With our recent Japan adventure behind us and the biggest tick off my bucket list, I am left wondering what our next dream trip is. Our must go travel bucket list! For the longest time, number one has been Japan and number two is Iceland but I want to build out a slightly longer list to keep us dreaming of big things. This will be an irregularly updated list and I would absolutely love to hear what’s on your list too! Maybe I can borrow some of your dreams or help you with ideas for when you get to tick countries off your travel bucket list.
Our Travel bucket list
1. Iceland
This frosty tundra has long been on my list but is famous for being well, frosty and very expensive. I live in London now though, and laugh gleefully in the face of the word “expensive”. (However, I have been told by London friends that it is stiiill very expensive). My original yearning to do this trip dates all the way back to Natalie from Tails of a Mermaid’s 10 day trip.
I am asking a lot of this trip – I want Norther lights, self-drive golden circle adventure, those adorable wild horses, giant waterfalls, black sand beaches and puffins. BUT the problem is – I don’t think the best time to see all these things is at the same time….
I found this website super helpful on the best time to visit Iceland. The advice I have been given is to do a short trip in March to catch the Northern lights at their peak and then head back again in summer to enjoy everything else in better weather. I feel this may be excessive, but I also feel 2025 may be the year for it….
2. South Korea
It’s definitely having a moment with rave revenues of the beautiful islands and fantastic food. I’ve also heard their cherry blossom season is fantastic and could even rival Japan. A must research moment – all for science, you know?
3. The Azores
My original interest was peaked by the ever Instagram-ready tagline of “The Hawaii of Europe” and from there I was down a rabbit hole. The Azores are Portuguese islands in the middle of nowhere packed with volcanoes and waterfalls. This is the itinerary that cemented the Azores to bucket-list status.
4. Galápagos Islands
THIS has been on my list since we learnt all about Darwin’s finches in Grade 10 – thanks Ms Dallimore! I want to spend ten very slow days looking at all the nature both on the island and in the water. In terms of animals, we’re talking giant tortoises, hammerhead sharks, iguanas, eagle and manta rays, penguins, sea lions and those aforementioned finches. I definitely want a full day looking at birds. Yes, I’m that girl now. It is very very far away so this is definitely a longer term travel dream for now.
Linking some great 10 day itineraries here: The Portuguese Traveller and KimKim.
5. Giraffe Manor Hotel in Nairobi
I know, very niche, a whole trip around a hotel. But have you SEEN the hotel where the giraffes pop their heads in when you’re having your breakfast? hello?? This has been a very young Tahlia dream for the longest time and semi-grown-up Tahlia is all about making these kinds of dreams come true. And for suuure I will build out a bigger trip when I get around to ticking this baby off the list. It might even tie in with travel bucket list item number six!
6. Trekking with Gorillas in Rwanda
Very much a pipe dream for now as notorious for being a super pricey dollar-based experience. But one day we’ll get there!
7. Explore Jordan
Of course, right now is very bad timing (#FreePalestine) BUT one day I would love to visit Jordan to see Petro, float in the Dead Sea, spend a night in the desert landscape of Wadi Rum and go scuba diving in the Red Sea.
8. China
Because I titled this “our” bucket travel list I thought I should check in with Jono. His initial answer was that he’s already living his dream. This sounds incredibly sweet if you don’t know Jono – it’s essentially a strong Jono tactic to get out of having to think about the answer. On further reflection, his contribution is China because he “just wants to see”. Team, I cannot make this up! haha! Other reasons included the Great Wall of China and beautiful nature.
9. An across the USA road trip
The US is an absolute mess at the moment and I am certainly not rushing to spend an extended trip there but a longer road trip in the States is iconic and definitely on my travel bucket list. These are probably completely nonsensible options but I have always wanted to visit: New Orleans, South Carolina, Mount Rushmore, Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Napa Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, Vegas and California. Like I said, I am sure it is a nonsensible list!
10. A European multi-night train trip
I love the idea of train travel but not the standard type where I squish into a four top next to tipsy British teenage boys pounding beer for three hours and playing music off their phones. That is a personal low. I love the idea of a posh multi-night, sleep on the train, dress up for dinner, drinks in the end carriage type of train travel. I love the idea of falling asleep as the train rockets through the night, waking up to a little eggs benny and a new spot to explore! I had a taste of the good life on the Rovos rail but it definitely taught me I want more than two nights! This is more of a pipe dream again as these experiences are very expensive! The Trans Siberian big trip was always on the radar but not for any time soon. I also love the idea of the Royal Scotsman as a way of exploring Scotland! Sharing this link for gorgeous luxury train inspiration!
And finally, The Times UK put together the most gorgeous Travel bucket list if you’re looking for some more inspiration!
What’s on your travel bucket list? Where are you dreaming of visiting?
