19 Places to Add to Your Bucket List

A bucket list can get your creative juices flowing and can create excitement in your life. It can even remind you of who you have always dreamed of becoming. The nineteen countries I added to this list are each unique in culture and history. Below you will find fun facts about each place and things to do in each country.

#1: Cuba

• Cuba is one of the most interesting countries in the world. Tourists can stroll along the old and historic buildings, drive an old fashion car, and have an infamous Cuban cigar. The country is known for its colorful colonial cities, which crawl with 1950s Cadillacs.
• Fun Facts:
  • Cuba is the largest island of all the Caribbean Islands
  • Cuban cigars were made world-famous by the Spanish
  • Cuba has the second largest reef in the Caribbean
  • The name Cuba means fertile land
  • Cuba is home to the world’s smallest bird
  • Cuba’s flag represents freedom and independence
• Things to do:
  • Visit Havana, Cuba
  • Stroll along their old, historic buildings
  • Drive an old fashion car (1950 Cadillac)
  • Have a Cuban cigar
  • Visit their turquoise beaches
  • Vintage Car Tour
  • Visit Fusterlandia
  • Join the Winter Carnival in Havana
  • Learn about the Cuban Revolution
  • Explore the colonial plazas of Havana
  • Visit Murealando
  • Visit Vinales, Cuba
  • Horseback Riding in the valley of Vinales
  • Hiking in Vinales
  • Visit Santiago de Cuba
  • Visit the Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba
  • Visit Trinidad, Cuba
  • Visit Playa Ancon
  • Swim in the waterfalls of Topes de Collantes National Park
  • Climb the bell tower of Trinidad Church
  • Visit Santa Clara, Cuba
  • Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara
  • Snorkel or Dive in the Bay of Pigs
  • Do cacao tour in Baracoa, Cuba
  • Hike the El Yunque in Baracoa
  • See Flamingos at Laguna Guanaroca

Similar Post: 19 Things to Do in Cuba

#2: Italy

• Italy:  Italy is a country in the south of Europe. It is often described as a country shaped like a boot. Italy has the greatest number of Roman Catholic churches per capita.
• Facts About Italy:
  • Italy is slightly larger than Arizona
  • People have lived in Italy for Over 200,000 years
  • The longest river in Italy is the Po
  • The ice cream cone, the typewriter, and eyeglasses are Italian inventions
  • Over 75% of Italy is mountainous or hilly
  • The Roman Emperor was Augustus Octavian, who came to power in 27 BC
  • Italy’s national dish is pasta
• Things to Do:
  • ROME:
  • Trevi Fountain
  • St Peter’s Basilica
  • Villa Borghese Gardens
  • Try Gelato
  • Make Pasta
  • Visit the ‘Typewriter’
  • Baths of Caracalla
  • The Capuchin Crypt
  • Appian Way and Catacombs
  • National Museum of Rome
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Pantheon
  • Spanish Steps
  • Castel Sant’Angelo
  • Piazza del Popolo
  • The Jewish Ghetto
  • Piazza Novana
  • St Peter’s Square
  • Galleria Borghese
  • The Pantheon
  • The Vatican Museum
  • Trevi Fountain
  • St Pete
    • TUSCANY:
      • Saturnia Hot Springs
      • Taste wine at Tuscan Vineyard
      • Horseback Ride through the hills of Tuscany
      • Cypress Tree Viewpoint
      • Agriturismo Baccoleno
      • The Abbey of Sant Antimo
      • Bagno Vignoni
      • Podere Belvedere
      • Capella di Vitaleta
      • San Quirico d’Orcia
      • Pienza, Montepulciano
      • Cycle tour of the Chianti wineries
      • See the Tuscan countryside from above on a hot air balloon ride
    • FLORENCE:
      • David at the Academia
      • Uffizi Gallery
      • Boboli Gardens
      • Climb Duomo
      • San Lorenzo Market
      • La Giostra (Restaurant)
      • Via de’ Tornabuoni
      • Ponte Vecchio
      • Pitti Palace
      • Bike Tour
      • Try Florentine Steak
      • Piazzale Michelangelo
      • Day trip to Siena
      • Palazzo Pitti
    • ALMAFI COAST:
      • Hike the Path of the Gods
      • Take a Day Trip to the Island of Capri
      • Visit Mount Solaro
      • Visit the Blue Grotto in Capri
      • Villa Cimbrone in Ravello
      • The Terrace of Infinity
      • Furore Beach
      • Visit Atrani
      • Eat Dinner at Ill Trident in Positano
      • Arienzo Beach Club
      • Explore Amalfi Town
      • Admire the Amalfi Cathedral
      • Drive the Coastal Road
    • NAPLES:
      • Galleria Umberto e Sant Carlo theatre
      • Capodimonte royal palace and museum
      • Naples Cathedral
      • Piazza del plebiscito
      • Mount Vesuvius
      • Pompeii ruins
      • National Archeological Museum
      • Veiled Christ at Cappella Sansevero
      • Castel dell’Ovo
      • Walk along Spaccanapoli
      • Unesco World Heritage Site
      • Eat Pizza, Parco Virgiliano
      • Ancient Tunnels and Caverns
      • Castel Nuovo
      • Watch an opera performance at San Carlo Theatre
      • Royal Palace of Naples
      • Admire the architectural work of Cappella Sansevero
    • VENICE:
      • Gondola Ride
      • St. Mark’s Square
      • Doge’s Palace
      • Cross the Rialto Bridge
      • Picnic on the Canals
      • Eat at the Counter
      • Cross the Bridge o Sighs
      • Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

