Your Ultimate Travel List for Once-in-a-Lifetime Trips
Every traveller has a list of places they dream of seeing at least once. From world-famous landmarks to culturally rich cities and natural wonders, a well-planned bucket list helps you travel smarter and experience more.
In this guide, we’ve organised bucket-list destinations by country and city, with realistic timeframes, approximate costs, travel tips, and suggestions on how to combine multiple destinations into one unforgettable trip.
🇮🇹 Italy: Rome & Venice
Rome
Rome is an open-air museum filled with ancient history, art, and incredible food. Must-see attractions include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain.
- Entry fees: £15–£20 for major sites
- Time needed: 2–3 days
- Tip: Many landmarks are free to view from outside, making Rome budget-friendly
Venice
Venice offers romantic canals, historic architecture, and a slower pace. Visit St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and explore Murano glass workshops.
- Gondola rides: £25–£30
- Travel from Rome: ~3 hours by high-speed train (£40–£70)
Combine both: 4–5 days total using Italy’s efficient rail network.
Official reference: Italy tourism & travel updates via Italia.it
🇫🇷 France: Paris & the Loire Valley
Paris
Home to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and charming cafés, Paris blends culture and romance.
- Seine cruise: £15–£20
- London to Paris: Eurostar (2.5 hours)
Loire Valley
Perfect for castle-hopping and wine tasting, with highlights like Château de Chambord.
- Travel from Paris: ~2 hours by train
Combine both: Ideal for a 5–7 day trip.
Official reference: France travel advice via France.fr
🇹🇭 Thailand: Bangkok & Chiang Mai
Bangkok
A vibrant mix of temples, markets, and street food. Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and floating markets.
- Grand Palace entry: ~£10
- International flights: £400–£700
Chiang Mai
Calmer and cultural, known for temples, night bazaars, and ethical elephant sanctuaries.
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai: 1-hour flight (£30–£60)
Combine both: 7–10 days for a balanced city + culture experience.
Official reference: Thailand tourism authority (tourismthailand.org)
🇯🇵 Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto
Tokyo
A futuristic city with historic roots. Explore Shibuya, Senso-ji Temple, themed cafés, and Mount Fuji day trips.
Kyoto
Japan’s cultural heart with shrines, tea houses, and geisha districts.
- Bullet train Tokyo–Kyoto: 2.5 hours (£80–£120)
Combine both: 5–7 days using the JR rail system.
Official reference: Japan National Tourism Organization (japan.travel)
🇪🇬 Egypt: Cairo & Luxor
Cairo
See the Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum.
- Pyramid entry: £10–£15
Luxor
Visit the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.
- Cairo–Luxor flight: ~1 hour (£50–£80)
Combine both: 6–8 days for a deep historical journey.
Official reference: Egypt Ministry of Tourism
🇿🇦 South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Cape Town
Table Mountain, vineyards, and coastal scenery.
- Cable car: ~£15
Kruger National Park
World-class safaris with diverse wildlife.
- Game drives: £50–£100/day
Combine both: 9–12 days city + safari adventure.
Official reference: South African Tourism (southafrica.net)
🇺🇸 USA: New York City & Grand Canyon
New York City
Explore Times Square, Central Park, museums, and Broadway.
- Broadway tickets: from £50
Grand Canyon
A natural wonder in Arizona.
- Entry: ~£30 per vehicle
Combine both: Fly NYC to Phoenix (~5 hours), total 7–10 days.
Official reference: US National Park Service & ESTA travel site
🇮🇳 India: Delhi & Jaipur (Golden Triangle)
Delhi
Historic forts, bustling markets, and street food culture.
Jaipur
Famous for palaces, forts, and colourful bazaars.
- Delhi–Jaipur train: 4–6 hours (£10–£20)
Combine both: 7–10 days.
Official reference: Incredible India & Indian e-Visa portal
🇮🇸 Iceland: Reykjavik & Golden Circle
Reykjavik
Northern Lights, geothermal spas, and culture.
Golden Circle
Includes Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park.
- Day tours: £50–£80
Combine both: 3–5 days.
Official reference: Visit Iceland (visiticeland.com)
How to Combine Multiple Bucket-List Destinations
- Use high-speed trains in Europe and Japan
- Book multi-city flights for long-haul trips
- Allow buffer days to avoid travel fatigue
- Rail passes and regional flights often reduce costs
Common Travel Questions
Q: How long should I stay in each city?
A: 3–4 days for major cities, 7–10 days for combined destinations.
Q: Are multi-destination trips expensive?
A: Not necessarily. Planning ahead, rail passes, and budget airlines can reduce costs.
Q: Should I check visa rules in advance?
A: Yes, always refer to official government immigration websites for visa and entry requirements.
Q: What are some must-visit places in London for a bucket list?
A: Top attractions include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, the London Eye, and Westminster Abbey.
Q: Which scenic spots in Scotland should be on my bucket list?
A: Don’t miss the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Edinburgh Castle, Glencoe, and the Cairngorms National Park.
Q: What are iconic destinations in Wales worth visiting?
A: Wales offers Snowdonia National Park, Cardiff Castle, the Pembrokeshire Coast, Conwy Castle, and the Brecon Beacons.
Q: Are there any famous historic sites in the UK I should include?
A: Yes, Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall, Canterbury Cathedral, Windsor Castle, and Bath Roman Baths are all historic highlights.
Q: What seaside towns in the UK are perfect for a bucket list trip?
A: Bournemouth, St Ives, Brighton, Whitby, and Tenby are charming seaside destinations to explore.
Q: What are the top USA destinations for a bucket list?
A: New York City, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Yellowstone National Park.
Q: Which iconic landmarks should I see in the USA?
A: The Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Golden Gate Bridge, the White House, and the Space Needle.
Q: What natural wonders in the USA are worth exploring?
A: Yellowstone National Park, Niagara Falls, the Everglades, Bryce Canyon, and Antelope Canyon.
Q: Are there unique cultural experiences in the USA?
A: Attending a jazz concert in New Orleans, exploring Native American heritage sites, visiting Hollywood in Los Angeles, or experiencing a country music show in Nashville.
Q: Which cities in the USA are great for a bucket list trip?
A: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Boston are vibrant destinations with diverse attractions.
Q: What are the must-see cities in Europe for a bucket list?
A: Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Prague, and Amsterdam are iconic European cities worth visiting.
Q: Which natural wonders in Europe should I add to my bucket list?
A: The Northern Lights in Scandinavia, the Swiss Alps, Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and the Douro Valley in Portugal.
Q: Are there any famous castles or historic sites to visit in Europe?
A: Yes, Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, the Palace of Versailles in France, the Acropolis in Greece, and Mont Saint-Michel in France.
Q: What are some unique cultural experiences to have in Europe?
A: Attending the Venice Carnival, Flamenco dancing in Seville, visiting a wine vineyard in Bordeaux, or exploring the Nordic sauna culture.
Q: Which European festivals are worth experiencing?
A: Oktoberfest in Munich, La Tomatina in Spain, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, and the Venice Film Festival.
Got a question that hasn’t been answered? Contact us via the Contact Us page or email info@journeygems.co.uk
Final Thoughts
A bucket-list organised by country and city helps you travel with purpose, not pressure. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, modern cities, or natural wonders, thoughtful planning ensures each trip is meaningful and memorable.
With flexibility, research, and curiosity, your bucket list can turn into real-world adventures that stay with you for life.
