Explore the best bucket list destinations in the world

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We do too! We’ve created Go World Travel Magazine for travel lovers just like you, with the best travel ideas from around the globe, from adventure travel to cruising, road trips, family vacations and more.

TOP 15 BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS
If you’re ready to check some of your bucket list destinations, we’ve pulled together our top bucket list ideas for you.

1. THE MALDIVES
With their crystal blue seas, overwater bungalows and white-sand beaches, the Maldives is an island paradise that tops our bucket list. These beautiful islands are the perfect destination for weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways.

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives consists of nearly 1,200 islands and is home to more than 150 resorts, many on their own private islands.

Visiting these beautiful islands is an experience you’ll never forget. There are many amazing places to stay, but here are our picks for the top resorts in the Maldives or these top island luxury resorts.

For those adventurers, add scuba diving in the Maldives to your list. Many resorts have world-class reefs right offshore.

2. HAWAII (USA)
Travelers searching for an exotic destination don’t have to leave the United States. Gorgeous beaches, sand and surf, romantic sunsets, and endless activities make Hawaii the perfect tropical destination for all ages.

Even in the busy capital city of Honolulu, life slows down and travelers can “hang-loose” as the locals do. Celebrate Hawaii’s unique culture and history.

Couples choose Kauai for its beauty, solitude, and adventures, creating romance at every turn.

Families visit this Hawaiian island for family-friendly things to do, from whale watching to ziplining to surfing. And yes, even teens will name Kauai as their top family vacation.

And the Big Island of Hawaii is also a big must-visit for all ages. It’s home to five national parks, volcanoes and so much more.

3. ITALY
Visit Italy and you’ll discover its beauty, history, culture, and cuisine. With its long Mediterranean coastline and long history, Italy has had a powerful impact on the world.

Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican, Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain, as well as other landmark art and ancient ruins.

Other major cities include Florence, with Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s “David” and Brunelleschi’s Duomo; Venice, the city of canals; and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.

But don’t miss the lesser-known but equally amazing towns like: Travel in Torino; Salento Sojourns; Italy’s hidden charms: Umbria, Tuscany, and the Dolomites.

4. FRANCE
The charming country of France tops many travelers’ bucket lists. A unique mix of quaint towns and contemporary cultures makes it easy to fall in love with France.

From its delightful French cuisine, historical landmarks and stunning vineyards from the Bordeaux region to the Loire Valley, it’s easy to see why France has become one of the most-visited countries in the world.

A top bucket-list destination, Paris (also known as the City of Light) is the most popular destination in France and is home to iconic landmarks such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Notre Dame, and Normandy. Don’t miss: Top 20 Things to Do in Paris

While Paris is a great start, some of the most popular tourist destinations and vacation spots in France for the French/Parisians are Nice, Côte d’Azur, Marseille, and Cannes, bordering the country of Monaco.

Southern France offers hidden gems including the Rhône wine region and Claude Monet’s home in Giverny, Normandy. And of course, there is that spectacular scenery. We suggest beginning your research with our France Travel Guide.

5. IRELAND
Ireland still tops my list as the perfect world travel destination. Did you know that Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe? My favorite memory is discovering the magic of the Wild Atlantic Way from the beautiful beaches in Donegal to the stunning West Cork coastline.

This Atlantic country is known worldwide for Guinness beer, pubs, Celtic music, and Riverdance. And of course, Ireland is known all over the world for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, novels, toe-tapping traditional Irish dancing and music, the best whiskey — and their pubs!

Not sure where to start exploring Ireland? Get inspired to visit with these top 10 things to do in Ireland.

Then, start planning with the help of our Ireland Travel Guide.

6. JAPAN
Journey to Japan for a rewarding, rich experience.

An island country east of the Asian mainland, Japan extends 1,864 miles (3,000 kilometers), from north to south, and is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Its five large islands stretch from north to south Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa.

The most popular start for travelers is its capital city, Tokyo, with its famous tourist districts like Shibuya, Asakusa, and Shinjuku.

If your Japan travels occur in spring, don’t miss the colorful cherry blossoms, an annual occurrence attracting a large number of tourists.

Across the country, there are thousands of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples worth visiting. Art fans will love the Manga museums and Geisha art performances.

7. SCOTLAND
As a fan of the books and movies Outlander and Harry Potter, Scotland tops my list of U.K. places to visit.

With its blaring bagpipes, tartan kilts, haggis, the Loch Ness monster, St. Andrews, whisky distilleries, and so many castles, travelers will discover plenty of experiences to write home about in Scotland.

Start with 24 hours in Edinburgh. Outdoor adventurers will want to go hiking in the Scottish Highlands.

Find some inspiration for your journey to Scotland with these top things to do in Scotland.

8. ICELAND
With its dramatic landscape, glaciers and stunning national parks, Iceland is a must-see destination for any bucket list.

Many know Iceland as the Land of Ice and Fire, and when you drive its Golden Circle Road, you’ll understand why. If you’re up for some relaxation, take a steamy soak in the Blue Lagoon before venturing off to visit Iceland’s many waterfalls.

Start with our Iceland Travel Guide to plan your trip, and then visit each of these Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland for a trip you’ll always remember.

9. ENGLAND
I remember, even as a young child, dreaming of visiting England, especially London because as little girls do, I wanted to be a princess. And isn’t that where all princesses, princes, queens, kings, lived?

While that may have been short-sighted (but hey, I was only 9!), London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom is what tops many travelers’ lists. (Although driving in England may have unexpected twists.)

At its center, and perhaps the most well-known, is its imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic Big Ben clock tower, and Westminster Abbey.

And no matter your age, doesn’t everyone want to visit Buckingham Palace and witness the changing of the guard?

For panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex and (really) the entire city), cross the Thames River and ride the London Eye observation wheel.

10. COLORADO (USA)
Clear blue skies, wide-open spaces and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. What’s not to like in Colorado? This four-season bucket list destination draws travelers from around the world. To get started, check out our Colorado Travel Guide and then our 10 top things to do in Colorado. (It’s our home state, and we love sharing it with you!)

If you like being outdoors, then head into the high country where Colorado’s mountain towns offer yet more bucket list-worthy getaways. Winter in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains features world-class skiing, snowboarding, and other snowy-themed activities. Our favorite winter destinations are Vail, Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, and Telluride.

But don’t exclude summer getaways to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. From hiking and biking to fishing, Colorado offers many ways to get outdoors.

If you like dining out, concerts and fun festivals, our small towns, and cities are well worth exploring, from the hip capital of Denver to Colorado Springs, home to American’s Mountain, Pikes Peak. Another hotspot is Glenwood Springs, popular for its hot springs.