With 2020 coming to a close, everyone is starting to think about where to go in the new year. Planning out vacations is always very exciting, and our team has put together the following list of recommendations for you to consider when booking your next bucket list trip. We hope you enjoy and start making plans to explore new destinations. Don’t forget to also check out our travel guides and itineraries for inspiration on where to head in 2021!
Every year, millions of people visit the incredible Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru – and for good reason. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the new 7 wonders of the world and only becoming more popular. The mesmerizing views, delicious cuisine, amazing culture and wonderful people were all factors in helping elevate this special destination to the #1 spot on our bucket list for 2021.
It feels like everyone has been talking about Iceland lately, and now we know why. This European country gives off a vibe as if you were on different planet when you arrive and only gets better the more you explore. Epic hiking trails lead to unbelievable views and ever-expanding landscapes of some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Iceland has made a name for itself as one of the top destinations and our team fully backs the idea of you making this your next dream vacation. Get started on planning your trip to Iceland by following our incredibly detailed 6 day travel guide and itinerary here.
Located along the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre should be at the top of your list of places to visit anytime you step foot into Italy. The five coastal towns – comprised of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – offer spectacular views and great hiking, and this area is well-known for being the birthplace of pesto. It’s worth going out of your way to spend a day or two along the coastline and immerse yourself in the culture of the magical towns that make up Cinque Terre.
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Montserrat is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona and there are plenty of reasons why you should add this mountain peak to your itinerary if you are in the area. Located about 2 hours north of Barcelona by train, Montserrat offers picturesque mountain views of Catalunya and has some of the best hiking in Spain. This area is also home to the Santa Maria de Montserrat, a Benedictine monastery, and many people visit for religious reasons. Our team decided to move this up on our bucket list recommendations due on the breathtaking views and incredible hiking – we hope you consider adding this to your lineup for 2021!
Just outside of Melbourne, Australia, the Great Ocean Road winds along the southern coastline of Victoria, offering a variety of sightseeing pit stops along the way. With attractions such as Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, we highly recommend planning a trip down under to get glimpses of these natural wonders. To make the most of your time, especially if you’re traveling from the USA, be sure to plan at least 2 weeks to account for the time zone differential and check out everything else this beautiful country has to offer.
Acadia National Park in Maine is a magnificent national park with plenty of scenic views and beautiful hikes. During our trip, we had the opportunity to check out more than a few over a long weekend and would recommend them to just about anyone. Head over to our article on what we feel are the best hiking trails in the park!
Paris is in the top 10 of just about every bucket list because this lovely European city always lives up to the hype. From museum connoisseurs to food lovers, and sightseeing experts to shopaholics, there is something for everyone in this city. Whether it’s taking a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, sitting on the lawn of Champ de Mars and gazing up at Eiffel Tower or heading to the top of L’Arc de Triomphe to get a glimpse of the entire city, Paris finds its way into everyone’s heart.
Santorini has made a name for itself as one of the most romantic and relaxing getaways in travel today. This small island in the Aegean Sea has beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles, and is home to one of the most photographed sunsets in the world. The wonderful Greek culture on Santorini shines through and is highly present in their delicious cuisine and excellent hospitality. We recommend visiting just outside of the busy summer months, either in May or September, to get the true Santorini experience.
The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. The City of Dreams. Yes, New York City is one of the most well known and renowned places on Earth, and it has plenty of nicknames to prove it. The main reason NYC is on our bucket list is because of all the different possibilities of things you can do there. This city has it all – top talent Broadway shows, famous museums, late-night bars and clubs, eccentric people and sightseeing attractions like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Freedom Tower. It’s hard not to get caught up in the bright lights and big city vibes that NYC embodies. If it’s not already, be sure to consider New York as one of your vacation destinations in 2021.
We fell in love with Versailles from the moment we stepped off the train. Only a 45-minute train ride outside of Paris, this beautiful city is home to the Palace of Versailles, which was was the principal royal residence of France until the start of the French Revolution. The breathtaking views of the sprawling gardens beyond the palace are simply remarkable and have a special place in our minds. The Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate can all be found here as well, and it’s worth spending an entire day exploring everything the grounds have to offer. We would be remiss if we left Versailles off of our top 10 bucket list destinations, since it is an extremely special place to visit. We encourage you to take the time to explore this wonderful city.
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