Which came first, the bucket list or kicking the bucket? I’ve been pondering this existential question hidden deep into the boredom of self-isolation.
My conclusion? Well, for someone who LOVES lists and travelling, I have never had a well defined bucket list. So with all the time in the world, I went on a quest to create my Top 10 Places to visit. Little did I know that would be an impossible task. As such, I settled for the next best number, 23, as 190-something places to visit would have been overkill.
So onto the list, shall we?
1. The Devil’s Pool – Zimbabwe
The Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River – the natural border between Zimbabwe and Zambia – is undoubtedly a wondrous place. But what makes it better is the little curious Devil’s Pool at the top, overlooking the falls. The rock barrier just above the tip allows for this natural pool to form and, from September to December, when the flow is at its lowest, swimming is possible.
Needless to say, the idea of swimming just above a 100-meter waterfall, and taking in the views from a oanafakind (ha, ha) vantage point, placed it at the top of my bucket list ever since I was around 13-14. Consistency, eh?
It also receives bonus bucket list points for being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
2. Maasai Mara – Kenya
How does a cat person level up? Going to see the big cats, of course. Going on a safari – any safari – has been a dream for maybe longer than the Devil’s Pool above. The Maasai Mara is an abundance of wildlife, from lions to zebras, antelopes and hippos – truly a Lion King-esque heaven. The Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino) can be found here, so that’s a bucket list tick in itself. While wildlife can be seen all-year-round, the greatest show is the great migration of wildebeest from August to October.
To top it all off, tourism is done responsibly here with a stronger emphasis over the past few years on the indigenous population of Maasai. Wildlife and cultural enrichment all the way.
3. Polar Lights – Polar Circle
After a failed attempt back when I didn’t even know I wanted to see the Lights, this natural phenomenon has quickly risen right to the top of my bucket list. The colourful dancing waves show up on the skies of the far North or South bearing sister Aurora names: Borealis and Australis. The experiences surrounding spotting Aurora are unique in themselves. Often set in remote winter wonderland-ish type of places, they’re away from the hustle and bustle and light pollution.
The typical hotspots Aurora B. frequents (the Scandinavian countries, Iceland, Canada or Alaska) offer complete adventures surrounding the Lights. My trip to Svalbard has been truly magical. Having visited during the Polar Night, I got to experience around 72 hours of complete darkness, the eerie silence and crisp air similar to that of a remote mountain village, Husky sledding and glacier hiking at -20 degrees Celsius. So even if the elusive Aurora doesn’t show up, the experience more than makes up for it.
While the season is technically all year round (Yay, Poles), the remote locations and specific weather conditions this diva-like phenomenon requires make its appearance even more of a treat. It’s no wonder it’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders. Yes, I’ll show myself out… as soon as I’m allowed to.
4. Mount Everest – Nepal
Yet another Natural Wonder of the World (spoiler: six out of the seven found their way onto my list). Now, I wouldn’t dream of conquering the peak. Between my knees and pockets not supporting the idea, the tourism surrounding it is questionable to say the least. The ethics come into play when it comes to both the environment and morality. Mountains of junk litter the way to the top in an symbolism that’s almost ironic – having to step over trash to get to the top. As far as the morality goes, you also have to step over literal bodies – an even more ironic symbolism – to get there. And let’s not forget David Sharp who died trying to conquer the peak, but not before 40-ish mountaineers made their way past him.
Okay, so why is it on your list if you hate it so much? Well, one, the Everest can be seen from various points in Nepal. The Basecamp Trek will have you pass through Namche Bazaar, which offers panoramic views of the peak. Two, Nepal is a bucket list country in its own right. With a Himalayan backdrop, jungles and a rich religious and architectural heritage, Nepal is so much more than a means to an (Everest) end.
