Bucket List Destinations

I don't know where to go!

You are writing your bucket list, and you love travelling, but you just don't know where you want to go!

That sums me up - whilst I love travelling and seeing new things, I have no imagination at all and tend to rely on my wife Fran who has great ideas of things she wants to do and go, so I am generally happy to just tag along for the ride!

Of course, bucket list destinations tend to vary based on your interests and preferences, but there are some truly iconic destinations.

So if you are looking for some inspiration to get you started then here are some of the popular ones:

Machu Picchu, Peru

This ancient Incan city nestled in the Andes Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

This is one place I have been! I recommend it to anyone who has not explored the real South America. If you can, include a 2-day hike (or for the braver and fitter a 4-day hike) that ends by walking into the city in the early morning. The nearby city of Cusco which is the entry point to this region for many visitors is worth a longer stay with its many attractions and excellent food. In fact if you do plan to trek you will a couple of days to acclimatise to the altitude and Cusco is the prefect place to do this.

Getting there
For most Europeans the entry point is Lima, with frequent flights from Madrid. Once there you will need a domestic flight to Cusco, the regions principal city. Numerous tour operators and trekking companies will then get you to Machu Piccu or to the start of your trek.

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The Taj Mahal, India

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this breathtaking marble mausoleum in Agra is a symbol of eternal love and architectural beauty.

Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it stands as a symbol of eternal love. This magnificent marble mausoleum showcases intricate details, symmetrical gardens, and a shimmering reflection pool. Its central dome and four minarets create a breathtaking silhouette against the sky. Renowned for its grandeur, symmetry, and historical significance, the Taj Mahal remains a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and undying love, drawing millions of visitors annually to behold its timeless splendor.

But don't limit your visit to just the Taj Mahal. I have visited India several times, it is a vast and fantastic country with amazing people and stunning countryside that will wow your senses. Ideally you need to take your time and see as much of its eclectic wonder as you can.

Getting there
Ironically the nearby town of Agra lacks the beauty of the Taj Mahal but this will be you base for your visit. Agra is well connected to the major cities of India by train, the nearest being Delhi. Train is the best option giving plenty of opportunity to see the beautiful countryside and experience the real India. The local airport has limited domestic flights but is an option for those with less time.

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The Great Wall of China

An architectural marvel spanning over 13,000 miles, The Great Wall stands as a testament to ancient Chinese engineering. Constructed over centuries by various dynasties, it served as a defensive fortification against invasions. Made of stone, brick, and other materials, it winds through mountains and valleys, featuring watchtowers and fortresses.

Its purpose was not just defense but also as a communication route and customs barrier. With breathtaking views and cultural significance, the Great Wall symbolizes China's rich history and remains an enduring symbol of human ingenuity, drawing visitors worldwide to marvel at its grandeur and historical significance.

I was lucky to visit China in my late 20s and made a trip to the Great Wall (back then the Chinese controlled tourists very closely!). One thing that strikes you is the sheer scale of the wall - it is a huge construction, like a continuous castle wall, and to think that it stretches for thousands of miles makes you realise what a fantastic feat it was to build.

Getting there
The wall spans thousands of miles across so there are several sections accessible to visitors. Here are common ways to reach some of the most popular sections:

  •  From Beijing: The most accessible sections from Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu, easily accessible by bus, taxi or organised tours.
  • Jinshanling or Simatai: These sections are farther from Beijing but offer a more rugged and less crowded experience. Tours or private transport are common options to reach here.
  • Huanghuacheng: This section combines wall and water, featuring a reservoir. It's a bit farther and less crowded, often accessible through tours or private transportation.

Some sections might have restrictions or limited access during certain times of the year.

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Venice, Italy

Venice is a unique romantic and enchanting city renowned for its intricate network of canals, historic architecture, and artistic heritage. Built on a series of islands, it is a labyrinth of streets, ornate bridges (like the iconic Rialto and Bridge of Sighs), and grandeur of St. Mark's Basilica.

You can hire a gondola and glide along serene waterways while vibrant markets and quaint piazzas invite exploration. For art lovers Venice is the home to masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, and other Renaissance artists. Foodies will love Venice too, with fresh seafood to delectable Italina cicchetti. Overflowing with history and timeless beauty, Venice is an unforgettable experience steeped in history and romance.

I visited Venice when I was 16 on a school cruise of the Mediterranean, so the idea of it being a city of romance was a little over my head back then! We were more interested in trying to get served alcohol underage in a bar! So it is one of those places that I have on my bucket list to visit with Fran and have a more cultural and romantic experience this time.

