40 Countries to Add to Your Bucket List
The world is a beautiful place, from the ancient ruins of Egypt to the stunning beaches of the Caribbean. Each country has a unique adventure waiting to be explored. Whether you’re after thrilling safaris, breathtaking landscapes, or historic sites, this list of countries from every continent will inspire your next journey. Here are 40 bucket list countries to visit!
Africa:
#1: Egypt-
Egypt is full of history and adventure. The best things to do in Egypt are to visit the ancient pyramids of Giza, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, and visit the Luxor Museum.
- Tours:
- Museums:
- Egyptian Museum
- Luxor Museum
- Alexandria National Museum
- Similar Post: How to Spend 9 Days in Egypt
#2: South Africa-
South Africa offers incredible wildlife and scenic beauty. Don’t forget to book a safari adventure in Kruger National Park. Be sure to see the amazing views at Table Mountain in Cape Town! A visit to see the adorable African penguins at the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony will leave you speechless!
#3: Kenya-
Kenya offers an array of wildlife experiences. Top things to do in Kenya are witnessing the unforgettable Great Migration, one of nature’s greatest spectacles, and staying at a hotel called Giraffe Manor, where giraffes might poke their heads in to join you for breakfast.
- Hotels:
- Tours:
#4: Morocco-
Get lost in the bustling souks of the old city Medina, where you can shop at artisan markets through the narrow streets. Don’t forget to book a day trip to the blue city, also known as Chefchaouen.
#5: Tanzania-
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania. Book a safari in the Serengeti and hike Mount Kilimanjaro for a memorable experience. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa. My best friend hiked for 10 days and camped at night.
#6: Uganda-
Gorilla trekking will be one of the most unforgettable experiences. You must book a tour with access to a permit at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Volcanoes National Park. There is nothing as mesmerizing as seeing wild gorillas living their day-to-day lives up close in their natural habitat.
- Tour with Permit:
Asia
#7: China-
Discover the rich history of China. Explore the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and vibrant cities like Shanghai. You can visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, featuring towering sandstone pillars that resemble the floating Mountains in the ICONIC movie “Avatar.”
#8: India-
India has iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal to explore. You can also visit the historic palaces in Jaipur. The Taj Mahal is famous for its stunning white marble architecture and romantic history.
#9: Japan-
Japan has traditional temples and cherry blossoms to see. You can also experience the culture through tea ceremonies and sumo wrestling. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa are top places to visit in Japan.
- Tours:
#10: Thailand-
Explore the diverse beauty of Thailand. Don’t forget to see the temples in major cities, and the beaches along the coast. The Chiang Rai Temple tour and Phi Phi Islands day trip are MUST-DO activities!
- Places to Visit:
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai
- Phi Phi Islands
- Bangkok
- Tours to Book:
#11: Indonesia-
Indonesia is home to thousands of islands, each offering stunning beaches, lush jungles, and exciting volcano treks. My personal favorite is Bali! Bali has so many incredible experiences, from exploring the breathtaking Tegalalang rice terraces to visiting the Ubud Monkey Sanctuary. I highly recommend booking a tour to see the volcanic temples and going on the Mount Batur sunrise trek.
- Tours:
#12: Vietnam-
The incredible landscapes in Vietnam are one of many reasons to visit, from the beautiful rice terraces to the limestone cliffs. Who does not want to visit Ha Long Bay, featuring over 1,600 limestone islands? The boat trip through Ha Long Bay will be an incredible day trip.
Europe
#13: France-
France is a stunning country with iconic sights and charming cities. Paris features the Eiffel Tower and the infamous Louvre Museum. Beyond Paris, explore Provence’s villages, the beaches of the French Riviera, and historic Lyon.
#14: Italy-
Italy is a beautiful country, where you will find the Colosseum in Rome, bridges and canals in Venice, art galleries and museums in Florence, and amazing views in Cinque Terre and Lake Como. A visit to Italy should be at the TOP of your bucket list!
- Tours:
#15: Spain-
Spain has breathtaking landscapes to see, a fascinating culture to learn about, and delicious food like tapas and paella that you need to try. A trip to Spain is incomplete without visiting Barcelona, Spain’s cultural capital. The city is home to Antoni Gaudi’s architecture, including the world’s most beautiful church, La Sagrada Familia. I LOVED going to Park Guell!!!
- Places:
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Seville
- Ibiza
- Canary Islands
- Tours:
#16: Germany-
Germany is a country that truly has something for everyone—fairy-tale castles, stunning cities, and breathtaking landscapes. From infamous festivals like Oktoberfest, to charming villages, every traveler can find their perfect adventure here.
- Tours–
#17: Greece-
Greece is STUNNING and you will find whitewashed buildings with blue roofs, doors, and windows. Island hopping in Greece will be a DREAM activity because each island offers something unique and special. The beautiful beaches, coves, water caves, and cliffs make for an incredible experience!
#18: Scotland-
Scotland is a captivating destination full of beauty. Edinburgh, the capital, is a must-visit with its historic castle and charming Old Town. Don’t miss exploring the beautiful Highlands.
#19: Switzerland-
Switzerland has stunning mountains and crystal-clear lakes. A scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps should definitely be on your bucket list! We loved visiting the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne and strolling through the Old Town in Zurich. If you love going on adventures, be sure to book the INTERLAKEN day trip from Zurich.
- Tours:
#20: Portugal-
Portugal offers fresh seafood, beautiful cities to explore like Lisbon and Porto, and a stunning coastline near Lagos. The boat ride in Lagos absolutely took my breath away — from the stunning cliffs to the clear waters.
