Top 10 Bucket List Destinations for 2026
Travelling to a dream destination is an experience like no other. Whether you’re craving breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, or thrilling adventures, 2026 is the perfect year to tick off places from your bucket list. With new travel trends, evolving attractions, and hidden gems gaining popularity, now is the time to plan your ultimate getaway. From stunning beaches to historic wonders, here are the top 10 must-visit destinations for 2026 and why they should be on your radar.
1. Santorini, Greece – Sunset Views and Whitewashed Beauty
It is many years since I last toured the Greek islands, but the memories of that wonderful, long, hot summer have remained with me. Together with my university friend, Rachel, I visited Paxos, Paros, Naxos, Sifnos, and Serifos. More recently, I have spent time in Kos and Rhodes. And I have to mention that 30 years ago, I met my husband, Mark, on the beautiful island of Crete. The Greek islands have a very special place in my heart. I have never visited Santorini, but it's definitely on my list!
Santorini is the epitome of romance and scenic beauty. Known for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and breathtaking sunsets, this Greek island is a dream destination. Whether you’re wandering through Oia’s narrow streets, sipping wine at a cliffside vineyard, or relaxing by the Aegean Sea, Santorini offers an unforgettable experience.
✅ Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a prehistoric Minoan city.
✅ Take a sunset cruise around the caldera for a spectacular view.
✅ Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes at a seaside taverna.
2. Kyoto, Japan – A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
I haven't visited Japan yet, but I have already booked a trip for spring 2027. Part of that visit will include a 15-day textile tour in and around Kyoto. To say I'm excited is an understatement!
Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart, where ancient temples and tea houses coexist with modern city life. If you’re looking for cherry blossoms in the spring, stunning shrines, and authentic Japanese experiences, Kyoto is a must-visit.
✅ Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates.
✅ Experience a traditional tea ceremony in a centuries-old teahouse.
✅ Explore the breathtaking Arashiyama Bamboo Forest for a peaceful escape.
3. Bora Bora, French Polynesia – A Tropical Paradise
I won't get here in 2026, but one day ...
Bora Bora is the definition of luxury and relaxation. With its overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs, this island is a top destination for honeymooners and beach lovers alike.
✅ Stay in an overwater villa with direct access to the crystal-clear waters.
✅ Go snorkelling or diving in vibrant coral gardens filled with marine life.
✅ Take a sunset catamaran cruise for a truly magical experience.
4. Machu Picchu, Peru – A Journey to the Lost City
We were lucky enough to visit Machu Picchu last December as part of our epic overlanding trip around South America. It was one of those travel highlights that anyone interested in history and culture should get to see. Do it sooner rather than later. Our guide told us that within the next couple of years, due to unacceptable behaviour from some tourists, the Peruvian government is likely to stop visitors being able to walk among the ruins. Instead, they will only be allowed to look at them from a viewing platform.
For history and adventure lovers, Machu Picchu is an unmissable destination. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the fascinating Inca civilisation while providing breathtaking mountain views.
✅ Hike the famous Inca Trail for an immersive experience.
✅ Explore the ancient ruins and learn about their historical significance.
✅ Witness the stunning sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy – The Ultimate Coastal Escape
Despite the fact that we lived in Italy for two years, we never visited the Amalfi Coast. It remains very high up on my bucket list!
The Amalfi Coast in Italy is known for its dramatic cliffs, colourful villages, and world-class cuisine. It’s the perfect spot for travellers looking to indulge in beauty, culture, and relaxation.
✅ Visit Positano for its iconic pastel-colored buildings and stunning beaches.
✅ Enjoy fresh seafood and handmade pasta in a charming trattoria.
✅ Take a boat tour to Capri for breathtaking sea caves and luxury vibes.
6. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia – A Diver’s Dream
I have snorkelled over some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs, most notably in Tobago, the Seychelles, and the Maldives. The Great Barrier Reef is next on the list 😊.
As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With over 2,900 reefs and 1,500 species of fish, it’s a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves the ocean.
✅ Go snorkelling or scuba diving to explore the stunning underwater world.
✅ Take a helicopter ride for a breathtaking aerial view of the reef.
✅ Visit the Whitsunday Islands for pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
7. Patagonia, Argentina & Chile – A Nature Lover’s Dream
We spent about a month in this stunning region as part of our recent overlanding tour of South America. This was the view from our campsite in Torres del Paine National Park.
Patagonia is a wild, untouched landscape filled with glaciers, mountains, and endless outdoor adventures. Whether you love hiking, wildlife, or stunning scenery, this region is a dream for nature lovers.
✅ Trek through Torres del Paine National Park for stunning mountain views.
✅ See the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s most impressive ice fields.
✅ Spot wild guanacos, pumas, and condors in their natural habitat.
8. Iceland – Chasing the Northern Lights
Another one that is still on my bucket list!
Iceland is a land of fire and ice, where dramatic landscapes, hot springs, and the famous Northern Lights make it a must-visit destination.
✅ Relax in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s world-famous geothermal spa.
✅ Take a Golden Circle tour to see geysers, waterfalls, and Thingvellir National Park.
✅ Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis in the winter months.
9. Dubai, UAE – The Future of Travel
I have to say that Dubai isn't my favourite place. I'm not one for modern, man-made resorts, and I'm not interested in high-end shopping, so I guess the city isn't aimed at me! However, even I couldn't fail to be impressed by the scale of the place when we were unexpectedly diverted there for a couple of days during the pandemic.
Dubai is known for its ultra-modern architecture, luxurious shopping, and thrilling desert adventures. It’s a city where the future meets tradition.
✅ Visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
✅ Explore the Dubai Mall, home to high-end brands, an aquarium, and an ice rink.
✅ Take a desert safari and enjoy camel rides, dune bashing, and Arabian feasts.
10. African Safari (Kenya & Tanzania) – A Wildlife Experience Like No Other
Long-term readers will know full well that Africa is my favourite continent, and going on safari is one of my favourite things to do. Speaking as someone who has been lucky enough to experience multiple safaris, if I knew I could only go on one more trip in my life, this would be it!
For an unforgettable adventure, an African safari is a bucket-list trip that allows you to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard) in their natural habitat.
✅ Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, one of nature’s most breathtaking events.
✅ Stay in a luxury safari lodge or experience a mobile tented camp in the wild.
✅ Take a hot air balloon safari for a panoramic view of the savanna at sunrise.
Where will you go in 2026?
Will it be one of the destinations listed above, or somewhere else? Let me know what the next year has in store for you.
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