My Travel Destination Bucket List
The top 10 travel destinations and adventures that rank at the top of my wish list.
Every country in the world makes for a long list. See what destinations make the running for the top 10 spots on my travel bucket list.
The world is full of so many amazing destinations. It’s nearly impossible to make a list of all the places I want to visit, as I want to see them all. However, there are certain locations and adventures in the world that are a bit more intriguing and that I’ve had my eye on for a while.
Popular cities and well-known places are all fine and dandy; it's the less-traveled and harder-to-reach places of the world that tend to hold the most magic. While my travel bucket list may look a lot different than most people, never just a book by its cover, or a list in this case. From the Pacific islands and deserts of Africa to the Amazon jungle and European hiking trails, here are the top 10 destinations and experiences that made the cut for my travel bucket list.
Hitichhike on the Mauritania Iron Ore Train
Hitchhiking on the iron ore train in Mauritania is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers an unparalleled adventure through one of the most remote and spectacular regions of Africa. The iron ore train is the world's longest train and spans over 2.5 kilometers in length, consisting of up to 200 cars loaded with iron ore that travel from the mining town of Zouérat to the coastal city of Nouadhibou. Hitchhiking across the African desert isn’t most people's idea of fun, but it’s becoming more and more popular for adventure travelers, and I hope I can experience this journey before the word spreads.
Overland West
I haven't seen much of Africa yet, which draws me to the continent even more. Overlanding West Africa is a unique and thrilling experience that offers a glimpse into some of the most diverse cultures on the continent. It is an adventure like no other and a journey that takes you through a kaleidoscope of landscapes and a host of vibrant and welcoming people along the way. While it’s not the easiest region in the world to travel, it’s one that will be memorable and adventurous, without a doubt.
Discover Djibouti
Have you ever heard od Djibouti? If your answer was no, I am not too surprised. This small African country lies in the eastern horn between Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. It’s one of the most fascinating and underrated countries in Africa, full of rich cultural heritage, a unique mix of African, Arab, and French influences, pristine beaches, breathtaking deserts, and the jaw-dropping Goda Mountains. I’ve only heard good things about Dijbouti from previous travelers and can’t wait for the day I can discover the magic for myself.
Road Trip in New Zeland
My first van-life experience happened in Ireland, and my second has consisted in an RV in the United States; let’s try it in New Zealand. I’ve heard fantastic things about the country and have worked with so many wonderful people from the region; experiencing it long-term firsthand would be, without a doubt, a fantastic journey. New Zealand is also known for its outdoor adventures, from hiking and skiing to bungee jumping and skydiving. Road-tripping in a van would allow me to take full advantage of all these activities, and with numerous campsites and holiday parks scattered throughout both islands, easily find a place to park and enjoy the outdoors.
Hike to the Largest Waterfall in Guyana
Guyana is one of the least visited countries in South America, making it an obvious choice for those who like to travel off the beaten path. The largest and most incredible waterfall in Guyana is Kaieteur Falls, the most powerful in the world (5x taller than Niagara Falls), and it is located deep within the Amazon rainforest. Unless you have the funds, getting to this natural wonder isn’t easy, as it requires a trek through the jungle or a long boat ride. However, I have already been doing research and found various tour guides who lead expeditions to the falls, stopping at local villages and giving you a memorable and unique cultural immersion along the way.
Attend the Benin Voodoo Festival
New Orleans has been one of my favorite cities in the world for as long as I can remember. Besides the fun and entertainment, the city has a long history, a lot involving Voodoo. The Voodoo religion has been mistaken over the years and has lost its importance and true meaning over time; however, it still holds strong and well in Benin.
The Benin Voodoo Festival, also known as the Fête du Vodoun, is an annual festival that celebrates the ancient and unique religion of Vodoun in Benin, West Africa. The festival is significant because Vodoun is an integral part of the cultural heritage of Benin, and it is practiced by a significant portion of the population. Attending the Benin Voodoo Festival is a unique and immersive cultural experience that offers a rare insight into the rich and complex history and traditions of West Africa. It is an opportunity to witness ancient rituals and customs that have been practiced for centuries and to connect with locals and other travelers who share an interest in spirituality and culture.
Walk the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a pilgrimage route that stretches across Europe, ending at the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The journey is an ancient and sacred tradition that has been completed by millions of people over the centuries, with pilgrims from all over the world undertaking the trek for religious, spiritual, or personal reasons.
I’ve always loved hiking, even as a little girl. But as I’ve gotten older, I have slowed down in terms of exercising. I think accomplishing this route as an adult would benefit me both mentally and physically, and the chance to prove to myself, once again, that I can conquer anything I put my mind to.
Attend an Ayuascha Ceremony in Iquitos
This is something I have spent years of my life researching and listening to personal journeys, and one I am hoping to take for myself in the near future. Psychedelics have been used by cultures around the world for centuries for their powerful ability to induce altered states of consciousness and bring about profound spiritual experiences. After struggling with mental health for years, I decided to experiment and dive into the more natural side of healing, and I have been intrigued ever since.
Ayahuasca, a potent psychedelic brew made from the Ayahuasca vine and other plants, is one such substance that has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to induce spiritual awakening and healing. The power of Ayahuasca lies in its ability to induce a profound spiritual awakening and to bring to the surface emotions and issues that may have been buried deep within the psyche. With proper preparation and guidance, an Ayahuasca ceremony can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing
Island Hop on the Pacific Islander
The Pacific Ocean is home to hundreds of islands and a handful of countries that are often skipped over or simply forgotten about by many travelers. Not me. The nations of the Pacific are full of untouched beauty, beautiful beaches, and some of the most unique cultures in the world. Thankfully, the Pacific Island hopper makes visiting these destinations a little bit easier.
While it comes with a hefty price tag due to the geographical location and climate differences, bouncing around the islands of the Pacific would be an adventure of a lifetime. Many of these nations are dealing with the huge effects of climate change and rising water levels and are slowly sinking into the ocean itself. A few decades from now, some of these destinations could very well be inaccessible or disappear completely; I want the chance to experience them before this happens.
Visit Tribal Villages in Chad
Chad hasn’t always had the best reputation. Conflict, corruption, and bad press have made tourism limited, and the country is now falsely perceived by the rest of the world. While it’s definitely not the safest or easiest country to travel around, it’s one of the most unique in all of the world. Chad is home to more than 200 different ethnic groups, each with their own distinct culture, traditions, and way of life.
Meeting new people and experiencing new cultures is one of the best parts about traveling, and my personal favorites. Road-tripping through Chad and stopping at different villages along the way would give me a front-row seat to a new way of life and something completely different than I have ever seen before. And, hopefully, shine a new perspective on the region and show the world that there are always good people, no matter where you go.
While every country is on my list, these destinations and adventures have been on my radar for a long time. Whenever I do hit these locations, I know it will be something special and memorable; I just know it. I hope you have enjoyed my travel destination bucket list and that it has inspired you to open your mind and do some research on these exciting locations for yourself.