Some places are perfect for a quick holiday. Others are the kind of destinations you dream about visiting for years.

The best bucket list destinations offer something genuinely memorable, whether that’s extraordinary scenery, fascinating culture, wildlife encounters or simply the feeling that you’ve travelled somewhere completely different.

From a peaceful Croatian island to the frozen landscapes of Antarctica, we’ve chosen five bucket list destinations that deserve a place on your travel wish list.

1. Vis, Croatia

Croatia has no shortage of beautiful islands, but Vis offers something a little different.

Located farther from the Croatian mainland than many of the country’s best-known islands, Vis combines clear Adriatic water, secluded coves, historic towns and a comparatively relaxed atmosphere.

The island was closed to foreign visitors for decades because of its military importance during the Yugoslav era. Tourism developed later than on destinations such as Hvar, helping Vis retain a distinctive character.

What to Do on Vis

The island is small enough to explore without filling every day with travel.

Spend time in Vis Town and Komiža, swim at picturesque beaches and coves, explore the coastline by boat or follow walking routes through the island’s interior.

One of the best-known excursions is to the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo, where sunlight entering through an underwater opening can illuminate the cave in vivid blue.

Vis also has a long history of wine production, so local food and wine deserve to be part of the experience.

Film fans may recognise some of the island too. Vis was used as a filming location for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, standing in for the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi.

Why Vis Belongs on Your Bucket List

Vis is one of our bucket list destinations because it combines Mediterranean scenery with a slower island experience.

It’s particularly appealing if you like the idea of Croatia but want to spend less time around the busiest parts of Dubrovnik or Split.

There is no airport on Vis, so most travellers arrive by ferry or catamaran from Split. That extra journey is part of what gives the island its more remote feel.

2. Santiago, Chile

Few cities have a natural backdrop quite like Santiago.

Chile’s capital sits in a valley with the Andes rising dramatically to the east, combining a major modern city with easy access to some of South America’s most impressive landscapes.

Santiago itself is made up of neighbourhoods with very different personalities.

You can explore historic central districts, visit museums, discover street art, eat your way around local markets or head to one of the city’s viewpoints.

Explore Santiago’s Neighbourhoods

Plaza de Armas provides a useful starting point for exploring the historic centre.

Elsewhere, neighbourhoods such as Bellavista offer restaurants, nightlife and colourful streets, while areas including Lastarria are known for cafés, culture and galleries.

For panoramic views, head to one of Santiago’s elevated viewpoints and see just how dramatically the city sits beneath the Andes.

Head Beyond the City

Santiago also works as a base for exploring central Chile.

Cajón del Maipo takes you towards mountain landscapes outside the capital, while Chile’s wine regions provide another easy reason to venture beyond the city.

Depending on the season and your itinerary, you can combine Santiago with mountains, vineyards, the Pacific coast or a longer journey through Chile.

That variety earns Santiago its place among our bucket list destinations.

It’s not simply somewhere to spend a couple of nights before moving on. Give the city and surrounding region enough time and you’ll discover several completely different sides of Chile.

3. Zanzibar, Tanzania

If your dream trip involves white-sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean water, history and distinctive food, Zanzibar is difficult to ignore.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago within Tanzania, with Unguja being the main island that many travellers mean when they refer to Zanzibar.

Its history as an important trading centre has created a fascinating mixture of African, Arab, Indian and European influences.

Nowhere is that more obvious than Stone Town.

Discover Stone Town

UNESCO describes the Stone Town of Zanzibar as an outstanding example of a Swahili coastal trading town.

Its narrow streets, historic buildings, carved doors and architecture reflect centuries of cultural exchange between Africa and countries around the Indian Ocean.

Allow yourself time to explore rather than treating Stone Town simply as somewhere to pass through on the way to the beach.

Beaches, Spices and the Indian Ocean

Away from Stone Town, Zanzibar becomes a very different destination.

Beaches stretch around the coastline, while snorkelling, diving and boat trips allow you to explore the surrounding Indian Ocean.

The islands are also famous for spices.

Cloves have played an important role in Zanzibar’s history, alongside crops such as cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper. Spice-farm visits remain a popular way to learn more about this side of the islands.

Zanzibar stands out among bucket list destinations because a single trip can combine a tropical beach holiday with food, history and culture.

You can spend one day exploring Stone Town and another beside turquoise water without feeling as though you’re taking two separate holidays.

4. The Maldives

The Maldives is one of the world’s most recognisable tropical destinations.

But there’s an important correction to make from our original version of this article: the Maldives isn’t part of Sri Lanka.

It is an independent island nation in the Indian Ocean.

