A true bucket list holiday experience, there’s nowhere in the world quite like Antarctica. A vast wilderness of icebergs, glaciers and snow-covered mountains, it’s one of the most extraordinary places on earth and a destination that feels a world away from everyday life.

An expedition cruise to Antarctica is the best way to experience the White Continent. You’ll sail past towering icebergs, look out for whales and seals, and take Zodiac excursions to shore, where penguins waddle along beaches in their thousands. Depending on your itinerary, you might even get the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula itself!

The journey is every bit as memorable as the destination, with dramatic scenery unfolding around the ship and plenty of opportunities to learn about the region’s wildlife and history from expert guides.

Few travel experiences compare with seeing wild animals roaming freely across the African plains. An East African safari puts you right in the heart of the action, whether you’re watching a pride of lions resting in the grass, spotting giraffes against the horizon, or witnessing thousands of wildebeest crossing the Serengeti.

Kenya and Tanzania are two of the classic safari destinations, with some of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves. The Masai Mara and Serengeti are particularly renowned for their big cats and the Great Migration, when vast herds of wildebeest and zebra move across the plains in search for fresh grazing.

We can also tailor safaris to suit different styles of travel, from intimate tented camps to luxury lodges with incredible views. It’s also easy to combine game drives with some time on the beach in Zanzibar or along Kenya’s coast.

Japan is a destination that rewards curiosity. One day you could be wandering through ancient temple gardens, the next navigating the bright lights of Tokyo or soaking in a traditional hot spring surrounded by mountains.

It’s this contrast that makes Japan such a fantastic bucket list holiday. Kyoto’s historic streets and shrines offer a glimpse of traditional Japan, while Tokyo is a thrilling mix of futuristic architecture, tiny restaurants, world-class shopping and neon-lit nightlife. Head further afield to discover peaceful countryside, mountain villages and beautifully preserved castles.

Spring is especially popular for cherry blossom season, where the parks and gardens of Japan turn beautiful shades of pink and white. Autumn is equally appealing, however, with fiery foliage transforming the countryside and temple grounds.

Japan is also a bucket list food destination! From steaming bowls of ramen and fresh sushi to regional specialties you might never have heard of, it’s a foodie’s dream and there’s something new to try around every corner.

Few landmarks live up to their reputation quite like the Taj Mahal. With its white marble domes, intricate stonework and perfectly symmetrical gardens, this extraordinary monument is one of the world’s most recognisable sights and is a true bucket list holiday experience.

Built in Agra by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is the world’s greatest monument to love and is just as moving in person as it is in photographs. Arriving early in the morning is a wonderful way to experience it, when the light is soft and the crowds are generally smaller.

The Taj Mahal is often included in India’s famous Golden Triangle route, alongside Delhi and Jaipur. This gives you the chance to explore the capital’s historic landmarks, discover Jaipur’s colourful bazaars and palaces, and experience the architectural splendour of Rajasthan.

For a longer bucket list adventure, you could combine the Golden Triangle with a tiger safari, or travel to the south of India to discover Goa’s beaches or the backwaters of Kerala.

Some journeys are just as memorable as the places you visit, and travelling through the Canadian Rockies on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train is the perfect example of this.

The renowned train journey takes you through some of western Canada’s most spectacular landscapes, with towering mountains, deep river canyons, dense forests and glacial lakes providing a constantly changing backdrop. Large panoramic windows make it easy to settle in and enjoy the scenery, while onboard hosts share stories about the region’s history, wildlife and natural wonders.

Routes vary, but many itineraries connect Vancouver with destinations such as Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper, depending on the journey selected. The train operates in daylight so you can make the most of the incredible views along the way.

It’s a fantastic addition to a longer Canadian Rockies trip. Spend a few days exploring Vancouver before travelling inland by rail, then continue your adventure with time in the national parks, where turquoise lakes, scenic drives and mountain trails await. Canada is a wonderful bucket list holiday option.

If dramatic scenery and wildlife are high on your bucket list holiday agenda, then an Alaska cruise could be the ideal option for you. This is a destination of immense glaciers, forested coastlines, snow-capped mountains and remote communities, with the chance to spot whales, bald eagles, sea lions and bears along the way.

Many Alaska cruises explore the Inside Passage, calling at ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Each offers something different, from whale watching excursions and rainforest walks to gold-rush history and opportunities to learn about Alaska’s indigenous cultures.

One of the biggest highlights is seeing a tidewater glacier up close, listening for the crack of shifting ice as huge chunks occasionally break away into the water. Shore excursions can add even more adventure, whether you choose a scenic flight, a wildlife tour or a journey into Alaska’s wilderness.

For a more in-depth trip, you could combine your cruise with a land tour to explore more of Alaska, or even with a Western Canada itinerary.

Australia is the kind of destination where you can have several holidays in one trip. From world-famous cities and legendary road trips to extraordinary wildlife and tropical islands, there’s enough to see in Australia to fill a lifetime of bucket list adventures.

You could snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef, explore Sydney Harbour, drive along the Great Ocean Road or head into the Red Centre to see Uluru glowing at sunset. In the west, Western Australia offers beautiful beaches and vast open landscapes, while Tasmania is perfect for dramatic coastlines, hiking and wildlife encounters.

Australia is also a fantastic destination for combining different experiences. Spend a few days in Melbourne enjoying its food and coffee scene, pick up a car to explore the coast, then finish with a few relaxing days on a Queensland beach. Alternatively, take a longer journey through the mighty Northern Territory to discover the dramatic landscapes and indigenous cultural heritage of Kakadu National Park.

