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Travel is an investment in yourself! You will NOT regret seeing new places and adding new experiences to reflect on. Below are 20 bucket list travel experiences!
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a beautiful place to relax. You can swim year round in the bright blue hot springs. Your ticket covers a drink, a towel to dry off, and a silica mud mask. The hot springs are known to have many health benefits for your skin. Although the blue lagoon is a man-made wonder, there are natural hot springs all over Iceland, including Mývatn Nature Baths, Laugarvatn Fontana, Sky Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon.
America is home to beautiful National Parks with incredible landscapes and natural beauty! The best way to see them is to go on a road trip. I went on a road trip through Utah and Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Park. It was one of the best experiences of my life!
The Big 5 is a list of dangerous African mammals that are difficult to hunt on foot in Africa. The five animals are the African bush Elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and African buffalo. You can see them by going on an African safari!
The best hike to go on at the Grand Canyon is to Ooh Aah Point. We also recommend hiking to Havasu Falls. The most beautiful lookout spots are Mather’s Point and Horseshoe Bend.
The Great Wall of China is one of the seven wonders of the world! Learn about the history and find epic picture-perfect spots along the wall with a private tour!.
Watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon above Morocco’s dessert for an incredible experience. The tour includes a traditional Moroccan breakfast, coffee, and tea!
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest markets in Turkey. They sell Turkish lamps, silver and gold jewelry, Turkish tea, spices, and scents.
9- Visit the Na Pali Coast in Hawaii-
There is no better place to see the beautiful high cliffs along the Pacific Ocean than Na Pali Coast in Kauai. You can see the coast on foot, by helicopter, or by boat. Snorkel and Tours– Sail Along Na Pali Coast –Helicopter Tour
The Chichen Itza in Mexico is an impressive archeological Mayan ruin built for the god Kukulcan. You will find ancient Mayan ruins ALL over the area, including a model of a traditional house, El Castillo, Plataforma de Venus, Warrior’s Temple, and more! Near the area, you will find cenotes to swim in! This tour will take you to the Mayan Ruins and swimming.
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy. The best way to see the statue is on a boat! Be sure to enjoy Battery Park before going on the boat!! Tour-Boat Statue of Liberty Tour
A vintage classic car tour is a great way to explore Cuba’s neighborhoods. Witnessing or driving Havana’s 1950’s cars makes for a unique experience in the Caribbean.
Who does not love to win money in VEGAS!? Of course, the chances of winning are slightly lower than losing. The game that you have the BEST chance of winning is Roulette! Aside from the beautifully-detailed hotels, you have to drive 20 minutes from the strip to see 20-magic mountains and the Valley of Fire State Park.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace is gorgeous and a must-see if you are ever in Ubud. These terraces stand 600 meters above sea level. The rice terraces carved into the mountain are used for crop cultivation. You can swing on the infamous Bali Swings in multiple places. One of the main places you can hop on a swing is the Tegallalang Rice Terrace. I recommend this activity, as it is not only exhilarating but also loads of fun.
The Philippines is paradise on earth, home to 7,107 islands. Each island ranges from world-class beaches and coral reefs to mountain ranges and tropical rainforests. Are you looking for a tropical getaway and do not have a destination in mind? I highly recommend visiting this incredible country. The best islands to visit include El Nido in Palawan, Apo Island, Cebu Island, and Boracay.
Big Ben is a nickname for the Clock of Westminster at the Palace of Westminster. The tower clock is one of the most iconic symbols of London. The accurate clock has a massive bell.
The Caribbean is the place to go when you need a break from your fast-paced, everyday life. The people are warm, inviting, and friendly. The culture is laid-back. The islands have beautiful marine life filled with dolphins, coral, rays, turtles, and rainbow-colored tropical fish. The sunsets are breathtaking! Book your trip to the Caribbean today! Below are the 12 best places to visit in the Caribbean Islands!
Part 1: The Lucayan Archipelago
The Lucayan Archipelago consists of both Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas.
#1: Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands are British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic Ocean consisting of the larger Caicos Island and smaller Turks Island. Both tropical islands are known for tourism.
Things to Do:
A. Jet Skiing-Jet skiing in Turks and Caicos is a thrilling activity that anyone can enjoy. You can rent a jet ski outside any beach resort in Turks and Caicos.
B. Historical Shipwreck: The famous La Famille Express shipwreck in the Turks and Caicos is a must-see. This landmark is located about two miles (3.2km) off Long Bay Beach in the Southeast.
C. Conch Bar Caves: The Conch Bar Caves is a limestone cave formed by acidic water.
D. Horseback Riding on the Beach– Horseback riding on the beach is a fun, unique, and calming experience that I highly recommend. Book a tour to ride along the beautiful beaches of Turks and Caicos.
Did you know? The Bahamas has the third largest barrier reef in the world.