Similar Post: 31 Things to Do in Rome, Italy

#3: St. Thomas

• Background: St. Thomas is one of the three United States Virgin Islands, along with St. Croix and St. Johns. This place is one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world!
• Fun Facts:
  • St. Thomas is approximately 3 miles wide and 12 miles long
  • The climate is tropical all year round with an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit
  • The local currency is the U.S. dollar
  • Driving is on the left-hand side
  • The island is volcanic rising to a maximum elevation of 1,550 feet
  • Pack light clothing and lots of sunscreen
• Things to do:
  • Explore Charlotte Amalie
  • Shopping
  • National Heritage Sites (Black Beard’s Castle, Fort Christian, St Thomas Synagogue)
  • Explore Underwater (Swim with Sea lions, Turtle Encounter)
  • Drake’s Seat
  • Mountain Top
  • 99 Steps that lead to Blackbeard’s Castle
  • Paradise Point
  • Visit the Mangrove Lagoon and go kayaking, snorkeling, or even paddle boarding
  • Diving Excursion
  • Magens Beach
  • Sapphire Beach
  • Lindquist Beach
  • Tour to Nearby Islands
  • Natural Parks in St. John
  • Enjoy the taste of St. Thomas (Callaloo, Empanadas, Funjee
  • Visit Magic Ice (Largest Permanent Ice Gallery)
  • Snorkel at Coki Point Beach
  • Zip Lining
  • Secret Harbour
  • Beach Bum at Water Island
  • Frederick Lutheran Church
  • Go Hiking at Hassel Island
  • Go Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Pirates Treasure Museum
  • French Heritage Museum St. Thomas
  • Plantation Crown and Hawk Botanical Garden
  • Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden

#4: China

• Background: China is the most populous country in the world as it is home to almost one-fifth of the world’s population. It is home to 1.3 billion people. The Chinese cultural values include harmony, benevolence, righteousness, honesty, and loyalty.
• Fun Facts:
  • The highest mountain on the border with china is Mount Everest.
  • The longest river in China is the Yangtze River.
  • Beijing is it’s capital
  • Shanghai is the largest city
  • Chinese is the official language
  • China is a one-party communist state
• Things to do:
  • The Great Wall of China
  • Walk of Faith at the Tianmen Mountain
  • Heavens Gate
  • Terracotta Army
  • Silk Route
  • Lhasa
  • Mount Kailash
  • Ice Sculptures at the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
  • Yangtze River Cruise
  • Forbidden City
  • Li River
  • Yellow Mountain (Huangshan)
  • Summer Palace
  • West Lake, Hangzhou
  • Buddhist Art in the Magoa Caves in Gansu
  • Admire the Lights and Limestone at the Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, Guangxi
  • Visit the Xian City Wall
  • Gardens of Suzhou
  • Visit Shanghai at the Bund
  • Zhangjiajie National Park
  • Observe Pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
  • Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan

