16 Dream-Worthy Vacations That You Should Take One Day
Based on the 195 countries in the world, we’ve compiled a list of 16 destinations to add to that ever-growing bucket list. We tried to encompass varying interests on the list but couldn’t include everywhere or everything in this large, large world. From Alaska to Bali, these are 16 places to visit at least once in your lifetime.
1. Alaska
Alaska’s otherworldly beauty will quite literally take your breath away. Mount Denali, the highest mountain in North America, looms in the distance. Depending on when you visit, snowshoe, ski, or hike through mountainous terrain, surrounded by Alaskan wildlife like moose and bears. Within the Kenaj fjords, plentiful wildlife lives its daily lives. These include otters, whales, sea lions, puffins, and fish who entertain passersby on glacial cruises. Many locations in the state offer viewing locations of the famous Alaskan bears catching their salmon dinners. The Alaska Railroad delivers spectacular views of the countryside and the bears feasting on the fish.
2. Costa Rica
The best part of Costa Rica is its duality. One side of the island houses gorgeous beaches full of howler monkeys and tropical vegetation. Visitors lounge by the Pacific Ocean water, tanning and wallowing in the white, black, or pink sand beaches. The other side appeases those looking for a jungle excursion, where creepy crawlers and mammals mingle at night. A vacation full of ziplining, exploring volcanos, rafting through waterfalls, and dipping in hot springs.
3. Bora Bora
Bora Bora appeals to travelers looking for a small island that doesn’t skimp out on the beauty. The driving portion of the island takes less than an hour to complete, yet the stunning views of Mount Otemanu and the lagoon surrounding the island make for a dreamy visit. Visitors enjoy snorkeling and diving throughout the crystalline water, exploring the coral reef stretching throughout the island, and hiking Mount Otemanu. Matira Beach is the most famous beach on Bora Bora. Known for clear water, shady palm trees, white sand, and ample wildlife, Matira Beach provides a fabulous destination for swimmers and snorkelers looking for that authentic Bora Bora experience.
4. Thailand
Thailand pleases every traveler with a unique experience. The country isn’t limited to a remote spiritual oasis but is a diverse bucket list destination with city and country life activities. Those wanting to indulge in the spiritual practices prevalent in Thailand rejoice at the country’s hundreds of gorgeous Buddhist temples. Guests craving that city feelenjoy the myriad floating markets promoting local vendors, record-setting open-air markets, malls, and delectable food. On the explorative side of activities, Thailand hosts horseback riding retreats, white water rafting, skydiving, mountain biking, shark diving, and anything else you see in an adrenaline magazine.
5. Peru
Peru houses incredible ancient archaeological finds and architecture. We can’t begin to scratch that surface without speaking about The Lost City of the Incas or Machu Picchu. A blanket of fog covers the main mountain peak in the center of Machu Picchu. When the fog peels back, tourists gasp and gaze at the remnants of the ancient Incan civilization. Ruins, llamas, birds, and bears, surround the mountain, making a home. Other ruins in Peru includeSaqsaywaman near Cusco, a lost Incan fortress and religious site. Pro tip: don’t miss the chance to go on an alpaca and llama tour in Peru.
6. Great Barrier Reef
Visit the largest barrier reef in the world for exuberant snorkeling, diving, and swimming opportunities. The reef, located off the Australian coast, runs about 1,400 miles. The coral reef system encompasses wildlife like lobsters, seals, whales, clams, turtles, seahorses, and numerous other sea life. Visitors enjoy witnessing the formation close-up or from a helicopter’s perspective. Informative helicopter tours provide a different viewpoint of the colossal formations under the ocean.
7. New York City
Lady Liberty. The Brooklyn Bridge. Broadway. Times Square. Coney Island. All these landmarks or locations make New York City, New York City. The fast-paced town comprises five boroughs, each with its own specialty. Manhattan houses most tourist attractions, such as the Empire State Building and Broadway, while the Bronx is known for birthing hip-hop. Queens stands out for its cultural diversity and the location of both major NYC airports, LaGuardia and JFK. Harlem is another important culturally diverse hotspot with many entertainment options and music to fuel the soul. The last borough, Staten Island, steps away from the city landmarks and expands into the countryside of New York. Zoos, historic towns, and parks make up this popular borough.
