourenço do Barrocal and Dá Licença and olive groves, cork oaks, and infinite horizons. The road ends at Vicentine Coast National Park, a wild, protected coastline in southern Europe. A paradise for surfers , it has electrifying sunsets, but the icy waters stop it from ever getting too crowded. —David Moralejo

Svalbard Norway

Svalbard, Norway

Arctic Svalbard —whose capital, Longyearbyen, is the world’s northernmost town—is like nowhere else I’ve been. On the one hand, it’s a deep-nature Scandi fantasy of snowmobiles, Northern Lights, ski-touring along glacial valleys, and surprisingly smart boutiques with stacked wine cellars. But there’s also a compelling strangeness to this international settlement, where no one is born and no one dies. There are the Soviet mining towns with their Lenin busts, whether abandoned or (even weirder) still working; the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which preempts a coming apocalypse; it’s advisable to leave Longyearbyen with a shotgun, in case of polar-bear attack. As much as a destination, it’s a journey into the heart of the climate crisis, with academics from across the world doing game-changing research here. I’m itching to go again—to escape but also to think and connect, which is what happens in all the best places. —Toby Skinner

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Goa India

My first trip to Goa as a college student was wrapped in dreams of homemade chorizo and reliving moments from the cult Bollywood coming-of-age film Dil Chahta Hai . Many trips and feni cocktails later, Goa remained a respite for my city-weary bones. The state straddles its multicultural past and present, trading up ’60s hippie markets for hipster boutiques while keeping its old-world Indian and Portuguese traditions intact. Simple fish-curry plates, aunties doing an impromptu jig to fado, old-timers squabbling over their favorite Goan soccer club, and the right freshness of bread coexist with edgy global menus, alt-music gigs, and all that is artisanal and arty. The ocean changes color from one season to the next, the multi-color sunsets never repeat, and like many travelers, I continue to return and find my salve in sunshine, sea, and susegad —the quintessential Goan idea of the slow, easy, and good life. —Diya Kohl

Plettenberg Bay South Africa

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Plettenberg Bay is South Africa's summer playground, and I, a Capetonian, would drive the 186-mile coastal path along the scenic Garden Route each year to join the fun. The bohemian seaside town sits atop a sheltered bay, where a jumble of hipster coffee shops, seafood restaurants, and kitsch boutiques tumble down onto fynbos-covered cliffs—where a slew of new hotels like The Robberg Beach Lodge sit beside grandes dames like The Plettenberg Hotel . Pretty young things like to celebrate the end of matric student exams, where hedonism sweeps across the bay, while dolphin and whale watches come during the languid, warm winter months. Venture just outside Plett to find the luxury Tsala Treetop Lodge , a manicured Gary Player golf course, indigenous Keurbooms River Nature Reserve, the Plett Polo Club on the Kurland Estate, and a host of animal sanctuaries to meet cheetahs, elephants, and monkeys. But above all, come for the glorious golden beaches. Central Beach—dotted with bars—surfy Lookout Beach, and the eerie, mist-covered sands of Robberg Nature Reserve. Search hard enough and you might stumble on a sand dollar—the symbol of Plettenberg Bay, thought to bring eternal luck. —Isabella Sullivan

Scottsdale Arizona

When I can’t take another minute of winter, I head to Scottsdale. As, historically, do the day-drinking spring breakers and the far less rowdy snowbirds. Recently, though, the Valley of the Sun has come into its own, claiming its stunning desert setting and Southwest culture in new ways. If I’m bringing the kids, the 1929 Frank Lloyd Wright–designed grande dame The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (on the border of Scottsdale and Phoenix), is my place. It has sprawling grounds and seven pools, one with a legitimate waterslide, and just underwent a much-needed facelift. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort , terraced into the side of its namesake adobe-hued mountain, has my favorite spa in town. Its adults-only pool on weekends and easy access to sunrise hiking give me plenty of excuses to leave the kids at home. Solo or with family, I can always bank on sunshine, a great exhibit at Phoenix’s nearby Desert Botanical Garden, and excellent Sonoran-style Mexican food. —Rebecca Misner

Tuscany Val Graziosa

Val Graziosa, Italy

I am a frequent traveler to Val Graziosa, a valley near the Pisan mountains and a part of Tuscany relatively unknown and terribly beautiful. Here there is Monte Pisano—“ che i Pisan veder Lucca non ponno, ” the poet Dante said, a small group of mountains that hides Lucca from Pisa and makes it impossible for the Pisan locals to see the city of Lucca. There are olive trees everywhere, producing the best olive oil on Earth in a splendid countryside. I love to walk around the surroundings of Montemagno—please read the book Maledetti Toscani, by Curzio Malaparte, and you will understand a lot about Italians from this region. I love to go to the grocery store in Patrizia for a glass of wine (the one and only épicerie of the village) and then to Certosa di Calci, a 14th-century monastery, and one of the many secret beauties in my crazy country of Italy. —Maddalena Fosati

Chiang Mai Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand

When I first went to Chiang Mai, I intended to stay a couple of nights and ended up staying more than a week; for me, that trip is a reminder of travel at its most impulsive and impetuous: the freedom to move on when you feel like it. There’s no beach pressure here, and inland Thailand always feels more interesting than the obvious hits of the beachfront. And, away from the beaches, there's the sense of a modern Thai city where young creatives are carving out a contemporary aesthetic, with the energy that a large student population gives a city. —Rick Jordan

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The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog

Bucket List Travels – 52 Places to Visit in Your Lifetime

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Bucket Lists

Updated On: February 14, 2024

top 10 travel list

We have put together the ultimate travel bucket list to spark your imagination. Dave and I made a dream list of our travel bucket list travels way back in 2006. And we fulfilled every travel adventure we ever dreamed of. Now we want to help your dreams come true and share the best bucket list travels that we’ve ever done.

These are 52 destinations that you need to do at least once in your lifetime. We’ve got one idea for every week of the year! You may also like The Best Adventure Destinations For The Ultimate Vacations

Table of Contents

Travel Bucket List Ideas

So, let’s look at the most mind-blowing beautiful places in the world. Oh, by the way, these are bucket list travels that we’ve done ourselves. It’s not a Google search like so many things on the internet these days.

1. Iguazu Falls

bucket list travels iguazu falls

There was something magical about staying right in the heart of Iguazú National Park at the Belmont Hotel Das Cataratas. Having this natural wonder all to ourselves in the early morning was like a fairytale. We walked from our hotel to the long platform leading to the center of the massive cascade surrounded by thundering waters.

travel bucket list iguazu falls

For a bucket list experience, this was spectacular. Be sure to take a helicopter tour over the falls and hop on a jet boat to get soaked. They seriously put the boat right underneath the waterfall. If there is one item on your travel bucket list. This should be it!

  • Getting Soaked – The Ultimate Iguazu Falls Tour
  • 11 Fun and Unexpected Things to do in Iguassu Falls

2. Amalfi Coast

amalfi coast italy bucket list vacations

We thought we had seen the beauty of Italy when visiting the Cinque Terre, but the Amalfi Coast is the Cinque Terre on steroids. The beautiful coastal towns along the Gulf of Salerno took our breath away at every turn. Rent a car and drive this famous highway that clings to the side of sea cliffs. There is nothing more romantic than driving the towns of Positano , Ravello, Amalfi, and Sorrento. Make sure to splurge on a room overlooking the terraced buildings of Positano and its beach.

  • The Best Things to Do in Amalfi Coast, Italy
  • 10 Most Romantic Italian Coastal Towns for Couples
  • Watch our Amalfi Coast Video
  • Hiking Cinque Terre – The Beautiful Five Villages in Italy

3. Maldives

maldives over the water bungalows vacation bucket list travels

Staying in an over-the-water bungalow in Bora Bora or Tahiti is on everyone’s travel bucket list. But we did this in The Maldives and I cannot think of a place that is more beautiful in the world. The turquoise waters surrounded our bungalow complete with a glass floor so we could watch the fish swim by was superb. I don’t think I have seen such white sand beaches anywhere on earth.

  • 15 of The Best Things to do in the Maldives
  • Scuba Diving in Maldives – A Beginner’s Journey
  • Best of the Maldives Video – On YouTube
  • Snorkeling in the Maldives

4. Petra Jordan

petra jordan - petra monastery bucket list travelers dream

By the time we made it to Petra Jordan, we had seen a lot of famous ancient cities with our own eyes. We expected to like it, but we didn’t expect to be wowed by it. Boy were we wrong! Petra is in a league unto itself. The hidden city of Petra is located within a 1.2 km rock passage reaching 80 meters into the air. Once you arrive at The Petra Treasury you are treated to an awe-inspiring scene. A massive building complete with columns is carved into the stone.

  • Watch our visit to Petra on YouTube

5. African Safari

male lion chasing female lion serengeti tanzania on everyone's travel bucket lists

There is nothing more magical than an African Safari. We’ve been lucky to go on Safari in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa , and Botswana. And trust me, it never gets old. Seeing the majestic lion stalk its prey and watching a herd of elephants walking through the African savanna is a scene that is forever etched into our brains. There is something special about visiting Africa. As the saying goes “I left my heart in Africa” and every time we leave the continent we feel the same way.

  • African Safari Animals: 34 Photos to make you want to visit Tanzania
  • What to Wear on Safari – Africa Travel Inside and Out
  • Kenya Safari – The Masai Mara Experience

6. Churchill Polar Bears

polar bears in manitoba canada travel bucket list

Speaking of safaris, have you ever thought of a safari in Canada? I don’t think there was anything more awe-inspiring than seeing polar bears in the wild. It is even more of a bucket list ticket to be able to walk with polar bears. Going up to the arctic tundra in summer is not only unique, but it is also a chance to see polar bears in a different environment than in snow. We visited the Polar Bears twice with Churchill Wild . Once in the winter and once in the summer.

  • Walking with Polar Bears – The Greatest Arctic Safari
  • Kayaking with Beluga Whales – A Paddlers Dream
  • The Ultimate Arctic Safari on YouTube

7. Santorini Greece

bucket list ideas santorini greece

We had seen Santorini in the yogurt ads for years and dreamed of one day visiting. Once we arrived, we understood why it has been featured in so many commercials. When we looked over the cliffs of the caldera, the views didn’t seem real. Whitewashed buildings with blue domes lined the high cliffs of the caldera. Staying in a cave hotel overlooking the Aegean Sea was the ultimate dream.

  • 25 of The Very Best Things to do in Santorini
  • Where to Stay in Santorini
  • Places to Visit in Santorini, Greece
  • A Photography Guide to Santorini – Getting that Postcard Shot
  • Iconic Santorini: A Cave Hotel Experience

8. Kayak and Camp in Antarctica

bucket list vacations antarctica iceberg with kayakers

If you haven’t noticed on our blog, a lot of our bucket list adventures have been in cold regions. And Antarctica truly tops the list. We were lucky enough to visit Antarctica with Quark Expeditions where we fulfilled every travel dream. From camping on Antarctica to kayaking around icebergs, Antarctica was an adventure lover’s travel dream.

  • 11 of the Best Things to do in Antarctica
  • Sea Kayak Antarctica – The Adventure of a Lifetime
  • Camping on Antarctica
  • See our complete Antarctica Expedition on YouTube

9. Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp

bucket list ideas for travel dave and deb at mount everest base camp

Staying in the cold weather for a moment, the ultimate bucket list adventure is to trek to Everest Base Camp. When we can all travel again, this is something anyone can do regardless of climbing skills Follow the footsteps of Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa to see the Khumbu Ice Fall, Everest Base Camp, The Tengboche Monastery, and Mighty Mount Everest herself. Secure the ultimate bragging rights among your friends and trek to Everest. Our friend Dipendra at SimRik Real Nepal Treks is waiting for you.

  • Everest Base Camp Trek – All You Need to Know from Start to Finish
  • Remarkable Everest Base Camp Trek in Photos
  • Flight to Lukla – A Scary Thrill Ride to Everest
  • See our Full Everest Playlist on YouTube

10. Cappadocia, Turkey

travel bucket list ideas cappadocia turkey hot air baloons over fairy chimneys

Nearly everyone is familiar with the famous scene of balloons soaring through the air above fairy chimneys. Turkey’s Cappadocia really does feel like a fairytale. This had been our bucket list since seeing dozens of balloons in the air on Instagram nearly a decade ago. A morning hot air balloon ride fulfills the ultimate travel dream list.

  • Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon: How to Choose the Right Company
  • A Tour of a Cave Hotel on YouTube
  • The Incredible Landscape of Cappadocia on YouTube

11. Himalayas of Bhutan

bucket list ideas tiger's nest monastery bhutan

Bhutan is the happiest country in the world and you can’t help but fall in love with the people and landscape when you visit this bucket list destination. Trekking through the Himalayas is an incredible journey but hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in the Paro Valley is what draws people to the country. This iconic scene doesn’t disappoint.

  • 18 Things to do in Bhutan – A Comprehensive Guide of What Not to Miss
  • Bhutan Trek to Laya – A Himalayan Adventure to the Remarkable and Remote
  • Watch our trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery on YouTube
  • And see what happened when we met the King of Bhutan

12. Great Wall of China

bucket list ideas great wall of china

We have visited the Great Wall of China twice. And it lives up to everything we ever expected. Looking at this marvel of engineering truly did inspire wonder and awe. No wonder it is listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. We loved visiting both the Mutianyu and Badaling Great Wall, they were equally beautiful yet very different experiences.

