Explore the world with these top travel bucket list ideas. 

The world is full of beautiful locations. From man made structures to natural formations, there is plenty of beauty for you to see no matter where you go. Today, we are going to dive into some of the top travel bucket list ideas to consider for your next getaway. Whether you are looking for something outdoorsy, or a magnificent structure to explore, we have got you covered. Let's get started by examining some of the top destinations that should earn a spot on your roundup of travel bucket list ideas.

1. Get lost in the Maze of Chefchaouen, Morocco

travel bucket list ideas - Maze of Chefchaouen

This next city has been growing in popularity in the past couple of years. Thanks to many rouge travel Instagrammers (and French Montana himself), Chefchaouen has made a mark in the travel world. Because of this, Chefchaouen has been one of the most popular travel bucket list ideas.

You do not have to do a lot of digging to realize why this is such a popular destination. The beautiful aqua colored walls will have you simply mesmerized. Travelers can easily spend a whole day getting lost through the maze of alleyways and corridors here. To add to the beauty, around every corner you turn, you can expect to be met with colorful potted plants. These potted plants wonderfully stand out against the aqua blue walls. 

Wandering through the maze of corridors in Chefchaouen is not the only thing to do here in this magical city. You will also find plenty of bazaars and vendors who will show you what it means to experience Morocco. Everything from your groceries, to gifts, to clothes, to jewels can be found here.

Lastly, if you are a travel photographer, then this destination deserves a spot on your travel bucket list ideas. There are amazing views in every corner that you will want to snap shots of. From portraits to beautiful backdrops, everything you could want is here.

2. Explore the Sahara Desert

travel bucket list ideas - Sahara Desert

For some of the best travel bucket list ideas, Morocco has so much to offer. Another one of the best destinations in Morocco that you can not miss out on is this next pick. This destination makes for one of the most favorite travel bucket list ideas and is found in the southern part of Morocco. We're talking about the beautiful Sahara Desert. The Sahara Desert offers a stunning topography that is absolutely like no other. When you reach here, you can look forward to miles and miles of endless the sand dunes. These stunning sand dunes are simply out of this world. In fact, once you start exploring the sand dunes, you might even feel like you are on a whole new planet.

For travel photographers, the backdrop that the sands dunes provide is absolutely stunning. Some of the world’s top photographers have come out here to capture the beauty that only the Sahara can provide. Being a photographer is not the only draw of the Sahara Desert. Outdoor enthusiasts love exploring here as well. One of the best activities you can take advantage of is exploring the Sahara on the back of a Moroccan camel. Not only will you get a unique method of transportation, but you will get to experience the Sahara the way that many of the locals do. For a memorable experience that you are sure not to forget, be sure not to leave out the Sahara desert on your travel bucket list ideas.

3. Visit Jökulsárlón Black Sand Beach and Diamond Beach

travel bucket list ideas - Jökulsárlón Black Sand Beach and Diamond Beach

This next destination is one of Iceland's most natural wonders. Because of its unique typography and distinction all around the world, Jökulsárlón Black Sand Beach and Diamond Beach are easily some of the best things to do in Iceland. Not only that, but these locations are one of the best travel bucket list ideas to include on your travel plans this season.

Jökulsárlón Black Sand Beach is a stunning location that literally translates into Glacier River Lagoon. When you visit here, you will quickly understand why it is called that. Not only does this beautiful beach have the unique characteristic of black sand. But Jökulsárlón Black Sand Beach also has the added feature of glacier chunks located right on the shore. If you are on the Southeast side of Iceland, then you absolutely must make a stop here. While the water might be too cold to get in and swim in. It is certainly a stunning beauty that is worthy of a morning or afternoon visit.

For many travelers, it is not uncommon to hear this destination labeled as one of Iceland's greatest black sand beaches. However, it is technically not a beach. The Jökulsárlón Black Sand Beach is actually a large lake. This large lake first began developing when the glaciers on the Atlantic Ocean began to recede. Since the 1970s, the melting glacier has created the beauty on the southeastern tip Iceland. Not only that, but Jökulsárlón Black Sand Beach is considered to be the deepest lake in Iceland today.