8. Iceland
In my opinion, Iceland’s beauty trumps most other places regarded as “the most beautiful in the world.” Nicknamed the land of fire and ice, actual volcanoes and ice caves make up the European wonderland. Folklore flows through the region, animating the cities and parks spread throughout the country. Locals believe in elves, trolls, and evil cats, among other mythical creatures. Pairing that mysticism with constant access to lava fields, geysers, waterfalls, and hot springs makes for a magical vacation. Bonus points if you catch the northern lights.
9. London
The capital of England, London, yields unique architecture on either side of the longest river in England, the River Thames. Visitors adore visiting the outskirts of Buckingham Palace, the royal administrative office protected by the King’s Guard, or the men clad in red and black who move in unison. The London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel, transports visitors up 443 feet for an unparalleled look over London. Every landmark sticks out in the famous skyline. For spooky fans, embark on a Jack the Ripper tour led by tour guides who devote their lives to uncovering one of the oldest mysteries in the world.
10. Serengeti
This destination thrills animal lovers from all corners of the world. Deep in Northern Tanzania, one of the best and most famous savannas sustains countless wildlife species, the most prevalent being lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and cape buffalo. A trip to the Serengeti typically includes a safari tour led by an expert guide tasked with educating the group. A hot air balloon offers a distanced outlook over the plains and a walking safari. Other animals you might glimpse during a Serengeti tour include hippos, crocodiles, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, and hundreds of birds.
11. Honduras
Honduras interests scuba divers, archaeologists, adrenaline chasers, and wildlife enthusiasts throughout its diverse ecosystem. The Central American island resides on the Caribbean Sea, where snorkelers and divers rush into the ocean for remarkable views of parrot fish, whale sharks, manta rays, and bottlenose dolphins in the Meso-American Barrier Reef. Those with an interest in ancient civilizations flock to Copán, an ancient Mayan ruin. The archaeological site contains a macaw sanctuary, a temple, and a sacred tomb.
12. Norway
Another wonderful destination for a chance to see the Northern Lights is Norway. However, Norway also stands out for its fjords. A stream of water runs through the middle of two cliffs or two mountains, making a fjord. As age-old glaciers collected rocks and dirt as they trudged through the Earth, these formations occurred. As they moved forward, the glaciers sculpted these iconic fjord formations. Guests swim, kayak, raft through the fjord water, or walk around the gorgeous scenery.
13. Arizona
The sheer size of Arizona impresses its tourists. I recently took a trip to Tucson, Arizona, from Las Vegas. We spent the last five hours of the drive in Arizona, making our way to the cactus-laden, foodie haven. Near Tucson, the Saguaro National Park invites explorers to relish in the monumental cactus population and Arizona-specific wildlife (snakes, roadrunners, lizards, or kangaroo rats, for starters). On the other side of Arizona, the Grand Canyon gives visitors an extraordinary look at the red-rock creation. A hot air balloon ride over Sedona flies visitors over huge red rock creations and the desert wildlife.
14. Portugal
If you crave a foodie destination met with the most delicious, hand-crafted wine in the world, Portugal is your bucket list destination. Besides plates of salted cod matched with a cool glass of Port, the archipelago entrances guests with scenic beauty. Vineyards upon vineyards run through the hills, and bounds of beaches invite guests to bask in the sandy beauties, maybe surf on the sea, and gaze on Portuguese architecture– a mix of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque– that pepper the cities.
15. Bali
Bali’s commitment to spirituality and the environment makes it a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Spend one-day visiting rice terraces or sustainable mountain inventions that save water, harvest rice, and stop landslides from destroying the environment. A popular religion in Indonesia, Hinduism, powers many temples in the sacred city. In fact, the highest temple in Bali, Lempuyang Temple, peaks at around 4,000 feet above sea level. Other activities include:
- Visiting a monkey forest.
- Roaming around waterfalls.
- Beach-going.
- Swinging in the forest on the Real Bali Swing.
16. California
Like several of the selections on this list, California possesses many sides. Historians rejoice when visiting Alcatraz Island, an infamous federal prison and lighthouse in San Francisco. In San Diego, the USS Midway Museum displays naval ships used in combat and explains their relevance. San Diego also gives visitors fascinating opportunities to whale watch on the Pacific, browse a humongous zoo, and admire sea lions and seals relaxing on La Jolla Cove. Thousands of visitors make trips to California for its forestry diversity. For example, Joshua Tree prides itself on its Joshua Trees, the Redwood National Park boasts those ancient giants and Sequoia National Park and Yellowstone embrace their Sequoias, the most massive trees on the earth.
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