  • The Great Wall of China – Mutianyu vs. Badaling

13. Machu Picchu

bucket list ideas llama at machu pichhu peru

Speaking of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is another beautiful destination to add to your bucket lists. Hiking the Inca Trail is on many people’s adventure bucket list, but even seeing this extraordinary Inca City will take your breath away. Literally. Located in the Andes Mountains at 2,430 meters/7,972 feet in elevations, it is a wonder to see.

  • Machu Picchu Hike: All You Need To Know To Be Perfectly Prepared
  • How to Plan a Trip to Machu Picchu

14. Great Barrier Reef

bucket list ideas helmet dive great barrier reef

The UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of Australia is the largest coral reef in the world. It tops many a traveler’s bucket list. Even if scuba diving or snorkeling isn’t your thing, it is a must-visit. There are many ways to see the Great Barrier Reef. You can take a helicopter ride over the reef or even take a boat out to a platform in the middle of the sea to let you swim, snorkel, and sunbathe in the middle of this beautiful piece of ocean.

  • Diving the Great Barrier Reef – Australia’s Ultimate Adventure

15. Pyramids of Giza

bucket list ideas visit the pyramids of giza egypt

We had always wanted to see the Great Pyramids of Giza with our own eyes. We didn’t know what to expect, but when we first spotted them they seemed surreal. They cut through the haze of Cairo standing the desert looking like a mirage. We have had the privilege of visiting them twice and can say that for a fun way to explore them, hire a camel to take you through the pyramid complex to feel like a true Bedouin.

  • The Red Pyramid of Egypt – Experience it Inside and Out
  • 10 Amazing Temples of Egypt – That We’ve Seen

16. Gobi Desert of Mongolia

bucket list ideas ghers at sunset in mongolia gobi desert

We are always fascinated by deserts, but there was something truly unique and spectacular about Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. It is filled with life. From the herds of Bactrian camels (two-humped camels) to the nomadic people of Mongolia moving their Ghers from camp to camp that was always something to see. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • Read more at Mongolia Pictures from the Russian Border to the Gobi Desert

17. Galapagos Islands

bucket list ideas giant galapagos tortoise

The Galapagos Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Ecuador that have their very own ecosystem. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most biodiverse of destinations on earth. AND 97% of the Galapagos is a national park. The top draw to the Galapagos is to see its endemic species that are unique to the islands. From the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguanas, and the Galapagos penguin, the wildlife experiences.

  • 27 photos that will transport you to the Galápagos Islands
  • Playing With Sea Lions on San Isabella in the Galapagos

18. Mount Kilimanjaro

bucket list ideas climb mount kilimanjaro summit sign dave and deb

If there is one mountain to climb in your lifetime it is Mount Kilimanjaro, The Roof of Africa. Kilimanjaro National park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the highest point in Africa. The six to seven-day climb is part of the seven summits and is a spectacular bucket list vacation. So don’t wait to start planning your climb up the highest freestanding mountain on earth.

  • Read more: Complete Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

19. Bagan, Myanmar

bucket list ideas bagan myanmar

A visit to Myanmar is a trip we’ll never forget. Bagan was the highlight of our travels through the country. Taking an early morning ferry along the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay, we emerged at the most extraordinary complex of temples we had ever seen. Built in 1057 and covering 16 square miles Bagan houses 2200 pagodas. It looks like a massive forest of temples that you must see with your own eyes.

  • Read More – The Incredible Temples of Bagan, Myanmar

20. See the Northern Lights

bucket list ideas northern lights rocky mountains canada

Have you ever wanted to witness the dazzling display of the Aurora Borealis? Once you see the Northern Lights dancing in the night sky, it doesn’t seem real at first. Are your eyes playing tricks on you? Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. We didn’t have good luck there but have witnessed them several times in Canada and in Greenland.

  • Incredible Greenland – The Final Frontier for Adventure Travel

21. Mexico Cenotes

rio secreto cenote mexico

For scuba divers’ the Cenotes of Mexico are a top bucket list diving adventure. But you can tour many cenotes without diving. The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico has several adventures where you can rappel, snorkel, and paddle through Cenotes. But it was the Rio Secreto Cenote that was truly extraordinary.

  • Rio Secreto Cenote – Mexico’s Magical Underground Caves
  • Cenotes in Photos – Discover Mexico’s Extraordinary Underground Caves

22. Rome’s Colosseum

bucket list ideas roman colosseum daytime

The city of Rome is like no other. It is packed with ancient ruins and none as famous as the Colosseum. We had the good fortune of staying directly across the street from the Colosseum with a view of the amphitheater from our room. You think that you know everything about the Colosseum, but nothing can prepare you for seeing it for the first time.

  • 22 of the Best Things to do in Rome
  • 20 of the Best Free Things to do in Rome
  • 3 Days in Rome – The Ultimate Rome Itinerary

23. Christ the Redeemer – Brazil

bucket list ideas christ the redeemer overlooking rio de janiero

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful cities on earth and Christ the Redeemer stands proudly over the city keeping watch. Seeing “Christo Redentor” standing with arms outstretched at the top of Corcovado Mountain is on many bucket list travelers list. You can see it by hiking up the mountain, taking the train, or a scenic bus ride but nothing compares to flying around it by helicopter.

  • The Top 18 Most Excellent Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

24. Ha Long Bay – Vietnam

ha long bay with junk boat vietnam

Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that needs to be seen to truly be appreciated. 1600 towering limestone islands reach up from the emerald waters of Halong Bay. What makes the bay even more picturesque are the junk boats that take tourists to explore the many islands and caves.

  • Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay – How to Choose Your Cruise?
  • The Very Best Things to do in Vietnam from North to South

25. Have Champagne at the Eiffel Tower – France

bucket list ideas eiffel tower and champs elysees lights at night

Paris is the city of love and we never tire of seeing the Eiffel Tower . Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the city of lights is such a romantic scene, but you must go up the Eiffel Tower. And did you know you can have a glass of champagne? Celebrate a milestone, get engaged or just enjoy a toast as you take in the Parisian skyline.

  • Where To Stay In Paris – The Best Neighborhoods in Paris
  • 3 Days in Paris: The Best Paris Itinerary for Your First Visit

26. Helicopter Tour of Victoria Falls – Zambia

overhead view of Victoria Falls

We happen to live one hour away from Niagara Falls in Canada and we do love that city and the iconic Canadian cascade. So when we had the chance to visit Victoria Falls in Zambia we were very excited. The Falls That Thunder is located in the center of Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and is the largest waterfall in the world. The setting is completely different than Niagara Falls as it is surrounded by jungle. At a Whopping 1.7 km wide (1 mile) it is massive, and the way to take in the scope of Victoria Falls is to get up in the air.

  • Incredible Things to Do in Victoria Falls, Zambia

27. Soak in the Blue Lagoon – Iceland

bucket lists dave at blue lagoon in iceland

Sure, the Blue Lagoon of Iceland is overcrowded these days, but no trip to “The Land of Fire and Ice” would be complete without stopping to soak in its healing waters. It tops many a traveler’s bucket list, especially after National Geographic named it one of the top 25 Natural Wonders of the World.

  • How to Visit The Blue Lagoon in Iceland
  • Best Places To Visit In Iceland

28. Explore the Canals of Venice – Italy

bucket lists venice gondolas

We truly fell in love with Venice. Staying in the city for four days allowed us to get off the beaten path to explore more of the quiet corners of the floating city. Not bucket-list travels would be complete without adding Venice to your list. While a gondola tops many bucket lists, it was the private taxi tour that we found to be far more romantic. Riding through the Grand Canal in style viewing scenery made us feel like movie stars.

  • 3 Days in Venice – The Complete Venice Itinerary
  • Where to Stay in Venice – The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Budget

29. Spy the Sun Stream at Antelope Canyon – USA

bucket list experience antelope canyon light shining through

It is one of the most recognizable caves in the world. But where is it? Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona is located in the United States. Once a day a gorgeous waterfall of light seeps through tiny openings lighting up the layers of sandstone in this famous slot canyon. Read: The 17 Best Hikes in Arizona

  • Antelope Canyon Photo Tours – How to Make the most of it

30. Hike Through Meteora – Greece

bucket list destination monasteries of meteora greece

Santorini may be the luxury escape of Greece, but the Monasteries of Meteora are the wonders of Greece. Sitting at the top of massive rock monoliths reaching up to 500 meters (1500 feet) from the valley floor, ancient monasteries dot the landscape. Dating back to the 9th century, the Meteora Monasteries can be visited today by hiking to the top, walking across bridges, or simply taking in the view from one of the many lookouts.

  • Meteora Monasteries of Greece – Magic Monoliths in Photos
  • The Best Places to Visit in Greece

31. Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland

bucket list destination giant's causeway at sunset in northern ireland

A visit to the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland will make you believe in giants. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Northern Ireland’s most famous attraction and tops many a travel bucket list. To see the perfectly arranged basalt pillars leading out to sea makes you believe that a giant built a causeway to Scotland rather than a volcanic eruption some 60 million years ago.

  • The Legend of the Giant’s Causeway – Do You Believe?

32. Leaning Tower of Pisa – Italy

bucket list destination leaning tower of pisa

We didn’t know if we’d be in awe of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, but seeing it in person did indeed live up to the hype. Pisa alone is worth visiting. This picturesque city located on the Arno River is filled with history dating back to the 14th century.

  • The Leaning Tower of Pisa – Is It Worth The Visit?

33. Stand in the Center of Times Square – New York

bucket list destination new york city's times square

Standing in the center of Times Square in New York fills you with energy and excitement. New York is certainly one of the most exciting cities in the world, and while Times Square is filled with tourists, its with good reason. You feel as if you are in the center of the universe as massive LED screens surround the entire square.

  • Best Things to Do in New York City
  • Where to Stay in New York City – Top Places and Hotels For All Budgets
  • Fun Facts About New York

34. Go to the Top of the Burj Khalifa – Dubai

bucket list destination burj khalifa dubai

It’s the tallest building in the world sitting amongst several other massive skyscrapers. Dubai is out of this world. With each impressive structure built, there are four more in the works. Going to the top of the Burj Khalifa to see the most impressive skyline on earth is the definitive bucket list item.

  • 17 Fabulous and Fun Things to do in Dubai

35. Go Sandboarding in Huacachina – Peru

bucket list destination sandboarding in huacachina peru

I never expected sand dunes in Peru to be so massive. When we booked a bus ticket to Huacachina in Peru, we thought we’d be sitting in a tiny oasis, but instead, we were surrounded by the largest sand dunes we’ve ever seen. The way to explore them is to take a dune buggy tour or to hop on a sandboard and glide down them. You’ll be covered in sand, but what a hoot and it is something you must try at least once in your life.

  • 24 Best Things to do in Peru

36. Cross the Shibuya Scramble in Tokyo

bucket list destinations shibuya crossing tokyo japan

Until you’ve seen Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo with your own eyes, it’s difficult to comprehend the number of people that take this crossing every few minutes each day. A quarter-million people cross this intersection each day. The best way to see this bucket list item is to go to the top of Magnet’s Mag 7 from the glassed-in viewing area.

  • Awesome Things to do in Tokyo, Japan
  • Best Day Trips from Tokyo

37. Golden Temple – India

bucket list destinations golden temple amritsar

The Taj Mahal may top everyone’s bucket list, but we found the Golden Temple of Amritsar to be a more authentic experience. Don’t get me wrong, the Taj Mahal is a wonder to see, but the Golden Temple is a beautiful display that is still a working temple. Join one hundred thousand pilgrims each day as they pay their respects to Sikkhism’s most holy site.

  • Golden Temple of Amritsar – India’s Shining Star

38. Road trip to the Grand Canyon

bucket list destinations grand canyon

I must admit I wasn’t expecting much from the Grand Canyon, but during our road trip through California and Arizona we popped into the Grand Canyon and I was taken aback by its beauty and sheer size. The Grand Canyon is on everyone’s American travel bucket list and it is spectacular. The Colorado River cuts through the 466 km long (277 mile) Colorado Plateau canyon of the Colorado Plateau and let me tell you, a pop in won’t do it justice. you must get out and explore the beauty of America’s natural wonder.

  • 15 Fun Facts That You Need to Know About the Grand Canyon
  • The Absolute Best Things to do in The Grand Canyon
  • United States National Parks in Photos

39. Amazon River – Peru

bucket list destinations amazon river cruise peru

The mighty Amazon River is the largest river by water volume in the world and it is the land of legends. It still feels as if much of the Amazon River Basin has yet to be explored. When you set out on a river cruise through the Amazon, you can almost feel what it was like to be an early exploring cutting their way through the largest jungle on earth.

  • What to Expect on an Amazon River Cruise – Life on the River

40. Marvel at the Glaciers of Greenland

bucket list destinations iceberg at sunset greenland

Glaciers are melting fast on this planet and nowhere on earth is it more prevalent than in Greenland. Visit the world’s most active calving glacier in Ilulissat and sail through a sea of floating skyscrapers of ice. Icebergs dwarfed our ship as we explored the west coast of Greenland on this truly magnificent bucket list adventure.

  • Kayaking in Greenland – The Greatest Arctic Adventure in Photos

41.Swim with Whale Sharks

bucket list destinations swim with whale sharks mexico

There is something truly magical about swimming with whale sharks. While it might be a frenzy of tourists beaming with excitement below is calm and quiet. To see these gentle giants glide effortlessly through the sea is the ultimate bucket list travel experience. There are many places to swim with whale sharks around the world, most notably off the coast of Cancun Mexico, and in the Philippines.

