It's said that traveling is the only thing we buy that makes us richer. Not in the sense that traveling adds extra zeros to our bank balance; quite the opposite, actually. But spontaneous or long-awaited escapades often become life-changing trips that very moment we realize how much they add to our lives once we return home and start unpacking. While we believe that any experience is a good experience (hence any destination is worth traveling to), our resources, both time- and money-wise, are often limited. Thus it's essential to identify what our hearts gravitate toward the most.
And while everyone's travel bucket list should be individual, certain top travel destinations make it almost to every other bucket list. Most commonly, it's the natural wonders, historical heritage sites, architectural landmarks, or geographical locations of historical or popular events. And while some of the popular travel destinations will probably be known to you, you will also likely discover something new as unique travel destinations span all seven continents (and oceans!)
Below, we've compiled a list of the best travel destinations and what many travelers agree to be trips that change your life. Have any popular tourist destinations listed below also made it to your travel bucket list? Let us know by giving them an upvote. Also, have you ever gone on a trip that has shifted your perspective and how you view things? Let us know in the comments!
#1 See The Northern Lights (Iceland, Northern Parts Of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Canada, And Alaska)

No matter your interest in astronomy (or lack thereof), you can't help but geek out when you watch the magenta, violet, and green colors dance around one another. Due to its proximity to the "Auroral Oval," a ring zone enclosing the Arctic North Pole where aurora activity is concentrated, Fairbanks is one of the best places in the USA to observe the Northern Lights.
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27points
#2 Drive The Ring Road In Iceland

The ten-day trip around Iceland's Ring Road will make you feel like you're on another planet as you pass hot springs, volcanoes, waterfalls, fjords, and glaciers. Hiking, mountaineering, caving (including ice-caving!), whale watching, and other activities are also something you can do while on a trip. Also, if you go at the right time, you may see the Northern Lights!
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26points
#3 Visit The Ancient City Of Petra In Jordan

Several remarkable buildings, notably the well-known Al-Khazneh, were carved into the sandstone rock cliffs to form the magnificent ancient city of Petra. Since the city is thousands of years old, history buffs must visit this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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23points
#4 Go On A Safari Game Drive In Tanzania, Kenya, Or South Africa

The epitome of #travelgoals and #nomadiclife is a safari game drive. Expect scenes straight out of National Geographic whether you decide to go on a game drive in South Africa, the Serengeti, or any other location that offers one. Right in front of your eyes, elephants will stop for a refreshing drink at a watering hole as leopards chase gazelles over the savanna. You might have to pinch yourself to ensure this is not just a dream!
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20points
#5 Travel Through Europe By Rail

Traveling by rail from London to nearly everywhere, including Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Prague, Helsinki, etc., is surprisingly simple, quick, and comfortable. Finding out how to do it and where to get tickets is the challenging part.
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20points
#6 Hike Machu Picchu In Peru

It's no surprise that Machu Picchu is a popular tourist destination, given its renowned agricultural terraces and mortar-free construction. The Lost City of the Incas is still fascinating today even though it dates all the way back to the fifteenth century. The journey to this ancient highland site will take your breath away. Hopefully, not because of the change in altitude!
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19points
#7 Bike Through Amsterdam, Netherlands

Everyone rides a bicycle in the Netherlands, from 3-year-olds to 93-year-olds; thus, that is one of the country's most distinctive features for most people (the Red Light district is also one of them). Hence, if you are a cycling fan, Amsterdam is definitely the city for you. Also, while there, you can visit the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House or take a canal tour to rest your legs.
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19points
#8 Hit The Streets Of Rome, Italy

Go to Rome and embrace your inner historian. Discover all the historical sites transformed into lovely Instagram backdrops, like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. Don't forget to reward yourself with some delicious pizza and creamy gelato. Mamma mia, che bello!
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16points
#9 Unwind In Beautiful Bora Bora (French Polynesia)

Whoever mentions a dream vacation spot also mentions stunning scenery, a warm climate, a white sandy beach, and turquoise water. All of this and more are promised by Bora Bora. Travelers are drawn to this idyllic island in the South Pacific tucked away in a gorgeous lagoon's warm waters, which offers much more than just a picture-postcard setting.
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16points
#10 Explore Vietnam