#5: Egypt

• Background: Ancient Egypt has one of the longest histories of any country in the world. It used to be ruled by pharaohs. Egypt is a Mediterranean country bordered by Israel and the Gaza strip.
• Fun Facts:
  • Population: over 100 million people
  • Egypt has two seasons: Winter and Summer
  • Egyptian pyramids are tombs
  • Slaves didn’t build the pyramids in Egypt
  • The afterlife was very important to ancient Egyptians
  • Egyptians valued mummification
  • The Egyptians believed that not everyone could enter the afterlife
• Things to do:
  • Visit the Pyramids of Giza
  • Scuba Diving in Hurghada
  • Learn to Make Papyrus in Giza
  • Take a Guided Tour through Egyptian Museums
  • Shop for Leather and Perfumes at the Islamic Cairo
  • Go Camel Riding at Sunset in Giza
  • Visit the Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria
  • Corniche, Alexandria
  • Explore the City of the Dead at Zawiyyet al-Mayyiteen
  • Hike to the Top of Mt. Sinai
  • Buy Souvenirs at Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
  • Explore Earth’s Oldest Stone-cut Monument at the Djoser Pyramid
  • Visit the Karnak Temples
  • Sail on a River Cruise
  • Abu Simbel Temples
  • Visit Siwa Oasis
  • Visit Tamr Hena Museum
  • Visit Al-Andalus Garden

#6: Amsterdam

• Background: Amsterdam is located in Western Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. The capital is Haarlem. Amsterdam is known for its historical attractions, canals, beautiful houses, breathtaking architecture, and coffee shops.
• Fun Facts:
  • Amsterdam has over 1,200 bridges
  • One-third of the Netherlands is under sea level
  • The canals are full of bicycles
  • Amsterdam is built on eleven million poles
• Things to Do:
  • Bike Tour
  • Rijksmuseum
  • Van Gogh Museum
  • Moco Museum
  • Anne Frank House
  • Attic Church
  • Beginhof
  • City view at Blue Amsterdam
  • Munttroren
  • Street Arts at NDSM
  • Ginger Bread Houses
  • Smallest House
  • Dam Square
  • Jordaan
  • De Pijp
  • Vondelpark
  • Red Light District
  • Jewish Quarter
  • Canal Cruise Tour
  • Shop at The Nine Streets
  • Shop at Bloemenmarkt

#7: Malaysia

• Background: Malaysia is a South East Asian Country that has 13 states.
• Fun Facts:
  • Malaysia is made up of two main landmasses also known as Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. They are separated by the South China Sea.
  • The capital is Kuala Lumpur
  • Malaysia’s official religion is Islam with around 61% practicing it
  • They use the “ringgit” as their currency and Bahasa Malaysia as their official language
  • Possession of drugs can be punished by death
  • The biggest King Cobra was caught in Malaysia
• Things to Do:
  • Penang
    • The Penang Bridge (The 3rd longest bridge in Asia)
    • Reclining Buddha Wat Chaiyamangalaram
    • Dharmikarama Burmese Temple
    • Penang Hill
    • Kek Lok Si Temple
  • Kuala Lumpur (The capital city of Malaysia)
    • Petronas Towers
    • Kuala Lumpur Tower
    • Batu Caves (Rainbow Staircase)
  • Ipoh (Capital city of the state of Perak)
    • Kellie’s Castle
    • Perak Turf Club
    • Ipoh Railway Station
  • Kuching (Capital of the state of Sarawak)
    • Sarawak State Museum
    • The Astana
    • Sarawak
    • Cat Museum
    • Kuching Waterfront
  • Visit Taman Negara (Tropical Rainforest)