  • Swimming with Whale Sharks Cancun – A Massive Adventure

42. Hornblower at Niagara Falls

bucket list destinations maid of the mist niagara falls canada

Okay, we cannot forget to include going into the center of Horseshoe Falls in Niagara, Ontario. We have always taken this bucket list adventure for granted because we live so close to Niagara Falls, but when you go on the Hornblower, it truly is a spectacular scene. Feel the power of one of the world’s largest waterfalls as you sit at the bottom of the plunging waters. It is so powerful that everyone gets a rain poncho to wear on the boat. If you make your way to Canada, don’t miss seeing Niagara Falls.

There are so many things to do in Niagara Falls, the Hornblower is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out our full round-up of Our Favourite Things to do in Niagara Falls – Plus Where to Eat & Where to Stay

ultimate bucket list travel guide

And these are our most amazing bucket list travels on earth. We’ve been lucky to be able to see and do all of these bucket list adventures in our lifetime. As I went through this list, I cannot believe that we have experienced each and every one of these. It all started by creating a dream list a decade ago, and now we have achieved travels beyond our wildest imagination. We can’t wait to add more when we can travel again.

  • 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Visit – That We’ve Been
  • Beautiful Isolated Places on Earth – In Photos
  • 31 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe
  • 16 of the Best Cities in Spain – Beautiful Places to Visit Right Now
  • How to Travel Around the World – The Ultimate Travel Resource

Travel Planning Resources

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Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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5 thoughts on “Bucket List Travels – 52 Places to Visit in Your Lifetime”

wow such a wonderful list for everyone. I am from India and I was surprised when I saw the golden temple on your list because everyone includes the Taj mahal in their top list when anyone visits India. waiting for your next blog. ok, take care of each other Dave and Deb.

Chopta Chandrashila Deoria Tal Trek is a prestigious package for visitors to Chopta, which has mesmerizing panoramic Views of beautiful Himalayan peaks.It’s 5km and takes about 3 hours. We can organize a trip for you to this amazing destination. The hike up to Deoria Tal, amidst dense forests and filled with Rhododendrons (in summer) is part of the Chopta-Chandrashila trek. There is a famous Hindu story about it. When the 5 Pandavas were on their way to heaven, they stopped at the place and tasted the water.

I love these bucket list places to travel to!! Some of my favorites from the list were going to see the Churchill polar bears, kayaking in Antarctica, the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Northern Lights. This blog post reminds me of all the beautiful places I have yet to see and cannot wait to go to!

What an amazing compilation of great places. Cant wait to travel after this pandemic.

The Harmiandir Sahib (Golden Temple) of Amritsar has a unique distinction of offering free food at Langar Seva — The world’s largest community kitchen. People visiting the Golden temple must not miss the Langar food.

Thanks for curating a great list.

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I promise, it’s feasible and verified by many adventurous travelers around the world. Just think how much of your comfort you are willing to sacrifice; where are your personal borders; and what is your inner, deep reason for this particular travel.

Check out also: Best Travel Apps 2022

Here are the top travel websites that should land in the favorites bar of your web browser to help you with traveling:

SAFETY WING – Best Travel Insurance, monthly plans

  • Monthly subscription $42/month
  • Live chat support
  • Covers Covid-related cancellations and expenses

top 10 travel list

“Better safe than sorry” – you can’t beat that statement!

Safety Wing recently came up with undoubtedly the best travel insurance plan, called Remote Health . It’s a long-term plan that covers you for pre-existing conditions, cancer, or even in your home country. Ideal for long-term travelers or digital nomads.

They also offer amazing monthly plans for short-term travel that come with very competitive prices, starting at $40.

Check the full comparison of digital nomad insurance plans!

Get Your Guide – One of The Best Travel Websites for Booking Trips and Tours

  • Trusted tours in 1000+ cities
  • Payment online
  • Refund options

top 10 travel list

Skyscanner for flights

  • best flights deals and options
  • useful monthly calendar
  • deals for accommodation with tickets

best travel websites 2020

Let us be honest: amazingly cheap flight tickets are often the first and yet the most important reason we keep on moving our asses from country to country. Even though we promised our inner selves to settle down for a while.  

Don’t blame yourself. Put the blame on Skyscanner, their mobile app and their delightfully intruding newsletter.

Withlocals – Enjoy Your Trip with Locals

  • easy booking platform
  • discover cities with locals
  • hikes, food tours, walks, historical tours, etc.

top 10 travel list

One of the fastest-growing travel projects of last year that connects travelers with a local community. You can book amazing trips with locals and visit the most authentic places and experience local life. Your guide will help you to get out of tourists traps and find the real spirit of the places you want to visit.

They have easy to use APP interface, a great review system, and their trips are way more affordable than traditional agency tours. No brainer!

FACEBOOK TRAVEL GROUPS

  • Travel Community – general travel FB group
  • GirlsLOVETravel   – female-only travel FB group
  • Young Travelers Network   – for youngsters/post-millennials
  • Families Who Love to Travel – family travel group
  • Secret Flying – cheap flight deals
  • check the full list of travel FB groups on packslight.com

top 10 travel list

Almost everybody is on Facebook and in a few FB groups but yet, they still forget to check them when they are looking for tips or answers.

Here is the list of the most active and helpful travel FB groups:

top 10 travel list

Hotel Tonight  – LAST MINUTE HOTEL DEALS

USE CODE “ VVINCEJ ” to get your 25USD discount (minimum spent 150USD)

top 10 travel list

REVOLUT – Best Conversion Rates (0% fees)

*TOP* APP for TRAVELERS 2020 & Fastest growing FinTech in Europe

top 10 travel list

If you are a regular traveler and you haven’t tried REVOLUT yet, then you are missing out a lot. REVOLUT is a fairly new Electronic Money Institution which provides you with some “revolutionary” services.

Having an account with Revolut is for FREE , you just need to pay for the shipping of your debit card. All you need to do is register in the app and order the card. Next step is to link your card with some of your other accounts and TOP up. Topping up is FREE and once your money is on Revolut, then you can take advantages of various features like:

  • FREE atm withdrawals up to 400 euros
  • Real-time spending tracking in the app
  • Best conversion rates / no additional fees / middle conversion rate %

Another great advantage is security because you can top up anytime when you are connected to the internet. That means when you are traveling, you can keep you balance somewhere between 0-100euro and if somebody or some ATM scams you, you won’t lose much. You can also block the card anytime when you are connected to the internet.

RentalCars.com & Booking.com

top 10 travel list

RentalCars has been offering best car rental discounts for ages!  A few months ago they teamed up with Booking.com and became n.1. rental car search engine. Renting a car can get very expensive addition to your budget while traveling.

Especially when you travel solo or just as a couple. Therefore, RentalCars is your best bet in order to find the best discounts.

Hostelworld

canggu surf hostel - traveling lifestyle

If there is some budget for the accommodation and you wish to enjoy a certain level of being incognito and inner peace, definitely look for the best offers among hostels . Sometimes, they can be pretty expensive, too, but HostelWorld knows what people like us need. Definitely, best website for backpackers!

It can also be a way of securing the first night to skip a lovely sleep on the airport benches. Or, and that is even worse, to spend a night in front of the bus station that usually closes at midnight to 4 am.

In this case, book just the first night and then find some shelter at the locals or meet your potential couchsurfer host on-site.

Homeexchange

home exchange

Swapping houses is a fabulous two-in-one option. You won’t spend a euro on accommodation, and in the meanwhile will get someone to feed your cat and water your roses while you’re off for traveling. Just make sure to get complete references of the swapper and talk together as much as possible in advance.

I confess it might be risky. But on the other hand, the whole active community of HomeExchange is built on trust . See your swappers` former reviews, where and when he or she stayed and what was written about that. Home insurance can also help to enjoy your days off in peace.

If not quite convinced, check the movie The Holiday for a better imagination to see how much fresh air this can bring into your life. Maybe there are huge positive moves ahead!

AirBnb – Apartments Rental

top 10 travel list

GET 20USD discount on your first trip

Haven’t you heard of AirBnb? Then you are missing out my friend. AirBnb is the perfect tool to find cheap accommodation that allows you to live in the place you are visiting like a local.

With AirBnb you can rent a room that is being offered by a local, and that sometimes means having a room in a family house where you interact with them on a daily basis. If that is just not your style then you can rent out a private house, flat or whatever you want. the possibilities are endless.

And if you travel as a couple, renting an Airbnb can be sometimes cheaper than staying in a shared dorm in a hostel. Apartments are becoming a popular alternative to hotels for budget travelers.

WORLD NOMADS – Best / Budget Travel Insurance

top 10 travel list

Nowadays, there is no need to highlight how important is to have insurance when traveling around the world! Not having one can lead to serious budget issues and you can end up “broke” and finish your trip very fast.

World Nomads has been offering their services for a long time and became N.1. global/international insurance for travelers.

Trusted by big brands like Lonely Planet, Inrepid, International Volunteers HQ etc. You should definitely have a look on their website before you go on your next adventure.

SE7EN – Volunteering

If you are willing to spend a portion of a day by teaching or decorating the walls of an art gallery for accommodation in return, this is something for you. SE7EN offers lists of the volunteer projects and allows you to contact hosts directly.

You will be requested to pay 15-euro membership at the beginning, but if there will be no project chosen from your side, they offer a  money return guarantee.

Couchsurfing

couchsurfing - travel website

Be social, spend some time with your host and he will be glad to point out the best places to go in the area. You might experience the best party with his friends diving completely into the local culture.

Feel free to share something with your host. It doesn’t have to be anything valuable. I often show pictures of my current trip or bring something small and typical from my current hometown.

Being a good host is as demanding as to be a good guest. Tolerance is a must on both sides. But above all, it should be fun.

Couchsurfing has turned into the APP as well and you can also find plenty of events/meetups in almost every country. NEW “hang out” option allows you to create an event in your area very fast and catch up with a bunch of travelers for beers/dinner/walk and share some experience from inspiring travels .

Sleeping in Airports

budget travel wwbsite - sleeping at airport

Raise your hand if you have ever slept at the airport. Sometimes it’s about money but sometimes it’s just that your flight departs just so early in the morning that it doesn’t make sense to travel back and forth for more comfortable sleep.

Long sleepovers on the way, objective circumstances you just can’t affect may also leave you stuck at the airport for many hours. This website gathers reviews and experiences of travelers from airports around the world along with useful airport guides to help you survive a sleepover.

Find out where are the electricity plugs, comfortable chairs, quiet areas, free sofas in cafes, wifi passwords, etc.

Handy extra feature we liked is the list of cities where you can enjoy a tour and get to know a city you’re flying through.

Warning: it’s highly possible you will find yourself searching for long stopovers on purpose.

Similarly to Skyscanner, Kayak tool searches for the cheapest flying options from your current location. It beats Skyscanner in the field of multi-city trips and includes searches for nearby airports with cheaper fares.

So now do not hesitate a moment. You have all that you need for your budget travel!

Expedia.com

expedia travel website

Expedia is similar to Booking.com, however, it is occasionally less expensive. Expedia Group, Inc. is an American online travel agency for personal and business travel.

Its websites, “which primarily travel fare aggregators and travel metasearch engines, include Expedia.com, Vrbo (formerly HomeAway), Hotels.com, Hotwire.com, Orbitz, Travelocity, trivago, and CarRentals.com.”

When you book through the app, you can save up to 25% on select hotels while earning double points. Their offers will save you even more money on your vacation, which means you can travel more.

The app has a database of over 500,000 hotels around the world.

— PIN IT 🙂 —

best travel websites

If you made it all the way down here, we would like to thank you for visiting and reading! We hope you’ve found some useful information and you enjoyed this list of best travel websites that we put together with a survey and fellow travel bloggers.

If you have any suggestions for a travel website that we should include in this list please, feel free to suggest in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: you might bump into some affiliate links in this article. Those links help us to earn some commission and support our efforts to run this online magazine. We appreciate your support.

I highly recommend these two couchsurfing communities for female travellers:

Host a Sister – Facebook group where women around the world can find accommodations. Travel Ladies – mobile app connecting women who want to travel with other women who want to host them

Very helpful. One point that I would like to add for future reviews is on the issue of customer service, primarily for travel aggregator sites like Expedia, Travelocity, etc. By and large, many of these sites get good reviews for functionality. But customer service for many of these sites, if something goes wrong or your booking is erroneously cancelled, is NONE EXISTENT. Meaning that if you have to travel on short notice for work or family issues, BEWARE.

Please consider checking & adding this one if you wish! Thanks http://www.YouBookTravelHire.com

Thanks. Will do.

Wow this is all great and so useful! Thank you for this amazing guide. I’m traveling soon and had no idea about 80% of these sites! Thank you!

Travel Huge ( https://www.travelhuge.com ) |

Best Travel Website for Flights & Hotel Bookings.

Its New, But Prices are far better than bookit, Kayak, Skyscanner, Hotwire, Priceline .

I had never used Travel Huge before, but an acquaintance told me about how easy and inexpensive last-minute flights and hotels could be using Travel Huge. I booked two round trips tickets for travel within 21 days of bookings.

Thanks for the tip, we will consider adding it 🙂

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PlanetWare.com

27 Top-Rated Bucket List Destinations

Written by Shandley McMurray Updated May 3, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

What's on your bucket list? You know, that record you keep of all the places you have to see before you die? Or maybe it's a list of the spots you need to visit in the next few years.

Whatever your time span, heading on a bucket list trip is even more thrilling than taking a regular vacation. At the end of your holiday, you can cross that location off your "must-sees" and add a new one to the mix.

Zebras in Africa

Whether you're hoping to go on safari in Africa , visit one of the world's greatest natural wonders (i.e. The Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Canyon, or Niagara Falls), or tour a historic city like Rome or Paris, the world is your proverbial oyster — all you need to do is open it and explore.

Can't decide where to head next? Plan your sightseeing with our list of the best bucket list destinations in the world.