Getting there
Cars are not allowed in the city centre so most vistors tend to arrive either by air of train.

Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is located on the mainland and is well-connected to major cities in Europe and around the world. From the airport, you can reach Venice by water taxi, bus, or shuttle service.

Venice is well-connected by train to other Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan, as well as neighbouring countries. So if you are on a fly-drive trip then it's a good idea to leave your car in one of those cities and continue your journey to Venice by train.

If you are on a budget, buses operate between Venice and the nearby cities. They're a more affordable option compared to trains or flights.

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The Pyramids, Egypt

The Egyptian Pyramids stand as an eternal testament to ancient engineering and cultural significance.

These monumental structures, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, were built over 4,500 years ago as royal tombs for pharaohs. Rising from the desert sands near Cairo, they showcase remarkable precision in design and construction, each block meticulously placed. The Great Pyramid, built by Khufu, remains one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Surrounded by mystery and awe, these pyramids continue to captivate the world, offering a glimpse into the rich history, beliefs, and architectural prowess of ancient Egypt.

Having been to Machu Piccu, I can't help but draw a similarity between the two with their amazing engineering feats and precise designs and construction.

Getting there
The Giza Pyramids are located near Cairo which is well connected by air to numerous innternational cities. From Cairo the pyramids are about 8 miles southwest. You can reach them by taxi or ride-sharing services that take you directly to the pyramids. Buses and minibusses operate from Cairo to Giza. They might not drop you directly at the site, but you can take a taxi from the drop-off point. Various organised guided tours from Cairo are available.

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The Great Barrier Reef (and Australia in general)

The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, is the world's largest coral reef system and another UNESCO World Heritage site. Stretching over 1,400 miles, it's a natural wonder visible from space.

Home to an incredible array of marine life—corals, fish, mollusks, rays, dolphins, and more—the reef is a biodiversity hotspot. Its vibrant corals, including the iconic staghorn and brain corals, create a stunning underwater landscape. The reef offers diverse activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing, allowing visitors to witness its breathtaking beauty and discover its rich marine ecosystems.

I debated whether to add this to the list because the reef faces threats due to climate change, pollution, and human activity. So travelling half way around the world to see it will only be adding to the carbon footprint of the visitors.

That said, if you are not in Australia already and you are determined to see the reef and are prepared to make the long journey, Australia offers a number of must-see sights that you should try and visit while you are there. Sydney offers the iconic Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour and the nearby Blue Mountains. Melbourne is a dynamic and diverse city known for its arts, culture, culinary scene, and vibrant neighborhoods. Uluru (previously known as Ayers Rock) is another iconic site to visit, a remote sacred sandstone rock formation in the heart of Australia's Red Centre within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Getting there
Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, offering diving and snorkelling, boat tours and scenic flights. Cairns Airport connects to major cities and international destinations. Queensland Rail operates train services from Brisbane, known as the "Spirit of Queensland" line taking around 24 hours. For those on a budget long-distance bus services run by different operators connect with other cities and towns.

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Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park, nestled in the Canadian Rockies, is a majestic wilderness wonderland known for its breathtaking landscapes. Towering snow-capped peaks, pristine glacial lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and dense forests create an awe-inspiring backdrop. Home to diverse wildlife such as grizzly bears, elk, and wolves, the park offers hiking trails, scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway, and opportunities for outdoor adventures like skiing, canoeing, and wildlife spotting. Banff's hot springs provide a relaxing soak amidst nature's splendor. With its stunning vistas and boundless outdoor activities, Banff National Park remains a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

I visited Banff in 2016 on a family road trip from Calgary to Vancouver, staying at some great family-friendly youth hostels along the way. Stunning scenery and the wierd turquoise Lake Louise but didn't get to see any grizzly bears! A car is essential if you want the flexibility of moving around at your leisure.

Getting there
Banff is best accessed by road from Calgary. The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) connects Calgary to Banff, providing a scenic drive into the park. Car rentals are available at the airport and in Calgary. For those who don't want to or can't drive, shuttle companies operate services from Calgary to Banff.

 

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So there are a few ideas for you, and maybe these will give you some ideas of your own or give you inspiration to get out there.

One thing worth mentioning - sometimes there are wonderful things to explore on your very own doorstep. We are now looking to get a small motorhome and start venturing out with the dogs and exploring parts of the UK that we have never got round to seeing, like the far north of Scotland or Ireland.

Happy exploring!

Mark

 

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