With such vast distances between regions, it’s worth focusing on one or two areas rather than trying to see everything in a single trip!

For a bucket list holiday that combines physical challenge and a sense of achievement, hiking the Inca Trail in Peru is hard to beat.

The classic trek winds through the Andes, following ancient stone pathways past mountain scenery, cloud forests and fascinating archaeological sites. It’s a more challenging option than your typical sightseeing holiday, but the reward is arriving at Machu Picchu on foot and seeing the famous citadel spread out across the mountains.

Along the way you’ll pass impressive Inca ruins and experience changing landscapes as the trail climbs high into the mountains before descending towards the edge of the Amazon basin. The final approach to Machu Picchu is the highlight, and a true bucket list experience.

Most classic Inca Trail itineraries take around four days, although shorter alternatives are available. It’s important to allow time to acclimatise to the altitude in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before setting off.

The Galápagos Islands feels like a naturalists dream! Located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, this remarkable archipelago is home to wildlife found nowhere else on earth, much of which has little fear of people.

You might find yourself watching giant tortoises lumber through the vegetation, spotting marine iguanas basking on volcanic rocks or swimming alongside sea lions. Depending on the location and conditions, snorkelling trips can also reveal sea turtles, colourful fish and rays.

A small ship cruise is the best way to explore the islands, allowing you to visit different sites with naturalist guides who explain the unique wildlife and ecosystems.

The Galápagos Islands are an incredible option for a bucket list holiday, especially for those seeking close encounters with nature and the chance to see an extraordinary range of species in their natural habitat.

Few road trips are as iconic as Route 66. Immortalised in films, music and American popular culture, the historic highway represents the freedom of the open road and a chance to discover a different side of the United States.

The traditional route runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through small towns, desert landscapes and classic roadside stops. Along the way you’ll find vintage diners, neon signs, quirky museums and stretches of highway that feel wonderfully nostalgic.

Road tripping along Route 66 is all about stopping along the way, chatting to locals, discovering unexpected places and taking your time. You might explore the streets of Chicago, visit the eccentric attractions of roadside America, cross the wide-open landscapes of the Southwest and finish at the Pacific Ocean in California.

The original Route 66 alignment has changed over the years, and some sections are no longer part of the main highway network, so planning your route helps you make the most of the historic stretches that remain.

Sometimes, the ultimate bucket list holiday is about doing very little at all! And if your idea of paradise involves turquoise water, powder-soft sand and a luxury villa perched above the ocean, then the Maldives is the destination for you.

Overwater villas are one of the country's signature experiences. Wake up to views of the Indian Ocean, step onto your private deck for a morning swim and spend the afternoon snorkelling among colourful fish just beyond the reef. Most overwater villas have direct lagoon access, while others even offer private pools and generous outdoor living space.

Each resort in the Maldives occupies its own island, and they offer different experiences. Some focus on barefoot luxury and relaxed beach living, while others offer an impressive choice of restaurants, watersports and indulgent spa treatments.

The Maldives is particularly popular for honeymoons and special occasions, but it’s also a wonderful option for anyone who wants to spend some time properly switching off. For a different kind of adventure, you could even combine a beach stay with some time exploring Sri Lanka.

Watching the Northern Lights ripple across a dark winter sky is definitely a bucket list experience. Shades of green, and sometimes pink or purple, appear overhead, shifting and dancing as the aurora moves across the horizon.

To give yourself the best chance of seeing them, head somewhere with dark skies, limited light pollution and a good number of clear nights. Popular destinations include Finnish Lapland, Northern Norway, Iceland and Northern Canada.

Your holiday could be as adventurous or as relaxing as you like. Spend your days husky sledding through snowy forests, visiting reindeer farms or exploring frozen landscapes, then head out after dark to search for the aurora. In Finnish Lapland you could even stay in a glass-roofed cabin, giving you the chance to watch the sky from the warmth of your bed.

Of course, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings can never be guaranteed. Staying for several nights and choosing an area with good aurora-viewing opportunities will improve your chances.

Jordan offers an incredible combination of ancient history and dramatic desert scenery, making it the ideal choice for a bucket list holiday.

The highlight for many visitors is Petra; the ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-coloured sandstone. Walking through the narrow Siq before emerging in front of the Treasury is an unforgettable moment, but there’s much more to explore beyond this famous façade including tombs, temples and trails leading to viewpoints across the archaeological site.

From Petra, continue into Wadi Rum, where vast red-sand deserts, towering rock formations and wide-open skies create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. A 4WD excursion is a great way to explore the desert, while an overnight stay in a desert camp gives you the chance to watch the sun set over the dunes and enjoy the extraordinary clarity of the night sky.

Few places capture the imagination quite like Angkor Wat. This enormous temple complex in Cambodia is one of South East Asia’s most remarkable historical sites, with intricate carvings, towering stone structures and ancient ruins surrounded by tropical vegetation.

Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat is a classic bucket list experience, as the temple’s distinctive towers appear in silhouette against the early morning sky. But it’s worth allowing at least a couple of days to explore the wider Angkor Archaeological Park, which includes the atmospheric tree-covered ruins of Ta Prohm and the impressive stone faces of Bayon.

Nearby Siem Reap makes a convenient base, with a good choice of accommodation, restaurants and markets. After a full day of exploring the temples, you can relax with a traditional Cambodian meal or wander through the town’s lively streets.

For a longer holidays, Cambodia pairs particularly well with Thailand. You could spend a few days exploring Angkor before travelling onto a tropical Thai beach, giving a rewarding mix of history, culture and relaxation.