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

2. the maldives, 3. africa on a safari, 4. the taj mahal, agra, india, 5. paris, france, 6. the amazon rainforest, brazil, 7. santorini, greece, 8. bali, indonesia, 9. bora bora, french polynesia, 10. the pyramids of giza, egypt, 11. the great wall of china, china, 12. dubai, united arab emirates, 13. iceland to see the northern lights, 14. new york city, usa, 15. venice, italy, 16. angkor wat, cambodia, 17. niagara falls, canada, 18. grand canyon, usa, 19. australia to snorkel the great barrier reef, 20. tokyo, japan, 21. tahiti, french polynesia, 22. iguazú falls, argentina, 23. rome, italy, 24. the dalmatian coast, croatia, 25. cinque terre, italy, 26. galápagos islands, ecuador, 27. new orleans, usa, map of bucket list destinations.

Machu Picchu, Peru

It's hard to see a picture of Machu Picchu without wanting to jump right in. The vibrant green grass, majestic craggy peaks, and remarkable stone ruins are breathtakingly beautiful. No wonder this magical spot has been dubbed one of the top places to visit in the world .

This archeological masterpiece was once an Inca City (in the 15 th and 16 th centuries). Today, it's one of the most phenomenal of all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites , and one that millions have placed at the top of their bucket lists for good reason.

Not surprisingly, Machu Picchu is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Peru . To get here, you'll have to plan your visit well. Entry is only permitted twice a day (in the morning or afternoon), and you'll have to either hike along the famed Inca Trail or take a bus from the nearby town of Aguas Calientes for access.

Most visitors stay in historic Cusco , the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas, for easier access to the site. The swanky, five-star Palacio Nazarenas, a Belmond Hotel is your best bet for a luxurious stay in Cusco.

Overwater bungalows in the Maldives

It's easy to picture Nirvana when you're staring at an unblemished Maldivian shore. Topping the list of the most beautiful islands in the world , this lush wonderland is literally the stuff of dreams and one of the most bucket-list-worthy destinations.

A romantic archipelago (it's made up of over 1,000 islands), the Maldives are set just off the coast of Sri Lanka . The area features the most crystalline turquoise water gently lapping sugar-white sandy beaches. Below the waves, you'll find fish of all shapes and colors darting about, while on shore, tall, waving palm trees sway in the warm breeze.

Add a few luxurious overwater bungalows to this scene, and you've found a version of paradise even the greatest writers couldn't make better. You'll also understand why it's been deemed one of the best honeymoon destinations , especially if you're traveling in January. Tons of Hollywood A-listers and others with deep pockets flock to this exotic locale to ring in the New Year.

Families are more than welcome to visit the Maldives, and large luxury bungalows make it easy to house your entire crew, but if you're looking for a romantic getaway for couples, this serene spot should top your list!

Elephants in front of Mount Kilimanjaro

Who hasn't added an African safari to the top of their bucket list vacations? Guaranteed to be a trip of a lifetime, it's no wonder so many people crave this incredible experience. A safari is thrilling, awe-inspiring, and picturesque, especially when conducted in one of the world's most phenomenal landscapes.

Whether you're hoping to catch sight of the "Big Five" (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos) in Kenya, bounce along in a jeep through Kruger National Park , or soar through the air in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti National Park , an African safari won't disappoint.

With so many fantastic game reserves (including many in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania), you'll have plenty of places to choose from when booking your trip.

Not a fan of sleeping rough? Ramp up the luxury at one of these stellar safari lodges in South Africa .

Craving a more intimate and unique animal encounter? Head to one of the best places to visit in Tanzania (on Mafia Island , to be exact) to swim with whale sharks (from January through March, or October through December).

The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal was built in the mid-1600s by Shah Jahan in memorial to his third wife — it's said she made him a deathbed promise to build her the most beautiful of structures. He definitely fulfilled his duty! Well, over 20,000 workmen finished this duty for him, and it took them over 17 years to complete this top bucket list destination.

Today, this magical marble mausoleum is one of the most recognizable (and captivating) buildings on the planet. The Taj Mahal is also one of the most famous sites in all of India . Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, this ornate masterpiece lies amid almost 17 hectares of an immensely gorgeous Mughal garden, on the banks of the sparkling Yamuna River .

Not surprisingly, it's been deemed one of the New Seven Wonders of the World .

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Agra

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Europe's most revered city of love, Paris has so much more to offer than its iconic Eiffel Tower . You'll find some of the world's best stores selling clothes so fashionable they haven't yet hit the North American market. The restaurants serve food so divine, you'll crave seconds (and sometimes thirds).

Famous Paris attractions like the Arc de Triomphe and Panthéon beckon photographers, while museums such as the Museée du Louvre and Musée d'Orsay beg history buffs to while away hours within their lavish halls.

Hold hands while wandering the banks of the Seine , enjoy a café al fresco on the Champs-'Elysée , and take a few moments to reflect while traipsing within the hallowed walls of the Cathédral Notre-Dame . You certainly won't be bored while sightseeing on this bucket list vacation.

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Paris

The Amazon River and rainforest in Brazil

All becomes right with the world when you putter down the mystical Amazon River in Brazil. Beside you towers the incredible Amazon Rainforest, chock full of wildlife so beautiful, it will take your breath away.

A chorus of birdsong guides you along, while monkeys swing from nearby vines and sloths slowly climb their way to a better view. Snakes, turtles, and jaguars are also set to make an appearance, if you're patient enough to spot them.

To experience the Amazon's splendor first-hand, you'll need to board a boat from Manaus to the Encontro das Aguas (the point at which the Rio Solimões meets the Rio Negro). From here, you can join a boat tour through the heart of the rainforest.

It's hard not to feel nature's pulse here, providing life to the planet through its essential ecosystem. Known as the "planet's lungs," the Amazon rainforest is responsible for 20 percent of the world's oxygen.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Brazil

Oia village, Santorini

You'll be hard-pressed to enjoy a more romantic sunset experience than that found in Santorini . Whether you visit the picturesque capital of Firá or watch the sun descend over the sparkling water in front of beautiful Oia , stepping foot on Santorini is akin to walking into a postcard. This is an ideal honeymoon or bucket list destination for couples.

The iconic pearly white, blue-domed buildings are made even lovelier by colorful blooms. It's as if an artist was set loose upon each home with only the most tasteful of colors. A bright teal door here and a vibrant yellow wall or red gate there add just the right pop to a perfect natural backdrop.

Set upon jagged cliffs jutting out from the most turquoise of seas, Santorini's towns are flanked by narrow, winding streets and terraced homes that butt into each other at all angles. Walking through the area, you may find yourself unwittingly tramping upon someone's roof.

  • Read More: Best Beaches in Santorini

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in Bali at sunset

A tropical paradise tops our list of the best bucket list vacation spots. Indonesia's most romantic destination, Bali is a wonderland bursting with natural gems so beautiful, they'll leave you breathless, and people so friendly, you'll want to invite them home.

While Bali likely conjures images of soft, white sand gracefully meeting the watery embrace of turquoise waves, this isle has much more to offer than its spectacular beaches . That's not to say you'll want to skip the beach — you won't! Trust us, they're phenomenal.

Bali's heart, though, can be found farther inland, in its verdant rice paddies, craggy volcanoes, and lush tropical jungles. Tigers, orangutans, elephants, and Komodo dragons roam these less populated areas.

Ancient temples and a monkey forest grace the village of Ubud , while resort towns like Seminyak and Nusa Dua will round out that beach holiday you were expecting. They contain luxury resorts and hotels that are perfect for families and couples, as well as shops and restaurants.

Luckily, the island is small enough that you can see most of its towns and popular tourist attractions in one trip.

Bora Bora

One of the top bucket list travel destinations in the world, Bora Bora sets the bar high for an ideal beach vacation. A utopia set in the heart of French Polynesia, this fabulous archipelago is all turquoise waters; soft white sand; and lush, volcanic peaks. It's going to be almost impossible to beat the islands' spectacular beauty.

It's easy to see why Bora Bora has become a popular honeymoon destination. With lagoons to explore, coral reefs to snorkel, and rainforests to hike, there's no shortage of romantic and exciting things to do in this tropical wonderland. Plus, some of the world's best beaches are found on these idyllic shores.

Peppered with high-end resorts featuring private huts standing on stilts above the water, visitors are rewarded with an unforgettable and utterly relaxing vacation. If you're hoping for sunny skies, low humidity, and fun festivals, the best time to visit Bora Bora is during summer (June through August).

Read More: Most Beautiful Islands in the South Pacific

The Pyramids of Giza

Cairo plays host to one of the world's most recognizable World Heritage Sites, the iconic Pyramids of Giza . While the most famous of these incredible structures include the Sphinx , Pyramid of Khafre , Pyramid of Menkaure , and the Great Pyramid of Khufu , the site is peppered with other archeological masterpieces you won't want to miss.

The farther you wander through this top bucket list destination, the more interesting things you'll find at what is now the sole example of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World . These unique marvels include tombs, mini pyramids, and The Solar Boat museum , which boasts a remarkably preserved ceremonial solar barque.

Those who favor adventure (and don't suffer from claustrophobia) will enjoy an intimate journey into the bowels of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Since this is one of the best tourist attractions in Egypt , expect to share the site with hoards of travelers if you're traveling during peak season (December through February).

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cairo & Things to Do in Cairo

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and China's most popular tourist attraction . It winds its way through 15 provinces and boasts portions that date back over 2,000 years. Millions of tourists have added it to their bucket lists for centuries.

Walking the Wall's entirety would be a massive feat, as it stretches from the fortresses of Shanhaiguan in the east to the Jiayuguan Pass in Jiayguan in the west. It also includes towers to climb for fabulous views. We're talking months of exploring on foot for those who'd like to see the whole thing.

The best base for exploring the wall is the bustling city of Beijing . From here, visitors can join guided tours and ride a cable car. Day trips to the Badaling Pass section of the wall are also easy when launched from Beijing.

Burj Al Arab seen from the Madinat Jumeirah hotel in Dubai

You will never explore a more opulent part of the desert than Dubai. A bucket list destination for those who love to shop, eat, and admire futuristic architecture, this one-of-a-kind Middle East haven is so unique, you'll have to see it to believe it.

Giant skyscrapers like the famed Burj Khalifa stretch to the clouds, shopping malls serve as entertainment destinations where you'll find everything from stores to restaurants to massive aquariums to indoor ski slopes. Here, you'll also find man-made islands featuring their own beaches and luxury resorts so swanky, you'll feel regal.

While you're here, be sure to make the most of the city's cultural highlights, like the historic Al Fahidi Quarter , the Jumeirah Mosque , and Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House .

Fancy a more authentic Middle Eastern shopping experience than the high-end stores found in Dubai Mall? Head to the Souks of Deira , situated on the north bank of Dubai Creek . Wind your way through the streets of the various markets selling wares ranging from fish to gold to spices.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Northern lights at Kirkjufell, Iceland

As one of the 7 natural wonders of the world , witnessing the aurora borealis is one of life's greatest pleasures. Whether you catch sight of a delicate green glow or are privy to vivacious crimson lines streaking across the horizon, this wonderful spectacle is breathtaking and unforgettable.

To see them, though, you'll need to be patient. The northern lights are as unpredictable as the weather, so you'll have to budget in a few days to make your viewing attempt.

Iceland is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the northern lights . While you can likely see them at any point of the year, the best time to see the most spectacular shows happen between mid-October and early April. At this time, the night skies are at their darkest, which presents a remarkable contrast.

Fairbanks , Tromsø , and Yellowknife are three other great places to catch Mother Nature's spectacular light show.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Iceland

View over Manhattan

New York is one of the most exciting bucket list places to visit. It's also one of the most popular.

With so many diverse and interesting attractions (i.e. The Empire State Building , Metropolitan Museum of Art , Central Park , and Guggenheim Museum ), it's no wonder people keep returning to this cosmopolitan mecca.

No matter your interests, be it eating, dancing, shopping, or theatergoing, Manhattan has something (or likely many "somethings") to whet your appetite. Want to visit an exhibit like one you've never seen? Taste samples at the Museum of Food and Drink , try your hand at espionage at Spyscape , or practice a bit of magic at the Houdini Museum.

Read More: Best Free Things to Do in New York City

Gondolas and the Santa Maria della Salute Cathedral

There's something magical about Venice. Between the intricate canal system, beautiful stone bridges, and harmonious singing of the gondoliers, there's a unique vibe in this Italian city that can't be found elsewhere.

A boat ride along the aptly named Grand Canal rewards visitors with an intimate look at the highlights of Venetian architecture lining its banks — from historic churches to ornate palaces like the Doge's Palace (a.k.a. Palazzo Ducale), which you'll want to spend at least a couple of hours exploring.

Piazza San Marco is one of the main attractions in Venice and serves as a meeting place for locals, but mainly tourists. It's home to the famous and intricate St. Mark's Basilica , but it's so crowded (and filled with pigeons) that you won't get a true glimpse of the city's heart.

Perhaps the best way to tour Venice is by getting lost, which is easy to do. Only then will you stumble upon some of the local's favorite haunts, as well as the small, winding alleyways that present so much charm.

Bringing the family on your bucket list vacation? Great idea! Check out these top things to do in Venice with kids .

Read More: Top-Rated Beach Destinations in Italy

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The remarkable Angkor Wat is so vast, you'll need more than one (or even several) visits to see it all. This massive Hindu temple is surrounded by a large moat, adding to its impressive stature. Built in the 12 th century by the Khmers, this World Heritage Site serves as the veritable heart of Cambodia .

