There is so many incredible places in the world that sometimes it might be difficult to choose where to go, especially when we have limited time. I have prepared for you, my lovely readers, a list of absolute bucket list places that you have to visit at least once in your life. It is a list of some destinations (in no particular order) I have been to that made me absolutely speechless and formed amazing memories for me. I hope you find some inspiration here for you.

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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20 bucket list places you need to visit at least once in your life.

Machu Picchu (Perú)

Why: I am not sure if that really needs any explanation why you should visit Machu Picchu. For starters, it is one of the seven wonders that is so incredible that for sure would make a trip of a lifetime. I am sure that many of you have already seen photos of the glorious ruins of the Inca city and if you have been planning the trip, the thirst of traveling there was increased by amazing photographs that can be found on the internet. If you think it is pretty cool, I can assure you that it is much better! It might sometimes appear to you that because of so many people (luxury coach tourists, hikers, backpackers etc.) go there every day, it might be a bit disappointing. I understand if you fear that, but actually it cannot disappoint.

This place is too incredible! The views and the history cannot be presented with all its grace by words or even photos. It has to be experienced with the power of all the senses.

When: The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during dry season, which is between April and October. February is the riskiest time as heavy rains may occur.

See also: My way to Machu Picchu

The Netherlands

Why: There is something special about Holland. Most people just visit Amsterdam and overlook other charming places, like a few beautiful castles or a village with rivers instead of roads (Giethoorn). People in Holland never seem stressed. Maybe thanks to everyday cycling? Discovering Holland by bike is the thing that would make the trip special.

Do you like hats? You can get one similar to the one I’m wearing here.

When: All year, but in winter it tends to be gloomy and cold, so I would say that spring and summer and the best months to visit the Netherlands. In April and May you can also see the most amazing tulip fields.

Iguazu Falls (Argentina)

Why: Simply because this place is truly incredible! A set of over 200 hundred falls, rain forest, wild animals and thousands of colorful butterflies is something that will stay in your memory for a very long time. I can promise you that. And you can visit two sides of the falls, in Argentina and Brazil just by a short bus ride.

When: All year, but in October for dry weather. In autumn (March-May) it is also pretty as everything turns green, but heavy rains might stop you from being able to see the park.

See also: Your guide to Iguazu Falls

Atacama Desert (Chile)

Why: Atacama desert if one of the most fascinating places I have been to. It is full of surprises giving you an opportunity to get speechless a number of times. From the most amazing sky decorated with sparkling stars to the colour-changing Moon Valley to high altitude geysers. One of the most stunning phenomena also happens in Atacama- flowering desert (desierto florido)

When: All year. Summers are very hot, winters are mild with occasional heavy rain or snow around February that does not last long.

Book some of the most amazing tours you could have anywhere in the world:

Morocco

Why: Morocco invites you with fragrant air, smell of spices, colorful fabrics, mint tea and tasty food. Marrakech is probably one of the most romantic places that transforms into a real magic at dawn. There are camel rides and star watching in Sahara, there are crystal clear waters, perfect surfing waves and a blue city. Morocco gives you all from the mountains, to the beaches. It is a place that enchant many travelers and if any of you have been there already, you probably know what I am talking about.

When: All year.

Prague (Czech Republic)

Why: “If European cities were a necklace, Prague would be a diamond among the pearls.” Anonymous.

I must agree with this quote. Prague is beautiful, friendly and full of culture. Walking the old and beautiful streets of the city, listening to the piano music played by street performers (or rather anyone why feels like playing as occasionally there are pianos on streets available to anyone) and classical concerts is what makes this place so incredibly wonderful.

When: All year, but most beautiful between April and October to avoid winter cold, rain and wind.

See also: How to spend 4 days in Prague.

Uyuni (Bolivia)

Why: Endless land of a salt, incredible white desert with some lagoons and a cactus island in the middle of nowhere that transforms into a giant mirror is something so unique that it still makes me feel like I am the luckiest person in the world to had a chance to go there. The extra bonus is that you might be able to sleep in a hotel entirely made of salt.

