Looking for the best places to visit around the world? A new report has listed the top dream trips to take, from Bali to seeing the northern lights.
What are the top dream trips? Whether it’s visiting a faraway place like Bali, seeing a natural wonder like the northern lights, or exploring famous sites like the Taj Mahal, travelers are aiming high for 2025 to visit the best spots—according to a new report from Go2Africa.
To find the top bucket list experiences in the world, the Go2Africa team, a travel company based in South Africa, studied global Google search trends. They used tools like AHREFs to track the most searched terms related to “bucket lists” over the last year. With this information, they created a list of the most popular bucket list trips.
This is different from previous rankings I’ve shared, like in 2023 when the Maldives was number one, in 2021 when Dubai’s Burj Khalifa topped the list, in 2020 when Petra in Jordan was first, and in 2019 when Bali was the top choice.
Top Bucket List Destinations: Bali
At the top of the list is Bali, which is the most searched bucket list destination worldwide, with over 2.28 million Google searches. Bali attracts all kinds of travelers, from honeymooners and adventure lovers to culture seekers and families. Known as the “Island of the Gods,” this beautiful Indonesian island has something for everyone, including peaceful beaches, great surfing, amazing waterfalls, and famous temples. Bali is also known as a spiritual place, making it a top destination for many. (The “Eat Pray Love” influence is still very much alive.)
The report says that the second most popular bucket list activity is going on a wildlife safari. The authors of the report explain that an African safari is a great way to experience the continent’s amazing wildlife, from lions to rare animals like the elephant shrew. It’s a chance for a unique adventure, bringing you closer to the beauty of nature.
Next on the list is the Greek island of Santorini, famous for its white buildings and views of the Aegean Sea. The authors say that Santorini is not just beautiful but also has volcanic beaches, strange landscapes, and stunning views, making it perfect for taking photos.
Fourth is Disney World in Florida, called the “Happiest Place on Earth.” The fifth spot goes to Bora Bora in French Polynesia, a beautiful island known for its overwater bungalows and clear blue lagoons.
Bucket List Trips: Popular Destinations
A report by Go2Africa shows some interesting trends in travel preferences around the world.
Nature is the Top Choice: People are mostly excited about nature and outdoor adventures. For example, Machu Picchu (ranked #7 worldwide) is the top destination for 15 countries, including Peru. This ancient Incan city, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is known for its amazing hikes, like the famous Inca Trail. Another popular natural spot is the Grand Canyon, which is ranked 10th globally.
Cities Stand Out: Many people dream of visiting big cities. New York City was the most popular bucket list destination in 27 countries, including Argentina, Finland, and Taiwan. Its famous sights like the Statue of Liberty (which ranked #12 globally), its culture, and its global influence make it a top choice.
Bucket List Trips: Regional Rankings
The Go2Africa report also looks at travel preferences based on location, showing how geography and culture affect what people want to see.
Go2Africa mapped out the top dream trip for different countries. In Switzerland, people dream of visiting Las Vegas. In Vietnam, they want to see the Eiffel Tower. In Honduras, it’s the Grand Canyon. People in Argentina want to visit New York City, and those in Algeria hope to see the Great Wall of China. And that’s just a few examples.
Go2Africa looked closely at the travel dreams of people from the United States and the United Kingdom.
United States: Americans want a mix of nature and unique destinations. The Northern Lights are the top choice, followed by the Grand Canyon in second place, and Bora Bora in third. The full list of the top 15 is below.
United Kingdom: People in the UK also want to see the Northern Lights, which are their number one choice. The Eiffel Tower is second, and South Africa comes in third.
Top Bucket List Trips Around the World
- Bali, Indonesia
- Going on a Safari (different places)
- Santorini, Greece
- Disney World, Florida
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Watching the Northern Lights (different places)
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Taj Mahal, India
- Eiffel Tower, Paris
- Grand Canyon, United States
- Hiking in Patagonia, Chile
- Statue of Liberty, New York City
- Mount Everest, Nepal
- Stonehenge, England
- Antarctica
Here are some of the top bucket list trips for Americans
- See the Northern Lights (different places)
- Visit the Grand Canyon, USA
- Go to Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- See the Eiffel Tower in Paris
- Explore Zion National Park
- Visit Machu Picchu, Peru
- See the Taj Mahal in India
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride (different places)
- Go on a Road Trip (different places)
- Walk along the Great Wall of China
- Go Scuba Diving (different places)
- Try Horseback Riding (different places)
- Swim with Whale Sharks (different places)
- Visit Cappadocia, Turkey
- Explore Petra, Jordan
Published: 31th December 2024
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