#8: St. Lucia

• Background: St Lucia is an island country in the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean.
• Fun Facts:
  • The currency used is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar
  • Saint Lucia’s capital is Castries
  • This country has a drive in volcano called Sulphur Springs
• Things to Do:
  • Queensland Museum
  • Roma Street Parkland
  • Snorkeling
  • Sailing Trip
  • Ziplining in the Rainforest
  • Hiking
  • Tram Ride
  • Sulphur Springs
  • Mud Baths
  • Castries Market
  • Cathedral and Derek Walcott Square
  • Pink Plantation House
  • Pigeon Island
  • Rum Tasting
  • Botanic Gardens
  • Tet Paul Nature Park
  • The Tortaille Waterfall
  • The Pitons
  • Spa Day
  • Beautiful Beaches (Marigot Bay, Pigeon Island, Anse Chastanet, and Anse Mamin)
  • Cocktails at Sunset

#9: Aruba

• Background: Aruba is an island that is 21 miles long located in the southern Caribbean. Aruba enjoys warm weather and sunny skies perfectly year round with an average temperature of 82F.
• Fun Facts:
  • Aruba has the most ethnically diverse population in the world.
  • There are over 300 prehistoric pictographs to be discovered on the island
  • The tiny island has an internationally renowned film festival
  • 20% of the island is a dedicated national park
  • Aruba has the most sunny days of any island in the Caribbean
• Things to Do:
  • Flamingo Beach
  • Snorkeling
  • ATV tour
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise
  • Horseback Riding
  • Sailing
  • Submarine Expedition
  • Kayaking
  • Natural Pool and Indian Cave
  • Jet Skiing
  • Parasailing
  • Shopping
  • Night Market

#10: Germany

• Background: Germany is a country in Central Europe with a population of 81 million people.
• Fun Facts:
  • Germany is the seventh-largest country in Europe
  • University is free for everyone
  • Germany is the EU’s largest economy
• Things to Do and Places to Visit in Germany:
  • Berlin
    • Brandenburg Gate (Architecture)
    • Berlin Dahlem Botanical Garden
    • Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
    • Cecilenhof (Museum)
    • Berlin Cathedral
    • Hackescher Markt
  • Munich
    • Octoberfest
    • Englischer Garten (Garden)
    • Munich Residenz (Museum)
    • Asam Church, St. Luke’s Church, St. Paul’s Church
  • Hamburg
    • St. Michaels Church
    • Hamburg Observatory
    • Loki-Schmidt Garden
    • Jenischpark

#11: Austria

• Background: Austria is a landlocked East Alpine country in the southern part of Central Europe.
• Fun Facts:
  • The Austrian flag is the oldest in the world
  • Austria’s Zoo is recognized as the oldest zoo in the world
  • Vienna, the capital of Austria is home to one-quarter of the entire population of the country
• Things to Do:
  • St. Stephens Cathedral, Vienna
  • Hofburg Palace Museum
  • Fortress Hohensalzburg Castle
  • Mirabell Palace
  • Madame Tussauds, Vienna
  • Kunsthaus Graz (Art Gallery)
  • Botanical Garden
  • Erlebnisburg Hohenwerfen Castle
  • Hallstat (A picturesque village in the Alps)