When: All year, but February and March for a possible mirror effect, but it might be also the time when you won’t be able to go to the cactus island.

Kraków (Poland)

Why: Kraków is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Poland and, as you can imagine, one of the most popular. Rich in history, dragon legends, home for kings- this former capital of Poland is so charming that you will wish for the time to slow down.

When: All year, but for nice and warm weather go between April to October, although it can be unpredictable.

Pierogi, kings and dragons. See the beauty of Kraków.

Madrid (Spain)

Why: Madrid is not only a capital of Spain, but I would say that it is also a cultural capital of the country. With over hundred museums, countless art galleries, a few good theaters, it is a place that even the fussiest culture lover would be satisfied. I also have to mention food here: there is many excellent restaurants and tapas places, cocktail bars and coffee shops. Walking the streets of Madrid are never boring, there is always something going on. I especially like the way that Spaniards enjoy food. Traditional places are usually packed with locals spending nice time with friends and family accompanied by a drink and food to share. There is also an existing opinion that Madrid is one of the most friendly cities that will welcome you and won’t allow you feel like a stranger.

When: All year, but for pleasant warm weather March to May and September to November. Summers tend to be very hot, which makes city walking difficult, but if you tend to search for heat, it won’t bother you.

Chiloé (Chile)

Why: When entering Chiloé island from the main land of Chile, you are welcomed by a great hospitality and historical richness. I heard lots of stories inspiring me to go there, but when I eventually put my feet on the island, I realized that it is difficult to express the charm of this place in words (unless you are a skillful poet that I am not). It is a place of hidden gems, penguin and whale watching escapes, hand-made goods and million legends.

When: All year, but between May and August the rain fall is the strongest.

Edinburgh (Scotland)

Why: Simply because it is one of the most fascinating cities. Maybe in the opinion of most people Edinburgh would never beat Paris or London, I think that it easily can and here you have why: it is a charming city with a pinch of mystery, ghost stories and the history that would anyone shiver a little bit. It is also a place where the festivals and cultural events never stop. Take for example the International Edinburgh Festival or Fringe Festival that lasts almost a full month (also known for making Monty Python famous), film festival with a guest appearance of Sean Connery, a former and the most famous milkman in Scotland. Still not convinced? Parks in the middle of the city that will make you feel like in a far-away countryside or coutless cycle paths.

I hope that those of you who plan to go to Edinburgh will fall in love with the city as much as I did.

When: All year, but best between May and September as those are the months of most likely best weather. Go there in August for Fringe Festival and December for a Christmas Market.

Book amazing excursions in Scotland:

Galapagos (Ecuador)

Why: The island are incredibly rich in unique flora and fauna. What inspired me most to go to the islands were the giant Galapagos tortoises, which are truly incredible and beautiful animals. The funniest surprise were blue-footed boobies and sea lions sleeping everywhere possible (that were also playful in the water trying to take off our flippers while snorkeling).

When: All year. Depending on a season different animals are more active, but there is no bad time to go to Galapagos.

Book unforgettable snorkeling and diving tours in the Galapagos:

Easter Island (Chile)

Why: Easter Island is one of the most remote places you can ever go to. Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean 5 hours away by plane from the continent, this island, mostly known for Moai, is like a dream. It is so small that you could see all its corners in a day. What makes it even more special is the silence that actually sounds like a melody of a kind that I haven’t heard anywhere else in the world.

When: All year.

Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Why: There is a reason why Buenos Aires is frequently named Paris of South America. I was not sure what the fuss is about before I went there for the first time, but once I got there for the first time two years ago, I fell in love with this city and visited it three more times. I love it for amazing parks that allow people to cool down a bit during hot summers and I love it for Río de La Plata so wide that you can’t see the other side.

