Planning a big holiday can feel overwhelming when there are so many places you want to see. One way to make it easier is to focus on trips that feel worth the long flight, the planning, and the savings. These 10 ideas are classic bucket list holidays that give you strong experiences, not just pretty photos.
Whether you want culture, beaches, wildlife, or road trips, you will find options here that work for solo travel, couples, or family trips. Use this list as a starting point to decide what belongs at the top of your travel bucket list this year, and what can wait for the next holiday.
1. Italy: A country-sized bucket list in one trip
Italy works well when you want a holiday that covers history, food, and scenery in one route. You can split your time between cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, then add coastal areas such as the Amalfi Coast or Sicily. Even on a shorter trip, you can fit in ruins, museums, and relaxed meals in local neighborhoods.
If you are visiting for the first time, plan at least 7 to 10 days so you are not rushing between stops. Trains connect most major cities, so you can avoid driving in busy old towns and focus on walking and sightseeing. Booking central hotels or guesthouses can help you spend less time commuting and more time exploring.
2. Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto): Old and new in one holiday
Japan is a strong choice if you want a holiday that feels very different from home. In Tokyo, you get neon streets, markets, theme parks, and endless food options within a short train ride. You can spend your days visiting shrines and viewpoints, then end your nights in small local restaurants or convenience stores that stay open late.
Kyoto balances that pace with quiet temples, traditional inns, and calm streets. Many travelers split their time between the two cities so they can experience both modern and traditional sides of Japan in one trip. Aim for spring or autumn if you want better weather and a chance to see cherry blossoms or changing leaves.
3. African safari in Kenya or South Africa
If seeing wildlife is on your bucket list, an African safari is a holiday worth planning for. In Kenya or South Africa, game drives give you the chance to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos in their natural environments. You stay at lodges or camps where guides handle routes and safety, so you can focus on the experience.
Many travelers pair a few nights on safari with time in a city or on the coast. For example, you can combine a safari with Cape Town and the nearby winelands, or with Kenyan beaches along the Indian Ocean. This structure gives you a mix of adventure, culture, and rest in a single holiday.
4. Iceland or Finnish Lapland: Chasing the Northern Lights
If your ideal holiday includes snow, quiet, and star-filled skies, a Northern Lights trip is a strong bucket list idea. Iceland offers waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal pools, and coastal drives that you can fit into a short trip. You can join tours that focus on light spotting at night and sightseeing during the day.
Finnish Lapland adds winter activities on top of light chasing. You can try husky sledding, reindeer experiences, and stays in glass igloos or cabins designed for night sky viewing. Aim for late autumn through early spring, and remember that clear skies and flexible expectations make a big difference.
5. Maldives: Overwater bungalows and slow holidays
The Maldives is a good choice if you want a holiday where the main plan is to rest. Most resorts sit on private islands with clear water, house reefs, and quiet beaches. A typical day might include snorkeling, reading, spa time, and long dinners by the water.
This trip can be more expensive than a city break, so it is worth watching for package deals. Look for stays that include transfers and at least some meals, since food and transport can add up quickly. The Maldives pairs well with a short city stop in Sri Lanka, Dubai, or another nearby hub if you want variety.
6. U.S. or Canadian national parks road trip
If you prefer nature over big cities, a national parks road trip works well as a holiday. In the United States, you can plan routes around the Grand Canyon, Utah’s park loop, or Yellowstone. In Canada, the Rockies around Banff and Lake Louise offer lakes, mountains, and scenic drives that are easy to enjoy even on a short stay.
Driving gives you the flexibility to stop for hikes, viewpoints, and small towns along the way. You can mix camping, cabins, and hotels depending on your comfort level and budget. Just remember that park lodges and popular viewpoints can book out early in peak season, so planning ahead is important.
7. Greece and the Greek Islands
Greece is a great bucket list idea for holidays if you want a mix of history and beach time. You can start with a couple of days in Athens for the Acropolis and city walks. From there, it is easy to catch a ferry or flight to islands that match your travel style.
Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Milos all offer different experiences, from nightlife to quiet beaches and family-friendly towns. Island hopping lets you combine two or three islands in one trip without long flights. Traveling in late spring or early autumn can help you avoid peak crowds while still enjoying warm weather.
8. Peru and Machu Picchu
Peru is ideal if you want a holiday that blends city life, history, and nature. Many travelers base in Cusco, a high-altitude city with markets, plazas, and nearby ruins. From there, you can take a train to Machu Picchu or join a multi-day trek if you prefer a more active approach.
This trip requires a bit of planning for altitude and timing. You may want to build in a day or two in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to adjust before visiting Machu Picchu. If you have extra time, you can add Lima for its food scene or visit the Amazon region for more wildlife and river experiences.
9. New Zealand’s South Island
New Zealand’s South Island is a strong option for travelers who like outdoor activities and open roads. You can fly into cities like Christchurch or Queenstown, then connect smaller towns by car or campervan. Along the way, you will find fjords, lakes, and mountains that are easy to access through short walks or guided tours.
This holiday can be as relaxed or active as you like. Some visitors focus on scenic drives and gentle boat trips, while others build in hiking, kayaking, or adventure sports. Because the flight from many regions is long, it is worth planning at least 10 to 14 days if you can.
10. Paris plus a second European city
Paris is still a classic bucket list city for holidays. You can spend your days visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Seine, then explore local bakeries and smaller neighborhoods. Even on a short stay, it is easy to combine big sights with simple pleasures like people-watching at a café.
What makes this idea even more useful for holiday planning is how easy it is to pair Paris with another city. Fast trains connect it to London, Amsterdam, Brussels, and other major hubs in just a few hours. This means you can experience two different cultures, foods, and city styles in a single trip without adding another long-haul flight.
Bringing your bucket list ideas for holidays to life
You do not need to visit all of these places at once. Think about your time, budget, and energy level, then pick the one destination that fits your current season of life. Some trips, like safaris and overwater bungalows, may need more saving and planning, while city breaks and road trips can be more flexible.
Use this list as a working guide, not a checklist you must rush to finish. Each of these bucket list ideas for holidays is worth taking slowly so you can enjoy the journey, not just the photo moments. Start with the trip that excites you the most right now, and let the others wait their turn.