A panoramic cityscape featuring famous landmarks from ten major cities around the world with people exploring vibrant urban streets and parks.
Top 10 Bucket List Travel Destinations You Need to Visit at Least Once
Written by Isabella Bird on 5/1/2025

Ancient and Iconic Landmarks Around the World

Historic sites offer travelers a unique glimpse into the past, connecting modern visitors with great achievements in architecture, culture, and human history. Exploring these destinations means witnessing remarkable construction and cultural stories that have shaped entire civilizations.

Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas

Machu Picchu in Peru stands as a testament to the engineering skill and spiritual legacy of the Inca Empire. Known as the Lost City of the Incas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site sits high in the Andes Mountains and is surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Many travelers take the renowned Inca Trail, a multi-day trek offering stunning views of lush valleys, misty peaks, and ancient stonework. Upon arrival, visitors find well-preserved structures such as temples, terraces, and the Intihuatana Stone, a ritual stone tied to Inca astronomy.

For those interested in culture and natural beauty, Machu Picchu provides a window into the daily life and beliefs of the Incas. Visiting requires planning due to its protected status, but the breathtaking views and archaeological richness make the journey memorable for many.

Taj Mahal: Symbol of Eternal Love

Located in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most recognizable buildings and a symbol of enduring love. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this ivory-white marble mausoleum to honor his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles.

The structure is most famed for its grand central dome, intricate floral carvings, and precious inlay stonework. Thousands come each year to walk the formal gardens and reflect by the monument’s symmetrical pools, capturing views often described as serene and picturesque.

Visiting during sunrise or sunset enhances the monument’s visual beauty, as light plays on the marble façade. Travelers appreciate not only its artistic features but also the powerful story of devotion it represents.

Eiffel Tower: Parisian Icon

The Eiffel Tower is a defining symbol of Paris and one of the most visited landmarks on the planet. Completed in 1889 for the World’s Fair, it was once the tallest structure in the world and remains a marvel of iron lattice engineering.

Situated on the Champ de Mars, the tower rises over 300 meters and offers panoramic views of the Paris skyline from multiple observation decks. Tourists can ascend by elevator or stairs, each route providing a different perspective on the complex ironwork and city below.

The tower sparkles nightly with thousands of lights, drawing visitors year-round for dining, photography, or simply to admire a piece of famous architecture. Its central location and cultural prominence make the Eiffel Tower a must-visit for anyone exploring France.

Breathtaking Islands and Beach Retreats

Spectacular island destinations around the world offer travelers a unique mix of natural beauty, clear waters, and relaxation. Some stand out for their luxurious accommodations, vibrant marine life, and iconic scenery.

Maldives: Tropical Bliss

The Maldives is synonymous with picture-perfect beaches, turquoise lagoons, and a sense of seclusion. Known for its signature overwater bungalows, the country consists of more than 1,000 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean.

Visitors often praise the Maldives for its pristine white sand and spectacular coral reefs. It is a top destination for scuba diving, featuring diverse marine species such as manta rays, turtles, and reef sharks.

Snorkelers and divers can explore underwater caves, vibrant coral gardens, and shipwrecks close to many resorts. Couples and honeymooners flock to the Maldives for its privacy and upscale amenities.

Spa treatments, private dining on the beach, and glass-floored villas elevate the experience. Dining often includes fresh seafood and international cuisine, making it easy to enjoy world-class meals while overlooking the open sea.

For those craving tranquility mixed with adventure, the Maldives is a must-see destination on any travel bucket list.

Bora Bora: Overwater Luxury

Bora Bora delivers unmatched luxury, famed for its overwater bungalows perched above a crystal-clear lagoon. This small South Pacific island in French Polynesia is encircled by a barrier reef, making the waters calm and ideal for snorkeling and diving.

The volcanic peaks of Mount Otemanu provide a dramatic backdrop, while the turquoise lagoon is dotted with vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Water sports, including paddle boarding, jet skiing, and kite surfing, are popular for those seeking active adventures.

Resorts in Bora Bora focus on exclusivity and comfort. Guests can expect direct water access, glass floors for marine viewing, and private pools.

The island is also a favorite for romantic getaways and honeymoons. Visitors often highlight the breathtaking sunsets and excellent hospitality as reasons to return.

Fiji: Pacific Paradise

Fiji is an archipelago in the South Pacific, well-regarded for its stunning beaches and welcoming culture. With over 300 islands, travelers can find everything from lively resorts to untouched, secluded hideaways.

Marine enthusiasts travel to Fiji for world-famous scuba diving and snorkeling. The soft coral reefs and clear waters support diverse marine life, including colorful fish, dolphins, and turtles.

The Great Astrolabe Reef is especially renowned among divers for its thriving ecosystem and challenging dives.

Fiji’s friendly atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle create a relaxing environment. Visitors can participate in local village visits, traditional kava ceremonies, and fire-dancing performances.

Activities such as kayaking, sailing, and hiking lush trails provide options beyond the beach.

Santorini: Iconic Greek Beauty

Santorini stands out as one of Greece’s most famous islands, recognized worldwide for its stunning caldera views, whitewashed architecture, and blue-domed churches. The island is built on ancient volcanic rock, giving it dramatic cliffs overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea.

The beaches range from unique black and red volcanic sand stretches to traditional pebbled shores. Santorini’s crystal-clear waters and hidden coves are perfect for swimming, sailing, and snorkeling.

Oia and Fira offer winding streets, boutique shops, and traditional tavernas serving local seafood and wines. Sunset views from the caldera are among the most photographed in the world.

Visitors can also explore archaeological sites like Akrotiri, take boat tours to volcanic islets, and sample the island’s renowned wines.