Things to Do:
A. Perfect Spot to Go Scuba Diving- The Bahamas is home to the Andros Barrier Reef. You can snorkel or scuba dive with tropical fish, shipwrecks, sting rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. Brave divers can head to Tiger reef and dive with Tiger sharks.
B. Underwater Caves- Lucayan National Park was created to preserve the largest underwater cave systems in the world. You can visit Bens Cave and Burial Mound Cave on foot.
C. The Beaches- Did you know? The Bahamas is home to more than 2,000 beaches. The beaches are nothing short of relaxing and peaceful. The best ones include Cable Beach, Cabbage Beach, Taino Beach, French Leave, and Love Beaches.
The Greater Antilles consist of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Cayman Islands.
#3: Cuba
Cuba is a fascinating country known for the colorful colonial cities that crawl with 1950s Cadillacs and turquoise-colored beaches.
Things to Do:
A. Cenotes: Did you know? Cuba is home to Cenotes. Cenotes are an ideal spot for a relaxing swimming experience. Cenotes have calm waters, and the area is closed off by caves.
B. Waterfalls: Topes de Collantes is a massive park full of hiking opportunities and waterfalls to explore. The Vegas Grande Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls to go and swim in!
C. Vintage Car Tour: A vintage classic car tour is a great way to explore the neighborhoods in Cuba. Witnessing or driving the cars in Havana from 1950 will make for a unique experience in the Caribbean.
#4 Jamaica
Jamaica has a fascinating culture and natural sites like waterfalls and lagoons.
Things to Do:
A. Rafting– The Martha Brae River is a great place to go rafting! You can book a tour that will take you along the river on a 30-foot bamboo raft. Do not forget to bring some cash because you can purchase a few fresh coconuts from the locals along the way.
B. Glowing Lagoon near Falmouth- Another natural site in Jamaica is the natural lagoon that lights up. The lagoon has algae that glow in blue strobes. The best way to experience this is to book a boat tour.
C. Dunns River Falls- Did you know? In Jamaica, you can walk up a waterfall. Visitors can climb natural rock stairs at Dunns River Falls. You can soak in natural pools the entire way and enjoy the foamy water.
Puerto Rico is a large Caribbean Island of 3,500 square miles in the West Indies. The island of Puerto Rico is rich in festivals, traditions, art, and music.
Things to Do:
A. Local Rum Tasting- Bacardi, the most popular rum in the world, has a massive distillery across the bay from Old San Juan. This tour will not only teach you all about the history of the Bacardi family, but you will also learn how to taste rum properly. You need to try their Pina Coladas!
B. Hot Springs- The Coamo Thermal Springs is another one of those natural wonders that makes Puerto Rico a pretty cool place. The Hot Springs is along a cold river in the town of Coamo. The hot water comes naturally from the earth. This tour will take you to several different hot springs!
C.Old San Juan- San Juan is the second oldest European-established capital city founded by Spanish colonists in 1521. The colorful streets of Old San Juan are nothing short of unique.
The leeward islands are in the hurricane band of the Caribbean, so it is generally best not to plan a vacation between July and October. These islands include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, British Virgin Islands, Saint Barthelemy, Saba, Sint Eustatius, St. Kitts, and Nevis, U.S. Virgin Islands, Monsterrat, and Guadeloupe.
#6- Saint Thomas
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 destinations in the world!
Things to Do:
A. Sailing at Sunset with Cocktails and Appetizers- The warm breeze compliments stunning views on a 54-foot catamaran sailboat. From firsthand experience, this activity is one you do not want to miss. The sunset was beautiful, and the appetizers were delicious. Did I forget to mention? You can order unlimited fruity drinks. The customer service was outstanding, as they were very kind and upbeat.
B. Illuminated Kayak After Dark- Kayaking after dark is a rare activity that I thought was exciting and different. We most definitely witnessed a few wild fish while kayaking. The LED-lighted kayaks paved the way for a magical narrated adventure.
Brewers Bay
D. Brewers Bay- Brewers Bay is a great spot to go snorkeling. Bring snorkel gear and an underwater camera to get some great pictures! We were lucky enough to witness a sea turtle at Brewers Bay.
A. Beaches- What makes Anguilla beaches the best in the world? The white, powdery sand stretches for miles, and pristine waters make Anguilla the best beach in the world.
B. Boat Tour- The crystalline waters are straight out of a postcard. The best way to explore them is on a boat. Stop at Little Bay and Sandy Island for the best views.
C. Water Sports- The best watersports in Anguilla are to go jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kitesurfing!
Antigua is home to 365 beaches and offers a diverse experience. Antiqua is beautiful year-round with perfect weather. The best place to watch the sunset is at Galleon Beach!