5. Colourful Culture – India
While the first four have been on my bucket list since before I even knew I had a list, India is a fairly new addition. India seems to be one of those countries you can visit several times and it would surprise you every time. And unless you have a two-month vacation on hand, it will be next to impossible to take it all in. Even writing this, I do not know where to begin. From a melting pot of cultures, lifestyles, social-economic discrepancies, you can go from a luxurious Mumbai to the hidden tribes peppered all around India. And then all the architectural marvels, from lush palaces, temples and forts. And yum food.
Let’s not forget the wildlife. With the Bengal tiger topping the list, the fauna includes elephants, rhinos, crocodiles or the rare snow leopards in the north. There are conservation efforts in the numerous National Parks, so plenty of safari opportunities. Just avoid the tiger “sanctuaries“… it goes without saying.
6. The Great Barrier Reef – Australia
Darling, it’s better down where it’s wetter (Sebastian’s words, not mine). Australia has its own underwater safari in the Great Barrier Reef (#4 *wink wink). With over 1,500 species of fish, 5,000 of mollusc, sea turtles and colourful seaweed, it is a spectacle worth witnessing before it’s too late.
On another hand, Australia feels like one never-ending summer vacation. Not the type where you lie on the beach all day, but one that would allow you to combine a laid-back way of life with adventure and water sports. And with 34,000 km of shore, there’s no shor(e)tage of that.
7. Colourful Culture, part II – Mexico
Imagine a sweet, yet feisty, abuelita cooking the best damn tacos your tastebuds have ever encountered. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Mexican cuisine is as rich in recipes as it is in flavour, from the traditional home-cooked meals to the street food. And all that culinary richness is beautifully accompanied by (tequila) a culture that’s just as diverse and lively. There’s music, there’s dancing, there are mesmerizing festivals and an overall welcoming and homely feeling.
And that’s not to mention the incredible civilizations whose history can be discovered in the sites they have left behind.
8. Penguins – Antarctica
Listen, I am a lizard. I could bake in the sun for hours on end, while my tolerance to the slightest chill is way below the bar. Yet, I’ve always been drawn to the icier side of things, for which I blame my birth month.
A big thing that comes in most travel discussions is culture shock, the uniqueness, as people usually seek to see and learn about something completely different than what they have at home. Antarctica is exactly that, from the landscape to the indigenous population. And by indigenous population, I’m referring to the penguins and seals. Now, more than ever, a trip to Antarctica would be both a privilege and a gift, as well as an eye-opening experience. The ecosystem is fragile, so we can’t be sure for how long it will still be around in the same shape as we know it.
9. Tropical Forest – Borneo
The tropical rainforests range from the Amazonian Basin in South America, through Central Africa, all the way to South Asia. And Borneo is just in that sweet spot, boasting one of the lushest rainforest flora and fauna. We have the ourangutans, lovely Proboscis monkey, elephants, leopards and so much more. And fireflies! Did I ever mention I like animals?
The diversity does not end here. The deep waters are just as worthy of exploration, and there are plenty of scuba opportunities too. And of course, with it being in between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, the influences in culture and cuisine would make a Borneo excursion well-rounded.
10. Puffins – Faroe Islands
PUFFINS. That’s the entire case I’ll make for Faroe Islands. I am being unfair, of course, as this little country seems absolutely lovely. With deep green fields atop abrupt rocky coastlines overlooking the sea, wooden colourful houses and seemingly friendly people, it looks like a great retreat for a couple of days. And I don’t know if I mentioned, but they have puffins.
11. Ultimate Road Trip – US
Well, this kind of feels like cheating, but in all honesty, I’m not sorry. It’s a continent-sized country, but a country nonetheless. I imagine that going to the US would be similar to visiting a film studio and finally seeing all the props and secrets in real life. Being such a massive part of today’s culture, from movies to the news and the sometimes unbelievable stories coming out, it’s natural to wonder how much is real and how much is fiction. Is New York a dream? Are the food portions gigantic? Is LA full of interesting characters?What about the tipping culture? Is Route 66 the staple for free-spirited road-tripping? Is the Grand Canyon worthy of being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World? All in all, is the US… the US we’ve been shown?