#21: Croatia-
Croatia was one of my favorite countries to visit in Europe. I loved exploring the unique cities of Split and Hvar. Don’t forget to see the most beautiful Krka National Park, famous for its stunning waterfalls and lush scenery, or Plitvice Lakes. I also enjoyed visiting the Blue Cave on a 5-island speedboat tour!
#22: Iceland-
Iceland has incredible views, from the northern lights to stunning waterfalls. You can relax at many hot springs across the country due to its volcanic activity. The most famous one to visit is the Blue Lagoon. You can wear a face mask there, which is really good for your skin.
- Tours:
- Blue Lagoon
- Northern Lights
- Waterfall Tour
#23: Malta-
I have always wanted to travel to Mdina, Malta, and go on a boat ride through the turquoise-colored waters. The city itself is home to cobblestone streets and is incredibly charming!
- Tours:
North America
#24: United States-
The United States boasts incredible landscapes, from the vibrant beaches of Miami in the east to the stunning natural wonders in the west. I recommend visiting the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and the Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona, as well as exploring Arches National Park and Bryce Canyon in Utah. California offers hidden gems like kayaking in Lake Tahoe. And of course, New York City, the city that never sleeps, is a fantastic place to experience the hustle and bustle!
#25: Mexico-
Mexico has turquoise beaches in Cancun and fascinating Mayan ruins to visit. You can take a day trip to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I also loved Puerto Vallarta, where we stayed at an all-inclusive resort. Zona Romantica was absolutely perfect with its cobbled streets, charming cafes, and vibrant atmosphere. Our day trip to Yelapa was amazing, as we went to a waterfall, went snorkeling, and kayaked!
- Tours:
- Yelapa Day Trip (Waterfall, Kayak, Snorkel, Beach)
- Search for Cancun All Inclusive Resorts
- Chichen Itza Day Trip
#26: Canada-
Canada has beautiful cities to explore, including Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. You can see the stunning Niagara Falls from Canada. Additionally, Canada is home to one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world: Banff National Park.
- Tours:
South America
#27: Brazil-
Brazil is an incredible destination, famous for iconic sights like the Christ the Redeemer statue and the vibrant energy of Carnival. Whether you’re exploring lush rainforests, relaxing on stunning beaches, or experiencing lively festivals, Brazil offers a unforgettable adventure full of color, culture, and excitement.
#28: Argentina-
Argentina is a country known for its rich culture. You can visit the lively city of Buenos Aires to experience tango dancing, historic neighborhoods like La Boca, and incredible steak. For nature lovers, Patagonia offers breathtaking glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, while the stunning Iguazu Falls on the border with Brazil is a must-see natural wonder.
- Tours:
#29: Peru-
Peru has a fascinating culture and offers unique experiences, from hiking Machu Picchu to exploring Rainbow Mountain—you’ll never get bored. Be sure to visit Ollantaytambo, Moray, and the Moras ruins. Don’t miss the chance to see the adorable, fluffy alpacas that are commonly found throughout the country!
#30: Chile-
Chile is an wonderful place to visit in South America. The most interesting activity is taking a boat tour to see the stunning Marble Caves! I highly recommend traveling to Chile, where you can also explore the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia and the vibrant city of Santiago.
- Tours:
#31: Colombia-
I recently traveled to Cartagena, Colombia, and the cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and horse-drawn carriages in the Old Town were a photographer’s paradise. I also loved taking a day trip to the Rosario Islands and relaxing at Playa Blanca!
Australia & Oceania
#32: Australia-
Australia is home to incredible wildlife, natural wonders, and kind people. There is so much to do, from snorkeling in the largest coral reef in the world to witnessing the iconic architecture of the Sydney Opera House.
- Tours:
- Snorkeling in the largest barrier reef in the world
- Sydney Opera House Walking Tour
#33: New Zealand-
New Zealand has a mountainous terrain and is absolutely gorgeous. The country is home to the glowworm caves and the famous Hobbiton. You can book a tour to see both in one day, making the most of your time in the country!
- Tours:
Central America & Caribbean
#34: Belize –
Belize is a beautiful country, home to the Mayan ruins, cave tubing adventures, and the second-largest barrier reef. Snorkeling will be the time of your life. Don’t forget to enjoy your trip and RELAX at the beach!
#35: Costa Rica –
My favorite spot in Costa Rica is the Rio Celeste Waterfall. In addition, definitely visit the Arenal Volcano and its stunning waterfall, and explore the beautiful beaches along the coast. The volcanoes and sloths lounging around are also must-see attractions!
#36: Turks and Caicos–
Turks and Caicos has the most beautiful white sand and turquoise beaches. Don’t forget to book a horseback riding adventure in the water while you’re there! Also, the conch meat is absolutely delicious!
#37: Dominican Republic –
The Dominican Republic is the perfect destination for anyone who loves a good time. I highly recommend visiting Scape Park in Punta Cana! You can hold a squirrel monkey, swim in a cenote, and explore a cave. It’s incredibly fun!
- Tours:
#38: Jamaica –
Jamaica is one of the best Caribbean islands for listening to reggae music, enjoying a piña colada on the beach, and hiking up Dunn’s River Falls! Did you know? You can even go Bamboo rafting in Jamaica!
#39: Grenada-
You will find rainforests and beaches in Grenada to explore! Don’t forget to book a waterfall tour and underwater sculpture snorkeling tour!
#40: Antarctica-
The ultimate expedition destination for wildlife viewing, iceberg landscapes, and untouched wilderness. Activities primarily involve cruises, wildlife watching (penguins, seals, whales), and exploring glaciers.
- Tour:
Traveling the world deepens our understanding of different cultures. With so many incredible countries to explore, each offering its own unique treasures, the possibilities are endless. Start planning your next adventure today, and let the world be your playground—each destination waiting to enrich your life in new and meaningful ways. Safe travels and happy exploring!