Things to Do:
A. Beaches- The best beaches to visit in Antigua are Honeymoon Cove, Sea Grape Beach, Eden Beach, and Royal Palm Beach.
Half Moon Bay
B. Surfing at Half Moon Bay- Half Moon Bay is a beautiful stretch of water outlined by soft white sand. The beach has large waves perfect for surfing and sits against a backdrop of luscious hills and palm trees.
D. Climb up to Boggy Peak or Shirley Heights- Reach the most elevated point in Antigua at Boggy Peak, which sits at 1,300 feet. It is a great hiking spot with an expansive view of the tropical vegetation below. Shirley Heights is a military complex that sits at 492 feet above sea level and is also a lovely place to go hiking. Book a tour to see Shirley Heights!
E. Shopping at Redcliffe Quay- Redcliffe Quay is a cozy district that appeals to art lovers with tons of souvenir stores to go shopping.
F. Devil’s Bridge-Devil’s Bridge is an arched limestone bridge near Indian Town. You need to visit with caution and be vigilant. Children must go only at a distance for safety reasons. It is difficult to walk across due to the slippery limestone that coats the bridge. Book a tour to see Devil’s Bridge and Shirley Heights!
The windward islands consist of Dominica, Martinque, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.
#9- Barbados
Barbados is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide and is the third most developed country after the US and Canada.
Things to Do:
A. Animal Flower Cave-Animal Flower Cave is a natural sea cave. There is a restaurant located right next to the Animal Flower Cave. The cave itself is super rocky and slippery.
B. Mount Gay Rum Distillery- Visit the world’s oldest distillery where rum is produced in Barbados at the Mount Gay Rum Distillery. The guided tour will teach you how rum is created and give you a few different types of rum to try. In Barbados, they call getting tipsy the same as getting sweet.
C. Andromeda Botanic Garden- The Andromeda Botanic Garden is a relaxing place to stroll near Bathsheba Beach. Bathsheba beach has a few rock formations and huge waves on the eastern coast. The strong currents make swimming dangerous.
D. Turquoise Beaches- Worthing Beach is a beautiful white sand beach that everyone will enjoy spending the day. You can rent a beach chair and umbrella at this beach and relax amongst the beautiful sound of the ocean as you feel the breeze hit your face.
Did you know? St. Vincent and the Grenadines are home to 36 volcanic islands full of white sand beaches and palm-lined bays.
Things to Do:
A. Snorkeling and Sailing in the Tobago Cays-Tobago Cays Marine Park is home to five small islands, coral gardens, and marine life. Snorkelers and divers can spot sea turtles, stingrays, barracuda, and shoals of reef fish.
B. Clear Kayaking at Villa Beach- We recommend going kayaking at Villa Beach!
C. La Soufriere Volcano Hiking Tour- This hiking tour will take you to the highest peak of La Soufriere Volcano. The volcano is at 1,234 meters above sea level. This volcano is still active last erupting in 1979. Along the way, you will learn about the uniquely adapted plants and animals, see the rainforest, and witness the views of the surrounding countryside.
D. St. Vincent Botanical Gardens- These delightful gardens were established in 1765 and take over about 20 acres filled with tropical plants and trees.
Trinidad and Tobago are two islands, which gives you twice as many reasons to visit.
Things to Do:
A. Argyle Falls- The highest waterfall in Tobago is Argyle Falls, which is about a 175-foot cascade that tumbles down three tiers into a deep pool at the bottom.
B. Englishman’s Bay- Englishman’s Bay, surrounded by the rainforest, is one of the best beach spots for snorkeling.
The ABC islands are a perfect place to plan a trip any time of year because they are out of the dreaded hurricane belt. These islands are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.
#12- Aruba
Palm Island
Aruba is a perfect destination to relax at the beach. The island is 21 miles long in the southern part of the Caribbean. Aruba enjoys warm weather and sunny skies year-round, with an average temperature of 82F.
Things to Do:
A. Conchi / Cura di Tortuga (Turtle’s Cove)- Aruba’s unique natural pool, surrounded by rugged terrain, is located inside Aruba’s natural park, Arikok. A jeep tour will take you to this natural pool and the Indian Caves.
B. Indian Caves-The jeep tour I wrote about above will also take you to the three Indian Caves in Aruba. The Fontein Cave is the most popular, as it has drawings of Arawak Indians on the ceilings. The Quadirikiri Cave is famous for its large bat population.
C. Sea Bob Snorkeling- Mangel Halto is a secluded beach located on the southeast coast of Aruba, where you’ll find excellent snorkeling areas and even a shipwreck. The Sea Bob Snorkeling Tour will be the time of your life!
Cuba is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. The country is known for the colorful colonial cities that crawl with 1950s Cadillacs and turquoise-colored beaches. Below are 19 things to do in Cuba!
