These days, almost everyone you meet has a bucket list of travel destinations that they’re dying to tick off during their lifetime. However, if you’re late to the party and in need of some inspiration, we have put together some recommendations that are sure to tickle your fancy.
From investigating the spectacular wildlife scene of the Galapagos Islands to scuba diving with sharks in Mauritius, there are so many adventures to be had and magnificent places to explore.
Hawaii
With jaw-droppingly beautiful shorelines and lush rainforests, Hawaii is well deserving of a place on your travel bucket list. Along with sunning yourself on golden sand beaches with turquoise waters, the archipelago is home to a lot of fascinating wildlife.
Thanks to its flourishing marine life scene, some of the most amazing adventures on offer in Hawaii are to be found in its waters. Grab your swimsuit and tread alongside sea turtles, manta rays, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and colorful reef fish in a wonderful encounter with some of the most incredible creatures on the planet.
For a land-based adventure, try trekking through the enchanting Napali Coast on the island of Kauai. A touch on the demanding side, the trail will guide you along a breathtaking rugged coast and the flourishing vegetation of the Hanakapiai valley before rewarding you with a truly unforgettable view over the Pacific Ocean.
However, if you don’t fancy bracing the razor-sharp ridges of the 16-mile hike, don’t think that you’ll need to write off seeing this view. All you need to do is take a boat tour or, if you’re not wanting to lose the air of adventure, embark on a scenic helicopter ride. Both options will treat you to a magnificent view over this remote part of the island.
Another highlight of the country has to be the 4,000-acre landscape of Valley State Park in central Maui. Here you will find fantastic hiking trails with outstanding views. Iao Needle Lookout Trail in particular will take you to a 1,200-foot rock tower surrounded by the dramatic cliffscape of the West Maui mountains.
The Galapagos Islands
When it comes to wildlife scenes, it is almost impossible to beat the Galapagos Islands. The spectacular creatures that you will encounter during your time here are nothing short of incredible. One of the most famous residents of the island is the giant tortoise. Weighing as much as 500 pounds, these hefty reptiles are sure to leave quite the impression.
Another fan favorite on the island is the sea lions. Known to be sociable and residing all over the archipelago, you are likely to bump into these creatures all the time during your visit. If you’re looking to truly explore the sensational array of animals in the Galapagos Islands, the best way to do so is by booking a cruise.
As each island is blessed with its own unique wildlife and landscapes, the best way to appreciate the region’s biodiversity in all of its glory is by visiting as many islands as you can during your stay. And so, flitting from island to island by boat is an excellent idea.
To see the only penguins living north of the equator and one of the smallest in the world, head to Isabela and Fernandina islands. While the adorable Galapagos penguins can also be found on a few of the other islands, you stand the best chance of seeing them on these two. You might even be lucky enough to join them for a swim!
The Maldives
For smooth sands, pristine waters and swaying palms, head to the Maldives. This idyllic collection of islands is bursting with luxurious resorts, many of which are located on their very own private islands. And so, if luxury is what you’re looking for from your travel bucket list, the Maldives is the place for you.
Something of a marine utopia, this is another wonderful destination for going snorkeling and scuba diving. You can expect to be sharing the waters with clownfish, manta rays and turtles.
And the entertainment is not limited to the wildlife in these waters, you’ll also be able to grab a bite to eat. There is an all-glass undersea restaurant that allows you to dine with the fishes and tuck into a deluxe 7-course meal while sea creatures swim around you.
Tanzania
An East African country renowned for its vast wilderness, Tanzania is a real unspoiled paradise. Its captivating landscapes offer many opportunities for incredible experiences, such as climbing the highest mountain in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro stands at an impressive 5,895 metres high and takes top place on many people’s travel bucket list.
Even if you don’t fancy the hike, visiting this iconic rock formation to see it with your own eyes is still more than worth your while. Also boasting an incredible wildlife scene, you’ll be able to see animals first-hand that you’ve thus far only come across in movies and television programs, such as cheetahs and hippopotamuses.
One of the best things to do in Tanzania is witnessing the Great Migration, the period when millions of wildebeests and thousands of zebras journey across the plains of the Serengeti National Park as they migrate to Kenya’s Masai Mara. The 1,000km journey is mesmerizing to see and sure to be an unforgettable experience.
After exploring the land animals, you can head to the heavenly beaches of Zanzibar Island to investigate the country’s sea creatures. Swim alongside reef fish, sea anemones, pipefish and turtles before taking the time to relax on the powder-white sand.
Seychelles
An archipelago comprising more than a hundred islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, Seychelles offers postcard-perfect views of aqua blue waters and white sand beaches. Blessed with year-round sunshine, there is never a bad time to visit this patch of paradise.
While there are breathtaking gorgeous shorelines all over the archipelago, Anse Source D’Argent on La Digue is particularly popular and one of the best places to go snorkeling in Seychelles.
The shallow, clear waters remain calm and mellow thanks to the protection of a coral reef, which also attracts a plethora of wonderful sea creatures. Residents include porcupine fish, butterfly fish and damselfish. So, Anse Source D’Argent is excellent for those looking to go for a snorkeling adventure without having to contend with the motion of the ocean.