It's also the largest religious structure in the world and one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia . Set upon over 400 acres of land within a jungle, the temple was dedicated to the gods Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Angkor Wat's main towers were created to symbolize the peaks of Mount Meru (a place Hindus believe to be home to the gods).

The best time to visit Angkor Wat is between December and February, when the temperature is comfortably in the 20s Celsius. Be warned, though, this is also the most popular time for tourists, so you'll have to elbow your way through the crowds.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Siem Reap

Niagara Falls

One of the Natural Wonders of the World (it's often referred to as the "New 8 th Wonder of the World), Niagara Falls is impressive even if you aren't a fan of waterfalls. Over 3,100 tons of water crash over the falls every second, creating a mist that covers visitors who board the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower Cruise to get a closer look. It's easy to see why this has been voted one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world .

The small Canadian town of Niagara Falls provides the best viewing spot. As a result of its heavy visitor population, the town is quite touristy. It boasts carnival-type arcades, an aquarium, sky wheel, Odditorium , wax museum, and Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museum . You'll also find a ton of restaurants and plenty of hotels to choose from.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada

Hopi Point at sunset, Grand Canyon National Park

An area of immense natural beauty, it's no wonder the Grand Canyon tops so many vacation bucket lists. No photograph can do this spectacular place justice. You just can't fathom the landscape's innate beauty, the deep orange of the rock, or the canyon's immense size without seeing it in real life. No wonder it's one of the most famous attractions in the United States .

Touring the Grand Canyon can be done from multiple locations, but the most popular is by entering the Grand Canyon National Park 's South Rim. This is also where you'll find many of the park's best hikes .

You can get here quite easily from nearby cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix .

Once you're here, you'll be amazed, and we guarantee you'll snap about a zillion pictures. Catch the canyon in the light of the sunrise or sunset, and you'll swear you've witnessed the most gorgeous spectacle of your life.

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is generally the spring and fall, but this is a year-round attraction that you can work into your itinerary any time of year.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Snorkeling Australia's Great Barrier Reef is one of the most incredible experiences you'll ever have. A magical underwater world welcomes adventurers to this incredible locale. Bursting with color and teeming with life, this impressive coral reef spans 2,300 kilometers from the tip of Queensland to the southern town of Bundaberg .

A World Heritage-listed area, the Great Barrier Reef is home to a rich ecosystem filled with everything from the smallest zooplankton to tropical fish to marine mammals like dugongs and dolphins.

A truly peaceful experience, swimming around the magical reef is a gift. Whether you choose to scuba dive or snorkel, you'll experience only the quiet sound of fish nibbling on coral as you roam about this vast marine playground, being constantly amazed by the beauty on display before you.

Sadly, global warming has been bleaching (and killing) large sections of this reef (especially in the north), so if you're planning to go, you should book a trip to this popular bucket list travel destination soon. And whatever you do, don't touch the coral.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in the Whitsunday Islands

Tokyo

There's no question that Tokyo earned its position as the best city to visit in Japan . A heady mix of old and new, this vibrant place offers tourists a chance to explore phenomenal attractions , eat delicious (and healthy) food, and enjoy a range of entertainment.

From watching sumo wrestling to attending festivals to cheering on various sports teams to tapping your toes to live music, there's no lack of fun things to do in Tokyo.

The best time to visit is in either fall or spring, depending on whether you want to be present for the breathtaking show of blooming cherry blossoms. The city gets uber crowded at this time, but the blossoms are beautiful enough to cause goosebumps of excitement.

Hoping to see Mount Fuji ? You're not alone. This bucket-list destination is easy to get to from Tokyo , especially if you choose to book a private tour.

Read More: Best Cheap Places to Travel in March

Resort on Tahiti

Slightly livelier than its laid-back neighbor, Bora Bora, Tahiti offers travelers the same beautiful azure lagoons, lush mountainous landscapes, and lively coral reefs, with a little more excitement thrown in.

In Papeete , the island's capital, you'll find plenty to help you while away the hours you're not spending on the beach. An impressive mix of French and Polynesian cultures, the city boasts great restaurants, popular resorts, spas, museums, and plenty of places to shop.

Outside the city, visitors are greeted by cascading waterfalls, sheltered lagoons, and beautiful valleys. Book a 4WD tour of the island, learn to dive in a lagoon, or board a whale-watching tour boat (between July and October).

Read More: Best Black Sand Beaches in the World

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

The glorious Iguazú Falls gives Niagara Falls a run for its money. Set on the border between Argentina and Brazil , this amazing spectacle leaves visitors awe-struck. A massive chain of hundreds of waterfalls spanning nearly three kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of South America's most impressive sites.

The thunderous sound of water overpowers visitors as it crashes over the edge from between 60 and 80 meters high. They can be enjoyed from Devil's Throat , a nearby viewing spot based at the bottom of the falls, as well as from the lush rainforest in Brazil's Iguaçu National Park and Agentina's Iguazú National Park.

Read More: Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the World

The Colosseum in Rome

Rome is home to some of Europe's most recognizable landmarks, like the Colosseum , Pantheon , and St. Peter's Basilica . While these tourist hot spots are unmissable, this beautiful city has so much more to offer, including mouthwateringly good gelato on almost every street corner.

An outstanding mix of past and present, Rome boasts haunted ruins (i.e. the Roman Forum ); iconic churches (i.e. the Basilica of St. John Lateran ); and modern restaurants serving the freshest, most delectable food.

Wandering the city's winding cobblestone streets is a treat, with spectacular prizes popping out when you least expect them. From ornate fountains (i.e. the Fontana dei Fiumi) to sprawling Baroque plazas (i.e. Piazza Navona ) to designer clothing boutiques, there's always something to amaze.

Read More: Top-Rated Museums and Palaces in Rome

View of Old Town Dubrovnik

Taking a cruise along Croatia's captivating Dalmatian Coast is a must-do for any traveler. From atop the Adriatic Sea's translucent, azure water, visitors can catch the most picturesque views of the coast's phenomenal attributes. From jagged limestone cliffs to ancient walled towns to hilltop palaces and spectacular ports, there's so much to see from the water.

On land, you'll find an endless list of things to do, such as, visiting charming island villages, dining on fresh food along the Stradun in Dubrovnik , or exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Diocletian's Palace in Split or the Stari Grad plain on lovely Hvar . Then there are the beaches. Oh, those marvelous beaches . Be sure to pack a towel and sunblock, as you'll want to stay all day.

Accommodation: Top-Rated Beach Resorts in Croatia

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Croatia

View of colorful Manarola, Cinque Terre

There's a reason stores in Cinque Terre (a.k.a. "Five Towns") sell so many postcards — it's insanely gorgeous. This northwestern region of Italy embodies the type of beauty that makes visitors gasp when they first catch sight of it. It's literally impossible not to be awed by the area's loveliness.

A national park spotted with five villages that would make Crayola proud, this Italian paradise is the stuff of dreams. Cliff-top houses perch above sparkling blue water with a vibrant green backdrop of lush and rugged mountains. It's hard to find a more beautiful setting. No wonder the entire area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The locals' laid-back vibe is contagious, making you want to do nothing but eat pasta (or pizza) and gaze out at the Ligurian Sea. Walking along cliff-top trails or wandering the crooked and narrow streets through quaint villages tops the list of things to do in Cinque Terre .

It's easy to reach from Milan and Florence , making this a perfect day-trip destination for both cities.

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Milan

Marine Iguanas in the Galapagos Islands

If you want to feel small, head to the Galápagos Islands, a paradise so remarkable, you'll feel Mother Nature's presence with every barefoot step. An extensive archipelago of volcanic isles located about 600 miles west of Ecuador , this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the best tourist attractions in Ecuador .

A bucket list destination for nature lovers across the globe, this untouched gem is one of the best places in the world to view wildlife in their native habitat. Its main draws include: chances to witness turtles nesting on pristine beaches ; spying on penguins frolicking on Bartolome Island ; and wiggling your toes into fine, red sand.

If you're a fan of the water, head to Devil's Crown , an underwater volcanic cone teeming with life. This is one of the best places to go snorkeling in the world .

French Quarter, New Orleans, USA

You're not alone if attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans tops your vacation bucket list. One of the most famous (and outrageous) festivals in the world, it's one of the top tourist attractions in Louisiana .

If your goal is to witness the eclectic floats, vibrant parades, and jazzy music in person, be sure to time your visit well. The best time to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras festivities is from February through May.

As for visiting the best tourist attractions in New Orleans, you'll need to set aside at least a couple of days. With everything from horse-drawn carriage rides to steamboat cruises to shopping on offer, there is a slew of stellar things to do in New Orleans .

Let your stomach guide you to the French Quarter , where you'll find Cajun dishes so tasty, you'll beg for seconds. The buildings you walk by burst with historic Southern charm, ready to be photographed in all types of light. Keep wandering to soak up the live music serenading Bourbon Street before settling in for a show at a neighborhood jazz club.

There's so much energy in New Orleans that you may leave feeling more tired than when you arrived — that won't matter a bit since your vacation was packed with fun.

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Top 10 Best Travel Sites in 2024

Whether you're looking for great deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, or more, you can find plenty of options on the best travel sites..

Google Flights

  • Online Help Center

Kayak

  • Online form & FAQs

Priceline

  • Live chat & FAQs

Airfair Watchdog

  • Email & FAQs

Hotels.com

  • Phone, email

Expedia

  • Phone, online form

AirBNB

We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.

Our Top 10 Best Travel Sites in 2024:

  • Google Flights - Best travel site overall
  • Kayak - Best for quick and easy flight and hotel searches
  • Priceline - Best for saving up to 60% on travel bookings
  • Airfair Watchdog - Best for curated flight and hotel options
  • Hotels.com - Best for discounted hotel rates
  • Expedia - Best for comprehensive travel bookings and rewards
  • Travelocity - Best for personalized vacation planning assistance
  • Momondo - Best for real-time flight and hotel deals
  • AirBNB - Best for unique and affordable accommodations
  • Hipmunk - Best for personalized travel recommendations

Paying full-price for travel accommodations is a thing of the past; with travel websites, you can get great deals on flights, hotels, cruises, and more.

There’s nothing quite like travelling, especially when the purpose of your trip is good, pure fun. What’s more, travelling has never been easier or cheaper; today, you can log onto any number of websites, choose a destination and dates, and get a whole list of possible flights, hotels, car rentals, and holiday packages that you can buy with a few clicks of your mouse or swipes of your finger.

Of course, different things are important to different people when travelling. For some, finding the cheapest flight is of paramount importance, no matter how many stopovers or hours it takes.  For others, finding the nicest hotel is essential, no matter what the cost. And yet others don’t care about the flight or hotel; they just want to visit a place where they’ll have plenty of attractions to visit during the day and where there’s an exciting nightlife to keep them busy after dark.

What’s most important to you when travelling?

Cheap Flights

If you’re looking for cheap flights, here’s what NOT to do: Do not order tickets directly from an airline’s website. The tickets posted there are usually full-price and don’t give you options for stopovers. (And stopovers can make flights significantly cheaper.)

Here is what you should do: Go to a website that can search for flights for you. Google Flights , Kayak , Priceline , Airfarewatchdog , Expedia , Travelocity , Momondo , and Hipmunk are all sites that comb the internet using various algorithms and methods, and present you with the cheapest flight options.

There are 2 main categories when it comes to travel sites like the ones listed above: Those that accept payments and those that don’t. Websites that accept payments include Priceline , Expedia , and Travelocity ; this means that you type in your travel destination and dates into the site, get a list of options, and make your payment on the site itself.

Websites that don’t accept payments include Google Flights , Kayak , Momondo , Airfarewatchdog , and Hipmunk . But don’t get us wrong—these flights aren’t free! But as opposed to paying on the actual search site, you’re directed to the airline or ticket seller’s site, and you pay there.

There’s no better or worse when it comes to the 2 types of payment options, it’s just a matter of preference. Some people prefer using search engines that direct you to pay on external sites; this means that you don’t use a middleman and the costs may possibly be lower. Others prefer travel sites that accept payments; in these situations, the sites usually have policies that cover all tickets no matter the airline, like free cancellation within 24 hours.

Hotels & Accommodations

Any of the sites listed above, plus Hotels.com , can be used to find cheap hotels, luxury hotels, and anything in between. Almost every site offers a certain amount of savings when you book a flight and hotel together, which can be good for the thrifty traveller.

Even better for the thrifty traveller, however, is AirBNB , arguably the most popular alternative in the world to hotels. AirBNB listings range from luxury villas to single rooms in a house, and you get to choose the level of your accommodations.

If you’re looking for cheap, you can find it there! If you’re not necessarily looking for cheap, but rather, for features not included in hotels, you can find it there too! AirBNB luxury listings include features like fully-equipped kitchens, private pools, many bedrooms, and more.

Another perk of AirBNB is that you can read real reviews from people who have used the listed accommodations. Of course, if you prefer to stay in a hotel instead of an AirBNB listing, you should always make sure to read those reviews as well.

Car Rentals

While flights and accommodations are the biggest expense of any vacation, car rentals are a less-expensive yet perhaps equally important contributor to your overall travel experience. Which is why most of the sites that show you flight and hotel deals also include a car rental search option.

Because you may not be content to sit on the beach all day; you may want to get out on the open road and explore to your heart’s content.

Another reason renting a car while traveling is a good idea?

When you book a hotel or AirBNB listing in the center of a big city like New York or London, the prices are significantly higher than staying somewhere in the suburbs. The prices can be so much higher, in fact, that it may be financially worthwhile to sleep somewhere out-of-town, rent a car, drive to the city and park in a lot all day than to stay in the center of town.