12. Island Life – The Bahamas
This is probably the odd one out on this list. Sure, there’s the Caribbean dream with soft, white sandy beaches, blue waters, coconut cocktails and beach parties. The island life is a lifestyle on its own. As all its Caribbean counterparts, the Bahamas offers all that and more. There’s food (delicious food), a fusion between the South American traditional cuisine, seafood and fresh fruit, festivals with dancing and colourful costumes, island hopping…
So why the Bahamas? Well, the dreamy pink beach of the Harbour Islands is a bucket list tick in itself. And pigs. Somehow, the idea of swimming alongside mini pigs push the Bahamas well above the other Caribbean islands.
13. Icy Landscapes – Iceland
Iceland is an abundance of diverse pure natural beauty. Mesmerizing from the skies up above all the way to the deep waters below, it surely looks like an adventure to remember. The post-apocalyptic, rugged volcanic scenery is complemented by the outwordly black beaches, rocky mountains and glaciers. And then the natural hot tubs and mud baths act as outdoor spas, delivering the final blow.
And yes, close to the Arctic Circle, it is well within the Aurora Borealis range. This also means getting to experience the Polar Night or Midnight Sun which are must-dos in my book. Sheer beauty.
14. Middle Earth – New Zealand
I’m not going to pretend New Zealand is an undiscovered gem I’ve been dying to visit cause it’s different. It’s not in any way different than other beautiful places, but it’s the closest I can get to Middle Earth, so… In all honesty, though, if any of the scenes in Lord of the Rings have opened up your wanderlust, then that’s reason enough to visit its real-life counterpart.
New Zealand boasts with a lively landscape. There are the beaches (duh), snowy mountain peaks, serene lakes and wildlife (hello, kiwi!). Overall, it’s a well-rounded country that should find itself on anyone’s travel list at some point.
15. Tokyo – Japan
From an outsider’s point of view, Japan is a combination between a rule-abiding, proper and civilized urban lifestyle, a deep, deep-rooted sense of tradition and its quirkness. And I’ll admit, Japan doesn’t truly stand out to me on a personal level.
In contrast to the nature-heavy locations on this list (whether the emphasis was on wildlife or the landscapes), Japan does, however, offer another perspective: the urban scenery. Because Japan does urban and it does it well: transport, clean cities, and fresh air. All that is then wrapped up in a layer of quirky, anime-like advertising that might seem weird to the outer world but they somehow make it work.
16. The Ancient World – Egypt
A journey to Egypt is undoubtedly a journey to the past. Maybe one of the more ordinary travel destinations, it is nonetheless a must-see. Though obvious, I will spare you the “Oh, I’ve loved the Egyptian mythology ever since I was a little girl” tirade, you are welcome.
The dream trip through Egypt is down the Nile, starting off in Gizeh which houses the only ones of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing – the pyramids. Moving down the river all the way to Luxor, you’d be ticking off plenty of ancient landmarks: the temples of the Egyptian deities such as Ra, Osiris or Amon, the Valley of the Kings (and Queens), the Abu Simbel complex (with the temples of Ramses II and Nefertiti) and the new Library of Alexandria.
Lastly, all of this is topped with the rich Nile Delta, complete with its crocodiles, hippos and elephants.
17. Salar de Uyuni – Bolivia
There are a lot of breathtaking landscapes on this Earth, but when it comes to uniqueness, Salar de Uyuni is up there at the top. A sea of white, a crystal mirror, a neverending lake, you take your pick. Depending on where and when you visit, you can be greeted by any of the above, so it’s like a Kinder egg, minus the chocolate, but with tons of salt to make up for it. And then there’s the fauna to really take the point across – flamingos, endemic foxes and rodents and lots of birds.
And if we’re talking about Bolivia, you can’t really miss ticking La Paz (aka the highest capital in the world, at 3,640 m), their heart-stopping, high-altitude, single-track roads, or a venture into the Amazonian Forest off the bucket list.
