A Conde Nast Traveler Exclusive: Editor’s Tips + Itineraries Not to Miss
11 Bucket List Experiences Around the World
What are the travel moments that have stayed with you years after you’ve experienced them? Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise or gliding along Bora Bora’s surreal lagoon on a catamaran? Or perhaps it was an African safari and thrilling game drives that you’ll never forget. Maybe some of these iconic experiences and others are still on your list.
Our 180-Day Around the World voyages and exotic array of Grand Voyages are the perfect way to enjoy more ultimate destination experiences that are once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Our epic global explorations are longer and feature more overnights, affording even more in-depth touring options plus immersive Overland Programs. Discover some of our favorite bucket list experiences below to inspire your next grand journey.
AMAZON RAINFOREST
The rich ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest hosts a stunning variety of plants and animals – including more than 40,000 plant species, 1,300 bird species, 430 mammals and 2.5 million different insects – many of which are still uncatalogued. Venture into the dense Amazon jungle on foot and by boat to observe wildlife in one of the world’s most biodiverse settings.
ANGKOR WAT
Built in the 12th century, Cambodia’s magnificent Angkor Wat is considered the world’s largest religious monument. The UNESCO-protected Angkor Archaeological Park offers a rare glimpse into the scale, power and architectural ingenuity of the Khmer empire that flourished in this Cambodian jungle setting until the 15th century.
BIG FIVE SAFARI
Set off on unforgettable game drives in the wilderness of South Africa, Botswana, Zambia or beyond. You may spy any of Africa’s Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and Cape buffaloes – lurking in the forests, grazing on savannas or napping under a rare umtiza tree.
BORA BORA LAGOON
If asked to imagine paradise, the image that comes to mind likely resembles Bora Bora. Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, covered in emerald greenery, create a dramatic backdrop for Bora Bora’s shimmering lagoon, known for its breathtaking turquoise water. It makes for unforgettable vacation photos, lagoon cruises and snorkeling adventures.
BURJ KHALIFA
Perched 1,823 feet above Dubai, you will have breathtaking views from the world’s highest observation deck in the Burj Khalifa, an iconic landmark constructed using over 400,000 tons of steel and nearly 850,000 tons of concrete.
CHRIST THE REDEEMER
Towering over 2,300 feet above Rio de Janeiro atop Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer is an art deco statue that has become a symbol of the city. Stand at the base of this compelling 124-foot statue and take in breathtaking views.
MACHU PICCHU
A call on Lima affords the opportunity to plan a special multiday trip to Machu Picchu. As you stand nearly 8,000 feet above sea level in the Andes, the astounding views of this 15th-century Incan citadel will take your breath away.
PETRA
Drive through stunning desert landscapes from Aqaba to Petra to behold ancient palaces, temples and tombs carved into gorgeous pink sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago by a desert tribe that flourished in the incense and spice trade.
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Whether you take a backstage tour, catch a performance of La Bohème or marvel at the architecture on a harbor cruise, nothing says “I’m in Sydney” better than a photo of you with the world-famous Sydney Opera House in the background.
TAJ MAHAL
Agra’s Taj Mahal is a stunning masterpiece of design. From its huge scale to its intricate decor, the mausoleum is a white marble expression of love from Mughal ruler Shah Jahan to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth.
WAITOMO CAVES
As you glide silently on a boat along the Waitomo River south of Auckland, behold a canopy of thousands of luminescent glowworms decorating the interior of the Waitomo Caves like a starry night.