#12: Australia

• Background: Australia is the sixth largest country in the world with a population of 26 million. The country is a unique, diverse country. The culture is broad and varied.
• Fun Facts:
  • Australia has more kangaroos than people
  • There are over 10,000 beaches
  • Melbourne, Australia has the largest Greek population outside of Greece
  • The Australian Alps get more snow compared to Switzerland
• Things to Do:
  • Food/Drink:
    • Melbourne’s coffee
    • Wine Tour at Yarra Valley
    • Aussie BBQ
    • Meat Pie
    • Vegemite Toast
  • Adventure:
    • Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef
    • Sail the Whitsundays
    • Surf Lesson
    • Cairns Hot Air Balloons
    • Cairns Rainforest (Sky Rail)
    • Campout on Fraser Island
    • Philip Island Penguin Tour
  • Animal Encounters:
    • Feed a wallaby
    • Quokko Selfie
    • Hug a Koala
    • Cape Le Grand National Park (Kangaroos Roam)
  • Iconic Places:
    • Half Moon Bay
    • Sydney Harbour Bridge
    • Western Australian’s Pink Lake
    • Bondi Beach to Coogee Coastal Wall
    • Uluru Sunrise
    • Great Ocean Board
    • Pinnacles Desert
    • Byron Bay
    • Nimbim
    • Nitimuluk
    • KAKADU National Park
    • Central Coast
    • Coober Pedy
  • History:
    • National Museum of Australia
    • Fremantle Prison
    • Fort Lytton

#11: Iceland

• Background: Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean and the most sparsely populated country in Europe.
• Fun Facts:
  • Iceland became independent in 1918
  • Iceland is the 18th largest country in the world
  • East Iceland has the country’s largest forest and farmlands
  • 30% of Iceland is lava fields
  • There are 30 to 40 active volcanoes today and over 100 that have not erupted in the past thousand years
  • The police forces carry no guns
  • The national sport is handball
  • Iceland foods include fish, smoked lamb, singed sheep’s head, and cured shark
• Things to Do:
  • Northern Lights
  • Blue Lagoon
  • Glaciers
  • Black Sand Beaches
  • Ice Caves
  • Waterfalls
  • Golden Circle
  • Cities to Visit:
    • Reykjavik
    • Akureyri

#12: Turkey

• Background: Cappadocia lies in the heartland of what is now Turkey. The rocky wonderland was shaped by millions of years of natural phenomena.
• Fun Facts:
  • The landscape and rock formations were formed 60 million years ago
  • The carved churches are famous for having a strong historical connection to the medieval times
  • This place spans an area of about 5,000 square kilometers
• Things to Do:
  • Hot air balloon tour at sunrise
  • Goreme Open-Air Museum
  • Visit the Uchisar Castle
  • Visit Cappadocia’s valleys
    • Red Valley
    • White Valley
    • Love Valley
    • Pigeon Valley
    • Imagination Valley
  • Try the local wine
  • Selime Monastery
  • Temples of the Ihlara Valley
  • Visit the mysterious multi story underground cities
  • Stay in a real cave with all modern conveniences
  • Ride Horses
  • Visit a pottery workshop on modeling clay pots
  • Visit the Carpet Galerie Ikman a famous carpet store
  • Visit Tuz Golu the second largest lake in Turkey

#13: Hawaii

• Background: Hawaii is a state in the Western United States located in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles from the U.S. mainland.
• Fun Facts:
  • The capital is Honolulu
  • Is the only state composed of islands
  • It has the largest plantation of pineapples
  • The state has eight main islands
  • Mauna Kea is Hawaii’s tallest mountain
  • Hawaii has people from a variety of cultures and ethnicity
• Things to Do:
  • Snorkeling
  • Whale Watching
  • Golfing
  • Sightseeing
  • Beach hopping
  • Surfing
  • Luaus
  • Spa Packages
  • Hiking
  • Helicopter Tours
  • Zip Lining
  • Sunset Cruises
  • Farmers Market
  • Sky diving
  • Horseback Riding
  • Local Farms
  • Sage Shows
  • Windsurfing
  • Camping

#14: London

• Background: London is the capital of the United Kingdom.
• Fun Facts:
  • Romans first settled in London in 47 CE
  • London has 170 museums
  • 300 languages are spoken in London
  • The House of Parliament is the Largest Palace in the UK
  • London buses were not always red
  • Over 8.7 million people live in London
• Things to Do:
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Red Telephone Polls
  • London Eye
  • Walk across Abbey Road
  • Experience the Street Art of London
  • Big Ben
  • National History Museum
  • Garden Museum
  • Hyde Park
  • Sea Life Aquarium
  • Holland Park
  • Madame Tussauds
  • Temple Bar
  • Chessington World of Adventures

