21 Top Bucket List Destinations for the New Year

Happy New Year, friends! 2020 was a year so I can’t be the only one who is more than ready for 2021. In the spirit of fresh beginnings and in hopes that we can actually travel more in 2021, I’ve put together a list of my top 21 bucket list destinations for the New Year. 

^{Images: Saint Lucia; Napa, California; Cappadocia, Turkey; Mexico City, Mexico}

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is a small Caribbean island known for its amazing beaches, dramatic mountains, and unique mixture of Caribbean and Colonial architecture. I came across a picture of the Piton Mountains a couple years ago and have been obsessed ever since! Saint Lucia activities on my bucket list are hiking the Gros Piton, visiting the drive through volcano (the only one in the world!), tasting the local rum and chocolate, and riding the aerial tram.

Napa, California

As a wine lover, Napa has been one of my bucket list destinations for a long time. The vineyards, wine, and restaurants all look incredible. I’m dying to enjoy a warm, sunny day while sitting outside with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cappadocia, Turkey

I love Turkey (and not only because I got engaged there), but haven’t made it to Cappadocia yet. Cappadocia is recognizable for its fairy chimney rock formations and skies full of hot air balloons. The landscape seriously looks so magical! I would love to see a sunrise over the whimsical rock formations, hike the trails and ancient caves of Derinkuyu Underground City, and visit Lake Tuz, a salt lake that’s a vibrant pink color.

Mexico City, Mexico

I’ve been to Mexico several times before, but there are still so many parts that I haven’t seen. With its art, culture, and food, Mexico City has been at the top of my bucket list for a while now. I want to check out the many art museums, explore the neighborhood of Xochimilco, grab a drink at La Ópera, see the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacán, and stay at the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México.

^{Images: Thailand; Loire Valley, France; Maldives; Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil}

Thailand

Thailand is a bucket list destination with a little bit of everything – delicious food, unique history and sights, and relaxing beaches. My ideal trip to Thailand includes visiting an elephant sanctuary, browsing the local markets, seeing the natural scenery, and lounging on the beaches.

Loire Valley, France

Castles, gorgeous scenery, and some of the best wine in the world. The Loire Valley is located a couple hours outside of Paris and is a region that encompasses numerous cities. Although best known for its wine, there are tons of other things to see and do. I would love to walk around the cities of Chartres and Amboise, visit a few castles, have dinner in a Troglodyte cave, and, of course, drink all the wine.

Maldives

Every single picture I’ve seen of the Maldives is so beautiful that it’s hard to believe that it’s real. Beyond soaking up some sunshine, I want to see the bioluminescent plankton that lights up the sea, spend a day at a deserted island, and stay in an overwater villa.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall in the world. It’s located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, and is made up of 150-300 individual waterfalls. Pictures of Iguazu Falls alone are amazing, but I’m sure the views are even more breathtaking in person! A helicopter tour would be such an ideal way to fully experience the views of the waterfalls and surrounding jungle.

^{Images: Petra, Jordan; Croatia; Tanzania; Athens, Greece}

Petra, Jordan

Ever since I saw the iconic Treasury façade cut into the red rocks at Petra, visiting this ancient city has been on my bucket list. I could easily spend days exploring the different structures, tombs, caves, and temples. Petra is also home to Cave Bar, the oldest bar in the world – it would be so fun to grab a drink there!

Croatia

Croatia is an often overlooked European coastal destination. It’s full of history, amazing weather, and great food. Must do things in Croatia include seeing the medieval city of Dubrovnik, relaxing on one of the many beaches, and enjoying as much seafood and wine as possible.

Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife, and is known for its national parks and abundant wildlife. Seeing the Great Migration of animals across the Serengeti is way up there on my bucket list, along with seeing the city of Zanzibar.

Athens, Greece

I’ve always been so fascinated with the history and culture in Greece. Athens in particular has so many ancient structures that I’m dying to explore. The top things I want to do in Athens are see the Acropolis, visit the National Archaeological Museum, walk through the neighborhood of Psyri, climb (or take the funicular) to the top of Mount Lycabettus, and try all the Greek food.

^{Images: Valley of the Kings, Egypt; Moscow, Russia; Queensland, Australia; Antarctica}

Valley of the Kings, Egypt

The Valley of the Kings is full of so much interesting history – I would love to be transported back in time and walk through the ancient tombs. My biggest bucket list item is to see the tombs and other ancient structures, but I would also love to do a river cruise along the Nile.

Moscow, Russia

Moscow looks like such a magical city. The architecture, history, and culture are all so fascinating! I would love to do a river cruise along the Moskva River, see Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and watch a show at the Bolshoi Theater.

Queensland, Australia

Queensland is the second largest state in Australia and is known its pristine beaches and lush rainforests. It’s also home to the Great Barrier Reef. I’m dying to see the wildlife (especially the koalas!), snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, visit the Daintree rainforest, and spend a day enjoying the sun at the Gold Coast.

Antarctica

Antarctica is the southernmost continent and location of the South Pole. Although this unique bucket list destination is isolated, there is still plenty to do. Penguin watching, seeing Blood Falls, and kayaking in icy waters are all on my Antarctica bucket list.

^{Images: Nice, France; Quebec City, Canada; San Marino; Fairbanks, Alaska; Amazon Rainforest}

Nice, France

Nice is a quintessential seaside city in the South of France that is known for its perfect weather and gorgeous beaches. Biking around the city, seeing the flower market in Old Town Nice, relaxing on the beach, and strolling on the Promenade des Anglais would be the ideal day. 

Quebec City, Canada

As a French major in college, Quebec has always fascinated me as one of the most notable French speaking parts of North America. I want to walk around Old Quebec to see the old stone buildings and winding streets, browse the boutique shops of the Quartier Petit Champlain, and enjoy the city’s excellent food scene.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is a small city near the center of Alaska and is a popular place to view the Northern Lights. My ideal trip to this bucket list destination includes a day trip to the hot springs, seeing the Northern Lights, and visiting Denali National Park.

San Marino

San Marino is a tiny independent nation within Italy. This quaint city would be easy to see in just one day. It would be amazing to spend a day wandering the streets, climbing the fortresses, and getting in some tax-free shopping.

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest extends through several countries in South America and is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. Taking a boat along the Amazon River, and seeing the wildlife and plantlife of the jungle are so high on my bucket list.

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Hopefully this provides a little inspiration for your future travels. I’m definitely manifesting trips to some of my bucket list destinations in 2021. Wishing you all a happy New Year full of travel and adventures!

Where are you hoping to travel in 2021?