5 Bucket List Travel Destinations For 2026

As we wind down for the holidays, now may be the time to firm up your travel arrangements for the coming year. Last week, we explored trending travel destinations for 2026. This week, let’s take a look at bucket list vacations — those places everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime. Join us throughout the New Year as, each month, we deep dive into these remarkable locations around the world.

Iceland

This small Nordic country stuns with its contrasting scenery. The Golden Circle covers the top attractions of Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall, passing along the black-sand beaches of Reynisfjara, the glacier-covered volcano Eyjafjallajökull, and the ethereal Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula delivers wild coastlines and quiet fishing villages. Summer brings long daylight hours and mild temperatures, while winter offers the chance to see the Northern Lights. Complete your stay by unwinding at a boutique spa hotel atop geothermal springs.

United Kingdom

Despite its modest size, this island nation offers a diverse range of experiences, including historic sites, cosmopolitan cities, national parks, and vibrant cultural nightlife. London is the natural starting point, where you’ll encounter world-class museums and West End stage productions. Venturing beyond the capital, you’ll unwind in the thermal waters of Bath, tour the architectural gems of Oxford and Cambridge, and step back in time at seaside hamlets and rural villages. Besides England, you may wish to explore the castles of Wales or embark on the Scottish whisky trail.

Italy

Italy is one of those few destinations that attracts travelers of all ages and interests — and it’s a perennial favorite for a honeymoon or milestone anniversary. The historic landmarks of Rome and Venice never fail to impress while foodies and soccer fans find themselves on equal footing in Naples. This bustling city is the gateway for exploring the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, venturing to the summit of Mount Vesuvius, and diving into the sights of the Amalfi Coast. Northern Italy is a hub for seasonal alpine adventure and winter sports, with Milan and Cortina hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics, while Sicily captivates epicurean adventures and wine enthusiasts.

Chile

Chile stages some of the world’s most surreal landscapes. This skinny country does require careful planning, with a typical bucket list itinerary including the high-elevation valleys and salt flats of the Atacama Desert, the glacial Patagonia, and the Central Valley’s wine regions, where velvety Carménère wines are produced under the watch of the Andes. Venture further to the coast to taste the Casablanca Valley’s crisp white wines and indulge in local seafood in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valparaíso and the chic seaside resort of Viña del Mar. If you have additional time on your hands, consider exploring the Los Lagos and Los Ríos regions, where volcanoes and thermal springs set the backdrop for learning about the Mapuche culture, or spend a few days on Easter Island (Rapa Nui).

South Africa

South Africa blends wildlife, culture, beaches, and dramatic scenery. Beyond scenic helicopter flights over Cape Town’s Table Mountain and seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach, you’ll have access to world-class safari destinations like Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand, and the reserves of the Eastern Cape. Wine enthusiasts can embark on a trip through the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River, South Africa’s Garden Route adds forests, lagoons, and cliffside views, while Durban and KwaZulu-Natal offer warm beaches and rich Zulu heritage.