#15: Galapagos Islands

• Background: Galapagos Islands are a part of the country of Ecuador. They are situated in the Pacific Ocean west of northern South America. The islands emerged from the bottom of the sea in the form of astonishing volcanic upheavals.
• Fun Facts:
  • 97% of the Galapagos is a national park
  • Galapagos has active volcanoes
  • Unique wildlife
    • Boobie (Seabirds that can be either red-footed or blue-footed)
    • It is the only place in the Northern Hemisphere where you can see penguins in their natural habitat
    • Marine iguanas are excellent swimmers
    • Anytime is a great time to visit
    • The amount of daylight remains the same all year round
    • Witness Giant Tortoises
    • Swim with sea turtles
    • 800 species of mollusks and over 400 species of fish
    • Wild animals have little fear of humans
• Things to Do:
  • Swim at Tortuga Bay
  • Witness Giant Tortoises at the Rancho Pimicias
  • El Chato Tortoise Reserve
  • Go Snorkeling at La Loberia
  • Kayaking
  • Bird Watching
  • Sierra Negra Volcano

#16: Prague

• Background: Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic.
• Fun Facts:
  • Prague is home to the largest castle in the world spanning 18 acres
  • There is a graffiti wall dedicated to John Lennon
  • The city is home to the longest river in the Czech Republic
  • You can climb the 299 stairs of The Petrin Lookout Tower to get an incredible view of the city
• Things to Do:
  • Explore Old Town Square
  • Watch the Astronomical Clock Strike an Hour
  • Stroll across the Charles Bridge
  • Witness the old Jewish Ghetto
  • See the treasures of St. Vitus Cathedral
  • Take a Cruise on the Vltava
  • Drink a world famous beer
  • Walk the backstreets of Mala Strana
  • Immerse yourself in the Prague nightlife
  • Watch the Changing of the Guard
  • Visit Letna Park

#17: Brussels

• Background: Brussels lies in the north-central part of Belgium.
• Fun Facts:
  • Brussels is home to 80 interesting museums
  • The airport in Brussels is the largest sales outlet for chocolate in the world
  • The official symbol of Brussels is a yellow iris
  • Brussels has a car-free Sunday once a year every September where the main streets of the city are closed to motorized vehicles. Pedestrians roam free and public art, pop up shops, and many community events take place
  • Belgian waffles are beloved the world over
• Things to Do:
  • Taste the infamous Chocolate
  • Visit the Grote Markt
  • Try Belgian Whiskey
  • Marc’s Belgian Beer Tour in Brussels
  • Take a cooking class and learn how to make chocolate at the Brussels Chocolate Workshop
  • Visit Grand-Place
  • St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
  • Parc du Cinquantenaire
  • Horta Museum
  • Cantillon Brewery
  • Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon
  • Mont des Arts
  • BOZAR Centre of Fine Arts

#18: Budapest

• Background: Budapest is the capital and most populous city of Hungary. It is the ninth largest city in the European Union.
• Fun Facts:
  • Budapest became a city on the 17th of November in 1873
  • The unification was an extremely important historic event that led to the rapid development of the city
  • Budapest was originally named Pest-Buda
  • The city consists of 23 districts
• Things to Do:
  • Parliament Building
  • Heroes Square
  • Margaret Island
  • Dunabe Promenade
  • House of Terror
  • St. Stephen’s Basilica
  • Hungarian State Opera House
  • Dohany Street Synagogue
  • Ecseri Flea Market
  • Ruin Pubs
  • Central Market Hall
  • Buda Castle Hill Funicular
  • The Buda Hills
  • Andrassy Avenue
  • Liberty Statue
  • Szechenyi Spa
  • Hungarian National Museum

Similar Post: Budapest Blog Post