The country stretches across the equator and consists of 26 natural atolls and around 1,200 islands.

The combination of tiny islands, coral reefs, lagoons and clear water has made it one of the most famous luxury holiday destinations in the world.

More Than Overwater Villas

Overwater villas might dominate photographs of the Maldives, but they’re only one way to experience the country.

Depending on where you stay, a trip could involve:

  • Snorkelling
  • Scuba diving
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Dolphin watching
  • Local island visits
  • Spa treatments
  • Boat trips
  • Simply relaxing on the beach

The reefs are a major attraction.

Turtles, rays, reef sharks and colourful fish can all be found within Maldivian waters, while some areas are known for encounters with larger marine species.

The official Visit Maldives tourism site is useful when researching the country’s different islands and experiences.

Resort Island or Local Island?

Not every Maldives holiday has to involve an ultra-luxury private resort.

Local-island guesthouses have opened up more ways to experience the country, although local customs and regulations need to be respected.

Resort islands provide the classic Maldives experience, with accommodation, restaurants and activities concentrated on a dedicated island.

Which is right for you depends on your budget and the type of trip you want.

Among our bucket list destinations, the Maldives is the obvious choice for travellers dreaming about tropical islands and life centred around the ocean.

5. Antarctica

Few bucket list destinations can compete with Antarctica for sheer sense of adventure.

It isn’t a conventional holiday destination.

There are no cities, hotel districts or normal sightseeing routes. Instead, visitors come for vast landscapes, icebergs, wildlife and the experience of travelling to one of the most remote environments on Earth.

For many leisure travellers, the Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the continent.

Expedition cruises commonly depart from southern South America and cross the Drake Passage before reaching the peninsula and surrounding islands.

What Can You See in Antarctica?

Every expedition is different because weather, sea ice and wildlife affect where ships can safely travel and make landings.

Depending on the itinerary and conditions, experiences can include:

  • Enormous icebergs
  • Glaciers
  • Penguin colonies
  • Seals
  • Whales
  • Zodiac excursions
  • Shore landings
  • Historic sites
  • Scientific stations where visits are permitted

That’s part of Antarctica’s appeal.

You’re travelling through a natural environment rather than following a fixed attraction-to-attraction itinerary.

Visiting Antarctica Responsibly

Antarctica also requires a very different approach to tourism.

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators provides detailed guidance covering shore visits, wildlife, biosecurity and responsible behaviour.

Visitors must avoid disturbing wildlife and follow strict instructions during landings.

Before considering an expedition, read the IAATO visitor guidance so you understand what travelling responsibly in Antarctica involves.

The remoteness and environmental sensitivity of the continent also mean that choosing an experienced expedition operator is particularly important.

Antarctica earns the final place on our list of bucket list destinations because there really is nowhere else quite like it.

How to Choose Your Bucket List Destinations

A bucket list is personal.

One traveller’s dream of lying beside a Maldivian lagoon could be somebody else’s idea of a week spent wondering what to do.

Think about the experiences you actually value.

If you love beaches and island life, Vis, Zanzibar or the Maldives could be ideal.

For food, culture and city life combined with extraordinary landscapes, consider Santiago.

And if adventure, wildlife and remote environments matter more than comfort or nightlife, Antarctica is in a category of its own.

The best bucket list destinations aren’t necessarily the places everyone else tells you to visit. They’re the places that give you experiences you’ll remember long after you return home.

When Should You Book a Bucket List Trip?

Trips like these often benefit from more planning than an ordinary weekend break.

Antarctica in particular usually requires considerable preparation, while accommodation at popular Maldives resorts and flights during peak travel periods can become expensive.

Start researching:

  • The best season for your destination
  • Flight options
  • Entry requirements
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccinations or health requirements
  • Accommodation
  • Local transport
  • Activities that need advance reservations
  • Overall budget

Our holiday preparation checklist can help you organise the essentials before departure.

For long-haul journeys, also check our international packing guide.

5 Bucket List Destinations: The Verdict

There will always be more places worth adding to your travel wish list.

That’s half the fun.

Our five bucket list destinations offer completely different experiences.

Vis combines Croatian island scenery with a slower pace. Santiago places one of South America’s most interesting cities beneath the Andes. Zanzibar blends tropical beaches with centuries of history and culture.

The Maldives delivers the classic Indian Ocean island escape, while Antarctica offers an expedition to one of the most extraordinary environments on the planet.

You don’t need to visit them all at once.

Choose the destination that excites you most, start planning and leave some room on the bucket list for wherever comes next.

When you’re ready to turn one of your bucket list destinations into a real trip, you can find flights, search for hotels and compare car hire through TravelHype.