Havana, Cuba
Fun Facts:
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean
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 smallest bird in the world
The flag represents freedom and independence, which is quite ironic
Things to do:
1: Visit Havana, Cuba-
Havana, Cuba
The top three things to do in Havana are to visit the historic buildings, drive an old-fashioned 1950 Cadillac car, and have a cigar.
2: Enjoy a Cuban Cigar at a Tobacco Field in Vinales-
Vinales, Cuba
Do not purchase a cigar for $1.00 on the street, but rather visit a tobacco farm because you know the quality is pristine. The tobacco field is called Vinales. It is in rural Cuba on the west side of the island. Not only will you find tobacco fields, but you will also see great hiking trails, areas to go horseback riding, and caves to explore.
A guided tour will take you to see points of interest in Old Havana, as they know where the main public squares, famous cafes, and churches are. A professional guide provides information about the history, culture, people, and landmarks.
4: Explore the Colonial Plazas of Havana-
A. Plaza Vieja is a historic square that dates back to the 16th century. You will find colorful colonial buildings that surround the square.
B. Plaza de Armas is the oldest square in Havana, surrounded by palm trees and a statue of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, the initiator of the Cuban independence movement. The cobblestone streets of Plaza de Armas are made of wood.
C.Plaza De La Catedral– This photogenic square is home to stone buildings inspired by Spain.
D. Plaza de San Francisco- Plaza de San Francisco is yet another beautiful place to stroll around in Havana because it is on the Harbour. You’ll try out many different cafes or visit an 18th-century Basilica in this area.
5: Visit the Turquoise Beaches-
Playa Ancon
The turquoise-colored white sand beaches in Cuba are super relaxing and quite perfect. The best beaches are Playa Jibacoa, Playa Ancon, and Varadero.
6: Vintage Car Tour-
Vintage Car Tour
A vintage classic car tour is a great way to explore Cuba’s neighborhoods. Witnessing or driving Havana’s 1950’s cars makes for a unique experience in the Caribbean.
7: Visit Fusterlandia-
Fusterlandia is a colorful area with mosaic tile and recycled art located about 20 miles outside Havana.
Castro had a key role in the Cuban Revolution against Batista’s forces. Castro assumed military and political power as Cuba’s prime minister in 1959. He was the leader of Cuba until 2008 and under his administration, Cuba became a one-party communist state. Socialism does not work, as the people in Cuba are starving and there are severe food shortages!
10: Visit Trinidad, Cuba-
Trinidad, Cuba
Trinidad is a Spanish colonial town with cobblestone streets. Every other corner is a picture-perfect photo opportunity. If you want to explore Trinidad at night, having a drink at Disco Ayala, a club inside a cave, is for you. Climbing the bell tower of the Trinidad Church should be added to your Cuban Bucket List, as the view is nothing short of spectacular.
11: Swim in a Cenote-
Cenote
Cuba is home to Cenotes, perfect for a restful swimming experience. Cenotes have calm waters closed off by caves.
12: Swim in the Waterfalls of Topes de Collantes National Park-
Vegas Grande Waterfall
Topes de Collantes is a massive park full of hiking opportunities and waterfalls to explore. The Vegas Grande Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls to go swimming!
Cuba has the most crystal clear water to go snorkeling or diving in. You can go scuba diving past the Bay of Pigs at Playa Giron.
14: Visit Santiago de Cuba-
Santiago de Cuba is the capital of Cuba, known for being founded by the Spanish in 1515. The focal point of the Spanish-American War was Santiago de Cuba. You will find colonial architecture throughout the city. The city has parades and festivals in July featuring colorful costumes and salsa dancing.
15: Visit Santa Clara, Cuba-
This small, colorful town is rich in history because it is over 500 years old. Santa Clara played a role in the Revolution. Che’s rebel army derailed a train carrying supplies to Batista’s troops in the east. Batista then fled Cuba.
16: Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara-
This memorial, in Plaza Che Guevara, is home to the remains of those killed in 1967 during Guevara’s attempt to spur an armed uprising in Bolivia.
17: Do Cacao Tour in Baracoa, Cuba-
Baracoa is the only place in Cuba that produces chocolate because of the climate in the area. The chocolate is super high quality and even Switzerland businesses use this chocolate. The city itself is super charming.
18: Hike the El Yunque in Baracoa-
El Yunque is a moderate to challenging 4-hour hike in Baracoa, leading to incredible mountaintop views.
19: See Flamingos at Laguna Guanaroca-
Laguna Guanaroca is a mangrove lake that leads to a viewing platform where flamingos and other birds reside. You can visit the viewing platform only by taking a rowboat.
Of course, we can add water sports, like jet skiing, kayaking, or paddle boarding to your list of things to do in Cuba! We listed 19 things to do in Cuba. Have you been to Cuba? We would love to hear about YOUR experience!!