Of course, to determine whether you’ll really save money with that option, you’ll have to do some homework. Fortunately, you have all of these handy travel websites at your fingertips, which makes searching for cheap prices a fairly easy task.

Not Sure What You Want? No Problem.

If you know you want to travel but are not sure when and where, you can take your pick from the best travel and hotel booking sites to help you with your decision.

With Hello Hipmunk, you can email Hipmunk and ask for advice about where to go or search for destinations using custom preferences like “romantic” or “foodie.”

With Google Flights , you can input the dates you want to travel, and Google will tell you if you can find cheaper flights on slightly different dates.

Other sites like Kayak , Priceline , Airfarewatchdog , and Momondo show you current travel deals in real-time, so you can get an idea of what’s out there and choose the package that suits your budget and travel interests.

Once you choose your destination city, Expedia and Travelocity can show you a list of things to do at the best prices.

As you can see, when it comes to choosing a travel site, you don’t need to stick with only one. Each site has different features and strong points, and you can choose any combination to create the ultimate travel experience for yourself.

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The 10 Happiest Travel Destinations That’ll Leave You Beaming

Posted: February 23, 2024 | Last updated: February 24, 2024

<p>Get ready to embark on a journey to the world’s happiest places in 2023!</p> <p>This year, as the world calls for travelers, we’ve looked around the world to uncover destinations that promise not only unforgettable experiences but an abundance of joy and happiness. These top 10 travel spots have something special to offer, whether it’s breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, or a vibrant atmosphere that can’t help but make you smile.</p> <p><a href="https://www.supercasinosites.com/">SuperCasinoSites</a> decided to look at travel destinations from this perspective to determine whether the most well-known locations deliver the most rewarding experience and which cities, if all else being equal, are the cheapest to visit.</p> <p>Let’s dive into the list of the happiest travel destinations that will brighten your year.</p>

If you love to travel, you probably want to visit some happy places. While there is a time and place for some more serious and informative trips, there are times when you want a vacation or travel trip to lift your spirits and make you happy.

We’ve looked around the world to uncover destinations that promise unforgettable experiences and abundant joy and happiness.

These top 10 travel spots have something special to offer, whether it’s breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, or a vibrant atmosphere that can’t help but make you smile and put you in a good mood.

<p>From the Canadian border well into Southern California, the Pacific Coast is a nearly unbroken stretch of rocky shorelines where waves ceaselessly pound cliffs and offshore formations called sea stacks. Some of the highlights include Rialto Beach in Washington, Cannon Beach in Oregon, and California’s Big Sur.</p>

The Happiest Travel Destinations

SuperCasinoSites decided to look at travel destinations from this perspective to determine whether the most well-known locations deliver the most rewarding experience and which cities, if all else being equal, are the cheapest to visit.

Let’s dive into the list of the happiest travel destinations to brighten your year.

<p><strong>Country:</strong> Thailand</p><p><strong>Safety Index:</strong> 88</p><p><strong>Total points:</strong> 324</p><p>Nestled in the heart of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai takes the spot as the happiest travel destination for 2023. With an exceptional total score of 324 points, this city seamlessly blends ancient traditions and modern living. The Safety Index of 88 ensures peace of mind while exploring its rich history, vibrant street markets, and lush landscapes. Chiang Mai offers an array of experiences, from exploring historic temples to indulging in local cuisine, all without breaking the bank!</p>

1. Chiang Mai

Country: Thailand

Safety Index: 88

Total points: 324

Nestled in the heart of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai takes the spot as the happiest travel destination for 2023. With an exceptional total score of 324 points, this city seamlessly blends ancient traditions and modern living. The Safety Index of 88 ensures peace of mind while exploring its rich history, vibrant street markets, and lush landscapes. Chiang Mai offers an array of experiences, from exploring historic temples to indulging in local cuisine, all without breaking the bank!

<p><strong>Country:</strong> Turkey</p><p><strong>Safety Index:</strong> 82</p><p><strong>Total points:</strong> 300</p><p>Antalya, a coastal gem on Turkey’s Mediterranean shores, takes second place with a solid total of 300 points. This charming city boasts an enviable Safety Index of 82, welcoming travelers with open arms to its turquoise beaches, ancient ruins, and captivating culture. With the warm embrace of the Turkish sun and a friendly atmosphere, Antalya promises a delightful and budget-friendly escape.</p>

Country: Turkey

Safety Index: 82

Total points: 300

Antalya, a coastal gem on Turkey’s Mediterranean shores, takes second place with a solid total of 300 points. This charming city boasts an enviable Safety Index of 82, welcoming travelers with open arms to its turquoise beaches, ancient ruins, and captivating culture. With the warm embrace of the Turkish sun and a friendly atmosphere, Antalya promises a delightful and budget-friendly escape.

<p><strong>Country:</strong> Spain</p><p><strong>Safety Index:</strong> 55</p><p><strong>Total points:</strong> 295</p><p>Granada, a jewel of Andalusia in Spain, secures the third spot with 295 points. The city’s magnetic charm is deeply rooted in its historical significance and artistic legacy. While the Safety Index of 55 may not be the highest, the city’s rich culture, breathtaking Alhambra Palace, and delicious tapas offer a unique blend of happiness that’s well worth exploring.</p>

Country: Spain

Safety Index: 55

Total points: 295

Granada, a jewel of Andalusia in Spain, secures the third spot with 295 points. The city’s magnetic charm is deeply rooted in its historical significance and artistic legacy. While the Safety Index of 55 may not be the highest, the city’s rich culture, breathtaking Alhambra Palace, and delicious tapas offer a unique blend of happiness that’s well worth exploring.

<p>Nestled on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal often escapes the limelight compared to its neighboring Spain. This underrated gem boasts a rich maritime history, charming cities like Lisbon and Porto, and picturesque coastal villages such as Sintra and Lagos.</p><p>Travelers can explore historic sites like the Tower of Belém and sample the country’s famous pastéis de nata (custard tarts). Beyond the cities, Portugal offers breathtaking landscapes in the Douro Valley and the Algarve region, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both culture and natural beauty.</p>

Country: Portugal

Safety Index: 69

Total points: 289

Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal capital, takes the fourth position with 289 points and a solid Safety Index of 69. This city harmoniously blends old-world charm with a contemporary twist. Cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and the Fado music scene create a tapestry of experiences that enhance happiness while staying budget-friendly.

<p><strong>Country:</strong> Spain</p><p><strong>Safety Index:</strong> 68</p><p><strong>Total points:</strong> 288</p><p>Malaga, another enchanting Spanish destination, claims fifth place with 288 points and a Safety Index of 68. Nestled along the Costa del Sol, this coastal city boasts a Mediterranean lifestyle filled with art, culture, and the famous Andalusian cuisine. Exploring the birthplace of Picasso or lounging on pristine beaches can easily brighten your days.</p>

Safety Index: 68

Total points: 288

Malaga, another enchanting Spanish destination, claims fifth place with 288 points and a Safety Index of 68. Nestled along the Costa del Sol, this coastal city boasts a Mediterranean lifestyle filled with art, culture, and the famous Andalusian cuisine. Exploring the birthplace of Picasso or lounging on pristine beaches can easily brighten your days.

<p><strong>Country:</strong> Portugal</p><p><strong>Safety Index:</strong> 60</p><p><strong>Total points:</strong> 281</p><p>Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, secures the sixth spot with 281 points and a Safety Index of 60. The city’s rustic charm and historical treasures make it a unique destination. The Douro River, famous for its port wine, flows through the city, inviting travelers to explore its colorful neighborhoods and stunning vistas.</p>

Safety Index: 60

Total points: 281

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, secures the sixth spot with 281 points and a Safety Index of 60. The city’s rustic charm and historical treasures make it a unique destination. The Douro River, famous for its port wine, flows through the city, inviting travelers to explore its colorful neighborhoods and stunning vistas.

<p><strong>Country:</strong> Mexico</p><p><strong>Safety Index:</strong> 39</p><p><strong>Total points:</strong> 281</p><p>Playa del Carmen, a vibrant Mexican destination, also accumulated 281 points. Although it has a Safety Index of 39, its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and proximity to Mayan ruins make it a blissful place for budget-conscious travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.</p>

7. Playa del Carmen

Country: Mexico

Safety Index: 39

Playa del Carmen, a vibrant Mexican destination, also accumulated 281 points. Although it has a Safety Index of 39, its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and proximity to Mayan ruins make it a blissful place for budget-conscious travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.

<p><strong>Country:</strong> Croatia</p><p><strong>Safety Index:</strong> 96</p><p><strong>Total points:</strong> 279</p><p>Dubrovnik, Croatia’s coastal treasure, ranks eighth with 279 points. With a remarkable Safety Index of 96, the city’s well-preserved medieval walls and captivating Adriatic Sea views offer an idyllic setting for happiness and exploration. Dubrovnik invites you to step into a world of history and natural beauty.</p>

8. Dubrovnik

Country: Croatia

Safety Index: 96

Total points: 279

Dubrovnik, Croatia’s coastal treasure, ranks eighth with 279 points. With a remarkable Safety Index of 96, the city’s well-preserved medieval walls and captivating Adriatic Sea views offer an idyllic setting for happiness and exploration. Dubrovnik invites you to step into a world of history and natural beauty.

<p><strong>Country:</strong> Spain</p><p><strong>Safety Index:</strong> 62</p><p><strong>Total points:</strong> 278</p><p>Seville, another Spanish delight, takes the ninth place with 278 points and a Safety Index of 62. The city’s lively flamenco rhythms, historic landmarks like the Alcázar, and welcoming locals promise an unforgettable journey into Spanish culture.</p>

Safety Index: 62

Total points: 278

Seville, another Spanish delight, takes the ninth place with 278 points and a Safety Index of 62. The city’s lively flamenco rhythms, historic landmarks like the Alcázar, and welcoming locals promise an unforgettable journey into Spanish culture.

<p><strong>Country:</strong> Saudi Arabia</p><p><strong>Safety Index:</strong> 79</p><p><strong>Total points:</strong> 269</p><p>Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, completes the top 10 list with 269 points and a commendable Safety Index of 79. While it may not be a first choice for all travelers, Riyadh offers a unique blend of modernity and heritage. Exploring its museums, souks, and cultural attractions can broaden your horizons and provide a different perspective on happiness in 2023.</p>

Country: Saudi Arabia

Safety Index: 79

Total points: 269

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, completes the top 10 list with 269 points and a commendable Safety Index of 79. While it may not be a first choice for all travelers, Riyadh offers a unique blend of modernity and heritage. Exploring its museums, souks, and cultural attractions can broaden your horizons and provide a different perspective on happiness.

<p>There are some countries where the majority of visitors love their experience. However, there are other countries that people come back from and never recommend to anyone. These countries often have circumstances that make the trip miserable so that visitors can’t wait to leave and go home.</p>

15 Countries That You Will Probably Regret Traveling To

There are some countries where the majority of visitors love their experience. However, there are other countries that people come back from and never recommend to anyone. These countries often have circumstances that make the trip miserable so that visitors can’t wait to leave and go home.

<p>There are a lot of countries that women should avoid if they’re traveling solo. No matter where they go, solo women travelers should stay aware of their surroundings and make sure to take safety precautions. However, some countries are far safer than others, and these can make ideal places to visit alone.</p>

15 Safest Countries for Women Traveling Alone

There are a lot of countries that women should avoid if they’re traveling solo. No matter where they go, solo women travelers should stay aware of their surroundings and make sure to take safety precautions. However, some countries are far safer than others, and these can make ideal places to visit alone.

<p>When it comes to cities in America, huge disparities exist. Some are doing much better financially than others. There are a lot of cities today that are struggling economically and coming up short in a few areas.</p> <p><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/cities-with-the-highest-and-lowest-population-in-need/8795">WalletHub</a> compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 28 key indicators of economic disadvantage, such as child poverty, food insecurity and uninsured rates.</p>

The 15 Poorest Cities in America

When it comes to cities in America, huge disparities exist. Some are doing much better financially than others. There are a lot of cities today that are struggling economically and coming up short in a few areas.

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The 12 Best Hotels in Nashville

Plan your stay in Music City with these editor-loved and award-winning hotels.

top 10 travel list

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Four Seasons

If I were to ask you what defines Nashville, you'd probably say country music and honky tonks, right? Well, you wouldn't be wrong. Country music certainly runs deep in Nashville — it's not called Music City for nothing — and the honky tonks of Broadway are some of the city's signature attractions. But Nashville has so much more to offer, from museums like the Frist Art Museum to major- and minor-league sports teams to a world-class dining scene and beyond.

With so much drawing visitors to town, Nashville's hotel industry has boomed over the past decade, with both major brand properties and independent boutique hotels filling the city's real estate. We’ve rounded up this list of the best hotels in Nashville based on our firsthand experience in the city as well as winners of T+L’s It List and World’s Best Awards . If you're ready to dive into planning your next trip, read on for our favorite picks for where to stay.

The Joseph, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Also available to book at Expedia.com

The art collection — it comprises hundreds of works by Tennessean artists.

If you bring your own car, parking is $60 per day.

Voted the top hotel in Nashville in the 2023 World’s Best Awards — its second year in a row in the coveted spot — the Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel , checks all the boxes for a perfect Nashville vacation. Its location in SoBro (South of Broadway), puts it within a 15-minute walk of all major downtown attractions, from Broadway's honky tonks and shops to the Frist Art Museum to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which is just a block away.

