Typically it’s when you’re retired that you’ve the spare money available and the time to visit places you’ve always wanted to. I published a post titled 25 interesting places to visit a few years ago which includes many of the places on my ‘bucket list’. This bucket list has evolved and below details the 20 places I wish to visit (i’m ticking these off slowly but surely).
Northern Lights (Finland)
I’ve seen the Northern Lights from the window of our airplane coming back from Banff, Canada and for 2 hours I was left staring in amazement…transfixed by the awe inspiring green lights in the sky. I would love to see them from the ground as so tick is probably top of my bucket list.
The extraordinary natural light show displays vibrant hues of blue, green, and gold above the Arctic sky; visitors to Finland often view the spectacular sight from their very own Lapland igloo – like the ones at Hotel Igloo Village Kakslauttanen in Finland. This has to be the coolest places to stay and see the Northern Lights.
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Mount Fuji (Japan)
Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s cultural World Heritage Sites, and its beautiful snow-capped peak is only tempered by the fact that the mountain is an active volcano. This fact does not, however, deter daring climbers of varying skill levels from making the ascent yearly.
Easter Island (Chile)
The Polynesian island in the South Pacific is the quintessential tropical paradise complete with mild temperatures and archaeological mysteries of an evolving ecosystem.
New York City (USA)
New York City is the première American urban metropolis that is known for cultural entertainment, shopping, and a nearly endless variety of restaurants.
Kauai (Hawaii)
We visited Oahu on our honeymoon and love it and would love to go back and visit the other Hawaiian Islands, especially Kauai. Often declared the most beautiful of the Hawaiian islands, geologists consider it as the oldest of the island grouping.
Yellowstone National Park (USA)
Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, and it is known for its rugged beauty and geothermal features like the Old Faithful geyser. This place is right up there on my bucket list as a place I really want to visit and experience before I’m 40.
Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Bora Bora is a South Pacific island where visitors go to soak up some sun and participate in the abundant water sport activities that take place along its famous aquamarine lagoon.
Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef attracts scuba divers from around the globe who want dive among the largest coral reef system in the world.
Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
The structure that legend implied was built for a Cambodian prince has become an archaeological site where scientist attempt to restore the ancient ruins while learning about the region’s past.
Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)
Another one I can happily say I’ve ticked off this list having visited Cairo and the Pyramids on an excursion from Cyprus whilst on a fortnight holiday there. From its questionable purpose as a kingly tomb to its debatable construction process, everything about the Pyramids of Giza reflects a mysterious past. It’s an awesome sight to see it in person and begs the question, how on Earth did they build them!
Grand Canyon (USA)
The Colorado River helped carve the massive Arizona canyon, and the desert landmark is alive with vibrant colours and varied wildlife.
Machu Picchu (Peru)
The dramatic looking Lost City of the Incas is literally a breathtaking sight to behold as it sits an air thinning 7,900 feet above sea level.
The Great Wall of China (China)
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that remain a tribute to early Chinese military defense strategies; it also provides a spectacular view of China’s northern border.
Masai Mara (Kenya)
Masai Mara is a popular big game reserve in East Africa that is named for the native Maasai people. In addition to “big five” game, the reserve is home to zebra, wildebeest, and gazelle.
Phi Phi Islands (Thailand)
Phi Phi Islands are a grouping of six islands that are blessed with gorgeous white sandy beaches and plenteous marine life. Archaeological discoveries on the Phi Phi Islands prove the ancient, prehistoric origins of the area.
Santorini (Greece)
One day when we renew our wedding vows, i think it will probably be in Santorini. The remnant of an ancient volcanic explosion forms one of today’s most beautiful islands in the azure hued Aegean Sea.
Banff National Park (Canada)
Another one I can tick off having now been snowboarding in Banff and Lake Louise. Such a stunning place and would love to visit back in the summer months. The Banff National Park is located in the province of Alberta and encompasses three different recognised eco-regions including alpine, sub alpine, and mountainous. The spectacular mountainous scenery is vividly coloured with evergreen trees and the bluest of lakes. Although the views are stunning, the park’s hot springs attract most visitors yearly.
Plitvice (Croatia)
Plitvice is a hidden Eastern European gem that features crystalline bodies of water amidst magnificent mountains. Even though intense aquamarine coloured lakes attracts sightseeing visitors, none of the inviting waterways are open to swimmers.
Preikenstolen (Norway)
The famous Norwegian cliff is known in English as the Pulpit Rock. The steep cliff sits about 1,900 feet above sea level and provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, lakes and fjords.