On the other side of the Jökulsárlón Black Sand Beach, visitors will come in contact with Diamond Beach. Diamond Beach is another one of Iceland stunning black sand beaches. The only difference is that Diamond Beach is actually a beach. Every day, visitors can expect to find huge ice cubes in crystals here. These ice cubes and crystals are washed up from the sea on a daily basis. The best time to view this unique site is during the early hours. It is at dawn when most of the washed up ice cubes are at their most stunning moments. When you visit, you will quickly understand why Diamond Beach has earned its name.

You cannot go to many places in the world and see beauty quite like this. Not only is the unique factor of the black sand compelling to view. But the added feature of the glaciers make it simply stunning. If you have not done so already, then visiting either Jökulsárlón black sand beach or Diamond Beach is an absolute must. As far as travel bucket list ideas go, this is one that you can not ignore.  

4. Walk the Great Wall of China

travel bucket list ideas - Great Wall of China

When it comes to visiting man made structures, one of the most iconic destinations is the Great Wall of China. In fact, for many travelers, the Great Wall of China is one of the top travel bucket list ideas on their list. If it is not on your list already, then it should be. Here's why.

The Great Wall of China is considered to be one of the largest building constructions ever undertaken. This large construction is what has led it to be marked as one of the great wonders of the world. And why wouldn't it be? This iconic destination is incredibly vast. For starters, the Great Wall runs for over 5,500 miles east to west. On the Eastern end, the wall starts in the resion of Hushan, Liaoning. On the western end, the wall ends at Jiayuguan Pass, Gansu. From the starting point to the ending point, the Great Wall of China weaves itself from beautiful hills and valleys that are lush with green forestry.

When it comes to the history of the Great Wall, visitors are sure to be blown away. The wall dates back nearly 2,700 years. Because of this astounding presence throughout history, you can expect to find that the wall has suffered some damage. In fact, there are sections of the wall that are in complete ruins or have disappeared in their entirety.  However, even with all of that the wall has endured, there is plenty for visitors to explore. Currently, most of the wall that you are sure to explore was built during the Ming Dynasty. With that, there are a couple of hot spots within the wall that you should visit. Some popular landmarks along the wall that you should not leave off your travel itinerary include Simatai, Jinshanling, Badaling, Mutianyu, and Shanhaiguan.

There are a couple of ways that you can explore the Great Wall of China. One of the best ways to venture out here is by booking a guided tour.  Booking a guided tour will make this one of your travel bucket list ideas that you are sure to remember. You can soak up all the information and history behind this iconic landmark. Of course, if you do not want to go on a guided tour, there is always the option of exploring the wall by yourself.  Either way, you are sure to get an experience that you will not forget.

Visiting the Great Wall of China is easily one of the top travel bucket list ideas. Ask any traveler and they will tell you that it is one you should not leave off your list. The irony behind the Great Wall is the fact that it was built to keep certain nations out. However, in the modern world, it has become one of the top landmarks that brings people from nearly every nation together.

5. Visit the Iconic Chichen Itza

travel bucket list ideas - Iconic Chichen Itza

Another one of the world's most remarkable locations is located on the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula. Chichen Itza is a city that is home to one of the most iconic structures ever built, the Mayan pyramid. This structure also commonly referred to as Chichen by the locals is beautiful for so many reasons.

For starters, the history behind the structure alone should seal itself on your list of travel bucket list ideas. While archaeologists are not quite sure when it was built, they do know that the structure was the focal point in the northern Maya lowlands during the years 600 AD to 900 AD. For most of modern society, Chichen Itza has been a beacon of architectural ingenuity. Not only that, but the town of Chichen Itza itself was once a bustling hub for society. In addition to that, it has it has morphed to a location where the history of the Mayan people has been preserved over the centuries.

If you are visiting one of the world's most beloved locations, Cancun, then one of the best things to do while in Cancun is to visit this iconic structure. Not only is it classified as one of the world's wonders, but it is a unique time capsule if you are looking to step back into history. Join the many tourists that visit this destination each year. In fact,  visitors can expect to mingle amongst the average 5,000 visitors that come to this site every single day.

With all that there is to do and learn here, one of the best ways to experience Chichen Itza is through a full day excursion. Not only will you need two hours to get here from the popular tourist destination Cancun, but walking the grounds and soaking in the beauty around you does take some time as well. Finally, be sure not to miss out on the stunning sinkholes that are located around this destination as well. Once you add this location to your travel bucket list ideas, you will not be disappointed. For the memories you will make here are simply outstanding.

