Africa & The Middle East | Destination Guides

Once-in-a-lifetime trips to add to your bucket list

Recently updated on August 1st, 2023 at 05:21 pm

If you’re dreaming of your next adventure, you’ll want to make sure it’s one to remember. We’ve put together some of the rarest, toughest, most extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime trips to inspire your next bucket-list journey.

Voyage to Antarctica

If you want to take the ultimate of all once-in-a-lifetime trips, it’s got to be Antarctica. Voyage to the final frontier and follow in the footsteps of bold adventures as you explore giant icebergs, icy waters, and spot whales, penguins, seals and more. It really is the world’s greatest journey.

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Mount Everest Base Camp, Nepal

If you’re looking for the most active once-in-a-lifetime trips, how about climbing to the world’s highest peak? Although most people won’t get to the top of Mount Everest, it’s definitely possible to climb to Everest Base Camp. After spending around two weeks hiking through stunning scenery and staying in Sherpa villages, then coming face to face with Everest itself, you’ll never be the same again.

RELATED CONTENT: 13 of the most remarkable experiences you can enjoy when you tour with Trafalgar

Safari in Africa

From the Serengeti and the Masai Mara to Kruger and Etosha, a safari in Africa is the ultimate travel bucket list item. Whether you want to spot the Big Five or witness the mass migration dubbed ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, a safari in Africa serves up endless blockbuster moments.

GET INSPIRED BY: African Safari Adventure

Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

As the longest railway in the world, starting in Moscow and spanning across eight time zones and breathtaking landscapes, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the journey of a lifetime. There are also two other lines branching off the Trans-Siberian including the Trans-Mongolian and the Trans-Manchurian. These lines take you through Mongolia and China and the drastically changing scenery is something you’ll never forget.

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Patagonia, Argentina & Chile

Glittering glaciers, giant icebergs, soaring granite peaks, unique wildlife and incredible cultures… Patagonia is one of the remarkable regions on the planet. Spread across the ends of Argentina and Chile, this will be one of the most epic adventures you’ll ever have.

RELATED CONTENT: 6 things you should tick off your bucket list when visiting Patagonia

The Nile River, Egypt

The longest river in the world, once the cradle of civilisation, lined with ancient temples, ruins and colourful villages… Cruising the Nile is like entering a portal to another ancient world.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Egypt

Australia

Head to the Land Down Under and you’ll discover some of the world’s greatest wonders from the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Forest, to Uluru and the Kimberleys. See the iconic Sydney Opera House, drive the Great Ocean Road, explore the Blue Mountains, or meet kangaroos, koalas, wombats and more. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Australian Highlights

The Golden Triangle, India

As you travel between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, you’ll embark on the most fascinating, entertaining, colourful and unique adventure of your life. India is truly captivating and one of our all-time favourite destinations.

GET INSPIRED BY: Golden Triangle, Tigers and The Ganges

The Greek Islands

White sandy beaches and turquoise seas. Cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and blue-domed roofs. Thermal hot springs, volcanoes and ancient ruins. Glorious sunsets and delicious feasts… These are just a few of the reasons why the Greek Islands are bucket list material.

GET INSPIRED BY: Greek Island Hopper

rugged cliffs blue water Zakynthos Greece

Gorilla trekking, Uganda & Rwanda

What could be more extraordinary than coming face to face with gorillas in their natural habitats? Trekking through the forests of Uganda and Rwanda to meet these beautiful gorillas is truly life-changing stuff. 

RELATED CONTENT: 9 incredible Make Travel Matter Experiences you can enjoy with Trafalgar

Peru

The beautiful Inca Trail and the Lost City in the Clouds, Machu Picchu. The mysterious Nazca Lines and the Sacred Valley. The unbelievable landscapes and the divine cuisine. Peru is unmissable.

GET INSPIRED BY: Land of the Incas

Llama blocking the view of Machu Picchu in Peru

USA’s national parks

With 62 national parks in the USA, the country is absolutely packed with otherworldly landscapes. From natural wonders and unique wildlife to ancient ruins and fascinating history, a trip through the US National Parks is an essential bucket list item. Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Mesa Verde, Zion, Great Smoky, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Joshua Tree, Monument Valley… And that’s just the start.