18. People & Religion – Cambodia
Some ten years ago, there was this documentary about a Cambodian boy becoming best friends with a massive Burmese python. After getting over my initial bout of jealousy, Cambodia slithered slowly onto my radar. Of course, while the jungle could allow a glimpse of the Burmese python (among other wildlife), Cambodia is so much more than that. The Cambodians are a staple for welcoming, friendly people which, paired with a journey through the countryside and homestays, would make for an authentic experience.
By far the highlight of Cambodia is the easily recognizable Angkor Wat Buddhist temple complex. The largest religious monument in the world, it spans over 160 hectares and is a must-see as far as cultural tourism goes.
19. The Highlands – Scotland
The Scottish Highlights is what a little nerd’s dreams are made out of. Numero Uno, you have the Westeros landscapes. Green fields with a forest backdrop, peppered with stony castles to put you right into that medieval atmosphere.
Then we’ve got the Wizarding World. Edinburgh with its distinct architecture is the inspiration for Diagon Alley, while various natural landscapes provided the backdrop for the Hogwarts grounds. However, the most iconic landmark is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, part of the Jacobite Steam Train route, reminiscent of the Hogwarts Express.
Lastly, for a pinch of mystery and legend, there’s Loch Ness for a hopeful glimpse of Nessie.
20. Galapagos Islands – Ecuador
A no-brainer bucket list destination, the Galapagos Islands are a truly unique and diverse nature reserve. When it comes to pinpointing the highlight of the islands, there’s no clear winner. Between the giant tortoises known for their longevity, the marine iguanas or Darwin’s finches (which prompted the Theory of Evolution), wildlife here is remarkable. The marine life is just as marvelous, a true “melting pot”, as the World Heritage List puts it, thanks to the three oceanic currents intersecting here.
Lastly, the landscapes which resulted thanks to the seismic and volcanic activities offer plenty trekking opportunities. The Galapagos Islands will keep your eyes, heart and legs busy.
21. Niagara Falls – Canada
As with Vic Falls, the Niagara is right at the border between the US and Canada, and can be visited from either side. Rumour has it that the Canadian side is the prettier, albeit busier, one. The panoramic views can be captured from all angles and mediums, via boat tours, helicopter rides, panoramic stations or even hotel rooms. They do come alive at night when coloured lights play with the cascading water.
Niagara Falls aside, Canada is the daydream when it comes to the mountain fresh air. The picturesque pine forests, lakes and mountains create the right medium for camping, hiking and connecting with nature. Beware of bears, though.
22. The Other Ancient World – Greece
Before Harry Potter, my first fandom love has been fueled by a Romanian children’s book called The Legends of Olympus. Think of it as Percy Jackson’s long lost grandfather. And while I quickly realised I wouldn’t be able to drink Ambrosia with the Olympians any time soon, I could at least pay homage to Athena and Poseidon. Luckily the main places of worship for these two gods are still standing: The Parthenon and Erechtheion (which is, ironically, dedicated to both).
Another dimension of a visit to Greece would be recreating Hercules’s journey in fulfilling the twelve labours. Probably minus the final one in the Underworld… Lastly, visiting the ancient cities of Sparta, Delphi, Corinth…
23. Auschwitzh-Birkenau – Poland
I want to preface this by saying that this should never be regarded as a simple tick on the bucket list. Nonetheless, it is something we all need to see, educate ourselves about and learn from. And hopefully never, ever repeat again. This is all that can be said about this matter.
Whew, won’t you look at us, we made it to the end. What is important to remember is that we shouldn’t let ourselves be governed by bucket lists and take in all the moments as they come. There are thousands of wonderful places to be discovered, so let’s just made the most out of it.
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Notable Mentions: Patagonia, Brazil, Greenland, South Africa, the Baltic countries, Pompeii, French Riviera, Mongolia, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka… and I’m sure I’m missing a few.