Only A True Traveler Has Been To More Than Half Of These Exotic Locations
These days, it seems like everyone we know on Facebook or Instagram is off traveling the world. Newsfeeds are filled with the latest snaps of couples in front of the Eiffel Tower, families relaxing on the beaches of Mexico or solo travelers trekking the Inca Trail. Everyone is off on an adventure!
And it makes sense. With planes going faster and hotel deals popping up all of the time, it's easier and easier for people to get around the world. Many jobs are remote these days, meaning some people can make the entire world their permanent address. And we can't forget influencers and bloggers who literally make their career out of traveling the world.
In the travel game, it's all about where we've been and where we're going next. While we don't want to be rushing around and checking places off of a bucket list, there are definitely those certain places we can't wait to get to. We promise to still take our time, talk to locals, see the sites and eat the best food. But it's hard to sit still in one place when we know there's so much more to see.
So let's see who has been where. Coming up are some of the most quintessential travel experiences and destinations that only true travelers will have under their belts. Ready to see who is a true traveler?
Marvel at the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a big one on any traveler's bucket list. It's known around the world and is one of the iconic symbols of travel. A visit to India wouldn't be complete without standing in front of the Taj Mahal. But good luck getting a photo without anyone else in it!
Witness the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon where the sky lights up in gorgeous shades of green, blue and sometimes even pink. It's most commonly seen in areas close to the North Pole, like Iceland and Scandinavian countries. Have you been lucky enough to witness this beauty? It will take your breath away.
Boat around the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are famous for their exotic wildlife and lush vegetation. It's the place where Charles Darwin conducted his research. And it's the place to go if you want to get up close and personal with turtles. No one has ever been to the Galapagos and come back mad about it.
Hike Machu Picchu
Travelers descend on Cusco, Peru every day to tackle the trails and hike up to Machu Picchu. This stunning view is only awarded to those who do the tough climb (or take the train) and wait for the fog and clouds to clear. It's gorgeous and a rite of passage for many travelers. Have you done it?
See the Grand Canyon
Now for something a little closer to home. One of America's iconic natural landmarks is the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon National Park is beautiful and a must-visit for many American families. Have you seen it? Have you been lucky enough to maybe take a helicopter ride over it? Have you hiked around and heard your voice echo?
Scuba the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the coolest places on earth. It's a massive coral reef off the east coast of Australia and home to some of the most exotic plants and animals. Sadly, the reef is under threat and much of the coral has passed. So if you are planning a trip there, be responsible!
Explore the Himalayas
The Himalayan Mountains are some of the most impressive and well known mountains in the world. Have you heard of a little old mountain called Mt Everest? Yeah, he finds his home in the Himalayas. And while not too many people actually get to hike Everest, true travelers may have been to the Himalayas.
Cruise around Antarctica
Here is one that should be on every traveler's bucket list: visiting Antarctica! For many travelers, it's the seventh continent that we long to visit but struggle to get to. To get to Antarctica, you usually have to take a very expensive cruise ship over some very rough seas. If you get sea sick or are on a budget, you may not make it there.
Stay in an Over Water Bungalow in the Maldives
Talk about the ultimate in luxury. If you want to see insanely blue water, gorgeous beaches and island paradise, then you'll want to see the Maldives. And how better to experience the Maldives than staying in one of those amazing over water bungalows that make it feel like you're floating? Talk about a dream trip!
Safari in Central Africa
Another iconic travel experience is going on safari in Africa. While Africa is so much more than just safaris and wild animals, there is something so incredibly cool about sitting out in a jeep and watching lions walk by, giraffes drink water and elephants leading their young. It's nothing like the zoo. A safari is out of this world!
Go Gorilla Trekking
One animal you won't see on a regular safari is the gorilla. To see gorillas in the wild, you're going to have to go on a trek. You could spend days in the hot jungle and never see a single gorilla. Or you could find yourself face to face with a Silverback and be scared for your life. Have you been lucky enough to see gorillas in the wild?
Wander in Iceland
Iceland seems like a place of fairytales. The entire country is just one gorgeous landscape after another. And even though many people know about Iceland and how amazing it is, it can still feel like you have the entire place to yourself. From geysers and waterfalls to glaciers and mountains, Iceland is so worth the visit.
Eat everything in Italy
You have not had pasta until you've had pasta in Italy. You have not had pizza until you've had pizza in Italy. And you have not had gelato until you've had gelato in Italy. And I'm not talking about the overpriced stuff they sell tourists (though that's pretty good). I'm talking about the real stuff. Eat it and it'll change your life.
Bungee Jump in New Zealand
Besides its beautiful landscapes, hobbits and sheep, New Zealand is also known for one other thing: adventure! Wellington is the adventure capital of the world where you can do anything to get an adrenaline rush. Most people sign up to bungee jump while there. Would you do it? Have you done it? Or are you afraid of heights?