I love spending my time sipping coffee in old traditional and full of stories coffee shops or modern alternative places depending on what I feel like doing that day. I like the tango shows and music, the best ice cream and pizza and the widest streets ever. Buenos Aires is also home of some top cultural events, like opera or many theatre shows. Part of it is thanks to Teatro Colon, which is the third best for acoustic opera house in the world. There is so much to see and do in Buenos Aires that there is never enough time to fully satisfy the curiosity.

When: All year, but most pleasant in August to December and March to May to avoid heavy rains in winter and boiling hot weather in summer.

Río de Janeiro (Brazil)

Why: Sun, sexy Ipanema beach and fresh coconut juice. The life in Río slows down even though it is such a big city. Samba sounds move the legs and hips and the sunsets are mesmerizing and best enjoyed during long beach walks. The non-stop nightlife can be enough for some, if not the growing number of attractions should convince you. I am sure that you are familiar with the famous Cristo Corcovado. If by looking at the photos you think that the views from there are stunning, prepare yourself for the real mind blowing real image.

When: All year.

Seychelles

Why: Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is a paradise waiting to be explored. With its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes, this archipelago offers an unparalleled retreat for nature lovers and sun seekers alike. Whether you’re snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, hiking through dense jungles, or simply lounging on the beach with a cocktail in hand, Seychelles promises unforgettable experiences at every turn.

When: The best time to visit Seychelles is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the waters are calm, making it perfect for swimming, diving, and beach activities.

Quick tip: Rent a car in Seychelles to be able to discover all the hidden beautiful beaches in Mahe and Praslin.

Petra

Why: Step back in time and uncover the ancient wonders of Petra, Jordan’s most iconic archaeological site. Carved into rose-red cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, Petra is a testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship. From the awe-inspiring Treasury to the vast Monastery, each rock-cut structure tells a story of a bygone era. Exploring Petra is like stepping into a living history book, where every corner reveals secrets of the past waiting to be discovered.

When: The best time to visit Petra is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable for exploring the site’s expansive terrain. Avoid the scorching heat of summer and the chilly temperatures of winter for a more enjoyable experience.

Mallorca (Spain)

Why: Mallorca is not an island to enjoy a beautiful beach and warm waters, it is also a place for good trekking places and rich history.

When: All year depending what kind of weather you like. The weather is generally good throughout the whole year with some rain in autumn, winter and spring. Winters however are mild and quiet with average temperature of 14 C, so if you are looking for a place to relax, this might be a perfect time for you.

See also: 7 best photo spots in Mallorca

Perito Moreno (Argentina)

Why: Have ever wondered what music glaciers play? If you go to Perito Moreno you will know. It is one of the most incredible phenomena you can experience on your travels. This Patagonian wonder is the only glacier in the world that keeps growing and if you are lucky you can witness when it breaks. There you can easily get overwhelmed by the beauty of nature. The electric blue colour of the ice, the melody that is played, the hiking on the glacier…All of this will make you connect with nature on the whole new level. You can even have a glass of whisky on rocks that come straight from the glacier (the ice I mean).

Rent a car to discover this part of Argentina. I found it the easiest and most convenient way.

When: All year.

La Paz (Bolivia)

Why: One of the most peculiar cities I have been to and at the same so real. A huge city located in a hole, not to mention that it is an unusual experience to be in the city at such high altitude. La Paz is full of stories, witches markets and one-of- a-lifetime experiences. Just at a short distance you can be part of a death-like bike tour along the famous death road that will take you straight to tropics. Or you can see cholitas, women dressed in traditional clothes in a wrestling show.

Traditions there are strongly preserved offering travelers to be part of something that seems to be from outer space.

When: April to October for dry weather, although June, July and August can get very cold and that combined with high altitude might be very difficult for some people. From November to March there may be heavy rain falls. June is a good time for a glimpse into the bolivian culture for the Festival of the Gran Poder.

Thank you for visiting, everyone. I hope you have found a little bit of inspiration here to plan some incredible trips. Happy travels!

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