While it's close to the action, the 297-room, 21-story hotel is more of a refined retreat, noted for its impressive art collection highlighting Tennessee artists, the tranquil Rose Spa and Salon, and a saltwater rooftop pool with a living green wall. And it's a dining destination, too. Husband-wife duo Tony and Cathy Mantuano, a chef and a wine expert, respectively, lead four food and beverage outlets here, including the upscale Italian restaurant Yolan and the cocktail bar Four Walls.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: SoBro (Downtown)
  • Distance from Airport: 7.7 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Bridgestone Arena, Music City Center, Frist Art Museum, Ryman Auditorium
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible facilities, handicap parking, hearing-impaired alarms
  • Rates: Starting at $281
  • Parking: Valet only, $60 per night
  • Pet Policy: Dogs only

“I stayed at The Joseph shortly after it opened a couple of years ago, and I returned to the hotel in July 2023 — during both visits, the hotel impressed me with its fantastic food and beverage program, attentive service, and beautiful design. The Italian mid-century aesthetic and impressive art collection stand out (in a good way) in Music City, offering an elevated stay just blocks from Broadway's honky tonks. I especially love the rooftop pool and inventive cocktails at Four Walls.”

–Elizabeth Rhodes, Special Projects Editor

Bobby Hotel

Also available to book at Hotels.com

There's a Dog-In-Residence program that trains dogs to be emotional support animals for veterans.

The minimum check-in age is 21.

A 2021 World’s Best Awards winner, the Bobby Hotel can be found just off Printers Alley, a famed Downtown nightlife street north of Broadway that dates back to the 1940s. Now, when we say a hotel has personality, we don't necessarily mean that literally — but in the case of the Bobby, there's actually a "person" involved. The namesake of the 144-room hotel is a fictional character whose world travels inspire the hotel's decor, culinary options, and overall vibe.

Highlights here include four dining and drinking outlets, including Bobby's Garage Bar, which has an entrance right on Printers Alley; a spa; and a rooftop pool. Another fun feature is the Bobby Hotel's Dog-In-Residence Program, in which the hotel has partnered with the Nashville Humane Society to adopt dogs, train them to be emotional support animals through a stint as a hotel representative, then donate them to veterans in need. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the hotel is dog-friendly.

The Details: 

  • Neighborhood: Downtown
  • Distance from Airport: 9.4 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Ryman Auditorium, Broadway Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Johnny Cash Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
  • Rates: Starting at $213
  • Parking: Valet only, $55 per night

The renovated 1930s building gives off a New York–in-Nashville vibe.

True to the New York City aura, the entry-level rooms are small.

Whereas Bobby might be the party animal on Printers Alley, its neighbor Noelle could be likened to a sophisticated New York gallerist. The 224-room hotel, a World’s Best Awards winner in 2021 and a top-five finalist in 2023, is housed in a renovated 1930s building in Downtown Nashville that feels as if it were plucked from the streets of New York City.

Though the interiors have been updated with all the modern amenities you'd expect today, many of the original grand architectural elements remain — plus, all throughout are works by local artists and artisans. In the hotel's various public spaces, notably the Drug Store coffee counter in the lobby, you'll find visitors and locals mingling. Head to the rooftop bar and lounge Rare Bird for drinks and bites or downstairs to Makeready L&L for a sit-down meal, though you should note that from time to time, the subterranean restaurant is taken over by an immersive experience, like an Alice in Wonderland–themed eatery. There's also a hidden bar at the hotel, somewhere deep below ground…

  • Distance from Airport: 8.7 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Ryman Auditorium, Broadway Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Johnny Cash Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and suites
  • Rates: Starting at $216
  • Parking: Valet only, $20 per day or $55 for overnight stays

Urban Cowboy Nashville

Urban Cowboy Hotel

The decor in this old Victorian mansion is on another level.

Its location is fairly residential, though the restaurants and bars of East Nashville can be reached within a 10- to 15-minute walk.

Like so many other New York–based companies, Urban Cowboy made its way down south to Nashville, and with its eye-catching urban-meets-country aesthetic, the hotel is a perfect fit for the city. You'll find Urban Cowboy Nashville in East Nashville, more specifically in the residential Lockeland Springs neighborhood, which is rather unexpected in the Nashville hotel scene.

But pulling up to the hotel, you'll quickly understand why it's out here — it's housed in a Victorian mansion, and it has just eight suites. Of course, this is still Nashville, so there's a parlor wine bar with nightly live music, plus a pub in the carriage house. (Roberta's, another Brooklyn transplant, serves its pizza out back). As with the hotel brand's other locations, many of the suites here feature not only high-impact rustic decor, but also giant soaking tubs right in the bedrooms.

  • Neighborhood: East Nashville
  • Nearby Attractions: Five Points, The Basement East, Shelby Park, Nissan Stadium
  • Accessibility: ​​Upper floors accessible by stairs only, visual alarms in hallways
  • Rates: Starting at $228
  • Parking: Free self-parking

Four Seasons Hotel Nashville

The Four Seasons brand lets its hair down at this laid-back yet attentively serviced hotel.

It's one of the most expensive hotels in town.

An It List winner in 2023, Four Seasons Hotel Nashville is my favorite luxury property in town. A long-time fan of the brand, I visited for an all-too-brief two-night stay just before the property opened to the public in 2022. What surprised me was that even though the Four Seasons name is associated with luxury, the Nashville hotel embraces the let-loose nature of its location (a few blocks off Broadway in SoBro). For example, if you ask the concierge for recommendations, they might point you to a dive bar with the best live music in East Nashville.

That said, service is still impeccable, whether that's at the front desk, the spa, or the standout Mimo restaurant, an Italian–meets–Southern American spot that blew me away with caviar linguine topped with fried okra. After my stay, the 194-room hotel opened its seventh-floor pool deck and outdoor lounge, Rivière, inspired by the French Riviera, and I'm looking forward to returning to experience it.

  • Neighborhood: SoBro
  • Distance from Airport: 7.3 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Broadway, Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Music City Center, Johnny Cash Museum, Ascend Amphitheater
  • Accessibility: Wider wheelchair-accessible doors, entry doors have a secondary door viewer that is at an accessible height, lighting controls and thermostats within accessible reach
  • Rates: Starting at $500
  • Parking: Valet only, $57 per night
  • Pet Policy: Cats, dogs, and other domestic animals weighing less than 60 pounds

Hermitage Hotel

This hotel has a sense of grandeur unlike any other in Nashville.

There's no spa or pool.

Opened in 1910, the Hermitage Hotel is Nashville's Grande Dame, located downtown just across from the Tennessee State Capitol. The beaux-arts structure was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2020, after which it underwent a two-year restoration. While the hotel retains much of its original grandeur — just look at the ornate coffers in the lobby's ceiling — its public spaces and 122 guest rooms have been refreshed with a bright and airy palette of colors that blend tradition and modernity well.

Food and beverage are overseen by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten; choose from the signature restaurant Drusie & Darr, known for its extensive bourbon collection, and the all-day café and wine bar, the Pink Hermit. In 2023, the Hermitage was a top-five finalist in the World's Best Awards.

  • Nearby Attractions: Tennessee State Capitol, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Ryman Auditorium, Broadway, Bridgestone Arena
  • Accessibility: Accessible queen room with two queen-sized beds, accessible king room with one king-sized bed
  • Rates: Starting at $290
  • Parking: Valet only, $55 per night plus tax
  • Pet Policy: Pets welcome, no restrictions on weight or number of pets

W Nashville

The rooftop bar has excellent views.

This is a very lively hotel.

The W hotel brand is known for its upscale, life-of-the-party atmosphere, and that's certainly true of the Nashville outpost in the Gulch. Its public spaces are vast, welcoming in both guests and locals to its eateries, including the Italian chophouse Carne Mare and the Barista Parlor coffee shop; its bars, including the WET deck pool bar (non-guests can book day passes for the pool, by the way) and the rooftop Proof bar, known for its late-night DJ sets; and fitness classes, including yoga on the yoga lawn (complimentary for guests, paid for visitors).

While many Ws feature rather stark, concrete-heavy interiors, W Nashville provides a more residential vibe in its 346 rooms and suites — though there's still a touch of edginess with details like emerald green subway tiles and comic book–inspired art.

  • Neighborhood: The Gulch
  • Distance from Airport: 8.1 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Rudy's Jazz Room, Music City Center, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Frist Art Museum
  • Accessibility: Accessible main entrance, accessible restaurants, elevators
  • Rates: Starting at $272
  • Parking: Valet, $68 per day
  • Pet Policy: Pets welcome

1 Hotel Nashville

The decor transports you to a boho-chic beach destination.

Valet is $62 per night.

It's all about biophilic design at 1 Hotel Nashville, a top-five finalist in the 2023 World's Best Awards. That means it's all about connecting with nature, and nowhere is that more evident than in the Bamford Wellness Spa, 1 Kitchen, and Harriet's Rooftop bar, each of which are lush spaces with live plants just about everywhere.

The 215 rooms also have a touch of greenery, but the emphasis is more on wood elements — the walls are wood, there are wood beams in the ceiling, and some of the furniture is made of wood. If you didn't look out the window, you might think you're at an eco-chic beach resort somewhere in the tropics, not between Broadway and the Gulch in Nashville.

  • Distance from Airport: 8.4 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Frist Art Center, Broadway, Bridgestone Arena, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Accessibility: Hotel and guest room areas accessible
  • Rates: Starting at $269
  • Parking: Valet, $62 overnight
  • Pet Policy: Dogs and cats allowed, may be able to accommodate other animals

The Germantown Inn

This is a true B&B, with breakfast and happy hour included.

Amenities are limited, since it's an inn rather than a full-service hotel.

The key things to know about the Germantown Inn are right in the property's name: this is, in fact, an inn rather than a hotel, and it's located in the historic Germantown neighborhood. Like Urban Cowboy, the Germantown Inn is set in a former home — in this case, a brick one dating back to the 1860s.

Its 10 suites might be named after historical figures (presidents, mostly), but the decor is anything but traditional. Instead, bright colors abound with punchy prints showcasing each suite's namesake. Since this is an inn, amenities are somewhat limited. However, breakfast is included each morning, there's a daily happy hour, and staff is available 24/7 if there are any issues. And perhaps best of all, there's free parking.

  • Neighborhood: Germantown
  • Distance from Airport: 9.1 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Tennessee State Museum, First Horizon Park, Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, Tennessee State Capitol
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms
  • Rates: Starting at $236
  • Pet Policy: Two pet-friendly suites

The Russell

The hotel donates a portion of the room rate to local nonprofits helping those experiencing homelessness.

This is a self-service hotel, and pets are not allowed.

What happens when you transform a 115-year-old church in East Nashville into a boutique hotel? You end up with the Russell. This character-filled 23-room hotel retains plenty of design details from its previous life, including gorgeous stained-glass windows and repurposed pews. But it's now bursting with color and midcentury-inspired decor.

Now, the Russell has a bit of a quirk — it's largely self-service. There's no front desk, no daily housekeeping, and no on-site restaurant and bar. Instead, you're sent a code via email to unlock the door to the lobby, and there are free snacks and a Smeg coffee maker in the rooms. It's a bit of an unorthodox approach to hospitality, falling somewhere between a vacation rental and a hostel, but for low-maintenance travelers looking for a well-designed crash pad, this is the perfect stay.

  • Distance from Airport: 7.9 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Five Points, Nissan Stadium, The Basement East
  • Accessibility: No elevator
  • Rates: Starting at $189
  • Pet Policy: No

Fairlane Hotel Nashville

The '70s vibes are immaculate.

When you're housed in a former bank headquarters built in the 1970s, sometimes you just have to lean into the retro aesthetic — and that's precisely what the Fairlane Hotel did. The boutique property embraces a late midcentury design ethos in a way that's less kitsch and more refined, keeping original details like terrazzo floors and travertine columns and modernizing with contemporary furniture.

The on-site dining options include a lobby coffee bar (guests receive free drip coffee if they flash their room key) and a fourth-floor, indoor-outdoor eatery called Ellington's Restaurant. Something interesting about the Fairlane is that none of its 81 rooms are the same, and many of them have floor-to-ceiling windows that make them feel much larger.

  • Distance from Airport: 8.6 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Tennessee State Capitol, Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, Broadway
  • Accessibility: Accessible entrance, restaurant, and rooms
  • Rates: Starting at $280
  • Pet Policy: Limited number of pet-friendly rooms

JW Marriott Nashville

This is a true luxury hotel.

It frequently caters to business travelers and has a more formal atmosphere.

When it opened in 2018, the JW Marriott Nashville introduced a new level of luxury to the city. Located between SoBro and the Gulch, the 33-story tower is a standout in the neighborhood, and its reflective exterior is a hint at the (tasteful) glitz you'll find inside — at least in the public spaces. The 533 rooms, on the other hand, are rather serene, done up in a neutral palette that allows the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows to shine.

Restaurants here include Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina and the adjacent Bourbon Sky bar, which have exceptional city views from their vantage point atop the tower; a casual all-day café Stompin' Grounds Restaurant and its associated grab-and-go market; a lobby bar; and the seasonal Cabana Club pool bar and grill. There's also an outdoor pool and a spa to round out the facilities.

  • Distance from Airport: 7.6 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Frist Art Museum, Broadway, Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Accessibility: Elevators, accessible entrance, accessible restaurants, accessible rooms
  • Rates: Starting at $278
  • Parking: Valet, $58 per night
  • Pet Policy: Two dogs allowed per room

Know Before You Go

If you plan to visit during high season, book in advance.

Nashville is an extremely popular vacation destination with a lengthy high season — it begins as early as late April and runs through early October, peaking during the summer months. If you plan on visiting during this period, make sure to book your entire trip in advance , from accommodations and tickets to attractions, events, and dinner reservations. Could you do Nashville last minute? Absolutely! But give yourself the best odds of checking off your full wishlist (and doing so at a reasonable price) by booking ahead.

