Ranked: The top 20 bucket-list hotspots around the world
Looking for travel inspiration for your next adventure? We have you covered with our list of the best bucket-list hotspots to visit around the world.
Many of us create a bucket list of the top places we wish to visit in our lifetime. From areas of outstanding natural beauty to ancient wonders of the world, there are plenty of incredible destinations to be explored in every corner of our planet.
However, choosing where to visit can be a challenge, as it involves factoring in various considerations such as costs, safety, accessibility, weather, time of year, and even distance. But don’t worry, we have you covered!.
We’ve created a list of the top 20 international sights you should visit, including iconic landmarks, must-see natural attractions and more.
The Destination: Bucket-List Index
Our index has ranked 20 of the most popular bucket-list destinations from around the world, which were scored by a team of professional travel experts on 10 different ranking factors. The index is the perfect place for anyone weighing up where to visit next.
*Please note that the full methodology for each ranking metric can be found below
Our Top Five
Which bucket-list destinations came out on top? Let’s take a look at the top five…
Contents:
- Sagrada Familia, Spain
- Taj Mahal, India
- The Northern Lights, Tromsø, Norway
- Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Sagrada Familia, Spain
Total score: 83 out of 100
A visit to Barcelona isn’t complete without witnessing the incredible La Sagrada Familia, designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. The iconic Roman Catholic Minor Basilica is a shining example of Gaudí as an unparalleled innovator, characterised by unique shapes, vibrant colours and spectacular use of light. La Sagrada Familia is still famously under construction, after over 140 years, and has become a symbol of Barcelona and its rich history.
Top ranking metrics:
Social media score: Unique attributes include vibrant stained-glass windows and interiors inspired by nature.
Weather predictability: The weather for visiting La Sagrada Familia is easy to predict within 24 hours.
Cultural significance: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Barcelona's rich artistic heritage and Catalan identity.
Taj Mahal, India
Total score: 81 out of 100
The Taj Mahal, located in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is a beautiful Mughal-era marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan as a monument to his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered the pinnacle of Indo-Islamic architecture, blending Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, and is also regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the modern world.
Top ranking metrics:
Cultural significance: The Taj Mahal is a globally recognised heritage site representing Indian identity.
Beauty score: It is often regarded as one of the most beautiful mausolea in the world, due to its perfect symmetry and white marble.
Weather predictability: The weather for visiting the Taj Mahal is easy to predict within 24 hours.
The Northern Lights, Tromsø, Norway
Total score: 79 out of 100
Many of us have the Northern Lights on our bucket list, as they are often regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing travellers to witness a unique and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon where dancing colours fill the night sky. The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere. While Tromsø in Norway is often considered the best place to witness this incredible sight, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Scotland, Canada, and Alaska are also said to be notable hotspots.
Top ranking metrics:
WOW factor: When the solar particles hit different gases at different altitudes, they create a spectrum of colours, including green, red, blue, and even purple.
Uniqueness: They are a rare and beautiful natural phenomenon, only visible within the auroral oval.
Public rating: For many, witnessing the Northern Lights is a lifelong dream, a unique and awe-inspiring experience that stands out from the ordinary.
Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
Total score: 78 out of 100
The Niagara Falls are a collection of three powerful waterfalls located on the Niagara River, which marks the border between New York, USA, and Ontario, Canada. Millions of tourists visit the falls each year to witness the sheer power of the waterfalls, which flow around 2.6 million litres of water every second. For a closer look, guests can embark on a boat tour titled the Maid of the Mist - but be warned, you will get wet!
Top ranking metrics:
Public rating: Guests rate the sheer power and beauty of one of the world's most famous waterfalls.
Social media score: The Niagara Falls ranks highly for social media tags, hashtags and posts.
Facilities: Visitors can find facilities such as bathrooms, water stations and places to sit.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Total score: 77 out of 100
Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious monument, a vast temple complex in Cambodia built initially in the 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, and later transformed into a Buddhist temple. It belongs on our bucket list due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring intricate carvings, ancient architecture, and a rich history as the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire.
Top ranking metrics:
Cultural significance: Angkor Wat is a symbol of Cambodian identity and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture.
Public rating: Visitors enjoy the breathtaking architecture and intricate details.
Social media score: Angkor Wat regularly ranks in first place as the top thing to do in Cambodia.
The Full List:
Methodology: How did we select the top 20 spots?
We selected the 20 bucket list hotspots based on popularity from previous lists compiled by several different sources, including Tripadvisor, National Geographic and Forbes. Our team of professional travel experts then ranked each destination for each of the 10 metrics (10 being the highest, 1 the lowest).
Here’s how each metric was ranked:
Social Media:
How are the destinations perceived on social media by visitors? How many location tags, comments, hashtags and general social media posts about the destination?
Weather Predictability:
Could the weather for the destination be predicted within a 24-hour period?
WOW Factor:
Does the destination take your breath away?
Accessibility:
Is the destination accessible for people with mobility issues, and is it accessible year-round?
Safety:
Is the destination safe? Factors might include crime rates, wildlife considerations, dangerous weather or general safety issues.
Uniqueness:
How unique is the destination? Is there anything similar in the world?
Cultural Significance:
Does the destination have any historical, spiritual or cultural associations?
Beauty:
How beautiful is the destination?
Facilities:
What facilities can you find at the destination? These might include restrooms, food & drink establishments or seating areas, etc.
Public Rating:
What is the overall public rating from visitors on TripAdvisor?
Ready to embark on your next adventure?
Hopefully, we’ve inspired your bucket-list travel itinerary. If you’re looking to visit some of the incredible destinations on our list, why not consider a cruise? With destinations across the world, including Europe, North America and Asia, you can visit some fantastic places all in one trip.
We offer a variety of cruise types that cater to all, including all-inclusive cruises, family cruises, luxury cruises, river cruises and more. Book your next adventure with us today and look forward to a holiday of a lifetime.