Eat Sushi in Japan
Japan is a fascinating country. It's modern and exciting and sleek and new. But it's also traditional and historic and picturesque. Whether you're there for tech and anime or tea and temples, one thing is for sure: you have to eat the food! Japanese food is some of the best in the world. Have you tasted it?
See Penguins in South Africa
You might be thinking, "Penguins in Africa? That's crazy!" But it's true! In Simon's Town, South Africa, just outside of Cape Town, there's a magical place called Boulder Beach. And on it live a colony of adorable penguins! It's the cutest thing in the world watching these little hugs waddle up and down the beach.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney, Australia is famous for its beaches, Opera House and iconic bridge. Standing at the harbor you can see the bridge on one side and the Opera House on the other. In the middle is water, restaurants and people. But have you climbed the bridge? You can either walk across it or be a dare devil and walk over it!
Do a USA Roadtrip
What could be a more iconic travel experience than a roadtrip across the USA? The US was built for roadtripping. There are so many amazing places to see and it's the perfect place to camp, pull into a motel or rent an RV. There's even a road, Route 66, that goes right across the country. Have you driven it?
Explore Mayan Ruins in Mexico
Mexico is well known for its delicious food and beautiful beaches. But there's so much more to Mexico - like its history! And when we go way back in history, we have the Mayans. Luckily, many of their buildings still stand today and are amazing to explore. There's famous ones, like Chichen Itza, and smaller ones that aren't as busy. Have you been?
Check out Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls sits between Canada and the United States where New York meets Ontario. They are huge and absolutely breathtaking to witness in person. There are stories of people going over the falls in barrels but these days you can take a boat and get up close and personal with the falls. Warning: you will get wet!
Island Hop in Thailand
When people think of traveling to Thailand, they know that they have to make time for those beautiful Thai beaches. Off the mainland, Thailand has tons of gorgeous islands just waiting to be discovered. You can learn to scuba dive, take a long boat, chill on the beach and eat the freshest seafood.
Climb the Eiffel Tower
Talk about iconic travel experiences! Seeing the Eiffel Tower is an absolute must. And if you spend the day in the gardens by the tower with a little picnic, even better! But have you climbed it? You can pay to take the stairs or the elevator up to certain levels of the Eiffel Tower for a view all over Paris.
See a Broadway Show in New York
New York City is a crazy place to visit for any traveler. There's just so much to see and do! There are the museums, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and so much more. Plus, there's all of the amazing food and cool neighborhoods. But you can't leave New York without seeing a show on Broadway.
Walk along the Great Wall of China
It's one of the wonders of the world. So if you're heading to China, you have to walk along the Great Wall. It's the longest wall in the world, so we're not saying you have to walk the whole thing. But you have to walk part of it and marvel at this majestic and long piece of architecture. And then head off for some delicious food!
Cruise Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam, and maybe even the world! It's a beautiful blue with limestone islands covered in rainforests popping up all over the place. It's filled with tourists, but the bay is big enough for everyone to find their own slice of paradise. Take in the views!
See Wild Elephants
Seeing elephants is cool. Even if it's at the zoo, it's still a very cool experience. But seeing them in the wild? That's something else entirely. These creatures are absolutely magnificent. So maybe you get to see them munching on leaves on safari in Africa. Or maybe you get to give them a bath and feed them fruit in Thailand. Have you seen elephants in the wild?
Island Hop in Greece
When we think of Greece, we may think of the Greek ruins or art in Athens. But it's not a trip to Greece without some time on the Greek islands. Santorini, Crete, Rhodes and many more are home to gorgeous views, cute houses and perfect beaches. Have you spent time on a Greek island?
Sail around Croatia
Croatia is one of the most gorgeous countries. You've got Split with its beautiful harbor and buildings. There's Dubrovnik with the great views from above, Old Town and filming spot for Game of Thrones. There's Hvar and Zagreb and so many other amazing towns along the water. If you haven't been, you need to go.
Explore Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The temples of Angkor in Cambodia are legendary and a must-do travel experience. Walking around these temples is like walking around in another world. Pretend you're Lara Croft from Tomb Raider as you explore the different buildings and hop over trees. And make sure you're there for sunrise or sunset - breathtaking!
Enjoying the French countryside
Going to Paris, France is an obvious must. But have you really seen France if you haven't explored the countryside? We're talking quaint little towns, gorgeous scenery and lush vineyards. Of course, there's the beaches and opulence in the south of France too. So much France to see but so little time!
Sleep in the Desert
There's something about sleeping outside that feels really cool. Whether it's out in wilderness, in the woods or on the beach, sleeping outside (in the right weather) is awesome. You never sleep better than when you're sleeping outside. But what about sleeping in the desert? Now that would be really cool.
Cruise Alaska
Cruises certainly aren't for everyone. Not everyone likes the idea of being stuck on a boat and only given limited time to do things. Not everyone likes the excursions or the shows. But most people like the buffets and bars! And most people agree that a cruise to Alaska would be the coolest thing ever.