Every traveler should make a trip to Southeast Asia, especially foodies who enjoy street fare. A journey to Vietnam will be fascinating and full of beautiful scenery, interesting cultural experiences, and mouthwatering cuisine. In addition, Vietnam is also known for its rice terraces, floating marketplaces, coffee, and motorbikes (86% of households own one).
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16points
#11 Explore Bagan In Myanmar

A Southeast Asian dynasty that ruled over this metropolis 1,000 years ago displayed its wealth by building 10,000 Buddhist temples along the Irrawaddy River. More than 2,000 still exist. In contrast to Cambodia, where massive groups of tourists visit Angkor Wat, Bagan is still a tranquil destination where locals in longyis and sandalwood makeup showcase the attractions. Small groups of fellow travelers climb the temple terraces around sunset to observe the sky illuminated by hundreds of spires. There aren't any mega-hotels or expansive resorts here, though. All that's left is a trip back in time to an Asia that's long gone in many other areas.
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16points
#12 See Moai Statues On Easter Island In Chile

Easter Island has long been a destination for tourists intrigued by the massive moai statues. The lengthy journey to this remote Polynesian island is well worth it for tourists eager to see these magnificent human figures and take in some breathtaking coastal vistas.
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15points
#13 Get Lost In Bali, Indonesia

With good reason, the phrase "tropical paradise" is frequently used to describe the island. Artists and authors have sought sanctuary in Bali for many years because of the inspiration there. Bali is the genuine deal: it has a breathtaking landscape, fantastic food, vibrant nightlife, and tranquil retreats. This is still a place of retreat even if it is frequently flocked by tourists. Bali offers visitors a chance to reevaluate by providing its own living model, whether camping in a backpacker hostel or spending a week in a resort.
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15points
#14 Hot-Air Balloon In Cappadocia, Turkey

Although there are many breathtaking locations for hot-air balloon rides, few of them, if any, can compare to Cappadocia. Think of hovering above fairy chimneys, pinnacles, hills, valleys, and churches hewn out of the rock. An aerial adventure of this nature will undoubtedly alter your perspective forever!
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14points
#15 Saunter The Streets Of Paris, France

If you get the chance, dress up, don a beret, and munch on croissants while walking the streets of Paris. Few places do landmarks as well as the city of love with so many available to choose from, including the famous Eiffel Tower, the gothic Notre Dame, the Louvre, and gardens galore.
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14points
#16 American National Park Road Trip

Many tourists' bucket lists always include the traditional American road trip, and for a good reason. The finest way to experience the nation's magnificent national parks, such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, is on a road trip that includes stops at quaint small towns and kitschy roadside landmarks. Just pack many American snacks, and you are good to go!
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14points
#17 Visit The Holy Land In Israel

One of the holiest places on Earth is the city of Jerusalem, which is located in Israel. After all, that is where Jesus Christ spent a significant portion of his adult life. To understand the historical importance of this location, you don't need to be Christian or religious. Regardless of faith, it is still a sight to witness.
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14points
#18 Wine Taste In Tuscany, Italy

French wine connoisseurs won't appreciate this one, but Tuscany is exceptionally wonderful with its rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, and fairy-tale castles. You will become irrevocably hooked and spoiled if you have the opportunity to drink Chianti directly from the barrel.
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13points
#19 Explore The Opulence Of Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok's mouthwatering cuisine, beautiful palaces, and revered temples bring culture and tradition to life. To really appreciate Bangkok's magnificent architecture, visit the Reclining Buddha, Grand Palace, or Wat Arun. Even though the capital of Thailand is known for its delectable street food, you should exercise caution when trying the local fare. If you're not used to eating it, some delicacies, such as luu moo, and larb leuat neua, both made with raw animal blood, could give you a bacterial illness.
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13points
#20 Soar To The Top Of Table Mountain In South Africa

Stopping at Table Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders Of The World, will perfectly round out your voyage across southern Africa. Table Mountain, South Africa's most popular tourist destination, offers a stunning view of Cape Town and is home to around 8 200 plant species. As it's an easy-moderate difficulty, a fit hiker could reach the summit in an hour. Yet, depending on fitness level and distance walked, it generally takes 1.5 to 3 hours one way.
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13points