RELATED CONTENT: 21 bucket list experiences you can only have in the USA

Norway’s fjords

Norway is nature’s masterpiece and the fjords just might be the crown jewel. Ride the Flåm Railway to Sognefjord, the ‘King of the Fjords’. Spend the night next to Geirangerfjord, or cruise along the breathtaking Næroy Fjord. It’s simply unforgettable.

GET INSPIRED BY: Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords

The Amazon, South America

Exploring this enormous, ancient ecosystem of rainforest, rivers and wildlife is a truly humbling experience. Spread through eight countries in South America, there’s nowhere on earth like the Amazon.

Sahara Desert, Morocco

Golden dunes sizzling in the sun by day and glittering under the stars by night. Riding camels across the ancient sands and hearing stories around glowing campfires. The Sahara is something very special.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Morocco

people riding camels through the Sahara Desert winter in Morocco

China

Walk along the iconic Great Wall of China and marvel at the Terracotta Warriors. Cruise the magical Yangtze River, fill up on steaming dumplings, or meet the endangered Giant Pandas… China is filled with extraordinary experiences.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of China with Yangtze Cruise

New Zealand

The Land of the Long White Cloud is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful countries. A road trip through both the North and South Islands will reveal mountains, lakes, beaches, glaciers, forests and volcanoes galore… It’s like something from a movie – but real!

GET INSPIRED BY: New Zealand Uncovered

Hooker-Valley-Track-New-Zealand-hangi-traditional-maori-technique

Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino is one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage trails. It’s also the ultimate bucket list item for anyone looking for a spiritual journey through the dreamy landscapes of Spain.

RELATED CONTENT: Everything you need to know about the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage route of Spain

Canadian Arctic

Go snowshoe trekking, ride a Tundra Buggy across frozen rivers, and see the magical Northern Lights. Learn about the indigenous Inuit people and go on a thrilling dog-sled ride… The Canadian Arctic is one of the most spectacular once-in-a-lifetime trips.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Discover all the shades of green as you drive along the rugged coastal cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way. With 2,500 km of scenic roads stretching from County Donegal to County Cork, your camera is sure to get a workout here.

GET INSPIRED BY: Irish Experience

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are where Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution came to life… And you can follow in his footsteps to see some of the most incredible wildlife on earth. Swim with sea lions, marvel at giant tortoises, spot marine iguanas and sail with killer whales. 

RELATED CONTENT: No Latin America bucket list is complete without these 5 experiences

Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania brings your storybooks to life, with fairytale castles, medieval citadels, ancient traditions, and enchanting landscapes. Wander through the woods, climb castle turrets and immerse yourself in the local legends and folklore.

GET INSPIRED BY: Balkan Adventure

Iceland

Witness the dancing Northern Lights and soak in thermal hot springs. Hike over glaciers and visit underground caves. Snorkel in an underwater lava field and drive the stunning Ring Road… Iceland is truly one-of-a-kind.

GET INSPIRED BY: Iceland including the Blue Lagoon

Bhutan

Exploring Bhutan is the ultimate travel bucket list item for those looking to reconnect with nature in a soul-stirring world. Hike to cliffside monasteries, gaze out at the edge of the Himalayas, and immerse yourself in the peaceful Bhutanese culture. 

RELATED CONTENT: Why everyone needs a bucket list trip to Asia at least once in their lives

Canadian Rockies

Impossibly blue lakes, lush forests, snowy peaks and blooming meadows… The Canadian Rockies give true meaning to the phrase “postcard-perfect”. It may be on our list of amazing once-in-a-lifetime trips, but you’ll always dream of returning to the Canadian Rockies.

Italy

Tuscany, Rome, Cinque Terre, Venice, Amalfi Coast, Florence, the Italian Lakes… We could go on forever about why Italy is the ultimate place to go for natural beauty, rich culture, incredible history, delicious cuisine and artistic wonders. 

RELATED CONTENT: 9 must-see places to see in Europe for your bucket list

What are the once-in-a-lifetime trips on your vacation bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!

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