Hot Air Balloon over Turkey
If you've spent anytime looking at travel photos online, you've definitely seen a photo like this one. Hot air balloons over Cappadocia, Turkey is an iconic sight. The balloons are beautiful and looks great over the landscape of Turkey. Have you been up in one of these before? Would you dare?
Visit the Pyramids
The Pyramids of Egypt! You really can't have a travel bucket list without putting the pyramids on it, now can you? While the most famous pyramids are in Giza, just outside of Cairo, there are actually over 100 pyramids in Egypt. The oldest pyramid broke ground in 2630 BC. And the pyramids are the only remaining seventh wonder in the world!
Swim with Sharks
Okay, pretend the Jaws theme song is playing in the background. Just kidding! Sharks can be dangerous but they're also very cool and beautiful creatures. Have you ever swam with sharks? Would you dare? And yes, swimming in a cage still counts! If you were in the water with a shark, you're a real dare devil!
Trek in the Amazon
The Amazon Rainforest is a mecca for biodiversity. If you want to see amazing wildlife, lush vegetation and remote villages, you'll find all of that in the Amazon. You'll also find a lot of humidity too. This vast rainforest covers parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia and other countries as the world's largest tropical rainforest.
Drive the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a stunning coastal route along the south part of Australia. Leaving out of Melbourne, you can see the most incredible sights along this road. There's the 12 Apostles, awesome rock formations that are out in the ocean along the coast. And keep your eyes open, you might even see some wild koalas!
Visit Easter Island
Easter Island is a territory of Chile located in the Pacific Ocean. It's a volcanic island in Polynesia. And it's most well known for the moai, the face statues seen all over the island. The moai were built in the 13th to 16th century by island inhabitants and there are over 900 of them. Have you seen these large faces up close?
Cross the Arctic Circle
Crossing the Arctic Cirlce means you're officially in the Arctic. And it's cold! You're at the northern most major circle of latitude. At this point, at least once per year the sun is up for a full 24 hours. And at this point, at least once per year the sun is gone for a full 24 hours. Have you ever been this far north?
Wander in Petra, Jordan
Petra is a famous site in the middle of Jordan. It dates way back to 300 BC. And from the photos, it looks beautiful! It looks like a city that has been frozen in time and that just faded into the mountain backdrop. Wandering around Petra would be the coolest experience - except for how hot it might be!
Walk on Bolivia's Salt Flats
The salt flats in Bolivia are other worldly. At times it looks like you're walking on a mirror. Bolivia is home to the world's largest salt flat: Salar de Uyuni. The salt flat is made from a prehistoric lake that has now gone dry. In its place is bright white salt, sand and cacti. Sometimes, flamingos can be spotted too!
Surf in Southeast Asia
Surfing anywhere would be really cool. And we'll give you half points if you've surfed in another tropical locale. But can you imagine surfing in Bali or off the coast of Fiji? Yeah, that would be the ultimate. Catching a wave in Southeast Asia would be a great way to stay cool and make the most of your destination.
Stay in an Igloo
When it comes to travel accommodations, there's endless options for travelers. You can go luxe and stay in a hotel or a resort. You can save some money and stay in a hostel, camp or even sleep in your car. There are inns, bnbs, apartments and then there are the cool spaces. We're talking treehouses, converted buses and igloos!
Throw Tomatoes in Spain
La Tomatina is an annual festival held in the Spanish town of Bunol every August. And what happens during this festival? People throw tomatoes! If you don't like tomatoes, you are not going to enjoy this one. You will be washing tomatoes off of your clothing and your body for weeks!
Sleep in a Castle
Castles are awesome! Seeing a castle is already pretty cool. But staying the night in a castle? That would be even better! You can pretend to be a prince or a princess and make the most of your night in a castle. Now while you may not be able to stay over in Buckingham Palace, there are some smaller ones where you can stay over.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the most well known mountains in the world. It is found in Tanzania and was first summitted in 1889. Mount Kilimanjaro is actually a dormant volcano. But so dormant that it's home to ice fields and glaciers. Have you trekked this mountain?
Spend NYE in NYC
New Year's Eve in New York City? It doesn't get more iconic than that. Spending the new years with tons of other people waiting for the ball to drop with Ryan Seacrest is a right of passage for some travelers. Of course, for others it sounds like a nightmare to be squished with other people out in the cold.
Train through Europe
Train trips are really cool. And it doesn't get better than taking a train through Europe. Europe has some of the best train systems in the world. And you can see so much out of the window while you're taking the train from place to place. Plus, you can pretend you're on the Hogwarts Express!
Climb a Volcano
Okay, not an active volcano. But it's totally possible to go on a hike up a dormant volcano. There's usually very low risk for any volcanic activity or danger. So have you done it? You might be surprised how many mountains are actually inactive volcanoes. Have you ever climbed one?
Experience Brazil's Carnival
The Carnival of Brazil happens every year before Lent in Brazil, usually around February or March. It's a six day long party with parades, dancing, singing, costumes, music, food and so many people. It's so much fun and so integral to Brazilian culture. Carnival lasts all day and all night and brings the country together!
