From Iceland’s wild landscapes to Japan’s hidden gems and the most magical seasonal destinations, these are the trips that will leave you speechless. After exploring 50+ countries, we’re sharing the bucket list trips that truly live up to the hype!
There are some trips that stick with you forever—the kind that leave you in awe, challenge your perspective, and make you fall even more in love with the world.
Whether it’s witnessing the northern lights dance across the sky, spotting wildlife up close on an African safari, or trekking to ancient ruins, these experiences are the ones that turn into lifelong memories.
After exploring more than 50 countries—many of them more than once!—we’ve experienced some truly unforgettable destinations. From epic natural wonders to vibrant cultural experiences, some places simply belong on every traveler’s bucket list.
So, which trips are really worth dreaming about?
Keep reading for the once-in-a-lifetime adventures we think you should add to your bucket list!
1. Iceland
We’ve been to Iceland several times and there’s just no other place in the world like it.
Volcanoes, waterfalls around every corner, black sand beaches, wild hot springs… I could go on and on, but I’ll just say I can nearly guarantee you’ll love it here!
One of the best things about Iceland is how easy it is to explore on your own. Whether you’re road-tripping the iconic Ring Road, chasing the Northern Lights, or soaking in a secluded hot spring, Iceland will leave you speechless.
Trust us, you’ll be planning your return trip before you even leave!
→ We have a done-for-you Iceland itinerary so all the planning work has already been done!
2. New Zealand
If New Zealand were in a beauty contest, she’d get a crown! Truly, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it is a very worthy bucket list trip.
Personally, we think NZ is best explored in a campervan so you can pack in as much as possible. But you can totally do it as a traditional road trip too.
We’ve got everything you need to plan the NZ trip of your dreams!
→ Did you know we have a done-for-you New Zealand itinerary you can copy?!
3. Japan
Japan is one of our favorite countries and we could plan a lifetime of trips there and never get tired of it!
Picture soaking in an onsen with mountain views, wandering through historic villages, or hiking through bamboo forests with no one else around. We think that some of the lesser-known spots will be the highlight of your trip.
If Japan intrigues you, you’re in luck because we have all the resources you’ll ever need. No exaggeration!
It can be an overwhelming destination to plan on your own, so please let us help because it will 100% be a trip of a lifetime!
→ We have the PERFECT Japan itinerary already planned for you!
4. New England Fall Foliage Road Trip
We’ve been to many countries and US states during the fall, and without a doubt, the region with the best foliage and autumn vibes is: New England.
The rolling hills explode into fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a real-life postcard everywhere you look. It makes the perfect road trip and best of all, we have a map with pins of all sorts of hidden gems and our favorite spots.
→ Steal our custom New England Google Map with TONS of pins!
5. Thailand
We’ve spent a LOT of time in Thailand over the years (and even called it home twice). This is a country we think everyone can fall in love with (if you plan your trip right, that is!).
It’s very budget-friendly, has a beautiful culture, and the food is incredible.
That said, some hotspots are way too touristy, so we recommend choosing wisely.
Some of our favorite places include Chiang Mai (& much of northern Thailand), the islands of Koh Lanta & Koh Lipe, Khao Sok National Park, and the north of Koh Phangan (aka away from the crowded beaches of the famous Full Moon Parties.
6. PNW
The Pacific Northwest (aka the PNW) covers Washington, Oregon, Idaho and BC (Canada). It is easily our favorite region of the USA. No competition.
The PNW has everything – small towns & big cities, lakes, rivers & oceans, mountains, rainforests – you name it! And it makes the BEST road trip.
This is another place on this list we’re biased about because it’s where we live, which means we have so many secret local tips for you!
Psst! Despite what you’ve heard, not all of the PNW is rainy. The areas east of the Cascade Mountains experience lots of sunshine! (Yes, really.)
→ Related: We’re sharing our tried-and-true tips to saving money for travel!
7. European Christmas Markets
This is hands-down one of the most magical travel experiences you can have! Imagine sipping mulled wine while strolling through twinkling markets, munching on warm roasted nuts, and browsing handmade ornaments in centuries-old town squares.
We’ve done several Christmas market trips over the years – on a tight budget, solo, as a couple, as a family – and each time has been incredible.
You can change up your itinerary to hit different towns and markets, making the possibilities endless.
8. Canadian Rockies
We may be a little biased because Banff & Jasper are where we took our honeymoon (THE BEST EVER, btw!). We’ve visited since, and you know how some places don’t quite live up to how you remember them? Well, this is NOT one of those places.
It absolutely lived up to (& blew away) all of our memories. The Canadian Rockies has so much beyond Banff & Jasper, btw (check out Yoho, Canmore, the Kananaskis, and the other provincial parks in the area!)
Insider tip: If possible travel here in early to mid-September for great weather but way fewer crowds than summer!
9. Tanzania safari
A safari in Tanzania is one of the ultimate bucket list trips, and while we haven’t done this one yet, it’s at the top of our list! Our team member Amanda got to experience it firsthand, and her stories (and photos!) have had us dreaming ever since.
Bonus offer for YOU!
Planning safari logistics in Tanzania can be a bit (read: extremely!) complicated. Safari Republic made Amanda’s trip seamless!
Here’s what she had to say…
Safari Republic is an owner-operated boutique safari company with a combined decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of the Tanzania safari circuit. I stumbled upon them when doing research for my Tanzania safari trip and was blown away by the attention to detail and level of support I received.
I had such a good experience traveling with Safari Republic throughout Tanzania, I knew I wanted to continue that relationship, and introduced Jackie to Katie and Ben. Before we knew it, a partnership was born.
10. Italy’s Amalfi Coast
If we had to pick one place in Italy to return to over and over again, it would be the Amalfi Coast. Perched along the cliffs, the sorbet-colored villages look straight out of a dream.
Whether you want to sip on a spitz in Positano, hike the Path of the Gods, or take a boat trip to Capri, the Amalfi Coast is pure romance and adventure wrapped into one.
The only downside? It’s super popular—so planning ahead is key to avoiding the crowds!
→ We have the perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary so all the planning work has already been done!
Want to know something cool?
We have resources for each of these destinations to help you plan the perfect trip!
One thing you should know about Two Wandering Soles travel guides is that we focus on hidden gems and experiences that most travelers miss.
So save this article, and when you’re ready to start planning, we’ve got your back!
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We want to hear from you!
Which of these bucket list trips are most interesting to you? Do you have a bucket list destination(s) you’d add to this list? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!