6. Explore the Grand Canyon 

travel bucket list ideas - Grand Canyon

If you live in the greater United States, then you are in for a treat. This next location is one of the top destinations on any list of travel bucket list ideas. The Grand Canyon is famous for so many reasons. However, the stunning topography here has enabled it to be one of the top hotspots for hikers and outdoor lovers alike.

For those who do not know, the Grand Canyon is an incredibly steep canyon that is carved out by the Colorado River. Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is easily one of the most well traveled destinations in the United States. In fact, there are over 277 miles that are waiting to be explored in this incredible location. Here are the reasons why the Grand Canyon should belong on your list of travel bucket list ideas this travel season.

For starters, it is a must that you go to the top of the canyon to view the incredible landscape. The South Rim of the canyon provides a view to visitors that is like no other. Part of the view that you must look out for is the iconic Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend is a stunning landscape where the canyon meets the water in a horseshoe formation. For outdoor lovers who are looking for an extra thrill, you can even kayak the waters down below.

When it is time to explore the wilderness, strap on your hiking boots and head on over to Bright Angel Trail. Bright Angel Trail is home to some of the best hiking that the canyon has to offer. For the rugged outdoorsman who dares to brave the elements, bring along a tent and camp out in what many call one of the best national parks in the United States.

Lastly, you can not go home until you visit the stunning Havasu Falls. This waterfall on the Havasupai Indian Reservation is as remarkably stunning as it is beautiful. Not only can you capture some beautiful photos here, but you can cool down from the sweltering Arizona heat here as well. The dramatic green blue pool is popular amongst visitors for a quick dive and swim. Do not forget to leave it off on your travel plans when you get here.

7. Visit the Taj Mahal

travel bucket list ideas - Taj Mahal

If you are looking for one of the best travel bucket list ideas, then do not forget to leave this gem off your list. The Taj Mahal is not only a stunning feat of architecture, but it is one of the world's greatest testaments of love. This beautiful landmark began being constructed in 1632. It was finally completed several years later in 1648.

Mughal  Emperor Shah Jahan set out to build this beautiful structure in memory of his lovely wife, Mumtaz Mahal. And with the completion of this building, he did just that. His devotion to his wife in the form of this beautiful structure has earned the Taj Mahal the title of one of the most magnificent places to visit in the world.  In its entirety, the Taj Mahal includes a mosque, a guest house, and a beautiful courtyard.

It is not just the reason that it was built that impresses visitors either. It is also the beauty that is found both inside and outside of the Taj Mahal that blows people away. On the outside, the slabs of white stone offer a distinctly unique design to the structure itself. Visitors from across the globe are able to make out the silhouette of its iconic curves turns and domes are what make the Taj Mahal so beautiful. The architectural design has a rhythm and harmony to it that few other buildings are able to portray. On the inside, the beauty and harmony in the design continue.

Another one of the most standout features of the Taj Mahal includes the tombs in which both husband and wife are buried in. Visitors who get the opportunity to visit the tomb that is located within the Taj Mahal can expect to be met with the stunning beauty of the mausoleum that has been preserved in time. The outside of the tombs are adorned with a beautiful polished and richly decorated masterpiece of inlay work. With precious stones that come together in a floral pattern, you can really see the attention to detail that was put into it.

Visitors can expect to easily spend the better part of a whole day roaming the grounds. From a distance, you really get the opportunity to soak in the intricate symmetry and detail that was put into the Taj Mahal. The building acts as an incredible backdrop when viewed from in front of the reflecting pool. If you get the opportunity, then visiting the Taj Mahal is easily one of the best destinations to include on any travel bucket list.

Final Thoughts

The world is full of beautiful locations, and no matter where you automatically decide to go, you are sure not to be disappointed. Before you set out on an adventure, it is a must that you create a collection of travel bucket list ideas for yourself. Not only does knowing where you are going help you establish your travels, but planning will ensure that you maximize the time you spend traveling too. From one traveler to another, seeing the wonders of the world is a driving force of many of my travels. Do not forget to leave off these destinations when you are putting together your travel bucket list ideas. here's to happy exploring!

Related Article: Why You Need A Travel Bucket List