The city is surprisingly pet-friendly

You don't need to leave Fido at home when you come to Nashville. Many hotels are pet-friendly (though you might have to pay an extra fee), and many restaurants allow dogs in their outdoor dining sections. Plus, there's plenty of outdoor space for your dog to enjoy, from leash-free dog runs to the sprawling Centennial Park. Just be sure to call up a business in advance of booking or visiting to check their pet policies.

There’s more to Nashville than Broadway alone

It's true that most visitors to Nashville make a beeline for Broadway, with its famed stretch of honky tonks and live music pouring out of every business on the street. But there's plenty to explore elsewhere in Nashville, including world-class restaurants, museums, historic sites, and universities. Take some time to visit other neighborhoods, such as 12 South, where restaurants and boutiques line the main drag, or East Nashville, a bastion of nightlife beyond honky tonks.

How We Chose These Hotels

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance travel writer who has been vacationing in Nashville — and traveling there for work — for more than a decade. To select the hotels on this list, she relied on her own experiences, as well as the opinions of Travel + Leisure editors and other contributors. She also considered reader input, incorporating Nashville hotels that have won T+L’s World's Best and It List awards. Ultimately, she narrowed down the selection based on a hotel's location, amenities, decor, and value, choosing a range of properties that would suit a variety of travelers. And finally, she ensured that each hotel recommendation aligns with our T+L Hotel Values .

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Every Monday, I publish a new top 10 travel list to inspire you. You can subscribe to my newsletter (3x/week) by entering your email address in the box on the right side (desktop) or bottom (tablet, smartphone) of this page. You can also follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , and/or YouTube .

This is an overview of my top 10 travel lists published in 2022. For other top 10 travel lists, click here:

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i hope you can visit my island, is name sumba island nihiwatu beach

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Discovering Middle Eastern allure beyond sand dunes: Top 5 Saudi destinations that need to be in your 2024 travel list

Here's a guide for saudi arabia travel enthusiasts willing to explore untouched destinations in the middle east, with top 5 that should be in your bucket list.

If the travel enthusiast in you is willing to explore untouched destinations in the Middle East , the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 's rich cultural identity lies beyond its deserts and offers travellers a diverse array of experiences that captivate the senses and stir the soul from ultra-luxe glamping scenes under the AlUla sky to magnificent palaces nestled in the lanes of Diriyah. It is a land where history, tradition and natural beauty converge in a tapestry of unforgettable experiences so, to help you sample traditional Saudi dishes at bustling souks, attend live performances of traditional music and dance and explore contemporary art galleries that showcase the Kingdom's thriving artistic scene, we sorted out the travel details in this guide.

Discovering Middle Eastern allure beyond sand dunes: Top 5 Saudi destinations that need to be in your 2024 travel list (Photos by Twitter/TheSaudiGate/hashimumarali)

Here are top 5 Saudi Arabia destinations that need to be in your 2024 travel list -

  • Private Tour on a Horse Carriage Followed by Dinner Under the Night Sky

Saudi’s very first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra is an ideal destination for nature lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts. Covering 52 hectares, the destination features 131 breathtaking tombs and countless rock formations.

Visitors looking for an exclusive experience can hop on a horse carriage and witness the picturesque evening skies of Hegra as part of a private tour. Here, local Rawis or storytellers will guide tourists through and provide in-depth knowledge of Hegra’s fascinating history. From the monolithic tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza to ancient banquet halls, one can immerse themselves into the architecture of this great Nabataean civilization.

What’s even better is that the evening comes to a close with a private dinner under the Hegra sky, with a never-seen-before starry landscape.

2. An Arabian Winter Like No Other

Winter in Saudi? Yes, but with snow! The northern region in Saudi allows visitors to enjoy views of frosted shrubs and blanketed mountain peaks as they watch camels shuffling through winter’s magical flurries. Celebrate a seasonal dusting like a local by going on a mountain drive northwest of Tabuk or saddle up an Arabian camel for a winter weather experience you won’t forget. Then, choose from a wide variety of other seasonal activities, including hiking, camping, and sledding.

While there are a wide range of mountain experiences to witness in the region, snow seekers should lace up their boots and venture to Jabal Al Lawz, which means “Almond Mountain” in Arabic. Measuring 2,549 meters, it’s the tallest mountain in the Tabuk Province and the only place in Saudi where it snows almost every year — making it perfect for a winter hike.

3. Scale Al Qarah Mountain

Located just a 25-minute drive east from Al Hofuf towards Al Ahsa National Park is the village of Al Qarah along with its mountain. At the awe-inspiring peak of Al Qarah Mountain, the Arabic interpretations of nearby place names take on a profound significance. Al Ahsa, the designation for the governorate, signifies 'murmuring streams,' while Hofuf, the principal city, conveys the meaning of 'whistling wind.' The summit elevates 75 meters from street level and 205 meters above sea level, yet reaching the top doesn't demand significant effort, offering unmatched 360-degree vistas of Al Ahsa.

What leaves visitors in awe is not just the view from the top of the mountain, but also its mystical caves. The caves are a result of the Al Qarah Mountain sitting at the eastern border of the Shadqam plateau, connecting to Kuwait and Iraq in the north and the Rub Al Khali desert in the south. Sub-aerial weathering, shaped by rain and rivers instead of groundwater, has led to its distinctive curves, caves, and mushroom-like shapes. This process has also created narrow canyons and tall interior passages within the mountain that are a must-see.

4. Exploring Saudi’s History in Diriyah

Located in the historical district of Diriyah is Bujairi Terrace, a premium luxury dining destination with a curation of 20 exquisite restaurants and cafes that overlook the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Turaif – the birthplace of Saudi.

5. By the Red Sea

The Red Sea is known for its pristine landscape with the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system, 90 untouched islands, mountains, and mangroves - all in one place. It is a one-stop destination for adventure, entertainment, and one-of-a-kind enriching experiences. And that’s not all! One also gets a chance to spot turtles, octopuses, and rare fish and enjoy water activities including snorkelling, scuba-diving, kayaking, and yachting.

The Red Sea is indeed a perfect spot for scuba diving expeditions to explore nearby wrecks and discovery sites. Adults can also flyboard against the beautiful Red Sea sunset.

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USA TODAY 10Best

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards logo

Gastronomic grandstands: Readers rank the 10 best MLB stadiums for food

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards logo

Best Baseball Stadium Food (2024) March 20, 2024

While peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and hot dogs remain game day staples at ballparks across the country, fans these days are treated to a whole range of creative culinary offerings. These 10 stadiums — selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best for food — serve up some of the tastiest bites in baseball.

Globe Life Field

No. 10: Globe Life Field - Arlington, Texas

Great American Ball Park

No. 9: Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, Ohio

Guaranteed Rate Field

No. 8: Guaranteed Rate Field - Chicago, Illinois

Petco Park

No. 7: Petco Park - San Diego, California

Progressive Field

No. 6: Progressive Field - Cleveland, Ohio

Nationals Park

No. 5: Nationals Park - Washington, D.C.

Citizens Bank Park

No. 4: Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

No. 3: Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore, Maryland

American Family Field

No. 2: American Family Field - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Citi Field

No. 1: Citi Field - Queens, New York

About 10best readers' choice awards.

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

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These are the 10 most polluted national parks, from Sequoia to Yosemite, new report details

top 10 travel list

The National Parks Conservation Association has listed the most polluted U.S. national parks.

Five California national parks made the top 10 including Sequoia, Yosemite and Joshua Tree, according to the group's "Polluted Parks" report.

The climate report found that 97% of national parks suffer from significant or unsatisfactory air pollution levels and 98% suffer from haze pollution. Meanwhile, 96% are home to sensitive species and natural habitats that are hurt by ozone pollution and sulfur nitrogen deposition.

"Air pollution and climate change remain some of the most serious threats to the health of our parks today — and the problems they cause include weakening the health of plants and animals, permanently harming ecosystems and negatively affecting visitors’ health and enjoyment," the report said.

The study offers new data showing modest improvements since the NPCA's 2019 report.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks top list

The Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are considered the most polluted with significant concerns regarding visibility, health and nature.

The California joint parks face several climate change threats from wildfires, drought and invasive species. Industrial sources including oil and gas, agricultural operations and vehicles across the Golden State are responsible for the poor visibility and dirty air.

"With stunning mountains, caverns, forests, foothills and 2,000 plus-year-old sequoias towering overhead, the Land of Giants might seem invincible. In truth, these majestic parks, and the plants and wildlife which rely on them, face the unique and devastating consequences from human-caused air pollution and climate change," the report said.

Top 10 most polluted national parks

Joshua Tree and the Mojave Desert are also among the the most polluted U.S. national parks, according to the report. These parks regularly maintain unhealthy air that is harmful for vistors and rangers to breathe.

NPCA listed the following as the top 10 national parks with unhealthy air:

  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California
  • Joshua Tree National Park in California
  • Mojave National Preserve in California
  • Yosemite National Park in California
  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico
  • Death Valley National Park in California
  • Indiana Dunes National Park
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas
  • Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
  • White Sands National Park in New Mexico

Worst national parks for hazy skies

The report also listed the national parks with the most visible pollution or haze. Hazy skies obscure scenic views and landmarks detracting from the experience of visiting a National Park according to NPCA.

"Our sense of awe and wonder when we see vast and impressive landscapes — or even just the hill or skylinenearby — are part of our human experience of understanding our place in the world.

These are the top 10 worst national parks for hazy skies:

  • Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri
  • Mammoth Cave in Kentucky
  • Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico
  • Indiana Dunes
  • Hot Springs in Arkansas
  • Death Valley in California
  • Channel Islands in California
  • Dry Tortugas in Florida
  • Pinnacles in California

More From Forbes

10 best london souvenirs to bring home.

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Go shopping in London.

London’s rich history, iconic landmarks and vibrant culture lend themselves to unique souvenirs that encapsulate the dynamic city’s essence. When a fridge magnet just won’t cut it, here are 10 ideas for London-themed mementos that you can bring home to remind you of your trip.

The city’s iconic mode of transportation.

A Double-Decker Bus Model

Red London buses are one of the most ubiquitous images of public transport worldwide. A miniature replica of the classic double-decker bus, like the one you can purchase at the London Transport Museum gift shop, is a great keepsake for little ones expecting a souvenir.

Union Jack Merchandise

The Union Jack, the national flag of the United Kingdom, is an enduring symbol of British pride. For a touch of British flair, look for items such as tote bags, mugs and cushions adorned with the vibrant red, white and blue designs. The iconic Harrods store , celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, is an excellent spot to pick up fun Union Jack-emblazoned souvenirs with quirky illustrations of London landmarks.

Take some tea home.

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Tea and Accessories

Bring a taste of British tradition home with a selection of fine teas or elegant teaware. Opt for a box of classic English breakfast tea or explore blends from famous local tea houses like Whittard of Chelsea . You could even treat yourself to a beautifully crafted teapot or tea set from beloved luxury homeware brand Wedgwood .

Remember where memories were made.

A London Underground Map

The London Underground map isn’t just a navigational tool; it is also an iconic emblem of design. You’ll find it on posters, notebooks or even clothing, but a framed print would make a colorful wall hanging for a home office or study. Head back to the London Transport Museum to not only learn about the history of getting around the city but to score a few maps as well.

Keep your gift giving elementary.

Sherlock Holmes Memorabilia

For fans of detective stories, Sherlock Holmes mementos are a must. Look for magnifying glasses, pipes or classic novels featuring the celebrity sleuth. Baker Street, the fictional home of author Arthur Conan Doyle’s famed character and the official location of the Sherlock Holmes Museum, is also where to go to find items with the private eye’s likeness.

Cuddle up with something cute.

A Paddington Bear

The heartwarming story of Paddington Bear has traveled well beyond the U.K. since Michael Bond’s first book back in 1958, thanks in large part to the 2014 Paddington movie and a 2017 sequel that have been wildly popular with children and adults. Make a pit stop at Paddington Station (you can even take walking tours of the area) and pick up a cuddly keepsake of Britain’s best-loved bear from the themed gift store.

Royal Family Keepsakes

No London souvenir shopping list would be complete without a mention of the Royal Family , and there’s no shortage of regal memorabilia to bring home. Combine shopping and sightseeing with a trip to the Buckingham Palace Shop . Commemorative plates, mugs and figurines make for elegant and timeless gifts.

Gillray’s Bar.

A Bottle of London Gin

Bring home a bottle of locally crafted gin from one of the city’s best distilleries, such as Sipsmith or East London Liquor Company . They usually offer tours and tastings, so you can try unique flavors and blends before choosing your favorite.

At Forbes Travel Guide Recommended London Marriott Hotel County Hall , Gillray’s Bar boasts an impressive selection of more than 100 gins, including its own Gillray’s Gin. The bar also spotlights a “gin of the month” and hosts masterclass tasting events .

A Cookbook from Your Favorite London Restaurant

London’s dining scene is vibrant, diverse and innovative. Consider an unconventional souvenir: a cookbook to remember your favorite dining spot or London-based chef. If you have experienced the excellence of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London , why not pick up one of Blumenthal’s cookbooks to re-create the culinary magic at home?

Bring back a British Museum memento.

A Museum or Gallery Print

The city is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring museums and galleries, including the National Portrait Gallery , the Victoria & Albert Museum and the legendary British Museum. Most of the gift shops at these attractions have one-of-a-kind tokens, such as jewelry, homewares and accessories. If you’ve visited an exhibition you particularly enjoyed, purchase a poster or a print that you can frame and hang at home.

Eva Ramirez

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